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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Guyana’s 4-day Energy Conference mainly sponsored by ExxonMobil & its subcontractors opens today...
Event will not address renegotiation of contract or full coverage insurance to protect the region The International Energy Conference and ExhibitionGuyana 2022 which commences today to facilitate discussions in the nation’s best interest is primarily sponsored by American oil giant, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek Block, Hess Corporation and CNOOC. Several of Exxon’s subcontractors are also major sponsors. They include SBM Offshore, Saipem, Schlumberger, TehnipFMC, Baker Hughes, and Stena Drilling. The four-day event which is being hosted at the Marriott Hotel is expected to see discussions on several topics which include the energy transition; the health, safety and environmental culture that is required in the sector; opportunities for members of the Diaspora; the plans of the government to ensure the transition away from heavy fossil fuels; local content; and activity updates from oil operators in Guyana’s waters. Significantly, there will be zero discussion or attention paid to the two biggest issues affecting Guyanese and that of future generations— the unwillingness of ExxonMobil to provide full coverage insurance for its projects and renegotiation of the fatally flawed Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). On Sunday, Kaieteur News published a news item which featured comments from Chartered Accountant a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram who noted the golden opportunity that is before the PPP/C Government at this conference. Ram noted that both President Irfaan Ali and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the two most powerful men in Guyana’s oil sector, will be speaking at the conference today. Also slated to deliver a featured address is Chief Executive Officer of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods. Ram is of the firm conviction that Jagdeo and Ali ought to use this opportunity of having Woods in-country to lobby him publicly and privately on the need for Guyana to correct some of the most onerous terms of the contract. Publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall has
also stated that while he supports Ram’s sentiments, he would add that Guyana ought to demand full coverage insurance for all of the ExxonMobil operated projects for in the absence of same, Guyana leaves itself and the region by extension, exposed to the incredibly devastating impacts of an unmitigated oil spill. Noticeably silent on the key issues that ought to be given due attention at the conference is the political opposition. While it has raised an alarm about not being invited to attend, it has failed to make any demands on what the government and the organisers should be addressing in the interest of the citizenry. While organisers have already confirmed with this newspaper that contract renegotiation or full coverage insurance, two critical issues for national security, did not make the final agenda, they were able to confirm some of the other speakers and topics that would be considered over the next four days. This newspaper understands that the conference will be opened today with statements from Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo, the President of Ghana; Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the President of Suriname; and Mia Amor Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados. Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will be delivering the keynote address. Following the foregoing p r e s e n t a t i o n s , Vi c e President, Dr. Jagdeo will be outlining early on, Guyana’s Oil and Gas Policy, after which, Darren Woods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ExxonMobil will deliver his address. The first day will also feature three activities, which are focused on local content. Annand Jagesar, the Managing Director of
President Irfaan Ali Staatsolie (Suriname’s National Oil Company) will be sharing his home country’s experience on this subject matter as well as insight on local content initiatives pursued in the Dutch speaking country. There will also be a panel discussion on local content, which will see input from Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works; Martin Pertab, Director at the Local Content Secretariat for the Ministry of Natural Resources; Nicolas Sicard, Area Director for Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago at TechnipFMC; Francesco Prazzo, General Manager at SBM Offshore, Guyana; Brent Patterson, Regional Director at Blue Water Shipping; and Paul Cheong, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission. Another panel discussion focused on skills needed for the progress of the energy industry in Guyana will also be hosted and see participation from Dr. Natasha Gaskin-Peters, Manager at the ExxonMobil funded-Centre for Business Development; Maria Claudia Borras, Group Executive Vice-President at Baker Hughes; Brian McShane, Senior Vice President at Intecsea; and Lars Mangal, Chief Executive Officer at Totaltec. Tomorrow, Jagdeo is scheduled to start the day
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
PNC/R Leader, Aubrey Norton
Exxon’s CEO, Darren Woods
with a presentation on G u y a n a ’s s u s t a i n a b l e approach for a sustainable future. He will be followed by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat who is expected to provide key updates on the Energy Corridor and Cross Border
oil field development and services. Operations updates are expected to be provided Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana; Gabriel De Alba, Chairman of CGX; Ryan Ramjit, Country Manager
for Guyana, Repsol and Mitch Jie-A-Looi, Team Lead of Geoscience Operations at Staatsolie. Winston Brassington who is the ex-Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments (Continued on page 16)
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Kaieteur News
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
Why the leadership stubbornness on renegotiation? Something is going on today that is puzzling. The leadership trio in the PPP/C Government, who have oversight of this country’s natural resources are a picture of dogged resistance to any talk, any appeal, any urging to renegotiate the devastating oil contract. It is a completely different story, from when today’s President and the Vice President were trapped in opposition benches. It raises jumbies of the worst suspicions on this inexplicable stubbornness to seize any opportunity that presents itself for renegotiation of this lopsided oil contract. When we at this newspaper, study the antics and curious stonewalling by His Excellency, the Vice President of Oil, and the Minister of Natural Resources regarding their repeated collective failures to act in Guyana’s best interests to get the most (or something materially more) from this embarrassing oil contract only some very bad vibes come. The PPP/C’s own political manifesto contains specific wording on “contract administration/renegotiation” and about taking a stand and making a move in that direction. But that was in the tensions and heats of elections campaign, which may be the usual empty talk of the political hustings, and nothing more. We can see PPP/C leaders sheltering shamelessly under that skirt, as though it has no meaning now that they are in power, and can have the pride of being Guyana’s rescuer, through actions that set them apart as powerful difference-makers. Both the current President and Vice President, when they were in opposition, are on record as coming out in the harshest terms to denounce this most unfavourable and intolerable oil contract. Their highly critical words and scornful public postures have not spared the Coalition Government for this contract abomination that is the handiwork of its leaders. But now that the PPP/C is the party controlling the reins of government, its leaders are largely silent, and engage in lengthy disappearing acts. Indeed, they struggle continuously to put as much distance between themselves and Exxon, with any unwelcome talk about contract administration/renegotiation. In so doing, the three leaders mentioned in the opening paragraph of this writing have hurt Guyana, and dashed the expectations of Guyanese. They failed when they had the chance. They dodged and ducked when the opportunity presented itself not once, but twice. What should have been a given, after all the ‘fat talk’ of PPP/C leaders about renegotiation, they did not take the roads opened to them. There was Payara, and the President, Vice President, and Natural Resources Minister shrank from any confrontation with Exxon’s people, slunk away from getting in their faces with determined talk about renegotiation and doing better for the Guyanese side of one of the most terrible oil bargains ever. It was if they were all fearful and reduced to putty, as well as the liquified flush of the sewer, at the mere thought of facing off with Exxon’s leaders. When we consider the roles of the three leaders, there is some feeling for the Minister, since natural resources, meaning oil automatically falls (or should) under his portfolio. With all the conspicuous leadership weaknesses and cowardice on display, it is obvious that the Natural Resources Minister is the odd man out: a man with a title, and no oil responsibility, no oil influence, not even a say. When we had Exxon over a barrel and vulnerable, with horrible earnings and agitated shareholders, we didn’t go for the jugular. The same lousy leadership qualities are manifested with the Yellowtail (4th) Project. Every opportunity to make Exxon reasonable is squandered, ignored, or bypassed. This is from leaders who once said that they want the best for Guyanese. This is not only baffling, because of the lost advantages that were not capitalised upon when openings became available. This does not connect, does not make sense, does not add up, no matter which way counted, however generously examined. We have to wonder if Exxon has some hold over this country’s political leaders, which leaves all of them hogtied and helpless. It could be dark secrets involving deep compromises that render them totally useless to Guyana, where this oil is concerned. Unsullied leaders do not hide, or engage in the hijinks that Government leaders display when renegotiation should be urgently tabled.
Tuesday February 15, 2022
GUYANESE NEED A FAIR DEAL ON OIL CONTRACT: WHO WILL SPEAK FOR THEM? DEAR EDITOR, Exxon’s CEO Darren Woods is scheduled to attend an Energy Conference in Georgetown, Guyana on Tuesday February 15. He will be flying in with his private corporate jet. The conference is a sort of celebration of Guyana’s Arrival as a member of the prestigious Oil Club. Attendees: Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo, Suriname’s President Santokhi, Barbados Prime Minister Mottley, the world’s most celebrated Oil historian/economist Daniel Yergin, and several Ambassadors of ABC and EU countries based in Georgetown, Guyana. Who will be courageous enough and be willing to put in a word for the Guyanese people? You may say: Of course, the Guyanese Vice President Jagdeo speaks for the Guyanese people – but therein lies the whole purpose of this essay. A funny line has begun appearing in Guyanese chat rooms and social media: Darren Woods to visit his plantation. Folks familiar with the colonial history will understand the “plantation” remark and be able to relate it to what is happening today. In the 1700’s and 1800’s, Guyana was a British colony and had more than 400 sugar plantations, all owned by absentee Europeans. Most never set foot in Guyana; but their plantations were run by overseers. They made a lot of money for the planter class. One plantation was owned by
Gladstone whose son later became Prime Minister of Great Britain. Gladstone never set foot in Guyana. I was born and raised in Guyana and have settled in the United States. Growing up in the villages of Guyana, the first decolonization leader Cheddi Jagan was never tired of coming to the villages and telling us why we were so undeveloped and poor: because our industries sugar and bauxite were all owned by foreign investors. They mine the bauxite ore, ship it abroad, smelt it into aluminum, and the value goes up to 30-times what we get paid for a ton of ore. Jagan would always say, “We get paid pennies on a ton.” Guyana got its independence in 1966. We are a sovereign nation. Now we can negotiate on our own terms fair value for our resources. That was the dream for an Independent nation. Or so we thought. Fast forward to 2016. Oil had been discovered in 2015. An oil contract (called a PSA, Production Sharing Agreement) had been signed in 2016 by Guyana’s then Minister of Energy, Raphael Trotman at Exxon Headquarters in Houston, Texas. A single Minister’s signature made the contract binding and will remain fixed for the life of the contract, 30years. The contract had been negotiated in secret, kept secret for over a year. After much public agitation and protest, only then President Granger relented and made
the contract public. To say the contract had been rigged, the nation had been sold out, is an understatement. There is no evidence of a negotiation – that some 33 Articles and over 100 Clauses of the contract had been analyzed and vetted with the help of Minister Trotman’s staff and hired consultants. End result: The PSA provides for no corporate income tax to be paid by oil companies, 2% royalty and a 50/50 split of the profits after Cost Recovery capped at 75% is taken off the top. This works out to 12.25 barrels out of every 100 for Guyana. We are told Guyana’s share of “profit oil” will increase as the Capital and other costs are amortized presumably on an expedited scale. The PSA provides for no “ring-fencing” - this means the spreading and commingling of cost of ongoing development of new wells over the next 30-years will keep the 75% cost recovery running for as long as possible. This will minimize profit oil, thus making Guyana’s “take” as low as possible for as long as possible. There is no proforma schedule to show how Guyana’s share of profit oil will rise from 12.25 barrels to say 30 barrels out of every 100. Guyana’s per capita income in 2020 is listed at $4,500, with a population of 780,000. There are no highways, no potable water systems and no reliable
power supply in this country. Hospitals and schools are inadequately staffed and lack basic supplies and equipment. Recently, a local newspaper carried a story of a 17-year-old HS student who was successful at his exams – but reported that he had to sell plantain chips to earn money to pay fees for after school tutoring and pay bus fares to and back from school. Not enough trained teachers, no libraries, almost 50% of students must pay for after school lessons to help them pass their exams. Such is the socioeconomic condition of this nation. And, it is stuck with a PSA that cannot be renegotiated; must remain in effect for the next 30-years. If you ever heard of a rigged, lopsided contract, this is it. [Embed picture of posterboard here] h t t p : / / w w w. o g g n . w e b s i t e / w p content/uploads/2021/12/ suriname-vs-guyanacontract.png Two countries, Guyana and Suriname share the same oil basin. Let’s look at our posterboard showing comparisons of revenue streams of the two countries’ oil contracts. What Guyana is foregoing or losing? The difference in royalty of Guyana’s vs Suriname’s is 4.25%. This works out to $24.86 billion dollars on 9 billion barrels of crude reserves from one oil block. (9 billion barrels multiply by Average price (Continued on page 6)
Public Service – The Pensionable Age DEAR EDITOR The issue of the retirement age in the Guyana Public Service has long been debated, to the extent that it was given focused attention in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service, 2016. The following paragraphs are immediately relevant: “The retirement age in the Public Service is 55 years, and with approval 50 years. Public Sector organisation such as the Bank of Guyana, the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Revenue Authority, and staff of the Audit Office of Guyana have a retirement age of 60 years. The Private Sector also has higher than the Public Service retirement age based on pension schemes providing for retirement between 60 and 65 years, and with no fixed retirement age for top executives. Similarly, there is no retirement age for Parliamentarians and Ministers. The retirement age for staff at the University of Guyana is 65 years, and for
the members of Judiciary and the Auditor General, the retirement age is 65 years. It is argued that the age of 55 is too early an age for retirement for Public Servants. Testimonies to the Commission support and advocate for higher retirement age for Public Service staff. The contention is that at age 55, Public Servants would have acquired deep knowledge and wide experience in public management and in their professional and specialist fields. Therefore, it is a great loss of skills and expertise to the Public Service with a retirement age at 55. This is one of the arguments used to justify the reemployment of retired public servants on contract immediately upon retirement. While the age of retirement for civil servants is 60 years in the British Virgin Islands, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, the current retirement age is 65 years in Bermuda, and 66.5 years in Barbados; and Dominica has
abolished the retirement age on the ground of non-discrimination; while International Organisations within the United Nations System retire International Civil Servants on attaining 62 years of age. The current retirement age in the Republic of South Africa is 65 years (Public Service Act, 1994). The higher retirement age of 65 years would provide for higher pensions under the Pension Act for public officers who would also continue to contribute to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) until the age of 60 years when NIS pensions would be paid. This would further increase the finances of the NIS by the extended contributions from the employer and the employees for an additional period of five years, thus convinced that a higher retirement age for Public Servants would be mutually beneficial to the State, the public employees, and the National Insurance Scheme.” As a consequence, the Commission proceeded to
make the following recommendations: “That the retirement age for new entrants into the Public Service, and those currently in the Public Service who are below 50 years of age, be retired on attaining 65 year of age, with the option of retiring on attaining 60 years; That pension entitlements be calculated at a maximum of 43 and onethird service years; That public servants who are currently below 55 years of age, be allowed the option to retire on attaining 60 years or any time before 65 or on attaining 65 years of age; That no person retiring from the Public Service before attaining the age of 65 years should be employed on contract in an established Public Service position. That the Pensions Act Chapter 27:02 be amended as may be required to provide for higher pensions as a result of the higher retirement age.” Regards E.B. John
Tuesday February 15, 2022
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I applaud David Lammy’s bold GMI workers complain to initiative GAWU about living conditions DEAR EDITOR It is unfortunate that David Lammy, British shadow overseas secretary should send his petition of pardon for the leaders of the Demerara, 1823 Slave rebellion, to Mr. Dominic Raab who ironically, with his refugee background, is a conservative, back-street bully of a politician. It is also unfortunate that Raab’s response should clearly reveal his ignorance of colonial history and slavery. I nevertheless applaud Lammy for his bold initiative, and I further add that this matter should not be considered concluded because of Raab’s illogical, summary dismissal. It should be taken up to the Commonwealth Secretariat, to Historical Societies, and be widely exposed in all media especially during this month, to even attract Royal attention. The injustices of history and the inhumanities of European colonialism should not be dismissed and forgotten that easily by descendants of their victims. For, in so doing, the descendants pay twice and often, many times more. We must not forget the Atlantic slave triangle, the Amritsar massacre, the sadism of slavery and indentureship because the tactics used in these historical ignominies are still in active use today by superpowers and their conglomerates to divide us or incite/indoctrinate us to divide ourselves in order to rule and rob us. For those who don’t know their history, or for our today’s generation who wish to know and perhaps pursue historical justice, here is a brief on slavery and indentureship, circa the time of the same Demerara Rebellion. This brief is extracted from Chapter Nine of the novel, The Silver Lining(which, incidentally, was awarded the Guyana Prize for Literature, 1998, and available at Amazon, the e-print version, free. Note: the ringleader slaves, Quamina Gladstone and Jack Gladstone, (mentioned in this extract) were not related, and were given the surname of the plantation owner, as was the practice of slavery ownership. “…This is Belle Vue where the diabolic
plot was hatched to subtly introduce a new kind of slavery, but under a different name; one that was more vicious and organizationally exploitative so that it can save the failing sugar industry and return it to the glorious sweetness it once was. For, even under the slavery mode of production, sugar had become uneconomical to produce. Slavery had to be replaced. Belle Vue, where the new slavery system, called Indian Indentureship, was first introduced, resulting in throwing the world back, back into the Dark Ages. Thus, the plantation system of sugar production was salvaged and sugar was to become once more economical to produce – at least for another hundred and fifty years. That Plantation owner was Sir John Gladstone who, with his four sons, for many years controlled the people, politics, parliament, and prime minister-ship of the British Empire. Thus, he was able to successfully lobby legislation through British Parliament for planters to be compensated for freeing their slaves, and for himself to receive the hog’s share of the compensation, not only for owning the most slaves in the West Indies, but somehow got himself paid more than twice the sum for each freed slave than the other West Indian planters received. That compensation cost the British people so much money that some calculated that it would take two hundred years to pay it back. But even though compensation was promptly made, the slaves were not immediately freed. Gladstone bamboozled the British government to enslave them for an additional seven years as apprentices to train them to become freed people. And even then, freedom from apprenticeship had to be fought for all over again, just like freedom from slavery, both in the British Parliament, and in bloody rebellions on the Gladstone Demerara plantations. At one of Gladstone’s plantations, slaves sought to complain to the Governor of Demerara that they were being denied freedom granted them by the British government. When the Governor refused to hear them, they re-
volted. The revolution was brutally quelled. The two ring leaders, Quamina Gladstone and Jack Gladstone were massacred, and their bodies placed on display. Fortyseven others were hanged, and hundreds were whipped, some as much as a thousand lashes. On the Gladstone plantations, this cruelty and sadism meted out to former slaves was deliberately amplified in the treatment of the indentured Indians to ensure sugar production in the British Empire once again became viable. The most sadistic cruelty ever meted out to both slaves and indentured servants in the whole British Empire was without any doubt practised on the Gladstone plantations in Demerara, owned by father of the mighty ruler of the Empire. At his Vreed-en-Hoop plantation, for instance, nineteen of his seventy-five Indians were beaten to death in the first eighteen months of their indentureship. Other Indians on his four other plantations, whom they took sadistic delight in calling, “Coolies”, would so frequently be given hundreds of lashes, and salt packed into their wounds, for such petty offences as not completing daily tasks, many of which were impossible to complete in a day. This was the former Plantation Belle Vue where Billy’s great grandfather was indentured, being one of the first to arrive from India, on the SS Hesperus…” And for those who wish to learn a little more during this month of Black History Awareness, here is another interesting tit bit of information also extracted from the same book, chapter seven… “The Number One and Number Two Canals were one of these historical landmarks with a history that the planters would prefer to remain untold. Totaling about twenty three miles, the Canals were dug to impolder a vast swampland between the two and stretching from the Demerara River on the east to an inland water conservancy almost twelve miles directly west. The impoldered area soon became one of the largest and most [productive sugarcane (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR Workers of the Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI) have reported to the GAWU that their living conditions at the company’s Matthews Ridge location in the North West district is not fit. The workers shared with our Union that proper sanitation is absent and despite their repeated pleas, it appeared to them, the company was not prepared meaningfully to address the situation. They bemoaned that given the current COVID19 pandemic, in which sanitation has taken even greater importance, they are forced to endure such difficult conditions. They also lamented the physical condition of the housing facilities, which they shared required urgent repairs and rehabilitation to bring it to an acceptable level. We understand from the workers, locals are housed in a particular section of the company’s compound. They
advised us that the foreign nationals are housed separately. The Union understands from the workers that foreigners are afforded several amenities such as satellite television, washing machines, facilities for recreation, among other things, similar facilities are not extended to Guyanese. Additionally, they informed our Union that whereas foreigners are provided with cleaning assistance, they are required to clean their own rooms. They explained as well that even a necessity such as internet access to communicate with their relatives is denied though the foreigners are allowed such access. They on the other hand must purchase cellular data if they wish to have internet access. Workers also expressed to our Union concerns in respect of their NIS deductions. They told us that though NIS de-
ductions were made from their wages/salaries, they were unsure whether such deductions were remitted to the Scheme. Additionally, the workers indicated to the GAWU that their working conditions left a lot to be desired and there was need for urgent remedy. The GAWU was disturbed to learn of the reports from the workers of this foreign enterprise. Indeed, it is disturbing to learn of the apparent treatment by the company. Undoubtedly, there is urgent need to address the situation and ensure they are protected. Our Union stands in solidarity with the workers of GMI. Undoubtedly, like all workers, they deserve due reward for their effort and acceptable housing facilities as they contribute to the company’s success. Regards Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union
Education Budget – not for Teachers DEAR EDITOR How come in a budget (2022) of $74.4 B, there is once again no mention of upgrading the salaries of teachers? Why is it that the most fundamental contributors to human resources development continue to be stultified in a compensation structure deriving from the colonial days? Why are teachers in all grades of schools victims of such glaring negligence? They are the only ‘public servants’ whose productivity can be evaluated, and yet have not benefitted from any performance related increments for the last fifteen years at least. What the recent blurb inheres is that after the investment in training (by whom), the (licensed) graduates will
be rewarded by what is perhaps the most derisible compensation structure of the teaching profession in the Caribbean, at least. One question the proposed new trainees are bound to ask is to which of the following grades will they be appointed: Teacher Aide; Acting Teacher; Pupil Teacher I/II; Temporary Unqualified Teacher; Temporary Qualified Master III/II; Trained Teacher; Non-Graduate Senior Assistant Master; Head of Department; Non-Graduate Senior Master; Untrained Graduate Master; Graduate Deputy Head; Graduate Head. The above obfuscation in Grades need desperately to be clarified. Not even the budget manipulators over the past decades have noted
such basic (de)valuation of scales like the following examples: a) TS5 (B) $156,685 -$169,341 b) TS5 (B1) $153,886 $166,540 c) TS8 (A) $175,995 $193,169 d) TS8 (B) $178,147 $191,027 Then there is the insult of a fixed salary for the highest Grade – PRINCIPAL – for life, fortunately which ends formally at fifty-five years, like all public servants. One hopes future trainees may not be discouraged by the above recital. Regards E.B. John Organisational Development and Human Resources Management Advisor
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Tuesday February 15, 2022
GUYANESE NEED A FAIR DEAL ON OIL CONTRACT... From page 4 $65 multiply by 4.25% = $24.86 billion). This is what Guyana is losing/foregoing on Royalty alone on one oil block. Over the next 30-years on estimated reserves of 30 billion barrels of crude, the losses will amount to many more billions. Guyana’s loss: Windfall gains to Oil Companies shareholders. Global Witness estimated that Guyana stands to lose $55 billion on 9 billion barrels. GW also urged the Jagdeo-led govt in 2020 to put on hold approval of the operating license for the Payara oil block
– use it as leverage to renegotiate for a Fair Oil contract. Vice President Jagdeo refused. Darsh Khusial, a leading activist of the Oil & Gas Network estimated that Guyana will lose an estimated $91 billion on 30 billion barrels crude reserves. How did a poor, small country like Guyana get caught up between such a rock and a hard place? Why are both the PNC govt. (2015 - 2020) and the current PPP govt. led by VP Jagdeo refusing to ask Exxon to come back to the negotiating table to make the contract just a little bit fairer. Just give
us the same 6.25% royalty Suriname gets and a 15% profits tax (Suriname’s 36%) – and the Guyanese people will be happy. This is not a mystery. Guyanese who know the politics of this country know the answer to this question. PNC’s Minister Rafael Trotman who signed the contract in 2016 told the Guyanese press that he had been instructed to sign. Now 5-years later, he has never revealed who instructed him to sign. The Guyanese people know something funny happened in Houston on that fa-
tal day when Minister Trotman ignored the advice of his paid consultants who urged him not to sign – but to negotiate for a better deal. Mr. Jagdeo’s PPP campaigned for the election held March 2020 on the promise that he will renegotiate the Oil contract. Once he won the elections and took the oath of office, he reneged on his promise. The Guyanese people in a flash knew something funny happened. Then Alistair Routledge, president of Exxon (Guyana) revealed he held talks with both parties’ leaders in the run-up to the elec-
tions – and both promised not to ask for renegotiation. It was the closest thing to a bombshell being dropped in Guyana’s steamy racial politics. This much is clear. Both leaders were desperately afraid that if they said yes to renegotiation, Exxon has the power to swing the election to their opponent. Exxon exploited the fears of both leaders. Exxon literally owned and called the shots in Guyana. It is as if this little country has been re-colonized, this time not by sugar planters but by the Oil Giants. This contract represents a humiliation imposed on the Guyanese nation. This contract must not stand. It represents a loss to the Guyanese nation of an estimated $91 billion on 30 billion barrels over 30-years. The contract can be renegotiated providing both parties – Host govt and Exxon - agree. How does one party get the other party to agree? Just ask. Mr. Jagdeo, the de facto president has declared publicly that he will not ask. For him, it might very well be a secret promise, which he had made in the runup to the 2020 elections. Many supporters of VP Jagdeo say Mr. Jagdeo has learned his lesson from past mistakes and history. They are obviously referring to the ousting of PPP’s Cheddi Jagan from power in 1964 with the help of the CIA. Darsh
Khusial of OGGN argues that that was a different era – Jagan was ousted because he was a Marxist. There is no reason to think the U.S. govt. would collude with Exxon to oust VP Jagdeo from power were he to ask for renegotiation and use his inherent leverages (Guyana owns the resource) to force Exxon back to the negotiation table. Of all the heads-of-State and the noted oil economist attending the conference – PM Mottley, President Santoki, Ghana’s President and Dr Daniel Yergin – would anyone of them be moved by the unfairness of this contract – to make an appeal to the good consciences of Exxon, gently nudge Mr. Darren Woods to agree to renegotiate this contract, just to make it a little bit fairer for the 780,000 people who live in Guyana. A bare 6.25% royalty and 15% profits tax rate (Suriname’s is 36%) – and liability insurance in the event of an oil spill will suffice to make the Guyanese people happy. Dr. Jan Mangal, an oil expert who was once the advisor to a previous Guyana president had this to say: A PSA contract between Host country and Exxon and its partners is like a good marriage – it must last for 30 or more years. Yours truly, Mike Persaud
I applaud David Lammy’s... From page 5 and fruit producing area in the Caribbean. What the wandering traveler might not know was that that civil engineering masterpiece and world wonder of an excavation and impoldering work was all done by manual slave labour, and the digging of those twenty-three mile canals, fifty feet wide and twenty feet deep, together with the shoring up of twenty miles of Conservancy Dam, was the largest manual excavation work done by slave labour in the world, a feat that so impressed George Washington, the President of the United States that he initiated a similar project, the Dismal Swamp Canal, in Virginia, using, of course, slave labour.”
Editor, I hope you publish this rather long letter, for I feel it is relevant at this time as it is important for our people to know about and empathize with each other’s history. Because we struggle a lot to accept so much fiction being peddled for facts by fake, fundamentalist academics who insist that they alone have a monopoly on ethnic history, whose hidden objective is to maintain ignorance and disharmony similar to the practice of our erstwhile slave masters. They would prefer us to celebrate our history with food and fete, that way we are destined to remain ignorant and suffer twice. Yours respectfully, Gokarran Sukhdeo
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday February 15, 2022
Kaieteur News
The Creator in his infinite wisdom, created each of us with both strengths and weaknesses.
These qualities help to transform us into unique individuals. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could use our God-given qualities to help each other, rather than outwit each other?
For too long, there have been some among us who deceive us into thinking that they have our best interest at heart. Daily, we are seeing that there are not too many among us who really have our best interest at heart.
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Kaieteur News
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Tuesday February 15, 2022
$20M set aside for Local Content Secretariat Guyana, this past week commenced pumping crude from its second Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and, according to stakeholders, the growing industry will see financial and other benefits redounding to the ordinary Guyanese through measures such as the recently introduced Local Content laws. With this in mind, it was disclosed during the recently concluded budgetary approval process that the Minister of Natural Resources has in fact set
aside $20M for the setting up of a Local Content Secretariat. The disclosure was made b y S u b j e c t M i n i s t e r, Vickram Bharrat, who was at the time being grilled during the Committee of Supply stage of the approval process when he made the disclosure. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Minister told Members of the legislative body that government has also set aside an additional sum of $5M for the hiring of a consultant with a view to preparing a local content data repository or a data
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
bank. Minister Bharrat told the House, “At some point in time, like all petroleum
producing nations, we must move to have our own data bank.” He was adamant; it is not
advantageous for “us to continue in this manner.” As such, he disclosed that the paid consultant will be asked to do an assessment towards the design for that data repository, essentially to indicate to the administration what types of hardware would be needed in setting up such a data bank “and how we can move forward.” T h e D a t a Repository/Data Bank, according to Bharrat, would host information pertaining to local suppliers of goods and services in the oil industry for which the oil companies would have to give first preference. At present, ExxonMobil secures domestic suppliers of goods and services through the Centre for Local Government and Business Development (CLBD), an ExxonMobil funded outfit. Attorney General, Anil Nandlall had since last year, signalled an intention to set up the outfit on the part of government in order to have ExxonMobil no longer solely determining what constitutes local content. With the setting up of a Local Content Secretariat,
there will be the creation of two registers of companies and Guyanese. It was previously adumbrated that these registers will return to the State, the power to ensure operators and their subcontractors are fairly directing opportunities for employment, procurement and capacity building to Guyanese nationals. In response to concerns that the requirements of the Local Content Legislation would be in conflict with ExxonMobil’s controlled CLBD, Nandlall had said the government is in receipt of a litany of stories from the private sector which have detailed acts of discrimination, neglect, and how they were ostracised from getting fair opportunities in that organisation. He had said the Secretariat would not replace the Exxon centre but it would ensure the State has its own apparatus of measuring true local content. He said anyone who is not part of the register can still compete, but would not be considered as part of any company’s local content achievements.
New telecoms provider gets licence to service Guyana
Prime Minister with responsibility for the Telecommunications Sector, Mark Phillips A n e w telecommunications provider looking to operate in the domestic market has been given the formal go ahead with a formal individual Licence and Frequency Authorisation made under the Telecommunications Act. Since published in the Official Gazette and signed under the hand of Prime Minister Mark Phillips, the authorisation takes effect from January 1, last. The notice, published on Friday last, was dated February 9, with its date of effect being January 1. The company had faced some backlash after it had
announced getting its licence last year, but government by way of a statement emanating from the Prime Minister Office said, the company jumped the gun in making the announcement. “While government desires to maximize competition and welcomes investment of new entrants to the sector, and has indeed done considerable work on processing the application of Green Gibraltar Inc., we nevertheless note that there is a statutory process to be followed which is not yet complete,” the statement from the Office of the Prime (Continued on page 17)
Tuesday February 15, 2022
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Kaieteur News
Government should take over City Hall It makes no economic sense to be spending almost G$800M to restore City Hall. None whatsoever! Last September, Central Government rushed to the rescue of City Hall by signing a G$780M contract for the restoration of City Hall. Why spend such an enormous sum of money when with G$100M you can construct a new City Hall and copycat architectural features of the historic building? Is this not what restoring does in any event? Rebuild in the same design without having to demolish the original structure? Why spend almost G$800M to rebuild something which will most likely also be allowed to rot and deteriorate as the present structure did. Unfortunately, this decision is not simply a financial one; there are heritage considerations to be taken into account. According to Lloyd Kandasammy, the structure which we now know as City Hall was declared open on the 1st July, 1889 and has been labelled as the Caribbean’s finest building. He described it as representing Gothic Revival architecture from Great Britain’s Victorian era. He cites the late Lennox Hernandez as describing the building as a three-storied rectangular structure whose entrance is highlighted with a high squared tower, and with a mahogany staircase connected to the first and second floors. The tower, it is said. is “capped by a square pyramidal flat-topped spire with four conical pinnacles.” There is no doubt that it is a very special and unique structure in the Caribbean and one which all Guyanese
should be proud of. Well, Guyanese were so proud of this building that, like many other colonial structures, they simply let it deteriorate to the point where an enormous sum, almost the combined market value of the land and the structure on it, has to be spent on restoration works. City Hall was left to go into disrepair because the City simply could not afford to maintain it. And over the years, it deteriorated to the point where had it not been a building of historic and architectural significance, it would have been condemned and pulled down. It is not too late to do so and save the taxpayers a fortune. With G$100M a replica of City Hall can be constructed. But the government knows that if City Hall collapses, it will not be forgiven by the local middle class who have more than a sentimental attachment to heritage structures and somehow feel that government has an obligation to reverse years of neglect at one swish. They conveniently ignore that those responsible for the upkeep of City Hall have not done enough to ensure that it did not reach the terminal state in which it is at present. City Hall is administered by an APNU municipality. The AFC is not part of the management of City Hall having been dumped by their senior Coalition partner in the 2018 local government elections. But do not ask the APNU to accept blame for the poor state of the City even though the main party of the APNU has controlled City Hall for more than 50 years and should be held accountable
for the deterioration of the structure. But that aside, the key question is how do you maintain a G$800M structure? Even at 10 percent maintenance costs each year, this runs into G$80M per year which is beyond the financial means of City Hall. The government therefore cannot be serious if it intends, after the high-cost restoration works are completed, to hand the maintenance of management of this structure back to City Hall. Twenty years from now, we will be back where we started because City Hall simply does not have the resources, and is not ever likely to find the resources, to maintain the restored structure. It makes no sense spending all that money to restore the building and then hand it over to City Hall. Upon completion of the restoration works, the government should take over the entire structure and convert it to a tourist attraction. It should charge schoolchildren, other members of the public and tourists a fee for guided tours of the building. This will allow the building to earn some money, but that definitely will not be able to earn enough to repay that G$800M or to even pay for the yearly cost of maintenance. From a strictly financial point-of-view, the government has to seriously ask itself whether it can continue each year, to spend enormous sums on maintaining buildings, which have been designated as national monuments by the National Trust. It is time to consider seriously the costs of keeping these structures intact. Since there is likely to be
Dem Boys Seh…
Valentine disappoint a lot ah people A lot ah people been wearing red yesterday. But nuff ah dem got neither roses nor candy nor perfume. Some ah dem been sitting by de phone all day waiting fuh de special Valentine Day call. Nuff ah dem disappointed. Nuff ah dem office girls could not tek dem eyes off de door. Dem waiting fuh see if dem gan get flowers. Well, nuff ah dem get disappointed. Dem face sour by afternoon and dem realise dat Valentine can have its own disappointments. It remind dem boys of de story of de old, grey-haired
man wah walk into one of de finest jewellery stores in Georgetown last Friday with a beautiful young lady at he side. He tell de jeweller dat he looking fuh a special ring for he girlfriend fuh Valentine. De jeweller look through he stock and brought out a $500,000 ring. De old man seh, “No, I’d like to see something mo expensive.” At dat statement, de jeweller went to he special stock and bring out another ring. “Here’s a stunning ring at only $1,400,000,” de jeweller s a i d . De young lady’s eyes sparkled and she whole body tremble with excitement.
De old man, seeing dis say, “We’ll take it.” De jeweller ask he how payment would be made and de old man say, “By cheque. I know you need to make sure my cheque is good, so I gan write it now, and you can call the bank to verify the funds on Monday morning. And ah gan pick the ring up on Monday afternoon, Valentine Day.” Monday morning, de jeweller phoned de old man. “There’s no money in your a c c o u n t . ” ”I know,” said de old man, “But let me tell you about my weekend!” Talk half. Leff half.
public disaffection should these old colonial buildings be left to rot further, it would be best if a National Trust Fund is started which would allow for the public, who so love and adore these build -
ings, to put their money where their mouths are. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday February 15, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Journalism and politics: I disagree with Isabelle de Caires on two fronts I would briefly like to respond to two points raised by Ms. Isabelle de Caires in her other letter on me. First, the editor-in-chief (EIC) of a newspaper is assured of independence by management within a designed framework. He/she does not have unlimited autonomy. There is no newspaper in the world where the EIC has complete autonomy to publish what he/she thinks is fit to be disseminated (maybe except the Stabroek News – SN). This will bring on the wrath of management or shareholders. That framework is the mission statement of the entity to which the EIC must adhere to. In the modern world, the mission statement of a media house consists of two sets of values –
ideological/philosophical and situational. The philosophical perspective consists of a basket of values – antiracism, gender equality, respect for separation of powers, citizens right to change government, respect for citizens’ privacy, animal rights, respect for religious freedom, among others. No EIC will keep his/her job if the newspaper’s journalists and columnists denigrate the ethnic background of people. I will offer one example in the realm of ethnic sensitivities where the EIC of SN faltered. An AfricanGuyanese columnist from SN walked into one of the most successful enterprises in the Caribbean operating in Guyana owned by a traditional and well respected Indian family that
has always been noncontroversial and cried racism. The columnist titled her piece, “I was a victim of racism.” She claimed she was deliberately ignored by the Indian sales attendants. How can you make that fantastic leap? Suppose the customer had a smell. Suppose the attendants had a bad day. In a country that rests on a volatile and combustible ethnic fulcrum that was irresponsible editorship. It was also unfair to the business place. In situations like these, the newspaper management had to step in. The situational perspective is linked to unfolding events in which the newspaper has to adopt a position. The perfect example is the attempt by the
incumbent to steal an election. No newspaper will support that evil and will not allow its journalists and columnists to condone it. No self-respecting newspaper has endorsed Trump’s attempt to derail Biden’s legal victory. In relation to employment of citizens by the State, I think Ms. de Caires missed my point on what the Stabroek News (SN) did. She wrote that political allegiance should not be the criterion for employment. Which decent person would disagree? I did not write on that negativity. I outlined what SN did and how repulsive it was. It was a gargantuan lapse on the part of the EIC and warrants intervention by both management and shareholders. The paper argued that Dr. Vincent Adams should have been retained as head of the EPA when the PPP came to power. Dr. Adams sits in the hierarchy of the opposition party – APNU+AFC. It is a descent into horrible danger when opposition figures can sit in sensitive State positions. That does not exist in the real world and never will. A winning party will
never tolerate that in the modern world. I will stop writing out of embarrassment of being wrong if Frederick Kissoon someone can show me where in the world and elections. First, it that obtains. belongs to the world of Not only did SN argued common sense. These are the for the blurring of this line people that put the reins of but in the same breath government in your hand, editorialised that executives how can you erase the of the Private Sector relation after your victory? Commission (PSC) should Secondly, these people be disqualified from sitting have legitimate expectations on the board of the Natural and you have a moral Resources Fund because the obligation to cater for those P S C i s c l o s e t o t h e expectations. In the US, government. I would have donors are usually rewarded expected Ms. de Caires to with ambassadorships. state that the EIC must carry Perhaps Obama dished out out his/her function with more of these diplomatic responsibility and moral p e r k s t h a n a n y o t h e r credibility. previous president. Finally, and this is not a Thirdly, these are the response to Ms. de Caires but people whose strategic a piece of theorising. brilliance you will need Should a winning party when elections come around patronise those that brought again. If you did not meet a b o u t a s u c c e s s f u l their legitimate expectations campaign? The answer is yes and fulfill your obligations for three reasons – common to them, then prepare to sense, legitimate expectation spend your political future and political survival. living in Timbuktu. There isn’t a winning (The views expressed in party in the entire world that this article are those of the h a s n o t r e w a r d e d author and do not campaigners and advisors. necessarily reflect the This is the reality of politics opinions of this newspaper.)
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Sheriff/Mandela highway completion date delayed again
T
he completion of t h e n e w Sheriff/Mandela f o u r - l a n e highway has once again been delayed. The project had commenced in 2018. Government had announced that the deadline for completion was February 14, 2022 but according to information released recently, the new deadline is now a date in early March. According to the Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, this is due to a delay in the supply chain management and shipping. In an article by the
Tuesday February 15, 2022
The current state of the Sheriff Street/Mandela roundabout
Department of Public Information, the Minister stated that he has decided to undertake additional works on the project outside of its original scope. “The road is completed, but we have made a decision that where the road ended to the walkway where there was just either mud or grass, if you go right now, we are putting in asphaltic concrete,” he related. He also noted that a lot of hard components such as the traffic lights have not yet arrived in the country. Edghill, in a previous press briefing stated that
The Sheriff Street/ Mandela road (DPI photo)
most of the works along the Sheriff/Mandela road were fully completed, which include, the installation of streetlights and guard rails which have been completed along the entire highway. He noted however, the completion of road markings, placement of traffic signs and installation of traffic lights were yet to be completed. “I had a meeting with the contractor because the traffic lights are experiencing shipping problems and we try to move every mountain to make sure we get it here. Because we had indicated by February 14, Valentine’s
Day, we want to get this highway, with all of its components completed…” Minister Edghill had assured. MISSED DEADLINES This publication had previously reported that the road project, which saw its contract awarded to the Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation, was faced with multiple delays of deadlines since work commenced. The company was awarded the contract in 2017 and works began the following year, which was supposed to be completed already but was plagued by constant delays.
One of the excuses given regarding its failure to meet the deadline was that it had to halt works during the fivemonth gridlock over the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. Works recommenced after it was over in August 2020 and a new deadline was set for August 4, 2021. Sinohydro was unable to meet that deadline, and a new one was set for August 31, 2021. It did not meet that d e a d l i n e e i t h e r. T h e company was granted until October, 31, 2021, but was also unable to meet that deadline due to heavy rainfall.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 15, 2022
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Oil company not fulfilling obligation after oil spill - Peruvian in Peru Govt. says Peru Minister of Environment, Modesto Montoya.
During a recent interview with a Peruvian television station, the country’s new Minister of Environment (MINAM), Modesto Montoya, stated that Spanish oil company, Repsol, is not fulfilling its obligation to clean-up the aftermath of the oil spill that came from one of its refineries. The oil spill occurred on January 15, 2022 at one of the La Pampilla refineries off the coast of Ventanilla in the region of Lima, Peru. It was reported that the spill was caused by shock waves from an undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean. At the time of the undersea eruption, Suezmax tanker, Mare Doricum, was offloading a shipment of Brazilian crude oil at one of La Pampilla refinery’s offshore mooring buoys, and as such, a quantity of the cargo was released. R e p s o l h a d underreported the quantity of crude that was spilled but later investigations by Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and E n f o r c e m e n t ( O E FA ) revealed that almost 12,000 barrels of oils was spilled – more than double the amount that was initially reported by the company. As a result of the devastating oil spill, several Peruvian officials had called for the oil company to compensate for what they described as an ‘ecological disaster’ that has occurred in Lima in recent times. According to a recent MINAM press release, Minister Montoya shared that a white foam, similar to that of detergents, formed as a result of the Repsol oil spill. The Minister also shared that the foam is killing the wildlife that inhabits the Bay of Ancón and the National Reserve
System of Guano Islands, Islets and Points. He said, “There is white foam that is killing everything on the surface.” The minister further explained that the contaminated substance makes young birds die of hypothermia. These birds, according to Montoya, are now learning to swim and it makes them very vulnerable to die of hypothermia because the foam would cause them to lose the impermeability of their feathers upon entering the water. Minister Montoya noted too that cleaning of the entire area affected by the crude, is still to be completed. It was along thos e lines , he indicated, that Repsol is not fulfilling its obligations. To this end, he emphasised, “International and national laws indicate that any accident of this type must be resolved by those responsible.” The head of the sector also shared that the Peruvian government is currently assisting with the cleaning of affected beaches with the tools it has available. However, the country does not have the technology to clean the foam that is threatening the life of the wild species that inhabit the contaminated areas. Minister Montoya assured that he will evaluate, together with local and regional authorities, how to recover the Paraíso de Chimbote beach – which for many years, has been contaminated by industrial activities. In this light, he called on companies to assume their responsibilities and to promise to prioritise the recovery of the said beach, which he considers as one of the most beautiful bays in the Pacific. Montoya pointed out too that the bay is the livelihood of the
A picture depicting the oil spill aftermath along Peru shores. [Photo credit, Peru’s Ministry of Environment]
fishermen in the area. Kaieteur News had reported that following the devastating oil spill, the Peruvian government took its first action to seek a court order via a Specialised P r o s e c u t o r f o r Environmental Matters for Lima, Noroeste, to prevent four Repsol executives from leaving the country. The prosecutor is said to be considering a criminal case against the company’s representatives and had approached the district court to issue an order preventing the executives from leaving the country. This was done to ensure that they will be available for any possible criminal proceedings should the need arise. B a s e d o n t h e prosecutor’s submission to the court, Judge Romualdo Aguedo on Friday, January 28, 2022 granted the order to prevent the four executives from leaving the country.
Peruvian media reported that Judge Aguedo imposed an 18-month ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru. Those that have been barred are refinery manager, Jaime Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, Renzo Alejandro Te j a d a M a c k e n z i e ; environmental manager, Gisela Cecilia Posadas Jhong, and production manager, José Gregorio Reyes Ruiz. It was reported that the lawyers for the Repsol executives did not appeal the decision and said that they will collaborate with the investigation. In taking additional steps, it was revealed by Peru’s former Minister of the Environment, Rubén R a m i r e z , o n M o n d a y, January 31, 2022, that the government had taken the decision to suspend the company’s hydrocarbon
loading and unloading activities. In other words, it m e a n t t h a t R e p s o l ’s operation in the country was halted until it can substantially prove that another oil spill will not occur again in its waters. However, in an update shared on the Ministry’s Facebook page, a fuel shortage in Peru had forced P e r u ’s A g e n c y f o r Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA), to lift the suspension temporarily of the operations of Repsol. However, the company will only be allowed to continue its operations for 10 days and under supervision from the OEFA. As the Government of Peru takes action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation permission to operate
without full-coverage insurance to cater for such a disastrous oil spill. Just r e c e n t l y, E x x o n M o b i l announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block. Kaieteur News had reported that Guyana’s pocket would bleed tremendously if an oil spill or any other disaster should occur at any of ExxonMobil’s approved projects. This is due to the fact that the country remains without comprehensive insurance coverage from Stabroek Block operators ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC/NEXEN. In fact, what Guyana does have too is an agreement with Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). But that (Continued on page 17)
Kaieteur News
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Former prison warder pleads guilty to killing wife in 2016 Making his appearance virtually in the Berbice High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon, Sheldon Prince of Lot 40 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice and a former prison warder at the Mazaruni Prison, pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder committed on his then wife, Lonette Nicholson-Prince, on December 28, 2016. Nicholson-Prince, who w a s a Cosmetologist/hairdresser at the National Psychiatric Hospital located at Fort Canje, Berbice, was 23 years old and mother of a twoyear-old at the time of her death. Prosecutrix Abigail Gibbs is representing the State while the accused is being represented by attorney-at-law Mursaline Bhaccus. Sentencing was set for March 1, 2022 by Justice Kissoon and a probation report was ordered. Prince brutally stabbed his wife to death at her place of work on December 28, 2016. The prison warder had
Sheldon Prince, a former prison warder, admitted to killing his wife.
Murdered: Lonette Nicholson-Prince
made his move after the woman’s father dropped her off at work. He entered the compound of the Psychiatric Hospital like any other day he would’ve visited her. That day, it was Clinic Day, and there were three guards on duty. He reportedly walked to his wife’s work area and requested to speak to her in the presence of another employee but she refused and told him “we have nothing to talk about.” An eyewitness, who was in the work area with the victim, had said that Prince
whipped out a knife from his waist and plunged it into the woman’s chest. According to the eyewitness, she screamed to alert others and ran. As other persons rushed to the screams, the accused charged towards them as well but eventually escaped. The police were summoned and a search was launched for the prison warder. A pair of blue jeans reportedly belonging to him was found beneath the Canje Bridge. The family of Lonnette (Continued on page 17)
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Man caught stealing from 3-year-old A
thief was reportedly caught red handed on Sunday morning stealing a cell phone and a small sum of cash from a three-year-old child at Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown. Based on information reaching this publication, the child was sent to the gate of his Station Street home to deliver the cell phone and money to his mother while an adult watched. Unfortunately, when the toddler arrived at the gate, there was a man there. The child, according to reports, willingly handed over the items to the man and hurriedly walked away. It appeared as though the thief did not notice that an adult had seen him. According to that individual, he rushed out
The captured suspect who allegedly stole from a three-year-old.
immediately in pursuit of the man and raised an alarm. Assisted by public-spirited citizens, he was able to apprehend the thief a short distance away.
They were able to recover the stolen items from the thief before bounding his hands. Police were summoned and the suspect was handed over to police.
Five plead not guilty to killing phone card vendor in 2017
Zaheer Abdulla
Murdered: Danian Jagdeo
Mark Dhuman
Shannon Batson
Satesh Boodram
Abdul Azimulla called ‘Sato’
Five men, who were previously charged in the Magistrate’s Court for murder committed on a phone card vendor during a robbery and was committed to stand trial in 2018, yesterday made their high court appearance. Mark Dhuman called “Mark”, Abdul Salam Azimullah called “Sato”, Shannon Batson and Satesh Budram, all of Hampshire, Berbice, and Zaheer Abdulla called “Gold Teeth” of Adelphi, East Canje, Berbice
all pleaded not guilty to murder committed in the furtherance of a robbery on Danian Jagdeo called “Damian” on February 8, 2017. The men are being represented by attorney’s Suriya Sabsook, Sianand Dhurjon and Motie Singh while the State is being represented by Prosecutrix Abigail Gibbs. A mixed jury was empanelled and the trial is set to commence on Thursday, February 17,
2022. This publication had reported that Jagdeo was in a shop at Adventure Village, Corentyne, Berbice conducting business when a suspicious man entered. The individual took out a gun and the shopkeeper took evasive action as several gunshots rang out. The bandits had reportedly grabbed a bag that Jagdeo had in his possession. It contained a quantity of phone cards and cash and (Continued on page 16)
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Many local businesses positively impacted by oil and gas industry - Digicel Business stands ready to support Across Guyana, business has been booming for many as a result of the recent growth of the oil and gas sector. In a release, it was noted that in December, Digicel Business conducted a survey of over 100 Guyanese businesses and found that almost 60 percent of them reported having been positively impacted by the oil and gas industry. Kevin Beckett, Head of Digicel’s Group Oil and Gas Division said, “With the World Bank estimating that
Guyana’s GDP will grow by 49.7 percent this year, businesses will continue to experience rapid growth over the next few years, and with this kind of growth, it’s important to have the right partnerships on board to assist in the journey. Digicel Business offers end-to-end fully managed business solutions with its robust network, expert resources and cutting-edge technology, all working in synergy to achieve one aim, efficiencies across businesses, whether you are
a large or small organisation.” Referencing Digicel Business’ Digital Transformation Research Report and Guide that launched at the end of January, Digicel Group’s Chief Business Officer, Liam Donnelly commented that: “Cyber security is a hot topic globally, and it’s something that can have a devastating impact on anyone, personally or professionally, you don’t need to be a large company to be targeted. While 77
Digicel Guyana CEO, Mr. Gregory Dean percent of businesses surveyed across the Caribbean had accelerated their digital strategy because of the pandemic, the resulting growth from this digital transformation
investment is at risk if cyber security isn’t upgraded accordingly.” With eight percent of respondents working in the oil and gas industry, and 16 percent servicing that industry exclusively, the report strongly showcases the views of the sector in Guyana, and internationally, as 33 percent of respondents reported having business locations outside the country. This drives home the importance of having scalable, secure, state of the art infrastructure in place. Within the Guyana survey, of note is that, the majority of respondents
ranked services like c y b e r s e c u r i t y, s m a r t solutions, cloud, connectivity, mobile and data analytics as extremely important to their business. As a proud Gold Sponsor, Digicel Business will be showcasing the above services at the International Energy Conference and Expo this week. In light of Guyana’s Oil and Gas growth and expansion, Digicel Guyana’s CEO Gregory Dean commented on the business s o l u t i o n s p r o v i d e r ’s commitment to supporting this growth. Dean said, (Continued on page 16)
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Kaieteur News
Five plead not guilty to... From page 14 fled. They had reportedly escaped on a black Honda Elite motorcycle with a fake licence plate – CD 2125. The motorcycle was found abandoned by two per-
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One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956.
Professional Soup cooks and kitchen assistance and professional kichen manager, good pay.Shot hrs.Call:6751509. 1 general domestic to work at Providence between the age of 38-40.Call from 10AM9PM-697-0157.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs at affordable prices: F r i d g e , A i r c o n d i t i o n e r, Washingmachines,Dryers, TV,Microwaves & Freezer. Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158.
FOR SALE Household items.Call:6913467,whatsapp 661-1417. Mix breed Husky puppies. Tel:623-3183.
FOR RENT One bedroom apartment, Middle road.Tel:686-4564. Apartment for rent.Call:6026734.
One general domestic Covid19 vaccinated for Tuesday & Saturday between Cove & John & Unity E.C.D.Tel:2590953/623-3231. Urgently Needed! Spice Mango leaves.Contact:6098281/693-3003. A cook for family of three,light house keeping, located at Providence. Tel:654-8839.
VACANCY Cashiers & Supermarket helpers at Nirva Super Store. Apply in person,49 Sheriff & Craig St.Tel:227-5771. Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 2350 car/van licence.Call:6429823. Pitmen and Hauler operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250. Accounts clerk.Must know to prepare payroll,NIS & PAYE.Contact:621-8478 between 9AM-3PM. One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com.
TO LET One bedroom apt with bathroom and living room, Cumming slodge E.C.D. Call:222-0401/673-2467 whatsapp 516-805-2048.
PROPERTY FOR SALE 2 Story building,4th St Cummingslodge.Tel:6833560.
Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132. Sales Representative.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimadecor09 @gmail.com.Call:227-0176/ 227-0186. Bond Manager,2 yrs experience. Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimadecor09 @ gmail.com. Call:227-0176/227-0186. Handyman.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimadecor 09@ gmail.com. Call:227-0176/227-0186.
VACANCY Driver.Valid drivers licence.2 yrs experience.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email :mimadecor 09@ gmail.com. Call:227-0176/227-0186. Delivery Clerk,must be able to track deliveries. Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimadecor09 @gmail. com.Call:227-0176/227-0186.
sons along the public road of Friendship Village, Corentyne. The motorcycle was subsequently identified by a resident who alleged that it was stolen from his yard. The man had reportedly been picked up by a silver grey Toyota Allion also with fake licence plate – PVV 9465. Police subsequently arrested the men and a search of one of the suspects’ home revealed a .32 snub nose revolver and two matching rounds. A quantity of phone cards was also found. The getaway car was also impounded. A post-mortem examination on Jagdeo’s body revealed that he died from shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot injuries. Two bullets were extracted from his body.
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Event will not address renegotiation... From page 3 Limited (NICIL) and now a key advisor to the government, is expected to make two presentations. Tomorrow, he is expected to focus on the government’s US$900M gasto-energy project while on Thursday, his attention will shift to the Amaila Falls Hydro-Project. The final day, that is Friday, February 18, will be re-
served for business-to-business meetings where conference participants will be paired with local companies to consider potential avenues for partnerships. A trade show featuring hundreds of companies from around the world as well as those already here will be hosted simultaneously at the Marriott Hotel from today to Friday.
Many local businesses positively... From page 15 “Apart from providing access to world leading vendors through our business solutions, at Digicel, we are committed to also providing top tier reliability and customer service, expert consultations and advice, competitive pricing, innovative tech-
nology and managed services to our business customers.” The Digicel Business team will be ready and available to meet with current and prospective customers at the conference from February 15-18 at the Guyana Marrio t t , Kingston, Georgetown.
Tuesday February 15, 2022
New telecoms provider gets... From page 8 Minister informed. It should be noted too that at the time, Green Gibraltar representative, Kamal Juman Yassin had acknowledged a misunderstanding at the time, conceding that it is only after the requisite legal processes are followed that a licence can be granted. In November last, the company had said government approved its application. “Green Gibraltar Incorporated, a 100 percent Guyanese owned company established in 2019, is proud to announce that the Government of Guyana has approved its application for the provision of cellular services in Guyana,” according to Green Gibraltar Inc. “The Company would like to thank the Telecom Department as well as the Honourable Prime Minister Mark Phillips for their diligent scrutiny in the licensing process which will allow us to bring next level telecom to the
citizens of Guyana,” it added. It had said that “With the approval of the licence, efforts will now focus on the steps necessary to commence operations. Green Gibraltar is looking to install and operate a 5G telecommunications network in seven of the country’s 10 regions. In a notice published in the October last, the Telecommunications Agency informed that the company had applied for the granting of an individual licence to operate a public telecommunications network and offer a public mobile telecommunications service in regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10. It had also applied for frequency authorisation to use spectrum and to install and operate radio communication equipment in the operating of the network and service. The Telecommunications Agency at the time advised that any person who may have an interest in or be af-
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fected by the application for a frequency authorisation to make written submissions. It was noted that in 2019, two companies, MHM Holdings GY Inc., and Green Gibraltar Inc., led by Guyanese entrepreneurs, resolved to improve the limited and poor-quality cellular service in the country. “A formal application was submitted in January of 2021 in response to the Telecom Liberalisation act. After two years of hard work and sound investments, the companies have now assembled an industry leading team of financial and technical partners. The granting of the licence is the first step on the journey of realising this vision. Green Gibraltar Inc., MHM Holdings GY, Inc., and their partners understand the desire of Guyana’s citizens and businesses to have an option to connect with the world in a professional and cost-effective manner.”
Oil company not fulfilling obligation... From page 13 company has little assets, so little that it would not be able to carry the cost of any major disaster that could occur in the Stabroek Block area, which would leave Guyana to bear the costs. It is along these lines that Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, is reported in the media on February 10, 2021, as saying that he believes that Exxon and its partners should be the ones accepting liability for such disasters. The current adminis-
tration has received no commitment from ExxonMobil in this regard. Later in the year, the Vice President is reported in the media as saying that his government is working to secure up to US$2B from ExxonMobil to cover any damage that may result from the US$9B Yellowtail Project, the fourth to be developed in the prolific Stabroek Block. A s t h e p u s s y f o oting for full-coverage insurance continues, Dr. Jagdeo, during
a recent conference shifted the responsibility for ensuring that Guyana benefits from full-coverage insurance to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This publication reported that when asked for an update on the full-coverage discussions with the oil operators, the Vice President shifted the attention from himself and government, by extension on the matter to say it is the EPA that is handling this crucial insurance negotiation with Exxon.
Former prison warder pleads guilty... From page 14 Nicholson-Prince was contacted moments after the stabbing and at approximately 11:45hrs, a few hours after the stabbing, Prince turned himself over to authorities at the
Central Police Station in the company of his attorney, Mursaline Bacchus. He was subsequently taken into custody. A post-mortem examination conducted on the body
of the victim revealed that she died from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds to the heart and other parts of the body. She was stabbed 15 times.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Bush Lot Primary pupil critical following accident An eight-year-old boy is currently hospitalised in a critical condition after a car collided with him along the Lovely Lass public road, West Coast Berbice (WCB) on S u n d a y, 1 3 t h F e b r u a r y, 2 0 2 2 , a t approximately 11:15hrs. The lad has been identified as Jadon Cheeffoon, a student of the Bush Lot Primary School, WCB. According to reports, motorcar HC 9812 was being driven by 50-year-old Joseph Warde of Lot 10 Manchester Village Corentyne, Berbice. He was proceeding west along the southern side of the said public road when, according to the driver, the child, who resides in the said village, suddenly ran north across the road from behind a parked car and into his path. He disclosed that upon seeing this, he applied brakes but the front portion of his motorcar collided with the child and as a result, the child fell onto the road surface and sustained injuries about his body. Meanwhile, grandmother of the lad, Elizabeth Cheeffoon, 65, told Kaieteur News that her grandson who lives with her, his grandfather and father, had left home to go to the nearby shop to purchase sweets, which he routinely does, when the accident occurred. She said based on what eyewitnesses said, the car was speeding and was attempting to overtake another car when he hit her grandson several metres away from the point of impact. She is adamant that the car driver was wrong and is therefore calling for justice to be served. The child was picked up in an unconscious state by neighbours and taken to
Critical: Jaden Cheeffoon the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty who treated and referred him to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. Suffering from head injuries and a fractured shoulder, he was later moved to the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. However, following this, he was transferred to the COVID centre after a COVID-19 test conducted on him returned positive. Meanwhile, a breathalyser test conducted on the driver found no alcohol in his breath. He is presently in police custody assisting with investigations.
COVID-19 claims lives of 2 more individuals - 10 new infections recorded In its COVID-19 update yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported that a 70year-old man from Region Five and a 54-year-old woman from Region Three, who contracted the virus, have died. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,196. With the two additional deaths, the Ministry further reported that within the last 24-hour period, it only recorded a total of 10 cases. This now brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 62,265. Out of that number, a total of 33,590 individuals are women while 28,675 are men. Additionally, there are nine patients admitted in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 81 individuals are in institutional isolation, 1,581 are in home isolation and 14 are in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 59,398 individuals have recovered from the virus.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Albert, Hunter, Williams, Goptar... From page 23 1st 93kg Men’s Junior Raw Nicholas Albert, Squat 185.0kg, Benchpress 132.5kg, Deadlift 227.5kg, Total 545.0kg 1st 105kg Men’s Junior Raw - Joshua Solomon, Squat 175.0kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 220.0kg, Total 502.5kg 1st 120+kg Men’s Junior Raw - Yogaishawar Seecharan, Squat 222.5kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 237.5kg, Total 567.5kg 2nd 120+kg Men’s Junior Raw - Randy Oodit, Squat 135.0kg, Benchpress 62.5kg, Deadlift 170.0kg, Total 367.5kg 1st 59kg Men’s Open Raw Shivshankar Bissoonlall, Squat 125.0kg, Benchpress 67.5kg, Deadlift 182.5kg, Total 375.0kg 2nd 59kg Men’s Open Raw - Floyd Mal, Squat 85.0kg, Benchpress 52.5kg,
Deadlift 122.5kg, Total 260.0kg 1st 66kg Men’s Open Raw - Kadeem Bowen, Squat 127.5kg, Benchpress 92.5kg, Deadlift 192.5kg, Total 412.5kg 2nd 66kg Men’s Open Raw - Asaad Abdool, Squat 125.0kg, Benchpress 65.0kg, Deadlift 177.5kg, Total 367.5kg 3rd 66kg Men’s Open Raw - Toni Ferreira, Squat 127.5kg, Benchpress 77.5kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 350.0kg 1st 74kg Men’s Open Raw - Kheon Evans, Squat 192.5kg, Benchpress 110.0kg, Deadlift 222.5kg, Total 525.0kg 2nd 74kg Men’s Open Raw - Arnold Archer, Squat 35.0kg, Benchpress 27.5kg, Deadlift 55.0kg, Total 117.5kg 1st 83kg Men’s Open Raw - Richard Fredricks, Squat 107.5kg, Benchpress 75.0kg,
Deadlift 137.5kg, Total 320.0kg 1st 93kg Men’s Open Raw - Nicholas Albert, Squat 185.0kg, Benchpress 132.5kg, Deadlift 227.5kg, Total 545.0kg 2nd 93kg Men’s Open Raw - Roberto Tewari, Squat 165.0kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 190.0kg, Total 462.5kg 3rd 93kg Men’s Open Raw - Ramesh Seecharan, Squat 110.0kg, Benchpress 65.0kg, Deadlift 142.5kg, Total 317.5kg 1st 105kg Men’s Open Raw - Joshua Solomon, Squat 175.0kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 220.0kg, Total 502.5kg 1st 120kg Men’s Open Raw - Dennis Jonas, Squat 122.5kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 170.0kg, Total 375.0kg
Tuesday February 15, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Studying some paperwork involving your finances could bring a pleasant surprise. You’re better off than you thought, Aries! Dividends or benefits of some kind might be forthcoming.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Studying some paperwork involving your finances could bring a pleasant surprise. You’re better off than you thought, Libra! Dividends or benefits of some kind might be forthcoming.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today some information might come your way that inspires you to come up with some valuable new ideas, Taurus.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A business or love partner could bring opportunities for advancement your way today, Scorpio. You may decide to draft or execute legal papers that could be very important to your future.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your intuition, physical and intellectual energy, and insight are at an all-time high today, Gemini. You'll probably want to spend much of the day alone, reflecting on your ideas and deciding how you want to put them to work for you.
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Kaieteur News
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The hard work and good business sense that you’ve put into your job may finally be paying off, Sagittarius. Expect some positive changes to take place at the workplace this week.s
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You could well be bubbling over with physical energy today, Cancer. You might want to spend your day visiting with friends.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Insights that may come welling up from the past could be put to work for you in a positive way, Capricorn.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Visitors in your home, perhaps invited by others in your household, could put a crimp in your desire to be alone and hash out your thoughts today, Leo.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your home might need some work today, Aquarius. You and other members of your household could decide to join forces and get everything done.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Expect a lot of letters and phone calls from lovers, close friends, or children today, Virgo. You might also want to make a few yourself.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Expect a lot of letters and phone calls from lovers, close friends, or children today, Pisces. You might also want to make a few yourself.
1st 120+kg Men’s Open Raw - Rovin Doolara, Squat 187.5kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 207.5kg, Total 477.5kg 2nd 120+kg Men’s Open Raw - Randy Oodit, Squat 135.0kg, Benchpress 62.5kg, Deadlift 170.0kg, Total 367.5kg 1st 74kg Men’s Sb-Jr EQ Romeo Hunter, Squat 247.5kg, Benchpress 155.0kg, Deadlift 212.5kg, Total 615.0kg 1st 93kg Men’s Master 2 Raw - Ramesh Seecharan, Squat 110.0kg, Benchpress 65.0kg, Deadlift 142.5kg, Total 317.5kg 1st 83kg Men’s Master 3 Raw - Richard Fredricks, Squat 107.5kg, Benchpress 75.0kg, Deadlift 137.5kg, Total 320.0kg 1st 74kg Men’s Master 4 Raw - Arnold Archer, Squat 35.0kg, Benchpress 27.5kg, Deadlift 55.0kg, Total 117.5kg
NY’s MMZCC to tour... From page 24 to NY when they were as young as five years old. This team was formed by me. I captained the team for quite a few years and won the tournament against Everest Aces. Now my nephew Andy Mohammed is the captain,” continued who was one of better Keepers at youth level who came up in time of Milton Pydanna and Sheik Mohammed. “The team will not only be playing cricket but will be involved in charitable work at various Orphanages and schools during the tour, while many of the players will be taking their families along to enjoy a well deserve trip. Tour Coordinator, Troy Khan has planned T20s, 30 and 40 overs games for Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, and it will be a very
exciting tour for our boys,” Asgarally explained Khan has also arranged a family outing with the team to Kaiteur falls. “The team will be led by former USA national left handed batsman Andy Mohammed. Also in the touring party is former MMZ Senior left handed batsmen Abdul Shakur (Bye Bye) who played since the MMZ cricket club was formed in the 60s. The 72-year-old, also played for GYO and is one of the oldest still playing the game. Nazar Mohammed (shell) who played several games for MMZ in the 80s as an off spinner and a right handed batsman is also included as is Jai Gurpersaud, who grew up in Centre Street but played most of his cricket in MMZ. He joins the team in the latter part of the tour. Two of MMZ’s former Guyana youth players, Kelvin Shewpershad and Nickolas Chinkoo are unavailable due to personal commitment and will be missed,” informed Asgarally. The first two games are scheduled for March 18 at 10am when the visitors face MYO in a T20, playing DCC from 5:30 PM in another T20 encounter at DCC in Day/Night game. The full squad is: Andy Mohammed (Capt), Keith Edie (VC), Troy Mars, Ejaz Asgarally, Matthew Lutchena, Mark Fredricks, Shawn Sue, Samuel Raghubir, Nazar Mohamed, RickyKissoon, Alex Algoo, Ushardeva Balgobin, Abdul Shakur, Chris Harry, Kennard Wade, Troy Khan, Abdullah khan, Aaron Beharry, Fiaz Asgarally, Aftab Ali Khan, Aqeel Khan, Ansar Yasim, Jai Gurpersaud, Carlos “Rusty” Bachu, Cornelius Jaisingh and Richie Looknauth.
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Tuesday February 15, 2022
Kaieteur News
Jacobs Jewellery’s ‘Championship Ring’ for Rawle Toney 3X3 Champions Compliments of former West Indies and Guyana player, Steven Jacobs, each member of the winning team at this weekend’s Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, will receive a championship gold ring. Three years ago, the former Guyana Amazon Warriors player launched his Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn Shop business in Georgetown and has since blossomed to be one of the country’s leading establishments. Apart from crafting some of the finest pieces of jewellery, Jacobs, through his establishment, has been supporting Guyana’s top athletes and sporting events. “This is amazing!” Toney exclaimed in excitement at adding a first-of-its-kind incentive for basketball’s shortest format in Guyana. “The first tournament that saw the winning team receiving rings was held almost two decades ago in Linden. Thanks to Steven (Jacobs), I think this will add to the legacy of my 3X3 tournament and give the players something they can have for the rest of their lives,” Toney said. The Sports Journalist, who first held the tournament in 2019, added that, “The incentives offered in the tournament is to set it apart from others, not just in Guyana, but across the Caribbean. So when folks hear about the Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic,
Dellon Caesar (L) presenting one of the four championship rings to tournament organiser Rawle Toney at Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn Shop’s Pike Street location. they’ll want to come to Guyana and play. I’m extremely grateful to Steven and his establishment for coming on board.” Meanwhile, in giving an update on the two-day basketball extravaganza, Toney revealed that COVID19 played a major role in affecting some of the overseas teams’ participation. “The r e w e r e s e v e r a l teams from overseas that were booked to arrive as early as Thursday, but so far two of them pulled out because some of their players tested positive for COVID-19. Nonetheless, I’m happy that Martinique, Suriname and two teams from New York are still in and will be competing,” Toney said. Apart from Mackeson, Guyana Lottery Company and Hennessy, FireSide Grill, Bush Cook, Stuff,
A close-up look at the Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic Championship ring. MVP Sports, FK Sports, Shi Oil, Brother’s Security, The Muse Bar, Pressy’s Gift Shop and 94.1FM are some of the other sponsors. Jump ball time is 6:00 pm nightly. Toney stated that while admission is free, as per COVID19 regulations by the National Task Force, there’s a limited number of patrons that will be allowed at the country’s premier indoor facility.
BCB Tribute to Hero Award...
Sir Curtly Ambrose, Dr. Frank Denbow, Nolan McKenzie, Kelvin Singh & Franklin Wilson are latest recipients The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday evening last at a gala cocktail reception held at the Saint Francis Community Developers Centre, Rose Hall Corentyne, bestowed its highest honour on five individuals for their outstanding contributions to the game and in particular Berbice cricket. Leading the list of awardees was the legendary former West Indies fastbowler Sir Curtly Ambrose, Dr. Frank Denbow, former Guyana opening batsman Nolan McKenzie, Sports Journalist Franklin Wilson and Managing Director of Guyana Brewery Inc., Kelvin Singh who is one of the BCB tournament sponsors. Ambrose, who was a feared pace bowler during career for
the West Indies team, had warmed the hearts of thousands of Caribbean and international fans including BCB President Hilbert Foster who reminisced on those glory days. Foster it was who, on the prompting and sponsorship of Dr. Denbow brought Ambrose to Guyana to conduct the historic fast-bowling camp which concluded Sunday for close to fifty (50) young fast bowlers at the Albion Community Centre Ground. McKenzie, who also conducted batting clinics for boys and girls over the course of the three day camp at Albion, had offered his services to the BCB voluntarily to help shape the next generation of cricketers for the
BCB, Guyana and by extension, the West Indies. President Foster, who chaired proceedings, enlightened the invites with regards to the exploits of each awardee and the reason for them being honoured noting, that they have all made their mark in contributing towards the BCB being the best run Board in the entire Caribbean. He noted that the lives of thousands of players, both male and female haven been touched on and off the field of play due to the collective efforts of the latest five to be rewarded as well as the others who have received the said award. Each awardee was presented with a plaque and a gold medal; the total number of persons receiving this award now stands at 77.
Tuesday February 15, 2022
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Kaieteur News
GAPLF Novices/Juniors Championship...
Albert, Hunter, Williams, Goptar, Evans outstanding as 20 records tumble By Zaheer Mohamed The future of local powerlifting looked bright as athletes displayed tremendous, strength, endurance, resilience and awareness to hand their fans much to cheer about when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) held its Novices/ Juniors Championship on Sunday last at St. Stanislaus College Auditorium. On a day where 20 records were shattered, Nicholas Albert, Romeo Hunter, Sherene Williams, Sarah Goptar and Kheon Evans were crowned overall champions in their respective categories. Albert was crowned the best male junior classic lifter, Romeo was the best junior male equipped lifter, Williams of Seemangal Gym of La Belle Alliance, Essequibo was the best female open lifter, Sarah Goptar the best female juniors classic lifter and Kheon Evans the best male Juniors/Sub Juniors lifter. The championship also saw beginners in the Masters CategoryRamesh Seecharan, Richard Fredericks and Albert Archer.
Also for the first time, local powerlifting had a father and sonRamesh and Yogaishawar Seecharan competing, which shows that the sport is also family oriented. Remarkably, the female participation continues to grow with athletes from Essequibo competing with their counterparts from Georgetown. Also, during the event, Shelly Ann Gomes and Salma Hack attempted to qualify for the NAPF international meet in August. Gomes qualified with many personal records, while Hack improved her total with many personal records; however she has another attempt to build her total in the 63kg class at the intermediate meet within three months to qualify. The full results as follows; Female Winners 1st 63kg Women’s Junior Raw - Sarah Goptar, Squat 95.0kg, Benchpress 42.5kg, Deadlift 107.5kg, Total 245.0kg 1st 63kg Women’s Open Raw - Sarah Goptar, Squat 95.0kg, Benchpress 42.5kg, Deadlift 107.5kg, Total 245.0kg
Nicholas Albert performing a deadlift.
Sherene Williams the best female open lifter.
Romero Hunter in action. 1st 69kg Women’s Open Raw - Sarah Sanmoogan, Squat 112.5kg, Benchpress 57.5kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 315.0kg 2nd 69kg Women’s Open Raw - Kezia Joseph, Squat 92.5kg, Benchpress 32.5kg, Deadlift 102.5kg, Total 227.5kg 1st 76kg Women’s Open Raw - Tatiana Woodroffe, Squat 132.5kg, Benchpress 57.5kg, Deadlift 130.0kg, Total 320.0kg 2nd 76kg Women’s Open Raw - Lalita Bridgemohan, Squat 120.0kg, Benchpress 55.0kg, Deadlift 132.5kg, Total 307.5kg 1st 84kg Women’s Open Raw - Sherene Williams, Squat 147.5kg, Benchpress 67.5kg, Deadlift 152.5kg, Total 367.5kg 2nd 84kg Women’s Open Raw - Ashlie Abraham, Squat 117.5kg, Benchpress 57.5kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 320.0kg 1st 76kg Women’s Master 1 Raw - Lalita Bridgemohan, Squat 120.0kg, Benchpress 55.0kg, Deadlift 132.5kg, Total 307.5kg Male Winners 1st 66kg Men’s Sb-Jr Raw - Toni Ferreira, Squat 127.5kg, Benchpress 77.5kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 350.0kg 2nd 66kg Men’s Sb-Jr Raw - Wayne Smith, Squat 125.0kg, Benchpress 72.5kg, Deadlift 150.0kg, Total 347.5kg 1st 120kg Men’s Sb-Jr Raw - Dennis Jonas, Squat 122.5kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 170.0kg, Total 375.0kg 1st 59kg Men’s Junior Raw Shivshankar Bissoonlall, Squat 125.0kg, Benchpress 67.5kg, Deadlift 182.5kg, Total 375.0kg 1st 66kg Men’s Junior Raw - Asaad Abdool, Squat 125.0kg, Benchpress 65.0kg, Deadlift 177.5kg, Total 367.5kg (Continued on page 21)
Sarah Goptar- the best female junior classic lifter during a deadlift. (Zaheer Mohamed photos)
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Kaieteur News
NFL-Rams beat Bengals in thriller to win Super
Bowl on home field INGLEWOOD, Calif., (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Rams rallied late to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 on Sunday to deliver a Hollywood ending to the Super Bowl, securing the franchise’s first championship since returning to the West Coast six years ago. With his back against the wall, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford kept his poise to engineer a 15-play drive that ended with a one-yard touchdown pass to Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp with 1:25 left to play. Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald wrapped up Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow on the final play to seal the win under the lights of the team’s home field. “I’m just so happy,” an emotional Donald said after the game. “I wanted this so bad. I dreamed this, man. I feel amazing. It’s surreal, look at this,” he said as confetti rained down on the veteran lineman and his teammates. RESILIENT RAMS The Rams were forced to dig deep
after they lost star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a knee injury in the second quarter and fell behind 20-13 in the third. The ability to overcome setbacks is what makes the team special, head coach Sean McVay told reporters. “I can’t say enough about the resilience of this team,” McVay said. “Guys stepped up when they had to. That’s what makes this team great. That’s why they are world champs.” With the victory, the Rams joined last year’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the only teams to win a Super Bowl on their home field. The franchise’s only other Super Bowl championship came 22 years ago when they were based in St. Louis. The win also helps ease the pain of finishing runner-up to New England three years ago. The Rams drew first blood on Sunday when Beckham made a leaping grab in the end zone for a 7-0 lead to ignite the blue-and-gold clad Rams fans on a hot day in Inglewood. The Rams added
to their lead when Stafford found Kupp in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter, but a bad hold by Johnny Hekker denied the team the extra point as the Rams took a 13-3 advantage. The Bengals responded with a 75-yard drive capped when running back Joe Mixon threw a touchdown pass to Tee Higgins over the fooled Rams secondary to cut the deficit to 13-10, a score that held until halftime. BENGALS BOUNCE BACK The second half could not have started any better for the Bengals as Burrow uncorked a 75-yard touchdown strike to Higgins on the first offensive play after the break. Higgins appeared to pull Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey down by the face mask before making the catch but no flag was thrown and the Bengals took their first lead of the game, 17-13. Moments later, Stafford’s pass bounced off the hands of receiver Ben Skowronek and ended up in the arms of
Noble House Seafoods 2nd division 2-day...
Police play to a draw with Rubis in rain affected game
Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow is sacked. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)
Chidobe Awuzie for an interception that led to a Bengals field goal and a 20-13 lead. A Matt Gay field goal cut the Cincinnati advantage to four points and the high-powered Rams defense finally began to put pressure on Burrow, sacking him for a seventh time in a play that saw the young quarterback come up hobbled and holding his right knee. Burrow remained in the game but was unable to outduel Stafford down the stretch. “It hurts,” Burrow
told reporters. “We put a lot of work into going out and executing and performing well, and it didn’t turn out the way we wanted, so it’s disappointing.” The action played out in front of a full house of more than 70,000 fans. Last year’s Super Bowl in Tampa was limited to 25,000 spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The game also marked the coming out party for the new $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium, which is set to host major
sporting events including World Cup matches in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028. The temperature at kickoff was 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius), two degrees short of the record for a Super Bowl. Inside the unique stadium, which has no walls or air conditioning but does have a semi-translucent roof, it was toasty but pleasant. Next year’s Super Bowl will be held on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
NY’s MMZCC to tour Guyana in March Ex-National Youth Keeper Ejaz Asgarally organiser of trip
Kyle Michiel top scored for Police at Eve Leary on Sunday. (Sean Devers photo) The opening day on Saturday’s Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) Noble House Seafoods second division two-day cricket tournament saw only three overs bowled at the Eve Leary ground. But it was enough for Police to reach 19-1 although Paul Tyndell fell for 11. On Sunday police pro-
gressed to 227 with Kyle Michiel top scored with 45 while Keston Harcourt scored22, Troy Benn making return to cricket for the first time in five years hit three boundaries in 21 and Cecil Adams with 17 were the batsmen to reach 15. Travis Persaud took 3-29 from eight overs while Mahindra Jeenarine captured
3-42 from 15 overs for Rubis who reached 119-8 when the rain affected game ended in a draw. Renai Gransult hit two fours and two sixes in 32. Persaud followed his threewicket haul by scoring 27, while A. Gainda contributed 20 as Wallace had three wickets, Tyndell supported with two victims. (Sean Devers)
By Sean Devers The New York based Meten-Meer-Zorg Cricket Club will be embarking on their first tour to Guyana and the New York based team will play matches from March 1728. The team comprise players who are originally from Meten-Meer-Zorg area in West Coast Demerara and throughout Guyana. MMZCC enjoyed an excellent 2021 cricket season in the National Cricket League in NY; qualifying for the playoffs in all three formats. Former Guyana U-19 Wicket Ejaz Asgarally, the Manager/player and Coach/ Player Ricky Kissoon, decided to reward the Team with this tour for their successful season. Asgarally, who represented Guyana at under-19 level in 1987 (Jamaica), 1988 in (Barbados) and 1989 (Guyana), informed the tour was born from the fact that the ‘Meten-Meer-Zorg MMZ is the area most of us are from’ so we kept up the
Former Guyana U-19 keeper Ejaz Asgarally.
Andy Mohammed
MMZ tradition. “The idea came about after we made it to the playoffs in all three formats in the NY National first division cricket league. We made it to the finals in the 40 overs, Semi-finals in both the T20 and the 30 overs. The benefits of the tour are that most of these guys were born in Guyana and never had the opportunity to play any competitive cricket
there and will also have the opportunity to play on turf wickets,” said Asgarally, who captained the MMZCC in New York. According to Asgarally, he wanted them to get that opportunity to really understand and appreciate where we came from and to see the huge differences in the level of cricket on the West Coast. “Most of these guys came (Continued on page 21)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday February 15, 2022
PAGE 25
GCB President Bissoondyal Singh visits Essequibo T U-15 trials
he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) head, Bissoondyal Singh, visited the Imam Bacchus Sports Ground on Sunday 13th February, where he interacted with young cricketers on show, vying for a place in the Essequibo U-15 side. Singh related that finally Essequibo got a Board and a President that is interested in the development of the sport across the entire county. He expressed his satisfaction stating that, “In just over a month the ECB is able to mobilise resources with efficiency to make this Under-15 trials possible and as such, the GCB is very proud hence my presence.” Bissoondyal praised the youngsters for bringing their A game to the trials and charged them to take this o p p o r t u n i t y s e r i o u s l y, because, they are the future and assured them that even if they don’t make it to the top at the West Indies level, with discipline, they will still end up to be good young people of society, he encouraged the lads to share the skills learnt with their fellow students since cricket will be re-
GCB President Bissoondyal Singh with members of the ECB and U-15 cricketers. introduced in to the school system once again. Singh outlined to the youths that many career opportunities can be derived from cricket and urged the players to be discipline as the sport is a gentleman’s game he also stressed the importance of
youth and grass root level cricket to bring out good cricketers to represent their county, their country and even at the West Indies level. “The ECB and by extension the GCB are devoting its time and is working very hard to ensure
that quality cricketers are produced and most importantly good young people,” Singh stated President Singh also noted that while special emphasis is placed on the development of youth cricket, a lot is planned to ensure involvement for
every level of the game so as to ensure that cricket comes back as one of the greatest sporting disciplines in Guyana. He further reinstated that himself and the ECB is working towards getting the Anna Regina cricket hostel functioning, so as to
facilitate future encampment among the various counties and teams. In closing the President stated that he is expecting the lad to do extremely well at the GCB inter county tournament and wished them every success in their games ahead.
Hero CPL donates TT$135,000 to THE SHELTER The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has donated TT$135,000 (US$20,000) to THE SHELTER, a nonprofit NGO based in Trinidad & Tobago that offers support to women and children who have been victims of domestic violence. THE SHELTER was founded in 1987 by Dianna Mahabir-Wyatt and offers safe haven to those who have been victims of all forms of domestic violence, offering safe temporary housing until something more permanent can be found, material assistance and counselling. The aim of THE SHELTER is to help women and children overcome the impacts of violence and abuse. Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said. “Domestic violence is a growing issue across the region and Hero CPL is proud to support THE SHELTER’s efforts to help those who have been victims of all forms of abuse. We hope that this donation will support the fantastic work THE SHELTER does. This is part of Hero CPL’s efforts to help the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the pandemic resulting in the instances of domestic violence increasing dramatically the work of THE SHELTER is even more important.” Colin Mitchell, Chairman of THE SHELTER, said: “CLR James wrote of the Greeks believing that an athlete, who had represented his community at a national competition and won, had brought notable distinction to his city. His victory was a testament to the quality of the citizens, not unlike our cricketers and CPL players. “Similarly, the support to victims of domestic violence is also testament to us as a nation. On this ‘Valentine’s Day’, a day that celebrates love and kindness, we are extremely honoured by this generous gift from the CPL to support THE SHELTER. “Sport has helped many in crisis go beyond what they thought was their boundary and achieve success and this is also our lifelong mission since THE SHELTER was founded back in 1987 by Dianna Mahabir Wyatt.”
Correction Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, (L) presents a cheque to Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards (C) and Colin Mitchell (R) of THE SHELTER, Trinidad.
In last Sunday’s Edition we carried a story in tribute to Dexter ‘Presser’ Joseph who was laid to rest on Sunday. He was attributed as the first Guyanese to secure a gold medal at the Inter Guiana Games. However, it was pointed out to the Sports Department that in fact he was not the first.
That honour goes to Amanda Lee who won two gold medals during the Inter Guiana Games held here in September 1977 at the Luckhoo Swimming Pool. Lee had powered to gold medals in the 66 2/3 meters Butterfly and the 100 meters Backstroke events. Just to set the record straight.