Kaieteur News
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Tuesday February 08, 2022
Govt. selects Exxon’s client over independent firms to review US$9 billion Yellowtail plans
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he Government of Guyana has once again s e l e c t e d E x x o n M o b i l ’s c l i e n t , Bayphase Limited, to review the field developments plans for the Yellowtail project. Bayphase, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom, won with a bid totalling US$423,360. The contract for the consultancy was awarded to Bayphase since January 21, 2022. The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) had disclosed the list of interested bidders on January 20, 2022. The other companies that submitted bids are as follows: Infinity Services in collaboration with XWells Mexico – US$617,500; Orwell OffshoreUS$617,650; MSI International-US$817,761; Endeavour Management –US$598,934; Future Energy Partners Limited US$901,482; IHS Global Inc. – US$1,493,502; RPS Energy Consultants Ltd. – US$494,000; Sunstone Energy Advisory Service –US$785,040; Sproule – US$661,440; and StratOil Energy Services – US$324,080. Kaieteur News previously reported that Bayphase is a well known client of ExxonMobil. In fact, Bayphase also works for Exxon’s subcontractors which include Schlumberger and Technip FMC. (See link for full list of clients: http://www.bayphase.com/c
lients-list2.php) Further to this, none of its reports are ever unflattering on its clients. (See link to view their published reports: http://www.bayphasedata.co m/reports.php) Be that as it may, the company has said it offers several services on a consultancy basis which include: resource auditing and valuation, cost auditing and estimation, reservoir modelling and strategic study. It said, too, that it has carried out this work in accordance with standards
set by these bodies: The Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS), the Securities and Exchange Commission, the London Stock Exchange, the Alternative Investment Market and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. In the area of Cost Auditing and Estimation, Bayphase boasted of having over 30 years experience in developing independent cost estimates, verifying cost estimates and the development of software for cost estimating for oil and
gas projects. It claimed to be a recognised leader in the assessment of all costs associated with oil and gas projects. It said that its experience in developing accurate cost estimates covers all phases of oil and gas extraction including: Exploration, Appraisal, Development, Production and Abandonment. Bayphase said it has also been called on to audit project expenditures on behalf of stakeholders including: Partners in hydrocarbon development projects, Banks providing loans to Oil and Gas projects and Governments who wish to understand the revenue flow in such projects. TENDER DETAILS It was on January 8, last, that Kaieteur News published the government’s request for financial and technical proposals from qualified firms to review the Ye l l o w t a i l F i e l d Development Plan (FDP). The project documents note that the duration of the assignment is expected to be 50 days, with the possibility of work starting by February 7, 2021, should all go as planned. The bid documents state that the firms are required to c o n s i d e r G u y a n a ’s legislative and contractual framework, international best practices and industry standards, and the specific conditions present in Guyana, then proceed to conduct an in-depth review of the Yellowtail FDP.
Government said that the review must include all supporting and reference documentation, along with the related Environmental Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) submitted by the Stabroek Block Licensees. It was further noted, that the review must include at minimum, an assessment of the strategy and the development model, as well as the criteria for the choices that have been made by the Licensees, including cost effectiveness, and potential alternatives; engineering, geological and geophysical interpretations, simulations, and estimations, including recovery factor efficiency using natural gas injection and available natural gas for export; and the well and reservoir management s t r a t e g y, t a k i n g i n t o consideration the government’s objectives of maximising the recovery of hydrocarbon resources and having no gas flared. Furthermore, Kaieteur News understands that, the successful applicant would be required to prepare a report, setting out the opinions formed in the evaluation of the FDP and ESIA, addressing at minimum, compliance or non-compliance with the requirements of the existing legislative and industry standards including any deficiencies, unresolved issues and areas of additional assessments or technical analysis that the government should request before making a determination on
the FDP. According to the government, it expects support for the Natural Resources Ministry through engagements and information exchanges, with the Licensees as well as the provision of on-the-job training to Guyanese during the FDP evaluation process. TRILLION DOLLAR PROJECT Kaieteur News previously reported that development costs for the Yellowtail project are poised to exceed US$9B or GY$1.8 trillion. According to project documents, Yellowtail will consist of drilling approximately 41 to 67 development wells; installation and operation of Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines equipment; installation and the operation of a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and— ultimately—project decommissioning. The FPSO will be designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day. The initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years. The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons during development well drilling, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 persons during production operations.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 08, 2022
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$32M approved for Office of the Leader of the Opposition …as Parliament plans on spending $7M to purchase 1 photocopying machine
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receded by at least one opposition Member of Parliament (MP) getting confused with the figures and another being schooled on how to read a table of figures outlined in the Budget Estimates, MPs yesterday approved some $32M for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition even it was revealed that the National Assembly plans on spending $7M to purchase a photocopying machine. Added to this, the House remained unclear as to whether Local Government Elections will be held this year despite the utterances of the substantive Minister for the portfolio. 600 SECONDS With just 600 seconds (10 minutes) to query the allocations, the 65 Members of the House approved the allocations for the various Constitutional agencies with members of the public learning in the process about the generosity of the Ministry of Finance by allocating for some agencies more money than had been requested. During the consideration of the figures allocated for the Parliament Office, Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones sought to illicit confirmation of the allocation for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. That Office is a Constitutional post currently vacant with the resignation of Joseph Harmon. M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, gave the confirmation that the Office had been allocated some $27M for its current expenditure and another $5M for capital works. When questioned on the total $45M allocation remaining for the Parliament Office by coalition MP Ganesh Mahipaul, the Minister at this point indicated that apart from cameras, furniture, electronic gates and some other things, the Parliament Office was also looking to purchase a photocopying machine for some $7M. With regard the Audit Office of Guyana, it has in the Budget for this year $1B
for its recurrent expenditure including a significant amount for overseas travel which was queried by coalition Member, Jermaine Figueira.
very law creating the fund has identified at section 31 that an external audit of account shall be undertaken annually by the Auditor General who will engage international audit firm.”
NRF AUDITS PAPERLESS To this end, Minister Teixeira reminded that the Auditor General will have to hand over chairmanship of the Caribbean Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (CAROSAI) in Aruba later this year and as such a seven-member delegation has been
She was adamant however, that the Audit Office has been building its capacity to audit exploration and production being undertaken in the industry. Guyana has already missed its deadline for the Audit of the Liza I operations in
move towards a more paperless system but as is evident during the proceedings, swamped in reams of paperwork. Meanwhile, the Police, Public Service and Teaching Service Commissions’ allocations were all approved unchallenged. NEW VOTERS LIST With regard the scrutiny of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and its $4B current allocation, Patterson sought to elicit information on the
that stage to say what quarter of the year” they would be ready to commence with Local Government elections. Nonetheless, monies have been made available for training, additional staff, voter education and other election related activities. During the consideration of the Estimates, the House learnt too that this year, a significant amount of money has been allocated to the Judiciary for the construction of a number of new courts and the rehabilitation of others, in
Parliament plans on spending $7M to purchase a photocopying machine
identified. “CAROSAI is a very important body for setting the standards in the region and those are the standards we use for audits in Guyana,” according to Minister Teixeira. With regard the contracting out of audits, former Minister in the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change ( A P N U + A F C ) administration, David Patterson was told this is not paid for by the Audit Office but rather the agency being audited. As such, no money is allocated for the contracting out of audits. With the advent of the Natural Resources Fund and the mandate passed to the Audit Office, Patterson during yesterday’s session sought to find out what provisions have been made for the office to examine money brought into the NRF. According to Minister Teixeira, the Audit Office has been preparing to track oil revenue going into NRF and pointed out that “the
addition to pre-contract costs. The House learnt too that the Audit Office has, for the past seven years, been stuck in phase one of its transition towards a more paperless operations. This information was supplied to the House when Opposition MP Mahipaul sought clarity on a $66.4M for the office listed under the heading ‘other goods and services’. To this end, Teixeira confirmed that the money was in part to pay for some 30 software licences as part of this transition to go paperless. Moreover, Mahipaul queried, “in view of us using teammate (a software) to go paperless, why is it we are not seeing a change in materials equipment and supplies, shouldn’t the expenses be significantly reduced?” The minister responded by saying “many times paperless is not paperless” and pointed to parliament which is itself attempting to
preparation of the Local Government Elections, the preparation of a New Voters List, Identification Cards and the inclusion of some 22,000 young person’s that had been left off the list or would now qualify. To this end, Minister Teixeira used the occasion to indicate to the House that it is GECOM that would have to come up with a plan and timeline for the elections. She did indicate to the House that on the matter of local government elections there was no specific allocation but provisions had been made including for the hiring of up to 12,000 temporary staff for such an election. According to Teixeira, GECOM has already stated that it is preparing a roadmap which will go to the commission and the commission will then make determination on when it is ready to commence, at which time the President would have to be informed She noted that “as far as I know, they have not reached
addition to greater use of technology. Members of the House were told that there is even provision in this year’s Budget for the installation of elevators at the High Court in Georgetown as well as the Sub-Registries at Suddie and Berbice. INFORM THE PUBLIC Wi t h t h e M i n i s t e r providing the House with a complete breakdown of new courts and other capital works to be had, Jones, the Opposition Chief Whip, complained to the Speaker of the National Assembly that his colleagues had only been given 600 seconds to scrutinise the figures and accused Minister Teixeira of seeking to drag out the time. She responded by reminding that the proceedings were being streamed live to the public and that they have a right to know, as such, “I will also use my prerogative to inform the public.” The House also learnt of
the “generosity” of the Ministry of Finance which handed a number of the constitutional agencies more monies than had been requested. Opposition Member Mahipaul indicated to the House that the figures, as presented by the minister, were confusing him. This, since in the allocations for salary there had been significant increases. Teixeira initially responded by pointing to the seven percent increase paid to workers last year that had to be sustained. Confronted with the fact that the increase had already been reflected in the revised amount, Minister Teixeira reminded the House that Constitutional Agencies receive their money in a block and that further it was out of the generosity of the Ministry that additional monies had been provided and as such additional staff could be hired if needed. “These are constitutional bodies and they receive a lump sum, when they get their lump sum they have the right,” according to Teixeira, under the relevant laws to realign money as the need arises and quipped “I hope the House would not begrudge the Human Rights Commission an additional $4M.” To this end, she was reminded that the Office of the Leader of the Opposition had requested an increase in budgetary allocations but generosity was not extended in this direction. At the end of the first session of the House’s Committee of Supply, the Budgetary Allocations for each of the Constitutional Agencies had been approved in the National Assembly. These include: Parliament Office, the Audit Office of Guyana, the Public and Police Service Commissions, the Teaching Service Commission, GECOM, the Supreme Court, Public Prosecutions, Office of the Ombudsman, the Public Service Appellate Tr i b u n a l , t h e E t h n i c Relations Commission, the Judicial Service Commission, the Rights Commissions of Guyana and the Public Procurement Commission.
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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
Black History Month Notwithstanding its older roots, Black History Month is now observed and celebrated in February, in keeping with a standing United Nations declaration. It was overdue when first announced, it is fitting that this recognition is extended to those who are members of, or identify with, the global community of people with a proud African heritage. In Guyana, with its own significant segment of the national population, Black History Month is also observed and cheered and cherished, but it is noticeable for the attention (or lack thereof) that is afforded to it by those outside of the extended and diverse African or Black family. It would be proper for a quick dash to be made into the pages of history itself, to gather the years and centuries of the African experience, particularly in the New World, and to set the underpinnings of the thrust of this writing. Though no introduction is needed, the history of Black people in America, this region in its widest expanse, inclusive of Guyana, has been nothing less than harrowing and poignant in the pathos of a people reduced to the lowest human denominator, and made to suffer incomparable cruelties and brutalities under a succession of beastly masters, some foreign, some local, some from their own, some not from that last fold. Perhaps, the most telling irony of the piercing of people with African roots was and is that their captors and tormentors numbered heavily among those who held the Prince of Peace as the mainstay of their belief system and faith. A belief system that speaks refreshingly about the brotherhood of man, the fraternity that comes from genuine fellowship, and an ethos that was of nonviolence and love of neighbour as oneself. All that eroded, and were devoured, by the wanton and heinous covetousness that empowered, or made many a man and master feel entitled to a false sense of superiority, and hence the right to enslave as chattel, as beasts of burden, those who fell into their chaining grips. It is called mammon and the love for financial advantage on the backs of others considered less human. There was dehumanising at the beginning, which was later succeeded by its no less devilish blood relations, which are demonising, marginalising, and ostracising. In what must be the miracle of miracles, the guiding hand of divine providence, the enslaved African community survived, and as a testimony to their profound good faith and goodwill, they mostly adopted the said belief system of their persecutors. From this background, it is clear, there can be no doubt, not a speck of it, that the road of the Black population on this side of the map has been long and hard and horrendous. The Incas and Aztecs, perhaps more than most, can identify with the circumstances, the lot, the enduring fate of the Black community. Broad genocide was followed by homicide, which is largely unstilled. Given the historical array of such punishing facts and gruesome realities, more than a month of Black history is called for, demanded with increasing intensity. To begin with, there must be a broad and deep spread of appreciation for what Black people were compelled to submit to, and to endure for an eternity that has not truly ended with all the tentacles of oppression still not completely closed out at the roots. In Guyana, there is disconnection and contradiction regarding what has been the real contributions of this society’s Black presence. That is, the rich fullness of those contributions in all of their splendors and sacrifices, the vastness of their influences, and the many positives and the emphasised negatives taken together, and shaken with vigour so as to get to the bottom of what is real, what is imagined, what is exaggerated, and what is concocted. By no means should this be interpreted and possibly misconstrued as a search for the local identity of a people, but as a quest for the thoroughness of truths, if only to facilitate the segment of this society that joyfully asserts itself, to be graced with what is only their rightful due. They must neither be ignored nor disrespected, for they also have their rightful place at the national banquet table. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Tuesday February 08, 2022
Canada has a golden opportunity at Guyana Energy Conference to condemn corruption DEAR EDITOR The Canadian ambassador is one of the featured speakers at the inaugural Energy Conference & Expo to be held in Guyana from February 15th to 18th, 2022. This is a pivotal opportunity for the Canadian ambassador to state Canada’s commitment to companies needing to pay taxes irrespective of where they do business and using this event as a platform to remind the companies that irrespective of jurisdiction they operate in, they need to be moving towards the climate goal of Net Zero. And most importantly, Canada should uphold its reputation as a country that does not endorse or associate itself with corrupt practices. In 2021, Canada signed a global minimum tax agreement with 135 other countries. The agreement is targeted at multinationals such as Exxon to ensure they pay a minimum of 15% tax. The ambassador should be aware that Exxon, the main partner in Stabroek Block that contains 10+ billion barrels of oil, signed a contract which excludes Exxon from paying taxes. But, the Government of Guyana (GoG) writes a tax receipt for Exxon nonetheless. Most of the US$607 million that Guyana collected from the Stabroek Block since December 2019 is part of the 50/50 profit share. Given the paltry 2% royalty, we will assume the oil companies profit may
be US$550 million. If we apply the maximum tax rate of 40% for the three companies operating in the Stabroek Block, then that is potentially about US$220 million given by Guyana in tax receipts for taxes that were not paid. The ambassador should know that we the members of Oil & Gas Governance Network (www.oggn.org/about), which includes a number of Guyanese-Canadians, have repeatedly requested that the GoG release these tax receipts that it promised without any results. The ambassador can hear the promise to release the receipts from the GoG in June, 2021 during a Pan American Development Foundation event (PADF) at this link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=sd8oiNNQqXQ&t=2770s. It should raise red flags for the ambassador when companies receive tax receipts for taxes that they did not pay. The oil companies operating in the Stabroek Block have been flaring gas since they started pumping oil in December 2019, although the Environmental Permit they were issued did not allow flaring beyond the start-up period. We estimate that Exxon and its partners have emitted about 491,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (578 days x 850 tCO2e/day) via flaring. Given the ambassador once served as the Executive Director for Climate and Energy, he would know that we need all parties playing their part in achiev-
ing Net Zero emissions. Thus, having Western companies comply with proper environmental standards in their homeland but then turn around and break their commitments in other countries, that won’t get the world to Net Zero. We share one world. Guyana’s carbon dioxide emission problem is the world’s problem. Finally, the ambassador must be aware one of the sponsors of the Energy Conference is a Canadian company named JHI. It should be noted that the Guyanese media and Canadian media have raised questions about suspicious activities involving JHI. Allegedly, JHI is a company that didn’t have any prior experience in oil and gas exploration, yet it was awarded a portion of the Canje oil block in 2015. It was noted in the media on June 3rd, 2019 that JHI failed to submit audited financial statements and beneficial owners’ information for the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) review. When the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was investigating JHI for its “Crude Bargain” story, published on Dec 23rd, 2021, the JHI spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We’re a low-key company; we would appreciate it if you didn’t mention us at all”. But a few months later this lowkey company is a gold sponsor of a major oil event in Guyana. Why is the Canadian ambassador attending a con-
ference where one of the sponsors is allegedly suspected to be involved in corruption? Is it true Canada refused to have a Guyana presidential candidate come to Toronto because of suspicion of corruption? Hence, why is Canada attending an event sponsored by one of its companies that allegedly may have been involved in corruption? The Canadian ambassador should use the platform he is given at the Guyana Expo in mid-February to reinforce Canada’s commitment for global companies to pay taxes and that large oil and gas companies need to stop illegal flaring. The Exxon CEO is a featured speaker at the event thus it is a perfect opportunity for the ambassador to deliver a message that is heard by one of the oldest and largest oil companies in the world. Additionally, the ambassador should distance Canada from companies allegedly involved in suspicious activities such as JHI. The ambassador is well aware of his government’s involvement in the “SNC-Lavalin affair” and the damage in reputation that caused his government, thus, he wouldn’t want the Canadian press to be talking about a JHI affair. This event is a golden opportunity for Canada to condemn corruption. Regards Darshanand Khusial on behalf of OGGN, www.oggn.org
Lata Mangeshkar had huge impact on Guyanese music DEAR EDITOR, India’s legendary iconic singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday. Her remains were cremated hours later as is the norm in India. She was accorded a state funeral and two days of mourning. President Ali expressed public sympathy memorializing her influence globally. Lata had a huge impact on Guyanese musical entertainment. Almost every Indian Guyanese as well as so many non-Indians grew up being entertained by Lata’s countless songs. The legendary singer had given her voice to a plethora of movies, feelings, and occasions. She holds the Guinness record for most songs recorded – over 30K. She was the most popular Indian singer and was honoured with a state funeral and two days of national mourning. I was not fortunate to see Lata in Guyana and experience the excitement of her 1980 visit when the country was ripped with Lata-fever with a public holiday declared for
her visit and performance. But I was blessed to see her live in performance several times in New York and also watched her in concert when I visited India during countless trips. Thousands of Guyanese and other West Indians showed up at each of her concerts in America and did the same in Toronto and London. A few years back, she did say it was going to be her last performance in America attracting jam packed audiences. The beautiful unique melodious voice, whether in Guyana or in America or elsewhere, resonated and is remembered by Guyanese as well as Indians all over the diaspora. Lata had a kind of magnetic, charismatic attraction. She was irresistible to listen to and to watch in concert or an interview; it was like fans had to go and see her perform. She had sold out performances in America and Guyanese were in the thick of the crowds. She had a most enchanting, mesmerizing
voice. Lata had become not only the melodious nightingale of India but of the Indian diaspora and of so many other people who love Indian music and Bollywood filmi industry. She had so many fans in the former Soviet Union, China, and the Eastern bloc as I discovered in my trips to those countries. For decades, Lata dominated the film industry with her renditions. There was no Bollywood film without Lataji. She was the most sought after playback singer in films. She would have entertained no less than 1.5 billion people, including tens of millions of non-Indians all over Africa and Asia and Europe. And in Guyana, non-Indians also listened to Indian songs. During my college days, my African and St. Vincentian friends told me they used to watch Indian films and listened to Lata’s songs. It is not surprising therefore that media around the globe carried news of her passing and her state funeral that drew mammoth crowd in Mumbai. In speaking with IndoCaribbeans in New York, al-
most everyone said they watched the live coverage related to her passing, the movement of her body, and the cremation. Even teenagers are familiar with the name Lata Mangeshkar. Everyone had only positive things to say about Lata-ji. There was grief and sadness everywhere but also a celebration as her popular songs were belted out on Indian radio stations (Guyanese and South Asian) and as TV coverage played her songs during the moving funeral ceremonies. Growing up in Guyana, as a 1960s child (and the experience would have been the same for those born earlier and the 1970s and 1980s, we were fed a staples of songs of Lata, her sisters Asha and Usha, Mohamed Rafi, Kishore, Mukesh, Manna Dey, among other artistes. Lata was everyone’s favorite. The form of entertainment was music and movies (aside from sports). And there was no TV till the late 1980s to provide at home entertainment. So everyone turned to radio which was the mass (Continued on page 6)
Tuesday February 08, 2022
What is the intended purpose of the Atlantic Reader Series? DEAR EDITOR, I have read various letters from members of the public, mostly critical in nature and published in the newspapers about the content of the Atlantic Reader Series. I am left wondering about the intention of the Ministry of Education in creating these books; are they to help students develop better reading skills and improve their grammar and pronunciation and/ or to teach children about the cultures and religions of the various ethnic groups in Guyana? Are they to be used during the English Language/ Literacy period or to aid in the teaching of Social Studies? Due to the continued imposition of religion and favouring of the cultures of particular ethnic groups in the public school system, which is taxpayer funded and operate in a so-called secular state the Ministry of Education has created controversy for itself. An academic text to help young, impressionable students improve their English Language skills should focus on the ‘academic’ aspect of learning a language and present every day, ordinary situations such as going to the market, doing chores and playing with friends; situations that do not involve God(s), religious festivals and cultural practices of just one or two ethnic groups especially given that Guyana is a multicultural and multi-ethnic country that brands itself as a Land of Six Races. Editor, I believe that if the Ministry of Education (MoE) wants to teach children about religion and culture then it should prepare books about Guyana and her people where
the cultures and religions of all ethnic groups in Guyana are addressed and representatives from all ethnic groups who are knowledgeable about the culture and religion of that group should be consulted so as to avoid situations where persons may feel that their ethnic group has been marginalised. After reading the published criticisms I decided to look at one book, the Atlantic Reader Book One. It mentions praying, Easter, Christmas (religious aspect) and Phagwah. Does everyone pray and can all children relate to the religious aspect of Christmas? And what about children from other religions whose religious holidays are not mentioned and these children have not been taught about Jesus and Christianity by their parents? There is a commercial aspect to Christmas involving Santa Claus that most children can relate to and the flying of kites for Easter. Also, Phagwah is mentioned, did the MoE consult with any Hindu religious leader to get a proper understanding of this holiday? I have read criticisms about the description given in the book. And what about persons of Chinese ancestry, Muslims and Amerindians? Guyanese society is not homogeneous but diverse. Some of the criticisms from the various writers I do not agree with and I offer my own opinions. One writer feels that the children and elders are ‘deraced’, however, there are many ‘cartoon drawings’ of dark-skinned characters. And is the lack of Indian names for family members
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such as ‘ajee’ and ‘aja’ such a big deal? These terms are mostly used in IndoGuyanese homes and children are taught these Hindi names by their parents and other relatives. For an English Language text while it could have been included is it compulsory? Regarding the views about Mashramani, a national celebration being ‘vulgar’ with skimpily clad persons gyrating on each other while this may not be everyone’s cup of tea adults do have the democratic right to celebrate however they see fit including wearing skimpy clothing and ‘wining’. The concepts of modesty and vulgarity are very subjective and differ depending on the individual. If we recognise that there exists individuality then we recognise the right of persons to behave ‘immodestly’ as long as they are not breaking any laws in secular Guyana, do we actually have the authority to tell adults how to dress and not to ‘wine’ or gyrate in a sexually suggestive manner at a celebration that has a carnival like atmosphere? Parents on the other hand do have control over their children and have the authority to raise them however they see fit regarding morals, proper behaviour and conduct. I personally feel that the Mashramani celebrations offer a mixture of activities and the Ministry of Education does host a number of appropriate ‘Mash week’ activities targeting children that are (Continued on page 6)
Hiring practices DEAR EDITOR, The travails of Brian Flores, ex-head coach of the Miami Dolphins, an NFL team, have just begun, with a long road ahead of him. But like the groundbreaking Curt Flood suit in baseball, I think he is on to something that could also be pioneering. For black coaches in search of head coaching gig in the NFL, Mr. Flores lawsuit alleging discrimination in hiring practices by NFL teams, especially for head coaches could fall on rich soil in the realms of jurisprudence, with his legal battle going right up to the US Supreme Court for final adjudication. Editor, I bring up Coach Flores anguish and issue because there is acute and sweeping discrimination in employment flourishing here in Guyana. It is not in sport, but in the serious business of hiring, so that citizens can make an honest living, the serious business of governance, and the serious business of transformational leadership ethics. To be fair, there is a brutal history of such domestic discrimination; it is not merely alleged or imagined, but real. It happened during the Burnham era, and I know from experience. I know from hearing, observing, assessing, and concluding. I know from losing out inexplicably. That discrimination in the workplace, or to get into it, was one engine that powered migration. Now it returns in fearsome, sinister forms. In this Oil Age, the shoe has another foot, with the PPP/C Government, andFrom page 5 its leaders
(big dogs, fat cats, and lesser fishes), delivering dirty deeds that reek of discrimination. It is not just of race alone. The discrimination occurs because of perceived loyalties from record, public utterances, and physical appearance. If the candidate is of that configuration and complexion, unknown to us, not of the club, then he or she is not to be a trusted follower, because there could only be one association politically, which is with adversary. In this country, there is no mentality, no tolerance, for neutrality, independence, professionalism, objectivity, one is for or against. Thus, no chances are taken in recruiting a possible rogue employee, a political fifth columnist. Now I roll up sleeves and cut through the official smog that obscures these discriminatory practices. Advertisements are a trick or treat exercise to the farce of an already done deal. The experiences of highly qualified applicants for public sector jobs stand and speak powerfully. I know some people, hear their dismay. Coach Flores exposed that nude canvas in the cathedral that is the NFL and America’s judicial system. Applications are fixed, prearranged, and preselected. Interviews function as formal exercises in fairness and equitable treatment when they are nothing but going through the motions for the record. As for the records, this is where reality surrenders before official and political rogueries. The scoring sheets are
marked crookedly, with the blatantly subjective flying in the face of truths, facts, and accuracy. Editor, in this modern era of resume refining, interview coaching, and personal polishing and preparing, we are sold this piranha in a purse and assured that it is a parrot that speaks truth. It is where outstanding candidates (of a certain stripe) did so poorly in interviews that outstanding credentials don’t matter, where even those are degraded, allowing lesser fry to trump them repeatedly in the competition for public service spots. It is a case of doctoring paper, so that weaker applicants emerge successful. And all this occurs under banners of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination standards. What is hidden now will see light in this likely farreaching suit brought by Coach Flores against the NFL. America will look smaller for it, Rooney rule notwithstanding, pious pontification also. Guyana will have no such richness, for this is a land with leaders (and people) who talk high, but live in the lowest of the low. I know that, too. Sincerely, GHK Lall
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Tuesday February 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
Something just does not ring right DEAR EDITOR Something does not ring right. The head is removed for perceived alliance with an opposition party (SN Feb 6) to be replaced by someone known to be aligned and associated with the party in power. How transparent is that? Further the removed head is suddenly
found not ‘our most high ranking candidate’ (KN Feb 6) following an interview process. How is that possible, having been at the helm of the organisation from its inception? Something just does not ring right. Regards Shamshun Mohamed
THE NIGHTINGALE
BYHAIMNAUTH CECILRAMKIRATH The Nightingale has flown back to that shining realm from whence she came, but her voice in this world will remain, as long as the clouds drench the land with rain,
and the moon watches over the silent night. In ten thousand years the Earth will perchance hear another voice, but not her matchless melodies that soothe the heart with such delight.
Lata Mangeshkar had... From page 4 form of entertainment. Guyana’s radio stations provided limited time for Indian music. So we tuned in to Radio Radhika, and Radio Paramaribo for Indian music. There was so much of Lata’s songs on the air that we got to know them by heart. During the 1960s and after, there were music devices (juke box, tape recorder, stereo, etc.). to play songs on record and tape. Lata’s songs were very popular at Indian weddings (Hindu, Muslim, and Christian). Her rendition of the Indian national anthem was also well received and the youths in my village memorized it. Bollywood music united Indians not only in Guyana but Indians all over the diaspora. It served as a bond
and Lata was at the center – connecting the diaspora. Lata inundated the world with different types of songs. And Guyanese as well as Trini artistes have done remix renditions of some of her songs or their tunes that are extremely popular. As Guyanese Ashook Ramsaran, President of Indian Diaspora Council said in New York, Lata’s singing spanned the spectrum of emotions (sad, happy, patriotic, nationalistic) and she connected the diaspora with Mother India”. Lata visited several diaspora countries in Africa, Fiji, Caribbean, North America, Mauritius, and more. And who forgot that 1980 reception from Timehri to Georgetown and elsewhere. Lata-ji said she had never seen such
huge crowds outside of India. On a Guyana connection, some twenty five years, the late Ramesh Kalicharran informed me he contracted Lata-Didi to record a song on Indian indentureship. It was supposed to be the background song of a film on indentureship the script of which was written but the film was not done. Kali reminded me of that unfinished project just weeks before his fatal heart attack. It is amazing that grandchildren and great grands born of Guyanese parents are familiar with the name Lata and fond of her songs. She will remain in our thoughts whenever her songs are played or sung. Yours, Sincerely Vishnu Bisram
Lata Mangeshkar in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, With the passing of Lata Mangeshkar, I would like to share some personal reflections on the departed iconic artiste. I was in New York in 1980 when I heard she would be coming to Guyana later in the year on October 1st. I immediately booked a ticket to see her not only because I wanted to listen to her in person, but because of what she represented to my family back in Guyana. For my generation from the 50s and 60s, Lata was the voice that soothed us as babies with the song “Ayega, ane wale, ayega” (Those who want to come will come.). Made you fall in love at ten with Sara Bhanu with her (Lataji’s) “Ehesaan Tera hoga…” (I would be indebted to you if you let me tell you what my heart desires), woo girls as a teenager with “Jhilmil sitaron ka aangan hoga” (There’ll be shining stars over our courtyard), be the background of maudlin homesickness in my college days at Brooklyn College in my 20s with “Ai mere Dil-e-nadaan (Oh my innocent heart) and make me request that her ren-
dition of the medieval poet Meera Bai’s “Payoji Maine, Ram Ratan Dhan payo” be played at my funeral. In 1967, when both Mohamed Rafi (my favourite male singer) and Mukesh both visited Guyana, as a poor schoolboy I could not afford to pay the entrance fee to their shows at the local cinemas and only glimpsed them from afar. I’ve never forgotten the intensity of my disappointment and was determined not to let my music-besotted family in “hard-guava-season” Guyana experience the same with Lata. I flew in on Sept 28, Lata’s birthday, when she was performing in Trinidad and bought more than a dozen tickets for her show at the National Park (not the National Culture Center). We sat in the front row and could see her pleasure at the reaction of her doting fans. At one point, she remarked that she could not understand how we could react so knowingly to the nuances of her renditions when we couldn’t understand Hindi. Earlier, as was recorded her manager, she and her
troupe were puzzled when a band played the song “Gumnaam hai koi” (It’s someone anonymous) in welcoming her while being presented with the key to the city by then Mayor Cecil D. Persaud. But even though the Indian movies with subtitles translated the songs, it was not the words that touched us; it was the sentiments evoked by the music and her voice, which was an unparalleled instrument. The closest analogy is western audiences reacting to Opera when they do not understand German, French or Italian: you apprehend the world emotionally and directly, unmediated joy “words” but through sounds. “Mass excitement” hardly describe the reaction of the Guyanese fans after Lata touched down here: it was more like “mass hysteria”. It was amazing to see my mother, who was born the same year as Lata and her children enjoying the same artiste. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren did the same. Om Sadgati: may her atma/ soul be liberated. Sincerely, Ravi Dev
What is the intended purpose... From page 5 beautiful, culturally rich and diverse; modest and inclusive. I believe that these activities are usually broadcasted on television. Another criticism levied against the Reader was the depiction of a woman breastfeeding her child. I see absolutely nothing wrong with children seeing a woman breastfeeding her child, in fact, in Guyana especially in the rural parts not breast feeding one’s child but using a bottle is frown upon. The human body is normal and natural, there is nothing obscene about it. Children should learn about body parts and their functions; and learn to see it as normal, not everything is about sex. The female body is not just for sexual objectification and gratification but gives and nurture life. Also, the way the human form is viewed differs, what is art and beauty for some is porn for others depending on the culture; ideas about modesty of the human form is not concrete. I personally find nothing offensive about teaching or showing children human body parts in non-sexual situations as a part of academic learning. However, there are aspects to the Reader series that I feel invited criticisms be-
cause it was poorly prepared. The Reader failed at giving sufficient representation to children of all ethnic groups in Guyana and local dishes/ foods that are staples in most Guyanese homes that the majority of children in the public school system can relate to. However, regarding religious and cultural practices I feel that the great responsibility of passing down traditions and teachings on religious and cultural practices of particular ethnic groups in multicultural Guyana including ancestral languages fall primarily on the parents, other relatives, religious institutions if children are allowed to attend these and the community with of course the parents’ consent. The school system does facilitate students to some extent by hosting culture days, allowing culture/religious clubs and the hosting of concerts and other activities linked to particular religious and national holidays where children learn about the cultures of each other. Also, in some subjects such as Social Studies children do learn about Guyanese society and the various ethnic groups including their food, dress, culture and religious observances but the primary goal
of the public school should be the teaching of academic subjects, learning of skills and the rounded development of children through socialisation and extracurricular activities such as sports so that they can move on to higher education and/or gain employment to become economically independent individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. Editor, it is my opinion that the Series should not be recalled, this would be a waste of taxpayers’ money. Apart from the criticisms regarding the poor representation of culture and the various ethnic groups; names of Guyanese children and local food; the favouring of a particular religion and ethnic group etc., the texts as academic books would aid children in bettering their reading skills, spelling and grammar. The controversy surrounding the texts should be used as a learning experience for the MoE in the preparation of future text books for Guyanese children. Also, it should consider consulting with a more diverse group and really think about the purpose of the texts, subject area, audience, inclusivity and diversity. Yours faithfully, Narissa Deokarran
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday February 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
In seven months the PAB motor vehicle series was completed; a staggering development indeed. This, however, is likely to create an even greater problem.
Already our roads are congested, and with plans for only a few new roads, congestion is likely to remain a staple. Where are the visionaries? Where is the wisdom needed to properly guide the decisions taken in this land? Will we forever have many tiny, inferior roads overflowing with vehicles?
Come on leaders, if you are going to lead, do so in every sense of the word or do the decent thing and step aside.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 08, 2022
Man killed while trying to save friend from bullets A night out with friends ended tragically for a 24year-old clothes vendor, Carlos Waithe, who had his life snuffed out early yesterday morning while trying to save one of his friends from being gunned down by several men. Waithe, a resident of Norton and George Streets, Georgetown, was killed from a bullet to the head around 04:00hrs on Leopold Street. However, Kaieteur News has learnt that he was not the
one that the men wanted to kill; they were initially after his friend. Earlier that night, Waithe had left his home for a Sunday night hang with friends and was reportedly bar-hopping. Sometime around 01:00hrs he went home but subsequently left after another friend called him to share a few drinks at a popular bar located on Breda and Smyth Streets, not too far from his home. The decision to leave his (Continued on page 15)
Killed while trying to save his friend, Carlos Waithe.
Tuesday February 08, 2022
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Kaieteur News
The source of the confusion
The parliamentary representatives of the APNU+AFC do not represent half of the country. Neither do the parliamentary representatives of the PPP/C represent the other half. These representatives represent all of Guyana. One side may be the Opposition and the other side may form part of the government side of the House but they are not representatives of segments of the population. Having been elected, they are obligated to represent all Guyanese – those who voted for them and those who did not. The suggestion, therefore, that the failure during the recent debates of the government to accommodate representations of the APNU+AFC amounts to a rejection of half of the population, is miscomprehension and misrepresentation of the nature of representative democracy. A representative system of democracy is what it says it is – a system of representation. Since it is unwieldy for citizens to decide on every question concerning governance, citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf – to make decisions for the good of the commons. Representative democracy is the embodiment of what is known today as popular sovereignty. It is mediated through institutions, particularly through government and the legislature. When either a party or coalition is elected to parliament, that party or coalition
does not represent only those who cast ballots in its favour. It is supposed to represent the interests of the entire electorate. Similarly when a government is elected to office, it has to act in consideration of the interests of all sections of the society and not confine its actions to only the interests of those who voted for it. There is a difference between election and governance, in so far as elections in Guyana are concerned. When a person casts his or her ballot that person is making a choice as to whom he or she wishes to govern the country. But those chosen to govern do not govern for only those who vote for them; the government is a government by the people and for all of the people. When an election is ended, the government is a government of all of the people. And the Opposition is supposed to be an Opposition also for all of the people. To better understand this it is best to note the distinction between what Pitkin notes is the difference between “standing” for and “acting” for. While, therefore, the Opposition may ‘stand’ for the APNU+AFC, it must ‘act’ on behalf of all. Under Guyana’s electoral system, there are 25 geographic representatives. But this does not mean that an APNU+AFC supporter in any geographic region cannot ask a PPP/C geographic representative to represent his or her interests.
The APNU+AFC are expected to voice the concerns of both their supporters as well as that of the supporters of the PPP/C. The role of the Opposition in the National Assembly is to act as a counterpoint to government. The Opposition can either support or be critical of government policies – the latter being the most obvious. But it is also expected to offer alternative policies to the government. The role of the Opposition, regardless of whether or not the government subscribes to their views, is by no means peripheral. As has been said before, “the opposition’s role is to oppose the government, to criticise it and to seek to replace it.” If the government ignores the pleadings of the Opposition during the debates in the National Assembly, the Opposition’s presentations do not amount to exercise in futility. The pleadings will become part of the public record; the people will listen and judge sense from nonsense. The people will have another chance – barring rigged elections – to determine whether the Opposition should succeed the ruling party or parties in government. The confusion comes when those who are in Opposition are not interested in contributing to governance through their scrutiny of government and their offering of alternative suggestions. Instead many are more interested in ruling; they want to
Dem Boys Seh…
Peacemaker does end up de worse off! T
he Home Box Of fice Organization (HBO) Max gat a series named Peacemaker. De ratings good and dem thinking bout extending it tuh a second season. In Guyana, a peacemaker meet he Maker. He try fuh part a fight, according tuh some reports, and get fatally shoot. Is a sad, sad incident. It cause nuff ah dem bloggers fuh exclaim how dat is why dem don’t go and part no fight. You does end up de worse off. But if
people nah part fight or try to soothe a dispute, it could end up with de same result; somebody could get murder or seriously injured. Peace-making is better dan having to take somebody to de hospital. But too many times in Guyana, de peacemaker does end up de worse off. Dat is why some people does mind dem own business and people does call dem selfish. But with all dem knife and gun wah deh bout nowadays, people turning a blind eye to when people getting rob or in a fight. But if
everybody turn a blind eye we gan be living in a blind Kingdom. It mek dem boys remember how dem bin telling dem grandchildren de other day bout de time when dem boys intervene in a quarrel between two men in a rum shop. One ah de men had a shovel in he hand and swinging de shovel towards de other man and he say, “I gan knock yuh brains out.” It was at dat very moment dat dem boys got between de two men. Talk half. Leff half.
be in the seat of government and not on the Opposition benches and the obsession with ruling leads them to view the adversarial system of representative democracy as an
exercise in futility. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday February 08, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Two songs for my wife on our anniversary today Today marks 43 years I have been married to my soul-mate, Janet. When I look back on the memories I think of how unpredictable life is. I met my future wife in 1978, at the height of the anti-dictatorship struggle. I was deeply involved in the politics of the WPA at the time so my wife would have been introduced to several WPA persons. Two of them were her favourites – Brian Rodway and Nigel Westmaas. She also liked Bonita Bone-Harris who visited us at our student flat at the University of Toronto. She knew Tacuma Ogunseye well because of the frequent times she saw me with him. Life is a journey in which you take different steps in all kinds of directions. Brian is dead. I am not on speaking terms with Bonita and Nigel. How have I changed since I fell in love with Janet? How has my country changed since I got married on this day 43 years ago? When I met Janet, times were turbulent. People were resigned to the permanence
of Burnham’s dictatorship. From the time I befriended Janet, my life was intricately entangled with politics. From UG as a student to the trenches with the WPA, Janet bore up with the craziness of my life and the craziness of Guyana. It has been like that for 43 years. They say opposites attract. She was into science. I was into philosophy books and history. She was not in the least interested in politics. I was made for politics. We hardly had anything in common. But the same taste in music, poetry and literature and films drew us closer. It is funny how music can actually cement a relationship. Her definite preference in English music was Neil Diamond. In Indian music, she put Mohamed Rafi on top while I liked the nasal sound of Kishore Kumar. I liked Neil Diamond but he was not on top of my list. I went for Johnny Mathis who she put third on her list
after Karen Carpenter. While we were courting, the two songs below we enjoyed immensely and I thought back then and still think today that those two tunes deepened our relationship. Music can do that you know. Neil Diamond The Last Picasso Ah The last Picasso The last Picasso Was just acquired by some old museum And, Don Quixote Well, Don Quixote The old man’s rhyme has lost its reason Which only reminds me Have I remembered to say That without you this life of plenty Would seem so empty Ah, The last Picasso Oh, me and you Me oh me, oh me, oh me, oh me and you We, we can sigh Me, oh me, oh me, oh me we can sigh Hey Ah,
The last Picasso The last Picasso May gather dust amid the ruins And Don Quixote Well, Don Quixote may no longer Make his wishful tunes But I still have you And I will have you When everything else is done and gone with We’ll be like one with, the last Picasso Johnny Mathis – You and me against the World You and me against the world Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world; When all the others turn their back and walk away I can count on you to stay Remember when the circus came to town And you were frightened by the clown; Wasn’t it nice to be around someone that you knew Someone who was big
and strong and looking out for you; And me against the world Sometimes it Frederick Kissoon seems like you and me against the world; And for all the times you; And me against the world we’ve cried Sometimes it seems like I’ve always felt the odds you and me against the were on our side! world; And for all the times And when one of us is we’ve cried gone I’ve always felt the odds And one is left alone to were on our side! carry on Well then, remembering And when one of us is will have to do gone Our memories alone will And one is left alone to get us through; carry on Think about the days of Well then, remembering me and you will have to do You and me against the Our memories alone will world! get us through; Think about the days of Life can be a circus me and you They under-pay and You and me against the overwork us! And though we seldom world! (The views expressed in get our due this article are those of the When each day is a u t hor and do not through I bring my tired body necessarily reflect the home and look around for opinions of this newspaper.)
Tuesday February 08, 2022
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Tuesday February 08, 2022
After disastrous spill…
Fuel shortage forces Peru to temporarily lift suspension on oil company’s operations A shortage of fuel in Peru has caused Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA) to temporarily lift the suspension of the operations of Spanish oil company, Repsol, following the ecological disaster that was caused by an oil spill from one of the company’s refineries. However, the company will only be allowed to continue its operations for 10 days and under supervision from the OEFA. The oil spill occurred on January 15, 2022 at one of the La Pampilla refineries off the coast of Ventanilla in the region of Lima, Peru. It was reported that the spill was caused by shock waves from an undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean. At the time of the undersea eruption, Suezmax tanker, Mare Doricum, was offloading a shipment of Brazilian crude oil at one of La Pampilla refinery’s offshore mooring buoys, and as such, a quantity of the cargo was released. R e p s o l h a d underreported the quantity of crude that was spilled but later investigations by Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and E n f o r c e m e n t ( O E FA ) revealed that almost 12,000 barrels of oils was spilled – more than double the amount that was initially reported by the company. As a result of the devastating oil spill, several Peruvian officials had called for the oil company to compensate for what they described as an ‘ecological disaster’ that has occurred in Lima in recent times. P e r u ’s M i n i s t r y o f Environment (MINAM) in a statement had noted that the company’s operation will remain suspended until its contingency plan is modified and when the government is satisfied that there will be no more reoccurrence of an oil spill from Repsol. The first action that was taken by the Peruvian government was when a Specialised Prosecutor for Environmental Matters for Lima, Noroeste, approached the Peruvian court, seeking an order to prevent four Repsol executives from leaving the country. The prosecutor is said to be
Images from the aftermath of the oil spill. [Photo credits: Getty Images, AFP, and Reuters]
considering a criminal case against the company’s representatives and as such, had approached the district court to issue an order preventing the Repsol executives from leaving the country – in order to ensure that they will be available for any possible criminal proceedings. B a s e d o n t h e prosecutor’s submission to the court, Judge Romualdo Aguedo on Friday, January 28, 2022 granted the order to prevent the four executives from leaving the country. Peruvian media reported that Judge Aguedo imposed an 18-month ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru. Those that have been barred are refinery manager, Jaime Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, Renzo Alejandro Te j a d a M a c k e n z i e ; environmental manager, Gisela Cecilia Posadas Jhong, and production manager, José Gregorio Reyes Ruiz. It was reported that the lawyers for the Repsol executives did not appeal the decision and said that they will collaborate with the investigation. In taking additional steps, it was revealed that Peru’s Minister of the Environment, Rubén R a m i r e z , o n M o n d a y, January 31, 2022, announced that the government had taken the decision to suspend the company’s hydrocarbon loading and unloading
activities. In other words, it m e a n t t h a t R e p s o l ’s operation in the country was halted until it can substantially prove that another oil spill will not occur again in its waters. However, in an update shared on the Ministry’s Facebook page, the OEFA temporarily authorised the loading and unloading of hydrocarbons for 10 days at the Multibuoy Terminals 1 and 3 of the La Pampilla
Refinery. The release states, “…through Resolution No. 00018 -2022-OEFA/DSEM dated February 4, 2022, it has been authorised to authorise for a term of 10 calendar days and under supervision the hydrocarbon loading and unloading activities at the Multibuoy Terminals No. 1 and 3 of the La Pampilla Refinery.” To this end it was noted that based on the information
provided by the Vice Ministry of Hydrocarbons of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the suspension was temporarily lifted in order for Repsol to guarantee the supply of Turbo A1 and IFO/Marine Diesel/Bunker fuel. It should be noted that the La Pampilla Refinery, is the largest in Peru and supplies 40 percent of the Peruvian fuel market and accounts for 54 percent of the Andean country’s refining capacity. However, it was highlighted in the statement that the authorisation does not imply the lifting of the administrative measure to stop the loading and unloading activities of hydrocarbons or other products in the Multibuoy Terminals No. 1, 2 and 3, as well as in the Monobuoy Terminal T-4, of La Pampilla Refinery Moreover, OEFA noted that it will continue to carry out permanent supervision to verify compliance with the measures issued to La Pampilla Refinery, and will inform the public of their progress. This publication had reported that OEFA alleges that Repsol had not complied with orders related to the cleanup effort for these
areas, and the agency had issued an initial fine of $4.8 million. While speaking at a press conference, OEFA director, Miriam Alegria, is reported in Peruvian media stating that the agency believes Repsol had failed to reach the deadline to identify areas affected by the spill. As such, she noted that if it is determined that the order has not been followed, an additional “coercive fine” may be imposed on the oil giant and each further infraction comes with a potential monetary penalty. Repsol had said in a statement that it would “continue working to remedy the impact generated by the oil spill, deploying all our efforts and monitoring all activities by air to detect possible new affected areas.” H o w e v e r, M I N A M ’s attorney-at-law, Julio Cesar Guzman told Exitosa Noticias, that Repsol could face liabilities of up to $500 million in compensation for the effects of the spill. As the Government of Peru continues to take action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give Exxon permission to operate without full coverage insurance to cater to such a disastrous oil spill.
Over 300 turn up for medical outreach at Issano
Photos taken during the medical outreach hosted by the US Embassy’s Civil Affairs Team and the Guyana Medical relief. Six months of planning by the US Embassy’s Civil Affairs Team bore fruit last week Sunday after more than 300 residents from Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven, turned up for a medical outreach it hosted at Issano, along with the
Guyana Medical Relief. Speaking with Kaieteur News, the teams’ leader, Aaron Staton pointed out that the outreach would not have become a reality without coordinating with the Guyana Medical Relief, and the Region Seven
Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) office. Kaieteur News had accompanied the team
during trips it made to “geographically challenging” Region Seven (Continued on page 15)
Tuesday February 08, 2022
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$20.8B approved for Gas-to-Shore Project …as Prime Minister refuses to provide answers By Gary Eleazar Yesterday, government using its one-seat majority in the Committee of Supply considering the $552.9B Estimates of Expenditure for this year, approved $20.8B allocated for the much vaunted Gas- to-Shore project but at the end of the process parliamentarians and Guyanese were left none the wiser on the project, its source of funding—whether the oil revenues were being used—or even its scope. This, since Prime Minister, Mark Phillips was “woefully unprepared” for the line of questioning on what is Guyana’s single largest project in its history. He has since, committed to laying over the requested information on the project to the House at some point in the future and additionally, bluntly refused to provide any answers on whether the project was being funded using the Natural Resources Fund. Having told the House this is the year of the commencement of many mega projects in Guyana that fall under the Prime
provision for the laying over of information and what I am saying is that will be done.” To this end, he said it is clear that the Prime Minister is “woefully unprepared” for the questions. Coalition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson in her line of questioning for the Prime Minister acknowledged a slew of projects under the particular head—power generation—as such, she sought to find out which of the projects will be funded by the Natural Resource Fund. According to Phillips, however, “that is not a question for the Prime Minister.” It was at this point that Patterson reminded that during the course of the debate last week, a number of government speakers had said that during the Committee of Supply stage, the budgetary approval process, the opposition would be able to ascertain which particular projects are funded through the NRF. OIL MONEY To this end, he repeated the question, but on behalf of
Prime Minister Mark Phillips
surprised I am with the responses being provide by the Prime Minister of this nation” and asked whether he believed he was in contravention of the NRF Act by not providing the National Assembly with the required “information we are seeking.” According to Patterson, “it is obvious that the Prime Minister, aka superman, can’t fly here today” even as he sought to query what method of procurement will be used and what execution
“…this is the largest project in the history of this country and the people of this country deserve answers.” - PNC/R’s, Shurwayne Holder Minister, Shadow Minister with responsibility for the Oil and Gas Sector, the Alliance for Change’s David Patterson sought to illicit answers from the Prime Minister . According to the Prime Minister, the $20.8B was for phase one of the gas-fired electricity plant to be constructed at Wales. FUTURE Asking for the spending of the $20.8B to be disaggregated, such as what amounts would be used for land clearance and such like, Patterson was told bluntly, the disaggregation will be submitted to the House in future. As such, Patterson queried whether the Prime Minister is “saying to this assembly the $20.8B, the single largest in his portfolio, that he has no information to provide to this assembly” and was told that “there is a
the populace, whether the gas-to-shore project was being funded from the NRF. According to Prime Minister Phillips, “I already answered that any question pertaining to the NRF, I as Prime Minister, am not prepared to answer those questions” to which Patterson responded “I do hope the Guyanese people are listening.” Reminding that it has been stated that additional studies on the gas-to-power project have to be executed, Patterson sought to query whether these studies have been completed or whether they would be dealt with using the $20.8B. According to the Prime Minister, however, “in the interest of being accurate, I ask that the honourable member pose the question in writing.” Ferguson as such quipped, “I must say how
Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson
timelines are there for the $20.8B expenditure this year. Again, the Prime Minister refused to provide a direct answer telling the Members of Parliament instead, “at the opportune time, the House will be informed, this is not the time.” Patterson used the occasion to again point out that while the Prime Minister was in the House defending the $20.8B allocation, the money will be approved and the nation is none the wiser as to even the execution timelines. AMAILA ABSENT Having referenced the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project for which monies have been allocated to hire consultants, Prime Minister Phillips was asked to point to the allocations being made for that project since it could not be found by perusing the
document. Despite having his technical officers present to provide information, it was the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, who whispered the answer to the Prime Minister that it is a Build Own Operate Transfer Project (BOOT) and as such, the
capital works would not be included in the Budget. Recently elected Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform, Shurwayne Holder, at this point dismissed Prime Minister Phillips’ answers to the House as unacceptable, adding that “this is the largest project in the history of this country and the people of this country deserve answers.” When asked how the administration arrived at a
total project cost of $104B for the gas-to-shore power plant, the Prime Minister again committed to providing those answers at a later date but with expediency. During the Prime Minister’s defense of the allocations for his Ministry, another bone of contention was a $5B allocation, listed under the line item “other’ and for which there was no clear outline of the objective. (Continued on page 18)
Miner gets 38 years for raping woman
O
d i n g o Emmanuel, called ‘Dingo’, 48, a miner, was on Monday sentenced to serve 38 years behind bars for raping a woman after a ‘wake house visit’. Emmanuel was charged in June 2019 for the offence. On his first court appearance, he was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that he had sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent on August 10, 2018 at Imbaimadai Landing, Upper Mazaruni River, Region Seven. The accused was on trial in the Suddie High Court before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. In December 2021, a 12member jury found Emmanuel guilty of raping the woman and his sentencing was deferred. The State was represented by prosecutor, T i f f i n i Ly k e n , w h i l e Emmanuel was being represented by attorney-atlaw, Lachmi Dindayal. Before the sentencing was handed down, a probation report in favour of Emmanuel was presented to the court. The report stated that, according to residents
Jailed, Odingo Emmanuel. of Imbaimadai, when Emmanuel is under the influence of alcohol, he is known to commit such offences. In a plea of mitigation, Dindayal told the court that his client is a first time offender and can be rehabilitated. However, according to the report, Emmanuel maintained his innocence and showed no remorse for what he had done and the trauma he caused the victim. In handing down her ruling, Justice SewnarineBeharry took into consideration that the rape was premeditated, that Emmanuel had unprotected sex with the victim and that he could have exposed her to
S e x u a l l y Tr a n s m i t t e d Diseases (STDs) – she also c o n s i d e r e d t h e psychological trauma the accused put the victim through. Justice SewnarineBeharry sentenced Emmanuel to 38 years and five months imprisonment, and he is only eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 30 years. A c c o r d i n g t o information, the victim was at a friend’s wake. When the ‘wake’ was finished she was unable to find her reputed husband and she started to make checks for him. After her efforts proved to be futile, she saw the accused who advised her to check her reputed husband’s home, which is a short distance away. When she got to the home, the victim saw the front door slightly open. She went in and headed to the bedroom but subsequently heard a noise coming from the direction of the front door. As she headed to investigate the source of the noise, the victim was allegedly confronted by the accused. He reportedly threw her to the floor and had sexual intercourse with her.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 08, 2022
$263M to rehabilitate Essequibo Coast drainage pump - Engineer estimates The inoperable pump station at Cozier, Essequibo Coast
T
he rehabilitation of an inoperable drainage pump station at Cozier on the Essequibo Coast (Region 2), according to an engineer’s estimate, is expected to cost some $262,561,250 million. The Region Two Vice Chairman, Mr. Humace Oodit, told Kaieteur News that the present pump station has been inoperable for about 20 years. As a result of drainage issues many rice and cash crop farmers in that area have suffered considerable losses overtime. The project, which is slated to have a 12month duration, will see the installation of one 100 cubic metres per second pump and one generator which will be used to operate the pump, according to Oodit. He related too that, the pump will benefit approximately 200 farmers and other residents within the market area of the village, and will also provide drainage for about 7,000 acres of farm land. According to an invitation for bids, published in the Sunday edition of this newspaper, interested and eligible bidders
may inspect the bidding document and obtain further information from the procurement office of the NDIA during working hours. These documents will be available and can be uplifted from “the office of the NDIA, cashier’s cage, finance building at the Ministry of Agriculture on Regent and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown” upon payment. Bids must be addressed to “The Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance on Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown.” The tender, it was noted, must be deposited no later than 09:00hrs on February 22, 2022. Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders and representatives at the Office of N a t i o n a l P r o c u r e m e n t a n d Te n d e r Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 09:00hrs. It was also noted that late or incorrectly labelled bids will be rejected and returned to bidders unopened.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 08, 2022
Over 300 turn up for medical... From page 12 last year, in order to find a suitable place where many can have easy access to the medical services it wanted to provide. The team in speed boats rode the scary rapids of the Cuyuni and Mazaruni rivers, hiked the rough terrain of the steamy, hot jungle just to meet with residents and plan the outreach. After months of planning, the US team decided that the ideal location to host the outreach would be Issano located in Middle Mazaruni. Indeed, their pick was the right one and last week Sunday a team of 47 doctors, and other levels of health care workers travel to the village to volunteer their services. More than 300 residents from neighbouring villages and Issano flocked the community centre just to receive treatment for various illnesses they had. One of the residents, who attended the outreach, Kimberly Joseph, expressed her gratitude for having medical professionals visit her in her own village. Although there are health centres in these villages, many would have to travel miles, spending thousands of dollars on transportation just to get a proper medical check-up at the Bartica Regional Hospital or city hospitals. The villagers were able
to benefit from medical services such as dentistry, general medicine and optometry just a stone’s throw away from their home. Screening for cervical cancer and massage therapy were also conducted at the outreach. Apart from being attended to by the doctors, residents received free medicines for whatever illnesses they had and for those who had eyesight problems, they received free prescription reading glasses. Staton, the team leader, related that the common illness treated by the doctors that day were diabetes, hypertension, and malaria. Also, several tooth extractions that were done and cases of internal parasites, especially among children, were also catered to. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Region 7, Kenneth Williams said that he is pleased with the efforts made by the Guyana Medical Relief and the US Team to provide health care for Guyanese living in “these geographically challenging locations.” It should be noted, however, that this is not the first time that the American team has conducted a medical outreach in the country. During the first quarter of last year it had conducted a mega outreach in Region One where at least 2,500 people were seen.
Man killed while trying to... From page 8 home turned out to be a fatal one. While there, an argument broke out between the friend, who invited him, and several men. The verbal confrontation soon escalated and the men reportedly took out handguns to shoot the friend. Eyewitnesses described what followed as something “out of a movie scene”. His friend, according to reports, began to ran towards Leopold Street and the men gave chase firing several shots behind him. Police reported that Waithe decided to run behind the men saying, “y’all can’t shoot da man.” It was at this point, while trying to save his friend, that the men turned their attention to Waithe, firing several rounds in his
direction. Waithe reportedly fell to the ground and remain still while the shooters escaped. At the scene, shortly after 04:00hrs, many of the man’s friends were crying and still in disbelief. Waithe was lying face down and some of his friends were seen shaking him to see if he was still alive as they awaited a taxi to transport him to the hospital. The clothes vendor remained motionless even as he was being rushed to the hospital. According to police, he was taken to the Woodlands Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Up to press time yesterday, no one was arrested.
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Tuesday February 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
Minibus and Taxi driver. Tel:225-3234. Live meat birds to buy. Tel:219-2170 or 225-0480. 1-night guard to work at Hillfoot Soesdyke.Tel:6750587/219-2170. 1 handy man to do errands, shopping,maintenance of yard vaccination card required. Tel:226-2322.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Oneil Halley called “Lucky” of West Ruimveldt, Squatting Area, Georgetown, in relation to the murder of Martial Arts Sensei, Garfield Newton, 36 – a bodyguard attached to the Beharry Group of Companies. Newton was shot and killed during the course or furtherance of a robbery last Christmas Eve at Campbell Street, Albouystown. Darren Baley called ‘Fifty’, 25, a weeder of 3091 Recht-DoorZee, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and Judah Vickery, called ‘Culture’, 24, a taxi driver of Bella Dam, Pouderoyen Squatting Area, West Bank Demerara, are presently on remand for the said offence. The GPF is asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Halley to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on telephone numbers: 225-3650,
Wanted, Oneil Halley. 225-3061, 226-1326, 226-9914, 226-9977, 225-8196, 911 or the nearest police station. According to reports, Newton was shot dead during the course of a robbery around 22:00hrs on Christmas Eve night. According to police reports, moments before Newton was killed, he had visited a goldsmith in the Campbell Street area, where he collected a silver hand band, a gold chain and two gold rings, which he had taken
to be cleaned earlier. It was while heading back to his company’s vehicle, which was parked on Sussex Street that the fatal incident occurred. At the time of the incident, Newton was armed with a 9mm handgun along with 30 live rounds of ammunition. While making his way in a northerly direction, he was approached by Baley and others, who allegedly robbed and shot him to his chest, before relieving him of the firearm, which he was carrying. After committing the offence, Baley and others then escaped in a car which was being driven by Vickery. Kaieteur News had reported that the goldsmith told police that about five minutes after Newton left to go to his vehicle, a teenager came and informed him that the person (Newton) who came to collect the jewellery was shot and lying on the street.
Dead, Garfield Newton Immediately after hearing this, the goldsmith reportedly went out to the street and saw Newton lying motionless. Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned to the scene upon their arrival had pronounced Newton dead. An investigation was launched and police had arrested two suspects in relation to the murder. They later issued a wanted bulletin for a teen in relation to the said murder.
Motorcyclist dies after riding into
deep pothole Dave Taylor, a 23-year-old man of Laluni Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway died tragically on Saturday last, after he accidently rode VACANCY Crimson Bat Hotel,hiring a housekeeper.Send/Drop application to 633 Industrial Area,Linden.Contact:4442102. Vacancy exists for Water Delivery Driver and Porter for E.C.D.Tel:676-1363/692-6768. Cashiers & Supermarket helpers at Nirva Super Store. Apply in person,49 Sheriff & Craig St.Tel:227-5771. Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 2350 car/van licence.Call:6429823. Welder/Fabricator 18-35 yrs & trainee (preferable welding school experience). Tel:2223844. One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com.
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his motorcycle into a pothole along the Laluni Access Road. The accident took place around 22:30hrs while Taylor and his friend, his pillion rider at the time, were returning home from an outing. According to police, Taylor was speeding and had accidently rode into the pothole filled with water and lost control of his bike. Kaieteur News understands that the road was dark and Taylor reportedly did not know the pothole
Dead, Dave Taylor was deep. After riding into the hole
at high a rate of speed, both Taylor and his pillion rider were thrown from the motorcycle and landed onto the road. Both were severely injured and had to be picked up by persons passing who rushed them to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for treatment. Upon their arrival, doctors revealed that Taylor was already dead. As it relates to his injured friend, doctors placed him in an ambulance and he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further treatment.
Region 3 woman is latest COVID-19 fatality - 16 new infections recorded An unvaccinated 66-year-old woman from Region Three, who contracted COVID-19, has died. This is according to the Ministry of Health which reported that the woman died yesterday while receiving treatment at a medical facility. As a result of this, the country’s COVID19 death toll has moved to 1,182. Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded a massive decline in new infections, with just 16 recorded in the last 24-hour period, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 61,616. Last month, local health officials recorded a tremendous increase in cases just after the busy Christmas season ended. On many days, daily infections had even surpassed the 1,000 mark. The rise in cases was attributed to the easily transmissible new variant, Omicron. Further, the dashboard data shows that 17 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit; 111 people are in institutional isolation, 5,242 are in home isolation and 24 are in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 55,064 people have recovered from the virus.
Tuesday February 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 08, 2022
Auto dealer wanted for carjackings turns self in By Shervin Belgrave On Monday, Andrew Archibald, a prominent auto dealer and alleged leader of a carjacking gang, turned himself in to investigators of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Kaieteur News was able to confirm this development with the SOCU boss, Fazil Karimbaskh. He said that the wanted man walked into SOCU’s office with his lawyer and was being grilled by investigators. A wanted bulletin was issued for Archibald on January 20, 2022, mere days after SOCU investigators were able to locate two stolen cars at the R. Singh Workshop located at Montrose on the East Coast Demerara. One of the cars, a white Toyota Allion, was hijacked from a taxi driver, Steve Mootooveren at Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, by two armed men earlier in January. He was reportedly lured into the trap by a “beautiful young woman” who had hired his car from in front of the Giftland Mall located at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The second car,
Andrew Archibald has turned himself into police in connection with a series of carjacking. a Toyota Fielder wagon, was stolen on November 18 last year from Tyrone Pires, another taxi driver. Bandits had removed the car from in front of the man’s home located at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. After recovering both cars, investigators discovered that the criminal acts were carried out by a well organised gang that specialises in carjackings. It was discovered too that the gang is responsible for a number of carjackings that have been taking place across Region 4 in recent years. So far,
Ravin Singh, the owner of the workshop where the stolen cars were found, and Leon Lewis, who was positively identified as one of the hijackers, have been remanded for their involvement in the gang’s operations. SOCU investigators had revealed to Kaieteur News that more persons are involved in the gang’s operation but its alleged leader and mastermind was identified as Archibald. The gang makes its money by selling stolen cars and spare parts to unsuspecting customers. It had remained undetected for years because the sales agreement with the customers would always be legal. The gang was able to pull this off by purchasing crashed cars legally and then sending out its members to steal similar ones. They would then remake the stolen ones to look just like the crashed ones. This included welding on engine numbers from the crashed car onto the stolen ones and installing corresponding number plates. SOCU is confident that it will be able to dismantle this well-organised criminal group.
Canada trucker protest: Ottawa declares emergency (BBC NEWS) The mayor of Canada’s capital, Ottawa, has declared a state of emergency in response to more than a week of truckers’ protests against Covid restrictions. Jim Watson said the city was “losing this battle” and “completely out of control”. He added the protests posed a threat to residents’ safety. There have also been reports of racial attacks. Ottawa’s centre has been paralysed, with vehicles and tents blocking roads. The “Freedom Convoy” was sparked by the introduction last month of a new rule that all truckers must be vaccinated to cross the US-Canada
border, but the protests have morphed into broader challenges to Covid health restrictions. The protesters have since gathered in central Ottawa near Parliament Hill, and their demands have grown to include ending all such mandates nationwide and opposing the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Speaking to Canadian radio station CFRA, Mr Watson said the protesters were behaving increasingly “insensitively” by continuously “blaring horns and sirens, [setting off] fireworks and turning it into a party”. “Clearly, we are outnumbered and we are losing this battle,” he said, add-
ing: “This has to be reversed - we have to get our city back.” The mayor did not give specific details about what measures he might impose, but police said on Sunday that they would step up enforcement, including possible arrests of those seeking to aid the protesters by bringing them supplies like fuel, toilet paper and food. A state of emergency will give the city additional powers, including access to equipment required by frontline workers and emergency services. Many Ottawa residents have objected to the demonstrations.
$20.8B approved for Gas-to-Shore... From page 13 To this end, he told the House the government is “still to decide on what specifically this money will be used on.” According to Prime Minister Phillips, however, there is no need for concern, and drew reference to the initial Budget presentation where Dr. Singh mentioned that there is requirement for other cost of living measures to be provided. He told the House, the $5B being questioned is money there for ministerial intervention to help the most
vulnerable in our society. The Prime Minister qualified the opaqueness of its representation by pointing to the fact that the specific intervention measures to be had would be decided on through further consultations and as such refused to lay over any information to the MPs with regard that allocation. AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan contended that such interventions should have been met out of the contingency, provided for under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. Emphasising that
money was being allocated for which nothing has been identified, he questioned rhetorically why not $25B, and condemned the allocation by saying “this is wrong.” The observation was complemented with a heckle from Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul, who from the opposition benches said “you pilfering from the taxpayers.” By the end of the process, each allocation was approved but Guyanese are still to hear whether the gas-to-shore project is in fact being funded in part using the oil revenues.
Tuesday February 08, 2022
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Kaieteur News
CWI announces return of the West Indies Four-day Championship 2022 First-class red ball tournament bowls off on February 9 as teams compete for Headley Weekes Trophy ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the West Indies Championship 2022 will start tomorrow, Wednesday, February 9, marking the return of First-Class cricket in the region since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. CWI has unveiled the match schedule for the first two rounds of the West Indies Championship as part of a five-round tournament schedule for the six professional regional franchises. The West Indies Championship marks not only a return of the regional red ball competition, but also the opportunity for West Indian
players to stake their claim for selection to the West Indies Test squad for the forthcoming Apex Test Series between West Indies and England in March 2022. The first and second rounds will be played in Barbados and Trinidad from tomorrow, February 9 to Saturday, February 12; and from Tuesday, February 15 to Friday, February 18. The teams will again compete for the Headley Weekes Trophy named in honour of West Indies legends George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes. Defending champions, Barbados Pride who won the
last edition of the West Indies Championship in 2020, will face Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the first match at Kensington Oval; home team Trinidad and Tobago Red Force host Jamaica Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad; while the newly named Guyana Harpy Eagles face Windward Islands Volcanoes at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. In the second round, Barbados Pride face Jamaica Scorpions at Kensington Oval; Trinidad and Tobago Red Force take on Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy; and Guyana Harpy Eagles meet
Tuesday February 08, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your ability to concentrate will be enhanced today, Aries. If you have studying or detailed work to tend to, this will be an opportune time to get to it. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) It's time to get up and get moving, Taurus. If your job or home life leans toward the sedentary, your health can suffer if you don't engage in some physical activity. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It's a great day to explore your creativity, Gemini. This probably isn’t a new thing for you, since you’re artistic. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Taking the easy way out won't tempt you in the least today, Cancer. This isn’t to say that you usually favor this approach, by any means; yet it's safe to say that everyone is tempted from time to time. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Practicality and planning will work well for you today, Leo. It's a good time to take a long look at your financial situation. Are you where you want to be? Have you got plans in place for down the road? VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It's a super day to make decisions, Virgo. You can sit on the fence for a little too long when it comes to serious choices
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's a great day to set some of your ideas into motion, Libra. The courage you need to forge ahead is available to you with this day's planetary aspects. All you need to do is use it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A renewed sense of values and integrity may be present for you today, Scorpio. Connecting with this can be extremely uplifting, as it can put everything into perspective for you. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Settling a dispute may be on your agenda today, Sagittarius. You may find yourself getting caught smack in the middle of the stew if you aren’t careful. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You're likely to be feeling pretty energetic today, Capricorn, making it an opportune time to do some much-needed cleaning and organizing. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) See about getting as active as possible today, Aquarius. This could really give your overall health a boost, especially if you've been sedentary lately. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Good decision making will be a prominent asset today, Pisces. It's an excellent time to make a list of things that you’ve either put off or haven't been able to settle on.
Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Queen’s Park Oval. The last three rounds of the West Indies Championship are scheduled to be contested in May. For the 2022 tournament, each squad will consist of fifteen players due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CWI is also implementing a special “player loan” system to try to ensure that each team will be able to complete their fixtures. If a team has a player(s) ruled out due to a positive COVID-19 result, they can request to use a player(s) from another team and/or from a pool of locally registered reserve players. Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI, commented on how the West Indies Championship is a critical part of CWI’s professional cricket calendar. Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket also welcomed the return of four-day format. “Following detailed planning over the past six months, we are delighted to finally an-
nounce the return of the West Indies Championship. This is exciting news as we know the teams have been putting in hours of hard work in the nets, patiently waiting for the matches to be confirmed and are looking forward to being back on the field and entertaining their fans. These upcoming matches are especially crucial as we host England in the Apex Test Series in March, so the ‘Championship’ will be the ideal preparation for our Test players as well,” Grave said. Adams said: “I am pleased to see the re-introduction of regional four-day cricket for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. This competition plays a critical role in our player-development pathway and, after almost two years, we are delighted to have our regional players back playing competitively in this format.” LIVE ball-by-ball scoring
of each game will be available through the www.windiescricket.com match centre. CWI will be streaming each of the matches with commentary via the Windies cricket YouTube channels. The Championship will also be streamed live in India on FanCode, as part of CWI’s partnership with the Indian broadcaster. Match Schedule Round 1 – February 9-12 Barbados Pride v Leeward Island Hurricanes at Kensington Oval Windward Islands Volcanoes v Guyana Harpy Eagles at Queen’s Park Oval Trinidad and Tobago Red Force v Jamaica Scorpions at Brian Lara Cricket Academy Round 2 – February 15-18 Barbados Pride v Jamaica Scorpions at Kensington Oval Guyana Harpy Eagles v Leeward Island Hurricanes at Queen’s Park Oval Trinidad and Tobago Red Force v Windward Islands Volcanoes at Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
ABSAA Inc... From page 20 football players who have the potential, good grades and meet the criteria of the football programs in the US or any other North American or European countries, to have a trial run. Bunbury added that he is passionate about the development of football players and it brings him tremendous joy to be able be to assistance to young men and women in Guyana. Kellman’s airfare was donated by another sporting enthusiast who would like to wish him the very best.
E’bo Cricket... From page 22 opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romesh Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, ShermanAustin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall and Cricket Equipment Guyana. More distribution will be done as soon as the gear is available. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-6640896. (Sean Devers)
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Elroy Stephney says he is honoured to be on national selection panel - Also thrilled as ECB VP
“It is indeed an honour to serve in the capacity as a selector. It is quite a challenging role but I am confident and committed to performing my task without fear and favour.” These were some of the words from former Essequibo skipper and batting all-rounder Elroy Stephney who had his initial sitting as a national selector recently. He was one of the four selectors of the Guyana Cricket Board to name a squad for the forthcoming regional four-day tournament. Sitting alongside Chief selector Ramnaresh Sarwan, Albert Smith and Peter Persaud was very special and memorable for the incumbent Vice-President of Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB). “We had consensus in the selection of the national team which indeed being made with a blend of youth and experience,” Stephney related. Asked if he was confident and upbeat of the side making an impression in this year’s outing, Stephney expressed immense confidence. “I’m confident the team will do well this year despite the pandemic. I am backing the senior guys to take on the responsibility and lead from the front including our captain Leon Johnson, Shimron Hetmyer and vice-captain
Tuesday February 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
Elroy Stephney Keemo Paul,” the left-handed batsman Stephney whose younger brother Marvin represented Guyana at the youth level. In addition to that Stephney mentioned Guyana would have done exceptionally for a long period winning five consecutive championships which resonated well ahead of the 2022 campaign and that should be used as a psychological advantage. “We have done excellent for a long period of time at this level and so these guys have what it takes to replicate those outstanding performances since some of them would have featured at the highest level as well,” Stephney declared. Preparations were very intense according to Stephney as Guyana Harpy Eagles had several practice matches and Stephney believes head coach Eusan
Crandon along with his assistant Ryan Hercules had put in a lot of work for this crucial assignment. “I am also impressed with Crandon and Hercules who were able to motivate and keep the guys very close and united. Having said all of that, the scores in the trials that I witnessed were meagre but I hope that our batters will ensure they make the necessary adjustment to occupy the crease for longer periods and get big first innings totals,” he stated. Meanwhile, Stephney also took the opportunity to talk about his ecstasy having been elected vice-president of the ECB. “Definitely, I am thrilled to be working with a very dynamic, enthusiastic and dedicated bunch of persons; they are very creative and receptive of ideas that I foresee will advance the development of cricket in the County,” Stephney commented. He further said that under the leadership of newly elected president Deleep Singh, he is also optimistic that cricket is in the right direction. “I am appealing on stakeholders to join with us and contribute in any way that will drive the process forward and to support a movement that is going in the right direction,” a proud Stephney disclosed.
ABSAA Inc. secures Kansas City tryout for Kellman Alex Bunbury Sport and Academic Academy (ABSAA) is pleased that their venture to support the development of young football players in Guyana by securing professional tryouts overseas, has come to fruition. National footballer Curtez Kellman was recently invited by Sporting Kansas City II of Major League Soccer Next Pro to join the club for a trial in the United States. This move also assists athletes to gain experience from the first world training regimen. According to the invitation sent by the club, Kellman’s stint will run from February 6 – 25. A trial is imperative to the club’s decision making process and at the end of the period, together with the Major League Soc-
Curtez Kellman cer Next Pro office, the club shall decide on whether or not to offer him a professional soccer contract with Sporting Kansas City II. Kellman is a 23-year old Golden Jaguars player, former Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and current Western Tigers FC Defensive
Midfielder, who also played two years of college football at Eastern Florida State College and Daytona State College. He has arrived in the US and will be settling in with Alex Bunbury’s son, Mataeo. The young Bunbury is also training on the Kansas City II team. The Guyanese-born Canadian Hall of Famer, Alex Bunbury, said ABSAA is continuing its mandate by selecting (Continued on page 19)
GAPLF Novices C/Ships set for February 13 The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) will run off its Novices/Juniors/Sub-juniors Powerlifting Championships on Sunday 13th February at the St. Stanislaus College Auditorium. These Championships, which commence the GAPLF’s calendar of events for the year, will have a prompt start at 09:00 hrs. Athletes are asked to present themselves for weigh-in and equipment check between 06:30 hrs and 08:00 hrs. The Novices gives athletes an opportunity to showcase their ‘lifting’ abilities as first-time competitors. The Juniors/Sub-juniors Category allows the younger athletes, who are not necessarily firsttimers, to compete on the ‘big’ stage. This year’s Championship will not be short of excitement and expectations as these athletes will spare no effort to catch the judges’ and selectors’ attention for future competitions. Information reaching the competition coordinators suggests that all gyms that participated at the recently held Senior Nationals will be represented at these Championships in the persons of the younger athletes. Powerhouse gyms such as Roy’s Gym from Essequibo, Hard-Core Gym from Berbice, Exodus Gym from Georgetown and Life Gym from the East Coast of Demerara have all signaled their intention to participate. Importantly also, the GAPLF has shortlisted ath-
Asaad Abdool
Tony Lorenzo Ferrara
letes for international duties for 2022. These athletes would have all achieved qualifying standards/totals at Senior Nationals 2021 for their respective category and weight divisions. Further, a provisional list of athletes that are yet to meet qualifying totals have been developed. These athletes have another opportunity by Intermediates 2022 to qualify themselves. Importantly, athletes that are shortlisted for ‘national’ duties and are desirous of representing Guyana will be encouraged to subject themselves to some form of drugtesting protocol administered by the relevant authorities before team selection is finalised. Drug testing of athletes across all disciplines are now taking centre-stage and the GAPLF will not be left behind in the Government’s quest to aid the governing body World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) in achieving its objective of a level playing field
for all athletes. Below are lifters who are qualified to represent Guyana at International events: Arjun Roopnarine: 105kg Men’s Master 1 Raw, 570.0 Bjorn Williams: 105kg Men’s Open Raw, 677.5 Dominic Tyrrell: 74kg Men’s Open Raw, 610.0 Fazim Abdool: 120kg Men’s Open EQ, 790.0 Frank Tucker: 105kg Men’s Master 3 EQ, 502.5 Hardat Tarson: 83kg Men’s Open EQ, 762.5 Homwattie Hirawan: 76kg Women’s Master 1 Raw, 272.5 Keisha Abrigo: 69kg Women’s Open Raw, 405.0 Marlon Wilson: 93kg Men’s Master 1 Raw, 602.5 Nadina Taharally: 76kg Women’s Master 1 Raw, Women’s Open Raw, 395.0 Romario Gonsalves: 66kg Men’s Open Raw, 597.5 Romeo Hunter: 74kg Men’s Open Raw, 570.0 Shammah Noel: 83kg Men’s Open Raw, 605.0 Vijai Rahim: 74kg Men’s Open Raw, 712.5
Tuesday February 08, 2022
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Kaieteur News
Regional Boxing Associations calling on Guyana to host Caribbean C’ships
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he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president, Steve Ninvalle, is receiving calls from a number of his equals from around the Region, for the Land of Many Waters to host this year’s Caribbean Boxing Championships. The competition, described as an important pillar for the development of the sport in the Caribbean, has not been held since 2019 when it was last hosted in Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana played host to the prestigious boxing event in 2015 and 2018 and it is against this backdrop that David ‘Shakes’ Christopher, president of the St Lucia Boxing Association, believes that the GBA should be the host for this year’s event. Christopher is being supported by the presidents of Trinidad, Suriname and Grenada. “Mr Ninvalle already has the blueprint, the know-how and the experience and I think that other presidents will endorse Guyana’s hosting of this event. So I’m calling on Mr Ninvalle to come out and salvage that tournament as the Caribbean needs to return with a bang to boxing,” Christopher said. With the Commonwealth Games and the
Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Continental being some of the top competitions this year, ‘Shakes’ believes it is important for the Caribbean Championships to be held this year. “The Caribbean Championship is our Olympics. We have to make sure that the entire event is something that we will be proud of. My personal belief is that Mr Ninvalle can make this happen. He has done it before. So at this point in time, I am throwing my hat behind the older and more experienced head,” Christopher explained. The St Lucian President added: “Our boxers are moving away from the sport and going into other ills and getting themselves involved in other activities that are not prudent to boxing. I think we need to get boxing back into the ring to save our sport.” According to Christopher, St Maarten was earmarked to host this year’s event but according to Christopher, the boxing authorities on the Island are facing some logistical and financial issues. This he said was ventilated on Sunday at a meeting of some Caribbean administrators. “Dominica was earmarked also but I don’t think they have the capacity to do
David Christopher – St Lucia Boxing Association president
such (host the Caribbean Championship). So we shouldn’t try to reinvent a tournament that we lost two years. This is where all the countries/Islands come together to showcase our development and elite boxers. That is where we get ranking for the Caribbean. So without that, it’s like we’re spinning top in mud; we wouldn’t get anywhere. So again I am calling out Guyana,” Christopher concluded. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Association (TTBA) Cecil Forde, also echoed Christopher’s call for the tournament to return to Guyana. Forde, one of the longestserving boxing administrators
in the region reasoned that it is only right that the return of the championship is placed in tried and trusted hands. “This is not a time for us to experiment. The Caribbean Championship is serious business. I support 100% placing this premier event in the hands of Mr Ninvalle and Guyana hosting the next Caribbean Championship,” Forde said. President of the Suriname Boxing Association Remy
Burke claimed that Guyana has remained a close ally and his country stands to benefit much if the tournament is held here. “We just have to drive over. So from a financial standpoint Guyana being the venue is beneficial to us as we can take a much larger team as against it being held anywhere else,” Burke said by telephone yesterday. Neil Roberts, the president of the Grenada Boxing Association believes that restarting the Championships is a priority for the region. “At the end of the day we want the championship to be held and not have excuses as to why it could not be held. It’s a foregone conclusion that my support is behind Guyana’s hosting as I personally know the level of organization and what to expect,” Roberts declared. Guyana’s position as the top Caribbean territory in Amateur boxing was also used as one of the reasons for the Caribbean Championships to be hosted once again where it all started, but more importantly, the country’s $3.2B allocations for sports in the National Budget. Meanwhile, in an invited
comment, Ninvalle said the GBA is “honoured that some of the Caribbean presidents view Guyana as the appropriate place to host the Caribbean Championships this year.” “I’m enthused about it. Personally, it shows how Guyana is viewed in the wider Caribbean as not just a producer of quality fighters but also for its organizing competence. The tournament is usually held in November or December so we have a month or two to make a final decision. However, I would go on record as saying that Guyana stands ready.” Guyana finished third at the 2019 Caribbean Boxing Championships after winning nine medals against a tough field of boxers in Trinidad and Tobago over four nights of competition at the National Cycling Centre (NCC) at Balmain, Couva. Trinidad and Tobago, which had a field of 25 boxers, are the new champions, while Barbados pipped Guyana by a single point to place second. Some 17 nations, including powerhouse Cuba, participated in the 2019 championships.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 08, 2022
‘Cricket gear for young & promising cricketers in Guyana’
E’bo Cricket Committees benefit from project Pomeroon, Wakenaam and Leguan Cricket Committees were the latest to benefit from the ‘Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana project. The three Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) Committees were recipients of one box of Red cricket balls each. Anil Beharry, one of the partners in this initiative, in his capacity as an Executive of the GCB, recently visited
Essequibo and met with representatives of the Committees. After discussions Beharry made a commitment to assist them with the balls. The balls, he emphasized, are to be used for the development of young cricketers. The balls were handed over to Delvin Austin of Pomeroon, Zaheer Mohamed of Wakenaam and Zaman Mustapha of Leguan.
They all praised the initiative and expressed gratitude while promising to promote young cricketers in their respective areas. Total cricket related items collected so far: $40,000 cash, two trophies, three cricket boots, twelve pairs of batting pads, fourteen bats, nine pairs of batting gloves and four cricket bags. To date, twenty-three young players from
Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon, Georgetown, the East Canje, East Coast, Berbice and Upper Corentyne area have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, nine bats, one pair of bowling shoes, six pairs of batting pads and six pairs of batting gloves. In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club benefited from a pair of stumps and bails and two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited
Zaman Mustapha of Leguan left and Anil Beharry from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees also received one box of red balls each. This project is a joint initiative by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry. Cricket related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to
young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent. Beharry and Das take this (Continued on page 19)
GTTA National Championships..
Van Lange makes light work of Wong brothers
By Calvin Chapman The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was a hive of activity on Sunday night as the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Senior National Championships continued with 15-year-old Jonathan Van Lange emerging the start of the day with two impressive wins in the men’s under-21 division and the men’s B Class finals. First, in the under-21 division, Van Lange; the crowd favourite, swept Colin Wong 4-0 (11-8, 11-3, 11-7 & 11-9) although the younger Wong showed tremendous heart in the contest. In the B Class final, Miguel was determined to do what his little brother couldn’t and got off to a flying start, as he won the first set 11-7 and he was well on his way to winning his second set after being up 10-6 but Van Lange, coached by National senior Shemar Britton, showed heart as he fought back to win that set 13-11. Wong wasn’t fazed and went more offensive in the third set, and that, couple with some loose shots from Van Lange allowed him to retake the lead with a 11-8 win in the third set. From the fourth set onwards, Van Lange, who turned 15 in December last, showed his superior mental fortitude and skill to dominate a composed Wong in three straight
Jonathan Van Lange. sets, 11-8, 11-7 and 11-8 to take the men’s B Class final. In the women’s final, Olympian Chelsea Edghill dethroned Natalie Cummings with a dominating 4-0 triumph, winning 11-2, 11-4, 11-4 and 11-7. The women’s under-21 final saw the mercurial Jasmine Billingy defeating Thuria Thomas 3-1 in a best-of-five matchup. Round one went to Thomas 15-13, but Billingy shook off the rust and battled her way to the next three rounds 11-3, 18-16 and 11-5 to be crowned the women’s U21 champion. In the C Class final, Ishaka Jackman; an avid Kobe Bryant fan, didnt demonstrate the ‘Mamba Mentality’ after falling to youngster Saalih Rahim despite winning the first two sets of the best of five handsomely. Rahim preserved and was rewarded as Jackman folded under the pressure and lost the next three sets.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 08, 2022
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Ovideo finishes on top at LGC tournament The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) continues to progress along their calendar of events for 2022 as they hosted yet another in-house golf tournament on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course. Despite the inclement weather that persisted over the weekend, a total of twenty participants were on hand to compete in the highly anticipated tournament. At the end of the day’s play, it was Miguel Ovideo who secured the overall title, while the in-form Patrick Prashad had settle for second and LGC President, Patanjilee Persaud, finished third. Ovideo (Hc18), copped the top spot with a Gross 89 and a Net 71 score, ahead of Prashad (Hc10) who ended with a Gross of 82 alongside Net 72 while Persaud (Hc12) accumulated a Gross of 86 coupled with a Net 74 score. For individual performances, Tom Watkins claimed the ‘Best Gross’ awarded with a figure of 81 while the Longest Drive was owned by Shanella London.
At the presentation c e r e m o n y, L G C Vi c e President, Paton George, disclosed that a total of thirty players initially registered but ten dropped out due to the weather having its way. George said, “It rained periodically throughout the tournament, but that makes for an interesting round of golf. The conditions are soggy and the ball wouldn’t go anywhere, you have to adjust to the conditions and play a strategic game, accept some higher scores knowing that it’s the field that is going to be affected and not just play, so you keep within your game and plod along.” Paton also related that because of the conditions, the eventual victor, Ovideo, was able to trudge along even though the scores were not normal because of the turf’s soggy conditions. The participants seemed to still have a great time even though the rain interrupted on several occasions. However, owing to the impeccable work done to the fairway, the drainage system
Miguel Ovideo (right) displays his winning incentive along with Patrick Prashad (centre) and Chet Bowling (left), who received Patanjilee Persaud prize on his behalf. effectively prevented the lodging of water. “It was difficult; we are going to have to do a little bit
of repairs on the fairway, so we will probably not have a tournament next week, at least not a sponsored
tournament. We are going to hold that off while we get the conditions back to pristine, but all-in-all it was a great
weekend and we look forward to another Covid compliant golf tournament,” George stated.
Momentum cycle road race set for Sunday The Momentum cycle road will kick off the new season on Sunday.
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he newly formed Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club will be hosting the Momentum cycle road race on Sunday. The race will pedal off at Carifesta Avenue at 07:30hrs and proceed to Mahaica Bridge before returning to the point origin for the finish. Cyclists will be required to use the old
road on their way up and the new while returning. 50 cyclists are expected to start the race which will kick start the new season, while all covid guidelines will be enforced. Cyclists are asked to be present at the starting point at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the race to facilitate the covid testing and registration.
The race will be contested in the open, junior, veterans and female categories and it is being sanctioned the Guyana Cycling Federation. Among cyclists set to take part are Christopher Griffith, Jamaul John, Mario Washington, Paul De Nobrega, Walter Grant-Stuart, Andre Green, Marcus Keiler, Abigail Spencer, Marica Dick, Alex Wong,
Aaron Newton, Briton John, Alex Mendez and Marlon Williams. This is the second event the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club has organised as they had successfully the staged the one Guyana race to Suriname ride last week. The race is being sponsored by Ray’s Auto Spare, International Import and Supply and Professional Key Shop.