Kaieteur News

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Halt oil operations NEWS until Exxon guarantees - Civic insurance, better dealGroup

Tuesday Edition

AIETEUR

February 22, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 08

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 86,384

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

GPL liable when Amaila Falls runs dry Oil company says it would - Winston Brassington

est The prot es continu e to g for chanobil’s ExxonM act. contr

cost US$65 million to clean-up oil spill in Peru Search for Man pleads missing guilty to killing Multiplex fishermen continues Mall owner - As Govt. appoints independent board to investigate mishap

during robbery

ExxonMobil loses bid to review climate change case

Natural Gas from Exxon barely enough for new power plant - Brassington

…fertilizer, ammonia, other value added gas products now unlikely How Singapore got rid of corruption Listen to The Glenn Lall Show! @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 2022

GPL liable when Amaila Falls runs dry The Amaila Falls during one of its dry spells back in 2013.

The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) in addition to agreeing to purchase all of the power to be delivered to G e o rg e t o w n f r o m t h e 1 5 6 megawatt (MW) Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant has also agreed to assume the hydrological risks involved in the project.

As such, it would mean that GPL would bear the incurred liability whenever the Amaila Falls runs dry or if the 23 square kilometres reservoir is unable to feed the hydro plant.

This is according to Project Head, Winston Brassington, when he provided an update on the project for stakeholders at the r e c e n t l y c o n c l u d e d E n e rg y Conference and Expo, venued at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

Addressing the conference, Brassington told those in attendance, “like any large projects there is a lot of risk in these projects but most of these risk have been put to the developer.”

He did note however, that when it comes to the geotechnical risk “we are going to stay with the same structure we had in 2012; the hydrology risks GPL will be assuming this, the contract provide

for allocation of force majeure risk” and that GPL will take all of the power from the project.

Hydrological risk is generally seen, as the risk of having insufficient water in the source river or dam to support the expected levels of electricity generation as had been the case in the past with the Amaila Falls which runs dry during the course of the year.

As such, it would mean that in the event the falls runs dry during the course of its hydro plant's operation, GPL will have to assume all of the risk involved.

As it relates to the force majeure, this too will be borne by the government of Guyana in the event of something caused by the state, or in the event of natural causes would be borne by both parties.

Government, he said, would only be guaranteeing the performance of GPL. According to Brassington, the new iteration of the 165MW project will be coming in cheaper than its 2012 price tag, when the then project developers—the Blackstone Group—walked away from.

At the time, the reported price

- Brassington was pegged at in excess of US$1B but, according to Brassington, this time around, the project is earmarked to cost some US$700M. The financing for the project this time, according to Brassington, will be borne by the contractor – China Railway First Group, and will include the installation of some 270 kilometres which he said would run from the Amaila Falls to the Sophia Substation.

Included in the new project scope, according to Brassington, is the upgrade of the Amaila Falls A c c e s s R o a d , t w o substations—one in Linden and another in Georgetown.

Insisting that Guyana has not made any other financial commitments to the project, other than to pay for power when it arrives in Georgetown, Brassington said that the Chinese contractor is expected to put in the finances in part from Chinese institutions.

Being pursued under a Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model, Brassington related that the contractor will have to establish a

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in which the owner—China Railway—will assume all of the debts and equity and that power will be purchased by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL).

“GPL will buy all of the power under a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement),” and the contractor will have to assume the majority of the risks in the project, he said.

According to Brassington, all of those that had submitted proposals with the intention of pursuing the project had been given copies of every bit of information and documentation at the government's

disposal.These include, according to Brassington, all of the feasibility and other studies undertaken in relation to the project such as hydrology surveys and others.

Under the BOOT arrangement, Brassington said Guyana would, in 20 years' time, take over ownership of the project.

He did, during his presentation, seek to point out that during the three-and-a-half-year period expected for construction, an independent supervision firm would be hired by the administration to ensure (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 2022

PAGE 03

Natural Gas from Exxon barely enough for new power plant

- Brassington

…fertilizer, ammonia, other value added gas products now unlikely

By Gary Eleazar

G

overnment last year, as part of plans to generate electricity in Guyana, using natural gas coming from the Stabroek Block invited Request for Proposals inviting joint participation in a Public Private Partnership arrangement for the construction of a new 300 megawatt power plant along with other factories, aimed at fully utilising the resource to be had through the development of fertilisers and other hydrocarbon byproducts.

The gas to be had from the Stabroek Block however, is barely enough to be used at the gas fired power plant with the remainder being able to go towards the production of about 3,700 barrels of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) used for cooking.

The stark revelation was had during the recent inaugural Energy Conference and Expo venued at the Marriott Hotel, where project head, Winston Brassington provided potential investors and interested stakeholders with an update on Guyana's Gas to Energy initiative.

Recognising that “this is a much bigger project than we envisaged in 2020,” Brassington told those in attendance that the original size of the project had targeted suing only 30 million cubic feet of gas per day.

This, he said was revised upwards to 50 million cubic feet per day but even this is barely enough to meet the power generation requirements.

Addressing the Energy Conference, Brassington noted that when government first invited Expressions of

Interest (EOI), with companies in some cases expressing an interest in each of the areas advertised, namely the power plant, an NGL facility and value added.

“In all, I think from the 30 companies we have over 50, plus different areas (value added) that they were interested in,” he said.

Having decided on a 'combined cycle' technology for the power plant, Brassington noted that the project was also sized higher than initially thought, this time around building out the project in one phase—a 300MW plant with a net delivery of 250MW. He said however, that in order to meet this requirement for the gas to be able to power that size of a power plant, it would require some 42 million cubic feet of gas per day.

With this in mind, he reminded that in view of the fact that only 50 million cubic feet of gas would be had per day, it would mean “the rich gas when we separate the liquids we would probably have just about 44/45 million cubic feet left, “which is barely enough to power a 300MW power plant.”

He did note that the project also include the NGL plant “and we are looking at an initial train 60 million cubic feet capacity and that would give us about 3,700 barrels per day.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Brassington, this would be some five times the demand in Guyana at present.

The Ministry of Natural Resources in inviting the EOIs had said it is calling for joint participation in the proposed gas-to-shore project with the government

and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana.

According to the advertised EOI, the government and EEPGL are looking for partners “in designing or utilising the outputs from an NGL (Natural Gas Liquids)/LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) facility and related f a c i l i t i e s . ” This includes, according to t h e M i n i s t r y, d e s i g n , construction, and financing of a power plant fuelled by natural gas, where the power will be delivered into the Guyana Power and Light (GPL')s distribution grid.

This is in addition to industries that can utilise natural gas for, “natural gas driven developments and growth.”

According to the invitation, interested parties can bid to take part in any of the elements individually or collectively.

It was noted however, any

submission for the first and third aspects of the project, namely design and utilisation of gas or the industrial park, “must demonstrate the nexus between the projects as detailed.”

With Brassington's recent pronouncement that the gas to be had would barely be sufficient to meet the power demands of the proposed plant with limited LNG, it would mean that all of the other ventures adumbrated are now unlikely to become a reality.

Brassington in his presentation to the Energy Conference told those in attendance that the Wales We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a location where the pipeline from the Liza Field bringing the gas onshore would be terminated was selected, “because of economics, partly because of the opportunity for large scale industrial development over time and we also wanted to be away from the population centre.”

Project Head, Winston Brassington This, he said, paved the necessary study.

Speaking to the way for the other studies to be importance of the studies to had, such as the Environmental Social be had, Brassington sought to Impact Assessment and impress that “this is quite a g e o t e c h n i c a l a n d complex engineering project and we were talking about geophysical studies.

With the Terms Of coming from a mile deep in Reference for the ESIA the ocean below Liza I and already completed, work has Liza II, coming 200km set about completing the (Continued on page 16)

ExxonMobil loses bid to review climate change case

T

he Texas Supreme Court denied ExxonMobil's petition for review Friday, halting the oil giant's legal effort to pull back the curtain on the authors of climate change litigation.

Exxon's petition for review argued several California municipalities and Matthew Pawa,

a Massachusetts lawyer, are attempting to chill speech and commandeer public policy with climate change lawsuits, subjecting them to personal jurisdiction in Texas courts.

The oil giant's legal fight has drawn support from many notable individuals and groups, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who filed a brief

back in May arguing that no Texan voted for the California officials orchestrating climate change lawfare.

The case stems from a petition Exxon filed in Tarrant County District Court in response to the climate change litigation, seeking pre-suit discovery for a potential lawsuit against the California

municipalities and officials and Pawa.

Exxon's case against the California municipalities ended up in the Second Court of Appeals after a Texas judge found the cities and counties were hypocritical in suing Exxon.

The municipalities had claimed doom to their infrastructures will be

caused by rising sea levels, but when issuing bond offers to potential investors, they had neglected to mention this alleged, near-certain destruction.

The Second Court found that was not enough to keep the litigation here, despite feeling an impulse to protect the energy sector. (STR)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 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

Government leaders engaging in crimes against society, humanity We caution upfront that our position today is going to be sharp and unsparing. Neither leaders nor their supporters will like it. But hard truths must be faced, with the closest watch kept on frankness and reasonableness with what hangs over the heads of Guyanese, stares at them in their faces. When we examine critically, but cleanly, what the leaders in this PPP/C Government inflict upon the citizens, including their own faithful people, their works are nothing less than criminal, the record of countless continuing crimes against this society, against humanity.

Today’s government leaders had severe problems when they were in the opposition ranks with the nightmare oil deal that the coalition government signed on behalf of Guyanese. That also was a crime by itself. It was considered such an inexcusable wickedness laced with the destructive for Guyanese that the Opposition PPP/C, and its leaders, were all over it, and relentless in emphasising its massive shortcomings. PPP/C opposition bigshots were on the right track back then, but have since faltered, slipped, dodged, hidden, deceived, and beat the hastiest of retreats from their previously harsh and powerful words and postures.

But now that the PPP/C opposition is in the seat of government, and its leaders have full control over the reins of power, both government and its leaders are paralysed. The general consensus and rampant perceptions are that they have compromised themselves in some terrible way, which leaves them helpless and useless to the interests of this nation. It is because they have either sold out and taken huge buyouts from the oil companies, or they lack the ethics, or they don’t have the courage and strength and necessary competence to stand up to the oil powers. The leading one more than any other, to get what was originally due, and is now overdue, to Guyanese. We believe that it is a combination of all those factors that have converted them into these pathetic figures making a lot of noise, and doing little else, besides making complete fools of themselves, which their deceptions cannot paper over.

What the leaders of this PPP/C Government do when they miss out on openings that come up to retable and renegotiate this devastating oil contract, is that they are guilty of committing financial crimes against this society.

This is because they then become a party to the cheating and swindling of this nation of what is honestly, reasonably, fairly, and properly due to it. In addition, when the leaders of the current government distance themselves from reengaging Exxon leaders with a view to reengineering the elements that stick in the throats of the people (their craw, too) and sicken them, these PPP/C leaders of 2022 have declared war on Guyanese interests. They are guilty of perpetrating economic genocide on each and every citizen of Guyana, regardless of which segment of this country’s demographic they belong to. PPP/C leaders are purging the spirit, the present and the future potential of all Guyanese, but for a favoured few on the inside, and are as predatory and crooked as they are. All Guyanese are savaged by the ongoing record compiled by this administration in the space of less than two short years. In that span, it has earned a well-deserved reputation for being the most corrupt, the weakest, most devious, and most dangerous set of leaders that we have ever had. This is more than a mouthful, because our history of government has been of 28 years of blight, then 23 years of plague, and now one year and more to come of the unprecedented and without equivalent in damaging distortions and national self-destruction. Even something as mandatory, meaningful, and protective as full insurance coverage in the instance of an oil spill is dismissed by today’s government leaders.

Further, the claim can be rightfully made that the crimes of this PPP/C Government leaders include working hard at cleansing Guyana of objectors, deviators, and those critical of its incomparable failures. Marginalisation, demonisation, and lawsuits are part of the oppressions heaped on those who disagree with leaders on their farces and follies, failures, and ongoing oil felonies. The crimes continue and couldn’t be concealed during the finished international oil conference.

What is the religious or cultural significance?

DEAR EDITOR It was good to see the tomb raiders were captured. Their act desecrated the santctity of the tomb and must have condign consequences.

However, it was reported in an online report on this matter a family member claimed the body was buried with a sum of

money (News Room Feb 20).

It has to be wondered the purpose of this occurrence?

What is the religious or cultural significance?

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

PAY ATTENTION PLEASE

DEAR EDITOR, wish to raise awareness of an age-old occurrence in Region Two, something I have reasons to believe manifests elsewhere.

Trainee teachers who complete the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) are expected to return to their Region to serve, a fair requirement as I endorse not only decentralisation but equity in distribution of skill sets.

However, in Region Two there have been numerous cases over the years of teachers being placed within the Region, but far away from where they live, though vacancies exist for their areas of specialization at schools within their home community.

In some cases teachers from the Essequibo Coast have to take up residence in the Pomeroon, though teachers from communities in the river e.g. Wakapoa, are found along the coast teaching at various schools.

Where does the policy of serving one’s home community apply here?

This practice does not only create discomfort to teachers who are still to be fairly remunerated, but create severe constraints on their budget with unnecessary traveling/relocating expenses five days per week during the school term.

I must admit that the officers within the region try their best but central ministry

seems to have very little clue with regard to the adversities faced by these ‘displaced’ teachers and refuse to address any appeal of allotment.

I have direct knowledge of extreme consequences ranging from broken young marriages due to couples living apart, to transfer of teachers’ children in NGSA Class, directly resulting in lowered performance.

There are cases where I’ve known of teachers pulling a second job to offset rent which is higher in, and areas closer to Anna Regina, or to assist with traveling expenses.

This may come across as

a normal complaint to be brushed off but Editor, these very inefficiencies lead to the system not only losing teachers but having reduced outputs from demotivated teachers.

Whether this is another complaint rife for ignoring or potent to warrant an investigation, it is worthwhile highlighting. People are quietly hurting and families are gradually being chipped.

To the relevant authorities, don’t be aloof.

We saw the price being paid by one of our most aloof leaders, just under two years ago.

Pay attention please.

Regards, Darren Kissoon

The “Stink & Dutty” fete has touched a nerve DEAR EDITOR, I write on behalf of the New Providence Residents Association (NPRA) about a concert we see advertising at the Providence National Stadium for Tuesday night.

Firstly, the name of the concert sent shockwaves through our veins “Stink & Dutty” is the name with the Ministry of Culture Youth & Culture logo proudly placed on the advertisement.

I can only imagine the nature of this concert and think of the impact it will have on our society especially young people.

Secondly, I am told that

the concert is from midnight to 6am.

Is any consideration taken for residents who live around here?? We have the elderly persons, young children and babies, children preparing for exams and doing online classes at night, persons with dementia & autism among other illnesses.

Why are we allowing a concert at that time of the night?? Couldn’t it be from 8pm to midnight and with a toned down version to 2pm probably….to cover the 6 hours?? Thirdly, the decibel levels if not controlled and monitored usually vibrate our homes disturbing

our peace and sleep.

We hope that the relevant authorities look into that. I feel that we have enough brilliant people that we can consult with to come up with a more decent name for starters.

A concert that starts at midnight to 6am should be held at a place where the populace will not be disturbed in the wee hours of the morning.

And hopefully there will be enough police presence to control the crowd and persons taking responsibility to have a designated driver for after the event.

I do know that the Minis-

ter of Culture, Youth & Sports Mr. Charles Ramson is a young and vibrant Minister who is hands on in his approach and well liked amongst all section of the society.

We are not against persons having a good time but consideration for all the citizens must be thought out. Here is wishing everyone a Happy 52nd Republic Day/ Mashramani.

Keep in mind that Covid-19 is still lingering and protect yourselves.

Regards Saudia Ferouz President NPRA.

Our political leaders are driven by selfishness as opposed to national good DEAR EDITOR: The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is a microcosm of the society of which the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), which Tacuma Ogunseye is a part of, has shared responsibility to defend. Reference is made to his letter “Tepid response from unions on govt failure to make budget allocations for public sector wages” (SN 16th February 2022).

Whereas Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow would be concerned with many things in society, he would be even more disappointed in the society that he sought to build through the Trade Union Movement and political party, has lost direction. They are men of intellect and credentials that Critchlow was not,

and yet in the 21st Century are failing to achieve what he and the waterfront workers, who were not so credentialed, were able to fight for.

In the time when Critchlow was fighting for the rights of colonised workers, one man one vote and internal self-government, he had the support of Guyanese and political leaders like Cheddie Jagan and Forbes Burnham.

The country was one on that.

We had a national purpose and direction, and united in the quest for self-determination and nationhood.

Many today are driven by individual greed, ethnic and racial triumphalism, which plays right into the agenda of those who are more interested in our wealth and cheap labour than us. And whereas

Critchlow would have fought in an era against colonial masters, in this era it is their companies. We have political independence but are in economic bondage.

With a 4th standard education, he stood up and fought a world-power colonial force to put Guyana on a pathway that led to internal selfgovernance and empowerment of the working class people. That opportunity to build on it and develop further is being squandered by men of so-called greater academic intellectual prowess and achievements.

Critchlow would be disappointed with lots of things in the society today, the politically engineered fracturing in the trade union movement by a so-called working-class

government.

Walter Rodney, who was portrayed as a working-class politician, would also be disappointed in what his party had done to the working class. After achieving the opportunity for executive power sharing as part of the A Partnership For National Unity & Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), the WPA was assigned two critical ministries. These were the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Service. These ministries failed to deliver for the teachers and public servants.

For the period of the coalition government the right to collective bargaining was denied where the government was the employer. When the (Continued on page 6)

Tuesday February 22, 2022

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Don’t let your guards Was the sale of the down: Covid-19 is still here Enmore plant advertised?

DEAR EDITOR, The Government of Guyana continues to demonstrate how reckless and careless they are when it comes to the health and safety of Guyanese. Permit me space to address this pertinent issue which from the Government’s perspective may not be seen as pertinent, since it appears as though ‘COVID-19 pack up he gorgie bundle and gone’ The Government’s decision to restrict its Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing attracted some amount of public attention as many including myself saw the move as Government attempting to hide the real impact of COVID19 from the populace and provide a fictitious reality allowing for their “economic agenda” In a matter of days after the decision was made to restrict PCR testing, we saw both state and some private media entities reporting that COVID cases have decreased here in Guyana. In fact, even Reuters on its COVID-19 tracker have reported that Guyana COVID-19 cases are decreasing after we have recorded our highest daily average on January 17, 2022.

This does not sit well with me. What the Government of Guyana is doing cannot be seen as caring or sensible. It

is nothing short of wickedness and deceit pretending as if they have things under control. This only allows for the reckless and careless to become more reckless and careless putting them and their loved ones at great risk. Just recently we saw the removal of the National Curfew which was more of a selective Curfew that paved the way for a return to mass late night entertainment.

Fact is the Government could not have articulated a plan for this year’s Mashramani celebration during the recently concluded budget debates yet we are seeing a number of events that are being touted as sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports.

We must remember that this Government was the main contributor to the spike in our COVID numbers last December into January 2022 by way of hosting and allowing a number of mass events. Question we must ask ourselves now is what has changed from then to now? The answer is simple, we are testing less.

COVID is still here, people are still being infected and people are still dying but that means nothing to this Government since they continue to show us that the value of a dollar outweighs the value of a life.

The government has had a poor educational COVID-19 campaign, what we heard most of the time was “all the information is public, just go look for it”.

Now that everything is relaxed one would have expected a robust campaign to encourage persons to employ the necessary measures to stay safe as we strive to return to normalcy but I guess that info is already public and persons should go look for it.

There is so much that can be said as it relates to the Government’s action on this issue but I will stop here for now. What we must note however is that after all these events we will not know the surge in COVID-19 cases because the majority of the people won’t have access to PCR tests at public facilities.

My encouragement and advice to my fellow Guyanese is to not be lured into the false sense of belief that ‘COVID19 pack up he gorgie bundle and gone’ act responsibly, value your life and that of your loved ones, COVID still dwells among us.

Continue to follow the necessary precautions, wear your mask, sanitize, social distance, eat as healthy as possible and drink lots of fluids.

Regards Clayon Halley

SACK Pollard as captain DEAR SIR, The recent performance of the West Indies team in their one day and T20 series against India in India recently can only be described as pathetic by West Indian fans all over the world. It was so painful and hurtful to watch West Indies losing games when they were in good positions to win those games, especially in the T20 series. In this missive l would like to focus on the T20 series, seeing that the T20 world cup is just a few months away in Australia.

West Indies should have won that series 2-1, the second and third matches and I want to submit that the loss was due squarely to the poor captaincy of Kieron Pollard.

In the second match how on

earth a team can lose by 8 runs with 7 wickets in hand, yet Pollard came in when all was lost and block 3 balls. In the third match, up to the 15 over West Indies had a game to win and somehow India got 86 runs in the last 5 overs.

Sheppard was taking a pounding, yet Pollard bowl him his full 4 overs and Allen only bowl 1 over for 7 runs although he knew the wicket was helping the spinners as can be seen by the excellent figures of Chase and Walsh.

Even in the chase, as captain Pollard contribution was poor.

In fact, I can’t recall when was the last time Pollard won a match for the West Indies.

And it will be interesting to know the stats of Pollard as a batsman since he became

captain.

I would now like to call on our own Ramnaresh Sarwan to convince his fellow selector Desmond Haynes to sack Pollard when they sit to pick the next T20 squad and choose Pooran as the captain and Hetmyer as the vice-captain. King, Myers, Hope and Bravo should also be dropped. If West Indies hope to do well at the upcoming T20 world cup or at least be competitive then the squad should read as follow: 1) Pooran capt. 2) Hetmyer vice capt. 3) Evin Lewis 4) Chanderpaul Hemraj 5) Rovman Powell 6) Sherfane Rutherford 7) Jason Holder 8) Odean Smith 9) Romario Sheppard 10) Fabian Allen 11) (Continued on page 6)

DEAR EDITOR, I see the Enmore packaging plant has been sold or leased.

Was this advertised?

And what are the terms of the sale or lease?

I remember when the PPP got into power they canceled

many sale and lease agreements and took legal action against many persons because they said the sale was not advertised and the public was not given the benefit of tendering.

Can Mr. Nandlall advise what is the position here? And

are these lands being given out for joint ventures etc. being advertised? Or a few people are giving away the patrimony of this country and maybe collecting money under the table as Mr. Su said?

Respectfully, Ganga Ramdar

Oil and Gas confab % our contradictions in stark relief DEAR EDITOR, Guyana %s Oil Conference furnished many confirmations. A carnival of leadership weakness, of prosperities denied this oil producing nation. Though as old as oil itself, it is how this country has succeeded in converting grand opportunity into pathetic failure. We have oil, we have the world at our feet, but we are bowing down, rolling over like whipped, cowed, humbled curs.

I heard the Vice President speaking for the first time. I shuddered. Exxon had the best salesman, slickest pitchman. The man was advocate, defender, hustler for oil interests, the Stockholm Syndrome evident at Guyana s highest leadership level. When this Guyanese leader prioritised Exxon s risks, placed incentivising the company uppermost, the game was up; Guyana s needs, rights, priorities were all downplayed to the secondary. He did.

I am capitalist at heart, and for Exxon and company to be rewarded for their risks, but Guyana cannot be near zero in the compensation/prosperity formula. After hearing the Vice President, I concluded that he was helpless, hogtied.

When our top leaders, President and Vice President, come across as crawling, kowtowing, surrendering mascots of Exxon s playbook, hymnbook, and cheque book, Guyana %s goose was cooked. This was how men immortalise themselves in infamy.

There was Exxon s Darren Woods warbling about Guyana as one of the most exciting places in the world; there was Guyana s

oil head with oratorical dimness emphasising Exxon s risk-reward matrix. The Vice President had a glorious opportunity to tell all comers that Guyana has what it takes; Guyana is where the rich action is at; Guyana is IT. And that Guyana will welcome explorers, producers, and partners, but only those with the calibre of genuine partners. Such partners will do handsomely, but so must we. So we must. We will no longer welcome predators and pillagers. We mean business, like the Chinese: our way or highway. This is how it should have been from Guyana s Vice President, but was not.

He had to give all notice that all, local and foreign, must have proper share of Guyana s pie, a respectable one. But nothing of such was on the table, save for the occasional mention in muted language of Guyana s existence in oil excitements. By seeming prearrangement, by whatever duress that Guyana s two leaders operated under, there was mainly homage to investors and risks, an exercise in valorous cowardice.

Meanwhile, the stark tale of Guyana, of how this oil blessing transforms to curse, was unfolding outside. In a spring-loaded phrase, it was of Guyana s haves and have-nots, and it alarmed.

Because beyond the conference perimeter was the left out, left behind, and left alone Guyanese who expect more congealed into the material from which rage builds and resistance comes. It is the prosperity s passions. As Guyana s leaders hurry merrily along, the embers were

there, outside the grand opulent Marriott. On the inside were the many haves, those well ensconced at the banquet table. It is the natural selection of oil economics, the fittest flourishing. This cannot stand, while many see by the margins, where they are dismissed.

This is the stuff of three words that all begin with r. I caution.

Leadership oil repressions and arrogant disdains fuel the most potentially serious upheavals. Of the spirit, environment, national fabric. I warn again.

Slavery and indentureship bound us uneasily together, independence did not free us, now oil makes serfs of us. What should have been Guyana s glittering moment of self-assertion through necessary self-correction deteriorated into the ugliness of Guyana s leadership weaknesses (again), an extravaganza on behalf of Exxon s righteousness and mightiness tightly coupled to Guyana s leadership spinelessness and dutifulness. As an American, I should be thrilled. I am not.

As a Guyanese, I should be stricken.

I am. Once again, our leaders fail us abjectly, when the cards in hand favour, when the world rushes to our threshold with hat in hand, knee curtsying slightly. We have the world where we want it, and as customary in (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Too much noise at the Lux Bar Our political leaders are driven...

DEAR EDITOR Kindly permit me to express myself while also assisting other residents of Alexander Village and West Ruimveldt, Georgetown who had also complained to me on umpteen occasions about a most dreadful noise nuisance that reaches its apex in the wee hours of the mornings when persons would need to rest to have a productive day ahead.

The Lux Bar is located at 159 Third St, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Frequent noise exposure can have serious implications on the health and wellbeing of a community.

As advised by a doctor it was related that it can increase heart rate leading to elevated blood pressure, sleep deprivation, headaches and migraines, psychological triggers for people with PTSD, anxiety amongst other healthrelated issues.

I am calling on the relevant Task Force within the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Guyana Police Force to investigate and speak with residents of the community in expressing their frustrations.

No one has a problem with any Bar that operates and plays their music until midnight with the appropriate consideration for the wellbeing of others. However, when a new day begins many persons need their rest for the day ahead and being disturbed from your rest by loud

music and the commotion of patrons who continuously litter, destroy the parapets of the roadways and block the entrance and exits of many property owners is not something those guilty of would welcome for themselves.

During the week and on weekends the loud blasting of music permeates the air.

I have received several phone calls from other residents about their disgust while they related those persons responsible are at their respective homes sleeping comfortably without issues of noise nuisance contaminating their rest.

Secondly, did the Mayor and City Council give a permit for the operation of the Lux Bar in a neighbourhood that is not designated or zone for such activity, and are they in possession of an operating licence from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). In curbing the noise nuisance, there should be continuous public education of the dangers to health and discomforts of excessive noise. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandated under the Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 20:05, Laws of Guyana, to stem the creation of pollution havens and preserve, protect the integrity of the natural environment.

Further, the Noise Management Regulations established in 2000 set standards and gave the Agency enforcement powers for noise management.

Activities producing

noise from construction, installation, operation, modification, or extension of any facility must be authorized.

Anyone who wishes to operate a loudspeaker or any other sound-making device or equipment at a public space (e.g. barbecues, shows, nightclubs) or any private premises must seek permission from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Depending on the nature of the activity, the EPA grants two types of noise permits – Short Term Noise Permit and Long Term Noise Permit.

What you need for a Short Term Noise Permit: Police approval, Mayor and City Council approval, Guyana Fire Service permit, Proof of event, Affidavit, Proof of rental (if you are renting the space), the appropriate fee and ID of the applicant.

I am sure there is no compliance with the aforementioned regulations being preceded.

According to the EPA, the excessive emission of noise is an offense under, the Environmental Protection (Noise Management) Regulations (2000). Defaulters can be fined up to $700,000 and face up to one-year imprisonment.

We have laws in Guyana to maintain a properly functioning society and as such all relevant laws should be either enforced and if not removed from the legislature if it does not serve their intended purpose.

Regards Concerned Citizen

From page 4 Guyana Teachers Union announced they had an agreement with the Ministry, Minister Rupert Roopnarine came out and announced that it was not an agreement but merely a discussion.

One of the first tasks Minister of Public Service Tabitha Sarabo-Halley embarked on was the termination of workers. Whereas it cannot be recalled Tacuma publicly speaking out to these transgressions, what could be recalled is that even if he did it made no impact on the government.

The political leaders of today are different from Burnham, Jagan and Desmond Hoyte.

They lack the calibre, vision and dynamism of earlier thinkers and leaders in society. They are driven by more selfishness as opposed to national good. Now we have a fractured society, governed by people motivated by narrow political interests, creed and ethnocracy.

In Critchlow’s time it was one united group against ex-

ternal forces. Now we have a nation divided against itself even on matters that are good for the people as a collective.

For more than two decades yours truly and the GTUC were the only voices calling for meaning to be given to a new form of governance as enshrined in Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana.

After workers fought under the political leadership of Desmond Hoyte, to change the structure and culture of governance to “inclusionary democracy,” rather than the powers that be realise enforcement through legislation, policies, and programmes, this most important article remains ignored.

GTUC’s position on the National Budget was explicitly articulated by Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs and Labour, Roysdale Forde, in his Debate Presentation in the National Assembly.

This notwithstanding, should Tacuma be desirous of knowing the Congress’ position I’d be happy to send

him a copy upon request.

Further, the GTUC remains steadfast that the right to collective bargaining must be the process in determining increased wages and salaries, and improved working conditions.

The progressive thinkers and doers in society must not only be the trade union, it includes several other members in society.

And whereas the GTUC shall determine its agenda, the organisation is willing to partner with others who are willing to work to alleviate the suffering of the working class and fight for Critchlow’s ideals. To this end where Tacuma is serious, and the WPA is serious and stands capable of effecting the changes necessary through renewed activism, the GTUC in the spirit of Critchlow, Jagan and Burnham, the forerunners for nation building and unified struggle, welcome them for discussions on the way forward.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

SACK Pollard as captain...

From page 5 Akeal Hossein 12) Sheldon Cottrell 13) Jaden Seales 14) Gudakesh Motie 15) Alzarri Joseph.

Motie selection might raise eyebrows, but I want to submit that he is a better bowler than Hossein and if given a chance will perform far better than

Hossein.

Hossein is only playing because of Pollard, his club mate and countryman.

The reason I selected Seales and Joseph is because the world cup will be played in Australia on fast and bouncy wickets.

Editor, if the selectors pick this squad, I guaran-

tee the West Indies will win the T20 world cup in Australia.

The ball is now in your court Ronnie and Desi.

Step up to the plate and help bring back the glory d a y s o f We s t I n d i e s cricket.

Yours Faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

Oil and Gas confab...

From page 5 Guyana, we wasted the moment, opportunity.

Separately, President and Vice President had opening for inclusion, through welcoming opposition and civil society members. They didn t. They had to battle for Guyana.

They didn t again. This is what Guyana s Oil and Gas bacchanal was where we are just bit players and sideshows in our oil opera. We cope with hangover and regret at what should have been, but was not even tried.

With political leaders like these (and before), Guyana can be nothing but the eternal loser that it has always been, oil or no oil. And this brings me to this dreariest of places: what am I doing here?

Why do I stick around among such people at the top, who offend sensibilities, assault national and personal dignity, desecrate every promise handed to this land? The problem might just be with me, which is unwanted epiphany.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

T N U L B . . .

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Tuesday February 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyana is a small nation overflowing with natural wealth that could allow it to more than cater to the needs of each of its less than one million citizens, and then some.

Instead, life in Guyana is a daily struggle for far too many of our people.

Sometimes we wonder why brazen banditry seems to be overshadowing our land, increasingly too.

Is this some people's way of taking their piece of the pie?

We certainly don't agree with this approach but with the leaders we have experienced, we sure have an idea where they got the concept from.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Oil company says it would cost US$65M to clean-up oil spill in Peru T

he clean-up and remediation of approximately 12,000 barrels of crude that contaminated the shores and waters of Peru – will costs US$65 million – this was announced by Spanish oil giant, Repsol's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Josu Jon Imaz.

Imaz told analysts on a conference call, “What we are seeing today in cost terms could be around $65 million, more or less ... this figure could increase in coming weeks.” The CEO added, “A main part of this figure is going to be covered by insurance companies and so on.”

The oil spill occurred on January 15, 2022 at one of the La Pampilla refineries off the coast of Ventanilla in the region of Lima, Peru. It was reported that the spill was caused by shock waves from an undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean.

At the time of the undersea eruption, Suezmax tanker, Mare Doricum, was offloading a shipment of Brazilian crude oil at one of La Pampilla refinery's offshore mooring buoys, and as such, a quantity of the cargo was released.

R e p s o l h a d underreported the quantity of crude that was spilled but

later investigations by Peru's Agency for Environmental Assessment and Control (OEFA) revealed that almost 12,000 barrels of oils had spilled – more than double the amount that was initially reported by the company.

More than a month after the ecological disaster, the country is still grappling with the clean-up. A Peruvian official recently announced that the company is not fulfilling its obligation.

H o w e v e r, t h e c o u n t r y continues to take actions against Repsol.

Last week, Peru's Ministry of Environment (MINAM) in a press release noted that the OEFA – an agency attached to the Ministry, has reported that Repsol has paid three coercive fines of a total amount of Sol$1,380,000 (US$362,285).

It was stated that the three coercive fines were for the failure to comply with three of the 14 measures ordered: identification of the areas affected by the spill, cleaning of the affected areas, and containment and recovery of hydrocarbons (crude).

It was stated that in light of the three breaches by the oil company, the OEFA has also initiated sanctioning administrative procedures, where the fines can be up to

Sol$55,200,000 (US$14,808,852). To this end, it was noted that, if the oil company continues to fail to comply with the 14 administrative measures issued by the OEFA, new coercive fines will be successively imposed until compliance.

In addition, if responsibility for violations of environmental regulations is determined, fines of up to Sol$304,060,000 (US$81,572,097) is likely.

It was also stated that, “ t h e O E FA a s t h e environmental control authority, reaffirms its commitment to continue carrying out daily supervision to verify compliance with the 14 measures ordered from Repsol and imposing the respective sanctions for noncompliance with them.”

P r i o r t o t h e aforementioned fines being imposed against the company, this publication had reported that the first periodic fine that was initiated against the Spanish oil giant, was in the sum of Sol$460,000 (US$121,500) for the non-compliance of identifying the areas affected by the oil spill.

Kaieteur News had reported that following the devastating oil spill, several Peruvian officials had called

for the oil company to compensate for what they described as an 'ecological disaster' that has occurred in Lima in recent times.

The first action that was taken against the company is when Judge Romualdo Aguedo on Friday, January 28, 2022 granted the order to prevent the four executives from leaving the country.

Peruvian media reported that Judge Aguedo imposed an 18-month ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru.

Those that have been barred are refinery manager, Jaime Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, Renzo Alejandro Te j a d a M a c k e n z i e ; environmental manager, Gisela Cecilia Posadas Jhong and production manager, José Gregorio Reyes Ruiz.

In taking additional steps, it was revealed by Peru's former Minister of the Environment, Rubén Ramirez on Monday, January 31, 2022, that the government had taken the decision to suspend the company's hydrocarbon loading and unloading activities.

In other words, it meant that Repsol's operation in the country was halted until it can substantially prove that another oil spill will not occur again in its waters.

Repsol's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Josu Jon Imaz.

However, in an update it was revealed that a fuel shortage in Peru had forced the country's Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA) to lift the suspension temporarily of the operations of Repsol.

However, the company will only be allowed to continue its operations for 10 days and under supervision from the OEFA. That 10 days period has since come to an en d an d th e P er u v ian government has signalled that they have other alternative source to obtain fuel.

As the Government of

Peru takes action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give American oil giant, ExxonMobil, permission to operate without full coverage insurance to cater to such a disastrous oil spill. Just r e c e n t l y, E x x o n M o b i l announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana's second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block.

Among the oil companies working in Guyana's backyard is the very oil company –Repsol – that caused the oil spill in Peru.

PS to seek write off of $19.5M spent on undelivered CCTV cameras Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Office of the President, Abena Moore will be seeking a write-off of a $19.5M that is owed by a US company which failed to deliver CCTV cameras purchased by the APNU+AFC administration in 2015.

Moore told the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday that the decision was taken after it was noted that recovering the monies through the US court system would be tedious and costly.

She noted, “The position remains the same; however I recently received a legal opinion, which I'm guided by now, and I'm soon to approach the FS (Financial Secretary) so that this matter could finally be written off. Because from the legal opinion it was said that time has elapsed, it is now five plus years and if you're going to bring a matter before the court it is supposed to be three years…”

“That's with the Guyana situation. If we still want to pursue, we'd have to hire an attorney in the US, so that those laws over there can apply to the particular situation. So that's just an update on the matter,” Moore explained, while giving

Permanent Secretary: Abena Moore. an update to the committee.

As a result, PS Moore said the Office of the President will be approaching the Finance Secretary to have the sums written off.When the matter came up last year, both the PAC Chairman and fellow PAC Members Gail Teixeira and Ganesh Mahipaul, had urged the PS to ensure that all steps are exhausted before a write off of the money is even considered.

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma had reported that, “the CCTV systems with a cost of $19.108M, which was purchased during 2015 for the National

Intelligence Centre, had still not been delivered. However, it was noted that the Ministry had engaged the Attorney General's Office on a way forward on this matter.”

Meanwhile, the Office of the President's response explained that the Head of Budget Agency stated that this matter was discussed at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting in July 2021 when the 2015 Audit was being done. The Ministry added that it has since written to the current Attorney General to be advised on the way forward.

In this regard, the Audit Office recommended that the Head of Budget Agency submit an update to the Office when the Attorney General's advice is received.Kaieteur News understands that the purchase was made under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, after elections were held in 2015.

The contract was reportedly awarded on December 14, 2015 to 'Moonblink Communication Incorporated', a US company based in California.

Wang Xiu Feng

Bartender gets 6 months on narcotics charge A 26-year-old bartender, Wa n g X i u F e n g w a s remanded to prison for six months for trafficking 8.8 kilograms of cocaine. Feng appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennon on Monday where he was sentenced to six months imprisonment. The case was adjourned until

March 17, 2022.

The court heard that Feng was arrested on February 16, 2022 for trafficking narcotics at DHL Express on Fifth Street, Albertown Georgetown, on Friday 11th February, 2022.

The charge was read to him in court through an interpreter, Mr. Kuo Li, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Tuesday February 22, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

What would have happened had the rigging succeeded?

We are fast approaching the second anniversary of the most dramatic general and regional elections since the turn of the 21st century.

And the question has been p osed, not necessarily rhetorically, as to what would have happened had the incumbent APNU+AFC refused to leave the seat of office or had been foisted on the Guyanese people through a declaration by GECOM which was not reflective of the will of the people.

The most immediate consequence of either would have been political sanctions.

In fact, the US State Department had clamped travel restrictions on individual members of the government. The identities of these persons are not known.

The travel sanctions shook the APNU+AFC leadership hard.

At the time the US made its announcement, a number of members of the top brass of the APNU+AFC were celebrating David Granger’s birthday at State House and pictures on social media revealed a stunned expression on many of their faces when word seeped through that the US had ordered sanctions on individuals in the Guyana government and on others complicit in the attempt to subvert the elections.

Other foreign countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom threatened to do the same.

And the then Chairman of Caricom had made it clear that there was no way that Caricom would condone rigged elections.

These sanctions would have meant that those affected would not be able to travel to those countries.

And the country would have faced a novel situation in possibly being asked not to sit in on meetings of the organs of the Caribbean Community.

There were forces how-

ever who were determined to face down these sanctions, should they have been extended.

Their thinking was probably that the West had an interest in getting their hands on Guyana’s oil and therefore with diplomatic agitation, an illegal APNU+AFC government could have eventually survived these travel sanctions and rolled them back.

It was no doubt this belief which led to the mutiny within the PNC/R which targeted David Granger. There was displeasure that he would accept the GECOM declaration and when he did, the rebellion turned against him.

But had the travel sanctions and suspension from the organs of Caricom not worked, the personal and political sanctions would have been extended.

Guyana would have been suspended from the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to name a few.

And when that was finished and there was no removal of the illegal regime, there would have been movement against the assets of persons within the government.

They would not have been able to do any business overseas; their credit cards would have been frozen, any foreign assets they had would have been similarly treated and their families would have been subject to sanctions.

If the illegal government still would not budge, then economic sanctions would have been applied.

And this would have hurt the population.

Not a cent of the oil money would have been able to be remitted.

It should be recalled that the oil proceeds are deposited in a bank account overseas.

Also all international loans would have been frozen.

This would have led to economic and social implosion.

Those who therefore were opposed to the actions of Granger did not seriously contemplate the range of actions which could have been taken against an illegal government.

Western intelligence agencies would have gone into their files and dug up dirt involving government actors.

The information would have been made public.

The mutineers within the PNC/R were therefore misguided.

There was no way that the international community would have allowed them to rig an election and get away with it.

Those days are gone.

Guyana’s political leadership cannot survive personal and political sanctions, much less economic sanctions.

The supporters of the APNU+AFC, with few exceptions, knew that their party had lost the elections.

Some of them put up a front to keep the Coalitions narrative of gross irregularities going.

But the overwhelming majority knew that no such irregularities could have been perpetuated when the Coalition virtually had representatives in every polling station.

The supporters of the APNU+AFC had this knowledge and they also recognised that the Coalition had never produced their Statements of Polls to counter the PPP/C’s publications of theirs.

As such the APNU+AFC could not muster public support for their discredited narrative. Nobody was going to do what was done in 1997.

And there was also no way that the PPP/C was going to allow the APNU+AFC to get away so easily with rig-

Dem Boys Seh…

Prayers alone don’t move mountains

Deh gat persons in we country wah gat problems.

Some serious problems. Is nuff sad story deh bout.

Nuff people need medical help overseas. But dem can’t afford it and some ah dem does go pun social media and ask fuh help. Dem does explain dem story and ask fuh lil help But wah does freak dem boys out is how some awe does react. Instead of saying how we gan help out with a few dollars, we does

give more sympathy dan money. Nuff awe does seh how we get touched by wat happen and how we sorry fuh de persons involve. But instead of pushing we hands in we pockets, we does invoke prayers and blessings.

Now if prayers and blessings coulda cure some ah dem people wah asking fuh help, de problem would have done solve. If prayers and blessing coulda cure people, we would not need hospitals and doctors. But de Creator does wan we tek action too. Prayers and

blessing without action is going halfway only. It remind dem boys bout de man wah bin praying every day fuh 25 years fuh win de lottery. He pray and pray till de drop down dead. When he meet de Creator, he ask he, “I bin praying to you fuh 25 years fuh win de lottery. I served you faithfully and you did not answer my prayers.”

De Creator turn to he and seh, “At least yuh coulda buy a lottery ticket!”

Talk half. Leff half.

ging an election.

In fact, during the attempt to tamper with the declarations, the PPP/C’s support base took to the streets in their communities and regions, sending an effective

message also that rigging would not be entertained.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday February 22, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Traffic lights criticism: Guyana is a disappearing wilderness

H

ere is a quote f r o m a newspaper editorial that had these words to say about traffic lights: “Traffic lights command you to “Stop” or “Go” based on technology and the country's traffic authorities. You wait, you watch, you fiddle with your radio, you glance at the numbers counting down…

Traffic lights are symbols of authoritarianism and objects of resentment.”

From the moment anyone human with commonsense reads that, they know something is wrong with the country in which that expression came from. Let's

do the analogy with traffic lights and other waiting lines.

You go into a bank, you take a number and you wait.

Then a voice says: “number 33” and you go up to the wicket.

What is the difference with that and waiting at a red light for green to come on?

You go to a supermarket, your filled trolley is in front of you and you wait in line.

You play with your phone or you read something until you reach the cashier. What is the difference with that and waiting at a red light?

You join a line at an airport until it is your time for the immigration officer to

serve you and to stamp your passport to enter the country you arrived in.

What is the difference with that and waiting for the red light? You join the queue to see a cricket match or football match or a concert and you wait until the gates are opened. What is the difference with that and waiting for the red light?

I could go on but why bother. For someone to argue against the usefulness of traffic lights is like pushing an open door. There can only be one adjective used to describe the argument against the value of traffic lights and that is “asinine.”

No matter how moderate you want your language to be, there is no substitute for the word asinine to describe how that person thinks about traffic signals.

Let's make a case for traffic signals (why should anyone make a case; it is commonsense?). The main value, the essential value in the function of traffic lights is the potent awareness that going through a red light carries the possibility of serious injury or death.

The driver is conscious that the onset of red allows traffic to flow in the opposite direction which has the green and he/she will be going in full impact onto the vehicles that have the green.

A normal human always approach the red with definitive consciousness because he/she knows that they cannot drive through oncoming traffic. To put it bluntly, there is no alternative scientifically and in engineering terms for traffic signals.

Our first roundabout at the Cenotaph outside the Bank of Guyana carried and still carries traffic signals.

Unless I live in Timbuktu and you live in Timbuktu, then we are all unaware about what happens at the two

roundabouts that were constructed by the Kitty pump station and at R a i l w a y Embankment and Frederick Kissoon Sherriff Street. What when the psychological happens there?

Drivers do not stop. And how i n f r a s t r u c t u r e o f t h e I know that? I live in Guyana G u y a n e s e p e o p l e a r e transformed and purified and and not Timbuktu.

The person who wrote the physical infrastructure of that condemnation of traffic Guyana could accommodate lights just had that wild r o u n d a b o u t s w i t h t h e thought and is not familiar functionalist efficacy we see with the traffic situation in in other countries.

What is so depressing Guyana. Two things about G u y a n a ' s t r a f f i c a r e about Guyana is that oil and glowingly conspicuous. One gas will not change the is we have per capita one of collective mentality of this the highest road fatalities in nation.

So many people the world.

The other is that perhaps complain to me that they are we have the most reckless afraid of the roundabouts (I know I am), but their feelings drivers in the world.

I have never, I repeat remain unpublished. No one never, talked to a foreigner in this land is going to voice who conceded that Guyana's his/her opinion on the stupid drivers are not the worst in and silly rejection of traffic lights as being authoritarian. the world.

Every foreigner I spoke My advice to you is to use the with thinks driving in traffic lights. They save lives.

Guyana is a nightmare. What And be extremely careful this country has done is to about the roundabouts where copy the roundabout concept no one stops and chaos is from other lands that do not easily observable.

(The views expressed in have the chaotic traffic situation that obtains in this article are those of the author and do not Guyana.

Maybe the roundabout necessarily reflect the will work here in the future opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 12

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

1 killed, another injured in - 2 others injured in Berbice car crash separate accident

An accident which occurred on Main Street, New Amsterdam at approximately 00:38hrs has resulted in the death of a poultry farmer and injury to another.

Dead is the driver of motor car, PHH 9366, Raul Victor, 38, of Lot 97 Percy Smyth Street, No. 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice. The injured person, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car, has been identified as Mario Ramacindo, 23, of Lot 19 Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice.

Kaieteur News was informed that PHH 9366 was proceeding south along Main Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, reportedly at a fast rate of speed when the driver lost control and collided with the western side of the sturdy concrete base of the New Amsterdam arch.

As a result of the impact, the driver and occupant received injuries about their bodies and were taken out from the vehicle by police ranks. They were both rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital in an unconscious state.

The driver was pronounced dead on arrival while the occupant was treated and

and impounded the vehicle.

The car that crashed into the restaurant.

Raul Victor (dead) admitted in the emergency unit with a fractured hip.

His condition is regarded as stable and the body of the deceased is presently at the New Amsterdam Hospital awaiting a post-morterm e x a m i n a t i o n .

Meanwhile, at approximately 22:00hrs Sunday, a man lost control of his car and crashed into the Big B's Fast Food Restaurant on Main Street, New Amsterdam.

As a result of the impact, the entire glass front of the business was shattered and two persons, who were dining, were injured. Several others escaped unhurt. The driver, who is not the owner of the car, fled the scene.

Police have since detained the owner of the car

Vanita Willie crowned Chutney Queen Chutney Queen, Vanita Willie performing at the competition.

S

ensational Vanita Willie, in the early Monday morning hours won the title of Chutney Queen at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport annual Chutney Monarch Competition.

Willie secure this victory after performing her vibrant and essencefilled song “Live in Harmony” at the packed Providence National Stadium Securing second place were Bunty Singh and Vicadi Singh, both

of whom delivered outstanding performances.

The aspiring Sonia Singh was given the title of best newcomer. This year's exhilarating competition was hosted by WR Reaz and the backup band was Shakti Strings led by Avinash Roopchan.

In an interview with this newspaper, Bunty, one of the second place winners, said that the competition overall was exciting. He

stated that he was satisfied with the outcome of the competition, as it was expected.

“Vanita had a good song when it comes to originality and being creative,” he said about the first place winner and lead singer of his band.

Bunty further stated that the competition was filled with songs that have good meaning and a lesson to society, and this is what Chutney songs are about.

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Halt oil operations until Exxon guarantees insurance, better deal - civic society group

A

civic society group, which has b e e n championing Guyana's cause in the face of grave environmental and economic dangers caused by the oil and gas operations, is demanding that there be a halt in the drilling process until international oil giant, ExxonMobil guarantees Guyana, inter alia, proper insurance and an overall better deal.

In a full page advertisement carried in the Sunday edition of the Kaieteur News, the civic group – A Fair Deal for Guyana; A Fair Deal for the Planet, which consists of prominent members including environmentalist and international lawyer, Melinda Janki listed its demands.

In the ad, the group outlined the dangers of the deep-water oil/gas drilling operations being carried out

by ExxonMobil. According to the group, the drilling offshore Guyana threatens Guyana and the entire Caribbean while a 'favourable' contract benefits ExxonMobil and its partners.

As such, the civic body noted that “for the sake of Guyana, the Caribbean and the rest of the world, there must be a moratorium/pause on oil and gas operations.”

“We demand a pause on oil and gas operations until Guyana's fish populations recover to their pre-oil levels and ExxonMobil guarantees that their operations are not harming marine life,” the group said in the public notice.

The group also demands a halt on oil and gas operations until ExxonMobil guarantees that proper environmental safeguards are in place to protect our lands, ocean and climate.

The civic body noted that

Guyana is one of the world's few carbon sinks while ExxonMobil has found 10 billion barrels of oil off shore Guyana. “Burning that oil,” the group said, “could release over four billion tons of greenhouse gas!”

As such, the group demands that the oil and gas operations cease until ExxonMobil provides evidence that they have stopped flaring and stopped using faulty equipment.

Wi t h r e g a r d t o t h e insurance in the event of an oil spill, A Fair Deal for Guyana; A Fair Deal for the Planet demands the oil and gas operations stops until ExxonMobil guarantees that they will pay for all environmental, social and economic damage across Guyana and the Caribbean as a result of any well-blow or oil spill from their operations.

“We demand a pause on oil and gas operations until the Government of Guyana provides independent evidence that the benefits to the Guyanese people outweigh the costs; until the Government of Guyana invests in solar energy jobs in Guyana in light of its conditional undertaking under the Paris Agreement to go 100 percent renewable by 2025,” the body stated in the ad.

Further, the civic group called for a pause in the oil operations until the Government publishes a full, independent audit of precontract costs and all other costs claimed by ExxonMobil and its partners in Guyana.

Added to this, the entity said that there should be no more drilling operations until ExxonMobil puts into an independently controlled escrow account, the billions of US dollars necessary to pay for the safe and (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13 Representatives of A Fair Deal for Guyana; A Fair Deal for the Planet, the civic society group in Guyana.

PAGE 14

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

Kitty man walks free of murder charge after witness recants testimony - DPP to appeal decision

By Renay Sambach

T

wenty-nine-yearold Pascale Smith called “Pop Skull” o f B a r r S t r e e t , K i t t y, Georgetown was freed of a 2017 murder charge after the eyewitness, who had identified him as the suspect in the case recanted his entire testimony – in light of this, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has signalled her intentions to appeal the court's decision.

Smith was on trial for the murder of John Heckert Hutson, a Rastafarian resident of Kitty. He was charged for murdering Hutson on May 27, 2017, on a parapet on Alexander St, Kitty, Georgetown.

His trial commenced in the Demerara Assizes on January 18, 2021, before Justice Brassington Reynolds. The case was prosecuted by Counsel from the DPP office, Seeta

Bishundial, and Lisa Cave, and Smith was represented by attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon.

On Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Justice Reynolds upheld a no-case submission that was made to the court by Smith's lawyer.

The prosecution's case against Smith was that during the dark morning hours of April 31, 2017, he had beaten Hutson mercilessly on the road in front of the Avon building on Alexander Street in Kitty by stamping him on to the ground and by pelting a brick to his head until he was motionless.

An eyewitness had run to the Kitty Police Station and reported the matter, while Hutson was taken in an unconscious state to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Hutson was hospitalised for over a month until he succumbed on May 27, 2017.

A post-mortem examination revealed that

Hutson suffered from severe damage to the brain and lungs. The 40-year-old man died from cerebral haemorrhage as a result of blunt trauma to the head.

Following Hutson's death, Smith was arrested at his home and was positively identified as the suspect by an eyewitness on an identification parade at the Kitty Police Station.

Later that year, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, found that there was sufficient evidence against Smith for him to stand trial in the High Court for murder.

However, on February 10, 2022, when eyewitness Budhu Persaud, 25, also a resident of the Kitty area, was called to the stand to testify in the murder case, he recanted his testimony.

When asked if he remembered the date of the incident, Persaud told the court “no”. When asked if he remembered any incident in 2017 when he had cause to

Freed: Pascal Smith. interact with the police he also said, “no”. Persaud then explained that sometime during the year, a police detective by the name of “Chapman” encouraged and caused him to sign a paper and also caused him to attend the identification parade and to point out Smith.

While being crossexamined by Dhurjon, Persaud explained that he

never knew Pascale Smith or John Huston, and clarified that he never witnessed any incident but stated that due to the fact that he was a member of the Kitty Community Policing Group, the detective told him that 'he had to cooperate and help the police'.

When questioned, Persaud stated that the first time he ever saw Smith was on the identification parade, he also shared that he was scared to be a part of the identification parade and as such the police officer gave him a hoodie and a sunshades to wear so that he would be comfortable while he was pointing out Smith.

The prosecution had applied for Persaud to be deemed a hostile witness, but the defence lawyer objected and the judge ruled that there was no foundation or basis for Persaud to be so treated.

Following Persaud's testimony, the prosecution declined to call any further

witness to testify and closed their case.

Smith's lawyer then made a no-case submission to the court and he said that what Persaud said is the truth and in keeping with his police statement in 2017 as well as a statement given on January 31, 2022 which was not disclosed until during the trial. As such Justice Brassington Reynolds upheld the submission and directed the 12-member jury to give a formal verdict of not guilty.

Smith has been on remand for the murder of Hutson for almost five years since 2017. Smith made the news in July, 2017 when he escaped from the Lusignan Prison but was later apprehended in a pit latrine at B a r r S t r e e t , K i t t y, Georgetown.

Moreover, Smith has signalled his intention to sue the State for the police's role in falsifying evidence against him.

Man pleads guilty to 2 wanted for stabbing killing Multiplex Mall handyman to death owner during robbery

The men wanted for the handyman's killing, Alanzo Ralph (left) and Deon Jonas (right).

Fazeel Bacchus

A

fter spending six years on remand for murder, Fazeel Bacchus, 27, of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, on Monday pleaded guilty to killing the proprietor of the Regent Multiplex Mall, Ganesh Ramlall called 'Boyo'.

Bacchus was arraigned before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Demerara High Court for murder. The incident occurred on July 5, 2015, at Ramlall's Lot C La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara home, during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

Attorneys-at-law Konyo Sandiford and

Murdered, Ganesh Ramlall called 'Boyo' Narissa Leander were granted a fiat to prosecute the matter on behalf of the State by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, while Bacchus is represented by attorney-at-law Mark Conway.

Bacchus pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and his sentencing was deferred to Thursday February 24, 2022.

While Bacchus is awaiting sentencing, his co-accused, Lennox 'Soldier Man' Roberts, 32, of 2279 Tuschen Housing (Continued on page 18)

P

olice are hunting two miners who are being accused of teaming up with a colleague to stab a handyman to death on Tuesday last during a drunken brawl at Princeville Village, Potaro, Region Eight.

The dead man, identified as Troy Albert, 48, of Linden, Region 10, and the two men wanted for stabbing him are Alanzo Ralph, 30, also known Rhino and Deon Jonas. The colleague who they teamed up with has since been arrested and is

presently in police custody Both of the wanted suspects are from Buckville, Linden and, according to police, anyone with information that could lead to their arrest should call telephone numbers: 2253650, 225-3061, 226-1326, 226-9914, 226-9977, 2258196, 911 or a report can be lodged at the nearest police station.

According to police, Ralph and Jonas and a colleague had worked on a land dredge together with Albert at Mahdia.

On Monday last, they

reportedly began imbibing together and had become intoxicated. At around 01:30hrs, a drunken brawl erupted between Albert and their colleague. Police reported that the colleague had told them that the brawl started after Albert made an “inappropriate advance” towards him.

As the argument intensified between them, the colleague reportedly took out a knife and stabbed Albert twice to his back.

Jonas and Ralph soon joined him in attacking the (Continued on page 18)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 2022

PAGE 15

Search for missing fishermen continues - As Govt. appoints independent board to investigate mishap

A

s the search continues for three men who went missing after a fishing trawler sank on Saturday, the government on Monday appointed an independent board of inquiry to conduct a “thorough investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the mishap.

Still missing are Harold Anthony Damon, 45, Winston Sam, 46, and Ronald Burton, 78. All three men are from Agricola located on the East bank of Demerara (EBD) and had disappeared after a fishing trawler that belongs to Noble House Seafood Limited, sank sometime after 07:00hrs on Saturday with them onboard.

According to reports there was a lone survivor, Winston Dazzle, who was lucky enough to be rescued.

The inquiry board tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the mishap was appointed in the presence of the media at the Ministry of Public Works' boardroom located at Wight's Lane, Kingston, Georgetown.

It consists of seven officials who were given 14 days to write a full report documenting every bit of information starting from the moment the vessel departed Georgetown to the moment a distress call was made by its crew before it sank.

Those individuals were identified as Yolanda Hughes of Transport and Harbours Department (TH&D), Captain John Flores of the Martime Administration Department (MARAD), who

is tasked with chairing the board, former Head of TH&D, Ronald Charles; Guyana Defence Force's Coast Guard Lieutenant Rawle Williams, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ewart Wray, Ministry of Labour's Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Dwayne Vyphuis and Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts.

According to the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, the board will be investigating some key aspects which includes the competency of the captain and his crew and to find out the reason why the company, Nobel House, did not alert the relevant government authorities of the incident in a timely manner despite receiving a distress call from its crew before the vessel sank.

T h e l o n e s u r v i v o r, Dazzle, had recalled his captain, Harold Anthony Damon – one of the missing crew members – summoning him around 06:00hrs that Saturday m o r n i n g t o check the back of the trawler. Dazzle remembered reporting to his captain that the boat was taking in water. He had also said that his captain made contact via radio to Noble House informing them of their situation but while doing so they lost connection and the boat started to sink.

Minister Indar said on Monday that authorities learnt that the distress call to Nobel House was made (Continued on page 18)

Facebook acquaintance allegedly rapes underage student O n S u n d a y, a m a n allegedly raped a 16-year-old female student while she was home alone.

Police are currently investigating the alleged act, that was committed around 20:00hrs at the victim's home.

A c c o r d i n g t o investigations, the suspect and the victim are known to

each other via the social media platform, Facebook.

The suspect reportedly went to the victim's house and when she opened the door, he pushed her inside and forcefully engaged in sexual activities with her.

Police in Region Three are said to be looking for the suspect as investigations continue.

Missing Harold Anthony Damon (left), Winston Sam (centre) and Ronald Burton

PAGE 16 WANTED

Experienced Taxi Driver (Hire car license) and bus driver at Princess Hotel. Contact:6165419/265-7075/265-7076.

LAND FOR SALE

CAR RENTAL Aidan's Car Rental.Tel:6281183.

Adventure Public Road, Essequibo Coast Lot 23A (66x309).Tel:233-6282/6087520.

Middle road La Penitence, Cummingslodge 2 acres, Eccles 5 acres,Diamond & Friendship.Contact:Ray's Realty 627-9685.

VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable.

Contact:649-0956.

Toyota Spacio 2003 model, PPP series excellent condition. Price $1.350mil,serious enquiries only.Tel:638-7258.

Toyota Premio Year 2003, PRR series excellent condition.

Price $1.550mil,serious enquiries only.Tel:625-2167.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Hardware Store,Public Road Grove. Contact: 642-6056/ 664-9701.

Ogle,Sheriff St,Charlotte St,Enterprise C,Zeelugt & Diamond.Contact:Ray's Realty 627-9685.

TO LET SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Drawing of Building plans and Estimate,K.Lakeram building contractor.Tel:2160671/692-8464 whatsapp 6220267.

Room to let in Alberttown.

Tel:628-1183.

Size 500sqft below Hotel Princess Raven,suitable for Spanish Restaurant. Contact: Sarge tel:659-4333/223-6488.

WANTED 1 general domestic to work at Providence between the age of 38-40.Call from 10AM9PM-697-0157.

FOR SALE Mix breed Husky puppies.

Tel:623-3183.

Urgently Needed! Dried carilla bush.Contact:6098281/693-3003.

Hiring Content Writers: $100,000 monthly. MondayThursday,work from home.

Email your resume to andrewp @consultpr.net.

FOR RENT Furnished apartment building top flat,bottom flat open space 100x34.Call:630-2062, whatsapp 641-4614.

Business: Saffon St 900Sq FT bottom flat,Bar St Kitty,Wellington St,North Road.Contact:Ray's Realty 627-9685.

Two bedroom apartment for rent on E.C.D.Tel:665-4335.

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

1 matured bus driver preferably from E.B.D.Tel:698-6205.

Female ages 25-40 to take care of elderly male in Trinidad, accomodations provided.

Call:1-868-489-4087 or 1-868755-1990.

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

1 bar woman 18-25years & 1 cook 30& older,for the interior. Tel:660-9093/687-7638.

VACANCY

2 unvaccinated persons are the latest COVID-19 fatalities - 12 new infections recorded Two unvaccinated individuals – a 56-year-old woman from Region Five and an 83-year-old man from Region Four – who had contracted COVID-19, were listed as the country’s latest fatalities yesterday.

This was reported by the

Ministry of Health, which stated as a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,213.

Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 12 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to

62,668. The dashboard data shows that 11 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 68 individuals are in institutional isolation, 772 are in home isolation and four are quarantined institutionally.

To date, a total of 60,604 individuals have recovered.

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. One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading, Mc Doom village.

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.

For one driver and one porter.Apply to Global Healthcare Supplies, 110 thirdst, Alberttow n.Email:gl obalhealthsuppliesinc@gmail.com.

General Domestic,able to prepare vegetarian dishes. Apply with photo to 16 Vlissengen Rd Newtown, Kitty.

Cashiers.Apply at Survival Supermarket with passport photo to 16 Vlissengen Rd Newtown,Kitty.

Office Assistant, Cashier, Counter staff, Cooks, Baker, Cleaner,Store person.Must have experience & vaccinated,226-9000,225-6255.

Vacancy for Male & Female cleaners.Call for more info 503-2502/698-3644/622-6272.

One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132.

Halt oil operations until Exxon guarantees...

From page 13 permanent shut down of ExxonMobil' s deep-water wells at the end of oil/gas production.

A Fair Deal for Guyana Fair Deal for the Planet is a campaign by concerned citizens from Guyana and around the world.

The group has, among VACANCY Bond Manager,2 yrs experience. Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimad ecor09 @ gmail.com. Call:2270176/227-0186.

Handyman.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimadeco r09@ gmail.com.

Call:227-0176/227-0186.

One male able bodied clerk, one female able bodied clerk.

Tel:225-2313/226-1497.

Sales Person. Commission Only. 5 CXC 1 or 2 in Math and English Required. Contact:650-5626.

Delivery Clerk,must be able to track deliveries. Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimadec or09 @ gmail. com. Call:227-0176/227-0186.

Salesgirl & Porters.Apply at Best Buy Food Supplies. Lot 1E Dennis C Middleton St Campbellville with written application.

Sales Representative.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email:mi madecor 09@ gmail.com.Call:227-0176/2270186

Driver.Valid drivers licence.2 yrs experience.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email:mi madecor 09@gmail. com.Call:227-0176/227-0186.

other things, been a part of the push back against the Government to grant a petroleum production licence to three oil companies under some unfair terms and conditions.

Previously, the group had argued that the minister of natural resources had acted unlawfully and irrationally in granting the licence and that his decision should be quashed by the court.

Added to that, the group had noted with concern that a bad deal for Guyana is a disaster for the planet.

According to the body,

while the government and the oil companies have talked about 'unimaginable wealth' for the country in oil producing countries like Nigeria, Angola, Chad and Guyana's close neighbour, Venezuela, oil has led to rampant corruption, lost of lives, environmental disasters, and excessive dependency on one economic sector.

The group stressed that until positive changes are made oil companies and a small elite could become very rich while ordinary citizens are left out.

GPL liable when AmailaFalls...

From page 2 the hydroelectric plant is built to specifications. This is in addition to the recruitment of an Operations and Management consultant.

With Guyana taking ownership of the project 20 years after commissioning, Brassington noted that the project's average price measured over that time period would be about 7.7 cents which is largely going to-

wards the repayment of the US$700M financing.

According to Brassington, the project will be funded by China Rail and Chinese institutions. They will own the project and it will be operated under a concession for 20 years.

At end of the 20 years, he said, it will be handed over to government at no cost and as such “I think this a great project.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 2022

PAGE 17

Local health sector boosted with 13 UG-trained Dental Surgeons University of Guyana Dental Surgeon Class of 2021.

G

uyana's health care system has been boosted with the addition of 13 Dental Surgeons who recently graduated from the University of Guyana's School of Medical Sciences with their Bachelor's in Dental Surgery.

This is according to release from the university which noted that on February 6, 2022, the School of Medicine, Dentistry Department hosted a White Coat and Awards Ceremony at the Regency Suites Banquet Hall where the newly-minted Dental Surgeons were officially presented with their ceremonial White Coats.

The Annual White Coat and Awards Ceremony signifies a transition from the preclinical year to the clinical years of a dental surgeon.

UG's Vice-Chancellor, XI, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin congratulated the graduates, their lecturers, family, and support network acknowledging that they were the best of the best, a small percentage chosen from a large pool of eligible applicants. She indicated that this always worried her and that the University's PACE Unit, through support from the partnership between ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC, and Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), was able to secure funding for 10 dental chairs which will soon be commissioned. This will critically change the programme in several ways.

(1) It will allow the dental programme to triple its current small intake thereby increasing the number of dental surgeons in the country.

(2) It will ensure broader regional impact of the programme through community-based internships in especially hard to reach areas. She noted that the programme established

15 years ago by Prof.

Emanuel Cummings, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Dr. Ali, had already given the country close to 100 dental surgeons. This year's graduating class is the largest since the University has been expanding the numbers within the context of its capacity over the last few years. She lauded the students who received awards accomplishments and the Faculty now headed by Dr. Cecil Boston and Dr. Carlos Varona for the advancement and enhancement of the Dentistry Department at UG. Vi c e - C h a n c e l l o r Mohamed further encouraged the graduates to aspire to be the best at what they do as opportunities and blessings follow diligent and excellent work.

U G ' s D e p u t y Vi c e Chancellor (Academic Engagement), Prof.

Cummings, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, highlighted six key characteristics the Dental Surgeons must have in order to be excellent health care professionals.

According to Prof.

Cummings, it is expected that health care workers should practice, effective communication skills, have emotional stability, empathy, attention to detail, problemsolving skills, and respect for every human being.

Prof. Cummings said: “It is important to communicate well with your patients, supervisors and colleagues; and adding to that, as a doctor, you need to put yourself in the position of your patient and treat each patient in like manner as if he or she were a family or friend.”The DVC, who was the founding Dean of the Dental school, added: "As doctors, you need to ensure that you read and gain additional knowledge as

there is much to learn since science is continuously evolving. More so, you need to be innovative and think outside the box but within the r e g u l a t i o n s o f dentistry.”Prof. Cummings further encouraged the graduates to be an instrument of change. "Respect every human being in your environment, your peers, the security guards, the cleaners, and everyone because everyone has a role to play," the DVC urged.

Director of the School of Dentistry, Dr. Carlos Varona congratulated the graduates and extended best wishes to them as they embark on their careers.

“Now is the time to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired during the past four years so that you can become honourable professionals to gain the trust of each of your patients and colleagues and to give the best to our society.”

Principal Dental Surgeon, Dr. Kester Sullivan

noted: "Having achieved success at this level is only the beginning because as you begin to work you will have to exhibit, patience, tolerance, and most of all a lot of compassion."

Further Dr. Sullivan added: “In the health care system we try to avoid all kinds of mistakes.

Mistakes are not really allowed; you can have challenges; you have to put your best effort in whatever you do to make your profession successful."

Dean of the College of Medical Sciences, Dr. Cecil Boston encouraged the dental surgeons to use compassion as this is the cornerstone of their profession.

President of the University of Guyana Dental School Association, Ms. Petra Langevine also echoed similar sentiments, “I urge you to live your best life as graduation is not the end but only the beginning.”

The valedictorian of the

dentistry class of 2021, Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo thanked her peers, lecturers, and friends for making her journey one that was filled with lots of successes and laughter.

“To the class of 2021, we are triumphant today, we worked hard and smart and today is only possible because we worked as a team,” Dr. Ketwaroo told her fellow graduates.

The graduating class c o m p r i s e d : D r. D a v i d A d a m s , D r. C h i q u i t a Forrester, Dr. Christine King Smith, Dr. Ackeem Marques, Dr. Oral McAllister, Dr. Danesh Persaud, Dr. Keisha B r a z h , D r. Tr e s s y i a K e t w a r o o , D r. J e w e l LaFleur, Dr. Neranjan Manoo, Dr. Ghansham Samaroo, Dr. Sadeke Sandy, and Dr. Daryl Watson.

The Dr. Cheddi Jagan Aw a r d f o r t h e B e s t Graduating Student was presented to Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo and the Dr. Giri Award for the second best

Graduating Student was awarded to Dr. Ghansham Samaroo.

Dr. Keisha Brazh, Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo, Dr. Ghansham Samaroo, and Dr. Sadeke Sandy were presented with an award for the Best Research Project.

Dr. Christine King Smith was named the Best Overall Clinical Student while Dr. Ghansham Samaroo was named the Second Best Overall Clinical Student.

Outstanding performance in the rotation of adults, prosthodontics and pediatrics were awarded to Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo, Dr. Christine K i n g S m i t h , a n d D r.

Ghansham Samaroo respectively.

The University of Guyana Dental Students Association Medal of Service was awarded to Dr. David Adams, Dr. Ackeem Marques, Dr. Ghansham Samaroo, Dr. Chiquita Forrester, Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo, Dr. Sadeke Sandy, and Dr. Daryl Watson.

Venezuelan man dies after being stabbed during argument

A night out with friends ended tragically for a 29-year-old Venezuelan man, who was stabbed during an argument, which eventually led to his death. The incident took place on Saturday evening around 21:50hrs at the Raghoo Sports Bar at the Soesdyke Junction, East Bank Demerara.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, the owner of the bar Ramwattie Raghoo revealed that at the time when she was about to close the bar for the night, a strange man approached her and asked if she

heard of what transpired outside.

The woman immediately went to investigate and saw the victim, Yocter Eduardo Gonzalez lying on the ground with a stab wound to his chest. The shop owner immediately called the police and Gonzalez was taken to the hospital.

The police in a release on Monday noted that Gonzalez was with his brother and some friends at the bar when the suspect approached him and an altercation ensued.

During the fight, the suspect reportedly stabbed Gonzalez to his

right side chest which led to him falling to the ground. Police said that Gonzalez was then rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre on the East Bank of Demerara where he was pronounced dead at 12:35am.

The release noted too that the quick action of the police ranks resulted in the apprehension of the suspect who has since been taken into custody.

A file has since been prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice, this publication was told.

The Raghoo bar where Gonzalez was stabbed.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Man pleads guilty to killing Multiplex...

From page 14 Scheme, East Bank Demerara, and Kurt 'Banana' Erskine, 35, of 285 Section 'C', Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, are presently on remand – awaiting trial.

According to reports, Ramlall was reportedly shot seven times about the body after

bandits attacked his home.

The 48-year-old businessman is reported to have just returned home from a barbecue, when he was accosted by four men who shot him to the head and chest before relieving him of jewelry and a wallet before escaping.

2 wanted for stabbing handyman to...

From page 14 wounded Albert again after they learnt of the inappropriate advance he allegedly made.

According to investigators, the three men allegedly stabbed Albert several times about

his body until he was dead.

Jonas and Ralph reportedly ran away but their colleague was too drunk to run with them and was found by police at the scene next to Albert's body.

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Search for missing fishermen continues...

From page 15 Around 05:30hrs, however, there are no records suggesting that the company had contacted MARAD or the Coast Guard to inform them of the mishap.

Indar, along with the Minister Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and other officials present at the media brief related that authorities learnt of the mishap around 19:00hrs on Saturday.

Meanwhile as it relates to the ongoing search, Benn

told the media that upon learning of the incident coast guards were dispatched and a search was launched. Efforts were also made to conduct an aerial search on Sunday but it had to be called off because of bad weather.

Nevertheless, divers were sent out yesterday along with coast guards to see if they could have located the wreck.

Benn said that the trawler sank some 26 nautical miles off shore Mahaica and search for the wreck and the missing

men are being conducted to and from that area. As the search continues, relatives of the missing men are clinging to a glimmer of hope that they might still be alive.

The men had left home last Sunday and were scheduled to return on Sunday but they did not make it home except for one.

The survivor told investigators that he remembers clinging to a bouy and being rescued hours later by a small fishing boat.

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Tuesday February 22, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Sloppy Reggae Girlz drub Grenada 6-1 in Group C World Cup qualifier

SportsMax - Jamaica’s Reggae Girls defeated Grenada 6-1 to secure their second win from as many starts in Concacaf Women World Cup qualifying action at the Kirani James Stadium on Sunday.

However, notwithstanding the lopsided scoreline, Jamaica was sloppy and profligate in front of goal fluffing several clear chances to run up the score against a squad comprised mainly of teenagers.

Jody Brown and Trudi Carter were among the chief offenders missing several golden opportunities to add to their respective tallies.

After a frustrating start to the game when several opportunities to score were spurned, Jamaica opened the scoring when Tiffany Cameron netted

in the 28th minute.

Jody Brown doubled the lead in the 42nd minute while Khadijah Shaw added a third from a solo effort in stoppage time as Jamaica took a 3-0 lead at the break.

The second half was more of the same as Jamaica spurned several easy chances to score past the often-injured goalkeeper Tiranha Williams, who seemed o u t o f h e r depth but was much the busier of the two keepers.

The Reggae Girlz profligacy came back to haunt them in the 52nd minute when Dominique Bond-Flasza failed to control a pass that led to turnover in their defensive third.

Roneisha Frank took possession, dribbled round Bond-Flasza and smashed a shot past goalkeeper Sydney Schneider into the bottom left

corner to make it 3-1.

Jamaica responded three minutes later when Brown added her second and Jamaica’s fourth in the 55th minute to restore Jamaica’s three-goal lead.

Jamaica would have to wait until the 73rd minute to get their fifth, a shot from distance by Alika Keene that sailed over Williams into the back of the net to make it 5-1.

Shaw would add her second and Jamaica’s sixth in stoppage time when she headed in a Bond-Flasza cross from close range to complete the lopsided victory.

The win means Jamaica has six points from two games following their 4-0 victory over Bermuda at the National Stadium in Kingston last Thursday.

However, the Jamaicans

Tuesday February 22, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your efforts on the domestic front have certainly paid off, Aries. Your home is looking wonderful. Everyone who enters says so.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) TYour neighborhood is changing, Taurus, and the change is all for the better.

Wonderful new neighbors may have moved in, or perhaps a small gourmet takeout shop has just opened up.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Financial prosperity is just around the corner, Gemini, especially with your recently acquired moneymanagement skills.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) The significant other in your life needs your support not a lecture right now, Cancer. Let him or her know you’re available to listen and help in any way, but don’t smother your partner with kindness.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is the final push to complete a very big project you've likely been working on for some time now, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A pleasant outing could get delayed or cancelled due to an event entirely out of your control. Rather than having a fit, Virgo, you and your friends could seize the opportunity to do something completely wild and different.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There’s no question about it, Libra, you’ve been working hard these last few weeks. As an approaching deadline looms, you may find yourself waking up at night.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today, or rather tonight, is for romance and cozy intimacy, Scorpio. You pull out all the stops for your evening with that special someone.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some interesting moneymaking opportunities are likely to come your way, Sagittarius, either today or in the near future. It could be that it’s time for a new job.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) There’s going to be so much to get done today that you might feel a little daunted about getting started. By midday you could even find yourself downright overwhelmed.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) No sooner do you set foot in the office this morning than you begin to get pelted from all directions with various crises and problems, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today will be a lovely combination of harmony and passion. Make the most of it, Pisces. With things running so smoothly at worke.

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz defeated Grenada 6-1 to secure their second win from as many starts. trail the Dominican Republic on goal difference.

The Dom Rep has 13 goals

in their two matches so far while Jamaica has scored 10 while conceding one.

Barbados...

From page 22 respectively. Volcanoes’ Kenneth Dember occupies third with 10 wickets since he has been more economical than Khan and bowled an inning less. Jomel Warrican and Shermon Lewis both have nine wickets each while Colin Archibald, Veersammy Permaul and Marquino Mindley have eight wickets a piece. Raymond Reifer, Jeremiah Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Patrick Harty and Alzarri Joseph have each taken seven wickets while Keon Harding has six wickets.

Team Wreckers...

From page 23 1601 – 2000cc class, Richard Hamid of Team First class completed 114 laps ahead of Ryan Rahman (107 laps) and Bishram Rajaram (28) laps.

Zafeer Khan finished third in the unlimited class with 93 laps behind Seejattan (second with 111 laps) and Maraj (first with 114 laps). Seejattan with a 1:22.480 was the fastest lap of the day. GMR&SC President Rameez Mohamed commended the participants for ensuring that all the COVID19 protocols were adhered to.

“I also want to thank all the marshals and volunteers for today's (Sunday's) event.

We could not have pulled it off without you and moving ahead with our 2022 plan, it is integral that we have your support,” he said. “Our next proposed event is a circuit race planned for March but that is subject to the approval of the National Board of Health and COVID Task force but I feel we have done a good job today in adhering to the no spectator and other rules set out by the task force were followed.” He added that the club will return to the task force to seek permission for that event.

PAGE 22

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

“We’re not happy with losing but it is a work in progress” - Pollard reacts to India series defeat SportsMax - West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard is choosing to focus on the positives coming out of the Indian white-ball tour in which the Caribbean side was swept 30 in both the ODI and T20 series.

Speaking after the West Indies lost the final T20 by 17 runs on Sunday, Pollard said the tour was not a complete disaster.

“When you look at the games, it was definitely a close series but it just goes to show the fine line in international cricket in terms of the margins for error,” said Pollard.

“I thought the guys really put up their hands and gave a really good account of themselves so I don’t think we should feel disgraced by what has taken place.

“We’re not happy with losing but it is a work in progress.

I’m very happy with the performances of some of the guys and we crack on. We

have no international whiteball cricket for the next three months so we have time to find out what’s for the future.”

Among the players that Pollard was pleased with was his vice-captain Nicholas Pooran who starred with 184 runs in the three games.

“I thought Nicholas was outstanding.

Three fifties in three games is fantastic for him and that’s the consistency that we ask for,” said Pollard.

Pollard’s Mumbai Indians teammate Suryakumar Yadav was India’s best batsman in the series with 107 runs in the three matches. The West Indies captain believes he is someone his batters should try to emulate.

“Surya is a world-class player. I’ve had the opportunity to play a lot of years with him so it’s great to see that he has grown well and is doing great things for himself and

great things for India.

He’s a 360-degree player and that’s something that our batsmen could try to emulate,” Pollard said.

An important part of a successful T20 outfit is laying out specific roles for specific players and Pollard, while being aware of this, says it’s also important to rotate to give others opportunities.

“I think everyone is clear in their role. Once you get an opportunity to play, you know your role so it’s about getting the experience and understanding what is needed at the international level.

We’re not just chopping and changing for the sake of it, guys came in and had specific roles to play. We’re in a position where we have to give guys opportunities,” he said. The West Indies next white-ball assignment will be a tour of the Netherlands in May-June where they will play three ODIs.

West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard.

CWI 2022 West Indies Championships…

Barbados govern points table after 2 rounds, Guyana sits fourth Defending Champion Barbados Pride sits pretty on top of the points table after two rounds of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) 2022 West Indies Championships have been completed.

The tournament which had the opening rounds hosted in the Twin Isle Republic has Barbados in the lead for the Headley Weekes Trophy with 42 points, which they accumulated from wins over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and the Jamaica Scorpions.

In second is the host nation, Trinidad and Tobago, with 38.6 points. Like Barbados, they are also undefeated after their two matches. Red Force opened their campaign with a win over the Scorpions then steamrolled the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the match that followed.

Third place is currently occupied by the Hurricanes with 24.6 points. Even though Leeward Islands lost to the current leader in their first encounter, they rebounded well against the Guyana Harpy Eagles to claim a victory inside three days.

The Harpy Eagles are

lodged at fourth in the sixteam tournament on 21.4 points. The recent four-day dominators squeezed past Windward Islands in their tournament curtain raiser but fell to the Hurricanes in round two.

In fifth place is the Volcanoes squad with 10.8 points while the Scorpions are last with 8.8 points. Both sides have lost the two matches they contested thus far.

Meanwhile, the third

round of the five-round tournament has yet to be confirmed since the forthcoming Apex Test Series between West Indies and England begins on March 8 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.

The restart of the Regional red ball tournament has set the opportunity for West Indian players to stake their claim for selection to the Test squad that is scheduled to complete three tests in Kraigg Brathwaite is the highest run scorer after two rounds. (Getty Images)

March. <<Brathwaite leads with the bat>> In the batting division of the 4-Day tournament, Pride’s captain Kraigg Brathwaite leads with 341 runs from four innings. The West Indies captain’s top performance was his career best double century against the Scorpions which ended on 276.

Trailing by 99 runs in second is Hurricanes’ Devon Thomas with 242 runs. Thomas’ tournament top score is 112, which he crafted against the Pride. That is coupled with two half centuries from his three innings.

The third centurion of the competition, Jamaica’s John Campbell, sits in third with a total of 213 runs. His triple figure score of 127 was also achieved against Barbados.

The 12 batters that follow are Jonathan Carter (164), Alick Athanzae (164), Yannic Cariah (145), Kieran Powell (144), Vishaul Singh (143), Raymond Reifer (139), Paul Palmer (133), Anthony Bramble (129), Jahmar Hamilton (124), Chandrapaul Hemraj (124), Jermaine

The 25-year old Anderson Phillip has taken 12 wickets. (Lincoln Holder) Blackwood (122) and Keemo Paul (121). <<T&T dominant with ball>> This season, the Red Force have been a force to reckon with when they have the ball in hand. Three of the four top wicket takers for this season line up for T&T.

Anderson Phillip, who has taken 12 wickets in four innings for T&T leads in the bowling department.

His teammates Bryan Charles and Imran Khan are second and fourth on the leading wicket takers list with 11 and 10 wickets, (Continued on page 21)

Tuesday February 22, 2022

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic...

Atletico win Brazilian Supercup Linden comes out on top! after nail-biting shootout Flamengo’s Giorgian De Arrascaeta shoots at goal from a free kick.

(REUTERS/Adriano Machado)

From left, members of Team Linden, Harold Adams, Shelroy Thomas, Organiser Rawle Toney and Stanton Rose pose with their replica trophies.

BRASILIA, (Reuters) Atletico Mineiro won the Brazilian Supercup 8-7 on penalties on Sunday after a nail-biting shootout that involved 24 spot kicks following an enthralling 2-2 draw in regulation time.

The match, which took place at a neutral venue in Cuiaba where water breaks were taken because of the searing heat, is usually played between the winners of the Serie A and Copa do Brasil. But as Atletico won both titles in 2021, Flamengo were invited to play as the first division runners up.

Ignacio Fernandez put Atletico ahead after 42 minutes, but Gabriel Barbosa equalised 11 minutes into the second half when he hammered home from close range after Bruno H e n r i q u e ’s header was saved.

Bruno Henrique himself made it 2-1 for the Rio side

with a lovely dinked finish eight minutes later only for Hulk, last year’s Player of the Year in Brazil, to tie the scores again with 15 minutes remaining.

That took the match to penalties.

Both sides scored their first five but they struggled to administer the coup de grace in sudden death with Flamengo passing up three

chances to win after Atletico missed.

Instead, Vitinho saw his shot saved by Everson after Hulk had converted Atletico’s 12th kick.

The result was the perfect start to Antonio Mohamed’s managerial career in Brazil. The Argentine took over at Atletico in January following the departure of Cuca.

Captain Jamal Scott of Muse Bar presents Linden’s MVP Shelroy Thomas with his some of his many prizes.

Flamengo’s Gabriel Barbosa celebrates scoring their first goal.

(REUTERS/Adriano Machado)

Farah to return at London 10,000 race in May (Reuters) - Multiple world and Olympic champion Mo Farah will return to action at the Vitality London 10,000 on May 2 after recovering from a foot fracture, organisers said in a statement yesterday.

The 38-year-old Briton, who completed the 5,000 and 10,000 metres double at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, failed to make the qualifying time for the 10,000m at last year’s Tokyo Games and has been out of action since June.

Farah faced questions about his future after a disappointing effort at the British Athletics Championships last year but is looking forward to the London race, which he has won seven times.

“I’ve been working hard

Mo Farah during the ceremony to celebrate the renaming of St Mary’s athletics track. (Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Livepic/File Photo)

to get back into shape following my injury... and I’ve got a few more months of hard training ahead of me, so it’s good to have a target like the Vitality London 10,000 to work towards,” Farah said.

“I have great memories of

Rawle Toney and the lucky fan of the ladies’ three-point contest.

the event. I have won it seven times and racing in central London is something you can never get bored of.

The atmosphere among the thousands of participants is always fantastic and I can’t wait to be part of it again.”

A star-studded team ‘Linden’ from Region 10 took home the spoils when the wellattended and organised second Rawle Toney 3X3 Basketball Classic concluded on Sunday Night at the Burnham Hard Court.

The team comprised players from Kwakwani inclusive of tournament MVP Shelroy Thomas and National Skipper Stanton Rose along with Harold Adams of Victory Valley. In the final, Linden narrowly got past Royals 8-7 to hoist the Andrew Ifill Championship trophy and the

$300,000 cash prize.

Organiser, Rawle Toney, thanked all of the fans and sponsors for their contribution in making the tournament a success and pledged that the third edition will be bigger and better.

Present at the event was head of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Mike Singh, who expressed pleasure with the organisation of the event.

However, he highlighted one pitfall of basketball in Guyana, and he made a promise to lobby for an indoor facility

from the state before his tenure concludes.

The tournament was made possible with the support of Magic City, John Fernandes Limited, Team Mohamed’s, Modern Building Solutions, Medicine Chest, Mackeson, Guyana Lottery Company, Trophy Stall, Hennessy, FireSide Grill, Bush Cook, Stuff, MVP Sports, FK Sports, Shi Oil, Brother’s Security, The Muse Bar, Pressy’s Gift Shop, Cigar and Cognac, and 94.1 Boom FM, Fireside Grill N Chill and E-Networks.

PAGE 24

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

BCB fulfills commitment Madray, Duncan and to assist sub associations Persaud emerge Champions to honour youths Seven Seas Indoor Archery Championships…

Female Gold Medalist Samira Duncan in the presence of the Seven Seas representative.

Archery Guyana’s Seven Seas Indoor Championship finally unraveled at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) on Woolford Avenue, as the two-night competition saw Samira Duncan, Umasankar Madray and Jeewanram Persaud reign supreme in their respective categories.

The event that took place last week began on February 15 with the Ranking rounds to determine which archers qualified for the elimination shootout on February 17. The keenly awaited 18-metre Indoor Championship for men and women of all ages featured the Recurve and Barebow categories.

On Thursday evening in the female Recurve competition, Samira Duncan finished first to win the gold medal, while Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon had to settle for the second place.

The men’s division was heavily contested but Umasankar Madray emerged victorious, while Jeewanram Persaud finished second to take the silver medal and Fabian Ramdatt came in third to cop the bronze medal. For

the Barebow men’s competition, Persaud bettered his earlier performance to secure gold ahead of Nicholas Hing who was second and bronze medalist Sean Duncan.

The competition was successfully conducted under supervision of the Director of Shooting, Ryan McKinnon and the competition’s committee, along with the Chair of the Judges that included Robert Singh and his team of nationally certified judges.

Archery Guyana also took the basic step to host the competition under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

The annual tournament that was sponsored by Seven Seas had their archers fully hydrated, compliments of Oasis Water.

Seven Seas, the major sponsor, has been around for generations becoming a household name over half a century ago. Its products are the culmination of a continuous, rigorous, and intense research and development processes resulting in formulations that are known for their excellent quality and high standards.

Seven Seas products help

- Clubs to benefit from scorebooks shortly, Former England player to conduct batting clinic

families live their #TRUE AGE through their range of products built on the science of OMEGA-3. In this regard, the branded masks and special packages presented to the respective winners were deeply appreciated by Archery Guyana.

Also made available to participants and spectators at the event was Guyana Beverages Inc’s new Sports Drink, Altitude, which contains sodium, potassium and magnesium and comes in 3 flavours – Fruit Punch, Grape and Blue Frost. This product offered the participants the ability to replace electrolytes lost through sweat.

Archery Guyana wishes to express their gratitude to the Management of Massy Distribution (Guyana) Inc. and all the other partners who played a crucial role to assist in the successful staging of the event.

Meanwhile, as the association focuses on the development of the sport, their next competition scheduled is the Outdoor Championships which is set for Sunday, March 6, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) over the last week fulfilled another commitment made to two sub associations at the recent Annual General Meeting of the board. BCB President Hilbert Foster had committed the board to assist them with trophies and other items to enable them to honour players especially youths in their sub association.

The BCB handed over trophies, framed certificates, gold medals and six gifts to both sub associations as the board strives to fulfill its commitment made in a manifesto presented to all members at the AGM. Foster stated that less than two months since the AGM, the BCB has fulfilled several of the commitments and the coming weeks would see many more coming to fruition.

He stated that it is very important to keep youth players motivated especially during the ongoing covid 19 pandemic and as such apart from hosting its annual award ceremony, the sub associations would do likewise. This, he stated, would be done on an annual basis and the board would do the same for youths in the New Amsterdam/Canje and Lower Corentyne areas where there is no sub associations.

President of the West Berbice Cricket Association (WBCA), David Black, expressed thanks to the BCB and stated that never in the

Roland Butcher history of the association has the parent body assisted the area as it is currently. Black stated that over the last few years, the sub association and the clubs in the area have benefitted from a pitch cover, water pitchers, grass cutters, scorebooks, cricket balls, cricket gears, uniforms, school bags, educational materials, bicycles, educational grants and first aid kits among others. The two sub associations would soon benefit from more cricket gears for youths in the area under a massive distribution drive which would start shortly.

Meanwhile, close to one hundred clubs across the county would shortly receive a scorebook when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club join hands with the BCB. The club over the decade has assisted clubs with a scorebook with the sponsorship of Odyssey Tours on an

The legendary Sir Curtly Ambrose hands over donations to executives of the UCCA on behalf of the BCB.

annual basis. The board’s coaching programme would also be expanded with the hosting of two more clinics for youths on Sunday 27th of February.

Former West Indies off spinner Clyde Butts would host a one day off-spinners clinic for about forty spinners, while former national wicketkeeper Sheik Mohamed would work with about two dozen youths in a wicketkeeping clinic.

Foster noted that the BCB would be organising a large number of these clinics in 2022 as it strives to make sure that every youth is given the equal opportunity to fulfill his/her potential. The BCB is also pleased to announce that former England test player Roland Butcher would be visiting shortly after volunteering his services for a batting clinic for junior players.

Butcher, who is a family friend of the BCB President, stated that he was very impressed with the developments taking place in the county and wanted to contribute.

Butcher created history in 1980/1 when he became the first black man to represent England at the ODI and Test level. Butcher scored 12,021 first class runs with a highest score of 197 and seventeen centuries.

He played three test matches and ODI each for England. The dates for the visit would be announced shortly.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 22, 2022

PAGE 25

Police, Everest claim GMR&SC-SI&C Endurance C/Ships first innings points Team Wreckers win; before rain ruins play

dedicates it to late Anil Persaud

Ronaldo Renee Police and Everest CC grabbed first innings points before rain put an end to both matches on Sunday as Georgetown Cricket Association Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament continued.At Eve Leary, Diplomats were bowled out for 100 in reply to Police first innings score of 170. Rockey Hutson grabbed 6-11 and Kevin Christian 3-30. When play was halted, Police were 75-2, batting a second time, enjoying a lead of 145. Paul Tyndell made 32 and Christian 17.

Christian top scored for Police in their first innings

Rockey Hutson with 60 while Trevor Benn made 21, Ameer Mohamed 17, Kyle Michael 15 and Paul Tyndall 14. Michael McAlmont grabbed 5-34 while Rickford Mohamed claimed 3-27.

At Everest, Bel Air were bowled out for 88, in response to the host first innings score of 252-5 declared. No play was possible in the second innings.

Ronaldo Renee struck 82 for Everest while Troy Gonsalves scored 55, Usherdeva Balgobin made 52 not out and Dwayne Adams 44. M. Jeenarine took two wickets.

From left, Team Wreckers' Anand Ramchand, Mechanic Nala Persaud and Adrian Fernandes.

The first round of the Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc. (SI&C) Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) endurance race meet got off to a flying start on Sunday w i t h Te a m W r e c k e r s continuing their half decade dominance in the event by winning yet another overall trophy, in the event that returned to the three-hour format for the first time in many years.

An astonishing 35 cars

lined up on the grid for the 1 start and when the dust settled, it was the Team Wreckers squad of Anand Ramchand and Adrian Fernandes that emerged champions, completing a total of 116 laps, one more than the team of Sean Bacchus.

Both cars were a part of the 1501-1600CC class.

Speaking after the event, Fernandes said, “I am dedicating this win to the late Anil Persaud.Despite him

being from another team he always helped where he could have before and even on race day. To his family and friends, we dedicate this win.”

The Team Wreckers' car, which is also under the sponsorship of AJM and Vitality Inc., had a tense battle with Shan Seejatan and Nyron Maraj, all three completing 108 laps with ten minutes remaining.

However, both Seejatan and Maraj suffered

mechanical issues which caused them to pit and eventually fall behind, both men still completing the three hour event.

In the 0-1500CC class of things, Narendra Mangar took the top spot after completing 112 laps ahead of Naresh Alves (109 laps) and Troy Muir (101) in that order while Mohamed Roshandin (103) laps finished behind Fernandes and Bacchus in the 1501-1600 class.In the (Continued on page 23)

Fireside Grill N Chill sponsored the Andrew Ifill Championship trophy, which is presented to the winners by their Rep.

Spo

rts

Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic

Linden comes out on top!

Seven Seas Indoor Archery Championships…

The top finishers pose with their accolades at the conclusion of the Seven Seas Indoor Archery Championships.

Madray, Duncan and Persaud emerge Champions Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.