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How Exxon, BP and Shell help Russia pump oil and gas (London (CNN Business) The West is promising “massive” sanctions on Moscow in response to R u s s i a ’s i n v a s i o n o f Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that European sanctions would target Russia’s military, economy and energy, and Germany’s decision this week to halt certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline built by Russia’s Gazprom shows that the vast oil and gas sector isn’t off limits. But any action that affects Russia’s energy interests will highlight the role played by some of the West’s biggest players, which have generated billions of dollars for the Russian state and are among the country’s leading foreign investors. Here’s how ExxonMobil (XOM), BP (BP) and Shell (RDSA) are helping keep Russia’s oildependent economy afloat. ExxonMobil The American oil giant has more than 1,000 employees in Russia, and has
been in the country for over 25 years. Its subsidiary, Exxon Neftegas Limited (ENL), has a 30% stake in Sakhalin-1 — a vast oil and natural gas project located off Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East. It has operated the project since 1995 on behalf of a consortium that includes Japanese and Indian partners, as well as two affiliates of Russia’s largest oil company, Rosneft. ENL employs more than 700 Russian nationals at five major sites and production locations. ExxonMobil also has offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Since its startup, Sakhalin-1 has generated more than $18.3 billion in payments to Russian federal and regional governments. Russia isn’t as important to ExxonMobil as it used to be, however. ExxonMobil previously partnered with Rosneft to conduct exploration and research activities in Russia but withdrew from those joint ventures after sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe following
Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. It valued its Russian assets at $4 billion in its annual financial report released Wednesday. That represented less than 2% of its fossil fuel assets. The word “Russia” was not mentioned in its recent earnings call with analysts. ExxonMobil did not immediately respond to a request for comment. BP On its website, BP proclaims itself as “one of the biggest foreign investors in Russia.” That investment largely takes the form of a strategic partnership with Rosneft, in which it owns a 19.75% stake. The British company gets to nominate two directors to the Rosneft board — BP CEO Bernard Looney and former CEO Bob Dudley. The Russian government is Rosneft’s b i g g e s t s h a r e h o l d e r. Through three joint ventures with Rosneft, BP owns a 20% stake in the TaasYuryakh oil project in eastern Siberia. BP
completed the deal to acquire that stake in 2015, and production from the project was expected to reach 100,000 barrels per day last year. BP also owns 49% of Yermak Neftegaz — formed in 2016 — which is conducting onshore exploration over a combined area of about 260,000 square kilometers in the West Siberian and YeniseyKhatanga basins. The third joint venture covers the Kharampur project, in which BP has a 49% interest. Kharampur is a mature oil field but BP and Rosneft are planning to develop the project to pump gas. BP says there is potential to “double
Friday February 25, 2022
The tanker Sun Arrows loads its cargo of liquefied natural gas from the Sakhalin - 2 project in the port of Prigorodnoye, Russia, on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021
overall field production.” BP did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The tanker Sun Arrows loads its cargo of liquefied natural gas from the Sakhalin-2 project in the port of Prigorodnoye, Russia, on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021. Shell The UK-based c o m p a n y ’s b i g g e s t engagement in Russia is Sakhalin-2, which it describes as one of the world’s largest integrated oil and gas projects. Shell has a 27.5% stake in the venture, which is controlled by Gazprom. Other investors include Mitsui (MITSY) and
Mitsubishi of Japan. The project includes three offshore platforms, an onshore processing facility, 300 kilometers (186 miles) of offshore pipelines and 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) of onshore pipelines, an oil export terminal and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant. Shell says Sakhalin-2 supplies about 4% of the w o r l d ’s c u r r e n t L N G market. Japan, South Korea and China are the main customers for oil and LNG exports. A Shell spokesperson said it was monitoring the s i t u a t i o n c l o s e l y, b u t declined to comment on the company’s investments in Russia.
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Friday February 25, 2022
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Oil prices could surge beyond US$130 per barrel - but consumers will feel squeeze at gas pumps, power bills - Rystad Energy CEO of Rystad Energy, Jarand Rystad
Rystad Energy, the biggest independent energy consultancy in Norway, and a world-leading analysis company for the oil and gas industry, noted that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will likely see oil prices surging to around US$130 per barrel. It warned however that fears about supply scarcity will therefore see consumers feeling the squeeze at the gas pump and in their power bills. Specifically making this forecast was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rystad Energy, Jarand Rystad. The Norwegian physicist in his recent analysis of the Russian invasion that has dominated international and local media
noted that the tragedy of the situation cannot be underestimated, while adding that other implications of the conflict pale compared to the potential human cost on both sides. Rystad said full-scale military conflict between Russia and The West is unlikely. Be that as it may, he noted that a deep economic war is almost inevitable. Rystad said, “Russia cannot win an outright economic war, but it does have a major weapon to wield – oil and gas exports. Demand for oil and gas in The West is only rising, and a global energy crisis is likely to unfold.” He added, “Russia’s actions took international
commodity markets off guard, evidenced by the large price fluctuations witnessed today. Already strained markets are becoming further stretched as significant oil and gas volumes are now at risk.” Rystad said the escalation immediately jeopardizes up to 1 million barrels of oil per day of crude supplies that transit through Ukraine and the Black Sea. Rystad noted however that the long-term disruptions could be far more significant. Kaieteur News understands that Rystad Energy’s simulations show that oil prices could surge to around US$130 per barrel, with consumers feeling the squeeze at the gas pump and in their power bills. Rystad said the reality is that significantly higher prices are on the horizon in Europe and overseas. Furthermore, Rystad said that a complete halt to gas exports from Russia is highly unlikely, but gas piped through Ukraine – which represents 8% of European supply – is very much at risk. The analyst was keen to note that Russian gas accounts for over 30% of Europe’s demand, and other potential supply sources are
Day 1 of Russia-Ukraine war · Russian forces moved quickly across Ukrainian territory on several different fronts, with gunfire, explosions and aerial combat reported across the country, including near the capital of Kyiv · Ukrainian officials say 57 of their citizens have been killed and 169 wounded · Fighting broke out at key locations, including an airfield near the capital that was seized by Russian troops and which Ukrainian forces claim to have re-taken · Russian forces, however, took control of Chernobyl, site of the 1986 nuclear disaster and a place that remains radioactive to this day - prompting significant concern from international nuclear watchdogs · Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to continue fighting,
saying that “a new iron curtain” is falling into place - and his job is to make sure his country remains on the western side · Western nations have stepped up financial sanctions on Russia’s banks and high-ranking officials, with the US cutting off high-tech exports to Russia - but Nato nations will not send troops to Ukraine · Meanwhile, anti-war protests and demonstrations in support of Ukraine have been held in cities across Europe - and also in Russia, despite a crackdown that has resulted in more than 700 arrests · Amid all the fighting, the United Nations estimates that more than 100,000 people have already fled their homes, and border guards at neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Moldova have seen migrant families arrive (BBC News)
inadequately prepared to bridge the gap. On the other side, he said Russian gas exports bring in more than US$300 million for the Kremlin each day – revenues they cannot afford to lose. He added that Germany’s suspension of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline further complicates matters and increases the pressure on the continent to look for other sources to replace those volumes. In conclusion, Rystad Energy said it is following the situation closely and will share regular updates on its views. Prices surged Meanwhile, the BBC reported Thursday that oil prices surged past $100 (£74) a barrel to hit their highest level for more than seven years after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. Global shares fell on worries of the possible impact of the conflict, but US tech stocks rebounded in late trading. Russia is the second biggest exporter of crude oil, and is also the world’s largest natural gas exporter. Brent crude eased from $105 to $98 a barrel, but not before UK petrol prices had hit another record high. The UK imports 6% of its crude oil and 5% of its gas from Russia, but there are concerns sanctions could constrict supplies and drive up prices worldwide. The price of UK natural gas futures soared nearly 60% on Thursday. UK consumers are already paying a high price for energy and fuel, with
demand surging following the easing of COVID restrictions. Both the RAC and AA motoring groups said average petrol prices hit a record high of nearly 149.5p on Wednesday, with diesel at 152.83p. The RAC said that if the oil price reached $110 a barrel, the average price of petrol could hit £1.55 a litre. If prices do get this high, it will “cause untold financial difficulties for many people who depend on their cars for getting to work and running their lives as it would sky rocket the cost of a full tank to £85”, said the RAC’s Simon Williams. Petrol price movements in the UK are mainly determined by the price of crude oil, and the exchange rate between the dollar and the pound, because crude oil is traded in dollars. The price of crude oil is up, and the pound is down against the dollar. News of Russia’s actions also led to steep falls on global stock markets. In Europe, the UK’s FTSE 100 index fell more 3.9%, its biggest one-day fall since June 2020. Germany’s Dax index lost 4%. In the US, the Dow Jones fell nearly 2% in early trading but a late rally in the tech sector meant in ended 0.3% higher. The techheavy Nasdaq index climbed 3.3% and the S&P 500 closed trading up 1.5%. Shares in Netflix and Microsoft were both up more than 5%, respectively. After talking with allies from the G7, US President Biden announced measures to
impede Russia’s ability to do business in the world’s major currencies, along with sanctions against banks and state-owned companies. Wall Street which traded in the red at the start of the day on news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, hit session highs in the wake of Biden’s comments. The Moscow Stock Exchange saw trading suspended briefly, but when it reopened, the index fell by more than a third. On the currency markets, the Rubles sank to a record low against the US dollar. The price of gold, which is considered a haven asset in times of uncertainty jumped 3% to its highest price in more than a year. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the oil price surge “was terrible news for businesses and consumers” because “it will serve to further stoke inflation”. “Not only will energy bills keep going up, but food prices look set to jump even higher. Ukraine and Russia are both big food suppliers and any disruption to supplies will force buyers to seek alternative sources, which could jack up prices.” The UK’s cost of living is rising at its fastest rate in 30 years, as energy, fuel and food prices continued to soar, squeezing household budgets. Meanwhile, Mr. Mould said the fall in the FTSE 100 “was bad news for the millions of savers and investors who have money in UK equities”.
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Friday February 25, 2022
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
War in Ukraine
I
t is no longer rumours of war, but war in the fullness of its horrors that has now descended upon Ukraine and its inhabitants. Though telegraphed all along, it still is shocking in its reality, incontestable finality. To sum it up in the words of American Civil War General, William Tecumseh Sherman: “War is hell. It is all hell.” Whatever the geopolitical and geostrategic interests, visions, and calculations, the reality of the people in Ukraine is that they live with the hellish. We can talk all we want, from the safety of distance and the contentment of armchair philosophies about who is right, and what is wrong, and how man can be unjust to his fellow man. But when elephants rumble and tangle, the grass underfoot inevitably suffers from crushing suffocations and devastations, which are sometimes not recoverable for years to come. People are going to die, families will be shattered, many will be forced to cower in or abandon their homes, many more seek cover anywhere they can find it, while leaving behind all that they worked for all their lives. That is, if they still have anything left to salvage. The human lessons and human dramas can be ever so punishing, comprehensive in its savaging. This is what lurks too close to Guyana for the comfort of those citizens, who pay attention to such developments, who can actually understand the ramifications of what is involved, and how issues and tensions can flare out of control in a hurry. Mineral wealth is a magnet that attracts not only predators on two legs, but powers with global stature whose covetous eyes are cast on what is not their own, but must have. What they must have, if only to maintain ascendancy in their sphere of influence, or increased influence in those places where they have none. In the world and existence of mineral wealth, there is none more irresistible than the seductive call of oil, this black gold that can spew from beneath the seas or from the bowels of the ground. Wars have been fought for it, societies have been halved and splintered and decimated because of it, and citizens both inspired by its promises (on rare occasions), and greatly distressed by its troubles, which is more often the reality of its discoveries, the base instincts that this global, in-demand commodity can generate in the hearts and minds of men. Venezuela has more oil than any, and it is right next door, which is alarming all by itself. Guyana has found its own share of oil, with more in the making, and likely to come. This along, with other natural resources riches, entices men and nations to think and rethink how they deal with us. But the bottom line is that wherever and whenever oil features in the life of a nation, the worst usually follows on the swiftest of feet. Some of it can be within the boundaries, as in internal agitations and upheavals. In other situations, the menaces are external, with small and big powers numbering among the engaged captivated.We have heard and watched some of the more public back and forth involving sanctions and sanctions busting, as they concern our besieged neighbour, Venezuela. Among the names mentioned in what is a still low-level combustible mix are those of powers that are superpowers. The Ukraine invasion, crisis, we call it for what it is, war represents more than Russian motherhood and sacred sanctity. It could set the precedent for more tensions and conflicts in other part of the world. This region looks like prime territory for a version of the ancient great game among nations, this time in the form of Great Game South. Guyana is part of the uneven oil rich crescent that is populated by Suriname and Venezuela, and together they represent a whole lot of oil, which can be used for the purpose of either counterweight, or hegemony, or supply insurance. Much is tied up in this arc, inclusive of the economic and military, and the power and prestige that comes from both. Considering developments in Ukraine, the regional picture just changed, which should be worrying for Guyanese.
Why not a 2nd COVID-19 Household Cash Grant? DEAR EDITOR, In consequence of the discovery of 13.5 billion barrels of oil reserves, some Guyanese dream of Guyana becoming an ‘Abu Dhabi’ of the West. Some hail it as the ‘next Singapore,’ while others prefer to be cautiously optimistic and embrace instead the evolution of the ‘One Guyana’ concept. The prospect of huge oil wealth has triggered uncontrollable exuberance among Guyanese, many of whom have been clamoring for cash grants. However, while this emotional elixir is understandable, it has not necessarily been nourished with accurate data and realistic expectations. On the contrary, expectations of immediate benefits have been exaggerated, while oil related data are often misunderstood or distorted. From December 2019 to February 2022 (2 years, 3 months) Guyana’s share of oil revenues, for example, was just $(US) 637 million, which works out at an average of $(US) 283
million annually thus far. This is not a windfall. Juxtapose this sum with the annual remittances of Guyanese for the same period which was $(US) 384 million annually. No one expresses any excitement about this level of remittances, even though it exceeded our oil revenues for at least two years. The government is constrained by the NRF Act on the amount of funds it could withdraw in 2022. Any consideration of cash grants must therefore revolve around general revenues. Some critics say that Guyanese have not yet benefitted from oil revenues. This is not true as numerous businesses have been established and thousands of Guyanese employed in the oil sector. If they refer to benefits flowing from government oil revenues, these will find expression, both directly and indirectly, in several physical and social infrastructure projects. The point is that while Guyana is poised to earn
much more in oil revenues from 2022 onwards, Guyanese and politicians exhortations and demands for disposition of oil funds must be measured, especially taking into consideration the substantial amounts of oil revenues that will be dedicated to the transformative physical and social infrastructure projects during 2022-2025 and subsequently, as well as to the Sovereign Wealth Fund to secure intergenerational equity. To emphasize the significance of transformative (capital) projects, the government has allocated 39% of Budget 2022 for this purpose, and this capital expenditure represents an increase of 109% over the 2021 amount. Withdrawal of $(US) 600+ million from the NRF represents 23% of total 2022 budget. The WPA party which is part of the APNU opposition party, for example, issued this proclamation on Emancipation Day, 2021: “We have to stress that the oil wealth, however depleted, must be
equitably distributed among all groups. For us in the WPA this is non-negotiable, and we are prepared to fight tooth and nail for this outcome.” Other states like Alaska make annual direct cash grants of $(US)1,600 per resident from oil revenues, why not Guyana? But Guyana is not Alaska, which is already highly developed and affluent. Nevertheless, the case is advanced by proponents of cash grants that several decades of development programmes have failed to lead to any significant reduction of poverty (which is at 32%) and inequality and wonder whether this should not be the opportune time to pursue an alternative path of empowerment! And as a short-term measure, therefore, what could be more appealing than cash grants that go directly to people. Others caution saying that direct cash grants would only temporarily mitigate poverty and (Continued on page 6)
The President reserves biasness, perception for himself DEAR EDITOR, The President and Vice President forced me to do something they will regret. That is, to go through more finely what they say, even to listen to them, when circumstances necessitate. I read the President’s Mash Day address to the nation, and I reeled. This was not presidential or national, but more of the partisan and rancorous. When the hour sounded for Guyana’s leader to be conciliatory, he held out for hostility. The very things that he accused others of, he reserved for himself, as was obvious in his articulations; that is not how democracy works, but tyranny’s ways. The President spoke of ‘One Guyana’ in one gasp, then proceeded to trot out an enemies list, like an insecure Nixon. I can identify with some of the components of our, my own, President’s enemy list, and say so publicly; but not for reasons harboured in the President’s agitated breast. The President’s Mash message found space to spotlight “selfish agenda, biasness, perception, propaganda, and feelings.” I readily identify with perception, because the governance environment perpetrated by the President overflows with blatant wrongs, what fails minimal honesty and integrity tests. To assert otherwise is the special preserve of the comatose or the expired. Any soci-
ety that is to progress, by learning from its errors and failures, will only do so via the hearts of those still capable of perception, and not willing to swallow whatever lies and distortions come down from government and leaders. Those failing to be perceptive are guilty of imprisoning their own minds and principles. It may not have registered with Guyana’s President, but what he lashed out with in his conclusion about others, is in and of itself based on perception, and housing the same “biasness” that he accuses others of on such a grand day. Regarding “selfish agenda”, indeed, that is present, plentiful. Speaking for myself, the President knows, or his people should have told him, there are a few in this land who seek nothing, want nothing, will accept nothing. Now if that amounts to Guyanese with a “selfish agenda” then the President needs assistance of a particular kind, which I am incapable of delivering. On the issue of “propaganda” surely the nation’s young leader jests, since there is no group, no machinery, no presence in this country (maybe in the region) that is better than the PPP/C Government and its leaders and agents in the propaganda department. In Guyana, under the PPP/C and his government, propaganda is national culture, propaganda is national religion, propaganda is na-
tional pastime. It is telling that the President beholds his propaganda as scripture, but the truths of others as the handbook of the devil. In the area of “feelings” driven by whatever the President conjures in the confines of his mind, I contend that the President has them, too. I am sure he would agree that such is still a constitutional right in Guyana, which should not be denied to any, notwithstanding his views to the contrary, meaning that unless they reconcile with his government’s way of life, they are forbidden. Incredibly, the President was proud to pat himself on the back about being receptive to “constructive criticism.” I have news for the President: he does not have a monopoly on interpretations of what constitutes “constructive criticism.” Stated differently, what is and what isn’t; not because
the former pleases him, and the latter denounces. Given these hollow and artificial constructs of Guyana’s President, I have an invitation for him, something challenging. Give me something to go on, something honest, something ethical, something clean and unsullied, and I am willing to run through any fire, to attest to its national good and lasting benefits for all. Nothing would give more satisfaction. My invitation stands. I close this out. It is most unfortunate, a source of sorrow, some consternation, that the President chose Mash Day to snipe and “gripe” (to use his word) at those who want a better, cleaner Guyana. That which is done not with shovel and wheelbarrow, but a clean conscience and record that speaks volumes. Sincerely, GHK Lall
It is hoped this promise would not be like the one made to rice farmers DEAR EDITOR, Maybe it is not too early to get into the campaign mode and let your plans and promises be known. This was certainly the case of the recently anointed leader of the huge party comprising the umbrella of the coalition with the announcement the party would scrap personal income tax, if elected to government, since the country is now in the big leagues - oil producer-exporter nation, (Demerara Waves Online Feb 23). It is hoped this promise would be remembered, should the desired outcome be realised, and not, like another promise made to rice farmers a few short years ago, which was denied as ever being made. Shamshun Mohamed
Friday February 25, 2022
TRUTH BE TOLD: WE ARE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS’ KEEPERS DEAR EDITOR, In many, if not most countries, politics is about everything. Politics determines how a nation functions, how governments should govern and who gets what/where/when and how. Guyana is no exception. During every election campaign every political party would make elaborate and lavish promises to the voters to triumph in elections but when in office they tend to cast many of their promises aside. This is true for Guyana, where political parties for the most part have not fulfilled their campaign, or manifesto promises, which some have deemed hypocritical and crafty. Many believe that those in authority have mastered the art of real politics by spreading false rumours and propaganda and indulging in pettiness. They went into overdrive in the last election to convince Guyanese of every race and ethnicity that they have changed and would
not discriminate or be vindictive against anyone or abuse their power while in office. This is far from the truth. They touted the need for good governance, accountability, unity, and inclusivity, and sadly the people believed and voted for them. However, as reported in the press by the opposition, the government has deliberately excluded the Parliamentary Opposition which represents almost half of the population from the national flagraising ceremony in observance of Guyana’s 52nd Republic Anniversary. So the question is, where is the unity and inclusivity? After just 18 months in office, they have displayed their true colours. They have changed their mantra from inclusivity to the exclusivity of the opposition, from unity to disunity, from accountability to the lack thereof, and from good governance to shabby governance. As reported in several media out-
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lets, several public servants have been fired and some public officials have even been prosecuted on manufactured trump-up charges. Such spiteful action is reprehensible and uncalled for and should be denounced by all and sundry. The truth is Guyana cannot and would not develop by a single group/race, all the groups/ races must work together to move the country forward. Our oil revenue which is expected to climb to over US$1billion this year due to the rapid increase in oil prices should be distributed equitably among all Guyanese. However, supporters of the opposition are of the view that the administration has mistreated and abused them and has denied them equal access to jobs in the public service. At the same time there is evidence that it has offered jobs to scores of their supporters throughout the country (Continued on page6)
NY Guyanese condemn invasion of Ukraine DEAR EDITOR, The New York based Guyana Democracy Project (GDP) joins a growing list of world leaders, legislators, and international organisations condemning Russia’s unwarranted unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign state. It notes that the invasion has resulted in a senseless loss of lives and destruction of property and further puts at risk the lives of hundreds of thousands of the Ukrainian people. This invasion could lead to a serious humanitarian crisis and the conflict would reverberate throughout the world, jolting financial mar-
kets and affecting supplies of goods and energy prices in Guyana as well as the diaspora. The costs of goods and services would skyrocket. Thus, NY GDP joins with all peace loving people to halt this conflict and allow the people of Ukraine to be responsible for their own selfdetermination. The organisation says that it stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as it seeks international assistance to stop Russia from continuing its attack on the sovereign country. The organisation states that the Ukrainian people
have a right to live peacefully in their own country and with their neighbours. It notes that the Russian attack is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter that calls for the respect of borders of states. The NYGDP calls for an end to the invasion and urges diplomacy to resolve the conflict. The organisation urges the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to halt the invasion and find a peaceful path to resolve the conflict and spare the wanton destruction and excruciating pain of the country. The New York based nongovernmental organisation, (Continued on page 6)
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Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
Several areas are under water because of gross incompetence THE EDITOR, As I write, several sections of Enmore are under water; flat homes are in footdeep water. Enmore has two pumps: One normally manned by Enmore Estate and the other by D&I. Neither is working and, from investigations, both have been down for over a week. If this is efficiency and good management by D&I, I would shudder to see what is mismanagement. I am not one to knock any administration from a politi-
cal perspective; I am not good at politicking and will never be. And I cannot be silent when crass incompetence puts the welfare of residents, wherever, at risk. At the moment several areas are under water – BECAUSE OF GROSS INCOMPETENCE BY SOME! Often, one is tempted to the conclusion that because some functionaries had campaigned for a political administration, they are entitled to a free pass for shoddy performance on the job. It is such incompetence in the field that
results in negating the good intention of any administration. This is an open call to His Excellency President Ali to do an urgent audit of Heads of Organisations and roll the heads of those who are found to be inept but who hide under the political cloak and suck up. I also call on NDC heads to go open where functionaries “Mama-guy” and shift blame to others. Let us call a spade a spade. Anything less is being hypocritical. Yours, Taajnauth Jadunauth
Why not a 2nd COVID-19... From page 4 inequality; what is needed instead is the creation of empowerment programmes, like skills training, education advancement, job creation, etc. A Ghanian oil expert, Mr. George Owusu observes: “I do not believe in subsidies and giving people cash. You have to work for it.” Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo notes “how other countries have
splurged their windfall on current expenses, to such an extent that they could not sustain them when their oil windfall ended.” To illustrate this position, he cited the example of Trinidad & Tobago, which spent “99 per cent of its fiscal revenues between 1999 and 2015 to increase transfers and subsidies,” a condition which the country could not maintain.
Any consideration of cash grants for 2022 would come from general revenues as the $(US) 600+ million NR fund has already been allocated for 2022 budget. Noteworthy, is the social dislocation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related rising cost of living that is building a compelling case for another COVID-19 like household cash grant. Dr. Tara Singh
NY Guyanese condemn... From page 5 NYGDP in a statement released Thursday morning states: “Russia’s unprovoked assault on a sovereign nation is a violation of international law and the UN Charter and in breach of the 1994 international agreement. We categorically condemn the invasion. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims
and the Ukrainian people. We call on Russia to immediately cease its military mission and seek a diplomatic solution.” The NYGDP, led by Dr. Tara Singh as President, was founded in 2019 to promote and defend democracy and good governance in Guyana and elsewhere. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
TRUTH BE TOLD: WE ARE OUR... From page 5 and in the diaspora. As reported, some of our Indoand-Afro Guyanese contractors including Dunn and Associates, Clarke Investments, Raj Construction Company Inc., and BK international have been denied government contracts because it has been alleged that they are or were supporters of or affiliated with the opposition while in office. Many in the opposition have also claimed that they are being marginalised as was the case prior to 2015.The level of discrimination and abuse of power are real and profound. Today, the administration disdain and disregard for many Indo-and AfroGuyanese who have been perceived to be supporters of the opposition are being victimised and discriminated against. But truth be told, everyone in Guyana regardless of their ethnicity has a right to be affiliated and or sup-
port a political party of their choice and any victimisation or discrimination by the powers that be is a violation of their human rights as adumbrated in the United Nations Human Rights Charter Therefore, I urge all civic organisations, religious institutions, businesses, the Bar Association, and all fairminded Guyanese, among others to demand an end to such discriminatory and vindictive practices, which are harmful not only to the people but to the country.
Again, truth be told, we are first and foremost Guyanese, and more importantly, we are our brothers and sisters’ keepers and all, included the powers that be, should respect and treat all Guyanese fairly and equally for we are One People, One Nation with One Destiny, united and strong in the land of the free. I wish God’s blessings on our nation as we celebrate our 52 Republic Anniversary. Sincerely, Jeffrey Downer
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
Most, if not all of us, are au fait with the maxim, “Together we stand, divided we fall”. Why then, we at this publication ask, are some of our leaders pushing division with alacrity? Dividing our country along political and racial lines will not be condoned by this newspaper in any way or form. Come on leaders, isn’t our Motto still: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”?
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Friday February 25, 2022
Man remanded for Efforts underway for Diaspora involvement murder of pregnant in oil and gas sector - Foreign Secretary ex-girlfriend
Dead, Loretta Simon.
Remanded, Terrence Thomas.
Two days after 34-yearold Terrence Thomas of East La Penitence, Georgetown was apprehended, he was on Thursday remanded to prison for the alleged murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend. Thomas appeared before a Magistrate in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleges that on
January 27, 2022, at ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, he murdered his pregnant ex-girlfriend, 28-year-old Loretta Simon. Thomas was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to sometime in the new month. According to report, after allegedly committing the crime, Thomas had gone into hiding (Continued on page 16)
The Government has outlined a plan to facilitate the involvement of thousands of overseas-based Guyanese, in the growing oil and gas sector. These efforts, according t o G u y a n a ’s F o r e i g n Secretary, Robert Persaud, are a work-in-progress. Persaud made this disclosure during the recently concluded Energy Conference which was held in Kingston last week. During the conference, Persaud divulged that even as the government gears towards building local c o n t e n t c a p a c i t y, t h e administration is also looking to factor in expatriates as well as Guyanese living abroad in the ongoing work of the oil sector. Persaud told the conference that “It is important to note that’s based on the latest data, we have more Guyanese living
outside Guyana than inside. We have people living in Suriname, which has had significant oil discoveries. Thousands in Trinidad and thousands in Venezuela where there are mature oil sectors and that’s a huge resource-base. This is a population that possesses skills and resources and ability to network and mobilise to facilitate oil sector.” He continued that “what the government is looking to see how we can attract them to play a part.” “One of those is by developing a platform so they know how to contribute. Doing it through the private sector through recruitment agencies, etc. for the oil sector,” he said, adding that efforts are underw ay to create a mechanism whereby Guyanese living abroad especially, those active in mature oil and gas sectors can contribute to helping to
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud. develop local capacity.” “[This platform] is whereby they can be able to see opportunities here and work with us where they are able to fit in,” Persaud said. The Foreign Secretary noted that the administration has taken tangible steps towards making this plan a reality. “If you notice in the 2022 budget there is an allocation for budget for diaspora engagement and involvement. So, we have made this, a priority,”
Persaud asserted. The Foreign Secretary explained that the government is not viewing these Guyanese as just expatriates, “We view them as an element of local content participation… we are looking at how we can tap into their skills.” He noted the opportunities for expatriates will not be limited to them but it is open to their descendants as well. “Another element is how to get the second and third generation in the Diaspora. We’ve been looking at ways to attract them and started a project to go after that and developing a youth volunteer programme. We are trying to develop these programmes to get them [involved] so that they can understand what’s happening in the sector and also bring the skills here,” he continued. According to Persaud, if Guyana goes down this path (Continued on page 12)
Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
What’s the name of the game?
When it comes to its energy projects, the government continues to sing the same tune repeatedly in the hope that it will gain traction. It is akin to constantly throwing muck at someone in the desperate hope that some of it will stick. The government’s selling point for the gas-to-shore and Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project is that these ventures will halve the cost of electricity. The government says that when this happens, the local manufacturing sector will be boosted. What the government is not saying, however, is that Guyana has one of the highest costs of electricity in the world and among the highest in the Caribbean. The cost of electricity is so high in Guyana that halving it is not going to make the economy more competitive than either Trinidad and Tobago or Suriname, both of whom produce electricity at a fraction of what Guyana does. The average cost of delivered electricity in Guyana presently is approximately US$0.32 per kWh. The average cost of electricity in Trinidad and Tobago, delivered to consumers, is US$0.05 cents per kilowatt hour and in Suriname, it is around the same. As such, both countries are able to provide relatively low electricity tariffs. The Amaila Falls Project will produce electricity which will be sold to the GPL US$0.07 per kilowatt hour. The GPL has high distribution costs, and considering the location of the proposed hydroelectric project, the cost of transmission of the electricity generated will be extremely high. The government estimates that GPL will be able to deliver electricity at around US$0.16 per kWh.
That is not a competitive cost relative to Trinidad and Suriname and makes a mockery of President Ali’s prediction that Guyana will become an industrial powerhouse. The cost of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project is now tagged at US$700M. And that project is expected to produce around 165 megawatts of power. This works out to an average cost of US$4.2M per megawatt, which is an extremely high cost. As this newspaper reported on Wednesday, the Government of Barbados will soon be generating 178 megawatts of electricity using hydrogen and solar. And that project will cost it US$100M. On the other hand, Guyana is planning to spend seven times this amount to generate slightly less electricity. According to reports, a similar hybrid plant is being constructed in French Guiana. As such, it makes no economic sense at all for Guyana to be building an expensive hydroelectric falls when the same energy can be produced for a lesser cost using the same hybrid system – solar and green hydrogen – as in Barbados. Guyana is supposed to be a leader in the environment but Barbados is going to become the leader in renewable energy in the Caribbean. With this hybrid power plant, Barbados will be able to enjoy 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. The Government of Guyana, therefore, has to examine cheaper options. The technology now exists to produce cheap solar power. And this can be done by the private investors without any investment from government.
The cost of solar energy is falling. Guyana can easily secure investors, including from India, to secure the 400 MW of power it needs, and it can have this at a cost of less than US$0.05. And it is now going to cost US$700M. It is for this reason that there have been calls for the government to put an immediate halt to its plans for its two high cost energy projects – the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project and the controversial gas-to-shore project. The PNC/R is now asking for the gas pipeline aspect of the latter project to be put aside in favour of using liquefied natural gas. This suggestion should be considered, especially since one of the main criticisms of the gas-to-shore project is that there is no feasibility study in relation to other energy options. The President has said that he is open to constructive criticism. But is he open to a transparent approach to these projects? And is he willing to engage with the Opposition and other civil society members who have expressed similar concerns as Glenn Lall and the Kaieteur News? If the President wants to be taken seriously, he should instruct that there be a briefing to members of the National Assembly, and then to civil society, on his administration’s two main energy projects. This briefing should be exhaustive and allow for the full details to be made public and for answers to questions to be answered candidly. What is there to lose? If there is national consensus on these projects, the government comes out looking and smelling good.
Dem boys seh...
Guyana also get invade! Nuff people wake up yesterday to de news dat Russia invade Ukraine. And nuff people like dem walking round shellshocked, as if is Guyana get invade. Well, Guyana also under occupation. Ukraine get invade militarily. Guyana get invade economically. We gold in de hands of de Canadians, Chinese and Brazilians. We bauxite and manganese controlled by de Russians and de Chinese. De Chinese and Indian did trying to get a foothold in de timber industry. De Americans, de Brit-
ish, de French, de Canadians done gat most of de oil blocks. And Trinidadian companies done set up shop in Guyana to provide oil-related services. And Uncle Sam companies coming in fuh leff dem mark in de oil and gas sector. Dem done gat most ah dem big contracts, leaving de crumbs fuh awe. We banking sector dominated by a Trinidadian conglomerate. Dem controlling almost half of de financial sector. Suriname in we insurance industry and dem gat wan company hay wah meking strides in de automobile industry.
Guyanese like bread and roti. But de Flour Mill not locally owned. De two main local telephone companies owned by foreign companies. We airline industry totally foreign. Caribbean Airlines and American Airlines running things. And de biggest supermarket in Guyana is part of a Trinidadian group. So we economy done get invade. And we nah fighting back because we happy dat way. We more worried bout Ukraine dan we worry bout we own wealth. Talk half. Leff half.
If however, there are justifiable concerns, the country and the government still wins since it would have avoided projects, which could end up becoming financial behe-
moths. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Kaieteur News
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Friday February 25, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Gary Brooker is dead. His song pictorializes my life I was a teenager during the age of the hippies. One of the pop songs that challenged the domination of the music of the Beatles, at a time when the tunes of the Beatles had no rivals, was a composition, “A Whiter Shade of Pale”, done by a group with a strange name – Procol Harum. Whether you liked jazz, Hindi film music, calypso, rhythm and blues, reggae, etc., a Whiter Shade of Pale was a haunting pop song
with strange lyrics. The song became an instant international success and today is generally accepted by all music reviewers as one of the most enduring pop ballads in music history. It has been covered by countless artists, some of whom are fantastic singers but the original is simply way, way in front. Sarah Brightman with her operatic touch comes close to my liking but not good enough to match Procol Harum’s
masterpiece. The BBC in 2009 noted that A Whiter Shade of Pale was the most played song in the UK during the past 75 years. I never bothered with knowing about the group and the singer. I didn’t know the singer’s name. I just liked the song. It was when I reached my 30s, something happened to me. I detected a personal connection with a song named “Limelight” by a group titled Alan Parsons Project. “Limelight” was
about me and what my father wanted to be and couldn’t be and that I had to be my father’s replacement. In my column of Sunday, May 24, 2020, captioned, “A song for me and the heroes I see from my window,” about the recount of the ballots for the March 2020 election that was taking place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, I brought out the personal connection between the song and my life. I repeat it here. The meaning of the lyrics of “Limelight” is not about fame and wanting to be in the public eyes. It is about wanting a public platform to speak to the world about the rights and wrongs of life, about helping people gain freedom and justice and denouncing those who deny happiness to others. I was sad when I read that Gary Brooker who sang A Whiter Shade of Pale and Limelight died last Saturday. It always touches you when a singer and actor that you have personal memories of die. I remember when Bollywood superstar, Rajesh Khana passed away, there was literally an ocean of memories taking over me. No singer or actor invokes memories of my mother like Rajesh Khanna. No actor reminds me of my formative years from 18 years onwards as Rajesh Khanna. I am typing this piece here on Mash Day at
5:30AM while my Frederick Kissoon wife is fast asleep. When the sun rises, I waiting will leave the house with my I’m gonna show them dog without her knowing to all touch down at the National Park and on the seawall. In I can see the world in a my discman (yes I use that different light relic and I enjoy using it), I Now it’s easy to say will play a CD titled Where I went wrong “Anthology” by the Alan What I did right Parsons Project. I will skip to I can hear the beat number 14 on the list, which Of a different drum is Limelight. Below are the Take it all in my stride words of a song, that is Hold my head high personal to me, sung by the Second to none late Gary Brooker. If you watch it on YouTube, I hope Holding on wasn’t you like it. always easy Nothing can change my LIMELIGHT mind Limelight you were all I “I can see the glow of a ever wanted since it all distant sun began I can feel it inside Limelight shining on me Maybe this day could be Telling the world who I the one am I can hear the roar of a Limelight don’t let it slip distant crowd right through your fingers They are waiting for me There’s a long way to Calling my name fall Shouting out loud Holding on isn’t always easy I ain’t gonna change my mind Limelight you were all I ever wanted Since it all began Limelight shining on me Telling the world who I am Limelight don’t let me slip right through your fingers There’s a long way to fall After all the years of
After all the years of waiting, I’m gonna show them all Maybe the role’s not easy Maybe the prize is small After all the years of waiting, I’m gonna show them all.” (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Man charged for beating ex-girlfriend who refused him sex
A
tearful labourer was on Thursday remanded to prison for allegedly brutally beating his ex-girlfriend with a 4x4 wood and a hockey stick after she refused to have sex with him. The defendant, Fabian Crawford, 29, of Laing Avenue, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Crawford was not required to plead to the indictable felonious wounding charge, which was read to him. The charge alleges that between February 18, and 19, 2022, at Laing Avenue, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded his ex-girlfriend with intent to maim, disable or disfigure her. According to information, the two had shared a relationship but it ended in January 2022, due to the fact that Crawford is
reportedly abusive. On the January 18, 2022, Crawford reportedly destroyed his exgirlfriend cellular phone. However, he requested to see her so that he can repay her for the phone that he had destroyed. As such, the woman went to the defendant’s home where they talked and he subsequently asked her to have sex with him. She refused and this annoyed Crawford who then started to allegedly beat the woman with the wood and hockey stick. A report was later lodged with the police and the defendant was arrested and charged for the offence. The Chief Magistrate remanded the defendant to prison and the matter was adjourned to March 9, 2022. The woman appeared in court today and marks of violence are visible on her body – her left hand was also broken and was in a cast.
Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Friday February 25, 2022
Roaming fees reduced while travelling in ...as Digicel, Cable and Wireless CARICOM ink St. George’s Declaration Digicel and Cable and Wireless Communications on Wednesday inked the Declaration of St George’s, Towards the Reduction of Intra CARICOM Roaming Charges that will pave the way for reduced fees paid when travelling between CARICOM countries Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, and Lead CARICOM Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology Kieran M u l v e y, D i r e c t o r o f Government Affairs, Digicel Group and Kurleigh Prescod, Vice President South Caribbean, Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) were signatories to the Declaration. The Declaration is expected to result in the reduction of intraCARICOM roaming charges and facilitate the provision of seamless mobile (cellular) services, including voice, SMS text and data. According to a public missive released by the C a r i b b e a n Telecommunications Union, “CARICOM residents will now roam in CARICOM States at significantly reduced cost, as much as 70 percent saving by one estimate.” The union said too that “importantly, as mentioned
by the Digicel and Cable and Wireless’ representatives, citizens’ charges will be predictable and transparent thus resulting in the elimination of severe bill shock that has been experienced in the past.” According to Prime Minister Mitchell, “as historic as today’s signing is, we still have some critical milestones ahead of us. Ideally, Caribbean leaders want to see the full elimination of roaming charges within the Caribbean Community and we will continue to push for this in the interest of our Caribbean people,” CARICOM Citizens will start enjoying the benefits of the reduction of roaming charges as early as the second quarter of this year. According to Prime Minister Mitchell, “Parties to this declaration have a g r e e d o n a n implementation timeframe between the second and third quarter of this year, giving consideration to the technical aspects of the implementation and the public awareness campaigns that must take place. It was noted that CARICOM Heads of Government have long recognised that the ability to roam between the
No more roaming fees while travelling in CARICOM as Digicel, Cable and Wireless ink St. George’s Declaration
CARICOM States at reasonable costs is an essential characteristic in promoting greater connectivity within the CARICOM Single ICT Space and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, which they are seeking to put in place. As such, finalising the agreement as a matter of urgency with the regional operators was a priority objective of the Heads. Barbadian Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, who also attended the signing virtually said, “this a large step but we are short of our destination to eliminate roaming completely.
Data bridges are absolutely critical and more so, as a result of the pandemic, we need to keep connectivity going. Data, information and connectivity must be cheap, must be available and must be fast.” According to Prime M i n i s t e r M o t t l e y, “CARICOM has negotiated with a local, regional and international industry as one, in the explicit pursuit of its single market and space. We must move on to the next steps of creating a single ICT regulatory environment in CARICOM and ensuring that the cost born by our citizens for telecoms
services relate to the cost incurred by telcoms providers, and not have
deemed rates of return that are outside the pockets of our citizens.”
Efforts underway for... From page 8 successfully, the country can benefit from a design that has helped push the development of more established nations. “Ireland for example…they have not targeted migration scheme. They looked at how their people live and work and looked to tap into that. Ireland became the destination for many headquarters for their nationals…” “And, because of the work of their Diaspora and incentives, that country has become a more attractive place to be. Similarly, we want the Diaspora to be a force of transformation and to engage them that they too can help.” Persaud said, adding that the work to factor in the Diaspora will not be limited to the oil and gas sector. “We see it as a catalyst and so while we talk about opportunities we don’t want to limit those to oil and gas but to tourism, manufacturing and other services,” he said.
Kaieteur News
Friday February 25, 2022
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‘Double standards’ A
s Guyana prepares to ramp up its production of oil, in the absence of full coverage insurance from the major operator, ExxonMobil, the c o u n t r y ’s c a p a c i t y t o respond to an oil spill is being boosted by the United States Coast Guards, although no effort seems to be made for this country to get full coverage insurance. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Patrice Wishart in an interview with Kaieteur News on Thursday explained that the virtual training sessions which commenced last year is currently being amplified as well, since the oil operators are gearing to ramp up their production offshore too. Wi s h a r t t o l d t h i s publication, “We have training going on throughout this month and next month. The US Coast Guard through the US State Department and the US government is training us… to give us oil spill response guidance in the event of such an incident”. The 28 stakeholder agencies on the National Oil Spill Committee (NOSC) are participating in the workshop. Some of these, in addition to the CDC, include
An oil spill that occurred in the waters around Mauritius after Japanese bulk carrier, MV Wakashio, ran aground on 25 July 2020 (Greenpeace photo) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GMC), the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Ministry of Health, Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Marine C o n s e r v a t i o n S o c i e t y, Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee and the Guyana Hydrometeorological Service. The PRO explained, “We have a booming oil industry and we will have a booming oil economy very soon and so we want to be prepared for it (an oil spill)…they (the US Coast Guards) have outlined in very specific detail what
would happen in such an event, depending on which vessel or which offshore base has a spill. They have outlined how the oil will flow, where it will go depending on the tide, depending on the wind and that sort of things so it’s very valuable training”. He added that “hands on” sessions were planned to give the response team a better expectation of their responsibilities but was postponed due to the Corona Vi r u s p a n d e m i c . T h e training sessions are expected to conclude next month with about five more items on the agenda yet to be completed. Kaieteur News has been
Lawyer challenges adequacy of medical records in rape appeal
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ttorney -at- law, Dexter Todd is challenging the adequacy of the medical records provided by a doctor in a rape matter before the Guyana Appeal Court. Todd is representing Colvin Norton who was convicted for raping a sixyear-old girl, left in his care in August of 2013. Norton, who was 19 years-old at the time he allegedly committed the act, was sentenced to serve 28 years in prison for the rape following a trial in the Demerara High Court before Justice Jo Ann Barlow in 2018. As part of the appeal to overturn his conviction and sentence, Norton‘s attorney has asked the court to examine the medical evidence that was used to convict him of the crime. The lawyer is contending among other things that the records were inadequate and that the jury was left to
speculate and form their own opinion using the faulty information. The lawyer submitted and presented arguments before the Appeal Court yesterday. The Appeal Court has concluded hearing the submissions for attorneys for the appellant as well as the State and is scheduled to provide a ruling in the matter next month. Back in 2018, a mixed panel of jurors found Norton unanimously guilty of two counts of rape. The indictment is that on August 1, 2013 and August 6, 2013, r e s p e c t i v e l y, N o r t o n engaged in sexual penetration with the underage girl. According to the facts of the case, Norton was left to take care of the young girl and her siblings while there mother was out. After molesting the young child, Norton reportedly tried to silence her by telling her not to say
Convicted: Colvin Norton. anything to her mother, or he would kill both of them. The child feared for life but after a while she confided in someone about what had happened to her.
told that the Maritime Administration Department will be the first responder to an offshore spill while the EPA is one of the agencies lined up for first response onshore. As it relates to the cost of the training, Wishart said he could not confirm whether Guyana is paying the US for its services. Instead, he said, “ We h a d a w o r k i n g relationship with them all along and I think what happened is that they offered and we said yes because they have years of experience and the resources and the know how to respond and they have had their incidents as well…so they know how to address these large spills”. Since 2015, ExxonMobil Corporation, the parent company of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, has steered clear of being tied to full coverage insurance for its
- Govt. facilitating US training of locals to respond to oil spill, but refuses to press Exxon to give Guyana full coverage insurance
Stabroek Block projects, which are certain to deliver multi-billion dollar profits on an annual basis. Instead, it has placed only its subsidiary (EEPGL) on the hook should such an eventuality occur offshore. This is the state of affairs with its Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara Projects. Following in its footsteps are Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited, the other two joint venture companies in the Stabroek Block. Suriname’s position Unlike Guyana, when it comes to the regulation of its p e t r o l e u m i n d u s t r y, Suriname authorities ensured that the requisite monitoring systems as well as the human resources needed are always in place to keep a watchful eye of every move an oil company makes with their resources. In this way, Rudolf Elias, former Head of Staatsolie Suriname’s National Oil Company (NOC) said the authorities of the Dutch speaking nation achieved two objectives. The first he said is that they ensured there is respect for the rules and regulations in place since “what gets regulated gets d o n e . ” A n d s e c o n d l y, officials are able to learn and grow their knowledge based on various aspects of the sector. Only last week the Shadow Oil and Gas Minister on the Opposition benches of the National Assembly, David Patterson
submitted a Motion to Parliament calling for liability insurance coverage in the event of an oil spill disaster. According to a document seen by this publication, in his Motion tabled in the National Assembly, Patterson noted that with the number of floating production storage and offloading (FPSOs) increasing over 10 times by 2026 and oil production offshore Guyana is expected to increase rapidly from its current rate of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) to almost one million bpd, there is a high likelihood of an oil spill occurring offshore Guyana. In this regard, the Opposition MP pointed out that Guyana’s oil spill response plan is grossly inadequate for such an emergency, cleanup and restoration. He therefore proposed that Exxon’s fourth project, the Yellowtail Development be used as leverage by the government to ensure the country gets full coverage insurance. The document seen by this publication said, “And Be it further Resolved that this parliament calls on the Government of Guyana, to include full unlimited liability coverage for oil spills and other disasters related to petroleum production as a condition for granting approval for the p r o p o s e d Ye l l o w t a i l development and all other future petroleum development.”
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Friday February 25, 2022
Caricom, OAS condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Joining world leaders in c o n d e m n i n g R u s s i a ’s invasion of the Ukraine the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has called for the immediate and complete withdrawal of the military presence and cessation of any further actions that may intensify the current perilous situation in that country. US and Western leaders have pledged harsh sanctions, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urging the West to ban Russia from the SWIFT international payments system. Putin noted that Russia remained part of the global economic system, but warned of further “restrictions” to the Russian economy and called for business to work “in solidarity” with the government. “It seems to me that our partners should understand this and not set themselves the task of pushing us out of this system,” Putin said. “Nevertheless, for political reasons, these restrictions will happen.” Russian forces early Thursday launched a fullscale assault on Ukraine, with its military attacking the country from the north,
east and south. In its statement Caricom said the recognition by The Russian Federation of the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk represents a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. ”The hostilities against Ukraine go counter to the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state and the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, which are the bedrock of this Community,” the regional bloc said. ”CARICOM maintains that the principles
of universal respect and adherence to these norms and principles of international law are fundamental to the maintenance of the international system and global peace and security. CARICOM calls on all parties involved to urgently embark on intensified diplomatic dialogue to immediately de-escalate hostilities and work towards a sustainable peace,” the statement added. For its part, the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) also condemns the invasion of Ukraine and calls for an immediate
cessation of the hostilities. “Russian aggression constitutes a crime against international peace. The armed attack perpetrated against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is reprehensible and constitutes a very serious act in violation of international law. Aggression has been defined as the “supreme international crime” and it undoubtedly constitutes an attack against the peace and security of humanity, as well as civilized relations between States,” the OAS said. Meanwhile, the Guyana Peace Council (GPC) in a statement said it notes with
deep concern recent grave developments in the Russia/Ukraine crisis. “The crises was further exacerbated with the birthing and recognition by Russia of the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic as ‘independent states’ within the national borders of the State of Ukraine; The GPC has learnt with alarm that the Russian authorities authorised a military operation in the Donbas Region. The operation has been roundly condemned by members of the United Nations Security Council. The GPC deeply regrets the step taken by Russia and the shelling of Ukrainian military bases and installations which may result in the loss of lives.” “The GPC, wishes to state that notwithstanding the national security concerns expressed by Russia, its intrusion by military means in Ukrainian national territory constitutes a gross violation of the Ukraine’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty as well as a violation of the United Nations Charter. The GPC stands on its record in being opposed to military
intervention in violation of a country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty as was the case with Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Britain’s invasion of the Malvinas in 1982, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and the allied forces invasion in Iraq and Libya in 2003 and 2011 respectively.” The GPC said it has learnt with dismay, reports about serious human right violations against Russian citizens in the Donbas Region which Russia claims they were called upon to protect and defend. “The GPC has noted that within a three week time frame, four meetings of the United Nations Security Council and one meeting of the General Assembly were convened to find a peaceful solution to the on-going Russia/Ukraine crisis. In this regard, the GPC supports unequivocally the appeal to the President of Russia by the UN Secretary General to “give peace a chance” and for Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory. The GPC has taken note of the mounting condemnation by members of the UN of Russia’s (Continued on page 16)
Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Govt., PNCR condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine The Government of Guyana and the People’s National Congress Reform have joined the international community in condemning the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, urging President Vladimir Putin to swiftly withdraw his troops and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Guyana “condemns the violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia.” “We call for an immediate cessation of military action. The Government is now in consultation with our International partners and will issue a full statement before the end of the day,” the terse statement concluded. For its party, the PNCR said it has been following with keen interest the events leading to the very unfortunate development of the armed forces of the Russian Federation invading the Republic of Ukraine. “The PNCR would have preferred if a diplomatic solution had been sought and
obtained as this would have had a positive impact on a number of principles to which the Party adheres such as the sanctity of treaties and internationally recognised borders and the peaceful development of states.” The PNCR said as it is, the violation of the borders of Ukraine not only has breached these principles but the continuation of this situation is most likely to have grave implications for the peaceful development and for the geopolitics of Europe, the rest of the world, more particularly, and negative consequences for the world economy. “This particular development, Guyana as a small developing state, which has an open economy vulnerable to external shocks, ignores at its peril.” “Having carefully considered these facts and even taking into consideration that our Party is prepared to have relations with all political parties and states, it must condemn the violation of the territorial integrity of the Ukraine, the principle of the sanctity of contracts and that of
internationally recognised borders. This situation can only lead to the poisoning of relationships with the European Union and the Russian Federation with fraught implications for the peaceful development of the international system,” the PNCR said. The party added that even at this late hour, it is calling for the withdrawal of the troops of the Russian Federation from the Republic of Ukraine and urgently urges that steps be taken to initiate a process for the peaceful resolution of the conflict between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine. “This may appear challenging given that the momentum of aggression seems well established. However, the PNCR believes that if there is a will and a determination for peace, the current negative circumstances can be reversed. Indeed, the factors which argue for a peaceful resolution of this matter are persuasive.” The PNCR added that trade between the EU and Russia is substantial, noting (Continued on page 16)
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Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Govt., PNCR condemn Russian invasion... From page 15 that agreements between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine have been reached and have contributed to the peaceful development between the two states. And it is beyond dispute that a return to the status quo ante will have a positive effect on the international system and the global economy. Managing a return to peaceful conditions will not be easy. But powerful nations and multilateral organisations are on record as being ready to see that this is done. Peace in Europe has lasted for more than 70
years.”The implications for breaking that peace must weigh on the minds of all peace-loving nations. As part of a small developing state, the PNCR joins all those nations and international organisations that are calling for a cease fire in the current conflict between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine and urges a return to stable relations between the two states.” US and Western leaders have pledged harsh sanctions, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urging the West to ban Russia from the SWIFT international payments system. Putin
noted that Russia remained part of the global economic system, but warned of further “restrictions” to the Russian economy and called for business to work “in solidarity” with the government. “It seems to me that our partners should understand this and not set themselves the task of pushing us out of this system,” Putin said. “Nevertheless, for political reasons, these restrictions will happen.” Russian forces early Thursday launched a fullscale assault on Ukraine, with its military attacking the country from the north, east and south.
Caricom, OAS condemn Russia invasion... From page 14 violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, political independence and sovereignty and has noted with interest the loud call for a diplomatic solution aimed at bringing about lasting peace and security in Europe,” the statement added. The GPC said it welcomes the call by members of the UN for all parties in the conflict to exercise restraint
and for every effort to be made by diplomatic means to resolve the security concerns of all the parties and for the de-escalation of the crises. “The GPC joins with peace and freedom loving peoples around the world is supporting the call for an end to the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and for the prevention of any further escalation and extension of the
conflict onto the European theatre. “The GPC expresses its full support to the call for the parties concerned to return to the negotiating table with a view to settling their differences by diplomatic means and to find a lasting and durable solution to the crises and its genesis taking into consideration in the security concerns of Russia and Ukraine.”
Man remanded for murder of pregnant... From page 8 but was on Monday recaptured in an abandoned house in Queenstown, Georgetown. Simon was reportedly stabbed in the region of her heart around 13:00hrs on the day in question. She was reportedly visiting her mother that afternoon when Thomas turned up. It was reported that she had gone out to meet him and he had asked for a glass of water and permission to use the washroom but she refused him entry into the
home. During an exchange of words between the pair, Thomas demanded an explanation from the woman for leaving him, which sparked an argument between them. Simon then reportedly ordered Thomas to leave her mother’s premises. However, Thomas allegedly whipped out a knife from his pants waist and stabbed the woman. Simon ran a short distance before collapsing and died at
which point, the suspect threw the murder weapon into the yard and fled. Simon’s relatives had found her body lying at the back door of her mother’s house. The police were alerted and a man hunt was launched for the suspect, who was only recently apprehended. According to reports Simon had moved out and left the suspect last year owing to his abusive ways. He would however persist in having her return.
Kaieteur News
Friday February 25, 2022
PAGE 17
US-based man remanded for allegedly killing son-in-law Shurwayne Brandt, the suspect who allegedly disguised as a woman to kill his son-in-law was on Thursday remanded to prison until March 22, 2022. Brandt is accused of murdering Leon Gittens, 25, on Friday, February 18, at a house located in East La Penitence, Georgetown. He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was charged with murder. He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.
According to reports, Brandt was captured at the Eugene Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) two days after his son-in-law was killed. He was at the time waiting to board a plane to Barbados. It is alleged that around midnight on Friday last a man dressed in a wig and dress intruded his daughter’s house located at East La Penitence. Gittens was reportedly sleeping over there with her at the time. Gittens was shot three times
World News Russia invades Ukraine on many fronts in ‘brutal act of war’ B y Y U R A S KARMANAU, JIM HEINTZ, VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV and DASHA LITVINOVA (AP) — Russia launched a full-scale invasion of U k r a i n e o n T h u r s d a y, unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending in troops and tanks from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the global post-Cold War security order. Ukraine’s government pleaded for help as civilians piled into trains and cars to flee. Russian President Vladimir Putin ignored global condemnation and cascading new sanctions as he unleashed the largest ground war in Europe since World War II, and chillingly referred to his country’s nuclear arsenal. He threatened any country trying to interfere with “consequences you have never seen.” Ukrainian officials said their forces were battling Russians on multiple fronts, had suffered dozens of deaths and had lost control of the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant, scene of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. U.S. President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against Russia, saying Putin “chose this war” and that his country would bear the consequences of his action. Other nations also announced sanctions, or said they would shortly. Fearing a Russian attack on the capital city, thousands of people went deep underground as night fell, jamming Kyiv’s subway stations. At times it felt almost cheerful. Families ate dinner. Children played.
Adults chatted. People brought sleeping bags or dogs or crossword puzzles — anything to alleviate the waiting and the long night ahead. But the exhaustion was clear on many faces. And the worries. “Nobody believed that this war would start, and that they would take Kyiv directly” said Anton Mironov, waiting out the night in one of the old Soviet metro stations. “I feel mostly fatigue. None of it feels real.” The invasion began early Thursday with a series of missile strikes, many on key government and military installations, quickly followed by a three-pronged ground assault. Ukrainian and U.S. officials said Russian forces were attacking from the east toward Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city; from the southern region of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014; and from Belarus to the north. Zelenskyy, who had earlier cut diplomatic ties with Moscow and d e c l a r e d m a r t i a l l a w, appealed to global leaders, saying that “if you don’t help us now, if you fail to offer a powerful assistance to Ukraine, tomorrow the war will knock on your door.” Both sides claimed to have destroyed some of the other’s aircraft and military hardware, though little of that could be confirmed. Hours after the invasion began, Russian forces seized control of the now-unused Chernobyl plant and its surrounding exclusion zone after a fierce battle, presidential adviser Myhailo Podolyak told The Associated Press.
Remanded for the murder of his son-in-law, Shurwayne Brandt
Murdered, Leon Gittens.
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Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
Lone local company bids to audit Guyana’s cost oil Eclisar Financial and Professional Services, which was the only local bidder among five companies to express interest last year to provide consulting services for cost recovery audit and validation of the Government’s profit oil
share is now the lone firm in running for the job. This was revealed during the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office on Tuesday. The company submitted a fi-
nancial proposal of $340,776,668 to the office to audit ExxonMobil’s 2018- 2020 costs. Kaieteur News had reported in July last year, that Eclisar Financial and Professional Services was among
international companies such as Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants; Rosa, Correia & Associados (RCA) Inc. in partnership with Swale House Partners; Gaffney Cline and Associates in partnership with Squire Patton Boggs; Calender Law Firm that had submitted Expression of Interest (EOI) for this project that is being undertaken by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Eclisar Financial and Professional Services which provides accounting assistance and financial advice for Guyanese businesses was established back in 2012 and is presently being managed by its founder and Managing Director, Azzar Haniff, a chartered and forensic accountant. The Ministry in its REOI noted that the objective of the assignment is to conduct an audit of the recoverable contract costs as determined by the Petroleum Agreement
Managing Director of Eclisar Financial and Professional Services, Azzar Haniff. (PA), taking into consideration Accounting good practices, International Accounting Standards, as well as Auditing Procedures and Standards The expression of interest of this project relates specifically to the consultancy for Cost Audit under Sub-Component B.1 of the Guyana Pe-
troleum Resources Governance and Management Project that is funded by a US$20M World Bank loan. The assignment for cost audit will also require the provision of on-the-job training to the staff of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and other agencies as directed by the Government of Guyana on the audit process. Furthermore, the company selected would be expected to assess the impact of the audit on future Profit Oil revenues. The duration of this assignment is expected to be four months, commencing June 2021. The Consultant’s physical presence would be required, as agreed by the Client, for at least 30 days of the four months and as set out in the Implementation arrangements.
Neighbours detained following murder of hotel owner at Eteringbang The Eteringbang Landing where the gruesome murder of Dosantos occurred
Three persons have been arrested by police in connection with the gruesome murder of a Brazilian businessman on Wednesday at the Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni, Region Seven. The suspects are neighbours of the businessman identified as 62-year-old Edmilson Dosantos popularly known as “Damicio”. Dosantos who is also a dredge owner, operates a hotel located at Eteringbang. His battered remains were found lying on his bed in one of the rooms of his hotel. According to police, he was
found lying face down on his bed. His hands and feet were bound with a hammock and scotch tape. A pickaxe was also seen sticking out from the middle of his head and his face was reportedly bashed in. As detectives investigate the heinous killing of the businessman, Commander of the district, Dion Moore said his ranks have detained three individuals and they are assisting his ranks with the investigation. He stopped short of saying that they are Dosantos neighbours but residents who witnessed their arrest recognised them
as individuals who reside in buildings close to his hotel. The Brazilian businessman was last seen alive around 20:00 hrs on Tuesday. A hot dog vendor plying his trade at the landing had gone to his hotel to book a room; Dosantos had told him to return the following the day. Detectives learnt that hot dog vendor returned around 11:00hrs but when he called out for Dosantos, he did not receive an answer. He reportedly forced open his room door and that is when he discovered that Dosantos was murdered.
Region 4 man is Guyana’s latest COVID-19 fatality A 62-year-old man from Region Four, who tested positive for COVID-19, has died. This was reported by the Ministry of Health on Thursday which stated that the man had died on Wednesday while receiving treatment at a medical facility. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,216. Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 19
new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 62,7978. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony yesterday in his daily COVID-19 update, disclosed that there has been a tremendous decrease in cases in February when compared to last month. He shared that last month saw a total of 20,293 new cases with 116 deaths while in February only 2,407 cases have been recorded thus far with 43 deaths. As reported on, the Minister
along with other health officials had attributed the increase in cases in Guyana to the new easily transmissible variant, Omicron. Though the cases seem to be on a decline, Minister Anthony still encourages citizens to be vigilant and adhere to the guidelines in place. Further, the dashboard data shows that seven patients are admitted into the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 52 persons are in institutional isolation, 712 in home isolation and six are in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 60,811 recoveries have been recorded.
Kaieteur News
Friday February 25, 2022
PAGE 19
Education Ministry launches campaign to put missing students back in classroom The Ministry of Education has launched a campaign to find students who have missing from school and those who skipped the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) mock examination. The campaign is dubbed ‘Operation Recovery’ and is targeting all 11 Education Districts. This move will see Education Officers from Central Ministry and within the Education Districts along with Regional officials and community activists fanning out into communities to locate these pupils, the Ministry of Education said in a press release. The exercise aims to ascertain the location of the students and the reasons behind their absenteeism so that a determination can be made about how the Ministry can assist these students with returning to school. The scientific data gathered from countries around the world in numerous studies by varying organisations continue to show that the long school closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to an increased rate of school dropouts and tremendous learning loss, unless countries take urgent, practical measures to mitigate against same. This will not only affect the academic attainment of young people but ultimately their economic and social
development as they become adults. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that this generation of children and youth cannot afford any more disruptions to their education and predict that unless practical measures are taken urgently, this generation could lose more than 17 trillion dollars in earnings in their lifetime, have their academic growth stunted and their mental health severely affected. The Ministry of Education remains committed to keeping school doors open and having as many of our pupils back in school and where students failed to come to school, to determine what needs they may have and to attempt to meet those needs. The Ministry believes firmly that urgent, practical, sustained measures such as teaching and learning from a consolidated curriculum, the provision of textbooks, retraining of teachers, using technology in the classroom and Operation Recovery will mitigate against the predicted loss to our students and country. The Ministry warns that any individual or organisation that promotes the closure of schools or discourages parents from sending their children to school is doing harm to Guyana’s children and our country as a whole and
encourages all stakeholders to be responsible during this time and to lend their support to this effort so that we can reach every pupil and give them the education they rightfully deserve. A World Bank Report late last year had flagged Guyana for having one of the lowest levels of educational engagement in the region during the pandemic. Titled “An Uneven Recovery: the Impact of COVID-19 on Latin America and the Caribbean”, the Bank cited Guatemala, Guyana, and Belize, with only two-thirds of school-age children engaged in some form of education. Many countries are highly reliant on remote learning options to keep children engaged, such as Chile, Peru, Panama, and Ecuador, the Bank also said. According to the report, most children are engaged in some form of educational activity in the region, although engagement levels (and quality) vary considerably across countries, ranging from 64 percent in Guatemala to 97 percent in Chile. In most countries, engagement rates (including in-person attendance and remote learning) are below prepandemic attendance levels. Region-wide, engagement in any education activities is below the pre-pandemic attendance rate. This suggests severe
Education Officers conducting outreach activities on Thursday for ‘Operation Recovery’ in Supenaam Creek, Essequibo Coast, Region Two learning losses and an increase in dropout rates, with grave implications for the accumulation of human capital. According to the Bank, more than one year into the pandemic, only 23 percent of students in the region were attending school i n p e r s o n . Va c c i n e deployment and government policies differed greatly across the region, explaining these differences. Educational engagement in
Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, and Chile has been mainly virtual, as schools remained closed for the most part. On the contrary, in-person attendance was more common in the Caribbean and Central America. Children in wealthier households, measured by the number of assets, are more likely to be engaged in schooling, but their attendance is also mostly virtual. Lower engagement
in learning activities and low face-to-face attendance pose significant risks for children’s learning outcomes and human capital accumulation. Recent estimates reveal that students in the region lost between 12 and 18 months of schooling. Those from low socio-economic levels were particularly affected, which suggests long-lasting negative effects on social mobility and inequality.
Youth dies after car crashes into DDL fence
GECOM moves towards continuous registration in preparation for LGE The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is moving towards continuous registration as preparation begins in earnest for the holding of the Local Government Elections (LGE). Kaieteur News understands that Chief Elections Officer, (CEO) Vishnu Persaud, has been instructed to commence preparations for continuous registration from next month. Continuous registration is an important first step towards getting a list of electors. It is understood that GECOM is looking to have an updated voters’ list in place by October, in order for the LGE to be held. Meanwhile, the Commission still has to fill the posts of Deputy CEO and other senior management vacancies. This comes months after it filled the vacant position of Chief Elections Officer (CEO) with at least six other senior positions remaining vacant. Kaieteur News understands that the interview for a Legal Officer was slated to be by the end of this week. Kaieteur News understands, however,
that with regard to the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) post, there have also been requests for this position to be readvertised. At present, Melanie Marshall, Neil Bacchus and Deodat Persaud are among the candidates shortlisted for that position. The other vacancies at GECOM include the Assistant Chief Elections Officer (ACEO). Those shortlisted are Delon Clarke, Noland Jervis, Paul Jaisingh, Mohamed Arjoon, Neil Bacchus, , Natasha Grenion Dipchand, Andrea Sparman, Duarte Hetsberger and Colin April. The other posts are Civic and Voter Education Manager for which 17 persons have been shortlisted and Logistics Manager for which 24 persons have been shortlisted. GECOM is expected to fill all of these vacancies in time for the holding of LGE later, this year. LGE are constitutionally due every two years in Guyana, and were last held in 2018. However, given the fiasco that played out following the 2020 General and Regional Elections, the Local Government polls were deferred to 2022.
The state of Salvador’s car at the scene of the accident An 18-year-old man lost his life early Thursday morning after his car crashed into the fence of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) along the East Bank Demerara Public Road. Dead is Prakash Salvador, popularly known as ‘Bolo’ of 1316 Section C Block Y, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara. According to police, Salvador was allegedly speeding along the road when he lost control of his motorcar and collided with the DDL fence. As a result, he suffered injuries to his body, which eventually led to his death. Prakash was taken out of the vehicle by citizens around the area and transported to the Diamond Diagnostics Centre where he died while receiving treatment. The body was then taken to the Carmen’s Funeral Home. A friend of Salvador told Kaieteur News that he Dead, Prakash Salvador was a very jovial and outspoken individual.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 25, 2022
Friday February 25, 2022
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Kaieteur News
GTT Super-6 knockout cricket tourney set for March 12 &13 GTT has signed on as the main sponsor of the Community Cup eight-a-side bat your own Tapeball Cricket competition that will be played on the National Cultural Center Tarmac, Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13. The tour-
nament, which begins at 10:00hrs, will attract a first prize of $100,000 and the GTT Trophy, while the second prize will be $60,000 and a trophy from GTT. Teams have until Thursday March 10th to register, the organiser, James
Lewis, has indicated that there will be no late registrations. The tournament will be spilt into two groups with the first consisting of Ministry teams, while group B will comprise of community teams, battling in a straight knock-
out format. All players must be fully vaccinated. In order to register, interesting teams can do so by contacting the organisers; the Georgetown Office Assistants Promotion Committee, or Lewis on 6259007.
Russian Grand Prix: Sebastian Vettel says race should be cancelled BBC Sport - Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel says the Russian Grand Prix should be cancelled - and he will not be there if the race goes ahead. Russian forces have invaded Ukraine on the orders
of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is closely associated with his country’s F1 race. Vettel, who drives for Aston Martin, said: “I should not go, I will not go. It is wrong to race in the country.
“I am sorry for the innocent people who are being killed for stupid reasons.” Vettel said Russia had “a very strange and mad leadership”. He added he was “shocked” by events in
Friday February 25, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) An intense passion has been released within you, Aries. You find it hard to resist the urge to take your loved one and run away to some deserted island. You could use a break from civilization. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You’re likely to be feeling especially sensuous right now, Taurus. You exude a sort of innocent eroticism and draw many admiring glances. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Try not to let yourself get sucked into participating in idle gossip, Gemini. There will be rumors flying today, and you’d be well advised to take cover. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Let's hope you aren’t afraid of heights, Cancer, because today could have you climbing several rungs on the corporate ladder. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It’s likely that you’re feeling ready for a change, Leo. It isn’t that you’re dissatisfied with your job or environment, rather that your mind is hungry for new challenges. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Certainly there are advantages and disadvantages to the high level of intuition you have. Today you may feel weighed down by some strange thoughts that enter your head.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) While your enthusiasm is high, your resistance may be a bit low, Libra. Take extra good care of yourself during this busy time. Your tendency is to overdo things. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Colleagues may be a bit on edge, Scorpio. You'll have to choose your words carefully. If you feel as though you’re walking on eggshells, you are. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is bound to be a fascinating day, Sagittarius. You may have a foreign visitor who fills your mind with visions of adventures in faraway lands. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your creativity is at an alltime high today, Capricorn. You’re inspired to embark on some long-term creative projects, and you have the energy to see them through to the end. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be sure to open your mail and answer the phone today, Aquarius, as you’re likely to receive some interesting information from a friend or business associate. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can expect a warm and friendly environment at work today, Pisces. Enjoy the conversations with your co-workers, but don't take anything at face value.
Ukraine, and his decision not to race in Russia was “already made”. The Russian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place in Sochi on 25 September. Reigning champion Max Verstappen said: “When a country is at war, it is not right to race there.” And two-time champion Fernando Alonso said: “It will be an F1 decision. As drivers, we have our decision and I am sure it is the same as everyone but we don’t have the power to decide. “We can take our own decision but F1 will do the best.”
Essequibo Softball... From page 23 the second-place team is set to cash on $50,000 and a trophy. There are other prizes up for grabs. The teams taking part this year are: Ravens Sports Club, Devonshire Castle Sports Club, Hibernian Strikers, Queenstown Tigers, Caribbean Cricket Club and Sunrisers Masters.
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Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
Guyana Women in Chess Community holds first interactive session - Encourages all females to join The Guyana Women in Chess Community held their first virtual interactive session for women and girls involved in chess on this past Sunday.
This the inaugural event, served to educate attendees on the history of chess as an art, science and sport. It was hosted by co-chair of the committee, Pritima
Khan, and included a brief history of Guyanese women chess players and female grandmasters from around the globe. Khan also gave an overview on planned activi-
Committee Member, Yolander Sammy
Committee Chairman, Marcia Lee
ties for 2022. These include special classes and lectures, an international women’s day programme, quarterly chess day camps, outreach and volunteer programmes – all geared towards inspiring, growing and empowering female chess players of all ages. Special guest, Yolander Sammy, who is also a committee member, spoke at the event, sharing her experiences as a chess player of many years. Sammy is the current Vice Chair of the In-
ternational Chess Federation (FIDE) Ethics Committee and the only female on that board. She has also represented Guyana numerous times at all levels of the game, including the Fide Chess Olympiad. Also in attendance was Vice President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), Anand Raghunauth, who threw his support behind the initiative. He lauded the efforts of the steering committee and looks forward to seeing their female membership growing
in strength. Chairperson of the committee, Marcia Lee, outlined the need for a group which caters to the unique needs of the female players with the purpose of building a community where girls can be feel confident and excited about the game of chess and observed that the formation is timely as 2022 was declared by FIDE to be the “Year of the Woman In Chess.” In line with the basis of the workshop, the Committee’s main goal is to promote, encourage and teach the game of chess and increase the awareness of the educational value of chess among women in Guyana. There is also the intention to encourage more female players to take part in the sport. The Women in Chess Community is now offering membership to all girls and females within the chess federation. This includes all mothers of chess players as well. “Please join us as we venture to promote the game of chess within our female community.” For more information or to register, please visit www.guyanachess.org.
Match Ticket emerge champions at ECC dominoes Match Ticket chalked 79 games to win the final of the Everest Cricket Club Mashramani dominoes competition which was contested on Wednesday at the club’s pavilion. In a closely contested affair, Rockaway took the runner up spot with 73 games, while Wakenaam Masters placed third on 71 games. Vijay Deonarine made 15 games, while Gavin Singh, Ronald Jaisingh and Ravi Narayan made 14 games each for the winners. Sahadeo Hardaiow scored 13 games for Rockaway, while Hafeez Ali made 12 and Rudy Persaud contributed 10. Nazeer Mohamed marked 17 games, Mohamed Sheriffudeen scored 13 and Oyono Sampson 12 for Wakenaam Masters. The winning team collected a trophy and $50,000, runner up a trophy and $40,000 and Third place a trophy and $25,000. Mohamed was named the MVP. The competition was sponsored by V Net Communications, Rockaway Group of Companies, Trophy Stall, Joe Jagmohan, Anwar Rahaman, L. Mohabeer Cambio (Vick) and Rajace Auto. The cordinator was Linden Matthews.
Captain of the winning team Ravi Narayan (L) accepts the prize from Joe Jagmohan.
MVP Nazeer Mohamed (R) collects his trophy.
Friday February 25, 2022
Nadal rolls in Acapulco for best career start AFP - Rafael Nadal achieved his best start to an ATP Tour season on Tuesday, improving to 12-0 this year by defeating Stefan Kozlov to reach the Mexican Open quarter-finals. The 35-year-old Spanish left-hander eliminated the US lucky loser 6-0, 6-3, advancing to a Thursday matchup against 39th-ranked American Tommy Paul, whom he has never played before. “Always it’s important to win as quick as possible, but the most important thing is to win,” Nadal said. “Tonight has been straight sets. That’s great news and I’ll try to be ready for tomorrow again against a tough opponent.” The victory kept Nadal unbeaten over a dozen matches in 2022, his best career start to any year, surpassing the 11-0 run in 2014 that ended with a loss to Swiss Stan Wawrinka in the Australian Open final. Nadal won his men’s record 21st Grand Slam title at last month’s Australian Open, breaking the career mark of 20 Slam crowns he had shared with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. World number five Nadal, seeking his 91st career ATP title and fourth Acapulco crown, also won a warm-up tournament last month in Melbourne. Nadal broke for a 2-0 lead when Kozlov netted a backhand and broke again on forehand smashes in the fourth and sixth games to sweep the opening set in 32 minutes. Another forehand smash to break put Nadal ahead 3-1 in the second set but Kozlov broke back within 4-3 when Nadal netted a backhand volley. Kozlov handed back the break in the next game on a
Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated American Stefan Kozlov on Wednesday to advance at the ATP Mexico Open. (AFP/Pedro Pardo)
botched backhand and Nadal held serve once more to advance after 76 minutes. “A little bit of a strange match,” Nadal said. “Kozlov has a different style than most other players, so you need to be very careful. “Sometimes you are able to win points in a row, but then if you start to play at his rhythm, it’s very difficult because he has great control from the baseline and he’s very smart.” - Medvedev advances Reigning US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, whom Nadal rallied past in five sets in the Australian Open final, beat Spain’s 68th-ranked Pablo Andujar 6-1, 6-2 to continue his quest for the world number one ranking. “It’s pretty tough conditions, quite humid. Even if we
play at night it’s quite hot,” second-ranked Medvedev said. “The faster the matches, the better you’re going to feel for the next one.” Medvedev and Nadal could meet in a Friday semifinal. If Medvedev wins the Acapulco title, he will overtake Djokovic atop the rankings no matter how the Serbian star fares this week at Dubai. Medvedev would become the 27th player to reach world number one and only the third Russian, joining Yevgeny Kafelnikov (1999) and Marat Safin (2000-01). The last player outside of Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Britain’s Andy Murray to sit atop the rankings was American Andy Roddick in February 2004.
Pepsi/Mike Parris U16 championship marks return of boxing Down on the canvas since the advent of COVID19, amateur boxing is set to make a return this weekend, when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) hosts its Pepsi-sponsored Mike Parris National U-16 Boxing tournament. Set for the Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown, the event will see over 40 young boxers ‘punching’ things out for trophies and medals. Unfortunately, no fans would be allowed at the event due to set out Covid-19 directives. Steve Ninvalle, the GBA
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Kaieteur News
president, said the hosting of the 11th edition of the grassroots championships, is the perfect way to see the return of boxing for the first time since February 15, 2020. With the GBA shifting most of its attention to youth participants of the sport, Ninvalle said, “The nursery programme is the foundation for us and that is where we will be placing much of our emphasis this year and going forward. We think it is better if we have plans that can take us not just for tomorrow or the next week, but plans that will take us into the next five
years and beyond.” Ninvalle also lauded Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), for showing faith in the GBA through their Pepsi brand. The GBA’s first Vice President, Marissa Parris reiterated Ninvalle’s sentiments while calling on DDL to continue their partnership in the years to come. Meanwhile, DDL’s Brand Manager, Larry Wills, not only expressed Pepsi’s delight at their return as the tournament’s main sponsor but also pledged their continued support towards the development of Amateur boxing in Guyana.
Essequibo Softball Cricket League over-40 competition bowls off Sunday The second edition of the Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) is set to bowl off this Sunday with a number of matches across Region Two, Supenaam-Pomeroon. According to the Chairman of the League Wakeel Layne, six teams have confirmed their participation. When the competition was inaugurated last year, Invaders Masters emerged champions but will be not featuring on this occasion due to personal reason.
Wakeel Layne
However, Layne stated that he is optimistic of another successful staging and fans can expect great entertainment from ball one as a plethora of top softball players will be on show. He added that in 2021, the entire competition was exciting and fans had a good treat including the final that played at Reliance Sports Ground. For this year’s edition, the winning side will receive a $100,000 and a trophy while (Continued on page 21)
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Friday February 25, 2022
Kaieteur News
2022 CONCACAF ‘W’ Qualifiers…
Lady Jags left with two hurdles to cross After a brilliant start to the Concacaf ‘W’ Qualifiers, Guyana’s Senior Women’s Football Team still commands Group F and has two hurdles to cross on their journey to the Concacaf ‘W’ Championship. However, that is scheduled for April (6-12) when the window reopens. Earlier this week, the qualifiers reached the half way mark with all 30 teams officially contesting their first two matches during the Women’s International Match Window of February. When the April Window closes, the winner in each of the six groups automatically qualifies for the 2022
Concacaf W Championship, which will take place in July. Currently leading the six Groups from A to F are Mexico, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Panama, Cuba and Guyana. However, since Guyana assumed the lead of their Group, there has been only one noticeable change and that is the spike in Nicaragua’s goal difference (GD). Both Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago are undefeated and have accumulated six points but the former commands the Group with a superior GD of 11 in comparison the latter’s three. Sitting third are the Nicaraguans with three points, but the 19 – 0
win over the Turks and Caicos pushed their GD to 18. These three teams all have a foot in the door on their way to the next round but the top two have a higher statistical advantage. Meanwhile, the ship has sailed for the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos teams. Dominica suffered losses to the group leaders and also left them with clean sheets which daunted their chances of advancing. They sit in the penultimate position without points on the board, while Turks and Caicos, who are sitting in the cellar, conceded two heavy losses that put them out of contention. The
Guyana’s Senior Women’s Football team has scored 11 goals in two matches. (Concacaf) GDs for fourth and fifth are -6 and -26, respectively. When
the tournament resumes, the Guyana Lady Jags will face the Nicaragua Blue & White on April 8 then the T&T Women Soca Warriors on April 12, at dates and venues to be confirmed. The 2022 Concacaf W
Championship will then determine which teams from the Concacaf region will qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Billingy dominates opening day of NSC Mash TT tourney Jasmine Billingly
Jasmine Billingy took top honours in three age groups when the National Sports Commission (NSC) / Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Mashramani tournament served off on Republic Day at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). At the Homestretch Avenue facility, the talented and diminutive Billingy copped the girls’ under-13, under-15 and under19 titles with not much resistance from her opposition. In the under-13 final, Billingy came up against Samara Sukhai whom she breezed past 3-0 in straight sets (311-5, 11-7 and 11-9). Billingy won her semifinal
against Akira Watson in similar 3-0 fashion, while Sukhai trampled Shackey Damon 3-0 (11-2, 11-1) in her US 11-0 Open & champion semifinal.The under-15 and Emma Raducanu under-19 girls’ division were both contested in the roundrobin format and both divisions finished with identical results with Billingy finishing on top. Sukhai was second and Akira Watson third, in both divisions.Malachi Moore won the boys’ under13 singles, while Colin Wong had little trouble getting past Ebo McNell 3-0 (11-5, 11-6 & 11-4) in the final. The tournament continues tomorrow with the B Class Singles at the CASH.
Kaieteur News
Friday February 25, 2022
“Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”
5 U-15 E’bo Cricketers benefit
(From left to right) Ian Kanhai, Viendra Pooran, Rondell Singh, Hemanti Sukhdeo and Jadish Sahadeo. The five players, who were identified, were recently selected to represent Essequibo in the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board inter county U15 tournament and for the first time in many years, matches will be played in all three counties. Anil Beharry, who along with Kishan Das, initiated the Project, contacted the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) through the GCB’s WhatsApp group and its President Deleep Singh identified the five players: Ian Kanhai, Viendra Pooran, Rondell Singh, Hemanti Sukhdeo and Jadish Sahadeo, who each received a pair of cricket shoes. Total cricket related items collected so far: $40,000 cash, two trophies, eleven cricket boots, fifteen pairs of batting pads, fifteen bats, nine pairs of batting gloves, eighteen thigh pads, one wicket keeping pad, one arm guard and four cricket
bags. To date, twenty-eight young players from the counties of Guyana have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, nine bats, six pairs of bowling shoes, six pairs of batting pads and six pairs of batting gloves. In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club benefited from a pair of stumps and bails and two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon along with Leguan and Wakenaam benefitted from one box or red cricket balls each. This project accepts all Cricket related items, used or new and will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of t h e r e c i p i e n t s . Ta l e n t spotting is being done across the country and club leaders
will also assist to identify talent. We want to say thanks to Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romesh Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Daniel Sadeo, Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Trophies and Awards and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-6640896.
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Brazilian players in Ukraine appeal for rescue S
A O PA U L O , (Reuters) - A group of Brazilian footballers based in Ukraine appealed to their government to be rescued following Russia’s attack on their host country yesterday. “All our friends and family, the situation is serious and we are prisoners in Kyiv awaiting a solution to get out,” Junior Moraes, a Shakhtar Donetsk player who is a naturalised Ukrainian, said on Instagram. “We are in a hotel. Pray for us.” In a video recorded at a hotel where around a dozen players had gathered with wives and children, members of the group asked Brazilian authorities to come and rescue them.
“ We r e a l l y f e e l abandoned because we don’t know what to do,” one of the women said. “We don’t know how to resolve this situation.” The Brazilian foreign ministry later said the embassy in Kyiv was “open and dedicated ... to protecting the close to 500 Brazilian citizens in the Ukraine.” Without referring to any individuals or groups it urged Brazilians to remain in daily contact with the embassy and said those in the east of the country should move to the capital Kyiv if it is safe to do so. Group members said they had gathered at the hotel to meet and discuss how to get out of their predicament. “There is a shortage of
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Junior Moraes during training. (REUTERS/ Valentyn Ogirenko)
fuel in the city, the borders are closed, the air space is closed, we can’t get out,” one of the men said. Most of the players play with the Shakhtar Donetsk club, based in the east of the country. Shakhtar has more than a dozen Brazilian players in their squad, while Dynamo Kviv also has at last one Brazilian on their books. There was no immediate reply from Shakhtar to Reuters emailed request for comment. Dynamo Kyiv could not immediately be contacted for comment. Russian forces invaded Ukraine yesterday in a massed assault by land, sea and air, the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two.