Kaieteur News

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Guyana has NEWS received US$21M - Vice in oil royalties so far President AIETEUR

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Thursday Edition February 11, 2021 -Vol. 14 No. 05

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 89,280

New gas compressor ordered, to arrive by - ExxonMobil Rep. year end - Old one reaches Germany for diagnosis p.

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ExxonMobil in full speed - Mako-Uaru area considering fifth FPSO likely target - Hess p.

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Grieving family takes Puri man’s Menace gets 36 months slain bandit in casket shooter for stealing from to police station granted bail Nandy Park residents p.

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Man swept away Deportee who claimed he by wave while bought hotel from dead repairing boat owner, charged with fraud p.

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Boat captain, worker held as two bodies discovered; one still missing Trio missing after using Suriname backtrack p.3 crossing...

Hear how VP Jagdeo defends ExxonMobil not providing full coverage insurance to protect Guyana @ 11:00AM today on the Glenn Lall Show, Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil in full speed considering fifth FPSO

By Kemol King

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xxonMobil and its Stabroek block partners, Hess and CNOOC, are already considering their fifth production development in the Stabroek block, though they haven't even completed the field development plan (FDP) for their fourth intended development yet.

Moreover, the companies haven't brought the second and third developments on stream either.

This planned pace of development appears to be in-keeping with plans the company announced, to have five Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in the Stabroek block by 2026, and further

- Mako-Uaru area likely target - Hess potential considerations for as many as 10 FPSOs in an undetermined period.

Discussing plans during Hess Corporation's 2020 Q4 earnings call on January 27, Chief Operating Officer Gregory Hill said “Mako-2, which will be drilled later this year, could move the Mako Uaru area forward in the development queue.”

Mako-1 and Uaru were ExxonMobil's 15th and 16th discoveries in the Stabroek block. ExxonMobil encountered approximately 164 feet (50 meters) of a high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir at Mako l a t e 2 0 1 9 , a n d approximately 94 feet (29

meters) of high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoir at Uaru early in January of the following year.

ExxonMobil had said that Uaru would be incremental to the resource estimate, but it is unclear whether by referring jointly to “Mako Uaru”, Hill meant that it could be a joint development as has been done with Payara.

ExxonMobil had integrated the Pacora-1 well – ExxonMobil's seventh discovery in the Stabroek block – into Payara. The Payara development is actually the Payara-Pacora development.

Hill said in January, that

the drilling of the Mako-2 appraisal well will follow the drilling of the Yellowtail-2 appraisal well with the Noble Don Taylor drillship.

Yellowtail-1 is in the queue as the fourth intended development.

Asked by Barclays Capital analyst, Jeanine Wai, what puts Mako ahead of other potential development areas, Hill indicated that the decision would be ultimately confirmed by the results of the appraisal well.

“So, we know that the reservoir quality and the crude quality are going to be very high in that region,” Hill said. “So, that's why it will move up further in the

Kwakwani woman is country's 182nd COVID-19 fatality

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n 82-year-old woman, from Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), has been recorded as the most recent COVID-19 death.

Regional Health officials in Linden, Region 10, confirmed yesterday that the woman died at her home in

- 51 new cases recorded Kwakwani, but was later administered a swab test when her body arrived in Linden.

The test later revealed a positive result for COVID19. As a result, the Ministry of Health (MoH) reported

that the fatality in Region 10 has taken the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 182.

The MoH also expressed sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased and said that it will make every

effort to provide all the necessary support to render any assistance needed.

In the interim, the MoH recorded a total of 51 new cases of the disease. The figure has taken Guyana's overall confirmed cases to 8,092.

According to a (continued on page 16)

Chief Operating Officer at Hess Corporation, Gregory Hill.

(Photo: Hart Energy)

queue because if it's what we think it is, that will be very high value barrels that we'll want to move forward.”

The Stabroek block coventurers, according to Hill, anticipate that Mako's results would place it “in between Yellowtail and Liza-2.”

Liza-2 is one of the best projects in the industry, Hess' Chief Financial Officer, John Rielly, had said last year, due to its worldclass estimated breakeven price of US$25 per barrel.

Yellowtail-1 is likely to prove itself close in profitability to Liza-2, somewhere between US$25US$32 per barrel.

ExxonMobil is the operator of the Stabroek block with a 45 percent

interest, while Hess has 30 percent and CNOOC has 25 percent. Exxon has been producing oil at Liza Phase One since December 2019.

Liza Phase Two and Payara are expected to come on stream in 2022 and 2024.

Chief Executive Officer at Hess, John Hess, had indicated that Yellowtail is the most likely target for the fourth development. Hill said that the partners anticipate the submission of a FDP for that project by the end of 2021.

While ExxonMobil said its production target for five FPSOs is 750,000 barrels per day, Kaieteur News has projected that production would far exceed that, with a likelihood of one million barrels of oil per day.

CLARIFICATION

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his publication on Tu e s d a y l a s t , published an article headlined, “Govt. engineers will be fired for sloppy project estimates – Minister Edghill.”

However, that article, which quoted Minister of Public Wo r k s , J u a n E d g h i l l , contained some inaccuracies.

Minister Edghill in pointing out the inaccuracies, revealed that engineers will not be sent home for sloppy project estimates since, “An estimate will always remain what it is, a price forecast based upon a design; hence, it would be irresponsible for actions to be taken to send home Engineers for inaccurate or sloppy project estimates as was reported.”

According to the Minister, “What was said to the reporter, based upon the

Auditor General's report as it relates to overpayment, any Engineer or Superintendent of Works who signs off and facilitates payment to a contractor for works not done, thus leading to an overpayment will be fired.”

He also noted that works must be measured and approved before contractors are paid, and pointed out that the situation of an overpayment can only occur when the contract is awarded and work is being measured.

“The idea was for it to be understood, the importance of getting value for taxpayers' dollars and not abuse by releasing payments for works not done, or yet to be completed.”

F o r t h e misrepresentation of the Minister's remarks, Kaieteur News hereby issues an apology.

Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Trio missing after using Suriname backtrack crossing...

Boat captain, worker held as two bodies found; one still missing

By Malisa Playter-Harry

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uthorities in neighbouring Suriname, acting on information provided to them by their Guyanese counterpart, have detained the boat captain accused of abandoning three Guyanese on a sandbank in t h e C o r e n t y n e R i v e r.

Sources close to the investigation divulged that the boat captain and a man that works with him turned themselves into authorities in the Dutch country. They were subsequently detained, and are being questioned by Dutch police, as they try to piece together details to determine how the three persons were left in the waters.

Sherida Hussein, 48, of Pilot Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice; Alwin Joseph of No.65 Village and Babuni Harihar, 75, were reportedly dropped off on a sandbank in Corentyne waters around 02:00 hrs. Tuesday.

The trio had boarded the boat in Nickerie, Suriname.

However, although they had gotten close to home, they never made it back to their relatives here.

Police confirmed yesterday that two bodies have since been recovered.

They have been identified as Alwin Joseph and Babuni Harihar.

Kaieteur News was informed that sometime around 06:00 and 06:30 hrs., a fisherman by the name of Ramdial Lakeraj of Middle Dam, No.65 Village, Upper Corentyne, and his son, Danraj Lakeraj, stumbled upon the body of a male on the No.60 foreshore. They made contact with the police, who arrived at the scene shortly after. The police are said to have examined the body but no marks of violence were noticed. The body was subsequently identified as Alwin Joseph by a family friend.

“Abay na see no marks of violence but we na cudda go close, the police na want we go close. Dem find he body at 60 side on the shore, he had on a blue soldier vest and a short trunks and he na had nothing more,” Afeek Ali, one of Joseph's friends, told this publication.

Dead: Babuni Harihar

Just about two hours later, the police were again summoned to a location at No.70 Village by another fisherman of Lot 181, No.70 Village, Upper Corentyne.

He had reported that he discovered the body of a female lying in a clump of bushes along the beach shore.

The hands and feet of the body were peeled, and based on an 'on the spot' examination by authorities who arrived at the location, there were no visible marks of violence on that body as well. Police however stated that a black and white Adidas haversack was found not far from the body. The bag,

Still missing: Sherida Hussein

Dead: Alwin Joseph

police said, contained a quantity of clothing and a Guyana ID with the name Sookranie Harry.

Also just about 400 m e t e r s away, a black travelling bag and a black purse were found. That also contained clothing and a Guyana ID card with the name Babuni Harihar. Both bodies were taken to the Skeldon Hospital and Harihar's body was identified by her granddaughter, Nadira Valdez.

Additionally, daughter of Harihar, Sunita Sukhra, told reporters that her mother left for Suriname to see her grandchildren in Suriname, since COVID-19 and the

restrictions had prevented her from visiting them, as she usually would do before the pandemic.

“When she reached, she wanted to come back after spending some time and we kept telling our sister over there don't let her come over in the night because she is not seeing well and she is big. I don't know if they decided to put her in a boat, we didn't get a call that she was coming. We got a call when they already dropped her and called my son-in-law to ask if she reached home and then he told them no,” Sukhra said. The grieving daughter disclosed that her son-in-law then got in

contact with the boat operator and questioned him where he dropped them off.

“He said he dropped them on a sea bank in the river and he didn't realise that the distance is far away from the shore so when he

checked back, they were already gone,” Sukhra said.

The two bodies that were found were subsequently moved to the Anthony's Funeral Parlour, where a post mortem is expected to be done shortly.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 11, 2021

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

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

EDITORIAL

Should Guyana be inspired by VP Jagdeo’s strong beliefs?

We regret that we are committed skeptics where Exxon is concerned and its interests and plans for those things that are beneficial to the welfare and future of all Guyana and every one of its citizens. On this matter about the Vice President (VP) Jagdeo’s stated public belief that the oil companies would be good for any consequential environmental damage or any other disaster, we are nonbelievers, confirmed atheists. We at this paper have absolutely no trust left that helps us to give Exxon or Hess or CNOOC the benefit of the doubt. We do not believe that Exxon will make good for any disaster that harms Guyana and Guyanese interests.

In the article captioned, “Jagdeo believes Exxon, CNOOC, and Hess will pick up insurance bill…but Guyana has no guarantee in writing” (KN February 10), both the VP’s public position and the exposing reality on the ground (nothing in writing to comfort) have been placed in the open. We have some doubts, more than a few, that Vice President Jagdeo harbours the same firm belief privately, or anything near the confidence, that he has stepped forward to attach to Exxon and the others. The Vice President may be many things, lots of them on the concerning side, but he is not a stupid man, far from it. Being the savvy man of the world, that he is, and by now a veteran presence and practitioner in the murky world of politics and one supposedly familiar with corporate priorities and practices, he should know better. We think that privately he does, but it is an indication of how far he and his party (and the worthless opposition) will go to pretend to think well of Exxon and company and that they will do well by Guyana, should such a time and circumstance, God forbid, come to pass that require the predatory oil companies to do right.

They will not. Not when the much-watched income statements and balance sheets of Exxon is so shakily perched. In the event of an oil-related disaster, the price tag could easily run into the hundreds of millions in United States dollars; it could even be billions, should there be immense spread that impact neighbours in the region. So, when that kind of money is involved, Guyana’s Vice President is guilty of misplaced trust in the good graces of Exxon’s top management that would be responsible for doling out millions in relief cash, while depleting the numbers of its own profitability. Or increasing the magnitude of losses.

We encourage our own Vice President, no stranger to the hard-nosed and the bare-knuckled, when such has to be the case. Surely, he is joking with this belief that he articulated. Surely, he is familiar with the long, dreadful, and devastating record of Exxon. We present one telling example for this nation’s Vice President to chew on and digest. We point him to the story of the Exxon Valdez and what happened in Alaska’ s Prince William Sound; as mentioned by us in the article under reference, the damage was both harrowing and extremely costly. But that is only part of the devastating story of Exxon, which most know, including Guyana’s trusting and hopeful Vice President.

There is another aspect of the Exxon Valdez nightmare that did not gain much public ventilation, and which has remained that way in the decades since. It is what we put before the Vice President, his government, and Guyana at large. It goes like this. After the Exxon Valdez’s wreckage, much noise was made about how much was awarded by the courts. But since the catastrophe, Exxon has waged a relentless battle to minimise its losses, even when such meant having to apply a vice to those that stood in its way, and added to its financial costs. Exxon fought the State of Alaska. Exxon challenged the U.S. Coast Guard. Exxon is still to settle fully and satisfactorily private claims against the company.

Guyana’s wise Vice President may believe in Exxon’s goodness in a costly crunch. We don’t. Not where Exxon and the rest are concerned. Not with how they have compromised and corrupted our leaders that they share the

I have become a fan of Charles Ramson, Jnr. Dear Editor, I have become a fan of Charles Ramson Jnr – oh yes, I do mean the one who thought he should be President but had that grand ambition brushed away by the now Vice-President. It is likely that the brash young lawyer in time thereafter thought he ought to be given a pivotal role in our fledgling petroleum industry. He was however appointed Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport – and what a perfect fit!

Charles Ramson Jnr is articulate and has a good physical presence whether suited or dressed casual smart.

That coupled with being just around his mid-thirties and genuinely interested in sport makes him the ideal personality for the job.

Recently however, Ramson Jnr has attracted criticism

from persons who have formed the opinion that the Minister’s visible activity across the length and breadth of our country is about the government taking over sport – something to do with some ulterior political motive. I think this is a view taken hastily without looking.

Whatever Charles Ramson does publicly is going to be viewed through political lens, and most of what he does is indeed political, but that does not somehow mean “bad for whoever is not PPP”! That simplistic assumption is indeed Guyanese uncut – across the board – but as Ramson told NCN News in defending the criticism: “the President has said on multiple occasions that he wants to work for everyone”.

It is well known that the President first declared so in

his inauguration speech and has repeated the intention in various contexts, always with an earnestness that augurs well for our country, since Ministers and Permanent Secretaries alike are duty bound to make every effort to give effect to the expressed wishes of the President. For his own part, Charles Ramson Jnr told NCN News in conclusion that the intention is to continue to build on the framework of partnership with the government.

Charles Ramson Jnr knows only too well that if he does a good job in the eyes of those directly impacted by his Ministry – the youth and an entire population yearning to see quality sporting events at home and Guyanese athletes on the world stage – he could well be legitimately in the running to be President come 2030. The good Minister

is today working very hard to assess, justify, obtain and apply the resources required to take Guyana to the next level in sporting and athletic endeavour.

If he were visible only driving around in a Prado and hanging out at one or two select “high roller” spots in GT, I doubt very much that he would have attracted such or indeed any criticism at all just 6 months into a 5-year term in Government.

Everyone should be supportive and appreciative of the current work ethic of the Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, and what this can bring to communities across our country in the way of strategically-sited facilities, opportunities for promising young athletes and sportsbased entertainment for all.

Yours truly, Ronald Bostwick

For every answer given at the Vice President’s press conference, more questions arise Dear Editor, Both SN and KN had lengthy coverage of the Vice President’s public statements re the gas to shore project. It took a long time, but it might have been better if the Vice President had stayed with his now characteristic silence on the pointed questions and controversies surrounding this oil of ours, that has caused so many agitations.

In providing answers, he opened the floodgates to a cascade of still more questions, which simply rolls Guyanese up the hill (like Sisyphus), only for them to come rolling right back down.

We heard of studies before, but which were state secrets; definitely national security secrets, as I sensed things, given the stubborn resistance to any information sharing. Now we hear of four more impressive sounding studies, which are sure to soothe gullible Guyanese.

Which outfits are doing them? What was the process to finalize them? Who is going to be involved in that shortlisting process? Who should have been? Rather regrettably, I do not and cannot trust this to the good offices of the Hon. Vice President, who has operated in such a suspicious and questionable manner with most things relative to Guyana’s oil wealth. The questions continue. What is

(here is the key) their known and unknown relationship with Exxon? And why only now is the nation being told this? Why only when it pleases the Hon. Vice President to share, as though he is giving a handout to people waiting on a breadline for any crumb of a good word? This is not confidenceboosting governance, not when oil is involved; not with its history; and not with the histories of this country’s political parties with national matters far less tempting, less rewarding.

And most certainly, it is not about the transparency that President Irfan Ali himself swore to, but of which he now makes a mockery with regards to most things.

Editor, it is said better late than never. In this instance, never might have been better.

I say this because, it is the PPP and its Vice President, that have repeatedly pushed and insisted that it is Wales, and that Wales it will be, and only Wales will do for the onshore facilities. Since that is (not seems) a foregone conclusion, only one thing can be said. Whichever agency has been selected and entrusted (two deep and dangerous words) to study and report on the feasibility of Wales, has only one option: custom tailor a study and report that leads nowhere but only to Wales. Those of

incredible with us. Not when an Exxon, when under financial pressure from the Exxon Valdez devastations, could actually challenge the Federal government of the United States of America. If it can confront America, it will crush Guyana.

Vice President Jagdeo may see god in Exxon, and believe in such a god. We do not. We are infidels.

us who operate in real life have a wide appreciation of the way the world truly works, when political machinations are at work. Get some likeminded men and similar groups, ensure that the role is fully understood and nonnegotiable expectations as to outcomes appreciated, give them their marching orders, and then sit back and count the days and the chickens involved. Those who deliver are sure to live another day; that is, positioning themselves to get more of the same kinds of favorable consideration and lucrative business. All they are responsible for is to fill in the blanks, as given to them by the PPP government and its calculating leader, the real one.

The Vice President may

think that he has been open and enlightening. But what he has done is added vagueness to prior vagueness. Why this took so long? Why the prior secrecy? Why Wales? Why not more on the other studies and sites, one or two of which have much going for it?

What I detect that the Hon Vice President is seeking to do is trying to appear on the up and up, a pukka sahib, while still holding a pack of cards inside his sleeves. The descent to hell is easy; I remind Guyana that the return journey can be a hell of a ride.

I remind my fellow Guyanese of something else: he who sups with the devil should do so with a long spoon. Oil customarily calls for the longest of spoons.

Editor, I leave with this

Mr. Harmon’s inexperience of politics, diplomacy and public life is now painfully evident Dear Editor, Mr. Joseph Harmon continues to pathetically expose his inexperience of politics. His latest nonsensical action is when he asks the Government of India to refuse to accept the credentials of Guyana High Commissioner designate.

Other ways in which Harmon has exposed his eptitude: 1. He keeps calling the Indian envoy and Charrandass “Ambassador”.

Among Commonwealth

countries, national envoys are “High Commissioners” not “Ambassadors”.

2. He shows himself and party ignorant of democracy and democratic processes when he calls Charrandas’ no-confidence vote “treasonous”. Noconfidence votes are an integral part of Parliamentary Democracy and such ignorance of democracy results in Dictatorship.

Harmon is telling the world (Continued on page 6)

Thursday February 11, 2021

The disparity in treatment of sugar versus bauxite workers is very stark Dear Editor, It has been more than six months since the Irfaan Ali regime has been in office, yet nothing has been done to address the operational and industrial climate at the Bauxite Company Guyana Incorporated (BCGI). This government is fully aware of the events at BCGI and should have had a plan in place to hit the ground running, from day one, as it did for sugar given both are considered the traditional production sector.

BCGI is part owned by the Government of Guyana.

Government therefore has a responsibility to ensure any company it is associated with is operational and functioning at its optimum, which includes a stable industrial environment. BCGI remains a legal, registered company and continues to carry out activities outside of mining.

There remains demand for Guyana’s bauxite in the international market.

Whereas, through a second source, I was advised by a senior member in the government, in an interview, said bauxite is no longer viable, the market evidence proves to the contrary.

Government’s distortion about bauxite’s viability is further exposed not only with the fact that a new company, First Bauxite, began operations here three years ago but the Minister of Natural Resources is on public record speaking about investor’s interest in bauxite mining in another location.

What is most instructive are the unsubstantiated excuses being made not to pursue the reopening of the Aroaima and Kwakawani operations when bauxite remains viable. Readers are invited to juxtapose government’s excuses to disinvest in BCGI, a company

it part owns, but its willingness to pump billions into reopening closed sugar estates. The government is on record stating that it makes no apology for having an open cheque to assist the beleaguered Guyana Sugar Corporation.

Guyana continues to heavily subsidise the production of sugar which continues to be sold at a loss internationally. If the government sees it wise to subsidise a non-profitable product, under the guise of being mindful to the s o c i o e c o n o m i c circumstances of sugar workers and their communities, then the government must explain to this nation and BCGI workers why they are refusing to have BCGI mines fully operational.

Guyana’s bauxite has a prized place internationally given its “sweetener” (enhancer) status.

Further, the s o c i o e c o n o m i c circumstances of BCGI workers and their communities are adversely being impacted with the mines remaining shuttered. It is well known the produce these workers produce is competitive but affected workers are being denied their right to productive endeavours. Bauxite workers are of no lesser import than sugar workers and the government cannot justify its uncaring, cruel and

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Kaieteur News

discriminatory act towards these workers.

Even if the BCGI Russian management wants to leave the operation, the government has a responsibility to the workers and their communities to make sure economic activities continue at the sites. The mines must be made operational and the workers must be allowed to work. There must be equal treatment for workers and their communities across the board. You cannot have one standard for the sugar workers and their communities and then apply the opposite for bauxite workers and theirs. This is a blatant act of discriminating in favour of sugar workers and discriminating against bauxite workers.

In fact, by its discriminatory actions the government is making real the fear that communities which did not vote for them will not have equal benefit to any of their programmes or policies.

Under the laws all workers are equal and each guarantees the right to productive endeavour. Government is hereby being reminded of this.

Their disparity in treatment of sugar versus bauxite workers is very stark and tantamount to economic injustice against a category of workers which has the hallmark of ethnic, political and social retaliation.

Yours truly, Lincoln Lewis

Has SOCU explained its withdrawal of cases to the public?

Dear Editor Many of your readers will say quite correctly that although I am a rather old man, citizen of Guyana only, living abroad, it is my duty to be informed and keep up with developments at home. I try to do this as much as I can to the extent that some comments to my letters ask me to shut up and let the people unite.

However, I see myself as one of the contributors to whatever has developed in present day Guyana, whether good or bad, and I am not about to seek a hiding place and behave as though my activity had nothing to do with it.

In this letter I am really seeking for myself and the public advice from those who feel competent to give it. I shall express a point of view on the issue, but I am really seeking to be instructed by anyone able to justify what appears to be precedent.

The issue came to my attention in a press report recently that the Chief Justice had handed down a ruling in response to a litigant that Mr. Ashni Singh and Mr. Winton Brassington should stand trial for a charge brought against them by SOCU (Special Organized Crime Unit). Soon after this ruling came to my attention, I heard also from the media that the SOCU had withdrawn its charges against Singh and Brassington. On the face of it a person introducing a prosecution against another

has the right to withdraw that prosecution in good faith.

Here, however, we are dealing with public officials at a time when claims about transparency are frequently made. I should like to be reminded whether SOCU at the time of withdrawing the charges had explained its reasons to the court or the public.

I feel that the public is entitled to know why charges of misconduct against public officials are withdrawn, and not only withdrawn but discontinued after a ruling of the high court implying that the facts revealed some ground for prosecution.

Although SOCU is not a court I argue in my simplicity that in this case it exercised the function of the tribunal with power to overrule a decision of the Chief Justice or the High Court.

I hope some legal scholar will enlighten curious citizens about the status and implications of SOCU’s action especially after the High Court had made a ruling.

I had heard about the year 2018 officials of the previous government (PPP) being arrested on charges in connection with Pradoville 2.

Even then I had missed the existence of SOCU. I first learned of SOCU’s existence

when its legal counsel appeared in Magistrate Court 1 and withdrew charges against His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali and argued that he was doing so to facilitate “smooth government.” He explained that if the charge had not been withdrawn the president could have difficulty entering certain countries like Canada, even on an official visit. I have to add that it was while learning of the withdrawal of the charges against Singh and Brassington that I first became aware that Justice Ms. Claudette Singh had been legal advisor to SOCU at the time when charges were laid against Singh and Brassington.

I have been saying privately that our high rate of migration has affected many areas of public administration. One result of this wastage is apparently the reality or the excuse that the list of persons of working age competent to fill certain offices gets shorter and shorter.

And I do not know from a distance whether all strata and subclasses and social ranks of the population have an equal chance of being chosen.

Yours truly, Eusi Kwayana

PAGE 6

Menace gets 18 months for stealing from Nandy Park residents

Jailed: Edward Isaacs.

A known serial robber was yesterday sentenced to 18 months behind bars after he pleaded guilty to stealing from two Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara residents’ homes.

The defendant, 46-yearold Edward Isaacs of Hill and School Streets, Albouystown, made his first court appearance in the Diamond/Grove Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Isaacs pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that during January, 2021, at Nandy Park, he entered the premise of Kaieteur News’ Publisher, Glenn Lall, and carted off one motorcycle valued at $600,000, gym equipments, one flat screen television, among other items.

It is also alleged that on February 2, 2021, at Nandy Park, Isaacs carted off an undisclosed number of electrical tools and appliances from Lall’s neighbour.

According to information, Isaacs was wanted in relation to a string of robberies committed in the Nandy Park housing area.

The CCTV set up at Lall’s home caught Isaacs in the act but he managed to evade being capture then. However, after Isaacs stole the items from Lall’s neighbour, as he

Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

was proceeding to escape, other neighbours spotted him and an alarm was raised.

Though they pursued Isaacs, he managed to escape again. In the process of doing so, he also damaged the windows of a car parked near the home.

A wanted advertisement with a reward was then placed in the newspapers by affected residents’ and on Saturday last, public-spirited citizens, who saw the ad placed in the Kaieteur News daily publication, informed the residents of Isaacs’ whereabouts.

He was later captured in the Nandy Park area.

Kaieteur News had reported that while in the custody of residents, the man was asked what became of the items he stole. He revealed that he had sold the motorcycle for $5,000 to “One Hand” of Albouystown while the other items cannot be found.

Isaacs was then handed over to the police and he was subsequently charged. The residents told the court that Isaacs is a ‘menace to society’ due to the constant burglaries in the area.

As such, Principal Magistrate Latchman sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment.

Waste-to-energy would be a blessing to Guyana Dear Editor, The idea of “Waste-toEnergy” is truly an endearing one to my heart and one that could potentially contribute to the growth and development of our wonderful and glorious country, Guyana. Especially now that we have a fully democratic government of the people, by the people, for the people.

In my view, our government, with its current leadership of our nation and peoples is truly the work of the Universal Creator. This team, combined with the leadership of the world at large who all played a pivotal role in saving our democracy, democratic norms, and the sanity of our people from the obvious hands of tyrannical persons in despotic hunger for power and personal aggrandizement is nothing short of admiration and applause.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, m y profound gratitude to His Excellency the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali; the Honorable Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips; the Honorable Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; and the CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop for meeting with my visionary South Korean colleagues and I to put forward a proposal for large and small-scale processing plants. This “Waste-to-Energy” concept is one that I am deeply passionate about, and one that will undoubtedly propel Guyana forward.

The point of this missive is to highlight the principles of “Waste-to- E n e rg y. ” Wa s t e - t o - e n e rg y i s t h e process of generating energy in the form of electricity from the primary treatment of waste. It is something that could revolutionize our country.

My goal here is not to browbeat our government to go for the model that my colleagues have proposed but to go for what is best for Guyana. I have done a variety of studies on this

industry and I can proudly say that this initiative would eliminate most of our garbage problems.

As is well known, the garbage situation in our country is not only dangerous, but the eyesore is unfavorable to our tourism.

Our cities, like Georgetown, Corriverton, New Amsterdam, and others, not only smell, but it makes us look uncultured, unrefined, and not ready for serious growth and development to become a first or second world c o u n t r y. I n o n e o f m y previous articles: “Man: the destroyer of its own habitat,” published in various print medias on January 17th, 2021, I indicated that man is the only creature on earth that intentionally destroys their own environment in which he/she depends on for survival. As a follow up to the aforementioned article, this article serves to educate my fellow Guyanese about how waste can be turned into energy and how it can help our people to handle our personal garbage more efficiently.

M r. P r e s i d e n t , t h e Government of Guyana, friends, and families, it is unfortunate that we currently manage our waste to destroy our environment, the health of our people, and our natural, blessed freshwater resources that are the elixir of life. Transmission to energy is not typically a lucrative undertaking, such as the purchasing of electricity from an electrical power supplier.

However, the goal of this project is to remove trash/garbage with minimal air contaminants that will in no way impact human life, animals, or life in general.

The electricity is a byproduct of scientific combustion that removes, as we know, waste and/or garbage. This concept, which is not known by most people, also includes the removal of slush that blocks sewer and drainage systems. All this slush is useful money in the Waste

to Energy principle.

Once we have a system for collecting plastics, vegetable waste with paper and wood waste will be collected separately and segregated in the process of conversion. All grass, cut in the botanical gardens and cut elsewhere, can be part of this energy.

Both rice husks can be used as well as plantain and banana suckers and every other possible green object can be easily converted.

Cardboard boxes, sawmill dust that is all deposited in our oceans, damaging our beaches and making us look amateurish and not ready for growth by destroying our ecosystem, will be removed. All of this would add to the cocktail of rubbish to be consumed by the factory. One of the by-products of this energy conversion is compost that could lead to additional revenue.

At this time, I implore our Guyanese people to handle their waste more efficiently. I will give my own personal example: in my home, we try to ensure that all of our waste paper, including used newspapers, scrap paper, waste stationery, and waste that would normally be burned, along with our grass cutting, the waste leaves of banana trees, fruit and vegetable leaves, skins, onion skins and even hair and fingernails, when all is cut, all goes into our compost bin. This is then turned into useful fertilizer which is so rich and costs nothing. When well managed, it creates a fertilizer called compost that contains nutrients so rich that if you do not combine it with another substance, it could burn the plants.

Rice husks or earth, for example, can be mixed in equal parts and placed around the roots of the plant. In simpler terms, one bag of earth and one bag of rice husks can be mixed to one bag of compost so as to dilute its strength.

You can build up any kind of old poultry pen, throw it under a tree or shade, or collected in a bin, and after a

while, you can begin to see dark soil at the bottom called humus, which could be used by itself for cultivation, gardening, and environmental protection.

It must be noted also that weeds do not typically grow on compost. The compost must be kept damp and holes must be punched into the compost to allow air to circulate and excess water to drain. This keeps the temperature ideal for composting to occur.

I pointed out above that our garbage, when turned into this valuable by-product of electricity, would not be as inexpensive to sell as if one were buying electricity from a company that produces electricity, while at the same time polluting the atmosphere with its gas emissions. This is where the profitability lies.

The money saved from waste management, burning, and damaging of our environment would be an incentive for waste to energy investment.

It must be noted that it is difficult to expect a foreign investor to spend all this money to get rid of our garbage on which we spend tens of millions of dollars a year and expect them to fund all of them, and then hand it over to the Government of Guyana after twenty years. I do not think this is right and proper.

My understanding, also, is that tendering for such a supplier would attract some countries that are known to tender below the cost and offering poor quality goods, facilities, and warranties, while the Government of Guyana will be left with large white elephants, so to speak, as we have seen with our huge glass factory years ago and the Skeldon Sugar Estate.

At this juncture, I thank the Government of Guyana for seeing my colleagues from South Korea and I, and I ask them to think wisely about this initiative. I am also proud of the government’s vision and determination for a gas-to-shore project that would undoubtedly change all lives for the better of our country while making us more prosperous.

Yours truly, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

...Mr. Harmon’s inexperience of From page 4 that dictatorship is the only form of government which the PNC knows and has always practiced.

3. All countries have their local diplomatic offices and intelligence reports on any designate Ambassador/High Commissioner and Harmon’s inept attempt to assume this role makes these professionals regard him as a buffoon.

Harmon should make every effort to learn about Democracy and politics or he would finalize the process of destroying the PNC party. Stirring up racism would no longer save the day for him since racism is fast becoming passe. He should talk more with Dr. Jagdeo, Dr/ Ashni Singh and even Volda Lawrence to learn more about his new trade of politics.

Yours truly Paul Validum Ramlochan

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil tells Guyana that it has ordered a new flash gas compressor, while the defective one undergoes diagnosis and repair.

It further tells us that the new compressor is expected to arrive closer to the end of the year.

We can clearly see that this is 2020 all over again.

Another 12 billion cubic feet of gas flared, and all the years spent building up Guyana's 'green' image, are dashed into darkness by the Champion of the Earth, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

New gas compressor ordered, to arrive by year-end - ExxonMobil Rep.

By Kemol King

E

xxonMobil G u y a n a ' s Government and Public Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud, said that the company has ordered a new flash gas compressor, which is expected to arrive later this year. Her comment followed questions from Kaieteur News on ExxonMobil's enforcement of provisions in the Liza Phase One environmental permit which require equipment sparing.

The company had flared gas all year in 2020, but is only now reporting an order of a new third stage compressor, after its equipment failed for the third time.

Article 3.13 of the Liza Phase One environmental

- Old one in Germany for diagnosis permit, states “Efforts should be made to prevent equipment breakdowns and plant upsets, which could result in flaring and provisions should be made for equipment sparing and plant turn-down protocols where practical.”

“We do maintain spare equipment in country,” Persaud told Kaieteur News, “to support maintenance activities…”

Kaieteur News had inquired with Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sharifah Razack, about the enforcement of the

provision, and she had said that, as the internal mechanical seal on the defective compressor became unseated, there is a replacement seal already in country to install if the need arises.

This was clearly not enough to resolve the current issue, as ExxonMobil's attempts at diagnosing and fixing the issue have failed.

ExxonMobil Guyana's Production Manager, Mike Ryan, had told reporters on Monday that the company does not know why the seal failed, or whether a more thorough inspection by the

manufacturer, MAN Turbo, would reveal some other issue in the machine.

“We don't know it all.

The machine is highly complex…” Ryan had said.

“We have placed an order for a new flash gas compressor, which will be available closer to the end of year, given the complex nature of the equipment,” Persaud told Kaieteur News.

The ExxonMobil representative noted that this action is “in addition to repairs on the existing equipment.”

The company revealed in an operational update yesterday that the c o m p r e s s o r, t h e i n l e t silencer and necessary spare parts have arrived at the manufacturer's workshop in Germany, the MAN Energy workshop.

“Teams of technical experts from the vessel's owner SBM Offshore, the equipment manufacturer MAN Energy and ExxonMobil are currently preparing for inspection activities, which will help to

ExxonMobil's Government and Public Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud define the scope and plan of repairs,” the statement posited.

ExxonMobil estimates, according to Country President Alistair Routledge, that the diagnosis for the defective compressor would take about eight weeks. In the meantime, ExxonMobil claims it will work as much as it can to find other ways to reduce the flaring, if possible.

By the time eight weeks pass, ExxonMobil is likely to

have flared about 14 billion cubic feet of gas since it started production in December, 2019. Even then, the manufacturer would need time to repair the equipment after it figures out what the problem is.

Guyana will have to endure flaring for that long, at ExxonMobil's Liza Phase One project.

It is notable that a Tuesday press conference with Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, revealed that ExxonMobil held back information on its rate of flaring during a closed engagement with the press on Monday.

Routledge had reported that ExxonMobil is flaring 16 million cubic feet of gas per day. Dr. Jagdeo revealed that the company is flaring up to 18 million cubic feet per day. Routledge only reported the lower end of the range.

ExxonMobil insisted yesterday that it is in compliance with all of its environmental permits and regulatory requirements and that it will continue to work with government to “find the right balance for the country while constantly seeking to minimise flaring.”

CGX pushes ahead with Berbice Deep Water Project; set to cost US$130M

C

G X E n e r g y, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Grand Canal Industrial Estates ("GCIE"), recently informed its shareholders that it is pushing ahead with its Berbice Deep Water Port.

The project, which is currently under construction, will encompass both oil and gas offshore operations support as well as agricultural and general cargo.

The project is expected to be in the range of US$130M and targets full operation of oil and gas support base in early 2022 and full operation of the cargo terminal aspects of the port in 2023.

The company further announced that its engineering designs,

Suresh Narine, CGX Chairman permitting, marketing and ongoing civil works are all on schedule to meet these targets. The Port, which is located adjacent to Crab Island on the Eastern Bank of the Berbice River, is 4.8

kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean.

Furthermore, GCIE said it expects that the port will significantly boost local content engagement in the oil and gas sector and add enhanced logistics capacity for import and export, including expandable capacity to accommodate the possibility of increased product flow to and from the southern states of Brazil.

Due to the location being close to Suriname, it said that the Port's oil and gas support functions will also help to serve the rapidly growing offshore exploration and development activities in that country's oil and gas sector.

Additionally, GCIE said it would add significant capacity to the agricultural (continued on page 16)

Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Burnham meets his match!

A

nd everyone thought that the f o r m e r Executive President of Guyana, Forbes Burnham, was a cunning old fox.

Wrong! The PPP regime is making him look like a boy scout. They are outfoxing him with their conniving ways!

Burnham had a way of manipulating people, including the former General Secretary of the PPP, Cheddi Jagan. For 20 years, he had Cheddi on a leash.

Cheddi languished in the political wilderness for 20 years, as Burnham played trick after trick on him.

Burnham was also successful in luring many of Cheddi's top lieutenants away from that party and into his camp.

One of Cheddi's deputies left him and became a leading light within the PNC. Burnham had Cheddi's number and dialled it regularly, outwitting his political rivals with his cunning and often devious trickery.

He even got the better of the WPA, being successful in planting agents within their party and having someone win the confidence of Rodney. After Rodney's death, Burnham outwitted the remnants of the party so much so that even though the WPA considered Burnham illegitimate, their leaders turned up at his funeral to show their regards.

Burnham was cunning and conniving to the end.

Even when he died, he had people fooled. Many thought that he was under anaesthesia, not realising that he had passed to the Great Beyond, while many were waiting for him to come out of his surgery.

And when the Guyanese people thought they could bury him, the man was dug up, flown to Russia and brought back as a preserved mummy.

Burnham was as astute as they claim, but in the present PPP administration, he has met his match. He was no class for these guys. They have made him look like an apprentice.

The PPP have made rings around the PNC/R. The PPP has neutralized the PNC/R. The same PPP government once came under pressure from a certain Trade Union.

That Trade Union now can hardly mount a serious challenge on behalf of its workers who are forced to accept what is thrown at them.

The trade union movement once considered itself a force. Today they are still barking. But they have no bite at all, none.

The PPP government has out-manoeuvred and outfoxed its political rivals.

It has cast a web around some of the senior operatives of the main opposition party, so much so that the party has to begin to investigate its

own comrades' links with the PPP. The success of the noconfidence motion came as a surprise to the PNC/R. But it should have expected that the PPP/C would have penetrated the APNU+AFC. The full list of those persons who have been caught up in the PPP's connivance is not yet known.

But it is clear that quite a few have fallen victim to the government's trickery.

The art of trickery also made friends and cronies of the PPP/C stinking rich. And so incompetent were its investigations that the Coalition was unable to obtain a single conviction.

The Canje and Kaieteur oil blocks are going to make some persons connected with the PPP/C among the richest in the world. Word has been received by this newspaper, as to who is attempting to buy major stocks in the United States.

Guyana may have some of the richest persons in the Caribbean.

And these persons are rich without even having a background in business or any investments in oil, gold or silver.

Burnham thought that he was the consummate politician. But he has met his match within the PPP. There are persons in there who would make Burnham look like an apprentice.

These individuals are as cunning as they come and

De same old tune boys gan play tomorrow! seh...

Dem

D

e shaart man gan b e i n d e limelight tomorrow. But dem boys seh dat with he, de more things change is de more it remains de same.

De man does sound like a stuck record. Once yuh hear he once, yuh nah gat fuh hear he no mo. Is de same old record he playing over and over.

Dem boys therefore expect de same old sala-wala tomorrow. Dem expect fuh hear how de economy is set fuh take-off.

Dem boys wan know if de country is an airplane.

And how come dem gat so much delays in de departure time. Is years now dem boys

hearing about economic take-off. By de time de economy ready fuh lift off, dem people gan done take off to another country.

Dem boys tired about hearing about small business. Dem boys wan ask de shaart man how much small business he know become a large business.

How much?

Dem boys also nah wan hear about all dem projects which we bin hearing about fuh 20 years now. Dem boys grow tired hearing about road to Brazil and a deep water habour.

Dem boys nah believe Guyanese gan ever see dat in dem lifetime. Dem boys hoping dat de shaart man nah

talk about dem projects because dem boys know it nat gan happen.

Dem boys nah gan hear wah dem wan hear t o m o r r o w. D e m b o y s reading about de government going to court fuh reclaim land wah dem sell cheap. But dem nah going to court fuh recover de Canje and de Kaieteur blocks. Dat is what dem boys wan hear about.

But dem boys know dat with de shaart man is de same old tune gan play tomorrow. Nothing nah gan change! Not with de shaart man!

Talk half and nah fall asleep when de shaart man talking!

they have the financial backing to go with their schemes. To speak about the day when corruption will be wiped out in Guyana is to speak in the future

impossible tense.

Step aside Forbes! Make way for the new carpetbaggers!

(The views expressed in this article are those of the

author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday February 11, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Barrington Braithwaite's attack on Major General, Joe Singh H

ere are the multi-racial facts about Joe Singh. He is East Indian and is married to an African Guyanese. His son is halfAfrican Guyanese. The major headed one of Guyana's most essential institutions – the Guyana Defence Force – which consist of 99 percent African Guyanese.

Barrington Braithwaite is an executive member of an African organization – A C D A . H e i s a Commissioner of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). Mr. Braithwaite is married to an African Guyanese. Mr. Braithwaite is a columnist with the

Chronicle. Mr. Braithwaite writes in support of the PNC. As far as I am aware, I have never seen a public correspondence from Joe Singh in support of the PPP. What is my point in the juxtaposition of the facts surrounding the lives of these two men? You have to be naive not to see that of the two, Joe Singh has more multi-racial elements in his experience and in his life than Braithwaite.

Here now is a long quote from Braithwaite's April 12, 2020 Chronicle column on Joe Singh, “There have been no people on this planet over the past five hundred years like Africans… who have endured demeaning

subliminal definitions as colonizing policy of justification…, others have embraced this mechanism towards their own interest with vigour. A great example is the assault declaration by Major General Ret'd Joe Singh against President Granger and the APNU+AFC supporters in Stabroek News, March 19, 2020.

Is one such direct transference of guilt by the imposition of public accusation and posture, to bury the facts that an opposition putsch along ethnic lines was launched, that caused injury to many including children, to which he was hypocritically silent

about, but his duel personality was evident before, however, I wish to thank Colonel Ret'd Desmond Roberts and other Military officers, and especially the young grounded APNU parliamentarian Jemaine Figueira (sic) for his contribution in unmasking Joe Singh.”

What is disgusting about Braithwaite's take on Singh is that he quotes two African G u y a n e s e ' s condemnation of Singh.

So these two African Guyanese are not racially oriented but the East Indian guy is. Singh is guilty of racially derived feelings but not Braithwaite.

But what crime did Singh commit to warrant B r a i t h w a i t e ' s psychoanalysis of him?

Singh was part of a majority of people in Guyana and the world who condemned the rigging of the 2020 election.

If Braithwaite could pick on Singh for just one act against election rigging, I would like to know how Braithwaite feels about me.

From March 5 when Mingo began to tamper with the Region Four tabulation until August 2, when Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as president, I did a daily column condemning Braithwaite, the Chronicle he writes for, the PNC, the AFC, Claudette Singh, Clairmont Mingo, Keith Lowenfield, the three PNC

GECOM commissioners, and supporters of the PNC's position on the election like U G ' s D e p u t y Vi c e Chancellor, Dr. Mellissa Ifill; TUC General Secretary,

Frederick Kissoon Lincoln Lewis; WPA's Eusi Kwayana; Stabroek News columnist, Henry Jeffrey; the Guyana Human Rights Association, TransparencyGuyana, ACDA, just to name a few.

Singh's little letter against election rigging from March to July is a drop in the ocean compared to my oceanic crusade against the names cited above. Let Braithwaite and the other names cited above accuse me of racial instincts as Braithwaite did to Singh.

My activism against rigged election was relentless, each day in a five-month period.

Let Braithwaite write about my racism.

Here is a prelude to my r e p l y. M y s i s t e r s , Gwendolyn, Janet and Gloria married African

Guyanese men and mothered African Guyanese children.

My brother, Harold married an African Guyanese woman and fathered children with her. That is what is called a multi-racial family. Let Braithwaite match those multi-racial horizons.

I don't care to know who Colonel Desmond Roberts is. I don't care to know who Jermaine Figueira is. The two cannot match the patriotic contributions of Joe Singh. In condemning attempts to rig elections, he should be respected.

My understanding is that Roberts served closely in the army and National Service under President Burnham.

I am just asking him whether he knows anything about those days of the activism of Walter Rodney, and what are his views on Rodney's death.

I guess Roberts must know Granger well because they served in the army at the same time when Joe Harmon was chief of intelligence in the GDF. I end with a question for the ERC. Are they going to ask Braithwaite, who is an ERC c o m m i s s i o n e r, f o r a n explanation on his accusations against Joe Singh? More on the amorphous ERC and Braithwaite's mistreatment of Charrandass Persaud in forthcoming columns.

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

Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 11, 2021

Govt. eyes new legislative framework to match UN SDGs G

u y a n a ' s legislative agenda was the topic of discussion when the United Nations (UN) R e s i d e n t C o o r d i n a t o r, Mikiko Tanaka, Human Rights Advisor, Tricia Teekah and Team Leader, William Evans met with the Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Tuesday .

The focus of discourse was to assess Guyana's legal framework going forward in keeping with the UN's Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) and to identify areas where the UN can assist as it plans its agenda for the next four years.

Present at the meeting, along with the AG and the visiting Committee, was Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Attorney General Chambers, Joanna A. Bond.

During the discussion, the Attorney General, who is also Chairman of the Constitutional Reform, Parliamentary Sub-

Committee in the National Assembly stated, that one of the Government's main agenda is to build a new legislative infrastructure for the country as a foundation for the developmental trajectory upon which the nation is proceeding.

This will require a comprehensive overhaul of the existing legislative framework as well as the creation of new legislation in order to facilitate Guyana's modernisation as well as to accommodate new and emerging developmental sectors.

As a result of the magnitude of the exercise, the Attorney General welcomed all available assistance since almost every area of endeavour in Guyana will be touched by this exercise.

Certain specific areas were identified as a commencement measure and the Attorney General invited submission of draft modern bills which may be available in the United

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall (second from right) flanked by representatives of the UN and the Attorney General Chambers.

Nations system for scrutiny w i t h a v i e w o f implementation.

The AG indicated that in

recognition of this massive legal reform agenda, the Law Reform Commission would soon be established in

assisting the Government in driving this initiative.

He thanked the United Nations and its various

umbrella organisations for their continued support to the Government and people of Guyana over the years.

Guyana receives first batch of COVID-19 vaccines - 1,400 frontline healthcare workers and 100 persons from CARICOM

P

resident Irfaan Ali y e s t e r d a y announced the arrival of Guyana's first batch of COVID-19 vaccines, which comes as a donation from Barbados.

In a statement, the President said that of the 3,000 doses received, 100 persons at the CARICOM Secretariat will benefit and the remaining will be given to frontline healthcare workers.

The Barbados donation came from 100,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which was also Barbados' first batch.

The vaccines were given to Barbados by the Government of India and arrived in Barbados on Tuesday. “I wish to thank Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and by extension, the people of Barbados for sharing with us from their first batch of vaccines,” the President

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, receiving the vaccines. noted in his statement.

He further stated that in the coming days and weeks, Guyana would receive “various tranches of vaccines.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has stated that immunization will begin today. He told the media that the Ministry would have an exercise

where persons from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the Ocean View COVID-19 facility will be allowed to receive the jab. The Minister stated that

it is okay if any of those persons do not wish to take the vaccine, but they are making sure the option is there.

He added that the vaccines are double-dose vaccines, so after the first dose has been administered, persons will be expected to take the second dosage four to 12 weeks after.

Guyana is already set to receive vaccines for 20 percent of the population from the COVAX facility.

Out of that 20 percent, the first batch of some 3,800 doses is expected to arrive from the facility by March.

On Tuesday, Dr. Anthony had said that Guyana is a step closer to accessing COVID19 vaccines through COVAX with the approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine by the US Independent Advisory Committee. He said that once approved, Guyana would receive 104,000 vaccines through

COVAX. The country is also benefitting from a donation of 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from the Government of China.

Vaccines will also be acquired through an agreement with the CARICOM-African Union and Guyana will be purchasing 140,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition to that, the government is also in talks with Russia and India for a quota of vaccines.

So far, priority has been placed on frontline workers, the elderly and persons with co-morbidities to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Anthony maintained that before anyone receives a COVID-19 vaccine; they will need to have a thorough medical check administered and the Health Ministry will be implementing follow-up care after the vaccine has been taken by a person.

Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

GNBS, GEA sign revised MOU to ensure reliable petroleum measurements T

he Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) recently revised and fortified a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) it signed with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in 2014.

In a press release y e s t e r d a y, t h e G N B S revealed that the revised MOU was signed by Ms. Sharon Roopchand, Permanent Secretary of the M i n i s t r y o f To u r i s m , Industry and Commerce, on behalf of the GNBS, and Dr. Mahender Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of the GEA on February 5, 2021.

With the signing completed, the two agencies are expected to collaborate to ensure that a stringent monitoring, measurement, and licencing system is maintained within the Petroleum Industry.

In addition to all petrol meters, bulk meters and tanker wagons used at service stations and petrol terminals, the revised document will now facilitate measurement monitoring on marine fuel vessels. It will also ensure that these

A GNBS Inspector verifying the compartments of a fuel tanker wagon

vessels, petrol dispensers (petrol pumps and meters) and transportation carriers are verified/calibrated before the GEA issues licences to them.

Additionally, the signed agreement allows for efficient and effective information sharing on the agreed terms, the GNBS noted.

T h e We i g h t s a n d Measures Act No. 15 of 1981, mandates the GNBS to verify all weighing and measuring devices used for the purpose of trade, in order to ensure accuracy in measurement, equity in trade and consumer satisfaction.

The GEA, according to the release, has agreed to ensure that all measuring instruments under its ambit are verified or calibrated by the GNBS prior to the issuance of the requisite licences.

The revised MOU covers five articles or components, which include the purpose of the agreement, scope, management, officers, and the amendment.

Among the aspects specifically agreed to for the management of activities under the MOU is the sensitization of fuel companies, proprietors of petrol filling stations, tanker

Man swept away by wave while repairing boat

File Photo: A section of the Belladrum foreshore back in 2015

A

4 5 - y e a r- o l d fisherman is feared drowned after a wave swept him away on Monday, while repairing a boat some three miles away from the Belladrum, We s t C o a s t B e r b i c e , foreshore.

The missing fisherman has been identified as Lloyd John of Catherine, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

According to police, the man was swept away by the

wave sometime around 06:30 hrs.

Kaieteur News was told that John and a colleague, Edmond Duke, also of Catherine, Mahaicony, were together at the time on a fishing trip.

That morning, they noticed that their boat had developed a hole somewhere close to the bow. It was while John was trying to repair the hole that a wave struck the boat and swept him away towards the sea.

Police learnt that the boat started to sink, and Duke was forced to plunge over board.

He somehow managed to drift west, and was rescued sometime later by some men who were passing in another boat. Attempts at that time to find John proved futile.

The following day, a search was conducted in the area and the boat and its outboard-engine were found.

Up to press time, John remains missing and the search continues.

wagon owners and other operators about the importance of calibration and verification of measuring instruments to ensure accuracy and equity in trade.

Additionally, tanker wagons used to transport fuel throughout Guyana will be calibrated or verified, once yearly. Further, all nonconformities relating to use,

calibration and verification of petrol meters, bulk meters and tanker wagons will be reported promptly by the GEA to the GNBS or the respective Regional Weights and Measures Offices, in order to facilitate prompt and effective corrective actions.

Regarding the responsibilities of Officers, the parties agreed that the Officers of the GNBS and

the Licencing Officers of GEA should be the executing persons to manage under the respective entities for the purpose of fulfilling the MOU. Under the newly amended MOU, the Executive Director of GNBS and Chief Executive Officer of the GEA must agree to any further action for change, contemplated or decided.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 11, 2021

'Visitor' arrested after attempting Barbados lockdown further delays CSEC, CAPE results to rape hospital staffer The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

A

man, who told security officers a t t h e Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) that he was a 'visitor,' was on Saturday arrested for attacking and attempting to sexually assault one of the staffers of the institution.

Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, a source from the hospital confirmed that the incident occurred.

The source told this publication that the man came into the hospital's compound, and gave the security officers the impression that he was there to visit someone.

Upon entering, the man then made his way to the switchboard room.

According to the hospital's

protocol, the room is supposed to be locked once the operators are inside.

Kaieteur News understands that a female staffer had just entered the room, since she was relieving another staff from an earlier shift.

While her back was turned, the man reportedly entered the room and locked the door.

It is alleged that the perpetrator was armed with a pair of scissors.

The woman reported that the man attacked her, and as he was about to sexually assault her, she screamed. A security officer, who was stationed nearby, heard the scream and decided to investigate. In so doing, he started to hit on the room's door. After managing to get

the door open, the officer alerted another security rank, who was stationed at the gate leading to the Emergency Room.

The perpetrator was apprehended and was later arrested by police.

After a statement was taken from the staffer, she was treated for injuries she sustained to her chin and arm. According to reports, the woman was left extremely traumatized. The hospital has since granted the woman some time away from work to recover.

It was also revealed that a social worker is currently attending to her to ensure she receives the support she needs. An investigation into the matter has since been launched.

Farmer rescues chopped man found lying in trail

A

man, who had been lying in a trail with chop wounds at Bamia, Ameila's Ward, Linden, reportedly for hours, was yesterday rescued by a farmer.

According to police, the severely wounded man has been identified as 35-yearold Junior Lewis, popularly known as “Yankee,” of Bamia, Ameila's Ward.

Lewis was rescued by the farmer around 09:00 hrs. The

f a r m e r, i n v e s t i g a t o r s reported, was walking along the Bamia trail, when he found the severely injured Lewis lying there. He immediately stopped to render assistance and summoned police, who arrived shortly after.

Ranks recalled that when they arrived, they noticed that Lewis had two gaping wounds to his left arm. He was picked up and rushed to the Linden Hospital

Complex where he received emergency treatment.

Cops later learnt that Lewis might have been lying in the trail for hours. They were told that he was attacked sometime Tuesday night by two men while walking home. The men reportedly chopped him with a cutlass and fled while he collapsed to the ground.

Up to press time, the now hospitalized man's condition was listed as serious.

T

he Caribbean Examination Council's (CXC) review of the 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) has been delayed due to a lockdown in Barbados, where the headquarters is located.

This was revealed by Minister of Education, Priya The Minister of Education, Manickchand, during a Priya Manickchand virtual press conference yesterday.

It was stated, that 1,258 percent outstanding and to requests for reviews were give us our entire 100 submitted to CXC by some percent result. They are 500 CSEC students in affected by the lockdown G u y a n a a n d o f t h o s e that is happening there and it students, 128 students are is not something we can be still waiting for their reviews unsympathetic to. The world to be processed. Grade is in this pandemic right now, changes were given to 456 so that is what is being reviews, while 674 grades uncertain, so I can't say when remain the same. and they can't say when they “You would think in are going to finish,” the ordinary circumstances they E d u c a t i o n M i n i s t e r would have taken just a few lamented. weeks to finish the four She further stated that a

check of the pending reviews showed that several candidates could receive review changes that may likely affect the list of candidates with the highest number of grade ones.

The Ministry of Education had noted earlier in the week that it would be premature to announce the top performers since Guyana does not administer the exams. Since CXC is the one that does so, it was noted that announcing the top performers without the full review being complete might be reckless.

The Minister also highlighted that many students would need their certificates from CXC to pursue their tertiary studies both locally and internationally, thus the delay “has really affected persons mentally.”

CXC has since stated that their review of results for Guyana is 90 percent completed, according to Manickchand.

Puri man's shooter granted bail

T

he bandit, who shot and robbed a man dropping off servings of puri for his friend, was yesterday, granted $150,000 bail.

The defendant, Curtis Vasconcellos, of Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared at Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, to answer to the charge of robbery under arms. It is alleged that on February 2, 2021, he shot and robbed Sew Ramnanan, 54, of Lot 4 Henry Street, C u m m i n g s b u rg , Georgetown of $25,000 cash and a cellphone worth $110,000. The incident occurred at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Vasconcellos, who was represented by his attorney Dexter Todd, pleaded not guilty and is expected to reappear in court on February 28, 2021. His bail however came with conditions.

Vasconcellos will have to report at the Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday at 09:00 hrs. and cannot be seen on the road between 19:00 and 05:00 hrs. According to Todd, his client was not arrested in relation to the robbery, but was picked up during a police raid in Agricola. He added too that Vasconcellos is also involved in another court matter for attempted

Sew Ramnanan's injured leg on the night he was shot murder. Kaieteur News had reported that the police, along with the help from citizens, captured Vasconcellos.

Sew Ramnanan, who he allegedly shot and robbed, had positively identified him during an ID parade.

Ramnanan had told Kaieteur News that he was shot allegedly by Vasconcellos, in the early evening hours while exiting his car parked in front of his friend's home along the Houston public road. He had reportedly gone there to drop off the servings of puri.

However, as he was about to enter his friend's yard, he received a phone call, which he answered. At that exact time, a man on a motorcycle rode up beside him and shot him to the leg, just above his left knee.

The man then demanded cash and Ramnanan told him that the money was in the car.

Ramnanan further said that

On bail: Curtis Vasconcellos another bandit came up too and grabbed the cell phone he (Ramnanan) had in his hand.The bandits also escaped with cash from his pocket and the money he had in the car as well.

He was rescued by the friend, and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he received treatment.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 11, 2021

Guyana has received US$21M in oil royalties so far - Vice President

M

ore than U S $ 2 0 0 million earned from oil revenues currently sits in Guyana's Natural Resource Fund (NRF), with the most recent payment made back in January.

This was the disclosure of Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during his most recent press briefing which was held on Tuesday.

He relayed to media operatives that in total, US$206.6 million (G$43.1 billion) is currently in Guyana's NRF. That figure also included the latest royalty payment of US$8.3 million received last month.

Jagdeo stated, “So far, US$21.2 million in royalty payments have been made into the fund. And there are four payments – US$4.9 million, US$3.6 million, US$4.3 million and US$8.3 million in royalty payments, at different times – April 2020, August 2020, October 2020 and

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo January 2021.”

“And then from profit oil, we have March 11 (2020) – US$54.9 million; June (2020) – US$35 million; August (2020) – US$46 million; and January 11 (2021) – US$49 million… so we now have

US$206.6 million in the fund – US$185 million so far from profit oil and US$21.2 million from royalty,” Jagdeo continued.

Currently, all of the revenue accumulated from the sale of Guyana's oil is held in the NRF, which is banked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The fund remain untouched, however, as government attempts to review the legislation governing the NRF. Government has long frowned upon the NRF implemented by the previous Coalition administration.

It was revealed that its provisions give the subject Minister too much control over the Fund.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, noted too that the legality of the fund is questionable, given that it was passed after the government fell by a December 21, 2018 No Confidence vote.

DUI charge against Gary Best dismissed

Y

esterday, two days after the d e a t h anniversary of national cyclist, Jude Bentley, former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Rear Admiral (Ret'd) Gary Best, had a second charge against him dismissed.

Best, was set free for the driving under the influence (DUI) charge by Senior Magistrate, Clive Nurse, in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.

In handing down his ruling, Senior Magistrate Nurse stated that the prosecution failed to prove the key elements of the charge, and as such Best's lawyers' (Nigel Hughes, Ronald Daniels and Sophia Findlay) no-case submission was upheld by the Magistrate based on lack of sufficient evidence. As a result, the matter was dismissed.

Best had denied the charge, which stated that on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Georgetown, he drove motor vehicle PRR 8182 while his blood alcohol level was at 0.85 micrograms.

The People's National Congress (PNC) executive member, who lives at Pradoville Two,

Former GDF Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral (ret'd) Gary Best

Dead: national cyclist, Jude Bentley

(Sparendaam), East Coast Demerara, was also charged for driving in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Bentley.

In December, Best had the causing death by dangerous driving charge dismissed against him by Magistrate Rhondel Weever in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, under the same circumstances that the prosecution failed to prove key elements of the charge.

However, days after that dismissal, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C., filed an appeal for the dismissal of the ruling into Best's matter.

The notice of appeal was filed in the Court of Appeal.

Kaieteur News had reported that the accident occurred at around 05:00 hrs. on February 8, 2020. Bentley was allegedly struck down by a black Toyota Land Cruiser which was being driven by Best.

Reports indicate that both Best and Bentley were heading in an eastern direction, when the former slammed into the cyclist, taking down a utility pole located on a median at the same time.

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

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Kaieteur News

Kwakwani woman is country's 182nd COVID-19 fatality VACANCY Delivery riders- countrywide- 120 Jobs available to ride company owned motorbikes Call 658-9124 or jobs@gorchum.com Pump attendant shifts (6am2pm & 2pm- 10pm) shell service station providence E.B.D E m a i l : Shellramsburg@gmail.com

FOR SALEFOR SALE

Past CXC Maths and English papers (2010-2020: paper 1 and 2) and CSEC text books for all CSEC subjects 6039085 One 65 K.V.A 3 phase, silence in excellent working condition for $1.5M Guyana dollars, contact club Martini Call 6237805/ 649-0329

Vacancy supervisor to manage grocery department must have experience in purchasing & mamageing invertory Call 623-1615 Sales girl apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb street brouda

House office space/ Residential Robb st Tel#614-7939 One flat 3- bedroom concrete house in 4th Bridge, Golden Grove, E.B.D Tel#689-8896 Residence: North Ruimveldt & Diamond, Business: Hadfield, Saffon St Bond East Coast Georgetown Ray's Realty 627-9685 Space available at Zeelugt public Road E.B.E second floor 4000 sq st, third floor 4000 sq ft Contact 650-0402/ 260-4988 PROPERTY FOR SALE Business place on the one mile public road (Tudor's) Winsar Linden Tel#4445883/ 675-7667 Property for sale at Agriculture road E.C.D Tel#642-9633

From page 2 breakdown of the cases outlined in the MoH updated dashboard of the 51 new cases, Region Four recorded 38; Region Seven recorded three; Region Eight has one; Region 10 has five while Regions Three and Nine have two cases each.

The dashboard revealed too that there are 749 patients

Vacancy exist for the following positions: 1 civil engineer, 1 secretary. Call 608 2114

Live in domestic must know to cook. 25 - 45 yrs. salary 25,000 weekly Tel#610-3974 Porters & Delivery Clerk, 5 subjects cxc, Experience, Good Communication 8 sheriff street mimadecor12@gmail.com Tel#227-0176/86 Office Assistant Proficient in Excel, 2 years experience min, Knowledge of NIS/ PAYE/ Payroll Apply at mimadecor12@gmail.com Tel#227-0176/86

From page 8 sector, supporting rice, sugar, agro-processing and agricultural materials.

GCIE expects that during the construction phase, approximately 1,000 individuals will be directly employed, with approximately 300 full time employees engaged in the long-term operations of the port.

WANTED We buy land farm, Mocha, Herstelling Providence. Between 5-10 Million 266-0693 Lathe operator and welder S. Sawh machine shop Contact 645-9333 Male seeks female 18-38 for common law relationship, light house work. Salary$80,000 Call 695-0331 Live in maid wanted Bourda.

Call 698-1468 One (1) male able bodied clerk call: 225-2313/ 226-1497 One female cook to work on 4" land dredge Tel#672-7275

Vacancy for carpenter & masons $7,000 - $8,000 per day Call 650-1394 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area Call: 615-9132

Female tutor To work with primary level child. able to work during school hours. Call 6266722

One general domestic apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb street Bourda Mini Bus & Hire Car Driver Call#225-3234, 225-9223

Taxi driver for new taxi services Tel#653-4318

Water truck driver needed Call: 686-9296/ 662-7682

TO LET

Diamond East Bank 2 story 2nd ave 5 self contained bedrooms semi furnissh price $97M neg Tel#665-6693/ 6257858

One bedroom apartment living room and bathroom Cummings lodge E.C.D 6732467 or 222-0401 perferable UG student

Thomas st Goergetown, craig, Diamond & Kaneville East Bank, Paradise & Enterprise & Uitvlugt Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685

2 bedroom Appartment in Eccles, Rooms in Albertown Call 225-3234

191 century palm Gardens, Geogetown 3250 sq ft of living space, 3 storey 5 bedrooms 2 baths. Price $60m Contact 614-9610/ 225-2089

La Penitence, Bacheler's Adventure (double lot), Paradise Kuru Kuru, Cornelia ada, Plaisance Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685

LAND FOR SALE

in home isolation, 29 in institutional isolation and eight in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

To date, 7,124 persons have recovered.

Additionally, the MoH reminded Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID19 emergency measures

(No.14), which are in effect until February 28, 2021.

This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a facemask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Ministry also warned that “If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information,” they should contact the COVID-19 hotlines: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 IMMEDIATELY or visit the Ministry's website www.health.gov.gy.

CGX pushes ahead with Berbice Deep...

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

Contact 223-5273/74

Pitmen for interior location.

Application must be experienced. Call 231-2250

FOR RENT

Thursday February 11, 2021

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Need Financing, bank and customs problem? Call: 2319020 Doctoring ERD problem male and female Call: 231-9020

In the company's latest financial report, it recalled that the land for the deep-water project was acquired in 2010.

The lease for the approximately 55 acres of land was granted to CGX's subsidiaries, CGX Resources Inc. and transferred in 2012 to another one of its subsidiaries, GCIE Holdings Limited (“GCIE”), which is incorporated in Barbados. That lease is for 50 years and renewable for the second period of 50 years.

This newspaper understands that CGX Resources

Inc. owns a 16-acre plot of land, which is accessible to the Deep Water Port site via approximately 4.5 km of roadway, 3.2 km of which was built and renovated in 2020 by the parent company.

The plot of land has been developed by the company as a functional, fenced logistics yard, with compacted soil, installation of geotextiles, and coverage with gravel and other foundational material.

According to the financial statements, the Logistics Yard is functional and will service

Phase 1 of the Deep Water Port Facility until its functions are relocated to the 55-acre plot on the bank of the Berbice River at a later date.

It should be noted that the company said it incurred additions of US$468,280 and $721,359 respectively with respect to expenditures on the logistics yard and the Deep Water Port Facility. CGX said that the bulk of the monies spent last year were on continued planning for a full-service Deepwater Port Facility and sea defence.

Thursday February 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Grieving family takes slain bandit in casket to police station It was a chaotic scene yesterday after grieving relatives took the corpse of a slain bandit, in a casket, and placed it in front of the Sparendaam Police Station, located on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The body belonged to that of 22-year-old, Sherwin Filley popularly known as ‘Red Ants,’ of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. He was shot by police on January 29 last, while resisting arrest.

During his funeral procession yesterday, his relatives took his casket and placed in front of the police station claiming that he was not a wanted man, but instead, murdered by police ranks. They tried to break into the station but ranks there armed themselves and stood guard at the door. Relatives held some of them back, while reporters, who were on the scene, told them to desist from breaking into the station or the police will shoot.

They began cursing the officers and claimed that he was strangled before police shot him. They even showed reporters a police badge they claimed to have found in the dead man’s underwear. The name on the badge was Forde and relatives said that he was the one who might have assaulted and shot Filley.

Another relative said that police had gone to arrest him earlier that day but he ran away. That individual claimed that police returned that

Filley’s casket containing his body in front of the Sparendaam Police Station. evening with the intention to kill him.

The person even noted that even if he was wanted, police ranks could have shoot him to his hand or leg and not kill him.

The standoff between the relatives and police continued until back up arrived, removed the casket, and placed it back into a hearse, which was waiting on the opposite side of the road.

Police had reported that on January 29 around 01:50 hrs., ranks had gone to a

wooden shack located on the Ogle Seawalls to arrest Filley for robbery and three counts of assault on a 50-year-old man. He reportedly locked himself inside to avoid being captured. Police then broke down the door, but he allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and attacked them.

In retaliation, a rank discharged a round and Filley was struck to his eye. He collapsed and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced dead.

Deportee who claimed he bought hotel from dead owner, charged with fraud A deportee, who allegedly claimed that he bought a hotel from the dead owner, was this morning placed on $30,000 bail for a fraud charge.

The man, Marlus Hendricks, 42, of Lot 2948 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

He denied the charge, which alleged that on July 17, 2020, at 46 High and Princes Streets, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he forged a certain

document to make an agreement purporting to be signed by Antoine Charles, knowing same to be forged.

Attorney-at-law, Clevon Humphrey, is representing Hendricks. The lawyer told the court that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C, is aware of two government analysts’ reports, which reportedly show the authenticity of the sale.

The lawyer then advised the prosecutor to write to the DPP to reconsider the charge.

According to information, the defendant and Charles made an agreement and $50M

The C-Island Hotel

Charged, Marlus Hendricks. was paid for C-Island Hotel.

However, after the agreement was made, Charles passed away and on July 2, 2020, Charles’ son said that he received a document from Hendricks and he noticed that the signature on the document was not his father’s.

The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. Hendricks was recently arrested and subsequently charged with fraud.

Hendricks is expected to make his next court appearance on February 16, 2021.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 11, 2021

Thursday February 11, 2021

Venus makes painful exit from Australian Open after rolling ankle MELBOURNE (Reuters) Venus Williams refused to give up after suffering an injury against Italian Sara Errani and fought through pain before bowing out of the Australian Open second round with a 6-1 6-0 defeat yesterday.

The 40-year-old American, a seven-times Grand Slam winner and twice finalist at Melbourne Park, started the match with a taped left knee and twisted her right ankle trying to play an approach shot while trailing 1-5 in the opening set.

Williams shrieked in pain before hobbling to her chair to receive medical attention and a retirement looked

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

imminent by the American.

But after receiving heavy strapping on her ankle and extra taping on the knee she returned to court amid wide applause from those present at the John Cain Arena.

Williams did not win another game with her movement severely hampered during the rest of the match as she hobbled between points with pain reflecting prominently on her face.

She left the court to another round of applause as qualifier Errani set up a third round clash against Taiwanese veteran Hsieh Suwei, who defeated 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu 6-3 6-2 earlier.

...ABSAA brokers Chicago State

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you could feel full of energy and eager to get out for some exercise, Aries, but other responsibilities might threaten to keep you from doing it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Libra, you're likely to want to retreat into your bedroom and slam the door today. You won't feel like talking or socializing with anyone, not even those closest to you.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Your energy is probably pretty low today. You won't feel like socializing, nor will you feel like staying in and reading or watching TV.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This might prove to be one of those days in which it's very hard to get anything related to work or communication off the ground.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Career and financial goals could seem completely stalled, and this could have you depressed, frustrated, and in something of a panic.

Don't fall into this trap.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You might have planned to make a particular purchase today, but a quick check of your financial situation could reveal that it would be better if you waited until your next payday.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A colleague could be in a very bad mood,and therefore not the easiest person in the world to deal with. In fact, today he or she could resist working at all, and you might feel obligated to take up the slack.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A lack of physical and mental energy as well as motivation could have you in a lethargic mood today, Capricorn. You won't feel like doing much of anything.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Plans to go away on vacation or perhaps a business trip could be put on hold today, Leo. Events you might have been scheduled to attend could be temporarily postponed.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Usually you enjoy talking with others, Aquarius, but today you won't even want to answer the phone. Your physical stamina and mental energy are low, and you could feel out of sorts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This isn't a good day to visit the racetrack, Las Vegas, or any store that sells lottery tickets. Stay away from the stock market, too, Virgo.

Speculation of any kind now could be risky at best and disastrous at worst.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A group of friends might want you to go out with them today, but you probably won't feel up to it. Your financial situation could also require a little belt-tightening now, so you may not feel you can justify the expense.

From page 23 joined Nandu in half-century partnership as Balgobin, who reached the boundary four times and cleared it twice, was the dominant partner.

Nandu batted responsible and worked the ball nicely into gaps on the slow track and sluggish outfield, while Balgobin executed some lovely shots and was not afraid to go over the top as their second wicket stand to shape.

However, when Roberts got rid of Nandu and Dindyal was run out the innings went downhill rapidly as Mohammed picked up two quick wickets and Holder had

another, Chaitram Balgobin was run out and none of the others passed six.

When Essequibo began their hunt for victory Azim Mohammed was forced to retire before Skipper Ameer Singh was bowled by Dick for eight, as Charles resisted for 43 balls in his 25 with two fours, but once he was removed by Nandu, nobody else except Vincent, batting at number nine, reached double figures. The next round is set for tomorrow Berbice face-off with Essequibo before the tournament concludes on Sunday with Demerara opposing Berbice. (Sean Devers)

...Gayle plans ‘big things’

Venus Williams

Thursday February 11, 2021

...Nandu spearheads Demerara

From page 21 to find a pathway for their passion and they want to be able to see examples that can inspire them,” he told McArthur. “There are a lot of people who you will be inspiring just by doing this, so understand that you bear an additional responsibility.”

GFF President Wayne Forde said McArthur, who has captained Guyana at U20 level and starred in qualifiers for the Concacaf U20 Championship last year, had the potential to make a big impression on the U.S. college soccer scene and to pave the way for more Guyanese to follow in his footsteps.

“Nicholas, you are going to be a trailblazer for many players after you,” Forde said.

“It is so important that you are a good ambassador and set the right example, so there is an added incentive for the coaching staff and management of the college to want to offer similar opportunities to the players that will come after you. Congratulations to Mr. Alex Bunbury for networking and doing everything he has done to make this happen.”

From page 22 formats. “I did the first song with Stylo-G and it was a joke I was running,” Gayle said, explaining that Stylo-G had done a song and he joked with the artiste about doing a remix for a song called Too Hot Celebrity.

“I said Stylo-G I should be on that remix and eventually he turned up at my house and said he was ready. I said ‘what, it was a joke,’ Gayle recalled. “So anyway, we went to the movie theatre room (at his house) and he started to show me the ropes and eventually I delivered the music and it turned out to be a hit.”

From there, Gayle said people started to reach out to him. He subsequently did We Come out to Party with Tanto Blacks and Groove with UK-based Indian singer Avina Shaw. According to Gayle, there is a lot more to come. “I have a lot more songs in the pipeline and I did the single Living the, Life so I decided to start my record label Triple Century Records,” he said. “I am going into production and voice myself as well. It’s fun and I am beginning to enjoy it. Actually have a collaboration (and) quite a few songs that haven’t been released as yet.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday February 11, 2021

Kacey Carty century leads Hurricanes past Pride in first plus 300 run chase Leewards Hurricane batsman Kacey Carty hit the second century of the tournament, 123 not out, to lead his team to a successful chase over 300 runs against the Barbados Pride as play in the CG Insurance Super50 cricket tournament continued yesterday at the Coolidge Ground in Antigua.

Batting first, Barbados Pride got off to a rapid clip and eventually rattled up 301-8 off their 50 overs.

Sharmarh Brooks led the way with a commanding 96, falling just short of making a century.

Jonathan Carter offered good support with 58, with other useful contributions coming from Zachary McCaskie 40, Justin Greaves 38 and Rolston Chase 33 as the Bajans put together the first plus 300 total of the tournament.

Quinton Boatswain captured 4 for 62 and Hayden Walsh 3 for 75 to lead the bowling department for the

4 wickets for Quinton Boatswain. (CWI Media)

Kacey Carty was the outstanding player of the match.

Hurricanes.

Chasing 301 for victory, the Hurricanes started in steady fashion with openers Kieran Powell, who was eventually run out for 25, and Ross Powell, who fell for 21, carried the score at a respectable pace to 55 in 11

overs.

Century maker in their opening match, Nitish Kumar came in and reached 41 before a loose stroke ensured his demise. Carty, who eventually came to the crease after the fall of the second wicket, played

carefully and had good support from Devon Thomas 23 and Hayden Walsh with a useful 28 that released the shackles when it seemed very up hill.

Carty along with Terrence Ward saw their team home to 305 for 6 with

3 balls to spare. There were 2 wickets for Jason Holder and Chemar Holder for the Pride.

Scores: Leeward Hurricanes 305 - 6* (49.3 / 50.0) beat Barbados Pride 301 – 8 (50.0 / 50.0) by 4 wickets with 3 balls

remaining.

Today is a big match-up between favourites Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Jamaica Scorpions.

Guyana Jaguars are against in action tomorrow against the Leewards Hurricanes.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 11, 2021

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KFC drives with GMR&SC Drag Cricket Zone USA supports Championship Speaker’s Cup

Fast food franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has continued their support of motor racing locally by being one of the first sponsors of the first round of the National Drag Championships which is scheduled to boost off on February 28th at the South Dakota Circuit.

Having already being a patron in not only drag racing but circuit racing and karting pre-pandemic, the company has rejoined the quarter-mile shootout.

In an invited comment, Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) President Rameez Mohamed said, “We are glad to welcome a stellar sponsor such as KFC to drag racing.”

“They have been on board with us since 2018, sponsoring all our major meets and they have also sponsored the GT motorsports KFC cup so their investment in motorsport has been no small feat.”

Mohamed noted that already, the committee is moving apace with preparations for the highly anticipated event that has been approved by the

GMR&SC Secretary Cheryl Gonsalves (right) receives the sponsorship cheque from KFC’s Carina Westford.

National Covid-19 task force and since there has not been any drag racing since 2019, efforts are being doubled to ensure an almost perfect meet.

“I think this will be a fantastic race meet and we are expected to see a record amount of cars as was the case with the last Sunday’s Endurance Championship first round. The pandemic has left competitors hungry and has afforded them new times to make their machines better and even complete new race projects so a day of much fun is expected.”

The GMR&SC has confirmed that the event will be live-streamed for the viewing pleasure of fans at home.

The club projects that around 100 participants will lineup for the 1320 action come February 28th and those desirous of competing can contact the GMR&SC via their Albert Street Office or call 225-5457.

Other sponsors of the event so far include Mohamed’s Enterprise, P r e m ’s E l e c t r i c a l , E Networks, Motor Trend S e r v i c e C e n t e r, Wi n d Jammer Hotel, Cyril’s Taxi, A&R Jiwanram Printery, B.M. Soat Auto Sales, Trans Pacific Auto Sale, Unicom United Commodities, MMD Hollow Blocks & Pavers, KGM Security, Ready Mix Concrete, Homeline Furnishing, Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc.

ABSAA brokers Chicago State University Scholarship for Golden Jags Nicholas McArthur

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e n i o r M e n ’s National Team and Fruta Conquerors forward Nicholas McArthur h a s b e e n o ff e r e d t h e opportunity to take up a three-year soccer scholarship at Chicago State University, thanks to the intervention of the Alex Bunbury Sports and Academics Academy (ABSAA).

The 19-year-old McArthur, currently in training with the Golden Jaguars ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March, will now be able to showcase his talents on a first division U.S. college platform – the highest level of intercollegiate sports sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

“I’m very happy. Thank you to Mr. Alex Bunbury and the Federation for this stepping stone,” McArthur said during a

ceremony to celebrate the announcement at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in Georgetown. “I want to be a professional footballer. I want to play for PSG (Paris Saint-Germain). That is where my idol Kylian Mbappé plays – I want to be just like him.”

Plaisance-born former Canadian international Bunbury, who played for U.S. Major League Soccer team Kansas City Wizards, West Ham in the English Premier League and top tier Portuguese side Maritimo, said the ABSAA organisation was proud to create this opportunity and planned to open more doors for young Guyanese talent within the U.S. college system.

“This is a great moment for Guyana’s football. I saw an opportunity for this young man who I believe has all the credentials and talent to showcase his God-given

ability representing Guyana,” Bunbury said.

“This will give him an opportunity to be visible on a big stage and an opportunity to be an inspiration for other young people. This programme has been assisted by the GFF and we are planning to do more of t h i s . We h a v e m o r e opportunities coming. We believe this is the start of something really special.”

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles R a m s o n J r. p r a i s e d Bunbury’s efforts and urged McArthur to lead by example and make the most of the opportunity.

“This is a great example of how the diaspora can impact Guyana,” Ramson said. “Keep pushing the envelope in wanting to give back and understanding that this is where you are from.”

“There are a lot of young people who want to be able (Continued on page 19)

Proprietor of popular sporting goods store USA Cricket Zone, Ravi Etwaroo, provided support to the recently launched inaugural Speaker’s Cup International Softball Cricket Tournament.

The tournament, which will be played over the Easter weekend from April 2 to April 4, 2021 in Georgetown, is organized by the Everest Cricket Club.

USA Cricket Zone’s sponsorship is in the form of a brand new E4 cricket bat, branded

by Guyanese-born Etwaroo. The bat will be raffled as one of the prizes up for grabs at a grand fundraising event.

The raffle will be drawn on the final day of the inaugural tournament with proceeds going directly to the clubs youth programme.

The tournament will be hosted by the

Everest Masters Cricket Team in partnership with the Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir in two categories; Masters Over 45 and Legends Over 50 with sixteen teams expected to participate including six from overseas. Attractive cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs along with man of the match award for each preliminary game, final and player of the tournament.

Etwaroo said that he is pleased to be part of this tournament and wished for a long and fruitful relationship with the Club. He added that he is very happy to be given the opportunity to be part of this event.

The Everest Cricket Club says thanks to Ravi Etwaroo and look forward as well for a long and fruitful relationship.

All covid regulations will be in place. The finals will be played at the picturesque Everest Cricket Ground.

West Indies Women’s players Selman and Connell join CG Insurance Super50 Cup commentary teams

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T JOHN’S, Antigua — C u r r e n t We s t Indies Women’s players, Shakera Selman and Shamilia Connell, have joined the CG Insurance Super50 Cup television and radio commentary teams for the first time as part of a high-quality group of analysts.

Selman is part of the LIVE television broadcast for 13 matches at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

The other analysts are: legendary fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose; former We s t I n d i e s o p e n i n g batsman and Trinidad & Tobago captain, Daren Ganga; and 2012 and 2016 ICC T20 World Cup winner Samuel Badree.

There will also be special guest appearances by legend Courtney Walsh, new Head Coach of the West Indies Women’s team and CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams, the former West Indies captain.

Connell will feature within the LIVE radio commentary broadcast to ten Caribbean radio stations and worldwide on the WindiesCricket YouTube channel.

CWI President, Ricky Skerritt said: “It is now a policy of Cricket West Indies to provide as much opportunity for West Indians to grow their careers into the wider cricket industry, including the broadcast media. We are especially pleased that two of our senior West Indies Women’s team players are getting this exciting opportunity to

Shakera Selman.

(CWI Media Photo) develop their commentary skills and experience. Under the same policy, CWI has been actively developing hundreds of local coaches across our region, including dozens of women, and this is the first opportunity we have had to build broadcast experience for our Women’s team players. With our new TV production presentation, CWI is delivering a modern, vibrant and diverse mix of experienced and insightful presenters and analysts to deliver a more appealing and engaging viewing experience.”

2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner Selman, who late last year played a key role in the Women’s IPL Challenge tournament in the United Arab Emirates, said: “I’m embracing this opportunity that has been afforded to me to be part of the commentary team for the

2021 CG Insurance Super50 Cup. I’m really grateful for the chance to join the commentary panel for this wonderful cricket event in the West Indies.”

She added: “It means a lot to be working alongside these amazing past cricketers, especially a legend of the game such as Sir Curtly Ambrose. I’m just hoping to continue to inspire young girls across the Caribbean to play the game and also to do well in the commentary role.”

Connell, who was also a 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to be part of the commentary team and I’m really looking forward to it. Cricket is my passion and I enjoy everything about the game. I’m happy to share my thoughts and ideas with the listeners and fans.”

The third match of the tournament was played yesterday with Leeward Islands Hurricanes taking on the Barbados Pride in a day/night contest.

The CG Insurance Super50 Cup is being played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The tournament started on Sunday, February 7 and will climax with the grand final on Saturday, February 27.

Kaieteur News

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RHTYSC cricket teams launch solar lights project for Rose Hall Town - M and P Investments makes significant contribution “Never in the history of Guyana, has a youth and sports organisation contributed to the developmental of their community as the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.

We are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of the people around us.

Most importantly, we want our players to be agents of change and to develop a culture of paying it forward,” said RHTYSC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu during a simple ceremony to launch a Solar Lights project for the township of Rose Hall.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is spearheading the project, disclosed that the teams were aiming to install several solar lights around Guyana’s smallest township. The project is been organised under the club Say No to Crime programme. Naidu stated that at least thirty solar lights would be installed around the township.

The twenty years old R H T Y S C A s s t Secretary/CEO informed that the teams have observed a sudden rise of petty crime in Rose Hall and they normally occur in areas where there are no lights.

Chief Executive Officer of M&P Investment, Maria Walcott, hands over the donation to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster.

The teams would purchase the solar lights and hand them over to the Town Council for installation.

They would select the areas for the lights after conducting a survey.

The efforts of the ten cricket teams received a major boost when the Management of M and P Investment Company handed over funds to purchase ten of the lights.

The company is currently in the process of constructing a day care center in the Area “H” Ground and readily agreed to the teams request for assistance. Owner of the company, Pierre Walcott, stated that his company strongly believes in giving back to the communities they work in and noted that he was very impressed by the work of the club.

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the RHTYSC was grateful for the company’s assistance and he was confident that funds for all the solar lights would be obtained shortly.

Special emphasis, he stated would be placed on the Say No to Crime programme in 2021 as the rise in criminal activities is affecting the entire township.

Captain of the Pepsi Under-19 team Jonathan Rampersaud, a former national junior player, stated that the ten cricket teams in 2021 are aiming to complete at least sixty activities under the Say No to Crime programme. They include publication of posters and stickers, donations to the police outpost, youth information booklets, law enforcement officers award ceremonies, solar lights project and television programmes.

Thursday February 11, 2021

Cost Cutters, General Marine back Speaker’s Cup

ECC President Manzoor Nadir accepts the cheque from Amardat Persaud.

Cost Cutters, General Marine have supported the Everest Cricket Club Speaker’s Cup International Softball Cup which is set for April 2-4.

Amardat Persaud of Cost Cutters and Rahaman Khan of General Marine both presented cheques to President of the ECC Manzoor Nadir recently.

The both wished the teams well while Nadir expressed gratitude for their support.

The tournament, which will be contested in the over

45 and over 50 segments, has attracted 16 teams including six from overseas. Attractive cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners and runners-up of both categories, while the manof-the-match in each game as well as the player-of-the tournament will be rewarded.

The final will be played at Everest CC and will conclude with a bar-be-cue and lime as part of the club’s fund-raising efforts and all of the established COVID-19 protocols will apply.

CEO of General Marine Rahaman Khan presents the cheque to Manzoor Nadir.

Gayle plans ‘big things’ for budding music career with launch of Triple Century Records SportsMax - With the formation of his record label Triple Century Records, Chris Gayle is promising to deliver hits of a different kind in the near future.

The man who has hit more than a thousand sixes in T20 cricket has plans to perhaps as many hits as his love for music grows. The Universe Boss reveals that through his record label formed in late 2020, he has

many songs in the pipeline and he is already getting calls from artistes in India and from across the globe.

What started in early 2020 as a joke with Jamaican entertainer Stylo-G, has been transformed into a serious business opportunity for Gayle, who is close to winding down a stellar career as one of the world’s best batsmen in all three (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 11, 2021

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National Gymnasium being transformed into True Multi-Purpose Facility Ramson R

By Franklin Wilson

emodeling works to the o u t e r surroundings of the National Gymnasium has been moving along having commenced in December, 2020. Some 27 million dollars is being expended in this regard, informed Honourable Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. Proper facilities in the city and by extension the rest of Guyana has been a challenge for athletes and sports bodies over the years let alone, access. This is set to be a thing of the past with Ramson on behalf of the Government of Guyana on a path to empower and inspire athletes.

Adequate facilities, the Minister has indicated throughout the land is at the apex of his Ministry’s priority list and ever since his appointment, he has hit the ground running at a steady pace. A number of grounds and facilities have already received monies to boost development.

Seen as a very zealous and down to business individual, Ramson has already met with all the associations and federation heads and has laid out his plans and vision whilst also being informed by the association/federation heads of their plans; in some instances Minister Ramson

- 27 Million being expended for this phase

Transformation of the outer environs of the National Gymnasium underway. (Franklin Wilson photo) has met twice with some associations/federations.

Internal works at the National Gymnasium would be done sometime in the future as the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is utilising the space to store supplies for the covid-19 Relief Assistance Programme.

As has been the case with the ongoing works at the

Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue and Camp Streets in the City, monies allocated for the works at the Gymnasium would have passed through the Ministry o f P u b l i c Wo r k s a n d subjected to the procurement process.

Works at the National Gymnasium entails the total clearing out and filling with crusher run stone,

compacting and sealing with tar; refurbishing of the northern fence, removal of major debris and vegetation and removal of some structures on the premises.

Ramson posited: “The intention is to turn the gymnasium into a true multi sport facility which will lead to a hive of activities in keeping with our Ministry and the Government’s thrust

of transforming the sports landscape from a facility (accessible) perspective to ensure that the youths get the necessary avenues to transform and develop their talent.”

Among the disciplines that have benefitted from uses of the Gymnasium to date are football, boxing, basketball, badminton, table tennis, windball cricket and

dominoes among others.

This facility has also been used to house many national teams as it is equipped with dorms.

Set to be added is the sport of tennis as Minister Ramson has promised to add four junior tennis courts that would assist the development of the youths within the environs of the facility.

GCB/Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-County cricket MSC pays courtesy call to Minister Croal Nandu spearheads Demerara to 1st round win over E’bo

Minister Collin Croal (c) with Micquel Perez Chairman (left) and Sherlon Rodrigues PRO. (Credit CH&PA) Minister of Housing and Water, the Hon. Collin D. Croal was yesterday paid a courtesy call by the Chairman of the Matarkai Sports Council and the Public Relations OfficerSherlon Rodrigues.

Officials of the Sports Council have been engaging Government Ministers over the

past few days to submit proposals for sports clubs and communities across the sub-region, in Region One. In December 2020, Minister Croal was inducted as a patron to the Sports Council and has been giving support to the council in the execution of their functions.

Player of the Match (Round 1) Matthew Nandu receives his award from Colin Stuart.

Led by a useful all-round performance from Canadian based Guyanese Matthew Nandu who followed up a carefully constructed 53 from 97 balls with 2-22 with his off-spin, Demerara beat Essequibo by 76 runs at the LBI ground on the East Coast of Demerara in rain affected opening game of the GCB/Hand-in-Hand 2020 U-19 Inter-County Tournament, which was reduced to 38 overs.

Nandu top scored with 58, but only Ushardeva Balgobin with 45 and Mavendra Dindyal, who made 27, reached double figures as Demerara were restricted to 162-8 in 38 overs.

Jason Holder was the best of the bowlers with 2-28 from seven overs, while Wazim Mohammed had 2-26 from five overs for Essequibo who were bowled out for 86 in 27.2 overs as only Sheldon Charles with 25 and pacer Nicko Vincent (12) reached double figures as Dwayne Dick had 3-15, while Nandu (2-22) and Chaitram Balgobin (2-10) took two wickets each.

After Holder removed the left handed Sachin Singh for a second ball duck, Balgobin (Continued on page 19)

National Gymnasium being transformed into t r o p True Multi-Purpose S Facility - Ramson - 27 Million being expended for this phase

Crusher run stone at the National Gymnasium waiting to be spread and compacted. (Franklin Wilson photo) GFF President Wayne Forde, Nicholas Mc Arthur, Hon Minister Charles Ramson Jr. and Alex Bunbury.

ABSAA brokers Chicago State University Scholarship for Golden Jags Nicholas McArthur

KFC drives with GMR&SC Drag Championship Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.