Kaieteur News

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Despite Jagdeo’s NEWS promise, Govt. not releasing monthly oil reports

Saturday Edition

AIETEUR

February 27, 2021 - Vol. 15 No. 08

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

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Public Works Minister lambastes Ferguson for using MARAD fund like personal account

Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 103,903

Former Minister Annette Ferguson

- Says, “Every time she is going to the Essequibo, $600,000. She’s going to the Rupununi, $900,000.

She’s going to Wakenaam, same thing.” p.

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Four dig hole, escape from Lethem lockup

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Fisherman slits 4 year-old hit with Man killed for cricket ball died 16p. not purchasing cousin’s throat for being from infection in cigarette fromp. disrespectful to dad; 14p. abdomen - PM reveals neighbour 12 charged with murder

Coalition to lay motion ExxonMobil’s latest excuse to stop dumping of on flaring a gross insult produced water into ocean to Guyanese - Dr. Adams p.

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Absence of unified front allows - Tells House, oil companies to exploit “We are ready for a our differences - Patterson better deal” p.

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Will our Govt. land us in more debt? Listen to a rebroadcast of The Glenn Lall Show @11:00hrs on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio to find out!

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 27, 2021

Why are taxpayers footing billions more for expansion of US$150M Cheddi Jagan Airport?

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inance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh in his 2021 budget speech had announced that government would be allocating an additional $2.5 billion towards the completion of the already US$150 million (and counting) Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The allocation however, did not sit well with former Public Infrastructure Minister and Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson. During his budget debate presentation yesterday, the MP was quick to point out to the National Assembly that in December last, the Public Works Minister; Juan Edghill revealed that the Chinese contractor, China Harbor

Engineering Company (CHEC) had agreed to undertake additional works to the tune of $1.8 billion.

Those works would include two more boarding bridges for large transatlantic aircrafts along with the construction of the superstructure and façade for the new commercial complex which will house additional duty free shops, restaurants, and lounges – all at no cost to the government.

He then questioned “Why are taxpayers footing another bill of $2.5B? After the additional works of the contractor, what will the $2.5B be spent on?”

Dr. Singh had outlined that the new allocation for the further upgrade and modernization of the CJIA

- Patterson will also finance other major improvements including the procurement of the additional two passengers boarding bridges, bringing the total to six boarding bridges, the rehabilitating of the airline and airport administration offices, and the outfitting of the commercial complex.

But instead of expending more of taxpayer dollars into the project, Patterson pointed out that the government could have utilized the bonds retained.

According to Patterson, his Ministry had back in July, 2020 retained two bonds valued at US$14 million, with the larger of the two being a performance bond guaranteeing that CHEC would execute the project to the required standards, otherwise they could cash the bond on demand.

The other bond was a retention guarantee bond, which was a guarantee that the contractor would remedy all defects during the retention period.

Former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson

However, that period came to an end on December 31, 2020 and according to Patterson, this means that CHEC could walk off site leaving the country losing US$14 million with no other recourse than to seek redress in the courts.

Since taking office, government was having hiccups with CHEC to ensure that the new and modernised airport it was promised, almost a decade ago, was delivered. But Guyanese would have to wait a little longer as the new agreement signed outlined an end date of December 2021.

Businessman and family robbed in home invasion

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47-year-old businessman and his family were on Thursday evening terrorized by two gunmen, who invaded their home and relieved them of their cell phones, an undisclosed sum of jewellery, and a large amount of cash.

Reports are that businessman, Sadiek Yaseen, his wife, Zabeeda Yaseen, and

their 17-year-old son, all of Area 'G' Ogle, East Coast Demerara, were attacked by gunmen sometime around 21:15 hrs.

According to information reaching Kaieteur News, Sadiek and his family were standing in front of their yard, when they noticed a white Allion motorcar that drove up to the parapet. It was reported that two males exited the car

and approached them, both armed with handguns. The businessman reported that one of the suspects hit him to his head with the gun causing him to receive injuries.

The suspects then forced the family into their home, and took them to one of the bedrooms and instructed them to lie on the floor, demanding that they hand over cash and jewellery. After Zabeeda

handed over the money and was relieved of her belongings, the men began searching her husband and robbed him of his belongings.

The men reportedly ransacked the house before escaping in their getaway car.

Kaieteur News understands that no CCTV footage was retrieved from the area and no arrest has been made since, however investigations are still ongoing.

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

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ExxonMobil's latest excuse on flaring is a gross insult to Guyanese - Dr. Adams I

t is public knowledge t h a t w h e n ExxonMobil initially encountered technical issues with its gas compressor at the Liza Destiny vessel, Dr. Vincent Adams, former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), had taken the decision to slash the oil giant's production to curtail the ensuing environmental damage.

Dr. Adams had cut production low enough so that Exxon was only able to flare 12-15 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. But this time around, the

company is flaring 16 million cubic feet daily while production remains at 120,000 barrels per day.

Exxon's justification for this was a need for revenues in Guyana. President of its local headquarters, Alistair Routledge, had said this much at the company's last press engagement.

He had said, “None of us are happy to be flaring above the pilot (level). But we all know the times that we live in. It's challenging times.

COVID-19 has shut down a lot of businesses, revenues for the country, and so it's

important that we can do our part to contribute.”

Routledge added, “We're just trying to find the right balance for Guyana that ensures that we're still generating revenues for the country while minimizing the amount of impact that comes with that. And so, you know, that's the balance that we struck at the moment.”

Ta k i n g t h i s i n t o consideration, Dr. Adams emphatically stated that Routledge's pronouncement should anger all of Guyana as it adds to the list of excuses the company belts

Coalition failed to address shortage of construction aggregate - Min. Bharrat

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inister of N a t u r a l Resources, Vickram Bharrat, exposed during yesterday's budget debates the coalition regime's failure to effectively address Guyana's low production of aggregates, which is necessary for the construction sector.

Guyana's production of aggregates over the last few years has been between 500,000 and 600,000 tonnes.

On this premise, the Minister noted that the demand for aggregates last year was 850,000 tonnes, meaning the country was underproducing.

“The APNU realized that and instead of boosting production, instead of giving

licences to (persons) who have the capacity and resources, what did they do?

They import aggregates using foreign currency, which they were not generating, to import aggregates when they could have boosted local production and create employment. Instead, what they did was to import aggregate and add VAT to it,” the Minister stated.

In five years, the Minister pointed out that only three quarry licences were issued by the Coalition, one of which never produced anything. Nevertheless, the Natural Resources Minister s a i d t h e P P P / C Administration removed VAT on aggregates to help the construction sector. The

Minister was keen to note that aggregates are an essential part of construction, while adding that Guyana is set for a massive infrastructural boom over the next five years.

He said, too, that the Government has committed to allocating 50,000 house lots in five years, on an average of 10,000 per year.

Additionally, he said that several major hotel chains have signalled their intention to set up in Guyana, with the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among those interested.

Memorandums of Understanding have already been signed for those investments.

out to validate its continued environmental damage.

“The newest excuse is that Guyana really needs this money, things really bad because we had this COVID so this money is coming to G u y a n a , ” D r. A d a m s lamented. “It is so phony and insulting and condescending that Exxon wants this production to be up so badly so that it can make money.”

While he noted that Guyana welcomes Exxon and its contributions to the country's novel oil sector, it must ensure that it operates within the law and most importantly ensuring the preservation and safety of the environment.

With that, Dr. Adams continued, “It is absolute eye pass for them to be saying that Guyana really…we deh bad basically and we need this money. It is eye pass and on top of that, they are

ExxonMobil's Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

Former EPA Director, Dr. Vincent Adams violating the cardinal rule of not compromising the health safety of the environment for production.”

That rule, the former EPA Director pointed out, is one that is recognized internationally and is something that cannot be defied; however Exxon continues to disrespect Guyana.

Exxon recently came

under fire from shareholders for not being good stewards of the environment and pledged to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

But at the same time, Dr. Adams noted, the company is offering excuses to flare in Guyana.

“Exxon is spreading all of this nonsense and the apparent concern is that we are getting caught up in it and believing it… With all of these mixed m e s s a g e s a n d misinformation and their belligerence in wanting to ignore and disrespect the laws of Guyana, we have got to hold them accountable,” Dr. Adams concluded.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 27, 2021

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

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

EDITORIAL

Is the Speaker serious?

On almost a daily basis, the evidence mounts that this country is going to hell in a hand basket and at express speed. The latest such development came from no less a figure than the Hon. Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir.

This was what came from this senior referee in Guyana’s National Assembly: “Speaker cautions media against reporting on heckling in Parliament - says reporters open themselves to be sued” (KN February 25).

We chalk that up to the Speaker of the House being overwhelmed by embarrassing circumstances, and losing his bearings for a brief moment.

The hope is that he will come to his senses quickly and set the record straight. For the way that we at this publication interpret what the Speaker’s position represents, as can be gathered from the thrusts of his words, is the equivalent of a not-so-subtle threat, an indirect gag order.

Whatever it is, we wish to make this one thing very clear: as long as the facts and circumstances are in our corner, and bear us out, then we have no choice but to report the essence of what is involved to the Guyanese public. In fact, and as the Hon. Speaker should know very well, we have an obligation to do so.

Our obligation to share in the public domain what transpired in parliament is founded on, driven by, and protected by certain privileges. The privilege of reporting what the whole truth is in all of its fullness is conferred on this paper and all who are associated with it.

The privilege that comes from presenting events with accuracy is something that no one and nothing can challenge; and the privilege for fair comment without degrading into malice is its protected right.

In addition to those privileges, we are sure that the Speaker knows, but we take the opportunity to remind him in case there was a temporary lapse, that public figures are not exempt from fair reporting, and never more than when they are engaged in the disposition of the public’s business.

It is our belief that what unfolded in parliament, and from the mouths of our elected representatives, our learned lawmakers, was close to what could be termed profane. It was and remains worth reporting, if only so that Guyanese can witness how their interests are being handled, how their tax dollars are honourably earned, or how it is wasted.

It was worth reporting also with another purpose in mind.

That is, to bring our parliamentarians to their senses, to alert them that they desecrated too many boundaries, that they went too far.

Because all of this was part of the public record, via available technological channels, then it is not something that is suppressible, as the horse has already raced out of the stable.

There is nothing that is deniable. The facts are the facts, and they speak for themselves, which there was no need to embellish or tamper with to any degree, not even the slightest.

We would have thought that the Speaker of the House, or any speaker with an interest in the maintenance of minimum standards and the decorum that comes from such, would have applauded the exposures that were reported.

We say this for the simple reason that it makes his job more manageable, since members are put on notice that their every word and action is out in the open, and subject to every standard of fair reporting and fair comment.

If the Speaker is more interested in contributing to the pretense that all is well in parliament, and that spirited debate occurs in an atmosphere of respectability and dignity, then we cannot be a part of any such myth. If the Speaker wishes that the vulgar excesses of our parliamentarians were kept from the public, then he should consider holding closed-door sessions.

It goes without saying that there would be challenges to any such development just as there would be challenges wherever it leads to anything related to lawsuits for libel.

Not when we have truth standing firmly in our square.

COVID-19 – what are we really doing?

DEAR EDITOR, I am having increasing doubts as to how serious we are, as a society, in this hard COVID-19 struggle. What cannot be ignored is that the many are minimizing, if not neutralizing, the work of the few that are risking so much.

I share some situations from Guyanese life and let others be the judge, regarding the huge gaps in individual compliance, and the attendant gravity of the menaces posed.

In the hours surrounding this year’s Mash celebrations (unprecedented and limited by the pandemic), there were long stretches of areas that offered evidence of how we go about adhering to COVID19 regulations in place, the continuum and far-flung extent of our incidents, and our official responses to the two. I start on the Linden Highway. The lines of cars were endless, the gatherings huge, the parties in full swing around the vicinity of one resort after another. It goes without saying that masking, sanitizing, and social distancing all fell by the

wayside, while the physical gyrations intensified, and the spirits surged in undulating imbibing ripples, then waves.

There was scant (no) regard for restraining curfew hours in place. My understanding is that two places - only two were called to task, with what may have been the mere going through of the motions; or, worse yet, targeting of the objectionable. It is timely to note and share that Guyana’s ethnic rainbow was well represented.

Also, and as an indication of the contempt for the protocols in place, there were massed (no exaggeration) holiday revelers at the junction of the SoesdykeLinden entrance/exit approaches. So much for firm enforcement.

Moving northward, to the area around Thomas Lands and Albert Street, the motorized caravans were out in full force. The assembled was not for the National Park, or the sprawling army village.

Moving in a more westerly direction and this is before the Mash festivities, the Main

Street thoroughfare was a study in parked vehicles, and on both the eastern and western sides of that wellknown and well-patronized street. Something tells me that those citizens were not there for the exotic eating fare from the Far East. To this eclectic mix, I add lower Middle Street and I leave the rest to commonsense: the vehicles were present; the fast crowd people were out and about.

It should not slip either attention or understanding that State House, the official residence of Guyana’s First Citizen, is plumb in the center of the celebrations, never sparse, never muted.

Editor, that is not all. As we learned post Mash, a man died where a crowd of some 500 partygoers had congregated. At just before 06:00hrs on Mash Day itself, there was the story of life in the hip lane, COVID-19 or no COVID-19. In the midst of that long moment of living it up, a man gave up his life involuntarily. Where are our sentinels and how hobbled they appear, in the manner that they have been? I put

that on the table of consideration, regardless of the source of the hobbling, be it self-inflicted or from higher official circles. I make no conjectures, arrive at no conclusions.

But the situations speak of a damning and endangering nonchalance.

I am appreciative of official manpower limitations, and the vastness countrywide responsibilities that stretches thin. Still, I believe that more could have been done; at the very least something, if only a show of exhortatory presence.

Editor, it should not escape attention that the spaces touched are on the brighter, closer, and more travelled side. One must wonder of the situations in rural areas, which may not be as concentrated, but no less unobservant. As I think of all this, I ask myself, how serious are we, where are we going, and where will we end up in this uphill battle with an elusive foe. People are dying daily, and there is a steady flow of confirmed new (Continued on page 6)

Taking ERC’s funds for COVID relief: An abuse of privilege DEAR EDITOR, I write this letter disclosing my difference, d i s a g r e e m e n t , disappointment and dissatisfaction with our country’s ERC, with much reluctance. We are all humans often slipping and sliding from our own high ideals and we must allow ourselves, our leaders and leading institutions some room for reconsideration, recovery, remorse and return.

My difference, d i s a g r e e m e n t , disappointment and dissatisfaction with our ERC goes back to the days following our 2020 March 02 elections. I expected the Chairman and ERC to come out clearly, adding its weight to the condemnation and rejection of RO Region Four, Clairmont Mingo’s actions.

Some might argue that that

Elections issue was outside the mandate of the ERC. I reject that. Little else, if anything, could have been more germane to the “raison” for our ERC. Indeed, I believe, in our circumstances it is the essence of what our ERC is about. Others argue that whilst what RO Mingo was doing was wrong, the ERC if it were to speak must speak also of the wider root cause of what Mr. Mingo and Mr. Lowenfield and others were doing. To just rebuke Mingo and Lowenfield would have been one sided. I would have preferred that the ERC had proceeded to do both, firstly, condemn their actions and then proceed to discuss the views and imaginations, which would have motivated them to do as they did. The door to a national process of truth and reconciliation would have been opened, a

necessary and essential process, which could not normally be entertained nor entered into in the course of the criminal cases before the court. The most likely result now would be an increase in our estrangement and a hardening of our different and differing positions.

I refrained from Public comment on our ERC during those long five months of our nation’s suffering and bleeding in which I believed the ERC should have stepped in. I have also refrained until now in the discontent expressed publicly by ERC Commissioner, Roshan Khan, amongst which is the G$150,000.00 Christmas Bonus.

I will disclose that I have been sympathetic to his complaints, but I again hesitated to comment publicly, yielding to, as I

excused myself, some other members of our civic community.

However, I must denounce that latest “explanation” by ERC Chairman, my respected, junior schoolmate of so many years ago, the Rev. John O. Smith, that the G$150,000.00 was a COVID relief Commissioners had granted themselves. It was at minimum a great abuse of privilege and if they were ordinary citizens, of no great respect, they would have been thought guilty of converting the ERC’s allocations to their own benefit.

There is much more that could be said but further I say not.

Yours sincerely, Samuel A.A. Hinds Former President and Former Prime Minister

Tired and fed-up of bullyism in Prashad Nagar DEAR EDITOR I sincerely hope that you permit me a few lines in your column so I can bring to light an oppression that is affecting an entire neighbourhood in Deobirana Street, Prashad Nagar.

An individual with ties to a political party has for years flouted his connections and used it to intimidate his neighbours and to illegally

extend his home by erecting a bar over the alleyway to entertain his friends and family who park and occupy the bridges of everyone in close proximity.

Apart from this, during the December-January rains, the neighbours all suffered the worst flooding the area has had in years, thanks to the alleyway being blocked up and since the individual’s

house is the highest it therefore was not affected in the same manner.

Several reports have been made to the relevant authorities, including City Council, and in one instant, a resident of the street was told that man has ‘big connections and is untouchable’.

No one should have the right to illegally extend their property by squatting on

government lands or to make others around them uncomfortable and suffer, but this individual clearly acts as though he is above the law.

The neighbours are all tired and fed-up of his bullyism and are pleading with the relevant authorities to do their duty and remove the illegal structure before the May-June rains come and cause severe flooding.

Mistreated Taxpayers

Saturday February 27, 2021

The tone of our parliamentary debate has degenerated DEAR EDITOR, The Parliamentary debate now focuses on the Budget and related matters. I have been following some of the presentations by Parliamentarians on both sides of the House.

I wish to express great disappointment that the tone of our parliamentary debate has degenerated. There seems to be a lack of civility and choice of language that is certainly no credit to this generation.

I recall the repartee skill and wit of the likes of Boysie Ramkarran, Sir. Shridath Ramphal, T. A. Sancho, D e b r a B a c k e r, R a n j i Chandisingh; these were always enhanced by the skill and alertness of Speakers such as the Late A. P. Alleyne and Sase Narine.

These days for whatever reason, deportment is a lost characteristic and today our Speaker has looked in the other direction as the ‘yard fowls’ and ‘sniffer canine cousins’ dominate the scene.

MPs indulge in behaviour bordering on the banal worsened by personal invectives.

In the interest of this and succeeding generations, I appeal to our Speaker and Parliamentarians to lift the level of Parliament using language and style that Researchers years later, would think of us kindly and with respect, after all; Parliament is our highest forum and we don’t expect the lowest.

Many of the Parliamentarians, if they can shed this extant arrogance and shortage of knowledge, they can do well to seek counsel from those who have traversed the Parliament in the halcyon days of robust cut and trust, but with dignity and decency.

God save Guyana.

Regards, Hamilton Green

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Kaieteur News

Republic status was opposed DEAR EDITOR, This has reference to your news report (February 23) on US President Joe Biden felicitating President Ali and the Guyanese nation on the occasion of republic day. The US President, world leaders, and diplomats may not be familiar that the Guyanese nation did not support republican status for the country. It was a unilateral move by the dictator Forbes Burnham.

Guyanese and the international community need to be reminded of the background or context of Guyana becoming a republic and that the nation was not fully behind the move. World leaders, perhaps even diplomats posted in Guyana, and most Guyanese in Guyana and the diaspora may not be familiar that Guyana was not a democracy after independence in May 1966 and Republican status was

not legitimately obtained or supported by the majority of the population.

More than half of the nation had opposed Republican status for Guyana in 1970 because the ruthless dictator Forbes Burnham used his rigged two-thirds majority (from the 1968 fraudulent elections) to amend the democratic Britishimposed independence constitution of 1966.

Burnham wanted to break all links with England so that the Queen, who was head of state, would not exercise constitutional restraints (through the Governor) over his authoritarian rule. The opposition opposed the move for republican status but lacked effective means to stop it.

Burnham’s party had secured 42 percent at the elections in December 1964 and there was a steady erosion of support by 1968

because of widespread corruption and misgovernance. His party would have secured less than 40 percent support at the 1968 elections as reported by the international media. So Burnham set up the mechanism to rig the elections. He claimed a whopping 68 percent victory at the 1968 polls. It was well established by researchers and published in the international press that Burnham rigged the 1968 elections through postal and overseas voting.

Using the results of electoral fraud to make a break with England and the Queen was highly undemocratic and not an occasion to celebrate.

Burnham had also terminated all appeals to the London based independent British Privy Council, the final court of appeal for Guyana, presided over by esteemed

Lords. Thus, challenges to the 1968 election fraud and amendments to the constitution were not possible. Guyana descended downhill into a totalitarian dictatorship. Burnham went on to use electoral fraud to create an executive Presidency in December 1980 that was also opposed by more than three quarters of the nation. Guyanese Americans lobbied the US government to help restore democracy in their former homeland. This led to the country’s first democratic elections in October 1992 resulting in Cheddi Jagan as President. He was succeeded

by Sam Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, David Granger, and now Irfaan Ali. Regrettably, when democracy returned in October 1992, the status was not amended to return to the (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 27, 2021

Shame, shame and more shame on the shameless parliamentarians DEAR EDITOR, Shame, shame and more shame on the shameless politicians. The damaging, disgusting and despicable behaviour from this demented crop of parliamentarians not only leaves a sour taste in the mouth but also, pervades an obnoxious scent in the air and defecates the very premise they traverse.

Imagine, not only Guyana, but the world at large is being exposed to this travesty of sanctity.

Bearing in mind that COVID-19 protocols create the opportunity for more Guyanese being domesticated in their domicile, the chance is greater that a bigger viewership and more listeners were in audience than normal.

This broadcast was disseminated for the benefit of the public to assimilate so that, they will be able to see and listen for themselves how the 2021 Budget is being debated by both the government and the opposition members of parliament. The electorate would have been able to opine whether or not they made the right choice to vote for those representing their rights. The potential voters would have been able to determine their future choices also.

The school children would have been able to decide if politics would be a promising career. How sickening that they were only too well informed.

But low and behold, the innocent world was unprepared for this disastrous and deplorable debacle, which dramatized the demented and devilish minds of those pretending to perfect the art of decency, valor and

honesty.

This crop of immature and improper officers certainly, without reservation or hesitation, impeded any continuity of average display for the preservation of honour and dignity. The abuse in communication was openly exasperated, provocative and antagonizing to spell it out mildly but boldly.

This uncouth vulgarity and blackguarded hooliganism is unparalleled and obviously surmounts the fish market ludicrous obscenities.

This unfortunate insolent insularity is not only inappropriate and unacceptable but also, it is an absolute insult to the intelligence of unforgiving Guyanese having to sadly witness this spectacular and supercilious debauchery.

One would think that the level of academics employed to transact the business of Guyana in the respectable place of parliament (ACCC), qualify them to exercise due care and attention so that all and sundry will be impressed by their knowledge, expertise and professionalism.

One would expect that being addressed by the prefix, “honourable,” distinguishes the dignity of decency and, due respect is accorded and afforded to the addressee and the recipient of such lordly and ladylike accolade is expected to reciprocate accordingly.

It seems as if that is a myth and misnomer with this bunch of misfits masquerading as dignitaries and diplomats of diplomacy and excellency.

How can those guilty of this perverse characteristic go home to face their polite, courtly and elderly parents,

or, civil and duteous wife or husband, or, gracious and obedient children, or, admirable and reverent neighbour, or, courteous and kind family member, or, affectionate and supportive friend?

How can those inconsiderate and unrefined associates of adroit degenerates, dare to face reporters, journalists, writers, interviewers and broadcasters to expostulate on immorality, ignobility and impropriety?

Did they forget that they were being broadcasted live and direct and the public was privileged to their actions and inactions, or, they were unconcerned about what others think, how they feel and what will be the reaction to such abject and sordid accountability?

Is this what Guyanese have to expect, accept and settle for going forward in the future? How proud are the leaders and managers of these representatives and do they approve of this display?

Are they worried about the image being portrayed or welcome the opportunity to illustrate their true metal? Are the mentors of these scholars bowing their heads in disgrace or applauding the workmanship of artistry?

Monday’s conduct is unworthy and contemptable, there is no room for excuse and this type of abusive language is unbefitting and must be reprimanded. No Guyanese will support this filthy unpleasantness and dismayed viewers and surprised learners have found these sons and daughters of Guyana’s soil to be repugnant, reprehensible

and repulsive.

This repelling nastiness must be immediately eliminated, sanitized and not sensationalized nor advertised.

Such impertinence and impudence must not be tolerated or endorsed and, remorse, regret and apology will not only be in order but also is the least these lords and ladies can do to hold their heads high above their necks.

Guyanese are baffled as to why the Code of Conduct is not being observed nor adhered to.

Worse yet, Guyanese are appalled as to why isn’t the Speaker instituting the rules and regulations and why is he allowing this lawless behaviour to prolong under his watch?

There is an urgent need for a Parliamentary Retreat to include an orientation programme regarding

Parliamentary Behaviour and how parliamentarians must conduct themselves at all times, inside and outside of parliament.

Perhaps, the University of Guyana and the Guyana Bar Association can come to the rescue.

The second day’s sitting failed to provide much relief even after so many articles and reports were printed regarding the onslaught on moral upbringing, the portrayal of licentious language and the disparagement for fellow comrades. Further, the Speaker saw it befitting to warn the truthful media about their accurate reporting rather than caution the parliamentarians about their unwarranted misconduct.

Seems as if this is an acceptable norm and such derogatory remarks are simply throwing water on ducks’

backs.

This mudslinging must be condemned and not condoned and it is the legal duty of the Speaker of the House to perform his legitimate job and implement and execute the fines and punishment as necessitated

by Parliamentary Procedure.

Moral obligation bemoans this as an essentially standard requirement in light of prolific blasphemy so that the revered observance of sacrosanctity may continue to be observed and sustained.

Bishop Edghill and Cheddi Jagan were victims of the wrath of the law and the inexorableness of different speakers.

Guyanese call for patriotic loyalty and not spurious disparity over unscrupulousness.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

...Republic status was opposed From page 5 original position of 1966 when Guyana was closely affiliated with the British Crown that would have served the interests of the nation.

It would be recalled that every effort was made to rig the March 2020 elections that was opposed by the US Administration and the world community. Several patriotic Guyanese, myself included, living in America played leading roles to help secure the right outcome of the March 2020 elections. Several of us with close connections in the US State Department, with Members of Congress, and the US Embassy in Georgetown lobbied behind the scenes and succeeded in

getting pressure put on the APNU-led coalition to accept the will of the voters. I appealed to Indian American organizations and individuals who are very close to Members of Congress and the Trump Administration to save democracy in Guyana. In addition, community advocate, Dr. Tara Singh, and myself made phone calls and or penned several letters requesting intervention from Members of Congress and other powerful forces to protect electoral gains.

Several issued statements.

US Ambassador Sarah Lynch aggressively demanded that the votes be accurately counted and the right winner declared.

Secretary Mike Pompeo, Asst. Secy Mike Kozak, Ambassador Lynch, and others saved democracy in Guyana. Had the riggers succeeded, Guyana would have descended into another dictatorship. For security reasons, others who played meaningful role against electoral fraud in 2020 requested that their names not be revealed.

The Guyanese people are grateful for the role that the US has played in the affairs of Guyana and helping to secure democratic outcomes, especially in the 2020 elections.

They thank the US President for his warm felicitation.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

...COVID-19 – what are we really From page 4 cases of infection. The citizens gathering heedlessly have families to return to, friends and communities with whom they interact, and places of commerce and work that they attend. The joyful are not some remote Amazonian tribe, but those who are in the midst of a

vulnerable society.

Is anybody listening?

Is anybody acting beyond appeal and moral suasion?

When we conduct ourselves like this, the sterling efforts of our frontline workers are wasted; we add to their burdens, fears, and exposures. We put others in harm’s way. Yet, it is business

as usual, with life lived recklessly and to the peril of others, who are toeing the line. I think it would comfort to observe a broad-based and genuinely meaningful deterrent that targets those who violate and hold us hostage.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

We affirm the words of Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament, Lenox Shuman who said during the budget debates last night, that the members of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) should “turn and focus their attention on the important things of holding the government accountable and stop reflecting on their failed attempts to rig the elections…”

No amount of lies, misinformation, denial, race-baiting, or attempts to rewrite history will make us forget what the David Granger administration did to this country for five long months, during the 2020 general and regional elections.

We will never forget!

PAGE 07

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Despite Jagdeo's promise, Govt. not releasing monthly oil reports

By Kemol King

T

h e Irf aan A li administration h a s m a d e multiple promises about being transparent in its stewardship of the oil sector, but it has not delivered on some accounts. This latest issue adds yet another notch to the Government's failed commitments, in this regard.

The Government is not

living up to its commitment to release oil reports to the press. Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, had made this commitment during a February 9 press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, after being asked about it by Kaieteur News.

“I don't see anything secret about this,” he had said. “It's no big deal.”

Yet, Kaieteur News had

made at least 10 attempts since the promise was made, to access the reports through the Ministry of Natural Resources. These include contact with the Minister's Personal Assistant, Stephon Gabriel, and later, the Minister himself, Vickram Bharrat. The Minister told Kaieteur News on Wednesday that he would make contact on the next day, Thursday, but he did not.

Kaieteur News understands that de facto oil minister, Dr. Jagdeo, did not immediately green light the release of the reports, and that this is the cause of the hold-up.

“I'm gonna talk to them to ensure that you get it, the monthly statements,” Dr. Jagdeo had told Kaieteur News, after encouraging reporters to request them.

Under the previous

administration, Winston Jordan's Ministry of Finance had started publishing monthly oil statements, which included details on petroleum revenues, as well as production statements.

They did not have to be requested.

In those reports, the Ministry had noted the need for transparency in these matters: “In establishing the [Natural Resource Fund] NRF, Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana committed to managing the Fund according to the principles of good governance including t r a n s p a r e n c y, a n d a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, a n d

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo international best practices including the Santiago P r i n c i p l e s . To e n s u r e transparency and accountability, the NRF Act 2019 requires several reports (continued on page 11)

Govt. extends gazetted COVID-19 measures to March - cinemas to remain closed, bars and restaurants to continue operating at 40% capacity

T

he Government has extended the gazetted COVID19 measures for the month of March, meaning that all measures from the February month have been retained.

Despite monthly calls for the reopening of cinemas, the gazette clearly outlines cinemas are to remain closed, however, drive-in cinemas are permitted.

Notably, the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony recently indicated that the government is considering the reopening of cinemas that have been closed since last March when Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case. Dr. Anthony had stated that cinema owners were asked to install HighEfficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in order to be granted approval to reopen for business, following an assessment conducted by Health Ministry Officials.

Anthony had said, “If somebody comes to the cinema and they have been infected and they are asymptomatic and they cough, then these HEPA filters would be able to clear out the viral particles.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United

States of America, HEPA filters are even more efficient at capturing particles larger and smaller than the most penetrating particle size.

Thus, HEPA filters are no less than 99.97 per cent efficient at capturing humangenerated viral particles associated with SARS-CoV2/ COVID-19.

Further, the gazette says that the 10:30 pm to 04:00 am curfew remains in effect. It states too, that businesses which include restaurants and other food establishments with indoor dining, outdoor dining and curbside pickup are allowed to operate until 09:30 pm and restaurants allowed to conduct indoor dining. These establishments along with bars must keep a 40% capacity with six feet spacing between all tables.

Further, the Guyana Tourism Authority will continue to monitor to ensure there is maximum compliance to the stipulations for restaurants and bars.

The restrictions on social gatherings including private parties, receptions and wakes or vigils remain as well as the restrictions on the use of public/hotel pools and recreational activities at river, lakes or any internal waterway.

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

The Jagdeo Initiative needs to be dumped

T

he President is wasting his time w i t h t h e Caribbean Community. His efforts in trying to promote regional food security will fail because the leaders of the region are not interested in satisfying their food needs, as much as possible, from within the region.

We keep reading about the massive food import bill of Caricom. But this bill is huge because of foreignmindedness and corruption.

We prefer to eat foreign brands rather than support local production. This is true throughout the Caribbean, and not only in Guyana. Just go to any supermarket and look at the shelves. They are stacked with foreign goods.

But that is only half of the problem. Look at the baskets of the shoppers. They are packed with foreign goods even though local substitutes are available.

The people of the Caribbean prefer to eat Minute Maid rice rather than the parboiled variety produced in Guyana. They prefer Robin Hood wheaten flour rather than the local brands produced. They prefer Cadbury to Charles when it comes to chocolates.

They prefer Erin Farm Ham to locally produced ham.

And in many respects, they are correct in making these choices because the regional produced products are simply not up to standard. Some of the toilet tissues produced in the

Caribbean are extremely abrasive.

The quality of regional products is a problem. This is one of the failures of the Jagdeo Initiative. The Initiative failed not only because it was stalled but also because it was deficient in many respects. One of those flaws was its failure to link food security to the need for greater quality down the value chain, or in other words to link food security with quality assurance in food manufacturing.

The other problem, which hampers intraregional food trade, is that for reasons, which are well known, regional officials do tend to bypass regional trade rules in order to facilitate trade in food products with other countries. Some governments will grant derogations to the regional trade rules or they may simply go ahead and allow for the importation of competing imports even though they know this is in violation of the regional treaty rules. Just as Guyana did years ago with cement, other regional countries do with food imports!

The Jagdeo Initiative, which President Ali is championing, had highlighted 10 major constraints to the development of agriculture in the Caribbean. The Initiative misconceives the problem of regional food security. The problem is not at the level of production; it

is at the level of intraregional trade in agricultural production. Production will increase once the trade in regional agricultural products increases.

President Ali however is zeroing in on an important constraint: non-tariff barriers. He has made it clear that he is prepared to work for the dismantling of these barriers. Last December he announced his plans to establish a joint governmentprivate sector high-level team to examine the barriers, which hinder market access of local products, particularly within Caricom.

He reported that he had asked his Ministry of Foreign Affairs to compile a list of all the barriers to local trade. It is surprising that he should have to ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when he could have asked his Vice President. And even more surprising given that he was a former Minister with responsibility for trade.

Nothing much has changed in the five years he was in the Opposition between 2015 and 2020.

The Jagdeo Initiative may have been endorsed at the level of Heads of Government but it found no traction in the Caribbean.

The development of the strategy was outsourced to Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

The Jagdeo Initiative

Region 4 gat boys to behave itself seh...

Dem

R

egion Four, de country's largest Region, still recording de highest number of COVID-19 cases. Dem boys concern about dis Region because almost every day it recording de majority of cases. Dis nah good and given dat dem does gat just as much asymptomatic cases as symptomatic ones, it means nuff people walking around with de virus.

And dem gan carry it home and pass it on to dem old people who immune system not strong. And dat is

where de problems begin.

Come on Region Four, leh we end dis pandemic.

You can do better!

Dat is why dem boys glad dat India come through fuh we and donating 80,000 vaccines. Dem boys seh dem ole people gan now be able to get vaccinated.

Now dem boys worried about de popers..dem wah jumping line, like de businessman wah dem seh gat friend at de hospital. If was a small man involve, dat person would ah done get lockup and knock off.

People asking wah

system Uncle Frank gat fuh register people fuh dem vaccine.

With de 80,000 doses, he might just be able to vaccinate all dem people over 65 years. Dat should slow down but not stop de deaths because de high-risk group really start at 55.

Dem gat de people wah sick and can't get up out dem bed. Uncle Frank nah talking how he gan get de vaccine to dem.

Talk half and keep asking about de big one at de hospital who allow dem friend fuh jump de queue.

was unrealistic. Nobody wants to come to Guyana to establish mega farms, when there is little means to get the produce to regional markets.

Transportation is a bugbear, which Jagdeo never bothered to fix. Nobody wants to come here and set up mega farms given the level of infrastructure, which has to be installed, and its prohibitive costs. The idea of mega farms was a mega joke.

The Jagdeo Initiative was parodied by regional experts. In one of his columns, Chris Ram reported that one expert had

said that the Initiative was “not a perfect instrument; not a scholarly piece of work; evolving; a kick start and a vision and framework for all.”

The Jagdeo Initiative did not get very far. Its pilot failed to have any of the major recommendations materialize. Among these, which failed to get off the ground, was a regional agricultural modernization fund, joint marketing activities and Exim-type financing. This is according to three researchers from Cave Hill, University of the

West Indies.

The President needs to dump the Jagdeo Initiative. It will soon be 20 years since that proposal was made. It can no longer be relevant given its age and the fact that it appears to have been abandoned.

Even narrowing its focus to dismantling trade barriers will not get far. Regional governments are too insular and unwilling to change. The barriers will remain.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday February 27, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

No politician in Guyanese history speaks more nonsense than Ramjattan I

hardly look at television. But one evening this week, I walked into my study where my wife was flicking channels and I saw Ramjattan being interviewed. So I asked my wife to leave it at that station.

He said that there are things about the investigation of the two cousins that were killed in Cotton Tree last September that the police have not revealed and these things must not remain secret but must be told to the Guyanese people. I left with my mouth opened when I heard those words.

Here is an extract from my column, “No human can be so sick to vote for such Guyanese

politicians,” of Friday, February 14, 2020, “Khemraj Ramjattan told the media two days ago that the reworked covenant is a secret document.

Resorting to what can easily be termed asinine reasoning; he asked the reporters if they would like their business to be made public. The analogy was not only asinine but depraved.”

The covenant referred to was the renewal of the Cummingsburg Accord. Here was a politician who was asking people to vote for him but he signed an election agreement with another party to contest the poll that if they win, he, Ramjattan, would be the prime minister but his party

executives, his supporters and his voters cannot know what was inside the document.

To date, Ramjattan has never revealed what those secrets were. And guess why?

Ramjattan wanted a section of the renewed covenant to remain secret. Because its revelation would have made him the biggest idiot in the world! Ramjattan signed and conceded that if the APNU+AFC won the 2020 election and he is made prime minister, in the event of the presidency of David Granger being vacant, Ramjattan would agree that he will not accept elevation to the presidency which should be reserved for someone from

the PNC. But the constitution is pellucid in its grammar. The PM succeeds the president.

They say never use the word “never” in life but Ramjattan will never ever be the prime minister. Interesting to note that when he uttered those words he was Minister of Public Security and he was in the habit of having secrets that the public couldn't know. But this gentleman wants the police to make their secrets public (assuming the police have secrets about the murder of the two cousins).

Next, this gentleman wants the present government to award public servants a 10 percent salary increase.

Rewind the tape to 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Ramjattan was part of a government that made redundant 5,000 sugar workers without giving them their financial entitlements.

They had to resort to the courts, which ruled in their favour. This same politician wants public servants to have a salary increase. If they do not get it, they will still be employed. The sugar workers were laid off.

Next, this washed up politician of yesteryear wants

the government to issue an apology to his former Cabinet colleague, David Patterson.

For what? If you didn't know, when you do know, you would think Ramjattan should be part of the circus show of Mexico

Frederick Kissoon which is about to go on a tour.

He wants the apology for the government's public information that when Patterson was Minister of Public Infrastructure, he received a gold bracelet of almost a million dollars from public funds from one of the agencies he had ministerial jurisdiction over.

The gift was a violation of Cabinet guidelines and it looks set to be investigated by both the Auditor-General and the Public Integrity Commission.

All the examples cited

above about Ramjattan's comical vocabulary have been made since he lost power. But he, when he was in power, his clownish lexicon was profuse.

He told Guyanese on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at a press conference at the PNC's campaign head office that a group of Russians came to Guyana to rig the election and as Minister of Security, he had them deported. No Russians ever came to Guyana to rig the election. Commonsense would instruct any sane person to ask why if they came to rig the election on March 2 and were deported weeks before that date, Ramjattan didn't inform the public but did so only after the nation's election.

Finally, this is the same character, who went to his ministry during the month of June when the election drama was nearing its end and is recorded with tears in his eyes saying, “From all indications the PPP/C has beaten us by some 15,000 votes.” Then the next day denied what he is recorded as saying. What a gargantuan clown!

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

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Public Works Minister lambastes Ferguson for using MARAD fund like personal account - Says, “Every time she is going to the Essequibo, $600,000. She's going to the Rupununi, $900,000. She's going to Wakenaam, same thing.”

F

ormer Junior P u b l i c Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson, now Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), has found herself facing another fresh round of allegations regarding the misuse of public funds.

This time around, Public Wo r k s M i n i s t e r, J u a n Edghill, in his 2021 budget debate presentation last evening, accused the MP of using the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) fund as her own personal slush fund during her time as junior Minister.

“I understand the bitterness of the honorable member, Ferguson, when she spoke earlier (yesterday) this evening, Mr. Speaker.

You know what she miss?

The MARAD account was her personal petty cash,” the Minister Edghill relayed to the House.

Detailing the

transactions, Edghill said “Every time she is going to the Essequibo, $600,000.

She's going to the Rupununi, $900,000. She's going to Wakenaam, same thing.”

The Minister disclosed as well that he had no qualms releasing the necessary evidence to support his claims.

Further to that, Edghill highlighted that every government ministry has access to funds for travel and “subsistence,” which includes finances for the ministry to execute its mandate. Taking this into account, he questioned, “Why are you dipping into an agency's fund?” Minister continued, “You are put there to serve. You are already salaried and taken care of with allowances and benefits. Why are you using the funds from agencies?”

But those were not the only allegations Minister Edghill brought to the fore.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill He also accused the former Minister of using MARAD as her “personal

donation club.”

“For gospel concerts, and I won't call name, $2 million of MARAD money,” Edghill stated.

It was only back in January that Ferguson and the former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, were fingered in a gift buying scandal spanning several agencies under their control, including MARAD. Those instances came to light after a special audit was conducted into the state-run Garden of Eden Asphalt Plant. In total, the two were said to have received over $6.7 million in gold jewellery and gifts including electronics and household items.

“The benefits of the brooches and the bed sheets and the laptops and the unending list of items that were bought from agencies for Ministers Ferguson and Patterson while they served

Former Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson are well documented and it is a shameful act,” Edghill lamented, adding that the

monies of taxpayers should never be used for personal gain.

Man killed for not purchasing cigarette from neighbour

A

horse cart operator on T h u r s d a y afternoon lost his life after he refused to purchase a pack of cigarettes from his neighbour.

The dead man has been identified as Clifton Bhagwandat, 30, of Chateau Margot Squatting Dam, East Coast Demerara.

The suspect, Devon Boucher called 'Kingman', 26, a labourer of the said Dam, yesterday morning turned himself into the police. According to a police report, the incident happened around 17:20 hrs at Chateau Margot Squatting Dam, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday.

The report stated that Boucher and Bhagwandat are neighbours and was on speaking terms. On the day in question, Bhagwandat went to Boucher to purchase a pack of cigarette, but he had short money.

Boucher reportedly got

In custody, Devon Boucher

annoyed and an argument ensued between the two men.

The man then snatched his money from Boucher and said that he is going to the Chinese shop to purchase his cigarette.

H o w e v e r, B o u c h e r reportedly ran into his house and armed himself with a knife which he used and allegedly stabbed Bhagwandat several times.

The report further stated that persons in the area heard the commotion and gathered around but Boucher made good his escape. The matter was reported to Beterverwagting Police Station and the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) Ambulance Service was summoned.

However, when the EMT's arrived the man was pronounced dead on the scene. The suspect has since surrendered to the police and he is presently in custody assisting with the investigation.

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 27, 2021

PAGE 13

Donation of 80,000 vaccines from Indian Govt. expected to arrive next week G

uyana is set to receive another donation of COVID-19 vaccines, this time from the Government of India which is expected to arrive next week.

It was announced by the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during yesterday's COVID-19 update that the donation will see some 80,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Guyana, which will further bolster the immunization campaign that has already initiated.

According to the Health M i n i s t e r, t h e I n d i a n Government has pledged 500,000 doses of the vaccine to the Caribbean Region and luckily, Guyana has accounted for 16 per cent. “In that allocation, Guyana is going to get 80,000 doses and those doses we are expecting would come into Guyana sometime next week,” Anthony

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, receiving vaccine donation from Barbados recently disclosed, adding that “We are now working on the exact date and time when those vaccines are going to arrive.”

Earlier this month Barbados donated 3,000 doses of its Oxford-

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to Guyana out of its total of 100,000 doses given by the Indian Government. From Barbados' donation, the government kick started the

immunization campaign, working towards the goal of achieving herd immunity which requires at least 80 per cent of the population being vaccinated.

Since the Oxford-

AstraZeneca vaccine is a double dose vaccine, of the 3,000 doses donated; 200 doses were allocated to workers at the CARICOM Headquarters and the remaining 2,800 doses were given to frontline health workers as they are on top of the government's priority list for immunization.

Further, the Health Ministry announced earlier this week that the COVID 19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility has initiated its global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, meaning that Guyana is set to receive its quota soon. It was previously reported that approximately 104,000 doses of vaccines would be acquired through COVAX, free of cost.

However, Dr. Anthony stated that he cannot definitively state when the vaccines will arrive in Guyana. Anthony said, “With COVAX, we haven't really seen that rapid

deployment of vaccines. We are hoping that by sometime next week, we would start seeing vaccines coming to the region and hopefully shortly thereafter, we would be able to get adequate doses as was promised through the mechanism.”

The Government will also purchase 149,000 vaccine doses through the CARICOM/ African Union agreement and a donation of 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from the Chinese Government is also expected.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e government remains in discussion with the Russian Government for a quota of their Sputnik COVID-19 vaccines and even moved to issue emergency approval for that vaccine and the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine through the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department earlier this week.

Coalition to lay motion to stop dumping of produced water into ocean S

hadow Minister of Oil and Gas, David Patterson, has singled the coalition's intention of laying a motion to stop the dumping of produced water into the ocean.

Patterson shared these and other details during his presentation on the 2021 budget to the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), yesterday.

For the reader's enlightenment, produced water is a term used in the oil industry to describe water that comes up in a well with the oil and gas and is usually high in salinity.

After leaving the well, the produced water is separated from the oil and gas. It can also be referred to as formation water, saltwater, or oilfield brine.

During his presentation, Patterson spoke of a number of environmental infractions committed by ExxonMobil, including its flaring of natural gas and dumping of produced water into the ocean.

“Here again when challenged,” Patterson told the Assembly, “Exxon excuses this unsavory practice by callously misleading the Guyanese public that the

Coalition MP, David Patterson

World Bank approved of such a practice. This is a blatant misrepresentation on the World Bank guidance on this practice.”

According to the former Public Infrastructure Minister, the World Bank had recommended that the injection of the produced water must be the first option and water dumping must only be reconsidered if reinjection is not financially or technically feasible.

“There is no question, not even by Exxon, that the reinjection is both technically and financially feasible,” he

pointed out.

Moreover, Patterson indicated that while it cannot be attributed to an emerging oil and gas sector, Guyana's local fisher folk have been reporting reduced catches, from both the small and commercial companies.

“It is an issue which requires the input of this Parliament,” Patterson mentioned, “With that sir, I am putting the Parliament on notice, we intend to bring a notion on water dumping shortly to ensure that it is analyzed and that the facts come to life.”

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

GTT helps health business combat COVID-19 challenges with new technology solution

T

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) recently engineered technological solutions to assist local telehealth business, OnCall Medical Solutions Inc., in combating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As many businesses continue to offer online services in aid of flattening the COVID-19 curve, GTT has provided the support necessary to enable OnCall Medical Solutions Inc. to provide tele-health services in Guyana.

Through OnCall Medical Solutions Inc, patients can

connect with and receive care from private healthcare providers at their convenience. Among the services offered are Health Management, House Calls, Blood Sampling, COVID-19 sampling and Tele-health service, where patients can consult with doctors via the telephone or through video apps.

According to Public Relations Manager, Jasmin Harris, the technology company provides a combination of services to the company. These include the hosted PBX service, VOIP via SIP service and mmg+. “We are proud to announce that our hosted

PBX service is enabling OnCall Medical Solutions Inc. to break barriers with its tele-health services.

The impact of Coronavirus has challenged many businesses to become innovative – with reduced physical interactions companies were forced to develop ways to connect with their customers and it has been our pleasure to support OnCall's initiative,” Harris said.

She added that while GTT's technologies help to connect businesses to their customers, the company also encourages the use of mmg+ for cashless payments, to

further reduce physical interaction.

“We commend OnCall Medical for breaking the physical barrier of accessing health care with its telehealth service and we are extremely happy that our technology solutions can help bridge the gap of healthcare services in Guyana, to the benefit of our people, ” she added.

The PRO noted that GTT has also provided the telehealth business with free Managing Director of handsets to connect with OnCall Medical Solutions their local team of doctors.

“The world is rapidly Inc., Dr. Kofi Dalrymple changing a n d w e a r e equipped and ready to support local businesses like OnCall Medical Solutions Inc. Our team and our partners are committed to supporting businesses with technology solutions such as remote working, online collaboration, managed networking and security, and cloud solutions,” Harris stated.

Managing Director of OnCall Medical Solutions Inc., Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, lauded GTT for its partnership to facilitate

GTT's Public Relations Manager, Jasmin Harris

local operations. “We are excited that GTT and its partners are able to provide and support the connective technology necessary to drive our business. OnCall Medical Solutions Inc. believes everyone in Guyana deserves access to the best healthcare and GTT is helping us to make that a reality,” Dr. Dalrymple stated.

OnCall Medical Solutions Inc. can be reached via 233-A-DOC (233-2362) or 624-OCMS (624-6267) or v i a e m a i l a t oncall@oncallguyana.com.

Persons can visit its website for more information at www.oncallguyana.com

Fisherman slits cousin's throat for being disrespectful to father, charged with murder

A

Fisherman yesterday made his first court appearance at the Fort Wellington Magistrate Court to answer to the charge of murder committed on his cousin of D'Edward Village, West Bank Berbice.

Rocky Harper, 26, of Lot 1 Section A, D'Edward Village, West Bank Berbice, appeared before Magistrate, Peter Hugh, and was charged with the murder of his cousin, Reaz Mohamed, 25, also of Section A, D'Edward Village. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and will return to court on March 2 at the Blairmont Magistrate Court.

Initial reports are that the cousins along with other relatives gathered at the Lot 1 Section A, D'Edward Village residence and were consuming alcohol, when the deceased began using foul language against his father. During that argument, the deceased had hit his father several times. It is alleged that Harper tried to

Murder accused: Rocky Harper calm the mounting tensions but was futile. Kaieteur News understands that Harper became annoyed and armed himself with a knife.

He then allegedly slit the throat of the deceased and made good his escape.

The victim was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Man who killed pensioner at supermarket remanded to prison A

22-year-old man who was arrested for the murder of a pensioner, whose burnt body was found in the compound of the Huaxin Supermarket, was yesterday remanded to prison.

The defendant, Marco Seudatt, a labourer of Fourth Street, Foulis, East Coast Demerara, made his first court appearance at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court

before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore where the capital charge of murder was read to him.

Seudatt was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on February 22, at Huaxin Supermarket, Enmore he murdered 72year-old, Mathura Etwaru.

Magistrate Azore remanded the 22-year-old to prison and the matter was adjourned to May 18, 2021.

It was reported that on

Monday morning, a motionless Etwaru was found lying on the northern side of the Supermarket with burn marks to the upper parts of his body.

The man's body which was clad in a short multicoloured pants and a grey jersey, was discovered lying on the ground by a 52-yearold painter sometime around 08:16hrs.

According to the police report, the incident which

was captured on CCTV camera, showed that around 02:46hrs on Monday, the 72year-old and Seudatt were seen having an argument.

The 22-year-old then held onto the man before pushing him to the northern side of the fence.

After that, the labourer was seen picking up some empty cardboard boxes and went to the spot where he pushed the deceased.

Sometime around 03:12hrs, a fire was seen lit in the same area where the pensioner was pushed.

This publication was told

that it was because of the altercation Seudatt had decided to push the deceased into the fire. Kaieteur News learnt that Etwaru was suspicious of the young man after he was seen loitering in the area.

After being nabbed on Tuesday, the 22-year-old reportedly during his confession, said that the deceased confronted him and asked what he was doing there (in the compound).

This led to the argument which resulted in the victim collapsing. The labourer (continued on page 16)

Remanded to prison: Marco Seudatt called 'Bissoon'

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 27, 2021

Four-year-old hit with cricket ball died from infection in abdomen - PM reveals WANTED

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day, died as a result of an infection in the abdomen. This is according to postmortem results, which were presented by pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh.

Upon completion of the examination, the body was handed over to the family.

Kaieteur News understands that multiple factors can result in an infection in the abdomen, physical injury being amongst them.

Reports reaching Kaieteur News indicate that last Wednesday, the four-year-old was struck by a cricket ball during a game with family members at their Charity residence, on the Essequibo Coast. Police later confirmed in a

subsequent report that “around 16:00 hours on the day in question, the child was playing cricket with family members, when she was hit to her abdomen area by the ball, but continued playing.”

The police report also stated that the child continued to play for about fifteen

minutes, then went inside and eventually went to sleep.

The motionless body of the four-year old was discovered by her sister, who later raised an alarm. The child was pronounced dead by a doctor when taken to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity.

Man who killed pensioner...

From page 15 admitted that he lit some cardboard and threw Etwaru into the fire. According to the police, the footage showed Seudatt picking up his bicycle and escaping from the scene in the western direction.

The man's body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour where a post mortem examination (PME) was conducted. It was subsequently revealed that the pensioner died from severe burns about his body and compression to the neck.

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Absence of unified front allows oil companies to exploit differences - Patterson T

he lack of a unified front in the management of Guyana's resources has allowed oil companies to exploit the country's differences, says Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson.

During his presentation on the budget to the National A s s e m b l y, y e s t e r d a y, Patterson decried the divide on the government and opposition side, and recalled that this disunited state has posed “adverse affects” on the country.

Against this background, Patterson indicated that the A

- Tells Parliament, “We are ready for a better deal” Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition is willing to offer its support “in presenting a united position” so that it can jointly “address the alleged inadequacies in the [oil] contract and any other document, including the environmental permit.”

“It is our position that once we present a united position to our international partners, the harder it will be for them to continue ignoring

our concerns,” Patterson said to the National Assembly gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

This is the second recorded occasion where Patterson has shared the c o a l i t i o n ' s support to renegotiate the ExxonMobil deal – one that has been deemed lopsided and unfair for Guyana by local, regional and international experts.

E a r l i e r i n J a n u a r y, Patterson, who is the shadow Oil and Gas

Four dig hole, escape from Lethem lockup

F

o u r m e n reportedly escaped yesterday from the Lethem Police Station lockup using an underground hole that they dug.

According to the police, the escaped men were identified as: Jack King Paul, 36, of Kwatamang Village, North Rupununi; Clarence Rodney, 20, of Lethem, Central Rupununi; Yon Rogg Hernandez, 26, a Venezuelan National, called 'John Roberts,' of Tabatinga, Lethem and Xarlos Edwards Thomas, 18, a Venezuelan National, of Tabatinga, Lethem.

The four men reportedly escaped between 00:05 hrs. and 07:00 hrs. yesterday morning.

The report stated that around 07:00 hrs., a prisoner of Tabatinga, Lethem, who is in custody for assault, alerted the ranks of the absence of

Yon Rogg Hernandez called 'John Roberts'

ESCAPED: Clarence Rodney

the prisoners.

When the ranks visited the scene, they observed a metal rod on the eastern side of the lockup near a dug hole with an exit point measuring 3ft. in width, length and depth. The police reported that the dug hole has a 2-inch

layer of concrete with red sand beneath.

A manhunt has since been launched to locate the four escaped prisoners, and anyone with information on the whereabouts of the four prisoners is asked to notify the nearest police station.

Minister, told a panel that during the coalition's five years in government, it “never got the chance to correct the poor provisions in the deal.”

Examples of a few of these sub-standard provisions which are crafted in such ways that Guyana would suffer significant value leakage, include Guyana paying Exxon's billions of dollars in taxes; pre-contract costs discrepancies; unspecified interest rates expensed to Guyana for loans to the oil entities; weak environmental standards; Guyana's inability to control the amount of oil being produced; and infrastructure cost anomalies between the Liza One & Liza Two Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

However, Patterson uttered that if the new PPP/C

government wishes to renegotiate such a deal, the coalition will be offering their “unconditional support”.

Notably, during his time as Opposition Leader, now Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had repeatedly trashed the Exxon deal. Even in December 2020, the VP

had taken issue with the fact that some of the wordings of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) create the impression that ExxonMobil and its co-contractors have “sovereignty” over Guyana.

But even with these reservations and criticisms, the VP and the PPP/C government have refused to renegotiate the lopsided Exxon contract.

COVID-19 case toll climbs past 8,500

W

ith the 28 new COVID-19 infections revealed in the Ministry of Health's daily update yesterday, the COVID-19 case toll has surpassed 8,500 cases.

The total number of confirmed cases is now 8,513.

The dashboard also

shows that four patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, another 11 in institutional quarantine, 37 in institutional isolation and 332 in home isolation.

Additionally, a total of 7,945 persons have recovered to date with 55 new recoveries recorded yesterday.

The COVID-19 death toll remains at 195 deaths.

Despite Jagdeo's promise, Govt....

From page 8 on the NRF to be published, including, but not limited to: (5) Monthly reports of the NRF.” As for the Publication of Reports – Article 42 of the Natural Resource Fund Act, under the section Accounting, Reporting and Auditing, states “The Minister shall publish on the website of the Ministry and generally make available to the public… (c) the monthly reports within seven working days after they have been submitted to the Minister by

the Bank…”

The Ali administration has said that it does not agree with the current configuration of the Act, and will replace it, but it has not done this yet. In the interim, the Act remains law, and not publishing the legally mandated monthly reports on the Minister's website is a breach of same.

But the website of the Ministry of Finance had been down for weeks after the installation of Senior Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh. It was only the day after he

presented the 2021 budget that the website, after being revamped, went back online.

The reports cannot be found there.

Kaieteur News is seeking to collect all production statements leading back to the start of oil production, after former Minister Jordan stopped publishing them.

Other documents promised but not delivered, include the findings of the Canadian Alison Redford on the Payara review, and production licences for the Liza Phases One and Two projects.

Due to the size of our family and the reduced capacity of the church because of the current Covid-19 protocols, we request that anyone wishing to attend the funeral do so virtually by using the following link: https://livestream.com/accounts/10880835/events/9550257

Funeral Service: Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Main Street, Georgetown.

1st. March, 2021 10:00am.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 27, 2021

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 27, 2021

Saturday February 27, 2021

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Jaguars face unbeaten Red Force for 1st Title in 15 years

By Sean Devers Today from 13:30hrs at the Coolidge ground in Antigua, Guyana Jaguars and pretournament favorites Trinidad Red Force face-off for the Clive Lloyd Trophy in Final of the CB Insurance Regional Super50 which culminates under lights.

The Leon Johnson led Jaguars won the last of their nine titles in 2005 when, led by Manager/Assistant Coach Shiv Chanderpaul, they defeated Barbados at Bourda.

Since then this is their fourth trip to finals and for the third time since then Trinidad will be their nemeses.

Trinidad is the most successful team in Regional 50over cricket with 12 titles but none since 2016 when they beat

Barbados by 72 runs at the Queen’s Park Oval.

When the two best teams in the tournament clash today in what could be good conditions for batting with a small ground, fast outfield and cold and windy conditions at night, the mental fortitude could be the key ingredient for the Jaguars if they hope to break the decade and a half title drought and give Guyana a great belated 51st Republic Anniversary gift.

The Red Force boosts a virtual West Indies team and will bank on Jason Mohammed the tournament’s leading runscorer with 326 runs with a century and a fifty. He is the only batsman with 300 runs, while only Guyana’s Shimron

Hetmyer with 280 runs has passed 275 in this tournament.

Daren Bravo, at his best form, is elegance personified and arguable the Caribbean’s best batsman. The classy left-hander has scored two fifties and averages 74.00 from four innings.

Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis are the other batsmen in the Red Force side, while Nicolas Pooran is an exciting talent.

Newly appointed West Indies T20 Skipper Kiron Pollard and former West Indies Captain Denesh Ramdin are short of runs and they would want to ‘come good’ today.

Former West Indies pacer Ravi Rampaul (10) is their leading wicket-taker, while although a bit on the expensive side pacer Anderson Phillip (9) has also picked up wickets. They will also

Saturday February 27, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Are you satisfied with your current career? If not, start by making a plan. There are specific steps that you can follow to take the greatest advantage of the available opportunities.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't fear any changes that lie ahead. Even if you think you don't adjust well, you have more adaptability than you realize. Without change, life would become stagnant.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Make your dreams a tool for gaining insight, Gemini. In the past, some rulers believed that their dreams held great insights and they employed people to interpret them.

CANCER(June21–July22) Follow your instincts, Cancer.

Even if you have a tendency to listen more to reason, put it aside today. While your ears hear words, your intuition can hear what's between the words and unsaid.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Are you living your dreams, Libra? Are you still in touch with them? The energy from today's planetary aspects can lend strength and encouragement to this part of your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Check out advancing your career or education today. The energy can favor expansion and growth. When was the last time you learned a new skill? It doesn't have to be work related.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Do you recognize your intuition as a valuable asset, Sagittarius? Some people do and some don't. Which group are you in?

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Use your creativity to make things happen today, Capricorn. Remember that creativity doesn't always take the form of a finished product.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Feed your mind new knowledge. Visit a bookstore or read some interesting information on the web. If you have more time, visit the library or find out about some courses that might be perfect for you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Find some new ways to expand your horizons, Aquarius. The web has an infinite amount of information to explore, and your community and local colleges offer many courses from which to choose.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Try to see nightmares as safe ways to understand feelings, Virgo. No one likes to experience them, and we'd sooner forget them once awake, but the best way to ensure they don't return is to understand them.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Step out of your routine .

Do this every so often to increase your knowledge and expand your horizons.

The planetary aspects favor this. Walking to a different beat can give you far more than you imagine.

depend on spinners Imran Khan, Khary Pierre, Akeal Hosein and Mohammed.

Guyana’s 305-7 against the Windwards is the highest total in the tournament and one of only two 300 totals this season, while Johnson, Chris Barnwell and Hetmyer have all scored centuries.

The 194-run fifth wickets stand between Hetmyer and Raymond Reifer is the fifth wicket record since the inauguration of this tournament in 1976.

Hetmyer batted brilliantly and demonstrated wonderful maturity and responsibility (attributes not too often associated with the Berbician) in his masterful 113 in the semifinals and if he gets going today he could set the ground on fire.

Guyanese fans will hope that his non-selection on the West Indies team to face Sri Lanka next month is used as a motivation for him to get a bit more serious with his cricket.

Chanderpaul Hemraj has made 219 runs but he has managed just a single halfcentury and would want to improve on his conversation rate.

New kid on the block Tevin Imlach has looked accomplished and along with Hemraj have given Guyana solid foundations by playing the supporting role

...Blairmont and Achievers From page 23 Asphalt New Amsterdam/ Canje.

Both teams are reminded that all players shall be attired in whites, wear a face masks in the pavillion and practice social distancing. Players shall have to walk along with their own drinking water and hand sanitizers. The match starts at 9.30am.

Teams Blairmont 1. Marvon Prashad (cpt) 2. Farook Subhan 3. Raashad Gafoor 4. Altav Balman 5. Satyah France 6. Shreedat Roopnarine 7. Anthony Sukhra 8. Jonathan Bacchus 9. Andy Tageraj 10. Shahid Baksh 11. Sajad Ishmael 12. Razam Koobair 13. Tameshwar Adin 14. Arun Jaikarran Achievers CC 1. Jayden Samuels (cpt) 2. Collis Noble 3. Nickel Fraser 4. Model Miller 5. Omari Arthur 6. Collis Harcourt 7. Shelton Ramsay 8. Darius Joseph 9. Ayube Rogers 10. Tulsieram Ramcharran 11. Earl Hector 12. Winton Hartman 13. Rawle Dindial.

to the aggressive Hemraj who would hope to go on to a big score today.

Johnson, Barnwell, Romario Shepherd and Anthony Bramble are the other batsmen to reach 100 runs but they will want to lift their game today, while Raymond Reifer has made an instant impact on his arrival from Bangladesh with his innings in the semis with his team in trouble.

Against the Red Force and especially Bravo and Pollard, Nail Smith could replace Permaul with Shepherd, Reifer and Barnwell backing his up in the pace department.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie had the most wickets in the tournament with 16 scalps, while offspinner Kevin Sinclair will

want to celebrate his T20 and ODI selection with another frugal spell.

His five wickets have come at an economy rate 3.20 which is best economy in the tournament for all bowlers who delivered more than six overs.

This comes on the back of him having the best economy rate when he helped West Indies Emerging Players to Championships honours in the last Regional Super50.

In addition to the two spinners, Hemraj is being used as the third spinner.

Whatever happens today the grand finale should be a riveting contest and if Guyana can be mentally strong they can return home with the Trophy this year.

...Gayle, Edwards in, no place From page 20 the T20Is by the CWI Medical Panel whilst he completes his “return to play” protocols.

Harper revealed that fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas, along with batsman Shimron Hetmyer, and all-rounder Roston Chase all failed to reach the minimum fitness standard in time for selection consideration.

They will all remain in Antigua after the CGI Insurance Super50 Cup to work on their fitness and conditioning.

West Indies T20 Squad:

Kieron Pollard (captain); Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Fidel E d w a r d s , A n d r e F l e t c h e r, C h r i s G a y l e , J a s o n H o l d e r, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Rovman Powell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair.

West Indies ODI Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd and Kevin Sinclair.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Team Mohamed’s GTRs

Saturday February 27, 2021

Team Mohamed’s GTRs to set South Dakota ablaze tomorrow

F

a n s a n d competitors alike can hardly wait for the 1320 action to return to the South Dakota Circuit tomorrow with the possibility of an all GTR final very possible.

Team Mohamed’s had suffered mechanical problems during the last meet in 2019 and had they been able to compete, would’ve reset the drag strip record with their fresh white GTR (Godzilla).

However, even before rumors broke in the motor racing fraternity that all of Team Mohamed’s GTRs are doing 7 seconds passes, fans were not surprised because of the excellence and quality this racing outfit has prided itself in for the past 4 years since its creation, inclusive of winning multiple Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) titles. So a new strip record is imminent!

Over the years, through Principal, Azruddin Mohamed, the team has poured in millions of dollars

towards transforming the South Dakota Drag Strip into an international standard facility and although it is not quite there as yet, the transformation has been major.

From the lengthening of the track from 1000 to the full 1320ft, the construction of a launch pad and resurfacing of the entire strip, Team Mohamed’s have not only been the number one team for a while but the number one supporter of motor racing in Guyana.

Speaking to Newsroom earlier in the week, experienced US Competition Consultant Kurt Johnson, who was b r o u g h t i n b y Te a m Mohamed’s to help prepare the track for tomorrow’s highly anticipated burnout, had mentioned that he b e l i e v e s t h a t Te a m Mohamed’s Godzilla (white GTR) can go as fast as 6.90s, while the other two black GTRs were in the 7s region.

In an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, Azruddin explained that

most of the work was done on the track not only to see his cars reach their full potential but also with the safety of spectators, officials and everyone that would be present at the track in mind.

Although there will not be as much fans at the venue as expected due to the covid19 task force conditions for the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club to host this event, fans will be able to view the action live on the GMR&SC facebook page, on E Networks E1, SKAR TV (Channel 102) and Tarzee TV in Bartica.

When quizzed about the threat of the S&D Performance (Shawn Persaud) tuned Supra that is now renamed King Kong, he w a s n ’t t o o f a z e d a n d expressed confidence in his machines and support staff.

The three vehicles will be piloted between Azruddin himself and Terrence Cox of the USA who was behind the wheel many times as Team Mohamed’s raced away from the competition and reset strip records.

Gayle, Edwards in, no place for Hetmyer or Chase as squads named for Sri Lanka series SportsMax - Chris Gayle and Fidel Edwards have been recalled to the West Indies squad for next month’s T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka.

However, there is no place for Shimron Hetmyer, Sheldon Cottrell or Roston Chase, who West Indies selectors say have failed to achieve minimum fitness standards.

Meanwhile, while offspinner Kevin Sinclair earns his first West Indies selection and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein gets his first T20I call-up. Kyle Mayers has also been selected for the CG Insurance ODI Series that will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on March 10, 12 and 14 with the final match scheduled to be a day/night encounter.

The series forms part of the ICC ODI Super League and these three matches provide the opportunity for West Indies to secure their first points as the team tries to qualify automatically for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India.

The T20I matches that will be played under floodlights on March 3, 5 and 7 starting at 6 pm Eastern Caribbean Time (5 pm Jamaica Time), will create history as the first full international matches to be played by the official West Indies Men’s team at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

The T20s will also be the first West Indies matches to be played in Antigua since 2013. West Indies will use these matches to prepare to defend their ICC T20 World Cup title scheduled to be played in India later this year.

Chief Selector Roger Harper in explaining Gayle’s return, said the Universe Boss still has a lot to offer to the West Indies cricket and that Edwards will be an asset in attack. ”As we build towards the defence of the T20 World Cup, the opportunity is being taken to determine our best team and squad as we go forward,” Harper said.

“Chris Gayle has performed very well in recent tournaments and the

selection panel thinks that he can still add great value to our team. Fidel Edwards has been selected to give the bowling the potent firepower needed.”

Harper added that Jason Holder has shown his allround value in this format in recent times and after missing a few series he will add depth and experience to the squad.

He said Akeal Hosein performed very well in Bangladesh [ODI Series] and had excellent stats in the CPL “so this is an opportunity to see how he equips himself in this format.

Kevin Sinclair grabbed our attention in the Super50 Cup back in 2019 and has been consistently economical in the last CPL and the current CG Insurance Super50. He will provide an off-spinning option for the team.”

All-rounder Andre Russell is still recovering from contracting COVID-19 earlier this month, and despite testing negative over a week ago was ruled out of (Continued on page 19)

Saturday February 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Ombudsman refuses to hold GCB Elections due ECB no-show DCB Head calls decision ‘strange’ ….to approach High Court Monday

By Sean Devers

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Elections saga hit another hurdle yesterday at the Umana Yana when Cricket Ombudsman Kamal Ramkarran, who turned up 31 minutes late due to another commitment, refused to Call Elections which were set by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson, due to the no-show of Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) despite having a quorum of 15 delegates present.

After the first Ombudsman (Dr. Winston McGowan) resigned without commencement of the job, D r. G e o rg e N o r t o n announced the appointed former Everest Cricket Club President and Lawyer Stephen Lewis as Guyana’s s e c o n d C r i c k e t Ombudsman. Lewis’ job also never commenced since the Court squashed his appointment.

Ramkarran, who became a lawyer in Guyana in 2002 and, since then, has worked

mainly as a litigator in general civil practice, said he wanted to be ‘fair’ to the ECB which he said contacted him Thursday night after the High Court threw out an injunction filed

by GCB Secretary Anand Sanansie.

In 2006, Ramkarran was awarded a Master of Laws degree in Commercial and Corporate Law and in 2018 he earned another one in Banking and Finance Law with Merit from the University of London.

From 2006 to 2018 and again in 2020 he was appointed by successive Ministers of Health as a member of the Medical Council of Guyana.

Ramkarran said he wanted to check the list of registered clubs in Essequibo and admitted to seeing, but not reading, an email sent to him last night by the DCB President Bisoon Singh.

When asked when would the Elections be held?

Ramkarran, who would have performed the duties of Returning Officer at

Ombudsman Kamal Ramkarran answers after arriving late and refusing to call the GCB Elections yesterday.

yesterday’s Elections, said that only Minister Ramson has the authority to set a date for the GCB’s Elections.

However, nowhere the Guyana Cricket Administration act says that Ombudsman has the authority to change the date set by the Minister.

It was pointed out to the Ombudsman that at DCB Elections two subAssociations failed to showup, while the three others were present.

Major General (Ret’d) and former GCB President Norman McLean, who performed the duties of Returning Officer, allowed the Elections to go ahead since 17 delegates were present.

The DCB Head, who has an interest in challenging for GCB Presidency, described Ramkarran decision not to proceed with the Elections with all of the delegates from the BCB and DCB, present as ‘Very Strange’.

Singh’s next step now is to approach the Court on Monday and said it was strange that the Ombudsman wanted to check the Essequibo list when they were the delinquent party not submitting their list of delegates.

“This is like putting a double full stop in case you missed the first one, to achieve what they did not from the Court.You cannot breach a court order.

I just received advice from our Lawyer to go the Court on Monday to compel him (Ramkarran) to do his job and failure to do that, ask the Court to Call the Elections,” said an angry Singh.

Asked if he felt the Ombudsman did not have enough time to complete his job, Singh said that if he (Ramkarran) felt so then he should have told the Minister and not accept the date then fail to do his job.

“Something went wrong last night (Thursday) I don’t know what happened last night.

After the Court said the way was clear for the Elections to be held today (yesterday). So one could say that the Ombudsman has overruled the Court,” Singh lamented.

Sources told Kaieteur Sport that efforts were made to ensure that yesterday’s elections were postponed despite the Court’s decision.

Efforts to contact Minister Ramson yesterday proved futile since he was at Parliament all day.

DCB President Bisoon Singh had plenty to say yesterday after the GCB Elections were postponed.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Saturday February 27, 2021

Fruta Conquerors drawn in Group C of 2021 - Confident of Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield winning group

D

e f e n d i n g G u y a n a F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) Elite League champions, Fruta Conquerors have been drawn in Group C following the official draw for the 2021 edition of the Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield which is scheduled to take p l a c e i n Wi l l e m s t a d , Curacao, from April 23 to May 2, 2021.

Yesterday’s draw took place at the Concacaf Headquarters in Miami with the tournament set to kick off with Group Stage play from April 23-27 involving the 14 participating clubs divided into four groups.

Conquerors, under the technical and tactical

Fruta Conquerors’ Nicholas McArthur (#14) battles Western Tigers’ Andrew Murray (#10) during the 2019 season of the GFF Elite League; May, 2019 at the GFF National Training Center. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Sampson Gilbert - Fruta Conquerors Head Coach guidance of Head Coach Sampson Gilbert will face Hope International FC of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and SV Racing Club Aruba of Aruba. Like Group C, Group D has three clubs, whilst Groups A and B have four clubs each.

Following are the four groups: Group A: RKSC

Scherpenheuvel (CUW), Flames United SC (SMA), SV Real Rincon (BOE), Platinum FC (LCA). Group B: AS Gosier (GLP), Olympique de Cayenne (GUF), AS Samaritaine (MTQ), South East FC (DMA). Group C: Hope International FC (VIN), SV Racing Club Aruba (ARU), Fruta Conquerors FC (GUY). Group D: St. Paul’s United FC (SKN), Metropolitan FA (PUR), Inter Moengo Tapoe (SUR).

Following round-robin play, the four group winners will advance to the Semifinals. The Semifinal matches will be played on April 30, followed by the Final and Third Place Match on Sunday, May 2.

Provided the 2021 CCCS Champion fulfills the Concacaf Regional Club Licensing criteria required to participate in the Scotiabank Concacaf League, the Shield Champion will advance to an additional play-in match to be contested on May 26, versus the 2021 Flow Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship fourth place finisher.

The winner of this match will claim the last spot for Caribbean clubs in the 2021 SCL. The match schedule along with other details will be announced in the coming weeks, Concacaf has disclosed.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Gilbert in an invited comment following yesterday’s draw stated that the Club fraternity is looking forward to this opportunity to showcase ‘Club and Country’ on the international scene.

“I know we are capable of reaching the semifinals and regardless of the opposition, we are preparing to overcome whatever is before us in achieving that goal which will enable us to possibly win this tournament.”

Like all other sports, football has had its fair share of challenges brought on by the world pandemic, covid19.

Gilbert further noted that their focus is in the right place as they aim to be in the best possible shape for combat in April.

“The Club is fully

m o t i v a t e d , h o w e v e r, because of the necessity to observe strict covid-19 guidelines, we are challenged to accommodate the full squad at training sessions but have to divide the squad especially for the physical aspect of our preparation.

In view of these challenges our preparation is coming along satisfactorily as we anticipate permission from the National Covid-19 Task Force to return fully to training.”

In terms of the make-up of the team, Gilbert informed that it would be a mixture of youth and experience being invested in to deliver.

“We have a squad of young and experienced players who will all be required to work together to achieve our goals in this tournament. Youths such as Leon Richardson, Jermaine Garrett, Omari Glasgow and Nicholas McArthur combining with seniors like Domini Garnett, Jahall Greaves, Solomon Austin, Vurlon Mills and Gregory Richardson, some of our key players.”

Vreed-en-Hoop capture Tapeball tourney at Durban Park Vreed-en-Hoop won the PKF Barcellos, Narine & Co. Cup Youth Tapeball seven-aside four-over cricket competition played at the Durban Park Tarmac last Saturday.

Vreed-en-Hoop Youths defeated the youths from Vergenoegen Bible Club by two runs in the Final after scoring 46-3 in four overs and restricting the opposition to 44 when their allotted overs expired.

Reaz Majeed top scored with 15 for Vreed-en-Hoop, while Avinash Persaud for

Vergenoegen Bible Club.

Bernard Barry from West Ruimveldt Youth team won the prize for taking the best catch in the tournament.

Seventeen teams participated in the Competition and at its conclusion Company Secretary of PKF Barcellos, Narine & Co presented the prizes to the Winner and Runners-up.

Coordinators of the Event were Sister Laurien Tracey and James ‘Uprising’ Lewis.

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 27, 2021

BCB to host four Grass Root tournaments tomorrow across Berbice

GSCL Inc President Ian John (right) accepts the cheque from Barama Company Limited Country Manager Mohindra Chand.

Barama Company Ltd. supports GSCL Inc President’s Cup Barama Company Limited has supported the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc President’s T20 Softball tournament. At a simple presentation ceremony held yesterday at their Land of Canaan office, Country Manager Mohindra Chand presented a cheque to President of GSCL Inc Ian John. Chand said they are happy to be given a chance to be part of the tournament and wished the teams well. John

welcomed the partnership and stated that they are looking forward to their continued support.

The three-day tournament, which is organized jointly by the Honourable Counsel of Guyana to Florida, Ramzan Roshanalli and the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated (GSCL), was launched on Sunday February 7 at the Everest Cricket Club

Vishal Nagamootoo

banquet hall with Guyana’s President His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali delivering the feature address and officially committing to the mega tournament.

The inaugural President’s T20 Softball tournament will be played in three categories; Open (All ages), Masters (over-40 years old) and Legends (over-50 years old) from March 5 to 7 at venues in and around Georgetown.

National footballer launches Delivery Service Jeremy Garrett

Twenty-one year-old Golden Jaguars center half, Jeremy Garrett, has decided to venture into business and launched his first venture, ‘Express Delivery Service’ recently.

During an interview with Kaieteur Sport, the young man noted that, “Without a doubt the pandemic was my biggest motivator if I’m to be honest and it drove me into the business world. During the pandemic things all around became tough to handle, whether it was our finances, sport, jobs etc for athletes in particular but more so everyone.”

He continued that, “It was during this period I questioned myself on what can I do to stay occupied, a little brace financially and something to help the people around me. On the grounds that delivery companies are popping up regularly, my company wouldn’t really be focused on that, instead we will keep striving to better serve our customers to enhance that bond nationwide with them.”

The Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FCFC) member shed light on what’s difference between his and other delivery services, “I’d say, we will aim to bring fast and efficient service to our customers and a lot emphasis will be paid on my employees behavior towards customers, dress codes etc.

So for me the competition doesn’t matter as long as I’m excelling in the areas I think need the enhancement here in Guyana. That being said, I would certainly encourage all the other services to not look at this as a competition but as a call to action to strive for their company be the best it can be.”

PAGE 25

The plans by the proactive Berbice Cricket Board to promote the game of cricket at the grassroot level would receive a major boost when four tournaments are played across the Lower Corentyne area.

The tournaments would be played at the Kennard Memorial, Whim, Chesney and Fyrish Grounds and are been sponsored by former cricketers Mankarran Singh, Vi s h a l N a g a m o o t o o , Narsingh Deonarine and Hemnarine Chattergoon respectively.

At the Whim Ground, teams would be vying for the Nagamootoo brothers Challenge Cup. They are Whim, Tain Block Four, Belvedere United and Rose Hall Town Tigers. Vishal Nagamootoo is a former national wicketkeeper, while his elder brother Mahendra played test cricket for the West Indies.

Former RHTYSC and Port Mourant player Mankarran Singh is the

Hemnarine Chattergoon sponsor of the Karran and Son tournament which would be played at the Kennard Memorial Ground.

Kildonan, Ramnarine Memorial, Kennard Memorial and No43 are the teams that would participate.

Former West Indies middle order batsman Narsingh Deonarine is the sponsor of the Deonarine Cup that would see Chesney, Jai Hind, Albion Open and Sandreef Tigers playing at the Chesney Ground.

Over at the Fyrish Ground, former West Indies under19 player Hemnarine Chattergoon is the sponsor of the Chattergoon Brother Challenge Cup. Home team Fyrish, Kilcoy, Courtland and Nigg Intruders are the teams involved.

Foster at a special meeting with the sixteen teams stated the BCB was investing heavily into grassroot cricket in an effort to renew the passion for the game after the one year break due to the ongoing Covid-19

Blairmont and Achievers to clash in Brian Ramphal/ West Berbice Under-19 Final today Besides the pandemic, “A lot of persons encouraged me to pull through with this idea, my parents and my sister. My friend Sunil Logan has been very motivating from the infancy stages as well and even sent me lunch one day so I can focus, thank you my brother.”

“This is a huge step for me, it’s kind of demanding but I’m managing, it’s something I’m looking at for a long term basis and I’m pushing to make this company grow and someday become a trademark business here in Guyana.

However, the service will be offering a lot more other than the delivery of food items, we can also delivery mails, gifts etc. feel free to give us a call between our normal work hours that is 9am-9pm daily.”

The contact numbers for Express Delivery Service are 226-9114 and for whatsapp 638-8795.

After defeating D’ Edwards Cricket Club and Paradise Cricket Club respectively, arch rivals Blairmont and Achievers would clash in the final of the B C B o rg a n i s e d B r i a n Ramphal/ West Berbice Under19 tournament. The match would be played at the Cotton Tree Ground today 27th of February and with both teams been strong on paper, a close match is expected.

Blairmont would be led by national junior player Marvon Prashad and he would be supported by Farook Subhan, Anthony Sukhra, Satyah France and

Shreedat Roopnarine.

Achievers’ efforts would be spearheaded by skipper Jayden Samuels, Berbice youth player Collis Noble, Midel Miller and Collis Hardcourt.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that the Brian

Narsingh Deonarine pandemic. He warned them that no form of indiscipline would be tolerated and urged them to invest in youth development. One of the main objectives of the tournaments is to allow other clubs apart from power houses Albion and RHTYSC, MS to win a Berbice Cricket Board Title.

Clubs are reminded that all players shall have to be attired in white and teams are expected to report at the venues, half hour before game time. Players are also asked to walk along with their own drinking water, while face masks are compulsory off the cricket field. Social Distancing would also be in place, no spectators would be allowed into the venues, while the drinking of alcohol would not be allowed as well.

Presentation of prizes would be done immediately after the completion of the tournaments by representatives of the BCB and sponsors.

Collis Noble - Achievers

Ramphal West Berbice Under19 tournament is among four that would be organised around the county.

The others are the Rickey Itwaru Lower Corentyne, Ahmad Construction Upper Corentyne and Premium (Continued on page 19)