Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Thursday February 17, 2022

World will be in “race to the bottom” if every nation takes turn being big polluter - EU Ambassador EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó

During the Tuesday opening of the International Energy Conference and Exhibition 2022 at the Marriott Hotel, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley alluded to the need for countries such as Guyana to be able to develop its resources in the interest of its

people as opposed to being told to leave it in the ground. The Prime Minister also noted that even as the world progresses on the transition to renewables, the world will still need fossil fuels in the meantime, therefore, who will produce it? Ambassador of the

European Union to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, was keen to note that he found this to be a thought provoking contribution by the Prime Minister while noting that it is a salient question that must be asked. Ambassador Cantó proferred, however, that perhaps another key question that ought to be given consideration is who will reap the profits of this production that would be pursued by other nations during the energy transition. “Are we talking about country versus another country or finding the necessary balance between the benefits to the private company and the G o v e r n m e n t o f Guyana...That is another important conversation which I think is absolutely essential,” expressed the Ambassador. The envoy added, “I think we can all agree that we have to avoid a race to the bottom. Yes, there are countries and companies which have produced a lot and polluted in the past and continue to do so...But it does not mean that everyone has to pollute as much as the greatest polluter...we have a shared responsibility (to reduce emissions)...” The EU official said he is, nonetheless, pleased that Guyana and its CARICOM sister, Suriname, have still remained committed to their c l i m a t e t a rg e t s w h i c h involves reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The Ambassador further noted that Guyana finds itself in a unique situation. On one hand, he explained that the relatively new oil producing State is desirous of developing its oil bounty quickly to lift its people out of poverty while on the other hand, it wants to legitimately protect its environment and fulfill its international commitments on emissions reduction. The Ambassador said the foregoing is necessary “but the devil is in the detail.” In this regard, he urged Guyana to be steadfast in its approach to efficient oil production while keeping its eyes fixed on the fact that the energy transition goals for each country must be accelerated. Ambassador Cantó said, “The transition must be fast.

It is not something that will happen in 2050 or 2030. It has to happen now, and gradually of course. And I would be happy if at the end of this conference we agree, if we want a safe future for our children then the transition has to be accelerated. This requires far reaching vision and generosity on all sides...we are all in this together and you can count on the EU for its assistance.” In this regard, he was keen to share that the EU has a wealth of knowledge and experience which can be shared for Guyana’s benefit especially as it relates to its learnings on appropriate energy infrastructure for the future. The envoy was keen to note that modern, integrated and well i n t e r c o n n e c t e d infrastructure is the backbone of a strong and resilient market. Cantó asserted that this is necessary for achieving the targets that the world has set o n r e n e w a b l e e n e rg y, decarbonising economies and paving the way towards climate neutrality. Since 2013, the envoy who has been present in Guyana for more than three years, shared that the EU has put in place comprehensive roads to facilitate the build up of infrastructure that is needed. He said this is referred to as the TransEuropean Transport Network (TEN-T), a planned network of roads, railways, airports and water infrastructure in the European Union. This newspaper understands that the network is part of a wider system of Trans-European Networks (TENs), including a telecommunications network (eTEN) and a proposed energy network (TEN-E or Ten-Energy). The Ambassador during his presentation said, “The work we have done on this network has helped to advance energy interconnections within the European Union but also outside of the EU. It has made our energy market more secure and this is particularly important in moments of crisis...It has also made our energy systems more sustainable.” He added, “Importantly, (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 17, 2022

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Guyana in talks with Chinese owner to buy electricity - Bharrat from Amaila Falls Hydro Project Jagdeo Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

By Gary Eleazar With the incumbent administration currently pursuing the development of a 165-mega watt (MW) hydroelectric project as part of its energy matrix, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday disclosed that his government is currently negotiating a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Chinese contractor. The Vice President provided the update yesterday when the International Energy Conference and Expo 2022 continued at the Kingston, Georgetown Marriott Hotel. Addressing the hundreds of delegates at the conference, Vice President Jagdeo elucidated aspects of h i s a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’s expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and pointed to the development of the gas-toshore initiative, the installation of solar powered projects and the hydro. To this end, he told delegates that government is currently negotiating with the Chinese contractor, China Railway First Group, on a PPA. This, he said, was among the crucial projects critical for Guyana’s sustainable

development in future. Cabinet in November last had approved and given its “No Objection” for the Chinese contractor, as evaluated by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Government had earlier in the year advertised soliciting a private partner to fund and develop the project. The administration in inviting partners had indicated two proposals, namely a Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) option or a Design Build Finance option. At the time of selecting China Railway First Group, it was noted that the BOOT option would be utilised. PARTNERSHIPS Addressing “Guyana’s Approach for a Sustainable Future,” the Vice President was adamant that the country’s current trajectory has to be seen in the context of its history. With this in mind, the Vice President sought to explain that because of the three decades of undemocratic rule, prior to 1992, Guyana had slumped to being one of the poorest countries in this hemisphere with half of its population fleeing the country.

Lamenting the fact that some 80 percent of the economy had been Statecontrolled, Vice President Jagdeo told delegates that the indigenous Private Sector, is as a result still relatively new; “it has had just a few decades of development.” With this in mind, he said the administration was very pleased with the way they are developing and adumbrated that through the local content legislation and other measures, government was looking to promote more partnerships between local companies and their foreign counterparts, qualifying his position saying, “it is only through partnerships the Private Sector will grow. According to Jagdeo, it was fiscal discipline and hard work that brought Guyana to where it is today and that would be the guiding principles in future. Recognising that the gains could quickly be slipped away, Jagdeo in addressing the matter of Guyana’s future sustainable development, sought to assure that the countries oil and gas earnings must be used in a manner that is transparent and drew reference to the recently passed Natural Resources

Fund Act. A c c o r d i n g t o Vi c e President Jagdeo, Guyana’s oil earnings must be focused in the development of the country’s infrastructure, and to provide incentives in order to stimulate growth in the non-oil economy. Recognising that Guyana recently approved its first National Budget to utilise oil earnings, he told delegates that the majority of the money is being used on Capital Expenditure or spending on new projects. Regarding the recurrent expenditure, Jagdeo said, “we kept a tight constraint” and qualified the position by pointing to countries that would have splurged on recurrent spending with oil windfalls. He told delegates, Guyana will instead focus its oil earnings going towards the development of world class education, improved access and quality of health care for all Guyanese. According to Jagdeo, building out the infrastructure for a modern economy and to stimulate growth in the non-oil sectors are crucial to that future growth, adding, “This is important to us as we move forward.” Adamant that the

Govt. skips schooling on how to make Guyana competitive As the International Energy Conference and Expo continued yesterday with specialists flying in from across the globe to advise Guyana on the better management of the oil sector, the government decided to sit out a session which was specifically targeting ways to make the country more competitive. The session was facilitated by Dr. Christian Ketels of Harvard Business School. Unfortunately, none of the officials from the (Continued on page 16)

Dr. Christian Ketels of Harvard Business School makes his presentation to an almost empty conference room

ultimate test of sustainability is how “we ensure that all of our citizens benefit regardless of geography, their race, their religion, that’s the ultimate test that all of our people have to share the benefits of our oil and gas industry and more importantly the changes that are taking place.” To t h i s e n d , Vi c e President Jagdeo sought to take the international community to task over what he called their prescriptive application of what sustainability is. He qualified his position by firstly pointing out that many of the goals set by the international community are very many times done so with the developing world not at the table. Additionally, he noted that many of the global policies run counter to the lofty goals and standards set out by the International Community and cited as example the demands of reciprocity made by the World Trade Organization on countries, such as Guyana and St. Kitts and Nevis, and argued that the latter two are unable to compete with the developed countries on the same scale. With this in mind, Vice President Jagdeo drew reference to a number of development policies

developed indigenously. He cited as example the National Development S t r a t e g y, t h e P o v e r t y Reduction Strategy, the National Competitiveness Strategy, the LCDS and the expanded LCDS. According to Jagdeo, with the expanded LCDS, the focus has evolved from just the sustainable management of the forests but to also use the proceeds to stimulate a whole range of low carbon development and help address resilience in future and the energy mix of the future. To this end, he outlined the objectives of the Gas-toShore Project which he said provides opportunities for numerous companies and that initiative is currently at the tending stage. He said too that government will shortly also be going to tender for a 35megawatt (MW) project and that the administration was currently negotiating the Power Purchase Agreement with the Chinese contractor for the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant. It would be apposite to note that electricity will be purchased from the power plant after which it would be transported to the Sophia substation using high voltage transmission lines.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 17, 2022

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

Oil and Gas conference

A blown-up blimp with a lot of hot air. Like the Zeppelin, Guyana’s much hailed Oil and Gas Conference turned out to be a crash and burn affair. It was a four-day love fest, with our own Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, doing his best imitation of St. Valentine, by extending the romance from Monday throughout the week. Like many things, the Vice President tries his hand at, he failed miserably, looked feeble, sounded pathetic: nothing on full coverage insurance, not a word on contract renegotiation. His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, was also in attendance, but he flattered to deceive with focus on interest rate (a good thing), but silence on promise made on TV and radio: all contracts on the table. This set the tone for the conference, a dud even before it had begun, the first word was said, with Guyanese leadership deceptions and evasions of hard issue before foreign bloodsuckers and local wolves in sheep clothing. The high points were few and far apart. The Hon. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, was responsible for one such sparkling moment. What she said for the audience of foreign dignitaries and corporate ‘low-lifes’ must resonate, with Guyanese leaders and the Guyanese people. It was that “Guyanese must not be tenants in their own country” (KN February 16). We could not have said it better, have said it more often, and are delighted that a person with the status of PM Mottley could have recognised where we are, what we have become already, in the midst of this fabulous oil wealth, merely tenants. It is enlightening to hear this truth from her for several reasons. As a woman, she should know something about the home, and of being either an owner or a tenant. As a Prime Minister, one who just took the leap and severed ties with a longstanding colonial master, she would know about the second-class status of tenants. As an outsider relative to Guyana’s political chambers, she still knows enough to assert authoritatively that what we have here risks reducing Guyanese to low tenants in our own home; nothing could be more eyeopening than what the Barbadian PM warned about. As an outsider, her words had to ring thunderously with the courageous, hardy, and patriotic Guyanese who stood outside the conference corridors and braved the rains to protest the political rogueries of compromised, corrupted, and captive Guyanese leaders. They have failed Guyanese at every step and in every aspect of their oil and gas stewardship. Her call is for leaders to do better for Guyana, which they have not done. ExxonMobil can and must do better for Guyana and all Guyanese. The leaders of that corporate colossus have not done so either, so greedy and evilly selfish they are. It is why they came with their pretty speeches to dance on the grave of the Guyanese people that Exxon itself dug for them to ensure its own profitability and near perpetual prosperity. Another conference highlight was when Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi took the spotlight to insist that “New found (sic) oil wealth must benefit generations to come” (KN February 16). He has done that for his people, through the management policies and strategies employed in Suriname, but his words most likely fell on deaf ears in the persons of Guyana’s leaders, so consumed they are with their own personal wealth accumulation from this oil and gas. President Santokhi has done well for Surinamese; Guyanese still wait and long for a fraction of the same here. We at this paper will lead the charge in the struggle to get more, do better, with this wealth that is ours; we own it, we will not settle for tenancy or poverty. Another leader, one from Africa, and though not the best example, had wise words for Guyana’s leaders: “Be transparent with oil money, minimise flaring - Ghanaian President tells Guyana Govt.” (KN February 16). More verbal counselling, warnings also. We don’t think that the President and the Vice President are listening, since they shrink from talking about full-coverage insurance and contract renegotiation. Exxon’s Darren Woods would be offended, and cowardly local leaders move to please him worshipfully. Guyanese suffer.

Listen to the cries of protesters, oil and gas were meant to bring hope to the destitute, not riches for foreign companies and Government operatives DEAR EDITOR As important folks were giving lofty speeches about “sustainable development,” “low carbon strategies,” and some of them were wining and dining and their expenses will be covered under the oil companies expense claims to be paid by Guyanese taxpayers, our politicians must always remember that it’s always about the little people, living hand to mouth, and praying to God that they can make it through the day. (Isn’t God great? He was the master architect of low carbon strategies. He put some rain forests in Guyana. Now our politicians have appropriated it and call it low carbon development strategy, and want to claim credit for being smart). As rich folks were having their “Conference” about energy, and police were keeping watch, a group of chanting working class people were holding up placards and shouting slogans hoping

that our leaders and the world community would listen to their cries. They hoped our leaders would ask the Exxon boss to renegotiate the oil contract, but their hopes were dashed. Their signs and chants included: “We must have change;” “What do we demand – change;” “When do we want change –now;” “We will not get tired, until we have change;” “We would never give up, Guyanese want benefits from oil;” “A day will come when all the police and everybody out there will join us;” “Change the contract now; “”Your leaders are corrupt and sold us out for nothing;” “The oil belongs to Guyanese not Exxon/HESS/ CNOOC;” “Exxon making billions, Guyanese get crumbs,” “Stop paying Exxon Mobil tax.” Clearly Mr. Glenn Lall, Kaieteur News and articles in the Stabroek News educating the people that Guyana has the rottenest oil deal of any

country in the world, are resonating with the masses and gaining traction. The “masses are not asses,” as politicians sometimes feel. Those folks in the picket line do not believe the government playing Santa Claus and handing out the occasional cheap hampers would make their lives better. The working poor want structural changes which can produce a living wage; improvements in health, housing, water, roads, education, flood control, crime control, etc. They want social security programs that cater for the vulnerable – minimum wage workers, pensioners, single parents, widows and widowers, subsistence gardeners, housewives, security guards, fishermen, retail store workers, taxi drivers, self-employed, etc. The people also understand that the PNC signed a bad deal, and that the PPP is okay with that. Can the PPP explain to the nation why they have not, as yet launched a

Commission of Enquiry on how the bad contract was signed? Who told Mr. Trotman to sign? Why? Did Trotman sign under duress? Can the PPP explain why they did not hold mass protests after they discovered the contract was signed? Who in the PPP told the Exxon boss they would not renegotiate the contract, during the election? Who in the PNC told the Exxon boss they would not renegotiate the contract? One of the protesters said, “A day will come when all the police and everybody out there will join us.” I believe that. Those working-class people are asking questions about who is benefitting from our natural resource wealth, and will vote in 2025. It’s not farfetched that an emerging Third Force can capture their imagination. “It’s Our Country, Our Wealth,” and we must care. Wake up Guyana! Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

A reminder of a bit of History DEAR EDITOR, I’m certain if memories are “called up” Guyanese over a certain age, would recall the MOST violent and destructive attacks on Indian businesses, and Indian persons to a limited extent, in and around Georgetown, on FRIDAY 16th. February, 1962 EXACTLY SIXTY YEARS AGO. That day has gone down in Guyana’s history as BLACK FRIDAY. On that fateful day, the PNC and its allies the United force (now a spent force) and the TUC, combined to have their supporters wreck havoc in Georgetown, supposedly, in the name of opposing a budget tabled by the PPP. Burnham and D’aguiar, aided and abetted by some in the leadership of the TUC, organized demonstrations in Georgetown, and af-

ter a meeting at Parade ground, their leaders proceeded to lead the demonstrators to the Electricity Company in Kingston, where a rumour was circulated that the tear gas from the police had resulted in an African baby girl dying. I was there and saw an uncle of mine, Mr Muldeo of the UF with a bullhorn, among others, making this vile statement. The mob became incensed and moved to Camp Street, Regent street and Water street and started setting fires to business owned by East Indians, AH&L Kissoon (at camp and Robb Street) and SB Nawbatt on Regent Street, included. People could be seen looting without any inhibition, carrying refrigerators, washing machines and other bulky and heavy items

as well as clothes, food and anything they could get their hands, heads and shoulders on and under. I remember standing on Regent street, next to N i f t y ’s , a n i c e c r e a m parlour and someone in his 20’s finishing an ice cream and placing the container on my head. My reflex reaction resulted in him brandishing a knife causing me to just step in the yard. This Black Friday emboldened the PNC to such an extent that many similar disastrous events were encouraged and repeated, in 1964 and after almost every election since 1992. I remember the horrors of the Wismar massacre and relatively recent incidents where Indians were beaten in the streets of Georgetown, and

one where an Indian girl was stripped in the centre of the city, just because of her race. Much more can be said, but I’ve just recalled these few events, to alert Guyanese who may not know OR who may have forgotten, as to what can befall OUR nation, due to the irresponsible political parties in our midst. GUYANESE ofAll RACES MUST BE DILIGENT AND NOT BE MISLED BY CALLS FOR ANTI NATIONAL ACTIONS, which would hurt all of us. The Government MUST be aware of the damage that can result from an irresponsible and subversive opposition and take ALL steps to protect the gains we’ve made as a Nation. Respectfully, Harry Narine Nawbatt

Public must express outrage over PPP’s decision to make old age pension, public assistance effective only from March DEAR EDITOR The PNCR wishes to express its utter disgust over the decision of the PPP government — as posted on the Facebook page of its Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) — to make the paltry increase in old-age pension and public assistance effective only from

March and not from January 2022. These already stingy payments have thus been further devalued by several thousand dollars. The PNCR views this decision as outrageous and mean-spirited, especially as our oil wealth now allows the government to better provide

for low-income persons and families. The PNCR joins with those affected and other Guyanese to demand that these payments be made retroactive to January 2022. In the larger scheme of things, the PNCR reiterates its demand that old-age pension be set at minimum $35,000 month in 2022 and that public

assistance be expanded in terms of coverage, size of payments, duration of support, and ease of access by those in need. Regards Public Relations Department People’s National Congress Reform Congress Place, Sophia

Thursday February 17, 2022

Glenn Lall, others deserve high praise for exposing the folly of both the PNC-led Coalition and the present Government DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is now hosting the International Energy Conference and Expo 2022. We note with interest Presentations by His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, and according to the order of events, the Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President in charge of oil and gas sector, Bharat Jagdeo. The formality of the Prime Minister being on stage will not be lost on any Guyanese. Prime Minister, Mark Phillips is a likeable and charming fellow but some of us characterize him as the character of the Spook who sat at the door. It’s a story in the US of a wealthy white company who in response to criticisms of racial discrimination, appointed a black person , made him Vice President, limousine chauffeur and all the trappings of office, but the chap was not required to attend Meetings and be part of the decision-making process. I note from the Programme, that our two closest neighbours in the oil business, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago did not make the list of persons to address this conference at the Marriott Hotel. However, Mia Motley of Barbados, an excellent political figure and the President of Ghana, are on the programme. Clearly, a Public Relations process. Of course, Suriname is compulsory. Editor, please note that Ghana ranks 49th among the oil-producing countries, 49th. Trinidad, just next door, is next in the 50th ranking, Venezuela is 12th in ranking, Suriname is 82nd in the ranking and Barbados 105. Note that Guyana’s population is the smallest except for Suriname and Barbados and therefore, the proper distribution of money from oil resources should make every Guyanese from the cradle to the grave extremely comfortable. Listening to the Glenn Lall Show on Kaieteur Radio, one gets the impression that the Government is as the Bible states, ceding our birthright for a mess of pottage. We may not always agree with all he says and the way he says it, but he is right that

we have been given a raw deal. We compliment Glenn Lall for his courage and sense of purpose and nationalism. I again, urge all Guyanese, irrespective of race, colour or political affiliation to protest this rape of our God-given natural resources, and let no one suggest that we must not protest. Protesting has helped in the main to produce a better world and great nation states. If there was no robust protest by the American Colonists and the American Civil War, there would have been no great United States of America. If Emmeline Pankhurst did not protest, women would not have won their rights to vote in the United Kingdom. If Cuffy, Accrabe, Damon and Quamina did not protest, slavery would have been institutionalized and taken for granted. If the German Theologian, Martin Luther did not protest, there would have been no dismantling of the religious strangle-hold by earlier Popes. If Martin Luther King (Jnr.) did not lead peaceful protests, the Jim Crow Laws which legally made Black Americans an inferior entity would not have been erased. The non-violent protest of Mahatma Gandhi helped to begin the dismemberment of the British Empire over which they boasted ‘the sun never sets.’ So Guyanese, let us show our objection to this million dollar ‘pappy-show’, taking place at the Marriott Hotel. From all the information available, it appears to many of us that in the next four days, the Marriott will be a well orchestrated talk-shop or at best, it will be to decide who will cut the cake and determine how it is to be shared. The Conference is unlikely to deal with the gut issues of concern to the Guyanese masses and those who take our Independence seriously. What is egregious is that an inquiry suggests that representatives of half of the nation’s population will have nothing to say at this Conference and we are being taken for granted by a Government

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that trumpets the idea of One Guyana; an inconsistent and tragic approach. Glenn Lall and a few others deserve our high praise for exposing the folly by both the PNC-led Coalition and the present Government. In my little way, since the arrangements were being put in place, those members of the 2015-2020 Coalition would recall I expressed a concern that until and unless we can speak with one voice, Government, Opposition and Civic Society, we will be playing as we are now doing into the hands of those who have a matchless machinery of not only to Divide and Rule but to ensure that a few Leaders and their acolytes are comfortable while the majority of us peep around the huge legs and find ourselves comparatively poor and end up in dishonorable graves. On this score, all Guyanese at home and abroad must stand up like men and not mice. To Guyanese who are reluctant or afraid to speak up, I remind them that the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, remarked, ‘To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men.” I hope succeeding generations will not deem those who are afraid to come out and speak as cowards. Those in the public sector, all of them, policemen, firemen, soldiers, teachers, nurses, etc. Lend your support because the figures show that doubling your salaries now is feasible this year. Pensioners can also have their pensions doubled with the huge sums that are now available. I say to our Leaders and citizens, too often we take the socio-cultural environment created immediately after Independence for granted. For example, this week in two States in India - in Karnataka State and Mandya City, two Muslim students became the face of resistance for young Muslim women wearing hijabs, or headscarves in classroom. Meanwhile, campuses appear to be polarized with Hindu students turning up wearing saffron scarves and a policy to dissuade (Continued on page 6)

Black History Month: Response to Freddie Kissoon’s false narrative about Timbuktu DEAR EDITOR, I haven’t written for a while, but thought it necessary to correct Freddie Kissoon as this is Black History Month, where even intellectuals caught up in their “circle of self”, self-importance, self-deception, selfdeceit, self-indulgence, selfdenial and self-destruction should at least be educated. In a recent letter, he wrote to Ms. Isabelle de Caires stating, “If you did not meet their legitimate expectations and fulfill your obligations to them, then prepare to spend your political future living in Timbuktu”. Does Freddie Kissoon know Mansa Musa, the richest man in the world came from Timbuktu? Mansa Mussa took 60,000 porters with him. Each porter carried 3 kilograms of pure gold, that is, 180,000 kilograms or at least 180 tons of gold. He had so much gold with him that when he stopped in Egypt, the Egyptian currency lost its value. I share this from my Book” A-Z Know Thyself and can send him a copy. (Reference: Volume IV UNESCO General History of Africa, pages 197-200). TIMBUKTU Timbuktu exists. A decade ago, the phrase “From here to Timbuktu.” conjured up images of remote, isolated and distant parts of this Earth. Many people, ignorant of what Timbuktu was and where Timbuktu is, often made the derogatory statement “you must be from Timbuktu”. Very few people are aware of this ancient city’s location, and fewer still ascribe any kind of civilization to this historic area. Timbuktu is located in the western African nation of Mali at the edge of the Sahara. Home of the prestigious Koranic Sankore University and other madrasas, Timbuktu was an intellectual and spiritual capital and a Centre for the propagation of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its three great mosques, Djingareyber, Sankore and SidiYahia, recall Timbuktu’s golden age. Timbuktu flourished from the trade in salt, gold, ivory and slaves and became part of the Mali Empire early in the 13th century. Its importance lay in the fact that it is located

at the precise point where the Niger flows northward into the southern edge of the desert. As a result of its unique geographical position, Timbuktu was a natural meeting point of Songhai, Wangara, Fulani, Tuareg and Arabs. According to the inhabitants of Timbuktu, gold came from the South, the salt from the North and the Divine knowledge, from Timbuktu. Timbuktu is also the crossroad where “the camel met the canoe.” The prosperity of the city attracted Black scholars, Black merchants and Arab traders from North Africa. Timbuktu’s long-lasting contribution to Islamic and world civilization is scholarship. Local scholars and collectors still boast an impressive collection of Arabic manuscripts from that era. By the 12th century, Timbuktu became a celebrated centre of Islamic learning and a commercial establishment. Timbuktu had three universities and 180 Quranic schools. These universities were the Sankore University, Jingaray Ber University and Sidi Yahya University. This was the Golden Age of Africa. By the 14th century, important books were written and copied in Timbuktu, establishing the city as the Centre of a significant written tradition in Africa. Timbuktu is believed to have had one of the first

universities in the world. Hidden in cellars or buried, hid between the mosque’s mud walls and safeguarded by their patrons, many of these manuscripts survived the city’s decline. They now form the collection of several library scripts. These libraries are the largest among up to 60 private or public libraries that are estimated to exist in Timbuktu today, although some comprise little more than a row of books on a shelve or a book chest. This is why Timbuktu has been called “Athens of Africa”, “Sudanese Rome”, “Mecca of the Sahara”, and “Black Pearl of the Desert”. Two great men made significant contributions to the scholarship and glamour of Timbuktu. Emperor Mansa Mussa and Askia Mohammed the Great. The booming economy of Timbuktu attracted the attention of the Emperor of Mali, Mansa Mussa (1307-1332) also known as “KaKaMussa.” He captured the city in 1325. As a Muslim, Mansa Mussa was impressed with the Islamic legacy of Timbuktu. On his return from Mecca, Mansa Mussa brought with him an Egyptian architect by the name of Abu EsHaqEsSaheli. The architect was paid 200kg of gold to built JingaraBer or, the Friday Prayers Mosque.

The GRO not issuing birth certificates for babies DEAR EDITOR, I have a six-month-old child and this has been my second application for a birth certificate only to be told by the General Register Office (GRO) that certificates for babies aren’t being processed as yet. When I asked the staff when it will be ready, her answer was, she doesn’t know! On my visits to GRO I’ve met several other parents who are waiting over one (1) year after the birth of the child for certificates! What is the delay? Why so long for a birth certificate? Does my child need to become an adult before receiving a birth certificate? Without this certificate I am unable to process any document for her; no pass-

port, no bank account. A process that used to be two (2) weeks now has become more tedious for something of such importance. Can you please become efficient GRO? An entire nation is born daily. Regards, Samantha Singh.

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Principles seem to be non-existent for those who cannot be suspended or expelled from some organisations in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, It has been 60 years since February 16, 1962, brought back to memory by the opening lines, ‘were some who ran one way, were some who ran another way, were some who did not run at all, were some who will not run again’, in Martin Carter’s poem ‘Black Friday 1962’. In the month of February 1962, I was a young boy visiting what was known as Seaman’s Ward at the Public Hospital Georgetown to see Keith, my uncle, who suffered from a severe form of Kerato-

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Kaieteur News

conus, a condition which made him very short-sighted, but, as he suggested, the finest presage of an unusual life. He had been suspended from the PPP in March 1956, by General Secretary Janet Jagan, “For placing yourself above the party and indicating that you will not be bound by Party decisions should these conflict with your principles”. The reason for my hospital visit that day was to see Keith, suffering from the gunshot of a British 303 rifle to his right hip, received on Black Friday

in Robb Street, Georgetown. As a result of his shortsightedness, he was among those, in his brother’s description, ‘who did not run at all’. He was proud of being suspended from the party for his principles; but based on reports in the newspapers of events in Guyana, it appears that these days, there are no principles, eitherpersonalorpublic,forwhichone can be suspended or expelled from some organisations in the dear land of Guyana. Yours sincerely, Keith H. Carter MD.

Parliamentary culture rancid for women DEAR EDITOR Since 2015, public life in Guyana has been dominated by the discovery of oil. In particular, both sides of Guyana’s National Assembly have been enthralled by who controls oil wealth. The depth of the obsession with oil fuelled Guyana’s most serious electoral crisis in decades, resolved only following interventions by the Chair of Caricom, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, electoral officials from CARICOM and the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Resolving the legal crisis appears to have had no effect on the intensely adversarial relations between the two major parties. Currently the low-intensity warfare that constitutes Guyanese party politics is intolerable in terms of knock-on effects in the wider society, particularly on young people. The sexual insult directed by a Government Minister, Mr. Dharamlall, to a female opposition parliamentarian across the floor of the National Assembly should be seen as a watershed moment rather than treated as the routine ‘rough and tumble’ of Parliament. The incident constitutes sexual harassment of both the MP in question and indirectly of all female MPs who have to sit and listen to exchanges, which would not be tolerated even in a well-run public bar. Such behaviour also undermines the longerterm goal of a Parliament composed equally of males and females. It speaks volumes about the status of women in Guyana that other MPs have not called for Mr. Dharamlall to be seriously disciplined, up to and including dismissal from Parliament. While Mr. Dharamlall should be made

accountable, the shame should be shared by those tolerating such behavior under the guise of parliamentary ‘rough and tumble’. This is not only an issue of an individual’s rancour, it is now a rancid parliamentary culture, aggravating already dangerously adversarial territory. The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Nadir, couldn’t find the courage to address this deteriorating situation. While correctly disciplining the histrionics of another Member, Sherod Duncan MP, whose behaviour only served to reinforce the nauseating Parliamentary culture, the Speaker has yet to find fault with Mr. Dharamlall. No less than the Speaker of Parliament, the Ministry of Social Protection, the official Agency for the advancement of women, has still to find its voice on this matter. Focusing its ‘Spotlight’ programme on advocacy matters such as these would do more to reassure women than a multiplicity of non-governmental-type projects which ruffle no feathers. Regards Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association

2021 Review Part 4: Entitlement and betrayal DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the subject above, which is the title of Freddie Kissoon’s article in KN Feb 16, 2022. A part of his article reads, “… I cannot comment on the public waterfront property sale by former Minister, Winston Jordan, because the matter is before the courts. But one can examine the political attitudes of African rights commentators during the announcement that Jordan would be charged. All of them supported the arrangement Jordan made with B.K. Tiwarie to purchase the property which is state land.” For the benefit of your read-

ers, I never engaged B. K. Tiwarie on any land matter, never signed any contract with him for the purchase of any land nor did I make any arrangement with B. K. Tiwarie to purchase any state land. It’s because of the very reason that this matter is in court that I will say nothing more at this stage. That does not mean that I will allow Freddie Kissoon or anyone else to libel or slander me. I am reserving my rights to seek redress in this matter. Winston Jordan Former Minister of Finance

Glenn Lall, others deserve... From page 5 Hindus from converting to Islam and Christianity. We have avoided such discrimination in Guyana, since Independence by those who first hoisted our Golden Arrowhead. Let us build on that foundation of tolerance and oneness and take our country of less than a million souls into that glorious sunlight of Peace, Plenty and Love. The independent media has been doing its bit and in particular, I thank the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News Edi-

torials, and let me remind you again of this wisdom that the pen can be mightier than the sword. If I have to write daily and speak everywhere, I beg that the present Administration learn from human errors over centuries. An unbelievable truth of history is the way intelligent Leaders fritter away golden opportunities. Simply they fail for whatever reason to learn from the lessons of history. Oil and Gas must be the concern of us all. Regards Hamilton Green

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 Thursday February 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

Leaving and entering the city is often a motorist’s nightmare. But there is not only congestion in the city but on our community roads as well. There is no doubt in the mind of many Guyanese that our country is in dire need of an improved road network.

With Govt.’s plan to inject $2B into even more road works, we, the citizens of this country, must pay close attention to ensure that we get value for our taxpayers’ dollars.

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Thursday February 17, 2022

Govt. eyes Takatu Basin for future oil exploration …national oil company likely for remaining blocks - VP Jadgeo

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he Guyana Government currently has a number of offshore oil blocks still available in the country’s offshore Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with which it is looking at ways of utilising. With oil exploration activities beginning in Guyana ever since the 1940s and 1950s, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, yesterday announced that there is an interest by companies to return to exploring in Guyana’s Takatu Basin in Region Nine some two hours from the Brazilian Border. Minister Bharrat was at the time addressing delegates gathered at the Marriott Hotel for the International Energy Conference and Expo 2022 when he disclosed that the administration has been in receipt of expressions of interest with a view to resuming oil exploration onshore Guyana. Ever since 2015, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—has seen in excess of 20 commercial discoveries of commercially viable hydro carbon deposits totalling more than 10 billion barrels of crude and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas. According to Minister Bharrat, while in the 1940s and 1950s, there had been encouraging results, operators are now able to benefit from better technology and better infrastructure in terms of roads to access the Region Nine locale. B h a r r a t ’s a s s e r t i o n comes on the heels of an announcement by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Day One of the Conference, when he stated that government was looking at its options regarding what to do with the remaining oil blocks. To this end, he told delegates that the administration was currently mulling the establishment of a National Oil Company using the blocks. Alternatively, he said, government could very well

go to public tender, with or without additional seismic surveys being completed. According to Jagdeo, a decision would be taken by the third quarter of this year. Meanwhile Minister Bharrat, in addressing Energy Corridor and Crossborder oil field development and services, noted that Guyana is on the verge of becoming one of the largest oil producers per capita. He was adamant that Guyanese companies are capable of becoming major players in the supply of goods and services for the industry. To this end, Minister Bharrat noted that in order for the local private sector to be able to grow over time the administration has to ensure that a greater percentage of the value created by the industry stays in the country. He said that it is with this in mind that government is looking to forge ahead with its plans to develop the country as a major player in the energy corridor, and pointed to the development of the gas-to-shore project. According to Minister Bharrat, one of the country’s biggest problems continues to be power generation, its costs and reliability which he described as a hindrance to G u y a n a ’s v a l u e - a d d e d industry “For too long, Guyana has exported raw materials; it is time to develop a vibrant manufacturing sector.” This, he said, would be possible with cheaper and more reliable electricity and this is why the administration has not only embarked on the project but it has already reached an advanced stage of development. To this end, he outlined that government has already started to undertake geotechnical and geophysical surveys. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Minister disclosed that the route for the pipeline for the gas-to-shore project has already been identified and that the administration is presently at a stage of looking to go out to bids for the construction of the new gas fired electricity plant and

related facilities. “We are advancing at a pace because we realize how important it is. He was adamant, that the gas-to-shore project will not only result in lower electricity bills but would redound to every Guyanese, through the building of a vibrant manufacturing sector. Minister Bharrat told delegates that with the project in place, a thriving manufacturing sector would see savings had on foreign currency with reduced importation among other benefits to be had “from this single project; that is why we want to implement this project as fast as possible.” He told delegates that as it relates to the energy corridor, the administration is working feverishly with Brazil and Suriname with the development of that corridor. He noted too that Guyana offers shortest access for significant parts of northern Brazil and this, together with a road link to the deep-water harbour, “will serve both countries.” The northern Brazilian market is available to Guyana, “that administration was looking to tap into “especially with energy.” The energy corridor, he said, will see the three countries teaming up to share power using an interconnected grid. According to Minister Bharrat, talks are ongoing between the three countries and “we are now in the drafting stage of developing a strategy that would work for our countries.” With this in mind, he noted that the countries would also be working towards developing the necessary capacity in order to realise the energy corridor, in addition to a gas market. He was adamant that in addition to the local market, there is huge demand in Northern Brazil that can be tapped by Guyanese businesses and that the opportunities that will present with the new sector has the potential to transform the country into not only a food, but an energy capital of the region.

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Kaieteur News

If you can drive in Guyana, you can drive anywhere It is said that if you can drive in Guyana, then you can drive anywhere in the world. The drivers of Guyana are amongst the most highly skilled in the world, and this may have to do with the fact that most of them learned to drive in other persons’ vehicles. When you are driving another person’s vehicle you tend to take more chances than usual because it is not yours and therefore if you hit something, somebody else will have to foot the bill. And when one driver tells another something, you can bet there will be a response. In fact, two drivers can hold up traffic for minutes while they swear at each other. One day a driver was going down a road and approached a car that was coming in the other direction. Although there was room for the first car to pass, he forced the oncoming driver to slow down. Winding down his window, he shouted at the other driver, “Pig!” The other driver immediately got upset, continued on, and while looking in the rear view mirror, swore at the first driver. Then his car hit a pig which was in the middle of the road. In Guyana there is a law against using cellular phones while driving, but every day you can see hundreds of drivers, sometimes even police officers, chatting away on their phones while driving. People do all kinds of things behind the wheel. One day a traffic cop pulled along-

side a speeding car. Glancing into the car, he was astounded to see the young lady who was driving busy knitting, yes knitting. Realising that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, he wound down his window, turned on the loudspeaker and yelled, “PULL OVER!” ”NO,” the young lady yelled back, “IT’S A SCARF!” In Guyana there is a law against tints. When the law was first enforced, vehicle owners were forced to pay thousands of dollars to remove the tints from their vehicles, and in some instances had to change their windows because they were factorytinted, meaning that the tints were within the glass and therefore could not be removed. Today when you drive around Guyana, there are hundreds of vehicles with tints. And some officials are not setting an example. Their vehicles are the more heavily tinted. One fellow is so brazen and his vehicle so heavily tinted, that there is a sign on his backwind screen boasting that you cannot see him, and you really cannot, how darkly tinted the vehicle is. There is also a law against driving under the influence (DUI) and there are breathalysers to help the police in making a case against those driving under the influence. Many police, however, prefer not to haul those found DUI before the courts. In fact,

the preoccupation with DUI is as such that some police patrols actually go and park outside some of the more popularly frequented watering holes, and when the patrons get out and drive off in the cars they are pulled over and told that they have to go to the station to do a breathalyser test. Most drivers are able to convince the patrols that prey outside these watering holes not to go to the station. One night, the police pull over a driver who was weaving all over the road. They order him out of the car and told him to go to the station to do a breathalyser test. In his intoxicated state he agreed. But just then the police received a report about a robbery nearby. They told the man to remain where he was, they will be right back, and proceeded to run down the road to where the robbery was taking place. The man waited and waited and after a while got impatient and decided to drive home. When he arrived home, he told his wife that he was going to bed, and that she should tell anyone that comes knocking that he is ill and had been in bed all day. A few minutes later, the police knocked on the door. They asked if Mr. X lived there and his wife said yes. They asked to see him and his wife said that he was bed ill and had been there all day. However, the police had his driver’s licence.

Dem boys seh...

Thank you GRA!

Nuff woman does frighten dem get leff pon de shelf. Dem does vex when dem friends call dem old maid. Dat is why some ah dem does mek mistake and get fool by any person wah whispering sweet words in dem ears. But dem sweet words does sometimes leave a bitter taste. And nuff ah dem does regret some of de partners dem hook up with. Sometimes is bare problems does visit some ah dem. Instead of comfort and security, is bare stress and problems. Dat is why some women

today mek up dem mind fuh be single. Dem nah able with worries. Dem nah able with problems. But dem does miss certain things when dem single. Not anymore! Thank you GRA! Single life has its pleasures. Thank you GRA! Now yuh nah gat to worry bout bringing a stranger in de house. Thank you GRA! Yuh nah gat to worry anymore bout disease and blow. Thank you GRA! Yuh nah gat to tek worries bout whether if yuh gan get abuse. Yuh could live alone sat-

isfied and happy. Thank you GRA! Yuh nah gat to worry bout being lonely anymore. Yuh gat yuh company by yuh side. It nah does talk. It nah gat to get food. It nah gat to get money and it nah does answer yuh back. All it need is a few batteries now and den. Thank you GRA! Yuh nah gat to worry bout somebody snoring. Thank you GRA! Is childhood all over again. Yuh happy and content playing with yuh toy. Thank you GRA! Talk half. Leff half.

They asked to see his car, so she took them to the garage and opened the door where they found the police car, lights still flashing.

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

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Thursday February 17, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

2021 Review, Part 5: Things to internalise This is the last part of the series though I must remind you as I did yesterday there was some confusion in the numbering process. Today’s article was supposed to be Part 6 but that has gone; published on February 7. Here now is the final reflection in the series of 6. Guyana is such a complex, volcanically explosive land that the occurrences here, leave the analyst without energy to catch up with the events, the people and the places. 2021 was dominated by things we need to reflect on. When we do, our understanding of the country, which we live in, deepens. No matter how disinterested you may be in what takes place in your country, you have to understand it if you are going to live in it. I start with a journey back to one year ago. In January last year, the Mayor and his deputy told me something that is taking place here that does not happen in the real world. Their response to me came when I expressed confusion about why the City Council is still short of money when literally thousands

(not hundreds) of expensive buildings have been constructed over the past 20 years in Georgetown. Hundreds of these structures are humongous buildings that would carry hefty annual rates and taxes. The Mayor and his deputy told me that over 50 percent of these structures do not pay rates and taxes. Then that raises the question of insane inequalities in Guyana. My wife and I are pensioners. My only source of income is from Kaieteur News. I go each year to pay rates and taxes and I see hundreds of ordinary folks lined up to pay their taxes. What levels of insanity exist in this place when hundreds of rich companies, and can spend billions in construction, then pay no rates and taxes to the city’s municipality. So why should vehicle-owners take out insurance? Why should people pay NIS? Really, is this a real country? Last year was no different from previous years in the intellectual sterility of this nation. For the entire 2021, you pick up the papers, read the online news on Guyana, look at

the local television interviews and you see how glaring the onedimensional society we live in is. All the analyses and opinions are directed at governmental behaviour. Governments are the most powerful institution in a nation but they are not the only source of power. In the US, all hell breaks loose when a movie actor or singer or famous sport personality makes a controversial remark. Why, because they are huge receptacles of influence. People know that the remark will have tremendous spin-off in the society. You read the printed or online American newspapers and there are constant analyses on Amazon, Facebook and powerful billionaires. Here in Guyana, people seem to accept that only one source of influence is in existence – the government. What happened in parliament before 2021 ended has no parallel in our history or our CARICOM neighbours. Unacceptable things have happened in the National Assembly before like pushing down law books or throwing down the Mace, etc. But what happened

in December last year was incredibly sickening. The Finance Minister was literally denied his right to make his presentation by Opposition MPs. The Speaker’s chair was surrounded by mob-like b e h a v i o u r. C o m i c a l l y a n d dangerously, an opposition MP grabbed the Mace, ran with it and, much to the embarrassment of Guyana in the eyes of the world, fell flat on her backside while attempting to leave with the Mace. An opposition MP can be seen openly using racial vocabulary in an insulting way to a parliamentary employee protecting the Mace. Here now is the most comically violent event in the history of Guyana’s parliament. After grabbing the Mace in the mistaken belief that only the presence of the Mace allows a Bill to be legally passed, the Opposition claimed that the Natural Resources Fund was not legally passed. So if you want to stop legislation from having legal imprimatur, then grab the Mace and throw it through the window. There was no flurry of press conferences

Frederick Kissoon by the plethora of amorphous “civil society” entities denouncing this outrage in Parliament. In 2021, a group was formed with the name Article 13. Its purpose is to give effect to Article 13 of the constitution that allows for the participation of the citizenry. One of the men fighting for the success of Article 13 in that group was perhaps the most vociferous voice supporting the denial of the right to vote and have it counted in the March 2020 election. What the hell can he tell this nation about Article 13 and his colleagues in Article 13? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Tomb raiders vandalise Car thief tomb of Berbice teen jailed - remove body, cash and jewellery The vandalised tomb of Vishnu Samaroo

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he tomb of a teenager, who died from stage 4 cancer in January and was buried some two weeks ago at t h e H a m p s h i r e C e m e t e r y, Corentyne, Berbice, was vandalised by tomb raiders sometime yesterday afternoon. Father of the teen, Awad Samaroo told Kaieteur News that his son, Vishnu Samaroo was buried with cash, jewellery and a

cell phone. He said that just two days ago, family members had tiled the tomb. According to the man, he was visiting to check on the tomb yesterday, like he usually would, when he discovered the entire side of the structure was smashed open. He said upon further checks, he saw his son’s remains about 20 ft away from the tomb and the cash, jewellery and cell phone were

Vishnu Samaroo before be passed away.

missing. A total of $65,000 in cash, four silver chains, two silver rings, one silver wrist band and an A20 cell phone, valued at $50,000, were stolen. The man said that the police were immediately summoned to the location. He said too that the tomb has since been repaired and his son’s remains have been returned to it.

- tells court he was ‘under the influence’

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h i r t y - t w o - y e a r- o l d Anthony Cooper was yesterday sentenced to two years imprisonment for stealing a car but claimed he was under the influence of alcohol when he committed the crime. The defendant who works at Windsor Estate, made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. He pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which alleges that on October 10, 2021 at Stabroek Market, he stole from Onika Bobb, a Toyota Axio motorcar, PZZ 1293, valued at $3.5 million. The court heard that on the day in question, Bobb parked her car at the tarmac at Stabroek and forgot her keys in the driver’s door. The woman had started vending and was not aware of her blunder until after returning to the tarmac and realising that her car was gone. Bobb reported the matter to the police and an investigation was launched. The ranks, this publication was informed, were able to check the footage from a nearby CCTV camera and a man was seen driving off with the car. It was further stated that on Tuesday, Bobb’s husband saw the

car on the East Bank public road, but with another number plate – HD 1655. Despite the changed number plate, the man was able to recognise the markings on the car and as such, he drove in front of the car, causing it to stop. He then questioned the driver asking him where he got the car from and the d e f e n d a n t , s u b s e q u e n t l y, confessed to stealing the car from the Stabroek tarmac. Cooper was then taken to the Brickdam Police Station and placed in custody. In his address to the court, he claimed that on the day of the incident, he was under the influence of alcohol. He said that he was waiting at the park for a bus and when he saw the key in the car door, he took it out and then entered the vehicle. Cooper said he then drove the car home but his landlord told him to take it back. He told the magistrate that when Bobb’s husband stopped him, he was on his way to return the car. After giving his explanation to the court, Cooper apologised and offered to pay for the time he had the vehicle. However, the Chief Magistrate imposed a two years sentence on Cooper for the offence.

Thursday February 17, 2022

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Thursday February 17, 2022

Public Works Ministry set to spend over $2B on road projects Having been allotted the largest share of Budget 2022, the Ministry of Public Works is preparing to spend over $2 billion out of its $76.7 billion budgetary allocation to facilitate the continued rehabilitation and construction of a number of roads in the country. This is according to a public notice issued by the Ministry inviting sealed bids for the ‘Rehabilitation of Public and Main Access Roads, Miscellaneous and Hinterlands Roads’. The Ministry’s budget, which was passed in the National Assembly last week, would see the

spending of $3.4 billion for hinterland roads and another $15.2 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of urban and

community roads across the country. In its notice, the Ministry noted that it intends to kick start its road projects for the

year with the rehabilitation of main and public access roads at Lima Sands, Region Two; Canal No.1 and 2 Polders, Region Three; De Hoop, Region Four; Burma and Mahaicony Branch Road, Region Five and at Black Bush Polder in Region Six. The total sum of its engineer’s estimates would see these projects costing some $900,000,000. I n t e r m s o f miscellaneous roads in the country, the Ministry plans to continue rehabilitation works at Onderneeming, Region Two and at No. 58 Village in Region Six. No engineer costs were release

for these projects but will be in the tender documents. Meanwhile, as it relates to the hinterland roads, works would be executed in Region One at Moruca, Mabaruma to Hosororo, Wa n a i n a t o Ya r a k i t a ; Kwebanna, Mabaruma to Morawhanna and Kaituma to the Airstrip Road. In Region Six, Orealla to Kwakwani would see phase two of the road being rehabilitated. In Region Seven, works would be done at 4 Mile Housing Scheme a n d a t We s t B a r t i c a Secondary School, while in Region Eight, works for phase two of the Mahdia

main access road would be carried out. In Region Nine, the Ministry is inviting contractors to execute works at Lethem, Karasabai to Yarong Peru (Monkey Mountain), Barrack Retreat, and at Central South and Deep South Rupununi. Lastly, in Region 10, the 1 Mile, Mabura to Mango Landing, Malali and Mabura to Murtaria roads would be rehabilitated. These works, according to the Ministry’s engineer estimate, are slated to cost $1,829,301,000. Earlier this year, (Continued on page 16)

Thursday February 17, 2022

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US$12.5M Enmore Packaging Plant included in 55-acre land deal granted to joint venture By Shervin Belgrave In a bid to create jobs for laid off sugar workers, the government has agreed to grant some 55 acres of lands located at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to a 52 percent Guyanese owned joint venture called Guysons K+B Industries Inc. (GKB). The 55-acre plot includes the US$12.5M Enmore Packaging Plant that was commissioned in 2011 by this same administration and it will be used by the joint venture to build a manufacturing facility to support Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector. The announcement of this recent move by the government was made on Wednesday at the Guyana Energy Conference and Expo 2022, held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. GKB is a joint venture made up of Guysons Engineering, a Guyanese c o m p a n y, a n d K + B Industries Inc, its American partner. Guysons Engineering was founded in 1992 and Guysons Oil and Gas, which was formed in 2017 with the help of ExxonMobil, the American oil giant operating in Guyana, became an ISO 9001-2015 certified oil and gas support company in 2018. It was awarded ExxonMobil contracts in 2019 and had moved to team up, in 2020, with K+B Industries Inc., a company that has decades of experience working in the oil and gas sector, to form a joint venture. GKB has since set up a manufacturing shop in Ruimveldt, Georgetown and is now seeking to expand its operations by establishing another manufacturing facility at Enmore.

The new manufacturing facility at Enmore will be set up to manufacture and repair tubular goods such as drill pipes, drill covers, etc., needed by oil companies to develop oil fields. GKB will also offer premium threading of the tubular goods, accessory services and Turnkey manufacturing solutions in the country. As it relates to the arrangement between the government and GKB for the lands and the US$12.5M packaging plant owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), GKB’s Chief Executive Office, Fazil Khan was willing to share some details with this newspaper. Despite negotiations are still ongoing between the two parties, Khan said that an agreement has been made for his company to purchase 25 acres of the land, lease another 25 and also lease the packaging plant on a longterm lease. Consultant Advisor on the project, Rosh Khan, who spoke with this publication also pointed out that GKB will not be granted all of the lands at one time. He explained that GKB will begin with 25 acres and the packaging plant with spans and area of at least five acres. In order to lease the remaining 25, it will first have to complete all of the commitments it made with Guyana. GKB’s Khan confirmed this and noted too that considerations were also taken to safeguard against a scenario where Exxon can pull out. “You don’t want to invest or buy and then Exxon pulls out of Guyana because it can happen and you can lose,” Khan said. Asked if any agreement has been with the

The US$12.5M packaging plant at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and President Mohammed Irfaan Ali speaking at the announcement yesterday. government on the purchase and lease price, Khan responded that these are still in the process of being negotiated. H o w e v e r, t h e C E O assured that it will be a fair one for both parties and revealed that his company has committed to an overall commitment of US$60M towards the development of the project. Out of this amount, Khan said, more than US$7M has already been expended. The CEO further highlighted that the lands it is

acquiring are “sugar lands”, which will have to be developed in order to become a standard facility. “We will have to do some land filling, land clearing, probably install some streetlights and so on before we can start up the facility,” explained Khan. A m o n g t h e commitments the company has made, is to create 500 jobs over a five-year period. Guyana’s President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who along with the Senior Minister in the Office of the

Faizal Khan, CEO of the local Joint venture

President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, yesterday boasted that the 500 jobs to be created is in keeping with Guyana’s local content policy. Dr. Singh had made it clear too that the granting of the lands to GKB was not by accident since it took place via discussions at the level of the president to invest in Enmore. The reason behind the decision, he added, is to create jobs for the people of Enmore, especially those who were laid off after the Enmore Sugar Estate was closed. President Ali also iterated this point during his feature address and added that the investment is not just for the people of Enmore but for the entire East Coast corridor. The President added too that it is also his government’s plan to pursue more investments from companies involved in Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector in other communities where sugar workers are laid off. The previous coalition administration had closed four major sugar estates –

Skeldon, Wales, Enmore and Rose Hall. It should be noted that the decision to close these estates was taken because the sugar industry was not making enough money to maintain them and keep them in operation. Ali’s People’s Progressive Party/Civic party, while in opposition, had vowed to revive the sugar industry to make it profitable again. However, since taking office, billions of Guyana dollars have been pumped into GuySuCo but the industry is still to be revived to its former glory. Kaieteur News had reported in October 2021 that the government had started to plead with oil companies to hire workers laid off by GuySuCo. The revelation had been made by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, at a career fair hosted by the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI). The Minister had said in a DPI interview, “We are encouraging companies in the oil industry to seek out areas that would allow persons laid off by GuySuCo to be employed.” He had also stated that most of the laid off sugar workers are already skilled workers, such as mechanics and welders, and with a little training, they can be easily transitioned into the oil and gas sector. A t We d n e s d a y ’s a n n o u n c e m e n t , G K B ’s American partner, via one of its representatives, Nick Bencnel, said that it has already started training its local workers and will send some of its local team players for a more in-depth training at K+B Industries’ world class facility.

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Oil and gas training centre under construction at Lusignan

A

pioneering venture between 3t EnerMech and Orinduik Development Incorporated Training Centre will deliver Guyana’s first in-country, state-of-the-art training facility for the local workforce, supporting the development of the country’s fast-growing offshore oil and gas sector. This venture will provide an industry-leading and internationally accredited facility in alignment with building on the recent enacted local content policy, the companies said in a press release on Wednesday. Established to empower and provide Guyanese with key skills and training certifications that are required to work in the offshore environment, the new 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence combines expert instruction in-classroom training facilities, blended learning software and technology, as well as fully immersive simulators for high hazard activity

learning, the release added. Located in Lusignan, the companies said over USD$20 million has been invested into the infrastructure. EnerMech, the global integrated solutions specialist, is one half of the 3t EnerMech strategic alliance which d r a w s o n E n e r M e c h ’s experience and track record, complemented by 3t Energy Group’s world-renowned training capability, learning technology solutions and training management services, to deliver best-inclass learning experiences specifically tailored for its clients. The 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence is set to become the first regional Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) internationally accredited training provider in Guyana. It will also deliver the country’s first Offshore Petroleum I n d u s t r y Tr a i n i n g Organization (OPITO) approved, Basic Offshore Safety Induction and

Emergency Training (BOSIET) certification, as well as providing a controlled environment to deliver scenario-based firefighting emergency response training when relevant accreditations are secured early in 2022. Joseph Lichon, resident Americas for EnerMech said, “It’s our mission to develop local content globally and to help create s a f e r, s m a r t e r, m o r e sustainable workforces. Until now, Guyana nationals working in the oil and gas sector would be required to travel to Trinidad and Tobago, the US or Canada, for accredited training,

making it very costly and time consuming. This is compounded by the logistical challenges of the pandemic including travel restrictions, additional requirements, and limited flight availability.” Paul Knowles, VP Training for 3t Energy G r o u p a d d e d , “ Wi t h Orinduik constructing the 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence, coupled with our expertise, technologies, and programmes, we are providing a full package to help support the country’s personnel to excel in the oil and gas sector. We are very proud to play a critical role in

Thursday February 17, 2022

3t EnerMech and ODITC are building Guyana’s first in-country oil and gas training facility

Guyana’s future and enhance its economic prosperity by making accredited skills and safety training available in country for the first time.” Orinduik is also in the process of building Guyana’s first commercial heliport as part of a wider complex, which will incorporate the new training centre, an aviation/marine Polytechnic School as well as a hotel and business centre. The 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence will be located in Lusignan, in close proximity to the East Coast highway, approximately 10km east of Central Georgetown, and

placed strategically for easy access for both local and international delegates working in the offshore market. Harrychand Tulsi, Chairman of Orinduik said, “Construction of the Training Centre is expected to be completed in June 2022 and we are very excited to be partnered with 3t EnerMech in delivering world class training and certifications as we build a skilled and safe local workforce for the expanding offshore market. This demonstrates our support and alignment with the Government’s commitment to training and employment of Guyanese in key positions in this sector.”

Thursday February 17, 2022

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Rehab Centre gets support to prepare persons with disabilities for O&G sector On February 14 – the day of love – Falcon Logistics and Stena Carron Drilling Ltd., two companies servicing the local oil and gas sector, demonstrated their love for giving back by handing over a sizeable donation to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC), a move which is expected to give persons within the disabilities community a chance to access jobs in the oil and gas sector. The companies have reaffirmed their commitment to the Rehabilitation Centre and by extension persons with disabilities in Guyana via a joint monetary donation of G$8,300,000. Beginning in 2019, the two companies forged a partnership with the PRRC and have made several donations in support of the services of the Centre, including appliances and equipment for multiple departments. Donations of PPE and much needed cleaning and sanitisation supplies were also provided to the institution throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a release to the press detailed yesterday. The most recent donation, the release

outlined, is the result of Xmas fundraising initiatives b y t h e o ff s h o r e c r e w members of the Stena Drill ships, Carron and DrillMax, whose numbers are made up of different nationalities, including a growing number of Guyanese. The funds raised were then matched by Stena Drilling’s head office, and the same sum was in turn matched by Falcon Logistics. Executives of Falcon Logistics Inc.: Ms. Jennifer Falconer, President and Mr. Marshall Mintz, Operations Manager; along with Stena Rig Managers, Lachie Dow and Paul Slater; Chief Operations Officer, Chris Carbaugh; International Logistics Manager, Richard Wells, and several other company representatives, presented the joint donations to Rehabilitation Officer, Dr. Mellisa Corlette-Sengwe and administrative staff of the PRRC, during a guided t o u r o f t h e C e n t r e ’s Complex. Dr. Corlette-Sengwe informed that based on discussions with Falcon Logistics’ representatives, the donation will be used primarily for training to assist amputees or persons with disabilities in accessing

Former teacher accused of sexual activity with minor, faces trial by jury Embattled former teacher of the Bishops’ High School, Coen Jackson yesterday faced the judge and jury in the Georgetown High Court to answer to four counts of sexual activity with an underage girl. Jackson pleaded not guilty to the charges before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and the mixed 12-member jury. It was revealed that Jackson engaged in sexual activity with an underage girl by abusing a position of trust. The indictment specified that he committed t h e o ff e n c e s o n f o u r occasions during February, March, April and May of 2011. During his trial, the 42year-old former teacher will be represented by attorneysat-law Nigel Hughes and Jerome Khan, while the State’s case will be led by Attorney Nafeeza Baig who

Accused: Coen Jackson. is appearing in association with State Counsel Muntaz Ali and Latifah Elliot. The charges were first instated against Jackson in March 2018. The teacher had faced a preliminary inquiry before a city magistrate in May 2018, then was committed to stand trial for the offence in the High Court. The Magistrate had determined that there is sufficient evidence made out against Jackson to face a trial by jury.

Officials from the donating companies along with a representative and students of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. jobs in the oil and gas industry. “This is made possible through a collaboration between the

Centre and Falcon Logistics Inc, wherein amputees utilising the services of the Centre, who also meet the

necessary qualifications for training, are nominated for the programme,” the release added.

Stena Drilling’s core values are Care, Innovation and Performance. Care is its (Continued on page 16)

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Kaieteur News

Govt. skips schooling on how to make... From page 3 Government end, including the Natural Resources Minister, though present, participated in the discussion. Nonetheless, Dr. Ketels in his presentation spoke to the important role that the oil sector plays in driving Guyana’s economy. To this end he said, “In Guyana, the oil and gas industry is both the fuel and the lubricant of its economic development...it is a driver of the much broader change in this country’s trajectory moving forward.” He therefore urged that investors understand that trail in order to cooperate with the government. Dr. Ketels also noted during his presentation that while the oil sector is poised to create vast economic opportunities for the country, and also provide Guyana with resources and capital currently lacking, the sector also exposes the country to grave dangers, including that of the dreaded Dutch Disease. ‘Dutch Disease’ is a term used to describe the paradox which occurs in countries producing oil when the oil reserves end up harming a country’s broader economy.

Symptoms include a rise in currency value leading to a drop in exports and even the loss of jobs sometimes. According to the Harvard scholar, this occurrence is not something that can be “taken away” but rather managed. He explained, “Dutch Disease in natural resource countries is not something that we can take away. The impact of rising exchange rate for example, rising tendency in people moving...it can be managed, the impact of the sector can be managed and

One (1) male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029/616-5954.

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From page 11 Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar stated that his Ministry spent some $2,150,000,000 on a number of hinterland roads for last year in Regions including One, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10. The Minister said major works were done on these roads because some were either destroyed by heavy rainfall or by heavily loaded trucks. He added that the

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Nissan pathfinder in good condition, CAT 215 used parts.Tel:683-7225/275-0367. One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956.

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Urgently Needed! Spice Mango leaves.Contact:6098281/693-3003. A cook for family of three,light house keeping, located at Providence. Tel:654-8839. Call center help needed. Must be computer literate, apply in person 29 Sussex St,G/ Town.Call:231-5877.

FOR RENT RENT FOR Apartment for rent.Call:6026734. One bedroom apartment for working couples/single person $32,000 monthly,light & water.Call:623-0076. Business: Saffon St 900Sq FT bottom flat,Bar St Kitty, Wellington St,North Road. Contact:Ray's Realty 6279685.

VACANCY Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 23-50 car/van licence. Call:642-9823. 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.

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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. 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. For one driver and one porter.Apply to Global Healthcare Supplies,110 thirdst,Alberttow n.Email:gl obalhealthsuppliesinc@gmail.com. Domestic Housekeeper,age 35-40yrs.To work at Residence (E.B.D) 4 days per week (½ day).Tel: 225-8131/ 6756464. Male Clerical Asst.Age:2530yrs.Having a license to drive with (MC & MV) is required.Tel: 225-8131/ 2236488. One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading, Mc Doom village.

that is what is important to have in mind.” Though he did not delve into specific areas of managing the occurrence, he went on to say that Guyana, therefore, must not only consider economic progress and competitiveness, but also take focus on social progress. Dr. Ketels said, “It means that we cannot think just about economic progress and competitiveness. We need to think about social progress…” He said too that Guyana

is at the forefront of the energy transition, hence the global economy would “glue its eyes and hope” that the country has a success story. Dr. Ketels added too that how the country operates would be critical to ensuring a sustainable environment. The International Energy Conference and Expo, a fourday event, is being hosted by Guyana under the theme ‘Charting a Sustainable Energy Future’. The session kicked off on February 15, and will culminate on February 18.

World will be in “race to the... From page 2 our policy objectives have evolved with the climate emergency and let’s make that very clear, we are in a climate emergency and we all have a shared responsibility to address it. And this is what has led to the EU Green deal, (an ambitious package of measures ranging from ambitiously cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe’s natural environment).” The EU official noted

that this is a huge enterprise and expressed hope that lessons on its merits and successes can be shared with Guyana, Brazil and Suriname as they pursue energy related infrastructure. The official was keen to note that one of the key lessons Europe has learned about infrastructure is that it ought to be prepared for the energy transition, otherwise it will be made obsolete by the energy transition. “No energy network can work in a sustainable way

without a vision for the transition towards cleaner energy. And I see this vision is being put into place as noted by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo when he recalled during his presentation at the conference that Guyana is committed to net zero emissions target by 2050...,” expressed the Ambassador. The official then congratulated Guyana for its climate change commitments and urged it to remain steadfast in its mission to achieve net zero by 2050.

Public Works Ministry set to... roads were constructed with concrete, a move taken by the Ministry to move away from laterite roads. In addition to that, a total of $8.89 billion (just over US$40M) was spent to build and rehabilitate miscellaneous and urban roads in that same year. According to the Minister, this was one of the biggest programmes undertaken by his Ministry for 2021. Indar had explained that during that year, a total of 303

miscellaneous roads (community roads) and about 36 urban roads were done across Guyana. The Minister stated that the demand for roads and the speed at which they deliver them remains a key focus for his Ministry. The Ministry of Public Works’ projects are slated to open on March 8 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office.

Rehab Centre gets support... From page 15 primary value, which it strives to demonstrate through its respect and support for all employees, local entities, and social responsibility initiatives. As long-term guests in Guyana, Stena Drilling believes it is important to en-

gage and support excellent organisations, such as Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, to make meaningful contributions towards the constructive work they are implementing and support the positive impact they are making for the community in Guyana.

Stena Drilling is of the view that “it will give greater opportunity for those in their care to reach their maximum potential, live an independent life as possible, make positive contributions to society and hopefully within our industry and operations in the future.”

Thursday February 17, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Opposition tables Motion calling for full coverage insurance Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson yesterday tabled a Motion in the National Assembly calling for liability insurance coverage in the event of an oil spill disaster. In his Motion, Patterson cited the effects an oil spill can have on Guyana and noted that in the absence of fullcoverage insurance, Guyana could find itself in a dilemma. He also highlighted the overwhelming public outcry for government to tie the parent companies of the subsidiaries that are operating in Guyana’s backyard to the much needed insurance coverage. Since 2015, ExxonMobil Corporation, the parent company of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has steered clear of being tied to full coverage insurance for its Stabroek Block projects, which are certain to deliver multi-billion dollar profits on an annual basis. Instead, it has placed only its subsidiary (EEPGL) on the hook if such an eventuality occurs offshore. This is the state of affairs with its Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara Projects. Just recently, ExxonMobil announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza

Phase Two in the Stabroek Block and Guyana is still without full-coverage insurance. According to a document seen by this publication, in his Motion tabled in the National Assembly, Patterson noted that with the number of floating production storage and offloading (FPSOs) increasing over 10 times by 2026 and oil production offshore Guyana is expected to increase rapidly from its current rate of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) to almost one million bpd, there is a high likelihood of an oil spill occurring offshore Guyana. In this regard, the Opposition MP pointed out that Guyana’s oil spill response plan is grossly inadequate for such an emergency, cleanup and restoration. In fact, Patterson stated, “The Liza 1 Permit signed by the current PPP/C appointed EPA Head and issued in June 2017, designates as Permit Holder - Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), a subsidiary Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) of parent companies, ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC; and whereas this newly formed LLC, EEPGL does not have any financial assets to cover any oil spill and environmental damage liability.” He further noted that the 2017 Liza 1 Permit did not contain any provision for full li-

ability coverage, but instead held EEPGL liable for any spill and environmental upset, even though EEPGL does not have any assets to cover any such liabilities. According to the Motion Patterson tabled, the previous Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), had corrected the Liza 2 Permit to ensure unlimited liability for all spills including a provision requiring EEPGL’s purchase of the maximum available private insurance offered on the market, with all of the remaining liabilities to be covered by EEPGL’s parent companies Exxon, Hess and CNOOC. To this end, it was stated that EEPGL had agreed to unlimited liability coverage commitment and urgent purchase of the maximum available private insurance prior to signing the Liza 2 Permit. However, the MP shared that upon the change of government, the PPP/C administration not only immediately terminated the services of the then EPA Head responsible for forcing the acquisition of unlimited liability coverage but also terminated the services of the EPA attorney who was handling the finalisation of the Agreement, and terminated the discussions relating to the finalisation of the Agreement, which was conditioned on the Liza 2 Permit. This, he said,

Three unvaccinated men succumb to COVID-19 - 105 new cases recorded Three unvaccinated men who contracted COVID-19 have died over the past two days while receiving treatment at a medical institution. This is according to the Ministry of Health, which reported on Wednesday that the fatalities are that of a 38year-old from Region One, a 75-year-old from Region Six and a 68-year-old from Region Four. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,202. Meanwhile, in its updated COVID19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 105 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 62,465. The dashboard shows that eight patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 81 individuals are in institutional isolation, 1,084 are home isolation and 23 are in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 60,090 individuals have recovered from the virus.

has resulted in the country being left without liability coverage for a major oil spill, except for US$2.5 billion that was obtained under the previous administration. After highlighting that the Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, had recently stated that the EPA is currently negotiating with EEPGL to have up to US$2B worth of private insurance, Patterson questioned, “whether the VP is aware of the $2.5B USD coverage acquired under the Coalition, or whether the PPP/C has cancelled that $2.5B USD coverage, leaving Guyana with absolutely no coverage for an oil spill damage that could cost over $70 billion, as was the case with the BP

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson. Macondo spill in the Gulf of Mexico.” Patterson noted too that a major oil spill offshore

Guyana would result in the environmental devastation of the country and its (Continued on page 6)

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Opposition tables Motion... From page 17 neighbouring countries, and can also cause the destruction of the fishing industry, aquatic vegetation, economic bankruptcy, and could possibly include lawsuits from neighbouring countries. In this regard, he also noted the emergency response and cleanup of the British Petroleum (BP) Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has so far cost more than US$70 billion. He further stated that the Peruvian Government recently reported that a major oil company, which is also operating in Guyana had under reported a 12,000 barrels oil spill at its operations in Peru. The company also refused to honour its obligation to cleanup, thus causing grave harm to Peru’s economy and environment. In closing, he called for government “to recant its decision to cancel the process established in 2017 for obtaining unlimited liability coverage by EEPGL’s parent companies; that the Government return to the already

well-established process put in place by the previous administration, which entails guaranteed coverage by the parent companies and that this parliament calls on the Government of Guyana, to include full unlimited liability coverage for oil spills and other disasters related to petroleum production - as a condition for granting approval for the proposed Yellowtail development and all other future petroleum development.” Patterson is also asking that the “Government of Guyana, conducts an independent analysis on the possible ill effects of an oil spill, and present this report to the Parliamentary Committee of Natural Resources to be used as a reference for all other future oil development submissions if necessary.” The Opposition, he assured, stands ready, able, and willing to assist the government in getting back on track the expeditious acquisition of unlimited liability coverage for an oil spill.

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Police sued over $155M for leaving girl, 14, in lockup A legal proceeding has been initiated against the Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie; Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC, and two police ranks in relation to the 14year-old girl that was left in police custody for days where she endured inhumane and adult-like accommodation. Recently, a lawsuit was initiated against, Ann Greene, in her capacity as Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and the agency. They are being sued for in excess of $25 million for neglecting the 14-year-old girl in police custody. The AG was listed as the third named respondent in that matter – he was listed as a respondent in the matter owing to the fact that CPA is not a statutory body corporate in the statute creating it and, as a consequence, liability for it falls under the purview of the AG, the representative of the State.

In this matter, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is being sued for in excess of $155 million. The first named respondent is Police Constable Orlando Harris, and the second named respondent is Police Corporal Amelia James. Harris is the rank who reportedly arrested the teen and James is the rank who supervised the detention of the teen at the East La Penitence Police Station, Georgetown. The top cop was listed as the third named respondent as he is the operational head of the GPF and makes policies, while the Attorney General was sued as an official representative of the State. According to the court document seen by this publication, at the time of the incident, the claimant was 14 years old. The teen is being represented in the matter by her sister and a friend. On behalf of the claimant, attorney-at-law

Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC.

Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie. Eusi Anderson filed the legal proceedings in the High Court. The claimant is seeking several declarations and total damages in excess of $155 million. Kaieteur News had reported that the document states that between December 3, and 7, 2020, the minor was held against her will and under arrest at the East La Penitence Police

Station in a narcotics investigation – at the time of the arrest, the claimant was 14 years old, 11 months. The applicant is claiming that she spent five days in the prisoners’ cell at the police station with adult female prisoners. During that time, the document states that the teen was subjected to sleeping in an upright position on a wooden chair,

sleeping on a mattress and cardboard on the cold concrete, sexual predatory advances by other prisoners, being foot cuffed to a wooden chair by her ankles for hours and infinite pain and trauma. It was further stated that Greene and CPA were aware of the aforementioned transgressions except the sexual advances. On December 7, 2020, a bail application and habeas corpus proceedings in favour of the claimant were filed and heard by the acting Chief Justice, Roxane GeorgeWiltshire. The Judge had

ordered that the minor be released into the custody of G r e e n e a n d C PA o n December 7, 2020. It was further mentioned that Greene and the agency had indicated to the Judge that they were aware of the teen’s detention and had even noted that officers from CPA had visited the teen while she was being kept at the station. During the hearing, Greene had informed the court that efforts were being made to persuade the Commissioner of Police for the release of the teen into their custody since December 3, 2020.

Man charged for allegedly raping minor on fishing trip Thirty-nine-year-old Veroy Isaacs was yesterday remanded to prison when he made his first court appearance for allegedly raping a minor, whom he had taken on a fishing trip. The defendant who speaks the Arakuna dialect appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. He was not required to plead to the indictable offence which alleges that between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, at Kamarang River, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. The court heard that Isaacs had reportedly took the child on a fishing trip to Kumara Creek, and while there, he took her on a rock in the river where he allegedly raped her. It was further stated that the child confided in her mother who then confronted Isaacs before she reported the matter to the police. An investigation was launched and the defendant was later arrested and charged for the offence. The Chief Magistrate remanded Isaacs to prison and the matter was adjourned to March 14, 2022.

Remanded, Veroy Isaacs.

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Thursday February 17, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Concacaf Women’s World Cup...

Lady Jags utilize home advantage in 4-0 drubbing of Dominica Justine Rodrigues (7) about to put Annalisa Vincent through for the second Guyana goal.

Thursday February 17, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Books and movies may inspire you to get involved in artistic activities. Your aesthetic sense is very high today, Aries, and you may be drawing your inspiration from the higher realms.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your imagination is flying high today, Libra. Your interest in mystical and metaphysical matters is at an alltime high, and you could find yourself strolling through New Age bookstores.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You could be feeling a bit flush today, Taurus, and therefore you might decide to do a little work on your house. This is more likely to be redecorating than any major repairs.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some wonderful news concerning money and career matters could come your way today, Scorpio. Your natural kindness and sympathy for others has led you to make some good friends who are also valuable business contacts.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You’re feeling especially psychically and mystically inclined today, Gemini. You might want to read about such matters or attend a lecture or workshop given by someone in the field.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A minor conflict with a romantic partner in the morning is likely to end with a tearful reunion and much reassurance by midafternoon.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You’re usually a very practical and down-to-Earth person, but today you may be more inclined than usual toward mysticism.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your intuition, imagination, and insight have served you well on the job, and should pay off soon. A raise, commission.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Group activities involving meditation, psychic or spiritual topics, or artistic pursuits are probably very appealing to you right now, Leo.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You can count on a very idyllic and romantic day today, Aquarius. You’re feeling especially warm and sensual, and you tend to view the partner in your life through rose-colored glasses.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You’re normally a very intuitive person, and today you may experience clairvoyance that could rival Jeane Dixon’s.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Someone who is a student of natural healing may come to visit you and share some ideas today.

Guyana’s senior women’s side, the Lady Jags, made light work of visitors Dominica last night with a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing despite being a player down from the 27th minute. The game kicked off in overcast conditions at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC), Leonora, and before the first goal was netted, it began to rain. However, that didn’t faze Shanice Alfred that give the Guyanese the lead in the 17th minute when she expertly finessed a right-footed shot from the left side of the

box past a hapless Christina Sobers that could’ve only watch the ball sail into her net. Nine (9) minutes later, Justine Rodrigues laid a fine through pass to target player Annalisa Vincent who got behind the defence before slotting home a calm finish to double the Lady Jags’ lead. The Dominican side’s spirit would’ve been lifted when Reece Scott was sent off in the 27th, leaving Guyana with just 10 players but the tempo of the home side remained and they managed to score two more goals. The third goal came from a free kick off the heels of Sydney Cummings, who sent in a terrible cross which was misjudged by the hesitant Sobers, who watched the effort sail over her head, into the goal. It wasn’t meant to be Sobers night as a seemingly innocuous shot from Brianne Desa did something off the bounce and found the back of the net for Guyana’s fourth goal in the 63rd minute. (Calvin Chapman)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 17, 2022

WABC Instructor, Isley completes Guyana’s ‘Start Coaching Programme’ - advocates more international engagements After successfully hosting the “Start Coaching” programme, which is a collaborative effort of the World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) and Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur (FIBA), WABC Instructor, Nelson Isley, believes Guyana has great potential and would like to see it thrive. Speaking with Isley about

the foundation on which the programme was constructed, he said: “It’s pretty simple. FIBA along with a lot of the coaches, we felt like that the Caribbean is a part of the world that has enormous potential. We know there are talented kids down here, but we felt like they needed some help at the grassroots. So this course comes from the World Association

of basketball coaches, which now is in charge of all accreditation for coaches around the world.” “So we felt that we starting a basic little starting coaching course, which is really a course of only about one day; six hours, and its created for Federation’s to run, but FIBA thought it would be a good opportunity to send

one of us, one of the instructors around, to get the get it started. So it’s really a course it’s meant for PE teachers, for parents who may want to help their children or even for ex-players who maybe have an interest in coaching.” “We set up a programme to do about 12 or 14 Caribbean countries and so far we’ve done Aruba Turks and Caicos, Grenada and then last

WABC Instructor Nelson Isley

week I was in Suriname and then Guyana is the fifth one and from here we go we go on to some other countries,” the former Buffalo Braves player further disclosed. Nelson was also asked, ‘What do you think Guyana needs to take them to the next level?’, to which he replied: “Well I think it’s going to begin with grassroots coaching and that’s the basis of this course and hopefully out of this we could get a number of people who are interested and can work with young kids in the basic fundamentals of the game. Because at that age basketball deals with all the fundamentals; passing, dribbling, shooting, footwork, and as they get older and they have these basic skills down, you can begin to make better players out of them and then you get into coach at a higher level.” “I would say to a country like Guyana, who I think has

a lot of talent, that you’ve got to branch out and begin to play more internationally because you can stay here for 365 days and if you don’t get out of here and play against people better than you then you’re not going to get better.” “I think this a country that has some good potential, I think you’ve got some good leadership in the Federation, so I’m just wishing them the best and hope this will help. Because after this, the better coaches, we want to promote them up to take the WABC level one, because we’re trying to get a uniform system in the world where we have coaches that are competent, very competent coaches under the WABC curriculum. These courses that are come in level one, two and three, they’re not easy. They’re not easy. We’re looking to get the best coaches from each country that will be certified.”

Leewards maintain control over...

From page 23 four-day first-class tournament. At Kensington Oval: Pride trail by 85 runs with eight first innings wickets in hand. Jamiaca Scorpions 328 (John Campbell 127, Paul Palmer 76, Nkrumah Bonner 49, Leroy Lugg 39; Ramon Reifer 6-23) Barbados Pride 243-2 (Kraigg Brathwaite 137 not out, Raymon Reifer 55 not out, Shamarh Brooks 39). At Queen’s Park Oval: Hurricanes lead by 250 runs with five first innings wickets in hand. Guyana Harpy Eagles 116 (Anthony Bramble 38, Keemo Paul 20; Daniel Doram 3-16,

Colin Archibald 3-29) Leeward Islands Hurricanes 3665 (Kieran Powell 74, Devon Thomas 72, Montcin Hodge 71, Jahmar Hamilton 48, Terrance Warde 46 not out; Nial Smith 2-89). At Brian Lara Stadium: Volcanoes require a further 196 runs to avoid an innings defeat with seven wickets in hand. Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 326 (Joshua Da Silva 73, Yannic Cariah 72, Jeremy Solozano 66, Terence Hinds 57; Shermon Lewis 5-43) Windward Islands Volcanoes 98 (Alick Athanaze 33; Anderson Phillip 4-32, Jayden Seales 3-31) and 32-3 (Anderson Phillip 2-15).

Thursday February 17, 2022

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Kaieteur News

GFF honours refs for Leewards maintain 2021 performance control over Guyana - Two officials make FIFA list West Indies 4-day First-Class C/ships

As Powell (74), Thomas (73) & Hodge (71) score fifties

Referee Sherwin Johnson (centre) receives his FIFA badge from GFF President Wayne Forde in the presence of Head of Refereeing, Dion Inniss. The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has presented two match officials with their official FIFA badges for 2022 and recognised the outstanding performances of referees during its trio of year-end tournaments. Referee Sherwin Johnson and assistant referee, Kleon Lindey, maintained their spots on the 2022 FIFA Refereeing International Lists, which enable high-performing individuals to officiate at FIFAsanctioned international matches and to display the FIFA badge on their shirts. Johnson has featured on the list since 2012, while Lindey has been part of the selection since 2015. “Congratulations for acceding again to the list of international referees,” said Dion Inniss, GFF Executive Committee member and Head of Refereeing. “My hope is that, this year, we can have more tour-

naments, whether locally or regionally, so persons can be exposed to showcase their skills. I can easily think of at least four other persons who are knocking on the door and can be out there representing us at the highest level.” Long-serving female FIFA referee Maurees Skeete did not make the list this year, largely due to the impact of injuries and ongoing work commitments, Inniss disclosed. “On behalf of the GFF and the entire football fraternity, I would like to thank her for her service to football over the years,” he added. “She has indicated to me that she would want to continue in another area of refereeing, possibly as an instructor, and that is very good news – for her to be a mentor to other girls that are coming through.” GFF President Wayne Forde commended Johnson

and Lindey for representing the Golden Arrowhead and the Federation at the highest level of their profession. “I know you gentlemen would have earned your place as seasoned, tried and tested professionals,” Forde said. “You carry quite a burden of responsibility when you step out on the international arena. You represent the national association and we want to assure you of our continued support, and wish you every success in 2022.” The GFF also recognised the achievements of four match officials for their consistent levels of excellence during the GFF-Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) Super 16 Cup, the GFF-Guyana National Women’s Football Association (GNWFA) Women’s Super 16 Festival and the GFFK&S Futsal Championship, which took place over the Christmas season.

GFF President Wayne Forde and Head of Refereeing Dion Inniss (sitting) honoured Guyana’s referees at a simple ceremony.

By Sean Devers A 152-run opening between Kieran Powell and Montcin Hodge set the foundation for the Leewards Hurricanes’ commanding position over Guyana Harpy Eagles at stumps on day two of their second round West Indies First Class Championships fixture at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday. At stumps, the Hurricanes, replying to Harpy Eagles’ paltry 116, were 3665, enjoying a lead of 250 going into the third and penultimate day. Terrence Ward on 46 and Rakeem Cornwall on 13 are at the crease. Powell, who was the only casualty in the first session, made 74 from 148 balls with nine fours, while Hodge fashioned a carefully constructed 71 from 299 balls with six fours. Hodge added another 85 with Devon Thomas who smashed a pugnacious 73 from 74 balls decorated with 11 boundaries which included a six before he and Jomal Hamilton (48) put together 85 for fifth wicket. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (2-93), fast bowler Nial Smith (2-89) along with Clinton Pestano (1-69) were the wicket takers for the Guyanese who chased leather all day yesterday. Resuming on their overnight score of 126 without loss with Powell on 55 and Hodge on 51, together they extended their partnership with confident stroke-play on a track still good for batting on a fast outfield. The 150 was achieved as the partnership increased but with the score on 152 and both batsmen well set for hundreds, Powell was bowled by Smith for 74 playing around a full delivery in the 59th over. The in-form 32-year-old Thomas pulled Pestano for back-to-back boundaries to bring up the 200 as he galloped to his 25th half century. Thomas and Hodge carried the score to 216-1 at Lunch with Hodge on 63 and Thomas 58. After the interval, in glorious sunshine, Thomas, who made 58 and 112 in the opening match against home side Barbados, continued from where he left off at the Kensington Oval and executed several audacious shots on both sides of the wicket.

Devon Thomas followed up his 58 & 112 in Barbados with 73 against Guyana yesterday.

Raymon Reifer for Barbados Pride took 6 wickets and hit 55 not out against the Jamaica Scorpions. Along with Hodge who played the supporting role as Thomas blazed away, but with the score on 237 and the partnership 15 runs short of a century, Antiguan Thomas was removed by Pestano. The demise of Thomas triggered a mini slide as three wickets tumbled for just 20 runs. Hodge, like Powell and Thomas, failed to convert their 70s into three-figure scorers with Hodge, who made 98 the last time these team met in this format, edging Motie at 246-3 before Kofi James (11) departed at 257-4 when he was bowled by Motie. Ward (19) and Hamilton (11) saw their team to 284-4 by Tea, while extending the lead to 168. After the break Hamilton and Ward steadied the ship

with sensible batting to push to score to 300 to register a third batting point. Another partnership was building as the Hurricanes, who lost their first round game to Barbados, reached a lead of 200 runs. When Hamilton was two away from his 25th First-Class fifty, he was trapped LBW to Smith after hitting two fours and six in 105-ball innings to leave the Hurricanes on 3425. Rakeem Cornwall and Ward, who looked well set, posted the 350 to give the Islanders their fourth batting point and were still there at the end of yesterday with the Hurricanes large and in charge. Match summaries on Day 2 of Round 2 of matches in the West Indies Championship (Continued on page 22)

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Thursday February 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

Rohit Sharma and debutant Ravi Bishnoi key as India beat West Indies in first T20I SportsMax - India have taken a 1-0 T20I series lead over the West Indies after a six-wicket victory in yesterday’s first test in Kolkata. It was not always plain sailing for India, but in the end they closed out a comfortable victory that owed much to captain Rohit Sharma, debutant Ravi Bishnoi and Suryakumar Yadav. West Indies had earlier reached 157-7 over their 20 overs, an innings that began poorly as Brandon King fell for just four to Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-31) in the first over – though Kyle Mayers (31) and Nicholas Pooran (61) soon found the tourists some momentum. After their respective

wickets, West Indies really struggled to build up a head of steam again. Bishnoi (2-17) claimed the scalps of Roston Chase (four) and Rovman Powell (two) as the 21-yearold enjoyed a miserly outing on his debut. Kieron Pollard (24 not out) at least restored a little dignity, but he had little help around him, thus setting India a reachable target. Rohit’s 40 off 19 gave India the start they needed, and Ishan Kishan (35 off 42) proved a solid – if pragmatic – partner until both were undone by Chase’s (2-14) bowling. Fabian Allen (1-23) and Sheldon Cottrell (1-35) then saw to Virat Kohli (17) and Rishabh Pant (eight), respectively, with both batsmen feel-

ing somewhat aggrieved by the decisions. But any suggestion of West Indies still having a chance were emphatically washed away by Suryakumar (34 not out) and Venkatesh Iyer (24 not out), who eased the hosts over the line at 1624 with seven balls to spare. Bishnoi makes his mark Bishnoi initially looked nervous, throwing three wides in his first over. But he quickly adjusted his focus, posting impressive numbers as he dismissed Chase and Powell. Speaking afterwards, he said: “The nerves are settled now. I was feeling very good, it’s everyone’s dream to play for India and I was feeling good. West Indies is one of the best T20 teams and I got

Ravi Bishnoi in action on debut © BCCI

Rohit Sharma plays the pull, India vs West Indies, 1st T20I, Kolkata, February 16, 2022© BCCI

The India players, including captain Rohit Sharma, share a light moment with Kieron Pollard © BCCI

the chance to play against them. I’ll try to cut down on the wides in the next match!” Pooran’s efforts in vain Were it not for Pooran’s efforts, this would have been an even worse start to the three-match series for the Windies. His 61 with the bat

was undoubtedly the highlight of their innings, with Pollard very aware that his side were otherwise disappointing. Pollard said: “Getting down to the 19th over was good on the part of the bowlers. If I’m being honest,

between overs six to 15 we scored too few runs. We were 15-20 runs short.” Scores: India 162 for 4 (Rohit 40, Suryakumar 34*, Chase 2-14) beat West Indies 157 for 7 (Pooran 61, Bishnoi 2-17, Harshal 2-37) by six wickets.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 17, 2022

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Hero CPL showcases Guyana as must visit destination

There is always an electrifying atmosphere at Providence during CPL matches. The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has delivered outstanding exposure to Guyana during the 2021 season with a total sponsorship value of US$48.5million. This figure was generated from a report from independent and

world-leading research company, YouGov Sport. The tournament took place in St Kitts & Nevis between 26 August and 15 September and with over half a billion views across the event there was fantastic exposure for the partner

tourist boards across the Caribbean. The total viewership figure for 2021 was 517.4million, with the tournament passing half a billion viewers for the second successive year. This massive TV and digital

viewership was the driver behind these fantastic sponsorship valuations. While the tournament did not take place in Guyana, great efforts were made to ensure that the country was showcased to a massive global audience, with team

and stadium branding as well as tourism vignettes and features within the broadcast. Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said: “Guyana has played such a huge role in Hero CPL over the years, and we have missed visiting this

beautiful country over the last two seasons. However, it is very pleasing that we have been able to work with the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise to deliver these great sponsorship numbers.”