Kaieteur News

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Assets in Guyana & NEWS US are Exxon’s most profitable businesses

Saturday Edition

AIETEUR

February 06, 2021 - Vol. 15 No. 05

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 96,322

Is Exxon telling the truth about flaring offshore Guyana? p.

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- Says it lowered production since last week Friday; Govt. says otherwise

Guyana’s democracy score declines after harrowing elections saga - Report Male teacher being EU considers law to clamp down on investigated for sexualcorporate abuses grooming of student around the world Where is the voice of the regulator on Exxon’s flaring? p.

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No politician should be - Dr. Vincent speaking for the EPA Adams p.

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Hear how Senegal's Gas field giveaway resembles Guyana's Kaieteur & Canje Oil blocks giveaway @ 11:00AM on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 06, 2021

Where is the voice of the regulator on Exxon‘s flaring?

No politician should be - Dr. Vincent speaking for the EPA Adams T

he announcement made last week that ExxonMobil subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Limited (EEPGL), would be flaring above pilot levels yet again at the Liza Destiny oil vessel due its faulty gas compressor system was one that should have emerged from Guyana's regulator, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Instead, the nation heard nothing but radio silence

from the nation's environmental watchdog.

Kaieteur News was able to secure confirmation of ExxonMobil's activities from the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat but he was not able to provide details on the extent to which the oil giant would be flaring.

In light of this, the previous head of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams, said that Bharrat or no politician for that matter should be

speaking on behalf of the agency.

Dr. Adams pointed out on Kaieteur Radio's programme, Governance, Corruption and Justice that such a key regulator should have been more proactive in informing and updating Guyana's populace on what issues were discovered aboard the Liza Destiny FPSO along with ensuing solutions or sanctions.

“The EPA is the one who suppose to be responding to

the public and to the media inquiries. So to me, it is kind of disappointing when you s e e t h e E PA i s n o t responding and when you see the Minister responding for technical issues that I don't think that the Minister is aware of,” he lamented.

According to Dr. Adams, the EPA is in receipt of all technical information relating to Exxon's operations on the Liza Destiny FPSO but strange enough, it was Minister

Vickram Bharrat who, via an invited comment, said that the oil giant would continue to operate at full capacity with no fines or penalties for its increased flaring.

The then EPA Director pointed out too that as a matter of fact, the process is for Exxon to report to EPA on any malfunctions and it is the EPA's duty to relay that information to the government and the public.

“It's very disappointing when the Minister is

Former EPA Director, Dr. Vincent Adams speaking for the EPA and the EPA is not even saying a word. And I'm not blaming the EPA because you know who knows why or the instructions that the EPA is g e t t i n g , ” D r. A d a m s continued.

The environmental engineer highlighted that (continued on page 13)

$50,000 reward offered for capture of this man

A

reward of $50,000 cash will be given to anyone with valuable information leading to the capture this man.

He has been identified as Edward Isaac, 46, of Hill and School Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown.

Isaac is wanted by the

police for entering the premises of a Nandy Park resident on Tuesday, and carting off a number of valuable items.

He was reportedly seen committing the act by neighbours. They gave chase, but he managed to escape, damaging a parked vehicle in the process.

Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts can contact Kaieteur News' Publisher, Glenn Lall, on 6246456, or the nearest police station.

Wanted by police: Edward Isaac

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

PAGE 03

Is Exxon telling the truth about flaring offshore Guyana?

- Says it lowered production since last week Friday; Govt. says otherwise

By Mikaila Prince

Exxon flaring at their Liza Destiny operations offshore Guyana

O

ne week after it had increased flaring at the Liza Destiny oil vessel, ExxonMobil, yesterday finally issued a statement to the media sharing details on the ship's defective gas compressor and production levels. In the statement, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, claimed that since the increased flaring begun last week, the US oil company had lowered production levels as a way of managing the toxic flaring.

He said in fact, “We have lowered production levels on the Liza Destiny since the compressor failed and continue to seek ways to reduce flaring. We are currently injecting or using 88 percent of the gas produced from the wells.”

Kaieteur News immediately reached out to Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, requesting confirmation on the reduced production claimed by ExxonMobil.

H o w e v e r, b o t h D r.

Jagdeo and Minister Bharrat indicated that Exxon had been producing at peak and over 120,000 barrels of oil per day, as reported to the government by the oil company itself, earlier this week.

Kaieteur News first reached out to Minister Bharrat, asking him what level Exxon's production had been lowered to. But the Minister revealed that up to February 3, which was three days ago, production had remained steady at 120,000 barrels per day.

“If it was lowered, then it [was] most likely [done] yesterday or today (Friday)”, the Minister said, while pointing out that he had to confirm same.

Subsequent contact was made with VP Jagdeo, who told to this publication that the last report that he received from the Department of Energy

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat (DoE), which was earlier this week, stated that Exxon's production was above 120,000 barrels per day.

“I don't know if they have lowered production since,” the VP added.

ANOTHER CONFLICTING REPORT In Exxon's statement yesterday, the oil giant also wrote that a technical team had removed the “3rd stage compressor from the package enclosure” on the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, and is preparing it for transport onshore. The oil

company further stated that an initial examination determined that the unit had to be sent for repairs in Germany and was expected to arrive there on February 9.

“The full extent of the damage will not be known until a detailed inspection of the compressor can take place at the workshop of the manufacturer, MAN Turbo in Germany,” Exxon said.

These details, however, are dissimilar to what was told to Kaieteur News by the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sharifah Razack, just earlier this week. Razack had told this publication that an internal inspection of the equipment will be done onboard the FPSO, with aims of determining whether the defective internal mechanical seal, which led to the increased flaring, could be reseated or needed replacing.

The Director mentioned too that if the equipment needed replacing, a backup seal was present in Guyana.

It is unclear why the equipment needs to be sent to Germany, especially if a spare part is already in Guyana. This could indicate that during the initial inspections of the gas compressor, faults that are separate from the defective seal were encountered by the technical team.

Efforts were made to ascertain those details from Razack, but up to press time, this publication received no response from her.

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Politicians taking a principled stand

R

epublican Congresswoman, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has been ousted from two committees.

Eleven of her fellow Republicans joined with the Democrats to remove her from those committees. It was for spreading unfounded conspiracy rumours and, worse yet, fanning the flames of division through inflammatory stances.

That only 11 Republicans took the plunge for principle following heavy disagreements with Rep. Greene’s, does not say much of moral or ethical leadership on their comrades in the Republican party for being tone deaf, and engaging in shameless covering-up postures.

It is the height of unprincipled political practices, in the face of the evidence and six Americans dead as a direct result of that Capitol rampage.

There needs to be more like those 11 Republican Congressmen and women, who voted in favour of Greene being removed. Perhaps, a corner will be turned, and a new standard of decorum and dignity will take hold in the storied halls of the United States Congress, that members will appreciate the vast weight of their responsibilities, and think before they speak, before they vent and enrage willing mobs, before they add more rancor and poisons to what is already undeniably bitter partisanship in the extreme.

We at this paper thought that the unflinching example of those 11 Republican Congresspersons, who rose to a very challenging, and possibly personally damaging situation should be presented to the Guyanese public.

It is an effort on our part, to provoke deep reflection on the part of as many Guyanese as could be had, and to lead to this place: if only we could have, not as many as 11 parliamentarians voting against an obviously errant comrade from their party, but a handful of four or three, or as little as one lawmaker searching his or her heart, and saying no!

This is too much. This is too way out there and cannot be condoned, but must be condemned in principled and necessary censure.

We know that what is offered will, most likely, be greeted with a smirk and scorn, since such is not done here, because comrades are not disciplined or spoken out against, no matter the terrible and unpardonable nature of their proven misdeeds.

This is what we have had here recently, where the trust of the people - supporters and believers, as well as all citizens - was betrayed because of the greed and rapaciousness that have come to grace public service in this society.

Dirty public service, as offered and perfected by politicians, who constantly deceive the whole population with one tricky and costly affair after another. Dirty senior members of the professional public service, who use their sensitive and influential offices to drain the nation’s Treasury, and leave it burdened with improperly handled and unfinished business, and with a mountain of debt to boot.

We have heard and seen party leaders in one protective government after another, and in one defensive posture following the other when in opposition, sell their consciences, their credibility, and their souls to defend the indefensible, and to make pathetic excuses, for their wayward brethren.

They are the thieving scoundrels, who help themselves and leave our fellow citizens helpless in the face of the expensive prices inflicted, and the projects not completed (or crumbling quickly) to lament their misplaced trust, the ongoing record of dismal failure.

In the American system, as it stands divisively perched today, voting against party and colleague holds the possibility of a steep personal price meted out, through a political kiss of death. In other words, to vote against a glaringly endangering party comrade assumes the high risk of incurring the wrath of voters that could result in some losing their seats in the Congress. After all, the colleague (such as Rep. Greene) speaks a language that is admirable to many voters in the trenches. One’s political life could be in serious jeopardy.

We bring that up, because there is no such risk in Guyana, given our arrangements and practices, where powerful party

Who will resign over the Taiwan-China Fiasco?

DEAR EDITOR, In the parliamentary tradition, the Minister in charge or some other high official who presided over a fiasco tenders his or her resignation to assume responsibility for it. In such a situation, attention is directed away from the head of the government (President or PM) and the entire government.

Ministers all over the world in democratic countries follow that tradition and quickly announce their resignation whenever their Ministry is responsible for a grievous error, especially one that could have been avoided. In so doing, respect for the President and the government is preserved.

There is accountability.

In third world countries like Guyana, there is no accountability.

The diplomatic debacle over the announced Taiwan trade office is a major blunder. It is ‘unforgivable,’ very

amateurish. It shows that Minister and his advisors are not ready for the job. And what about the President and Vice President Jagdeo – what was their role in this flip flop?

It could not have been announced without their consent.

Would the responsible officials – Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary, directors at Takuba Lodge, advisors, others – assume responsibility and tender (or offer) their resignation to the President.

That is standard operation. If not, will the President fire them?

Who gave the advice for such a trade agreement with Taiwan? Was it studied before an announcement was made?

Having announced it, why cancel it?

There are so many Guyanese who study and are experts in international relations and foreign diplomacy.

Carl Greenidge is also working for the government at a

senior level.

The President, the Vice President, and Foreign Minister could have sought the advice of experts.

One does not announce a trade agreement with a nation like Taiwan, an ally of Washington, one day and reverse it the next day.

And such an announcement would not have been announced without US goading.

Clearly, not much thought went into the decision-making of the trade link with Taiwan and its reversal. It is boyish.

This is what happens when children are put in charge of a job that should be performed by adults. Hugh Todd and Robert Persaud are in the wrong Ministries; they know nothing about foreign relations.

For months, the public expressed opposition to the appointments.

There will be more disasters, if foreign policy experts

are not recruited to manage that ministry. Six months have passed and there has not been any change in APNU appointed personnel. Yet the ruling PPP in opposition slammed APNU for its diplomatic appointments.

This government has not sent an Ambassador to any of Guyana’s key allies.

Clearly, the government is not interested in foreign policy.

Heads must roll in the foreign ministry.

But there will be no accountability.

No one will be penalized for this faux pas. In fact, there may be promotions for those who presided over this botched trade agreement. On lack of accountability, PNC and PPP are allies.

They give solidarity to one another at critical times like now. That is the nature of governance in this God forsaken land.

Yours truly, Shawn Simmons

Tribute to a pioneering Guyanese in London DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese began migrating to England during the 1950s to pursue tertiary education as there were no postsecondary institutions in British Guiana. (UG was established by then Premier Dr. Jagan in the early 1960s; Burnham belittled the establishment of the university and even contemplated closing it down when he became Premier).

Among the early migrants was young Sugrim Ramjeesingh of Ankerville, home village of legendary cricketers and politicians including Rohan Kanhai, Cheddi Jagan, and parents of Shridat Ramphal. Sugrim was among the early pioneers who journeyed to England, leaving British Guiana in 1956 in the midst of political turmoil as the British had suspended Guiana’s home rule.

(USA and Canada were not considered favoured places for migration during the 1950s; Guyanese migrants left for USA in the 1960s and Canada in the 1970s after England restricted migration).

Travelling to England up to the 1950s was by boat, a journey lasting almost a month.

Sugrim told me it was a very rough journey by sea. Sugrim passed away last month and his remains were slated for cremation Friday.

Sugrim was a first or second generation Indian born in 1936 in Plantation Port Mourant (Boundyard/ Ankerville). His father, Ramjee Singh, came from India as an indentured (girmitya labourer) in 1912. His mother, Sanicharee, was a first generation born Guyanese.

Sugrim lost his mother when he was just 10.

Till his death, Sugrim was among a handful of second generation Indo-Guyanese who were still around, and from home I learned about life of early Guyanese in the imperial country – experience of racism against non-White immigrants — problems to obtain a job and shelter, attend university, travel on public transport, etc.

He related the difficulty of taking a bath during winter.

Houses did not have hot water.

One had to go to public places and pay for hot water for a bath, a luxury that was infrequently afforded.

Sugrim was the first

leaders are the ones who make the decisions as to who is in and who is out, be it in the government benches, or in that of the opposition’s side of the aisle.

In sum, and for emphasis, corrupt parliamentarians, corrupt ministers, and corrupt public servants (all usually handpicked and finalized through some degree of mutual understanding and prearrangement with party leaders) are not exposed to the anger and contempt of voters.

So, to go against a wrongdoer is almost riskless, yet it is the step just about never taken here. Clearly, the one that is cared about the most, and always, is the fellow musketeer, and not the welfare of Guyanese, be they supporter or citizen.

It is just the way it is, which is why we continue to labour futilely against political and public service criminalities.

among an extended family to journey abroad.

He came from a very large extended family of brothers and sisters and first cousins (his three Mamu or uncles and lone Mousie or aunt had several children - some 25).

The indentured immigrants passed away by the late 1940s and the first generation passed away by the late 1960s. Most of the second generation passed away by 2010. Only cousins, Math Dyal Mangru, Rickey Mangru, Bodo Ramjee Singh, and Betty Mahase are the remaining second-generation survivors.

Sugrim’s grandfather, Ghurbatore, was widely known and respected in Port Mourant and on other parts of the Corentyne.

Ghurbatore, the labourer from India, acquired hundreds of acres of rice land and thousands of acres of open land for cattle grazing.

Sugrim and his aunts, uncles, and cousins were known through the famous Ghurabtore of Boundyard and Ankerville.

He and wife Amru left behind enormous resources for their children and grandchildren.

Sugrim was a product of the prestigious Corentyne High School (CHS) in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

It was the premier high school in the county of Berbice.

At that time, there were no GCEs, only Senior Cambridge was offered through Cambridge University. GCE was offered around 1959 through London University and later

by Cambridge and Oxford

Universities.

Sugrim left for London in 1956 to pursue medical studies at a time when there were few Guyanese there.

There were no tertiary institution in Guyana; those wishing higher education left for the UK. Sugrim would be a first generation Guyanese in the UK, where he migrated, to pursue medical studies. In conversations, he told me life was very harsh in England.

There were few jobs and limited access to housing. Signs were put up at various jobs site or rental places – “No Coloureds.” With its racism, living in UK was most difficult for immigrants and foreign students like Sugrim. Financial support was not very forthcoming from Guyana for foreign students.

It was almost impossible to pursue studies in UK as a foreign student without a part time job; fees were prohibitive.

Thus, many foreign students had to abandon their study plan and pursue work.

In the latter years of his life, Sugrim became a successful businessman.

He donated to religious organizations in London and Mathura, India. He became an ardent follower and supporter of the Hare Krishna movement in London.

He used to grow Tulsi plants and shared with others at a time when it was difficult to obtain even in the cold winter. He came to be known as “Tulsi Baba.” Temples and families would miss him for his kindness and generosity.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Saturday February 06, 2021

Welcome Taiwan but not so fast folks DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the article titled, “Guyana agrees to Taiwan investment office here - likely to sour relations with China” (SN February 4).

I think that sour is as subtle an understatement as I have encountered recently, with this hello Taiwan, and goodbye China, which tastes like acute acid reflux. I hope that we are not exchanging one devil for another, compliments of American pressure, now manifested distinctively.

And then, those initial reactions all went out the window; that all went topsy-turvy, through complete reversal for what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation labelled a “miscommunication.” Indeed!

Editor, I regret that I cannot give the benefit of the doubt on this “miscommunication.” Instead, I think that the PPP’s leadership is playing a dangerous three-card game while navigating blindfolded a hissing snake pit; it had to pull up short and settle for the bitter Buckley’s tonic of “miscommunication.” I think that somewhere along the line that the top brass was reminded very sharply as to the full extent and implications of what is involved in what amounted to a severe rupturing of relationship with mainland China.

For the government chief cooks could not speak of a ‘one’ China policy, while elevating one to ‘favoured’ nation status, and marginalizing the other (the big one) to the wilderness. I

have a feeling big China was not going to take that one sitting down, which put a shaft into the calculations of my American fellows, who had welcomed the Taiwan development.

As the coalition was quick to point out, some damage has been done with what was a monumental blunder, and which is sure to leave chronic distrust on the part of the China crowd that is here. It is not a good working and partnering atmosphere.

And I remind one and all: the Chinese do not think or function by the calendar; they operate by eras and ages.

Editor, I will be candid: I am not a fan of how the mainland Chinese does business.

Meaning, how they set things up, and how they capitalize voraciously to the detriment of poor host nations. Specifically, given their record with the CJIA Expansion Project; their duty-free excesses that haunts Guyana’s private sector (no shrinking violets themselves); their project Trojans (not the protectives, but those gift horses); and their studied exploitations of our political innocence and commercial hospitality, there is little love here.

Now, I think that a huge spanner has been thrown into American machinations and calculations. It is American style business; and there is ongoing concern about who is in their backyard, and can weigh powerfully against its interests and projections.

To be a bit clearer: I do not think for a minute that that

Taiwan development was any “miscommunication” or that it flowed initially from Guyanese political leadership minds. It is my belief that it was influenced and prompted

by America, and for which the fallouts have to be faced.

Now the Taiwanese have to unpack their bags and redraw their plans. On the other hand, the Chinese capitalists are spared the rod of being unofficially blacklisted. Nobody - not the Chinese, not Guyanese, and certainly not yours truly - is persuaded about that confounded nonsense about “miscommunication.”

It is why I say that the PPP leadership has to be wise about these about faces, and still more careful with their relationship juggles. As I absorb all of these political intrigues, I come to a conclusion that should have touched many Guyanese by this time.

Nowadays Guyana is more enchanting, more seductive than Diana and Priyanka and Sophia. It is that perfume and ambrosia called oil (and gold and all those trees and fishes and whatever else that we have); there are none like those two to make a man or leader or country lose their minds, their instigated convictions and their shaky resolve. Until the next time, it is sayonara and ta-ta Taiwan, bienvenida China. Make no mistake; it is the big behemoth on the mainland that is here to stay for a little while longer.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

The Opposition and Guyana abroad DEAR EDITOR, I recently saw that Joseph Harmon has written to India protesting about Charrandass Persaud’s appointment as High Commissioner.

In his letter he is implying that Guyana’s relation with India can be affected because of the appointment.

He recently mentioned that Guyana’s reputation is already damaged with China because of the Taiwanese office which was rescinded recently. Joseph Harmon has forgotten how he and the APNU+AFC have damaged Guyana’s reputation. He conveniently forgot how he be-

rated the West and other countries during the Rigging of the March 2020 elections.

He and the APNU+AFC attacked organizations, ambassadors, heads of governments, etc. when those very organizations were objecting to the fraudulent attempts by the APNU+AFC at stealing the elections.

They lashed out at the American, Canadian and British Ambassadors. Even the Barbadian and St. Vincentian Prime Ministers, and men of character like Bruce Golding and Owen Arthur did not escape the attacks from Harmon and the APNU+AFC. Joseph Harmon has no moral stand-

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Kaieteur News

ing in the eyes of right minded Guyanese. He and David Granger incited violence at Berbice after the murder of the poor innocent boys that resulted in the destruction and beating of Indo Guyanese on the Berbice road.

I am in my 20s and like many young Guyanese; we will never forget the actions of the APNU+AFC after the Elections. Mr. Harmon should play a more proactive role in the development of Guyana and not seek to bring it down.

It’s time to build Guyana, either he joins the train or stand clear and let it pass.

Yours truly, B. John

Giving consideration to Maduro’s “state of mind” DEAR EDITOR, Thankfully, all the detained Guyanese fishermen and their boats have returned safely to the shores of Guyana and to their families at home.

All Guyanese are relieved from the turn of events after a gruelling period of tense wait and nail biting suspension.

The fishermen’s families were more intimately affected and troubled, while, the Government of Guyana was politically worried with encumbrances from responsibilities. Perhaps, most, if not all Guyanese, were tormented with the chain of circumstances and became transgressed with reserved unfriendliness.

Caught between a rock and a shore, Guyanese and Venezuelan citizens were embroiled in mixed feelings and looked on at arm’s length, hoping and praying for a quick and peaceful resolution.

There are many combined families from both shores, products from ethnic interactions and marital knots.

Many Guyanese are still residing in Venezuela and Guyana is the home of many Venezuelan immigrants. In the political turmoil in Venezuela, people fled the Maduro’s dictatorship and economic downturn, to seek refuge in the safe haven of Guyana’s bosom.

Venezuela did reciprocate in an original context during the Burnhamite days when Guyanese were escaping the hardships of brute force and ignorance from a prejudiced

government, to be accepted in open arms by Venezuela.

There are many articles crediting the determination and devotion of the Guyana government to vigilantly pursue diplomatic channels for the safe release of the Guyanese fishermen, and, the undaunted input of the international community, supporting Guyana’s stance and at the said time, putting pressure on the Venezuelan government.

On the other hand, there are publications indicating that it was at the “whim and fancy” of President Maduro who authorized and ordered their release.

If so be the case, did President Maduro bow to the reality of the situation, and acted in the only practical manner for mutual peace?

Did he bow to international pressure or simply the advice of China or Russia?

Did he fear the unnecessary aggravation of further sanctions or aggression from the USA? Did he reconsider the speculated unfriendly retaliation from the United Nations? Did he surmise the anticipated eventuality of the ICJ legal consideration for Venezuela’s unjustified action?

At the back of his mind, maybe he is worried that in the final analysis, the ICJ will be the final seat to pronounce on the border issue. Perhaps, he remembered his fellow Venezuelans residing in political and economic

autonomy in a friendly Guyanese society who are in turn, supporting residents back home directly or indirectly.

Maduro’s uncanniness could have been an early and uncalled testing point for Joe Biden to quickly reconsider and implement America’s foreign policy. Taiwan’s issue and Myanmar’s situation are also providing sleepless nights.

Regardless of the reason or the situation, this “change of heart” is most welcoming for all stakeholders and all are much relieved by its outcome.

The uncomfortableness has momentarily subsided and the threat of military advancement becomes less pronounced.

Is this satisfactory to all parties? Does this temporarily or permanently clear the air on mutual respect for the recognition of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone to facilitate economic activity?

Did President Maduro “lose face” or won praise from the international community?

Does this bolster Guyana’s status or weakened Venezuela’s claim?

At the end of the day, both governments are tempered without lifting a finger in violence, losing not a blade of grass nor one cuirass.

Hopefully, such an ugly situation must not arise again to cause reservation, aggravation and apprehension. Consideration must be given for wary attention in the application of (Continued on page 6)

Government MPs are correct in seeking to remove David Patterson from chairing the PAC DEAR EDITOR, There is no plot to remove David Patterson from the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly because the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government “is afraid of scrutiny of its accounts” as is being claimed by the APNU+AFC. This shabby defence that the Opposition has manufactured is merely to justify his

continued Chairmanship at a time when public trust in him is at an all-time low.

From news reports I’ve read it is clear that the intention of the Government MPs is not to remove Patterson altogether, but ethics and decency dictates that he removes himself from chairing this important committee which is charged with overseeing government expendi-

ture.

As it is, he has refused to resign so the PPP/C MPs are correct in pursuing the current course.

So, this docile and immoral attempt to trample with the facts on this situation will not be victorious. All rightthinking Guyanese are watching.

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

The Bahai’s community Mystery behind publication of CXC results three-day holy day DEAR EDITOR, The Bahai community of the world would be celebrating and observing a three-day holy day.

Ayyam-i-Ha is a multipleday Baha’i festival, which is joyously celebrated in countries and territories all over the world by Bahais of all racial background.

It typically falls around the end of February and begin-

worldwide implementation of the Baha’i or Badi calendar,

the exact dates of Ayyam-iHa shift and move within the Gregorian calendar).

Ayyam-i-Ha, or the Intercalary D ays, is a period

dedicated to socializing, being hospitable, g iving generously to the poor and needy, and preparing for the upcoming month of fasting.

Depending on the year,

ning of March (with the recent

Ayyam-i-Ha will vary in its duration and it is composed

Giving...

of the excess of days that fall outside of the 19 months of 19 days of the calendar.

Ayyam-i-Ha has been translated into English as “In-

From page 5 care and compass.

Not only did Venezuela fumble with its foreign policy, Guyana also strides in similar footsteps with enthusiastic zeal and pump in the Taiwan’s fiasco. After all, Presidents do commit mistakes and humans do err.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

tercalary Days,” which literally means that they are days in-

serted into the calendar.

Unlike the majority of Baha’i holy days that either celebrate joyous historical events or commemorate sorrowful dates of significance, Ayyam-i-Ha is a festival of the

attributes of generosity, love, compassion, of praising God and friendship.

It stands in contrast to the fast, a time of abstinence and inner contemplation and transformation.

Baha’u’llah, Prophet Founder of the Bahai Faith, has reduced rituals and ceremonies to a minimum in the Baha’i Faith and so everyone celebrates Ayyam-i-Ha differently.

Many communities and families share meals together and some exchange gifts.

Ayyam-i-Ha celebrations can be elaborate and complex or they can be humble and simple.

The beauty of these days is that little is required to make good cheer when you are in the company of friends and surrounded by an atmosphere of love.

Yours, Rooplall Dudhnath

DEAR EDITOR, For months now students have been anxiously awaiting the publication of the full results of the CSEC and CAPE examinations.

Time for the writing of the regional examination for 2021 is upon us, yet results of the prior year are still unavailable.

The Ministry began its review of the controversial results a few months ago, but the public has not been informed of its progress or the outcome of the review.

The silence of the Ministry of Education causes much pain and anxiety to students, parents and the country which repose hope in a government that has promised transparency and openness. We dwell on two issues in this letter.

First, the apparent cold indifference of the Ministry of Education, which flies in the face of the Government’s pledge to be honest in its dealings with the public, leaves the students in a limbo.

We must ask the question: why has the Ministry of Education not released the results

of the last CXC examination?

In past years, political expediency and secrecy by the government created a lack of trust and cynicism from the public, which has been willing to give the current government some leeway. However, the shrouded mystery behind the reluctance of the Ministry of Education to publish the results undermines trust and leaves students and parents disappointed.

That is most unfortunate as students do not know what to do: should they be thinking of writing the examination again, the same subjects again?

Should they apply to a college or university to pursue a degree?

Sadly, they cannot do the latter as they have no proof of their performance in the last CXC examination?

Second, the failure to publish the CSEC and CAPE results amounts to inflicting damage upon the country’s economic potential. It is a loss perpetuated by an uncaring government.

There is a general consen-

Embarrassing misstep DEAR EDITOR, The Taiwan fiasco has to be seen as another embarrassing misstep by the administration in its foreign policy.

The higher echelons of the administration should explain this blunder. The terse statement put out by the MoFA does not do it.

More fodder for the opposition.

Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed

sus that labour is the most important factor of production and, consequently, investment in education is an investment in the country to develop the technical and intellectual capacity of its people, which expands the productive capacity of the country.

This fundamental truth – that labour is the important factor of production - is revealed if one examines the contribution of labour, capital and other factors to GDP. The result will show that labour is the only factor that contributed positively to the country’s output since at least 1960.

At a time when the country is on the cusp of economic take-off and where its most binding constraint is trained, educated and disciplined labour, it is a tragedy that the Ministry of Education chooses to delay the publication of the CXC results, which contributes to the undermining of the country’s potential.

Little wonder that we have to import skilled labour to power the emerging oil and gas industry and associated industries.

We urge the Ministry of Education to take urgent action on this issue.

Yours truly, Ramdular Singh Richie Pooran Ramesh Deochand Parbati Tej Singh Sanjiv Kumar Somdat Mahabir Ramesh Gampat

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil has shown such scant disregard for the safety of Guyana's citizens and its environment, it is no surprise that it is giving conflicting reports to the government and the public about its operations, where it is polluting our air by burning gas.

The lies have become so plentiful that they are difficult to keep track of.

May ExxonMobil get its story straight, moving forward.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Saturday February 06, 2021

EU considers law to clamp down on corporate abuses around the world I

nternationally respected antic o r r u p t i o n watchdog, Global Witness, is on a mission to ensure that European legislators pass a new law that would have sweeping implications for corporations and governments everywhere. If the group is successful, it would allow for victims of environmental and other forms of corporate abuse to seek justice in European courts.

The EU said in a January 27 last posting, that the draft legislative initiative calls on the European Commission to

urgently present a law to ensure companies are held accountable and liable when they harm – or contribute to harming – human rights, the environment and good governance.

The initiative also called for the proposed law to guarantee access to legal remedies for victims.

In effect, corporations would have to prove to the EU that they are complying with environmental and human rights due diligence obligations around the world.

“Corporations across the world are leaving a trail of

devastation and disaster - too often they're also harming entire communities in their dash for profit. We need a new law to force them to put people and planet before profit.” Global Witness said, in advocacy.

It stressed that the consideration should cover all sectors, across the entire value chain, and should cause corporations to identify, prevent and address their human rights, environmental and corruption risks and impacts to stop harm to land and environment defenders.

G l o b a l Wi t n e s s i s

seeking to ensure that “Victims of corporate abuse anywhere can seek justice and hold companies to account through access to EU courts and civil suits.”

If this law is passed, “Any company that wants to

do business in the EU, no matter where they're based, would need to make sure their entire supply chain is free of abuse,” Global Witness said in a letter to its readers.

At this juncture, the

European Union is consulting with the public on the proposed legislation which could see corporations scrambling to correct their tainted records around the world.

Because of the widereaching impact the legislation would have, the consultation extends past the borders of the EU. Global Witness said thousands have already done so.

The NGO is concerned that lobbyists could find success in watering down the proposed legislation. That is why it is on its own campaign, gathering up signatures of persons who (continued on page 14)

Region Four pensioner recorded as 180th COVID-19 fatality

T

he Ministry of Health yesterday revealed that an 86-year-old male from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) has been recorded as Guyana's 180th COVID19 fatality. In its press release, it was stated that the man succumbed while receiving treatment at a

medical facility.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Ministry reported 107 new infections from the virus, which is among the highest numbers recorded in one day, so far for 2021. Its daily dashboard update showed the COVID-19 case toll increased to 7,887 cases.

The dashboard also

shows that five patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 746 in home isolation, 56 in institutional isolation and 13 in institutional quarantine.

Additionally, a total of 6,901 persons have recovered from the virus with 75 new recoveries recorded yesterday.

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

HOW LONG WILL GUYANA REMAIN A BASKET CASE? T

he international community must be wary of Guyana. Ever since 1989, the international community has been engaged in promoting economic liberalism, democracy, good governance and stability.

The international community must be credited with success in terms of the first two goals, which are in keeping with the political and economic model, which they wished to perpetuate in countries moving from statecentric political and economic systems. However in terms of good governance and stability, the West must be disappointed that their efforts have not worked as they would have wished.

The West had assumed that what worked in developed societies would have worked here. They had diagnosed, quite correctly, that national institutions were weak in two regards. They needed to be improved and made modern, and second, the necessary skills to make them function were lacking.

This diagnosis informed two sets of policy responses: firstly, was the need to recapitalize and improve systems within national institutions. This process is what they termed institutional strengthening.

The second process was the need to attract and retain the skills necessary for the effective functioning of the m a c h i n e r y o f administration. This process was known as capacity-

Dem

boys seh...

L

ong ago, dem used to have a song which guh like this, “Open de door leh me man come in, all ah we a wan family. Open de door leh me man come in, all ah we a wan family. “ Dat is the same song wah de Hap-New+Hay-Eff-See bin sing to de Pee Pee Pee. All of dem ah wan family.

Yuh ever ask yuh self how come de Hap-New bin in deh fuh five years and dem nah charge nobody from de Pee Pee Pee fuh dem oil blocks? Yuh ever ask yuh

building.

The diagnosis was right.

But the West misread the situation and assumed that it would have been easy to simply transplant these processes into developing countries which did not have a culture of strong and stable national institutions.

It was like building on shifting sands. It has not worked because in small societies there are other things which intervene and loosen the very foundations of sturdiness upon which solid institutions are needed.

This is why despite the legislative and institutional reforms, despite the millions that were poured into projects aimed at creating workable ministries and departments, good governance remains elusive.

But it is in the political realm that the West has had its greatest failures in Guyana.

Elections are crucial to the model of democracy that the West wishes to support its neo-liberal policies in Guyana. And elections in Guyana have come with a huge price tag for the West.

Billions have to be spent each year by the West in keeping the election machinery intact.

In no other part of the world is the donor community required to plug so much resources into the holding of free and fair elections.

Considering the size of the population, it must be frustrating to the West that each time there is an election, there is always contentious issues and

disputes.

And still by the time the next election comes around there are a number of issues which have to be addressed in order to have elections which would not lead to political protests and instability.

The West has made a huge investment in Guyana. And its patience must be stretched thin by its constant engagement in issues which ought to have been settled by now. The West has also plugged billions of dollars in constitutional and parliamentary reforms; it has supported the stakeholders' process and the various political engagements aimed at creating stability and cohesion in Guyana.

And yet every few years a new round of reforms has to be funded. Like the problems of Guyana, the solutions have no ending.

What must have most disappointed the West, however, must have been its failure to animate local civil society, something that is seen as critical to offset the dominant role of political parties and an effective vehicle to conceal the interests of the bourgeoisie class.

Civil society has remained leashed to the existing interests within society. They have found neither a voice nor a vessel through which they can emerge, and so long as they remain in this state of embryonic growth, the neoliberal model will remain underdeveloped in Guyana.

Yet there is a solution to

Dem politicians singing and dancing to de same tune self how come de SARA bin do investigation into oil blocks but no charges nah file even though de oil blocks bin give away to friends and cronies?

If yuh wan know why, yuh gat fuh sing dat song again, “Open de door leh me man come in, all ah we a wan family. Open de door leh me man come in, all ah we a wan family.”

Wah dem politicians do with de oil blocks was barefaced robbery. Is like if you gat a mango tree and you call a man and ask he fuh

climb de tree and pick de mangoes fuh you. Yuh promise he when he done, yuh gan give he a bucket full fuh he self. But when he done, he carry away all wah he pick and leff two green mangoes fuh yuh.

Dat is wah dem oil companies and dem friends and cronies wah get dem oil blocks do to Guyana. Dem carry away de whole tree and leff two scrawny green mangoes fuh we.

Talk half and remember all dem politicians ah wan family!

both the problem of civil society development and good governance. The views of civil society are not being heard and recognized, because there is no vehicle for them to air their concerns.

At the same time, the government remains unresponsive to the wider concerns of society and does very much as it pleases, knowing that it does not need to hold itself accountable for its actions.

What we lack in Guyana are credible and regular opinion polls. If we had these polls, then the government would have been hard pressed to ignore the concerns of the wider society. A great many things that are happening would not be happening had

there been credible opinion polls gauging and measuring the reaction of the public.

What Guyana needs to animate the voice of civil society and help improve good governance is for funding for a credible local p o l l i n g organization, one that is independent of the political parties and the government.

This organization would help the policymakers to have a better understanding as to how exactly the people feel and give popularity ratings not only of the various political actors but also of policies.

It would allow civil society a voice and encourage persons and organizations to take a more active stand on issues in Guyana, knowing that the

acceptance of those positions can be measured by the pollsters.

Before, like the Carter Center, the ABC countries wash their hands of Guyana and deem their investments in the political and economic realms a failure, they should give serious thought to funding a credible polling organization in Guyana so that the public voice can be heard, not through the filters of the political parties but through the opinions of the people themselves as captured by the polling organization.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday February 06, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Aung San Suu Kyi and the personalities in Guyanese politics F

areed Zakaria has featured an article from the journal “Foreign Affairs” by Sebastian Strangio (“The Myanmar Mirage: Why the West got Burma Wrong”) in which Strangio made the following statement: “Hidden from view were the prejudices and proclivities that Aung San Suu Kyi shared with many of her fellow ethnic Burmans, as well as a character that tended toward apparent

rigidity and intolerance of criticism…“[by] 2018, it was apparent that Western observers didn't know Aung San Suu Kyi as well as they once might have imagined.”

In her long years of struggle against military rule, Suu Kyi became an international hero coveting the Nobel Peace Prize. Then her party took power and the lady we saw as a global icon revealed her true colours.

She became a brazen defender of the same

military that imprisoned her for long years. She defended the massacre of Burmese Muslims from a position of racist instincts.

Which country Suu Kyi reminds you of? Which political personalities do Suu Kyi reminds you of? Power does ugly, sickening, insane things to people that before they acquired it, you thought of them as special, good humans that the world does not produce often.

On reading Zakaria's

highlighting of Strangio's psycho-political depiction of Suu Kyi, vivid, compelling thoughts of Guyanese politics and its preeminent actors were rushing all over me. As the thoughts consumed me, I went straight to the keyboard and composed this column before I forgot what I wanted to convey.

One of the vicious trends in politics, especially in the late 20th century is that dictatorial power brings into being activists with crusading energy that mask their ugly minds and excessive taste for power. Someone long, long ago once told me that there are men who joined the Catholic priesthood not out of religious convictions but hidden sexual choices.

The person had no antihomosexual feelings whatsoever. He just felt that he knew what was factual. I believe him. In believing him it doesn't mean you are anti-homosexual. It is the same in politics.

There are humans out there who want power, who want to taste the power that goes with being a prime minister or president. There is no deep desire to transform their country or

leave a legacy.

So many names we can cite but space would not allow for an expanded discussion but Nicolas Sarkozy of France and Alexis Tsipras of Greece are two examples from current politics that come to mind.

Sarkozy never had any intention of being a

Frederick Kissoon transformational president.

He just wanted five years of p o w e r. Ts i p r a s w a s enamoured with being the prime minister and was quite happy to enjoy it for the few years he had it knowing full well he would not be reelected.

So many names are pouring out of my head in Guyana but the images of four of them are in my face right now. Three of them are

Rupert Roopnaraine, Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman. All three had extensive state power as ministers. The fourth is Eusi Kwayana. He didn't have ministerial status but he displayed the deep Freudian underpinnings that Suu Kyi has – the embrace of ethnic belonging.

I have written much on Kwayana and can hardly think of anything new about his character. But this I will briefly say – we in and out of Guyana had not even a fleeting comprehension of how extensive the race stamp on his mind was. He probably figured at his age (96) it was time to bring out what he always nourished in his psyche – that Guyana should have a Black government ruling it whether by free election or not.

Rupert Roopnaraine's power behaviour was as shocking to me as Kwayana's descent into t r i b a l i s m . I m e t D r.

Roopnaraine when he returned to Guyana in 1976 at which time I was in my second year as a UG student.

He never impressed me as a revolutionary that can lose himself among the masses.

His class elitism was too graphic and vain.

Despite what I knew of his relationships with many top personnel in Forbes Burnham's government, it came as an unbelievable shock when in parliament, he voted against the release of the report of the commission of Inquiry into Walter Rodney's assassination.

F i n a l l y, Tr o t m a n a n d Ramjattan.

Both of these gentlemen fooled the entire world. Not one Guyanese can look into the mirror and say that they weren't surprised at the excessive intoxication with power that these two men displayed after they became the recipient of huge authority in 2015. In a Foreign Affairs article, the author refers to the end of Suu Kyi. In Guyana there is the end of Roopnaraine, Trotman, Ramjattan and Kwayana. What a tragedy.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Assets in Guyana and US are Exxon's most profitable businesses E

xxonMobil has admitted that Guyana is one of its two most profitable business ventures.

The supermajor's Secretary and Vice President of Investor Relations, Stephen Littleton said during the company's 2020 fourth quarter earnings call on Tuesday that ExxonMobil's

Guyana and Permian basin assets represent the highest return investments.

Though the company sustained a loss in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID19 pandemic, Littleton noted that increased liquids production in Guyana benefitted its earnings, as well as some improvements in upstream, natural gas and

liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices.

As for the Permian, Littleton said its volumes exceeded its plan, and produced “370,000 oil equivalent barrels per day, despite curtailments and reduced investment.”

“This performance,” it said, “was driven by significant ongoing

improvements in operating efficiencies and technology development.”

Littleton said that by funding Exxon's Guyana assets and its Permian chemical business, it is looking to begin paying down its debt of US$67.6 billion once Brent prices sustain themselves just above US$50 a barrel.

A d d r e s s i n g ExxonMobil's Guyana plans, Littleton said, “We continue to progress active exploration programs in Guyana…”

This refers to intentions ExxonMobil and its Stabroek Block partners, Hess and CNOOC/NEXEN, to drill 12-15 wells in the area. The companies have already made 18 commercial discoveries after drilling 22 wells, with commercial reserves in the block amounting to nine billion oil-equivalent barrels.

“We progressed Liza Phase Two and Payara developments in Guyana and continued our exploration success with three new discoveries, increasing the recoverable resource estimate on the Stabroek Block to nearly nine billion oil equivalent barrels.”

Littleton said.

Exxon has already received approval for three oil developments, targeting over a billion barrels in total.

Liza Phase Two and Payara are scheduled for first oil in 2022 and 2024 respectively, joining the currently

ExxonMobil's Vice President, Investor Relations and Secretary, Stephen Littleton producing Liza Phase One operation.

The company is looking to rapidly develop the reserves with five Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block by 2026, producing 750,000 barrels of oil.

This newspaper's calculations show that by FPSO #4, ExxonMobil will have already achieved a combined nameplate capacity of 1,000,000 barrels p e r d a y. F u r t h e r, t h e company sees potential for 7-10 FPSOs as time progresses.

In addition to its Stabroek Block license, ExxonMobil has begun exploration in the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks, both which have multi-billion barrel potential.

Prisoner kills inmate with brick in towel

A

prisoner yesterday m o r n i n g succumbed to the injuries, which he sustained after one of his inmates struck him in the head with a brick wrapped in a towel.

The dead inmate has been identified as, Victor Soomaru, 40, of 85 Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Soomaru was admitted to the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara, on February 1, 2021, for allegedly trafficking 1.959 grams of cannabis.

According to a press release from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the incident happened around 21:05hrs on Thursday, in Unit One, the Quarantine Section which housed Soomaru, the suspect and three other inmates.

The release stated that the prison officers on duty were alerted and it was reported to them that Soomaru was struck to the head with a piece of brick

wrapped in a towel while he was asleep by another remanded prisoner.

Soomaru was immediately taken out of the Quarantine Section and escorted to the Prison Infirmary where he was seen by the medical personnel on duty and given the necessary medical attention. He was later referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for further medical treatment.

Ye s t e r d a y, a r o u n d 10:30hrs, Soomaru succumbed while he was still receiving medical attention at GPHC. His body was then taken to the hospital's mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.

The Officer-in-Charge, of the Lusignan Prison has since made contact with Soomaru's mother, and informed her of the incident.

The GPS also informed the Guyana Police Force (GPF) of the incident and the matter is currently being investigated. The suspect was also relocated.

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Guyana may not have capacity to run three major exams and maintain high integrity - Manickchand G

uyana may not have the capacity to host three major exams simultaneously and still ensure high integrity in the conduct of same. This is according to the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. The examinations in question are the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

In a release from the Ministry of Education (MOE), Manickchand was quoted as saying, “CXC has not announced dates for their CSEC and CAPE exams and the country may not have the capacity to run three major exams at the same time and maintain the high integrity of the exams.”

Notably, last year the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) had refused to postpone the examinations, maintaining that the integrity will remain intact. It was said that, “We have all the systems in place to facilitate and to ensure that we do not have any cheating incidents.”

The CSEC and CAPE examinations are usually held between May/June annually, however, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, CXC has not announced dates for this year's examinations according to Manickchand.

The NGSA examination is usually written in March/April, but last November, the Education Minister had announced that the examination would be postponed.

“The exams will not be written in March/April.

We're definitely going to be postponing it, if we write it at all,” Manickchand had said.

She had explained that

- says Ministry awaiting CXC timetable to set NGSA exams Minister noted.

Manickchand is estimating that the NGSA may be held sometime closer to July/August. She lamented that if the Ministry were to determine a date now, it would be “premature” since

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand unlike the CSEC and CAPE examinations, which are administered by the Council, Guyana administers the NGSA, thus, the Ministry of Education can determine whether or not it is written.

Before the November postponement, the NGSA examinations, which were set for April 8 and 9 last year were postponed by the Education Ministry when all schools closed due to the novel coronavirus. It was later written on July 1 and 2, 2019.

In the Ministry's release, Manickchand expressed that she and her team are yet to decide the new dates for the NGSA, but she is however, awaiting the announcement of CXC's examination dates before Guyana's new NGSA dates are scheduled. “So because we may not be able to run CXC, CAPE and NGSA at the same time, we want to hear CXC's dates for CSEC and CAPE before we schedule our NGSA. As soon as we have a date, we promise we will let the nation know,” the Education

No politician should be speaking for the EPA From page 2 when the EPA was under his stead, one of his most critical mandates was to ensure he was given the authority and independence to execute his work free of political influence.

D r. A d a m s a d d e d , “Fortunately for me, during my term, not a single politician including the president ever one day tried

to influence my decisions…”

The EPA, he concluded, has an obligation to Guyana's public with a responsibility to give government updates when necessary. Dr. Adams said too that the agency's recent laid back approach on Exxon's flaring which in turn releases cancer-causing agents into the air leaves much to be desired.

no one knows what the country will look like regarding COVID-19 two to three months from now.

Additionally, she sought to highlight that schools will remain closed for face-toface learning except for those in Grades 10, 11 and 12, as the Ministry of Health would have strongly advised against face-to-face learning for any other levels.

Pupils taking the NGSA examinations last year

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Male teacher being investigated Abrams Zuil man reportedly drowns while for sexual grooming of student taking bath in trench

A

male teacher attached to a private school in Georgetown has found himself in hot water after a student filed a complaint that he is making sexual advances towards her.

According to a source, the teacher is attached to a private school in Georgetown.

On Monday last, the

student made complaints about the teacher and his sexual advances on social media towards her.

According to a conversation seen by this publication, the teacher first asked the student to be his girlfriend.

He said, “I wants u to be my girl but u might run up my pressure plus I’m not your type so guess it’s for the best.”

The conversation then went on with the teacher s t a t i n g , “ [ S t u d e n t ’s name] if I end up being the one tht f&%$ u, would you tell anyone?”

The teacher later stated that it was a joke but then went on to tell the student, “If u did lil more big hmmm you want a good f*&%king then u gone see what is real bad”, “Only god tell

me why I like ur lil a$$” and “U best thank got that I can’t get to f*&% cuz u wuda see what is real thug.”

Kaieteur News confirmed with sources at the Ministry of Education that a report was made and that the matter is being investigated for the alleged sexual grooming of a child under the age of 16.

A

twenty-seven years old man from Abrams Zuil, Essequibo Coast, reportedly drowned last Thursday, whilst taking a bath in a trench. Police have identified the deceased as Lennox Ballieram.

According the dead man's mother, Ballieram left home sometime around 20:00hrs last Thursday night to take a bath in a trench, which is situated in front of their home.

The grieving mother said that when she observed that her son had not returned, she

made checks for him but he was nowhere to be seen.

Around 06:30hrs yesterday morning, Ballieram's brother noticed his towel near the trench.

When the man went into the trench, he found his brother's body under water.

The body was subsequently retrieved and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

The body was further escorted to the Suddie Mortuary, presently awaiting a post mortem examination.

EU considers law to clamp down on corporate abuses around the world From page 8 would throw their support behind its advocacy.

“The EU wants to hear from you!” Global Witness said in its campaign. “Right now, thousands of us from all over the world are coming together to tell the EU to give this law real impact – and make companies think twice before they put profits ahead of people and the planet.

Anyone, anywhere can take part in the consultation and ask the EU to make this law as strong as possible…”

With the advent of Guyana's oil industry, Kaieteur News has shed light

on a sea of corruption and environmental and human rights abuses by oil companies around the world.

Though the EU is constituted by just 27 member states, this legislation could have an impact across the planet.

If the European Parliament passes the law, each member state would be bound by it.

The takeaway from the Global Witness campaign for a small country like Guyana, with little capacity to verify, monitor and regulate on its own, would be that its citizens may be able to seek redress in European courts.

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

PAGE 15

Labourer remanded for murder of step-nephews Vernan Ravi Rangadoo

DEAD: Mahendra Ramotar

A

labourer was yesterday charged at the No.51 Magistrate Court for the murder of his stepnephews from No.43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Appearing before the court to answer to the charge was Vernan Ravi Rangadoo, 45. He was charged with the murder of Mahendra Ramotar called “Sonny” and Surendra Raghunandan called “Ranga”. He was not required to plead to the

DEAD: Surendra Raghunandan

indictable charge.

The prosecution indicated to Magistrate Alex Moore who made a virtual appearance that the file is not complete since there were recommendations by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack to have further investigations into the incident. The accused was then remanded to prison until April 23, where the case will be heard again.

Meanwhile, as the

accused made his way out of court escorted by armed police ranks, he was asked by Kaieteur News about his reason for committing the brutal act. He responded, “Dem does beat me too much.” He further said, upon inquiry, that he stabbed the brothers by himself.

He then exclaimed, “You got to be a madman to do this without a reason.”

On Sunday last, it was reported that the two brothers, Mahendra and

Surendra, were murdered on the No. 43 Public Road while their mother, Sookmattie Richmond remains hospitalized due to a deep slash to the breast area during the said incident.

Based on the information provided to the police by the accused, there was a domestic dispute between his brother Randolph Richmond and Sookmattie. The accused told

police that he grabbed a knife and stabbed the two men in his brother's defence and subsequently stabbed his sister-in-law. He then returned home.

This news agency understands that the police arrested the murder accused at his house on the said night and the murder weapon was recovered there too. Post mortem examinations that

were conducted on the bodies of the brothers by Government Pathologist, Vivekanand Bridgmohan and revealed that Raghunandan died of collapsed lungs due to multiple stab wounds. That was compounded by shock and haemorrhage. As for Ramotar, he died of stab wounds to the abdomen and thorax (chest) compounded by shock and haemorrhage.

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Man charged with illegal possession of firearm, ammunition and ganja

The items that were discovered during the search

A

man was on Thursday placed on bail when he appeared in court to answer to three charges which alleged that he had an illegal firearm, ammunitions and a quantity of cannabis in his possession.

The defendant, Jason Latchmanarine of Number 68 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, made his first court appearance in the Springlands Magistrate's Court before Magistrate, Alex Moore.

Latchmanarine denied the charges that were read to him. The first and second charges stated that on February 3, 2021, at Number 68 Village, Corentyne, he had in his possession, one 12gauge single-barrel shotgun, six 9 mm rounds and eight

12-gauge cartridges, when he is not a licensed firearm holder.

The last charge alleged that on the same date and at the same location, he had 84 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to a police report, about 14:00hrs on the day in question, ranks from Regional Division Six, acting on information received, went to a house located in Number 68 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and conducted a search.

During the search, the ranks discovered the items and arrested the suspect.

Magistrate Moore granted the defendant bail in the sum of $50,000. The matter was adjourned to April 22, 2021.

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

Lawlessness At De Hoop, Branch Road, Mahaica, this contraption is parked irresponsibly in a drain effectively obstructing its flow. It is hoped that it will be removed swiftly.

PAGE 17

GPHC welcomes new Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran

T

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) welcomed with open arms yesterday, its new Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Robbie Rambarran. In its press release, it was stated that Rambarran is no stranger to the GPHC. He started his career at the Corporation in 2002 as a Clerk in its Stores Department and through his 13 years there, he continued to advance, holding various positions.

According to the GPHC, during his 13-year tenure, he served as the Stores C o o r dinator, Assistant Director of Finance, Finance Director and Chief Executive Officer before moving on to the international development sector in 2015.

Rambarran holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and professional qualifications in Procurement and Project Management. In addition to his professional skills, the corporation also noted Rambarran's human resources and managerial qualities, combined with his experience and knowledge of the GPHC's operations at various levels after years of serving.

They stated that these qualities saw him emerging as the most promising candidate following an extensive and extremely

New GPHC Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran

competitive selection process. “Mr. Rambarran brings exceptional knowledge, ability and background to the GPHC which is projected to amplify the institution's capacity to offer safe, high quality care to the people it serves,� the Corporation expressed. His position was previously held by Brigadier (retired) George Lewis.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

Cop taken to court for causing death by dangerous driving

A

police constable attached to the Guyana Police Force Dead: (GPF) Tactical Service Unit, Dulmatie was yesterday charged with causing death Deochand by dangerous driving when he appeared at the Providence Magistrate's Court before Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman.

The defendant, Steffon Ramsay, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on January 5, last, he drove minibus PWW 7172 owned by the GPF in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Dulmatie Deochand called 'Aunty Dolly,' 59, of Section 'C' Block Y, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Ramsay was granted bail to the tune of $600,000 and will make his next court appearance on February 19.

According to previous reporting, the accident occurred at 07:26hrs on Nandy Park Public Road, East Bank Demerara, while the rush hour three-lane system was in place. Kaieteur News understands that Upon seeing this, Ramsay claimed that he before she met her demise, the mother of four was heading to her workplace, M.S. tried to swerve to avoid a collision, but ended up hitting the 59-year-old. Deochand fell as a Hack 7 Sons Supermarket.

Reports are that the minibus driven by the result of the hit. She was picked up in an police constable was heading north along the unconscious state and rushed to the western side of the eastern carriageway. At Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the time, the traffic was converted into a where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. three-lane system heading to the city.

When this publication had contacted the Ramsay reportedly told police that he was driving at a slow rate when he saw the woman family, they related that the woman suffered a broken neck, broken arm, and bruises to her approaching the pedestrian crossing.

He further stated that as he was about face. A hole was seen on the left side of her eight feet away from the crossing, the woman face too.

Ramsay was arrested and an investigation started to cross the road on the pedestrian was launched. crossing.

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

PAGE 19

Af ter 36 years of service…

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle retires A

fter 36 years of serving in the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle, has retired.

In a simple ceremony on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas; and other members of the GFS said farewell to Gentle. The ceremony was held at the GFS Headquarters.

In his outgoing remarks, Gentle who is a recipient of the Disciplined Service Medal (DSM) stated that there is no “I” in team, as he encouraged the fire fighters to support the new leadership of the GFS. He also called on them to remember the prerequisite of discipline which is “obedience to your superiors and consideration for your subordinates”. He also challenged the fire fighters to do better than him and to be their brothers' and sisters' keepers.

Gentle further expressed his gratitude to Minister Benn, while highlighting the Minister's helpful and

cooperative nature in working for the good of Guyana. He stated that on many occasions such as the 2005 floods, the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital fire, and other fires on Regent Street, Georgetown; Minister Benn, during his term as Minister of Public Works, assisted him in his work as a fire fighter.

In Minister Benn's address, he thanked Gentle for his devoted service to Guyana and for leaving the GFS with an overall improved outlook. The Minister highlighted that the outlook is inclusive of better systems, more assets, and better services.

Minister Benn also stated that it is our responsibility to ensure that a better life is passed on to the next generation. He also encouraged the fire fighters to continue to build, optimize and improve their service to their country.

After Gentle's outgoing remarks and the Minister's address, the ceremonial colours were given to the incoming Chief Fire Officer, Kalamadeen Edoo.

Remorseful father gets six months jail time for burglary

A

father of two who resides at Lot 85 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday sentenced to six months imprisonment after he was charged with breaking and entering the premises of a businessman.

The defendant, John Hassan, 50, appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Court to answer to the charge.

It was alleged that between February 1 and February 2, 2021 at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, he broke into and entered the property of Yi Dong Lin, a businessman, and carted off with a quantity of items valued $236,000.

These items included three hammocks, a quantity of extension cords, mops, one solar panel, two boxes sanding disks, seven door locks, two gas cylinder

heads, one nail gun, three electric drills, three angle grinders, one gas stove, one sanding machine, one Gig saw, one car jack, and a quantity of pampers.

Hassan pleaded guilty to the offence and offered an explanation.

He told the court that every month he has to pay $60,000 in rent and was dismissed from his construction work because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

He said he was not able to get a stable job since then.

Hassan begged the court for leniency since this was the first offence he has ever committed.

After listening to Hassan's explanation, Magistrate George sentenced him to six months behind bars, citing the fact that he used the first opportunity to plead guilty and didn't waste the court's time.

Incoming Fire Chief, Kalamadeen Edoo

Outgoing Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, DSM

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

VACANCY

LEGAL NOTICE

Infinity Salon & Spa looking for Nail Technician Tel#2318957/639-3479

2021- HC-Dem- C7VNo.P-1 DEMERARA IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE CIVIL JURISDICTION DECLARATION OF TITLE NOTICEROXANNE SEMPLE-BROWNE also known as ROXANNE SEMPLE of 956 E 107th Street Brooklyn New York 11236 United States of America and of lot 24 Cholrnoudeley Alley.

Christianburg. Wismar, Linden. Guyana has presented a Petition for a Declaration of Title by prescription of land as described in the Schedule hereunder. Any person(s) intending to oppose the said Petition must, within one month after the date of the first publication of this notice, file in the Registry of Court in the City of Georgetown Notice of his/ her opposition and an Affidavit or Affidavits’ in Support thereof, and serve a copy of the Notice and Affidavit(s) upon the said ROXANNE SEMPLE BROWNE also known as ROXANNE SEMPLE. beinspected at the said Registry during office hours a , The said Petition is accompanied by a plan of the land claimed which may Dated at Georgetown.

Demerara This 4th day of January, 2021.

Ms. Kean Trotman Attorney-at-law for the Petitioner SCHEDULE Plot ‘PF’ being a portion of “d” of Lot 24 being a part of Section ‘B’ Christianburg, Linden situate on the Left Bank of Demerara River in the county of Demerara, Guyana shown and defined on a plan by , Sworn Land Surveyor dated 30th day of November, 2020 and recorded in the Department of Lands and Survey. on the 11th day of December. 2020 as Plan number 75937.

MEMORANDUM The address for s::ryice of the Petitioner is at the .Chambers of her Attorneyat-Law, Ms. Kean Trotman of Lot 18 Lyng Street Charlestown, Georgetown Demerara, Guyana.

DEMERARA IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICAT1JRF CIVIL JURISDICTION DECLARATION OF TITLE NOTICEROXANNE SEMPLE-BRO\VNE also known as ROXANNE SEMPLE Of 956 E 107 street, Brooklyn New York 11236 United States of America and of lot 24 Cholmondeley

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Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

Truck Mechanic and excavator mechanic, porter, cook, spray man AC technician.

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LEGAL NOTICE Alley. Christianburg, Wismar. Linden. Guyana has presented a Petition for a Declaration of Title by prescription of land as described in the Any person(s) intending to oppose the said Petition must. within one month alter the date of the first publication of thisnotice. file in heRegistry of Court in the City of Georgetown Notice of his/her opposition and an Affidavit or Affidavits in Support thereof, and serve a copy of the Notice and Affidavit(s) upon the said ROXANNE SEMIPLEBROWNE also known as ROXANNE SEMPLE . The said petition is accompanied by a plan of the land claimed which may Dated at Georgetown.

DemeraraThis 4th day of January, 2021Ms. Kean Trotman Attorney-at-law for the Petitioner SCHEDULE“Plot - LF being a portion of ‘D’ Lot 24 being a partofSectionB’ Christianburg, Linden situated the Left Bank of Demerara River in the county of Demerara, Guyana shown and defined on a plan by W.M Cole Land Surveyor dated

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

Saturday February 06, 2021

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: LeBron James’ triple-double leads Lakers’ romp LeBron James had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers used a second-half turnaround to defeat the visiting Denver Nuggets 114-93 on Thursday.

Dennis Schroder scored 21 points as seven Lakers reached double figures. Talen Horton-Tucker contributed 17 points, Anthony Davis and Montrezl Harrell added 13 apiece and Kyle Kuzma chipped in 11. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 10 points.

Jamal Murray scored 20 points and Monte Morris had 16 for the Nuggets. JaMychal Green scored 12 of his 14 points in the first half.

Denver’s Nikola Jokic had a subpar performance, scoring 13 points on 6-of-16 shooting while adding 10 rebounds and six assists.

Golden State Warriors 147 - Dallas Mavericks 116 Kelly Oubre Jr. exploded for a career-high 40 points and size-challenged Golden State used a small-ball approach to outgun host Dallas in the opener of a two-game set.

Oubre hit 14 of 21 shots and seven of 10 from 3-point range en route to topping the 39 points he had for the Phoenix Suns against the Houston Rockets last February.

Stephen Curry chipped in with 28 points and six assists in 30 minutes for the Warriors, who suited up only nine players.

Kristaps Porzingis, who at 7-feet-3 stood eight inches taller than any Warrior in uniform, had 25 points for Dallas.

Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 27.

Utah Jazz 112 - Atlanta Hawks 91

Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to score 23 points and visiting Utah whipped short-handed Atlanta for its 13th win in the past 14 games.

Clarkson matched his season high with five 3-pointers and had seven rebounds.

Four of his teammates also scored in double figures — Bojan Bogdanovic with 21 points, Donovan Mitchell with 18, Rudy Gobert with 11 points and 12 rebounds and Mike Conley with 11.

The Hawks were playing without their two leading scorers — Trae Young and De’Andre Hunter. John Collins followed Wednesday night’s 35-point performance by scoring 17. Clint Capela had 17 rebounds, his 18th straight game with double-digit rebounds.

Houston Rockets 115 -

Saturday February 06, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Discussions in a group you're affiliated with could get heated as disagreements escalate. A goal you've been working toward might finally near fulfillment, Aries, and tempers are short.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may be looking forward to an evening with close friends, Libra, probably including a romantic partner.

Occasions such as sporting events, movies, or concerts could be on your agenda.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) If you've been thinking of taking a long trip by air, this is the day to start planning it or even leave, if you can work it in. Your excitement and anticipation are high, and your sense of adventure is at a peak.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Members of your household may feel a bit restless today, and therefore might spend most of their time out and about. You might take advantage of everyone's absence to catch up on work you need to do alone, Scorpio.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might be planning or leaving on a much-needed vacation now, and feeling very excited about it. Plans should go smoothly, Gemini, so you're apt to get everything together with few glitches.

CANCER(June21–July22) Ambitious plans for your future could necessitate your giving a lot of attention to practical matters, such as finances.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The coming days promise a busy social time, Leo. You might host a party at your home. You may feel terribly rushed and wonder if you will be able to get everything done.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your energy level should be high today, Virgo, so you're going to feel restless and spend most of your time out and about. There might be some chores you need to get done at home, but family members should help.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your neighborhood is likely buzzing with activity today, Sagittarius. New neighbors could move in, improvements could be made, and new businesses could open their doors. Expect a lot of visitors and calls.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The promise of possible financial advancement could cause you to plunge into a lot of paperwork today. This could be related to a job.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your physical energy is likely to be very high today, and you might want to spend most of your time out and about, probably in the company of others.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a good day to spend some time alone, Pisces. You may have projects you want to finish, and you have the energy to get a lot done.

Memphis Grizzlies 103 John Wall scored 22 points, Eric Gordon added 20 points and rookie Jae’Sean Tate chipped in a career-high 19 as Houston rolled to a victory at Memphis.

Tate added seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks to his ledger, providing the Rockets with a strong two-way presence. Wall hit 4 of 9 3-point tries while Wood and Danuel House Jr. made three treys apiece.

Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 16 points off the bench while Ja Morant added 15. Tyus Jones and Brandon Clarke chipped in 13 points apiece.

Portland Trail Blazers 121 - Philadelphia 76ers 105 Gary Trent Jr. scored 24 points, Carmelo Anthony added 22 and depleted Portland stunned host Philadelphia.

Enes Kanter contributed 17 points and 18 rebounds, Rodney Hood added 16

points, CJ Elleby had 15 and Anfernee Simons 14 for the Trail Blazers, who began the night with only nine available players. Damian Lillard (abdominal strain) was among those absent.

Joel Embiid led the Sixers

with 37 points while Tyrese Maxey added 15. Ben Simmons was a late scratch due to a sore left calf. Seth Curry was scoreless in 12 minutes and then didn’t return because he was reportedly ill.

(Field Level Media)

Spinners hand Bangladesh...

From page 27 over of the innings.

The third ball kept a bit low and spun enough to take Da Silva’s edge through to Das, aborting the sixth-wicket partnership at 99. Off the next over, Miraz benefitted from a thin edge down leg side from Blackwood to ring in tea. On resumption, Roach slogged his third ball down deep midwicket’s throat, and when Cornwall missed a drive off his bowling, Miraz looked on course to join Shakib and Sohag Gazi as the only Bangladesh players with a century and a five-for in the same Test.

But an injudicious slog

across the line from Jomel Warrican off Islam put paid to those hopes, as their collapse denied them an opportunity at reversing the pressure on to the home side.

As things stand, with six sessions to play, Bangladesh have the opportunity to bat long enough to set West Indies anything in the vicinity of 350 in the fourth innings; and the time remaining means the hosts can also have a shot at victory.

South Africa 106-4 in 2nd...

From page 26 and the top-edged pull went straight to Kagiso Rabada’s hands at fine leg before Ashraf raised his fourth 50 in his eighth test match.

Ashraf completed his half century off 97 balls with a straight-driven boundary off Rabada just before lunch and two balls later pulled the fast bowler to midwicket for his ninth boundary.

Ashraf survived an early lbw TV referral against leftarm spinner Keshav Maharaj (3-90), and he also needed brief treatment after Rabada’s short-pitched delivery with the second new ball struck the left-hander’s right arm.

Ashraf showed lot of patience in his more than 3-1/2 hour knock. He prolonged Pakistan’s resistance after lunch, adding 30 runs with Yasir (8) and 21 with Nauman Ali (8) before Nortje claimed the last two wickets in three balls.

“I still believe I am a bowling all-rounder and batting is my plus point,” Ashraf said.

Hasan, returning to test cricket in this series after a two-year absence, had Dean Elgar (15) caught behind in the last over before tea and then followed it up by uprooting Rassie van der Dussen’s off stump in the next delivery.

Du Plessis denied Hasan a hat trick with an edged boundary through slips but his poor run continued when Ashraf got a thin edge in the last session dominated by Pakistan.

Pakistan leads the twomatch series 1-0 after beating the Proteas in the first test by seven wickets at Karachi.

Scores: South Africa 106 for 4 (Bavuma 15*, de Kock 24*) trail Pakistan 272 (Ashraf 78*, Azam 77, Nortje 5-56) by 166 runs.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Saturday February 06, 2021

South Africa 106-4 in 2nd test, trails Pakistan by 166 runs Pakistan’s Hasan Ali, center,celebrates after taking the wicket of South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen during the second day of the second cricket test match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

R AWA L P I N D I , Pakistan (AP) — South Africa’s top order stumbled to 106-4 at stumps after Faheem Ashraf’s second successive half century had rallied Pakistan’s first

innings to 272 in the second test yesterday.

South Africa trails Pakistan by 166 runs in a match it must win to draw the series.

Pakistan fast bowler

Hasan Ali (2-29) grabbed his wickets off successive deliveries and Ashraf had Faf du Plessis (17) caught behind to leave South Africa struggling in its first innings on day 2.

CWI sign major UK broadcast agreement with BT Sport for all WI matches in the C/bean ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has signed a major five-year deal with BT Sport for the exclusive live coverage in the UK of all West Indies international home matches played in the Caribbean.

As part of the agreement, BT Sport will have rights to We s t I n d i e s n e x t international home series against England, scheduled for early 2022.

This upcoming series will have added interest as it will be the first time that the two teams play the RichardsBotham Trophy Test Series — named in honour of Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Ian Botham — two of the greatest cricketers of all time. England’s visits to the Caribbean are an iconic fixture in the international cricket calendar and regularly attract one of the largest live TV cricket audiences in the UK. CWI President Ricky Skerritt said: “On behalf of CWI, and all who helped make this deal come together, I am delighted to announce one of our largest ever broadcast rights agreements in the form of this unprecedented partnership with BT Sport.

Our tour to England last year helped to remind us how

strong the West Indies brand continues to be in the UK, and we thank BT Sport for so highly valuing West Indies cricket by committing their broadcast support over the next five years. I am especially pleased that, in partnership with ESPN, BT Sport will also show much of the upcoming CG Insurance Super50 Cup which starts next Sunday, 7th February.”

As well as England’s tour to the Caribbean in 2022, BT Sport will have access to a packed schedule of exciting international cricket from the West Indies in 2021 on its sport channels and across its digital platforms, starting with Sri Lanka, who they face across all formats in March before the tours to the Caribbean by South Africa, Australia and Pakistan over the course of June, July and August.

With start times in the late afternoons and early evenings, cricket lovers across the UK will be able to watch the world’s top players and teams in action without having to set their alarms or stay up through the night.

Johnny Grave, CWI CEO commented: “The first ever Richards-Botham Trophy in March 2022 will be an eagerly anticipated Test Series, not just for our fans in

the UK hailing from the Caribbean, but also to the many UK sports and cricket fans who will be able to watch live on their TV or mobile devices after school or work.

West Indies home series are the second most watched cricket in the UK after England’s home matches, and this agreement ensures that the best action from the Caribbean will be broadcast in an extremely important sports and tourism market for the region.”

Rachel Knight, Rights Director, BT Sport said; “We want to provide customers with the best sport from across the globe, so we are delighted to add the England men’s and women’s cricket teams to our line up.

In addition to some hugely important and enticing Test and T20 International matches over the next 18 months, the new rights in New Zealand and West Indies will see the world’s top cricketers regularly on BT Sport.”

This is a long term agreement and has huge significance because the UK is the West Indies’ second largest commercial market, and where a large number of fans with West Indian heritage reside.

Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali (1-19), who bagged seven wickets in his debut test at Karachi last week at the age of 34, got the key wicket of Aiden Markram (32) with South Africa troubled by both pace and spin.

Temba Bavuma survived a dropped catch and remained unbeaten on 15.

Captain Quinton de Kock struck three successive boundaries off Yasir Shah for his unbeaten 24 off 11 balls.

Earlier, pacer Anrich Nortje picked up 5-56 to bowl out Pakistan half an hour before tea.

Ashraf anchored Pakistan’s lower-order resistance with a top score of 78 not out, including 12

South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, right, celebrates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Nauman Ali, left, during the second day’s play. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

fours, before Nortje wrapped up the innings by claiming the last two wickets in three balls.

Nortje bowled with menacing pace — on a wicket which has eased considerably for batting — to bag his third five-wicket haul in his 10th test match.

“I think with the hard ball there is something for the fast bowlers,” Nortje said.

He called his performance “definitely special.”

Nortje claimed two wickets in the first session, including Babar’s off the second ball of the day after Pakistan resumed on 145-3.

Azam played a loose cut shot and du Plessis held onto a head-high catch at second slip.

Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf, left, raises bat to celebrate after his fifty, while teammate Yasir Shah watches during the second day of the second cricket test against South Africa.

(AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Babar couldn’t add to his overnight 77. He had helped to revive Pakistan innings from 22-3 with Fawad Alam on the first day before rain and a wet outfield wiped out the last session on Thursday.

Alam, who scored 45, fell to Bavuma’s splendid direct throw at the nonstriker’s end from short midwicket as left-handed batsman went for a needless run.

Ashraf then provided the bulk of the scoring and shared a 41-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan (18) before Nortje struck immediately with the second new ball.

Nortje tested Rizwan with a short-pitched delivery (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

PAGE 27

Spinners hand Bangladesh the advantage despite late squeeze by West Indies

Scoreboard

Kraigg Brathwaite sweeps down on one knee, Bangladesh vs West Indies, 1st Test, Chattogram, Day 2, February 4, 2021 ©AFP via Getty Images ESPNcricinfo - On the face of it, 231 runs for the loss of 11 wickets on a third day of a Test would indicate relatively attrition-filled cricket on a rapidly deteriorating pitch.

The cricket during the f i r s t Te s t b e t w e e n Bangladesh and West Indies in Chattogram itself was anything but that, and the pitch has played better than the numbers suggest.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz precipitated a sensational collapse for West Indies, who lost their last five wickets for six runs inside 23 balls to concede a lead of 171 runs, when once they looked likely to last the whole day and eat substantially into Bangladesh’s 430 posted in the first innings.

In response, Kraigg Brathwaite asked Rahkeem Cornwall to share the new ball with Kemar Roach, and the burly offspinner responded by trapping Tamim Iqbal in front for no score with a quicker one, and then lured Najmul Hossain Shanto to nick one to Jermaine Blackwood to slip for a second-ball duck.

Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque, though, steadied the ship and took the Bangladesh lead past 200, though the former fell to Shannon Gabriel’s short ball, nicking it to Joshua Da Silva down the leg side to leave the hosts at 33 for 3.

Cornwall could have had a third for the day when Mushfiqur Rahim gloved one on to his body and was taken at forward short leg, but West Indies lacked conviction in their appeal and also missed a chance to review, with Rahim on five then.

In balance, the first twothirds of the day belonged to West Indies though Taijul Islam dismissed Nkrumah

Bonner off the very first ball of the day, nicking to Shanto at first slip. Debutant Kyle Mayers, who got to 40, could have been dismissed in an identical fashion off the third ball he faced, but his edge appeared to take a little deflection off Liton Das’ pads, as Shanto failed to grab on after getting his fingertips to the ball.

Mayers settled down and crunched a couple of pleasing boundaries off Mustafizur Rahman’s first over of the morning - an on drive and a cover drive - to settle West Indies’ nerves.

Their captain Brathwaite then brought up his 20th Test fifty with a neat flick off his hips against Islam.

Brathwaite and Mayers added 55 in just over 11 overs while dominating the first hour of play, especially with their strokeplay square of the wicket. Brathwaite used his feet cleverly against both Islam and Hasan - who replaced Rahman quite early - and his sashays down the pitch forced the spinners to drop short more often.

Runs were coming at a

fair tick for West Indies, though Mayers was lucky when Bangladesh chose not to review a leg before appeal when Hasan bowled one fuller, and the left-hander had the ball hit pad ahead of bat with a forward press.

The replays indicated that the ball would have gone on to hit the top of off stump.

Hasan wouldn’t have to wait long for his reward, though, with Brathwaite leaving a length ball that pitched outside off and surprised him with the amount of turn back into him, thus clipping the top of off stump.

In his first over of the day, drew Mayers forward, and struck him on the pad after straightening from around the wicket, as the debutant walked away after considering a review.

The replays, though, indicated that there may have been bat on the ball before it struck the pad, and a review could have kept Mayers on course for his first fifty.

Taking the cue from their colleagues, Blackwood and Da Silva - who scored 68 and

42, respectively - then settled down to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers for virtually the entire afternoon session.

If Da Silva was nimble in his footwork - both pressing forward and playing deep inside his crease to negotiate the spinners - Blackwood was clever at how he defended anything close to the stumps, and pounced on even the slightest lapses in length from the spinners.

One such full delivery was driven through covers to bring up his 14th Test fifty.

The new ball was taken

by Bangladesh after Mustafizur Rahman bowled a couple of overs with the older ball with Das standing up to the stumps, but nothing appeared to be working for Haque, especially with the injury-enforced absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Rahman even earned himself two official warnings for running into the danger area in his follow through, but Bangladesh’s luck turned dramatically as Hasan bounded in to bowl the 93rd (Continued on page 25)

Bangladesh 1st Innings 430 West Indies 1st Innings Kraigg Brathwaite (c) b Nayeem Hasan 76 John Campbell lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 3 Shayne Moseley lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 2 Nkrumah Bonner c Najmul Hossain Shanto b Taijul Islam 17 Kyle Mayers lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 40 Jermaine Blackwood c †Liton Das b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 68 Joshua Da Silva † c †Liton Das b Nayeem Hasan 42 Rahkeem Cornwall b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2 Kemar Roach c sub (Mohammad Mithun) b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0 Jomel Warrican b Taijul Islam 4 Shannon Gabriel not out 0 Extras(lb 1, nb 4) 5 TOTAL(96.1 Ov, RR: 2.69, 375 Mts) 259

Fall of wickets: 1-11 (John Campbell, 4.4 ov), 2-24 (Shayne Moseley, 10.6 ov), 3-75 (Nkrumah Bonner, 29.1 ov), 4-130 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 40.2 ov), 5-154 (Kyle Mayers, 49.6 ov), 6-253 (Joshua Da Silva, 92.3 ov), 7-253 (Jermaine Blackwood, 93.1 ov), 8-253 (Kemar Roach, 93.4 ov), 9-259 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 95.1 ov), 10-259 (Jomel Warrican, 96.1 ov) BOWLING OMRW Mustafizur Rahman 154462 Shakib Al Hasan 61160 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 269584 Taijul Islam 33.111842 Nayeem Hasan 161542 Bangladesh 2nd Innings Shadman Islam c †Da Silva b Gabriel 5 Tamim Iqbal lbw b Cornwall 0 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Blackwood b Cornwall 0 Mominul Haque (c) not out 31 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 10 Extras (nb 1) 1 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 2.35) for 3 wkts 47 Yet to bat: Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das †, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Tamim Iqbal, 1.4 ov), 2-1 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 1.6 ov), 3-33 (Shadman Islam, 14.1 ov) BOWLING Kemar Roach Rahkeem Cornwall 2 Shannon Gabriel 6 Jomel Warrican 1

Rahkeem Cornwall celebrates a breakthrough, Bangladesh vs West Indies, 1st Test, Chattogram, Day 2, February 4, 2021 © BCB

Match Details Test debut Kyle Mayers Nkrumah Bonner Shayne Moseley Umpires Richard Illingworth Sharfuddoula TV Umpire Gazi Sohel Reserve Umpire Masudur Rahman Match Referee Neeyamur Rashid

OM 41 9

R 5 1

W 0 28

0 0

13 1

1 0

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Saturday February 06, 2021

West MMZ Future Youths overcome West Coast Warriors Rocky Memorial T20

West MMZ Future Youths Captain Jermaine Maxwell accepts his winning trophy.

The victorious MMZ Future Youths team.

West Met-en-Meer Zorg Future Youths defeated West Coast Warriors by three wickets when the teams collided in the Amrit Rai Memorial T20 fixture on Sunday last at Met-en -Meer Zorg ground.

Batting first, West Coast Warriors were

bowled out for 103 in 18.1 overs. Ronaldo Renee made 58 with five fours and three sixes while Ameer Singh made 15 and Richie Looknauth 10. Derrick Foo grabbed 3-13, Randy Lindore had 2-10 and Devon lord 120. In reply, the host were placed on 65-7, but

eventually reached the target. Skipper Jermaine Maxwell struck seven sixes in an unbeaten 63 Adrain Johnson made 18; Looknaurh claimed 3-10 and Mahendra Nandkishore 2-5. Rai was a member of the Wolf Warriors cricket team. He led them to

victory in the inaugural GTT 10/10 competition. The organizers club has expressed gratitude to Feroze Barakat and MMZ CC for their assistance.

Rai passed away following a vehicular accident in December 18.

Ton-up Root says England need 600-700 in India Test Joe Root times one into the covers © BCCI

Joe Root (left) congratulates Dom Sibley on his fifty, India vs England, 1st Test, Chennai, 1st day, February 5, 2021 ©BCCI AFP - Skipper Joe Root hit a century in his 100th Test yesterday, but said England need a minimum 600 runs in the opening match against India.

England ended on 263 for three after Dom Sibley fell to paceman Jasprit Bumrah for 87 in the final over of day one and stumps were called in Chennai.

England elected to bat after winning the toss in the first match of the four-Test series.

Root, unbeaten on 128 and battling cramp in the final session, put on 200 runs with Sibley after England slipped to 63 for two in the

first session.

“I think we’ve got to look to try and get as many as we can - 600, 700 if we can, really try and make the most of the first innings while it’s good,” Root told reporters.

“Those footholes are starting to wear quite quickly. So, if we can bat the whole of tomorrow and maybe into day three then things could speed up quite quickly for us and you never know what can happen from that point onwards, but ultimately we’ve got to try and back up today.”

- Sweep and reverse sweep with precision Root made his Test debut

in India in 2012 and his century comes on the back of match-winning knocks of 228 and 186 in Sri Lanka.

Yesterday’s effort was his third successive and 20th Test ton and termed it a “very special” knock.

“Yeah, very special. Last night the guys actually put a little surprise together for me - put some videos from some past players, some friends and family. And Ben in particular, stood up and said some really kind words,” said Root.

“Then to come today and for us to start this series in the way that we have - it couldn’t have gone any better bar a

little blip at the end there.”

“I certainly feel like I’m in some good form and I need to make sure I cash in on it I think over the course of my career, I’ve not always gone on and made really big scores so to be going and doing that currently is really pleasing,” he added.

“I’ve worked on a few technical things I’ve looked at a few areas of my game.

I’ve looked at certain trends of how I was getting out at certain types of my innings, and tried to eradicate it.”

The 30-year-old handled the spinners with aplomb as he swept — and reverse swept — to precision in his

197-ball knock. He struck 14 fours and a six.

Sibley completed his second successive Test fifty after a cautious but steady start with opening partner Rory Burns, who made 33.

But he fell short of his third Test ton when trapped lbw, trudging back to the pavilion after an unsuccessful review.

Left-hander Burns fell to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for 33 while attempting a reverse sweep just before lunch.

Bumrah, who is playing his first Test at home, struck soon after to trap new batsman Dan Lawrence lbw

for nought.

“For us all wickets are equally important and we are not focusing on one particular individual. And we picked up three wickets today, main focus is to pick up seven wickets,” Bumrah said on the importance of Root’s wicket.

“There are very good players in their team and everybody gets equal respect.”

The series will decide who plays New Zealand in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.

Scores: England 263 for 3 (Sibley 87, Root 128*) vs India.

Saturday February 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

Central Police Station Sports and Recreational center gets more donations As the police in East Berbice enhance their efforts to have their Recreational and Sports Center, which is located at Central Police Station compound, New Amsterdam become operative, more organisations are coming on board to assist.

The latest donation came from the Kasco Engineering Company (Buski), owned by businessman Rafeek Kassim of No2 Village East Canje Berbice.

Kassim, through his Secretary Diana Mohammed handed over 15 foldable, iron chairs to Commander of the Region 6, East Berbice, Corentyne Police Division,

The chairs being donated to Commander Ramlakhan and ranks of the Division.

Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan. Other senior ranks in the division were also present at the simple ceremony.

According to the Commander, the chairs will be used in the recreational hall. The recreational Hall when commissioned will serve as a social environment where ranks will be able to relax play games and interact with their colleagues.

The compound will be used for outdoor sports and other activities.The Commander and ranks expressed gratitude to Mr. Kassim and extended best wishes to him in his future endevours. (Samuel Whyte)

Essequibian Ramsawak “excited” to form cricket club in Canada Kenny Ramsawak has expressed excitement with the formation of Essequibo Coast Cricket Club which is based in Toronto, Canada.

According to the Canada-based Guyanese Ramsawak, who was born in Reliance, Essequibo, he wants to see more Essequibians involved in cricket. The Club will be participating in all Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) tournaments on an annual basis.

“My objective is to bring my fellow Essequibian cricketers together and play competitive cricket. No doubt we have many talented Essequibian cricketers in Toronto who are playing for various other teams. It is the dream of myself and Devon Ramnauth to bring these players together and represent Essequibo to the fullest,” Ramsawak related.

Ramsawak stated that he and Ramnauth, a former Essequibo and Guyana youth player, had the idea several years ago but with the softball cricket season looming, they want to get things cracking.

Ramsawak strongly believes that there are a plethora of talented cricketers in the Greater Toronto Area and his club is willing to give them the opportunities to showcase their talents. “We also want to give young Essequibian Cricketers the opportunity to come to Canada and play cricket. I hope that I can inspire others to give back to

Former national youth cricketer Devon Ramnauth, right, and Kenny Ramsawak in Toronto during a cricket presentation ceremony. the game and do more for the future of Essequibo Cricket.

I want to big up Essequibo Cricket and give back to the game of cricket which has taught me so much in life. I am calling on all Essequbians living in Canada to support this new club in every way they can.

Cricket is our game, this is what we do in the summer m o n t h i n To r o n t o , ” Ramsawak, who is the proprietor of Platinum Lounge and Sports Bar, stated.

Ramsawak already operates a cricket club, Smashers, which also is a participating team in the OSCL competitions for the past three successive years.

He mentioned that the team is made up predominantly of Essequibians living in Toronto and because of their great passion and profound love for the game he wants to see more Essequibians together.

Ramsawak believes his association with Ramnauth has been long since his school days. They both represented Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School in Essequibo since 1995 and now very much involved with the game here in Canada, they want to keep up the relationship and to have more cricket lovers together. Ramsawak is currently the Treasurer of the OSCL.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Saturday February 06, 2021

BCB to launch $1M Vitality Inc cricket gears project for eight clubs in Upper Corentyne Members of the Bush Lot CC Poses with their gears and uniforms.

-Eight more youths benefit from Clayton Lambert Gears project

T

he fast moving development train in Berbice Cricket continues to motor on with the news that eight cricket clubs in the Upper Corentyne area would benefit from cricket gears worth one million dollars.

President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, and Public Relations officer, Simon Naidu, on Wednesday last successfully completed discussion with an overseas businessman to host the Vitality INC and Vitality Accountants and Consultants gears project for teams between the No 68 to No 73 areas.

Foster, who is spearheading a massive marketing drive to raise funds for the development of the game in the Ancient County, stated he was contacted by a former resident of the area, who wishes to remain unknown and who wanted to assist cricket in the Upper Corentyne sub-association.

After a fruitful discussion, the businessman, owner of the two companies decided to donate the gears to eight clubs - No 68 Dark End Superstars, No 68 turn team.

No 69 Vikings, No 69 Red

Rose, No 72 Cut and Load, No 72 All Stars, No 73 Young Warriors and No 70 MYO. Each of the eight clubs would receive a gears bag, three pairs of batting pads, three pairs of batting gloves, three helmets, two boxes of cricket balls, three thigh pads, three forearm guards and two private guards.

The gears would be handed over to the clubs during a special ceremony to be organised by the board during the first week of next month.

The donor would be specially honored by the BCB during the ceremony which would have in attendance, executives of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and representatives of the eight clubs.

Foster hailed the support of overseas based

Berbicians, who are all very supportive of the BCB efforts.

Local offices of Vitality INC and Vitality Accountants and Consultants would be opened next month at the Ramnaresh Sarwan owned Mall, located at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Meanwhile, eight young cricketers from the West Berbice Sub-Association received gears and white cricket uniforms from the BCB under its Clayton Lambert gears project.

The players were drawn from the Bath Cricket Club and the Paradise Cricket clubs.

Four of them collected a piece of cricket gear, while the other received a complete set of uniform.

Public Relations Officer,

Simon Naidu, stated that the eight players missed the main distribution of the gears on the second of January but the board was determined to assist them.

He urged the players to take care of the items and committed the BCB to

continuing assisting in the future.

The PRO disclosed that a total of ninety two youths benefitted from the $1.5M dollars gears project which was spearheaded by former We s t I n d i e s o p e n i n g batsman, Clayton Lambert.

All systems go for Endurance tomorrow Drag C/Ship set for February 28

C

ompetitors will be pleased to know that the National Covid-19 task force has given its approval for the running off of the first round of the Endurance Championship that has been organised by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC).

Under the title sponsorship of Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc (SIC), the event is expected to see a full grid of competitors and the GMR&SC has been very vigilant via social media correspondence with its members ensuring that the correct health & safety protocols along with COVID-19 guidelines are will be employed during the highly anticipated race.

At least 20 cars are expected to line up at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, tomorrow for the

three-hour long battle and many of the top competitors have already confirmed their participation including defending overall and 1600cc champion Adrian Fernandes and Anand Ramchand who will be piloting the Team Wreckers’ Gilette sponsored Levin.

Meanwhile, lap record holder Rameez Mohamed’s Integra is sure to put down some fast times with mechanic Balram Ramdeo ensuring more race longevity this time round.

It has been over a year since the last Endurance race and this has allowed drivers and mechanics to upgrade their machines during the covid-19 layoff which will make for an exciting day of racing.

Among the competitors expected to participate includes Shan Seejattan, Dowalu ‘Afo’ Harper, Motilall Deodass, Aaron

Bethune, Harold ‘Topgun’ Hopkinson, Nyron Maraj, Roshan Ali, Adrian & his brother Richard Hamid.

Prospective competitors are reminded that helmets and gloves are required and those interested in competing are asked to make contact with the GMR&SC via their Albert Street office.

Following the Endurance first round action will be the first round of the Drag Championship which will take off on February 28th.

This was confirmed by the GMR&SC that recently received approval from the National Covid-19 task force.

This drag championship is expected to be high p o w e r e d w i t h Te a m Mohamed’s fleet of Nissan G T R s a n d S & D Performance garage of cars anticipated to headline the action.

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 06, 2021

PAGE 31

BCB to launch historic Shimron and Nirvani Hetmeyer Berbice Cricket Trust Fund -West Indies batsman pumps $1M into his county cricket development

T

he Berbice Cricket Board on Sunday, 14th of March would create history in Guyana when it launches the Shimron and Nirvani Hetmeyer Berbice Cricket Development Trust Fund at the St Francis Community Developers Training Center.

The launching would be the first of its kind to be launched in the ancient county and represents the l a rg e s t e v e r f i n a n c i a l donation by a cricketer to the BCB, since its formation in 1939.

The Hetmeyers agreed to the formation of the Fund after reviewing a comprehensive proposal from BCB President Hilbert Foster.

The West Indies middle order player had requested the President to submit the document after they had discussed the idea.

Foster explained that under the Trust Fund, the BCB would assist clubs across the county with $700,000 worth of cricket balls, while two hundred thousand dollars would be given to a cricketer attending the University of Guyana.

The cricketer must be living in the Canje/New Amsterdam or East Berbice Canje sub area.

In the event that a suitable candidate is not found, the funds would be equally divided to four cricketers attending secondary school and preparing to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations.

The remaining one hundred thousand dollars would be used to reward the Most Valuable Player for the four inter-county tournament that Berbice is expected to play in 2021.

The MVP of the under 15, under 17, under 19 and female tournament would each receive twenty five thousand dollars each.

The couple has made it quite clear that the sponsorship would continue for the duration of the current President term of office.

Hetmeyer, who led to the West Indies to Under 19 World Cup glory in 2016,

has been very supportive to the Foster led administration and has over the last three years assisted with funds for the BCB/RHTYSC Christmas Charity Programmes, BCB Intermediate tournament and last handled over funds for the hosting of two grass root one day cricket tournaments at the Rose Hall Canje and Young Warriors grounds.

F o s t e r, e x p r e s s e d gratitude to the couple for their support and stated that with assistance, Berbice cricket would continue to expand as the board strives to take the county’s game to its highest level ever.

He stated that his objective is to make the county the role model in Caribbean Cricket and to make sure that every cricketer in the county fulfills his or her full potential on the cricket field and in the classroom.

Hetmeyer, who has represented the West Indies in sixteen test matches and

forty five ODI matches, stated that he was very impressed with the Foster led administration leadership of Berbice cricket and was delighted to assist.

The BCB has sent an official invitation to President Irfaan Ally to be the guest speaker at the launching of the trust fund.

BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu hands over the sponsorship cheque to Secretary Angela Haniff on behalf of Shimron Hetmeyer.

Wiltshire Dominoes and STSC football set for tomorrow Mark Wiltshire will be hosting a dominoes competition tomorrow at Turning Point starting at 14:30hrs.

Entrance fee is $12,000 and $20,000 will be added to the prizes. Teams can contact Wiltshire on 659-8672. Meanwhile, South Turkeyen Sports Committee (STSC) will be

hosting a football and penalty shootout competition also tomorrow at Vryheid’s Lust playfield starting at 08:00hrs. Entrance fee is $1,000. At stake are trophies, medals and cash prizes donated by Johnny Barnwell, Wesley Tyndall, Carry Cargo and Rodwell.