Kaieteur News
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Monday February 28, 2022
Chinese-owned Amaila Falls hydro project...
Guyana given six most dangerous risks in deal ...nation should be enraged - Glenn Lall
Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall By Rehanna Ramsay While the Government seems bent on creating a picturesque image for Guyanese of what the reimagined Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHP) will do for Guyana, the reality is far from the dream that is being sold to citizens. This is according to Kaieteur
News publisher, Glenn Lall. Lall, via this newspaper and The Glenn Lall Show radio programme, has been heavily critical of the government when it comes to their imprudent spending of taxpayers’ dollars. In his most recent exposé, Lall during his radio programme, aired last week, spoke at length on the upcoming hydroelectric project. The plan to restart the “controversial” 165 megawatt (MW) AFHP comes more than a decade after millions of US dollars was spent to construct the first hydropower project at Amaila Falls, which never materialised. Under the new deal, the Chinese operator – China Railway First Group – is expected to Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) ownership of the plant to Guyana after 20 years. Under this model, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)
administration is claiming that Guyana will bear no risks, but the KN publisher pointed to what he believes is a deliberate omission by the Head of the project, Winston Brassington, during the recently concluded Energy Conference. During the conference, Brassington gave attendees a glowing presentation on how much the US$700M project, to be built by the Chinese, will do for the country. He told those gathered of how the project will significantly reduce the cost for electricity and how the Chinese will build it for less than the original cost which was calculated some 10 years ago. The government’s spokesman and project head also claimed that Guyana will bear no risks in the operation of the project. But, according to Lall, a perusal of Brassington’s entire presentation proves that this cannot be farther from the truth.
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Head of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric project, Winston Brassington
The newspaper owner and prudent businessman noted that Brassington hid the details of the proposed projects from the public. According to Lall, a closer look at the information on a power-point presentation for the project done by Brassington revealed massive risks for Guyana. “For you who didn’t know, the contract to start building this
Amaila Falls Hydro Project with the Chinese company already signed since November last year. The details were not told to Guyana. We only learn a little of it last week from the man, President Ali and Jagdeo put in front Winston Brassington. But when he spoke at the conference, he didn’t tell us the full story with the Continued on page 3
PRIMARY PROJECT RISKS AND MITIGANTS (expected) Risks
Descriptions
Sharing
Probability/ Impact
Mitigants
Construction cost
EPC contract
Developer
Low/Variable
Construction delays
Delays to commissioning due to contractor delays
Low/High
Geotechnical
Delay or cost increase due to ground condition
Contractor accept force majeure Developer
Fixed price, lump sum, independent supervision Fixed price, lump sum, Date fixed EPC Contract LD’s
Low/Variable
Engineering studies
Hydrology
Likelihood of insufficient water to generate power
Guyana
Low/Variable
Hydrolic surveys, storage basins
Political force Majeure (e.g. Nationalisation)
Cost incurred if Guyana caused event leads to termination Damages to be paid in the event of a Force majeure event Risk that GPL demand not sufficient
Guyana
Low/High
All parties
Low/Low
Project finance structure allocating risk
Guyana/GPL and consumers
Low/Low
Demand forecast, putting more gas into industry
GPL payment risk
Risk of GPL revenue not sufficient to meet PPA obligations
Guyana/GPL and consumers
Low/Low-High
Implementation agreement and GPL performance guarantee (Receivable agreement may be put aside)
Interest rates
Interest rate risk
Project
Low/Low
FX
Loans and payments in USD, revenue in GYD
Guyana/EPC
Low/Variable
Fixed interest rate (lower today) EPC contractor takes FX risk, GYD historically stable
Other force majeure
GPL
Represents Guyana’s risks
Monday February 28, 2022
Kaieteur News
PAGE 03
Guyana given six...
Ukraine invasion:
Chinese company will obtain political risk insurance to safeguard them but you can’t hear him saying that Guyana should and must be protected with full cover insurance from the oil companies?” Emphasizing that the Chinese company will not bear any significant risk, the businessman pointed out that “although he didn’t come out clear and say who will be taking that geotechnical risk, the slide says it. The Geotechnical risk simply means the foundation you going and put the project on, and guess what? We had already paid in 2012 to test the foundation.” Lall informed his audience that the government is in fact using the same contract that was developed in 2012 and which was already vetted by international experts. “…So we know that the foundation solid to handle that project, so there is no risk there, but Brassington slide say the operators will take that risk, when there is no risk there!” Lall maintained. The publisher also turned his attention to the hydrology risk, which was placed on Guyana. He explained “When you hear these people use that this one is a major risk, which expressions like ‘these sorts of things’ Brassington said GPL is assuming watch out, is a scheme in the making! responsibility for. Political risk insurance – you know what “Hydrology simply mean that means – if for whatever reason you water –the water flow; the water supply. If there is enough water have political disturbance and that or not to power the plant, that is project gets messed up or nationalised, G P L’s h e a d a c h e , G P L’s the Chinese is covered by insurance. You responsibility, GPL’s risk. GPL hear how he telling Guyana that the got to find water and fetch that Chinese company will obtain political risk water to give to the plant to generate electricity to send to insurance to safeguard them but you Georgetown and if GPL can’t do can’t hear him saying that Guyana that, they have to pay the Chinese should and must be protected with full man he straight money signed by cover insurance from the oil companies.” the contract – how you like that?” a passionate Lall shared. The businessman went on to would really hurt our pockets, Brassington note that while the contract provides for throw on Guyana.” allocation of force majeure risk, Brassington “Yes, this same man that say this project glossed over that point to speak about ain’t gon cost Guyana any money, with no megawatts, without telling Guyana who is risk, now stands with the six most responsible for the force majeure risk. The dangerous risks and he didn’t mention all of force majeure risk is unforeseeable them to the audience but they were on the circumstances that would prevent the slide he was showing during his company from fulfilling its contract. presentation,” an irate Lall underscored. “You know why it didn’t come out his Among the statements the project head mouth? Is because Guyana is responsible for made was that the government “will not that risk too,” Lall stated. Convinced that the guarantee the project; they’re going to nation should be enraged, the publisher noted guarantee the performance of Guyana Power that under this agreement, “every single cent and Light (GPL).” of the so called Chinese developer is Moreover Lall queried, “What does that guaranteed. Win, lose or draw, you have to mean Winston Brassington? What do those pay them for the next 20 years.” words mean? Government not guaranteeing He added too that “all payments to the the project but guaranteeing the performance Chinese must be done in American of GPL. I don’t get it. This man is saying that dollars...They don’t want to hear nothing government is going to guarantee GPL’s bout Guyana dollars, the investor tie this deal payments to the Chinese people and Guyana and this business to one currency only, has no risks? Government not guaranteeing American dollars,” he said. the project, but guaranteeing the payments?” He then went on to note that, according to Brassington, “‘the Chinese will obtain political risk insurance and these sorts of things.’” But according to Lall, “When you hear these people use expressions like ‘these sorts of things’ watch out, is a scheme in the making! Political risk insurance – you know what that means – if for whatever reason you have political disturbance and that project gets messed up, the Chinese is covered by insurance. You hear how he telling Guyana that the
Putin puts nuclear forces on high alert
From page 2 whole truth,” Lall told his audience. He stressed that while Brassington described the project as a transformational project for Guyana that will reduce the cost of electricity significantly, with no risks to the nation, is simply not true. He noted that based on the information provided by the project head, the Chinese developer will build, own and operate the project but Guyana will bear the brunt of the risks. Using excerpts from Brassington’s presentation, Lall sought to further quality his argument. “Listen to him as he describes the project in his own words. Brassington told the audience that Guyana has no risk, from one side of his tongue, but from the other side… the project lists 10 risks,” Lall said. According to the publisher, during his presentation, Brassington only mentioned four risks, which the Chinese are expected to bear. But according to Lall, what “the Chinese took on are not really risks that would hurt their pockets but the other six, that
(BBC) - Vladimir Putin has Russia’s ordered Russia’s military to put its Vladimir Putin deterrence forces, which include nuclear weapons, on “special alert”. He told defence chiefs it was because of “aggressive statements” by the West, amid widespread condemnation of his invasion of Ukraine. The announcement does not mean Russia intends to use the weapons. The US immediately condemned his decision calling it an “unacceptable escalation”. Last week, Mr. Putin had warned that “whoever tries to go - and creating ambiguity about what kind hinder us” in Ukraine would see consequences “you have never seen in your of support for Ukraine he would consider to be too much. history”. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidency Those words were widely interpreted as signalling a threat to use nuclear weapons if says it has agreed to hold negotiations with Russia at a location on the border between the West stood in his way. That warning became sharper on Sunday Ukraine and Belarus. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that when he ordered the Russian defence minister and the chief of the military’s in a conversation with Belarusian leader, general staff to put the nuclear deterrent Alexander Lukashenko, the Ukrainian side had agreed to meet the Russians without forces on a “special regime of combat duty”. After Mr. Putin’s announcement, the EU preconditions, on the Ukrainian-Belarusian announced an unprecedented new raft of border, near the Pripyat River. Mr. Zelensky said Mr. Lukashenko had sanctions and actions against Russia, including: The financing of weapons for taken responsibility for ensuring that all Ukraine, A total ban on Russian planes using planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on EU airspace; Barring state media outlets Belarusian territory remained on the ground during the Ukrainian delegation’s travel, Sputnik and Russia Today from EU territory. These measures come on top of other talks and return. Neither Russia nor Belarus has issued any sanctions already imposed by Western nations, which include asset freezes on major statements about potential talks. Russia’s defence ministry has now banks and wealthy individuals, including Mr. acknowledged that its military personnel Putin himself. The US ambassador to the United have been killed and wounded in Ukraine, Nations said Mr. Putin’s nuclear deterrent though it claims the losses are much less than order showed he was escalating the Ukraine those of Ukraine. The UN said that by Saturday, at least 134 Ukrainian military had conflict in an unacceptable manner. The White House said Russia had not been killed. Ukraine, meanwhile, says there been under threat from NATO at any point, have been 4,300 casualties among Russian while NATO’s Secretary General, Jens service men, but even Ukrainian officials say Stoltenberg, described Mr. Putin’s comments those figures are not clear. Ukraine’s human rights commissioner as “dangerous rhetoric”. The very public shift to high alert status is says 210 civilians have been killed. Among the dead are children - one when a a way for Moscow to send a warning. Moving to alert status likely makes it children’s hospital was shelled in Kyiv and easier to launch weapons more quickly. But it one in a Russian attack on a kindergarten does not mean there is a current intent to use school that claimed six lives near the northern border at Okhtyrka. them. Nine civilians have been killed in Kyiv, Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world but also knows that while 10 ethnic Greek Ukrainians died in air NATO also has enough to destroy Russia if strikes on villages in the south-east, Greek officials say. they were used. So far, the UN has recorded 64 confirmed But, Vladimir Putin’s aim is likely to try and deter NATO’s support for Ukraine by civilian deaths and many more wounded, and creating fears about how far he is willing to it expects the true number to be much higher.
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Kaieteur News
Monday February 28, 2022
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
What is the PPP/C Govt. really doing about full coverage insurance? There is a certain way of behaving that has taken hold here with leaders in this government, whenever there is some sensitive or hotly disputed issue involved. In this instance, the issue is full insurance coverage for Guyana in the event of an oil spill at Exxon’s offshore operations. What we have noticed is that there is balking, then dodging, and last complete public distancing from the matter, which is being done by both the President and Vice President of Guyana. As this seriously concerning matter of full insurance coverage stands currently, it is now the local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is responsible for dealing with the required coverage. It is as if the Vice President, Guyana’s self-anointed best oil brain, has handed the hottest of hot potatoes to the clueless and helpless EPA for the pretense of action that is bound to yield nothing favourable to Guyana’s interests. Into this worrying mix, now comes the former Executive Director of Guyana’s EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams, who was dismissed from that pivotal protective post under the flimsiest of disguises. He was a political appointment. However, what is coming to light today is that it was the excuse and farce under which a well-qualified Guyanese for the role of local EPA head, was terminated. The real reason for Adams’ firing were that Government leaders had in mind what was and is treacherous to Guyana and which they are still compelled by Exxon to follow now. According to a revealing writing from Dr. Adams to this publication, the preliminaries for full insurance coverage were worked out to some satisfaction, and actually finalised in writing. The precise words of Dr. Adams are that “Exxon did agree in writing, to have full liability coverage and we were close to celebrating ‘mission accomplished’ when at the last moment, in August 2020, defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory by the incoming PPP/C government, when they inexplicably stopped finalisation of the EPA/ Exxon Agreement to realise this full liability coverage.” It is beyond belief that Guyana had Exxon where it wanted it, but then for reasons still up in the air, let the company off the hook. It is still more mystifying that the man, as claimed by Dr. Adams, who issued the permit for Liza 1 is none other than the current head of the EPA, Mr. Khemraj Parsram, and the executive in whose hands the demands of the hard and heavy work to obtain full insurance coverage now rests. This is not comforting at all, given his record of caving-in to the dictates of either PPP/C Government leaders, or those of Exxon, against whom he is clearly overmatched and underachieving. Of interest to Guyanese watching this unfold, is the assertion by Dr. Adams that Exxon, after initially delaying for months on end, finally came up with a US$2.5 billion insurance offer for Guyana. This was quickly and flatly turned down, because of its failure to match up with what was going on with the Macondo spill (BP’s) in the Gulf of Mexico, which was “costing approximately US$70 billion. In short, the US$2.5 billion that Exxon was putting on the table was unrealistic to the point of being meaningless in the event of a serious oil spill here. As presented by the former EPA chief, the Liza 2 permit was issued “to maintain confidence in their investors, while affording time for the parent companies to agree upon how they will share the liabilities.” Based on subsequent developments, it is now crystal clear that that was the worst of deceptions by Exxon and its partners. Because what was worked out, most likely with the full connivance of leaders in the PPP/C Government, was the ouster of Dr. Adams, thus removing a bone from the throat of Exxon and its plans. We now have what we have with full insurance coverage from Exxon that Guyana’s gutless PPP/C Government leaders conspired with Exxon to hang over Guyana. It is nothing, since that US$2.5 billion could mean nothing should a severe spill occur. Guyana had Exxon on the ropes with insurance, and then let it go. The President and Vice President must give Guyana a full explanation of why this happened.
No one Culture must dominate in multi-cultural Guyana Dear Editor, Reference is made to Mr. Kit Nascimento’s “Bisram prefers to attack the messenger rather than the message” (Feb 26). Nascimento utilises irrelevancies, non-facts, and a false narrative in his latest response to my position on culture. One culture must never dominate. I don’t attack messengers and I did not attack Mr. Nascimento. I responded to his mis-statements on my position on various issues, likening them to his propagandistic work for Burnham and the PNC. He said he was not Minister of Information but he served the PNC. It was under his and the PNC tenure that freedom of speech was abolished. The Mirror and Catholic Standard and independent press were denied newsprint.
Nascimento continues his mis-statements on my position on culture, making conclusions that cannot be inferred from my writings. He also holds an unjust view that a Guyanese living abroad cannot make suggestions about Guyanese culture. Nascimento writes as though he is not familiar with my activism that goes back to 1968 in combating electoral fraud and in my countless articles in the press. I am no political grasshopper or opportunist or a gun for hire. I am very consistent in my political and cultural positions. Indian and Amerindian culture were marginalised during the period Nascimento served in government. Indians, Amerindians and others have a right to reassert, defend, and propagate their culture. No government and no
person, not me or Nascimento, must determine a group’s culture or foist an alien culture on any group as Nascimento and his Burnham government did during their 28 years in power. I was raised and ‘cultured’ in Indian culture and I propagated it accordingly. I resisted and combated cultural aggression of others. Contrary to what he pens, “Indian culture (his definition of Indianism) is not an imperative for Guyana”. I never sought to impose my culture on non-Indians and I never made or condone such advocacy. No group must impose its culture on another group. That is different from cultural diffusion— sharing each other’s cultures which I endorse and which he claims were presented at a February 23 programme. For his edification, each ethnic group sharing aspects of its culture
on a national platform is not cultural genocide. Eliminating a group’s culture or marginalizing it as happened during Burnhamism is genocide. Contrary to what he feels, Indianness and embracing Indian culture does not make me or an Indo Guyanese, less of a Guyanese than him. Culture does define one as a Guyanese. Guyana is a multicultural nation and each group has its own autonomous culture. Do Africans embracing African or Creole or Portuguese or White culture make them less of a Guyanese? Does African Americans embracing African culture, or panAfricanist values make them less of an American? Then why should Indianness or Indian culture make Indo Guyanese less of a (Continued on page 5)
If Republicanism means rule of the people by the people, then Guyana must be the least republican Dear Editor, This past week we observed another anniversary of Guyana’s republican status. As we do every year, we wrap ourselves in the flag and put on our patriotic smiles as if everything is alright. It is an exercise that betrays a yearning for what we could be, but it also betrays our capacity to fool ourselves as a nation. Even a little child knows that there is nothing much to celebrate as far as republicanism is concerned. So, the PPP used the occasion to celebrate its return to office and quite rightly disinvited the Opposition. As for the Opposition, it used the occasion to reach for an elusive Guyanese nationalism even as its supporters headed to the National Stadium for the big “Stink and Dutty” bash that was co-sponsored by their political nemesis. And so, we march on from one farce to another. We know that our Republic is a farce. If Republicanism means rule of the people by the people, then Guyana must be the least republican of contemporary republics. Seriously, what do we have to show for fifty-two long years as the Cooperative Republic of Guyana? Where are the thriving Cooperatives? Where is the socio-economic and political transformation envisaged by the founders of our
Republic? How liberated are our legal system from the clutches of the Monarchy? Where is the new democratic architecture envisaged by our idealists five decades ago? Where is the Guyanese nation spawned by five decades of self-governance? Let’s get real Guyanese. Our Republic has been stifled to death by a convergence of Ethno-politics, External Intervention and Authoritarianism—a dreadful brew that we have become addicted to. I read the Republic statements from our political parties, and I wonder which country are they really referencing. Surely, it can’t be our Guyana. But then again, our politicians have a healthy capacity for delusion. They would, as they did, ignore the fact that the most profound commentary on our Republic came from the American president, Joe Biden. It is a similar statement to the one issued by President George Bush in 1989 as the Cold War was coming to an end. Biden’s statement echoed the tenor of the USAID report published a week earlier. Taken together, the two statements are in fact telling us that we are on the brink of another implosion if we do not make a swift leap to a functioning Republic. In any other country, this would have been splashed across the pages and screens of our print and electronic media.
But Guyanese, from elites to followers are experts at silencing the obvious. We don’t just bury our heads in the sand—we bury everything. We choose to forget that our “First Republic” was put down in 1953 by British “booths of steel” to quote our revered Martin Carter and ignited the end of our Nationalist hope. Our “Second Republic” of 1964 vintage was spawned by three years of ethnic violence along with external machinations leading to an Authoritarian Order that overshadowed attempts at post-Colonial social reform. Our “Third Republic” of 1992 fame was mediated by External Intervention which gave us a Democratic Mask that would hide two decades of mayhem. And our current “Fourth Republic,” triggered by the Oil-Find, was also fixed by overt external entanglement in collusion with Ethno-political forces of domination. If we do not understand the above paragraph, we cannot understand the significance of Biden’s statement. The Americans make no secret about their interests in Guyana—they have big economic investments in our country. And consistent with their settled foreign policy thrust they seek to influence Guyana’s internal motion which whether we like it or not is tied up with geo-political
considerations. That is why the USA and its allies acted in 2020 at the level of the USA Secretary of State. And that is why Biden and the USAID issued the two statements. And that is also why the USA journalist journeyed to Guyana to plant Mr. Su in our public consciousness. In the coming days we will be treated to a diet of chat about saving democracy two years ago. Every dog has his day and its bark we are told by folk wisdom. The “foolers” will fool themselves and the gullible. But remember it’s the Americans who first told us that the current government was “installed” and it’s the USAID that described the 2020 election as “disputed”. And it is Biden and the USAID who by calling for the sharing of Guyana’s oil revenues by its ethnic and political groups are hinting that all is not well in the post-2020 regime. It is the calypsonian Chalkdust who in his calypso “Sea Water and Sand” allows the narrator to opine that while the government and opposition leaders of the Caribbean fight and the national leaders squabble among themselves. “Bill Clinton is my leader.” I borrow from Chalkdust and declare that while the PPP and the PNC fight to singularly control Guyana’s oil revenues, “Joe Biden is my Leader”. Regards, David Hinds
Monday February 28, 2022
In the search for parity, one area is studiously left alone Dear Editor, There is this wonderful and interesting conversation occurring currently. What is interesting also harbours revelations. Because for a change, it can be deemed a conversation and not a confrontation, with the fiercest of passions, the usual contradictions, leading to the inevitable deteriorations. It has to do with reading of all things, which I think is a good thing, has its merits, and something that I hold dear in its very exercises and epiphanies, its enabling wisdoms, its sometimes frightening truths. And this of course, this being our dear land of Guyana – the dearest for them, as many swear – what began with reading and learning, quickly trickled into another area, then another. One of those is culture, of music, and of honour of place, pride of recognition. I hear, I applaud, and I say, why not, for we should, and what could be simpler than that…. Having said so, I now dare to step into the known minefields of this lovely land, and take those same lush assertions, arguments maybe, and amplify them in those places from which we shudder the mere contemplation, beat the hastiest of rapid retreats. It should be noted that cowardly was sidestepped, in
keeping with what is intended to be the hoped-for appealing tenor and delicate touch of this little writing. It would be unjust to contribute to matters degrading into the contentious, since we have more than enough of that in this heaving society. Editor, I take the plunge. We wish for, call for, push for some level of satisfying equity in the public service (good), and some greater degree of parity in the law enforcement service, and wider national security (better). Another aspect of this continuing conversation is that some of the same interest and energy ought to be, in a climate of fairness, deployed in the economy and agricultural realms. These are all (all) praiseworthy visions and objectives. But we balk in their fulfillment. In the required sincerity and authenticity of efforts and enthusiasms employed. Some groups want something better than where they are, always have been. But of those who are positioned to relinquish some ground, from such there are the fiercest of resistances. It is territorial, like we live with in the corporate and capitalist world; but more of the tribal, which is the emotionally stirring reality of Guyana. And if we yield not an inch in these noble insights that visit
a few, I ponder what madness takes hold of me that I go still some more up the already steep, mostly uphill of roads. It is one littered with the treacheries of agendas best couched in platitudes and slogans, in the canned concoctions that please us all. Momentarily. Hollowly. I refuse to say foolishly, but must assert farcically. Because the one thing, the one area, the one slightly taller, more elevated hill that stands in our way, but beckons, we see it most fitting to ignore, dispute, and discard, ultimately. Of that we will have no relationship, no semblance of association. Perhaps some other day, if that day ever comes, and we will ourselves go (or circumstances do) to that place, but not today. It is that point in our affairs, about which we resist both time and tide, for of that we will not have. Editor, and to my fellow Guyanese, I ask: what about equity and parity in our system of governance? For those who pretend at incomprehension, I refer them to the USAID hint, which is much more than a nuanced hint, almost the force of a pronouncement from above. We want all these enhancements in all those other areas, but of movement in this one truly national direction, we lag, are content to lapse, and excited to lose
out, and languish behind. To emphasize, public service equity is good, security service parity is better, but of what is the very best for this prejudiced, pained, and polarized nation, we will not have, not be any part of. Period. When a scoundrel like me risks mentioning shared or joint or even togetherness, it is the worst of treasons, be such racial, trumped-up, actual. All gush in torrents of what tortures and tears at the texture of this society, but still we will not let go. It is backdoor and side door, and a door beyond, which we must never travel past its threshold. Not even approach mending in honest outreach, in the idealistic and altruistic that lingers somewhere deep inside of those who say they love this hurting land, and really do. Of this we will none of, nothing to do with. Now that the foreign mind, the Caucasian hand, an outside spirit, has surveyed our coast and national character, there is only one conclusion. Sharing. As I see it, that just had to be. Sometime or the other, it will be. It is the long, hard road of oil, history warns. And if mentioning amounts to an unpardonable hanging offense, I am ready. Sincerely, GHK Lall
No one Culture must dominate in multi-cultural... From page 4 Guyanese? Why not tell Africans that their embracing Pan Africanist culture make them less of a Guyanese. Indian and African Guyanese have their own distinct culture in America. On being abroad, the politics of the regime that Nascimento served drove me and some 500K Indians out of our homeland during those 28 years. During my exile, I was actively involved in the struggle for the restoration of democracy. In addition, for several decades during my school holidays — Christmas, Easter, summer — as a student and later as an educator, I spent considerable amount of time in Guyana in the struggle against the dictatorship and in engaging
in work beneficial to the country. In recent years, I spent months in Guyana including for the 2020 election and in combating fraud. And from August 2020, I have spent a lot of time in Guyana. It would be unfair, therefore, to describe me as living abroad and seeking to pontificate culture for Guyana. I fought for democracy in Guyana. That gives me a right to speak on socio-cultural and political affairs. I would like to think, and many prominent Guyanese have also stated, that my contributions to Guyana is far more meaningful and constructive than Nascimento and others who served the dictatorship and who lecture Indians what should be culture.
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Kaieteur News
I should note that the PPP since 1966 and every government since 1992 has courted the diaspora for finances, professionalism, academics, technology, capital, etc. for development. So why belittle my role and that of the diaspora (as an outsider)? Guyana is a multi-cultural nation. We must respect and treat all equally. Having many groups does not mean we don’t have one Guyana. We have shared values but not one culture. ‘One Guyana’ is not the equivalent of equated to one race, not different from say America which is also one nation but has many races and cultures. Contrary to what Nascimento believes, Guyana’s government has
not equated one Guyana with one culture or creating a Guyana of only one race. President Ali said every one of our six races has an equal place and all the races would benefit from development policies. On his association with PNC, Nascimento said he joined Burnham and supported authoritarian rule to combat communism. I too combated communism. I didn’t join or defend Burnham and Hoyte to achieve my goal. I didn’t rig election and condone electoral fraud in order to fight communism. I subscribed to long held democratic and cultural principles of my ancestors. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
The ‘Stink and Dutty debate’ Dear Editor, Many Guyanese are following the unraveling “stink and dutty” debate, with amusement, acceptance and outrage. Members of the coalition appear to have an epiphany on morality. When Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan, shouts “stink and dutty” to ridicule and insult members of the PPP every night...they smiled, applauded and even imitated him. Now that the PPPC government has cleverly named a show ‘stink and
dutty” to illustrate its inherent pejorative undertones, members of the coalition have become icons of social mores. Many people believe the PPP’s motive is to give the opposition supporters some of “their own medicine”. If they are indeed serious about the social harm caused by this comment, it seems prudent that the coalition should focus their energies at the source and not at the organisation that is aspiring to remedy it. Respectively submitted, Chitrakha Persaud
Maha Shivraatri greetings to all our Hindu brothers and sisters Dear Editor, Hindus across our beautiful Guyana and by extension the world are preparing themselves for Maha Shivraatri which will be observed on Monday, February 28, 2022. Maha Shivraatri is an annual celebration in honour of the great Lord Shiva. It is a major festival in Hinduism. It is a solemn festival which marks the remembrance of overcoming darkness and ignorance. The observance is marked by chanting and prayers to Lord Shiva, fasting and meditating on ethics and virtues. The People’s National
Congress Reform (PNCR) joins with all our Hindu brothers and sisters in celebrating this auspicious day. It comes at a time when the world is in search of peace, love, unity and harmony. It comes at a time when our country is in search of real democracy and togetherness. We pray and chant with our Hindu brothers and sisters in an effort to overcome darkness and ignorance in our country and the world as a whole. Shubh Maha Shivratri to all. People’s National Congress Reform
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Kaieteur News
Monday February 28, 2022
MAHASHIVRATRI - the great night of Shiva Dear Editor, MAHASHIVRATRI, the great night of Shiva (Maha – Great, Shiva – Power, Ratri – Night) is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, the dark Phalgun (Feb or March) every year. On this auspicious day, devotees observe, fast and keep vigil all night. Unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, meditation on Shiva, selfstudy and social harmony. This year, it is celebrated by devotees throughout the world including Guyana on the 28th February (1st March in India). Varanasi (former Capital of Kashi), about 3,000 years old, has become one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. Famous as a Shiva Nagari, it is the holy city of Lord Shiva and has become the biggest pilgrimage destination. Lord Shiva is known by 108 names, a number mathematically and scientifically significant in Hindu scriptures. Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities and one of the most powerful. According to the Smarta
traditions, He is limitless, transcendent, eternal, formless, unchanging as well as changing; a symbol of death after life as Moksha; seen as the lord of all three times, i.e., past, present, and future. In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is regarded as the representation of the Supreme Being and is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe. He is known as the third element in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), the other two members being Lord Brahma – the creator and Lord Vishnu – the protector. Shiva is the destructive form of the Almighty. As the circle of destruction and recreation, Shiva’s primary responsibility is maintaining the life cycle. Scholars say, as the Mahakaal, Shiva destroys and dissolves everything into nothingness but as Shankara, he also reproduces that which has been destroyed and dissolved. His symbol of Lingam represents this reproductive power. Shiva is often shown with many faces, as creator, destroyer and preserver in total command of the cosmos. He contains both good and evil. He is
moody, free of inhibitions, easy to please, protector of the down trodden, and has the power to alter the laws of destiny. Thus, it is Lord Shiva who is known as the God of mercy and kindness. He protects his devotees from all evil that are always around us. He blesses his followers with grace, knowledge and peace. On this night, many stories are revealed with the significance of Maha Shivaratri. In the Shaivism tradition, Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the “Tandava”, the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma and its consummation takes place via different interpretations. Maha Shivaratri is considered the day when Adiyogi, the first guru awakened his consciousness at the material level of existence. According to Tantra, at this stage of consciousness, no objective experience takes place and the mind is transcended. The meditator
transcends time, space and causation. Another interpretation is the objectified manifestations or aspects of two eternal and fundamental principles of existence identified as Purusha and Prakriti. They represent the two highest realities of existence. Both are indestructible and eternal. Both have known and unknown, manifested (vyakta) and unmanifested (avyakta), being (sambhuta) and nonbeing (asambhuta), gross (sthula) and subtle (sukshma), formed (murtha) and formless (amurtha), visible (drsya) and invisible (adrsya) aspects. Hindu tradition equates them with Father God and Mother Goddess. As Ardha Narishwara (half-male and half-female), the Hindu tantra, symbolically defines their union as the Shivalinga, in which the cylindrical part represents Purusha and the circular base, Prakriti. Shivratri is also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from annihilation. On this day, it is
believed that Lord Shiva became ‘Neelkantham’ or the blue-throated one, by swallowing the deadly poison that arose during the churning of “Kshir Sagar” or the milky ocean. The poison was so deadly that even a drop in his stomach, which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. He held it in his neck, which turned blue because of poison. According to the Shiva Purana, the Mahashivratri puja involves six steps which are: Taking a bath to purify the soul, mind and body; bathing of the Shiv Linga with the holy water of Gange, then bathing with milk and honey; apply vermilion paste which represents the virtue; offer fruits, Madar flowers and the Belpatra leaf which are given in hopes of obtaining a long life and satisfaction of desires; the lighting with diya to represent achieving more knowledge; worshipers also apply three horizontal lines of holy ash on their forehead – just like the Lord Shiva which represents spiritual
knowledge, cleanliness and penance. Hindus wear garland made up of the Rudraksha, while worshiping the Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Rudraksha tree originated from the tears of Lord Shiva. Six things are not offered: Kumkum(sindoor), haldi(turmeric), coconut water, Tulsi, Ketaki and Champaka flowers. May this Shivratri overcome darkness and ignorance in the world so that all Guyanese can focus to achieve the goals of ethics and virtues of self-restraint, honesty, kindness to others and forgiveness. Do enjoy the four Prahars on Maha Shiv Ratri which has a lot of faith-centered ideals and cultural presence. While the practices have evolved, the bigger picture and worshipping ideals have remained. As Guyanese attend their Mandirs abiding with the COVID-19 protocols, may all receive Lord Shiva’s blessings. Happy Mahashivratri. Respectfully, Jai Lall
AFC condemns Russia’s attack on Ukraine Dear Editor, The Alliance For Change (AFC) condemns, in the strongest terms, the acts of aggression by the Russian Federation in the sovereign state of Ukraine. The sanctity and borders and the sovereignty of states is a fundamental pillar of our international order and this unprovoked invasion has threatened that order everywhere. The military
invasion of this nation state threatens the equilibrium of international peace and security, and will bring economic repercussions which will only aggravate those brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic. Poorer countries of the world will once again have to bear the brunt of these security and economic distresses. The AFC supports summitry diplomacy to avoid
the destruction and escalation that war brings. Already the military invasion in Ukraine is witnessing the widespread suffering of women and children which is a contravention of the UN principles “to save succeeding generations from the scourges of war.” The AFC calls on the collective responsibility of nation sates to determine why the aggression occurred, and
what military support to Ukraine or economic sanctions on Russia the international community must take to restore international peace. The Party further denounces the call by the Russian President for the overthrow of the leadership of the sovereign territory of Ukraine. Regards, Alliance For Change
The fighting spirit of the Ukrainians must be lauded Dear Editor, It is reported that the Russian forces are meeting ‘strong and wide’ resistance and may have been caught off guard by the pushback from Ukrainian fighters.
This might be so from their defiant president who has not abandoned his country or his people. This is in stark contrast to the Afghanistan situation a few months
back whose president abandoned the country and the soldiers just rolled over, folded and allowed the Taliban in. The fighting spirit of the Ukrainians must be
lauded and applauded in the face of the atrocities and the enormity of the shocking invasion of their country. Regards, Shamshun Mohamed
Monday February 28, 2022
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Monday February 28, 2022
EPA orders Exxon’s consultant to ‘fix’ Yellowtail Impact Assessment By Devina Bagot The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has ordered ExxonMobil’s consultant, the Environmental Resources Management (ERM), to
revise its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) f o r t h e Ye l l o w t a i l development – the oil
company’s fourth project in the Stabroek Block. Executive Director of the EPA, Mr. Kemraj Parsram, on Sunday confirmed that the agency’s Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) that was tasked with reviewing the company’s EIA, as well as submissions made by independent observers, had made the decision. The development means that the oil giant’s licence that was expected to be granted next month may very well be put on hold. Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference earlier this month, revealed to members of the media that ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC, could get their licence for the US$9B Yellowtail Project by the end of next month. He said there was the expectation that the review of the Field Development Plan and subsequent issuance of the environmental permit and licence would have been completed since December 2021. He said this did not occur as there were some setbacks. In spite of the internal challenges, Dr. Jagdeo said, “…We are working more, and we are anticipating the completion of everything by the end of March, latest. We have consultancies in place and the Ministry of Natural Resources (in review mode).” Dr. Jagdeo said a draft licence is already worked out and a parallel process is being conducted by the EPA for an authorisation permit. This newspaper
understands that the ERM will now be required to make adjustments to its almost 1,500 pages document. While the EPA head did not reveal what specific adjustments were required, Kaieteur News had reported on the submissions made by environmentalists on the EIA document which was described as “significantly deficient” by one specialist, Simone Mangal-Joly. The expert in an invited comment to this newspaper back in December argued that the document failed to specify how toxic waste brought to shore will be disposed of for the full life of the project, as well as the amount of toxic waste that will be generated. Mangal-Joly in her comments to this newspaper noted that in the absence of such provisions, ExxonMobil must address this deficiency in the Yellowtail EIA. She argued, “This matter should be of concern to all Guyanese. The quantities of toxic and other waste being brought to shore, health, and ecological risks of each of their constituent parts, and how they are treated and disposed of are critical issues, as the toxic waste treatment facilities are in areas where people live and all are at high-risk for flooding and creating a toxic soup on the coast, and our coastal groundwater aquifers are at risk. We stand to lose a lot. We need to understand the value of what we currently have and risk losing, both in terms of quality of life and health and monetary terms, and to protect ourselves and our valuable natural resources
EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram that could be despoiled.” In fact, she said that the Yellowtail EIA cannot be accepted as it stands. A group of international environmentalists, Alfred Buhlai, Vanda Radzik, Janette Bulkan, Denuta Radzik, Jerry Jailall, Alissa Trotz, Mangal-Joly and Maya Trotz, had made a submission to the EAB calling for the Yellowtail development EIA to be scrapped, given that the document fails to address critical subjects such as the impacts of the total waste brought to shore, and baseline data for Guyana’s fisheries sector. The environmentalists said they are requesting information on “What Public Communication discharges there will be to air, water, and ground during treatment and what are the chemical compositions of these discharges and what risk do they pose to human health and ecology? Will any discharge be directly into rivers and estuaries with protected forest species, and if so, what threats do they pose to such bodies over the full life of the Yellowtail project? Will this discharge affect fisheries and other activities in any estuary? What is the chemical composition and risks of the Continued on page 18
Monday February 28, 2022
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Kaieteur News
“Riggers keep out”! Is the PNC/R grovelling at the feet of the PPP/C? It sure does appear as if the second largest political party in Guyana is begging for invitations to public events. First the International Energy Conference and second, the 52nd Republic anniversary flag-raising ceremony. But why is the PNC/R so keen to be part of such events? Surely, an invitation to either is not suggestive of any meaningful form of participation in government. The International Energy Conference was not about charting any national oil strategy or about how the resources from that sector will be apportioned. The conference was primarily about bringing investors together to examine opportunities. Attendance at the flagraising ceremony could hardly have given expression to establishing a functioning democracy. The PNC/R should be the last to be touting the need for a functioning democracy. It attempted to benefit from rigged elections in 2020. Its objective was not about ensuring a functional democracy; it was attempting to thwart democracy. The idea of a functioning democracy is counterpoised to the notion of parliamentary democracy. A functional democracy also is less about sharing of power between the government and the opposition and more about creating a plural model of democracy which involves decision-making by a wide range of societal actors. Instead of focusing on the traditional actors – the
representative parties in the National Assembly, a plural model, suggests a role for other actors, such as civil society, business and workers in decision-making regarding public affairs. While the recent USAID report speaks to the need for the country’s two main political parties to move away from the winner-take-all model, this should not be viewed as an endorsement of executive power sharing. The report, at no point, suggests or recommends a model in which the two main political groupings, the PNC/R and the PPP/C, should share executive power. In fact, the authors of the USAID report are no fans of a two-party sharing of power. The report is aimed at pushing for a plural model of democracy similar to what America pretends it has and which is supposed to ascribe a role to groups in the society such as women, youth, LGBTQI and the indigenous community. Everyone in Guyana knows that local civil society is weak. The PNC/R believes that the Private Sector Commission, the main representative private sector body, is biased towards the government. Workers’ organisations have been consumed by the country’s political divide and there is a heated political contest for control of our indigenous populations. Yet, the report ludicrously states that there is a glimmer of hope that Guyana’s two-party system is giving way to a pluralistic society. The PNC/R, however, has latched on to this report
because it has misinterpreted the report as suggesting a need for executive power sharing. The party has therefore sought to point out that even at the most basic level the PPP/C is ill-prepared to accommodate the PNC/R. It is for this reason that the PNC/R is making noises about not being invited to the International Energy Conference and flag-raising ceremony. But why should the PNC/ R have been invited to the flag-raising ceremony? To risk them making themselves nuisances as was done with the ruckus in the National Assembly? The PNC/R was not entitled or should not have expected to have been invited to a state-organised event to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Republic. This was not a special Republic anniversary such as the one which was hosted under the APNU+AFC government in 2016. The then PPP/C Opposition was invited to that special ceremony. The PPP/C delegation opted to hire a special bus so as to arrive as a group to the event. They turned up to the designated VIP section where seats were supposed to be reserved for them, only to be humiliated by not being seated and being forced to stand along the corridor. As such they took their leave. It is not protocol to invite Opposition parliamentarians to state events. But it is certainly expected that at certain special events, an invitation would be extended to the Leader of the Opposition. However, at present there
Dem Boys Seh…
De hydro price fall Who seh price nah come down? Wonders never cease to happen in dis country. De price of de hydroelectric project fall. It was over 1 billion dollars before 2015. Since den cement price increase. De price of steel skyrocket. Dem boys seh is a terrible ore deal. Wages gone up. Almost everything raise. But de price of de project come down. But wah gat everybody shell shock is dat de prices in de market and de
supermarket nat coming down. Yuh does guh up to de cashier with a few items but de bill does be plenty. Yuh does hire help fuh fetch yuh groceries only to realise now dat de same money buying lesser and lesser goods which you can now fetch in yuh hands. De odder day dem boys see a woman crawling pun de supermarket floor. Dem boys ask she what she doing deh. She tell dem boys she looking fuh de low prices. De same day wan pensioner who could hardly
walk come through de supermarket door. She pick up a few items and walk to de cashier. When de cashier cash de items, de old lady was short a few hundred dollars. De cashier feel sorry fuh she and went to de boss and ask he fuh waive de difference. De boss agree. De cashier went back and tell de woman how she gan help she because dem nah usually get nuff pensioners in there. De old lady turn to he and seh, “No wonder! De prices in here too high.” Talk half. Leff half
is no Leader of the Opposition. So how can the government extend an invitation to an office which is vacant? Nor can the noninvitation be seen as, in any way, contradiction to the President’s plug for a One Guyana. Non-democratic forces should have no role in this process. “Riggers keep out”! In any case, the President of Guyana has already
indicated that the One Guyana process is a bottomup, not a top-down process. As he said, it starts with and is about the people. Those who are therefore suggesting that the non-invite of the PNC/R, to both the International Energy Conference and the 52nd Republic anniversary flagraising ceremony, is at odds with the One Guyana concept have not taken the time to appreciate that this is a
process which does not start or end at the level of the political parties. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Monday February 28, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Martin Carter: Iconoclastic notes on his imperialist saturation There are names in Guyanese history that come in for constant criticism and it continues non-stop. Who writes history determines what goes into history. We will continue to read about the faults of Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, etc. We will see from time to time, people reminding us that Mohamed Shahabudeen, Sir Shridath Ramphal, Vincent Teekah, Ranji Chandisingh were once associated with Forbes Burnham. We will read that Jagan once gave critical support to Burnham’s government. The reminders will go on. It is not only a case of who writes history, it is about which class writes it. The scholars of former European colonies have one thing in common. They agree that history and culture were defined by the Europeans and they handed down to us a dictionary of their own narratives not a recording of our own history. The colonial empires left us with their understanding of who we were and we accepted their
definition of us. Remember Ziggy Marley’s song – “Black my story not his-tory.” In Guyana, a welcomed version of that pronouncement should be “Indianise my story, not his-tory.” Guyana’s historiography has treated one of its questionable achievers with an angelic pen. The story is very far from this glossy canvas. The reason for the embellishment of Martin Carter is because his life has been compiled by members of the class to which he belonged – the Creole middle class (CMC). There is no one in Guyanese history that the CMC deifies more than Martin Carter. The sordid politics of Carter is obfuscated. His racially oriented and class-based socialisation is completely erased. His brilliant poetry is selected as the criterion on which he must be judged. So while the chastisement of who should not have associated with Burnham plays on, Carter’s closeness to Burnham is never mentioned. The CMC eulogisers are careful to erase this aspect of
Carter’s life. In 1956, the PPP under Cheddi and Janet Jagan agreed to the suspension of Carter for being a communist extremist. In 1952, Carter was part of a group that picketed Princess Alice, using strong anti-British slogans. During the May Day celebrations in 1953, Carter held a banner of the dictator of the USSR, Joseph Stalin, (for a good defense of Jagan against persons like Carter see, Jay Mandle, “Cheddi Jagan and the Ultra-Left in Guyana”). But this gentleman that was supposed to be an overzealous radical communist turned out to be a darling of the colonialist and imperialist circles in Guyana. Here is a list of the ironic life of Carter. 1 - The same communist, immediately after being pushed out of the PPP, became an employee with the British Government’s Council’s Office in Guyana. It is either that the colonial office knew Carter was a bogus communist or Carter was a spy for the colonial government. 2 - Carter, three years later, became the spokesman for the largest imperialist company in the
Caribbean – Bookers. It is either Bookers knew Carter was a bogus communist or was a spy for the colonial office. The question remains for future scholars to research. Why would a man who was a supporter of Stalin and picketed a visiting British princess, and was more extremist than Cheddi Jagan be accepted as an employee with the British government? The ultra-leftist group that left the PPP in 1956 also consisted of Eusi Kwayana, known at the time as Sydney King. But King was seen as a purer anti-colonial fighter than Carter and the colonial government and Bookers would not have spoken with King much less employ him. If Carter was not a fake Marxist or a spy, then his colour and ethnicity were the crucial factor for Bookers and the British Council. 3 - He became a minister in the Burnham government that came to power in a massively rigged election in 1968. For a man who proclaimed he was Marxist since 1950, he was a minister in what, at the time, was the most proAmerican, pro-western and procapitalist government in the Caribbean. 4 - He travelled to the UN to
Frederick Kissoon address it as Burnham’s minister at a time when the world knew Burnham had rigged the 1968 election. 5 - In one of the most twisted tale of ironic politics, after leaving the Burnham regime, he went back to Bookers, no doubt welcomed by the white managers. 6 - Carter’s entire life after politics did not feature socialisation with the ordinary folks. He was revered by the CMC and that was the class he hobnobbed with. My office was not too far from his at UG. I asked him to justify his Burnham days. He mumbled some nonsense. Carter was a brilliant poet but his biography must include the colonials’ love for him and his unashamed class attachments. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Monday February 28, 2022
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Monday February 28, 2022
Govt. seeking public/private partnerships to develop new housing schemes
Expansion of a housing scheme on the West Coast of Demerara.
T
he Government of Guyana is seeking to expand its housing programme on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara and is in search of private investors to partner with them on the venture. This is according to an advertisement published in the daily newspapers by the
Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Housing and Water. According to the notice, “The development approach to this housing programme involves and encompasses Government, Public/Private Partnerships/Private Developers.”
Furthermore, it states that the area comprises “undeveloped lands” along the East Bank/East Coast corridors and suggested that the lands are being developed as road networks are established also. This is since the government is currently in the process of building a new by-pass road from Ogle, East
Coast Demerara to Diamond, East Bank Demerara. While the invitation for Expression of Interest noted that all bids submitted must include infrastructural plans for the development of the site, estimated costs for the infrastructure and housing development as well as timelines and designs for the
buildings, there is no requirement for only experienced or credible contractors to benefit. Instead, the Ministry said that interested developers must merely be able to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe, that is, construction must commence within six months after the agreement and be completed within 24 months - two years from the date of commencement. “Interested parties must be able to achieve the quality of development, construction and management of the project within the stipulated time frame,” according to the advertisement. Three months after assuming office in August
2020, Housing Minister, Collin Croal commenced surveys for new housing projects. Back then, this newspaper reported that the activity was part of g o v e r n m e n t ’s p l a n t o demarcate and map new areas for housing schemes. The CH&PA has been working with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to help them identify lands for new housing projects across the country. To t h i s e n d , t h e government has received a bashing from the political opposition with regard to the awarding of such projects to specific contractors who are believed to be “friends and f a m i l y ” o f t h e administration.
Monday February 28, 2022
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Shouting neighbours help save couple from inferno By Shervin Belgrave
A
bout an hour after saying goodnight to their guests and securing their premises, a Wakenaam businessman and his wife on Sunday were forced to flee their home as it was engulfed in flames. Grateful for the loud screams of their neighbours that caused them to bolt from their bed around 02:30hrs, are 54-year-old Anil Rambarran and his wife, 52y e a r- o l d C h a n d r o w t i e Rambarran. Rambarran’s Lot 18 Belplain, Wakenaam Island, Essequibo River, Region Three, two-flat wooden and concrete home, which housed his business on the bottom flat, was completely destroyed by what investigators suspect to be a fire of electrical origin. Speaking to Kaieteur News, Rambarran said that he had hosted a wake at his home Saturday evening and it ended a little after midnight. After the attendees left, Rambarran recalled securing his premises and retiring to bed with his wife around 01:00hr on Sunday. They had fallen asleep but then they were startled by their neighbours’ shouts that their home was on fire. The upper flat was already engulfed with thick smoke, which emanated from the bottom flat, and there was nothing else that they could
have done but escape through the back door. The couple, this publication was informed, stood on the roadside and watched their entire property become engulfed in flames, despite the valiant efforts of nearby residents, who formed a bucket brigade to help quell the blaze. Firemen from both the Leonora and Essequibo fire stations arrived at the scene, and with the assistance of the residents managed to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring houses. Kaieteur News was told that after the fire was brought under control, Rambarran collapsed and had to be rushed to a hospital. His blood pressure, according family members, “skyrocketed.” When Kaieteur News spoke with him yesterday, he was out of hospital and staying at a relative but was still unwell. He had little to say about the ordeal. His wife said that he did not sleep since the fire occurred and was still recovering from the shock. The Guyana Fire Service in a release noted that the Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn; Acting Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken and Commander of the Region Three Police Division, Errol Watts visited the scene and the victims.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, along with some firemen, inspect the aftermath of the fire.
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Monday February 28, 2022
Broken City Council promises irk Russell Square vendors …Mayor awaits Govt.’s response on Stabroek re-development project An artist impression of an upgraded Stabroek Wharf which was expected to begin in 2016.
The dilapidated Stabroek Market Wharf.
By Tassia Dickenson
I
t has been about three years now since vendors who use to ply their trade at the Stabroek Market Wharf were placed at Russell Square which is situated opposite the Guyana Fire Service headquarters, adjacent to the Stabroek Market. The placement of over 60 vendors at the square was as a result of the “dangerously dilapidated”
state of the wharf. The vendors were placed there with a promise of “a soon return” but that plan seems to have been stalled leaving them with little hope of returning to their previous place of business. Kaieteur News recently caught up with some of the vendors who expressed their concern about the prevailing state of affairs. They related that since being located to the Square, they have seen a decline in
sales, as people refuse to traverse through the narrow space where their stalls are situated to purchase items. Frustrated over the s i t u a t i o n , 7 2 - y e a r- o l d Harriram, who has been vending in the Stabroek area for over 45 years, spoke of the lengthy wait for the “promised” return to the wharf. He acknowledged that during the time he was occupying his stall on the wharf, he made several
complaints to the City Council about concerns including the leaky roof and the overall condition of the environment. He noted, nevertheless, that operating at the square has done “more damage than good” to his business. Other affected individuals spoke of their losses. They too insisted that their plight is due to the fact that the area they were placed to ply their trade, temporarily, is pretty much “abandoned” thus customers rarely visit. Consequently, their businesses are mostly ignored by shoppers, save and except for a few loyal customers who continue to patronise them. A 60-year-old vendor, who said he has been selling there with his wife for decades, chimed in, “They (the Council) told us when we relocated here that it was temporary until it (the wharf) was rebuilt, but they aren’t telling us nothing. I’d say if it can be done today, it would be better for us because people aren’t coming here (Russell Square) because of the conditions. People are not comfortable coming here to shop.” Another vendor revealed that they had an agreement with the City Council to be
returned to the wharf after a year. The vendor explained that after being placed at the Russell Square, the Council signed a contract with them to have them relocated to the wharf after it was fixed within a year. He noted that the Council is now in breach of that agreement. Back in 2016, prior to the placement of the vendors at Russell Square, the then Town Clerk, Royston King, had made projections about a massive upgrade to the wharf, which was expected to commence during that year, at an estimated cost of $400 million. Prior to that, a delegation from the City Council, including King and a team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, headed by former Minister David Patterson, held discussions about the dilapidated state of the wharf. Empathising with the vendors, the Minister had committed to help the City Council correct the situation at the wharf. Senior officers of the Ministry were subsequently assigned to work with the Council to help salvage the wharf from further deterioration but the plan to salvage it never got underway. Consequently, the vendors are complaining
about the broken promises of the City Council. When contacted for an update on the issue, Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine told this publication that the Council still has plans for the rehabilitation of the wharf. Narine noted, however, that he cannot give a definite answer at this time about the situation because the works will involve technical officers, as well as members of the City Market Committee, as well as the Public Health Committee. According to Narine, with no immediate plan in place for the relocation of the vendors to the wharf, the vendors who were placed at Russell Square will have to remain there “until better can be done.” He revealed too that the Council is awaiting word from the government on the re-development of the Stabroek Market area – a project that will see benefits to those in the city and the country as a whole. Kaieteur News understands that the Stabroek Re-development Project will cater to the enhancement and modernisation of the Stabroek Market area as well Continued on page 15
Sections of the Russell Square area where vendors have been relocated.
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Monday February 28, 2022
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Despite sustained public pressure...
Guyana still without full coverage insurance from oil sector By Renay Sambach Since Guyana’s first oil discovery in 2015, and almost three years after commencing oil production, the country is still without full coverage insurance – something that the citizens have been calling on the government to secure. It is well known that insurance plays an important part in the lives of many people. To avoid putting oneself in expense and to safeguard one’s self, most people ensure they secure life, car and even property insurance. While one can secure limited or full coverage insurance, the latter as the name suggests, fully covers what has been insured. It is against this backdrop that citizens are questioning the logic in the government’s approval of new oil fields for American oil giant, ExxonMobil and its partners, without first securing full coverage insurance to protect the country should a disaster occur. On June 2, 2021, Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, started a public demonstration to get the authorities to renegotiate the terms of all foreign contracts, and fix other issues in the oil and gas sector. Since then, a number of citizens have joined in the protest calling on the government to make things right in the industry, so as to give every citizen a better life and secure wealth for future generations. Citizens, led by Lall, have been taking to the streets and protesting. They have been calling on the government to bring the oil giant to the table to secure, among other things, full coverage insurance for the country. Just recently, on the sidelines of the International Energy Conference 2022, which was held at the
Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali
Guyana’s Vice President (VP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
Marriott Hotel, citizens staged daily protests calling for a renegotiation of the heavily criticised ‘lopsided’ Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana signed with Exxon. The protestors again lobbied for full coverage insurance. Around that same time, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson tabled a Motion in the National Assembly calling for liability insurance coverage in the event of an oil spill disaster. That Motion is still to be considered by the House. But despite sustained public pressure, the Guyana Government continues to give Exxon permission to operate without full coverage insurance. Just r e c e n t l y, E x x o n M o b i l announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block. With production commencing at Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block, along with the Liza Phase One Project, this has brought the total production capacity to more than 340,000 barrels per day (bpd). Exxon said that production at the Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel is expected to reach its target of 220,000
barrels of oil later this year, as operations continue to be brought safely online. The Liza Unity arrived in Guyana in October 2021. It is moored in water depth of about 1,650 metres and will be able to store about two million barrels of crude. Moreover, the oil giant said that it anticipates that four FPSOs, with a capacity of more than 800,000 barrels
Broken City Council promises... From page 14 as the country’s tourism industry. “It will be a different face for the city, not only is its development for the city, but also for the people of this country,” Mayor Narine had promised. The project aims ultimately to remove vendors from the streets and place them in better facilities, so as to ensure improved standards for selling and producing goods. The project, once implemented, will see enhancement efforts stretching from the old Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB) at Cornhill Street all the way to the Vendors’ Mall (Vendors Arcade) located on Water Street.
per day, will be in operation on the Stabroek Block by year-end 2025. Expounding on upcoming projects, the American company said Payara, the third project in the Stabroek Block, is expected to produce approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day using the Prosperity FPSO vessel, which is currently under construction. The field development plan and application for environmental authorisation for the Yellowtail project; the fourth project in the block, has been submitted for government and regulatory approval. I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e government allowed operations to commence at the Liza Phase Two project in the absence of full coverage insurance for an unmitigated oil spill or similar environmental disaster. This means that Guyana’s pocket would bleed tremendously if an oil
spill or any other disaster should occur at any of ExxonMobil’s approved projects. The citizens have been protesting because Guyana does not have comprehensive insurance coverage from Stabroek Block operators ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC-Nexen. In fact, what Guyana does have is an agreement with Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), but that company has little assets, so little that it would not be able to bear the cost if any major disaster occurs in the Stabroek Block area, thus leaving Guyana to bear the cost. Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, is reported in the media on February 10, 2021, as saying that he believes that Exxon and its partners should be the ones accepting liability for such disasters. But the current administration has
received no commitment from Exxon in this regard. H o w e v e r, t h e Vi c e President said that his government is working to secure up to US$2B from ExxonMobil to cover any damage that may result from the US$9B Yellowtail Project, the fourth to be developed in the prolific Stabroek Block. A state of affairs that worries former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, who revealed via a letter, that before his contract termination – as the EPA boss – he had gotten Exxon to agree to full coverage insurance, a commitment that has slipped through the hands of the ruling PPP/C government. Dr. Jagdeo, during a recent conference, shifted the responsibility for ensuring that Guyana benefits from full coverage insurance to the EPA. Continued on page 16
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Kaieteur News
Observant “weeder man” helped save car dealership from fiery destruction PROPERTY FOR SALE FOR RENT Prime location (Business). Lot 22 Covent Garden E.B.D. Tel:682-7490/647-4236. VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956. 1 Nissan pathfinder in good condition, CAT 215 used parts.Tel:683-7225/275-0367. 1 Hino Canter,enclosed long tray 8000cc, Landcruiser Prado 2003 silver 3500cc. Call: 653-0490 whatsapp:641-4614.
WANTED Female ages 25-40 to take care of elderly male in Trinidad, accomodations provided. Call:1-868-489-4087 or 1-868755-1990. One (1) male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029/616-5954. One male able bodied clerk, one female able bodied clerk. Tel:225-2313/226-1497.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Drawing of Building plans and Estimate,K.Lakeram building contractor.Tel:2160671/692-8464 whatsapp 6220267. Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#656-0110.
FOR SALE Cases of Hand Sanitizer For Sale, 250ml at $350 and 500ml at $500. Call 650-5626. 1-152 Laverda combine with Wobble box & Fiat engine farm ready.Call:637-8027.
Salesgirl & Porters.Apply at Best Buy Food Supplies. Lot 1E Dennis C Middleton St Campbellville with written application.
The partially destroyed office where the fire erupted.
1 bar woman 18-25years & 1 Some may call it luck, but cook 30& older,for the inte- it was a weeder man’s quick rior. Tel:660-9093/687-7638. reaction that helped to prevent the fiery destruction One (1) live in nanny/baby of a car dealership – BM Soat sitter,must be vaccinated. Auto Sales - located on Croal Tel:626-6450/646-7142,Ogle Street, Georgetown. East Coast Demerara. Speaking with Kaieteur one of the Experienced Taxi Driver (Hire News, car license) and bus driver at establishment’s security Princess Hotel. Contact:616- guard recalled that he was sitting at the front of the 5419/265-7075/265-7076. building when a weeder man 1 attractive waitress to work alerted him to smoke at Arvin Bar Pink Shop. At- emanating from the rear. It tractive salary offer.Tel:689(Continued on page 18) 7481,254-1523. VACANCY Live in domestic.Must know to cook indian dishes,$30- Vacancy exists at P.S.G.C.S for $40,000 weekly.Tel:610-3974. Labourers, General Cleaner, Experience waitress to work Maintenance worker,Time 8hrs shift,$20,000 weekly. Keeping,Tool Issuing clerkTel:610-3974. Pharmacist,Sales Girl, MainExperienced Land Dredge tenance Supervisor and Ofworkers.Serious enquiries fice Manager. Call: 621-6969 or 615-7784. only.Call:684-1030. One Housekeeper to work with family,Mon-Sat,over 35yrs.Tel:503-0359/608-2444.
FOR RENT One bedroom apartment, Middle road.Tel:686-4564. One,two & three bedroom apt,furnished & unfurnished. Providence and New road Vreed-en-hoop.Call:6826238/whatsapp 604-6664. Upper 2 bedrooms apartments in Parfaite Harmonie, close to the #1 Public Road $100,000 monthly.Tel:6611585/617-2047.
General Assistant.Must have CXC(Math & English), Computer Knowledge, Graphic VACANCY Design Skills.Call/whatsapp: One salesman,able bodied 600-4497. porters.Experience in writing One Housekeeper/Cook full bills,stocktaking & cashing. time,Mon-Fri(preferably from Keyfood Trading, Mc Doom E.B.D).Interested persons village. can contact:622-0523/609For one driver and one 1434. porter.Apply to Global One experience receptionist, Healthcare Supplies, 110 over 35yrs.Contact:503-0359/ thirdst, Alberttow n.Email:gl 608-2444. obalhealthsuppliesinc@gmail.com. One clerk for TSI Eccles For experience Hauler & Office,English & Maths Canter Drivers.Apply in per- grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or son at Alabama Trading,65 email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com. Robb St Bourda. Immediate vacancy exists for one female cleaner.Call:2311408/642-9191.
Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132.
Monday February 28, 2022
Bicycle thief throws gun in police compound An alleged bicycle thief, on Sunday, attempted to get rid of his illegal firearm by throwing it into the compound of the Beterverwagting Police Station; however, this plan landed him in even more trouble. He was identified by police as a 22-year-old man of Paul’s Lane Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Patrol ranks had arrested him around 10:00hrs while responding to a report of bicycles being stolen in the village. While conducting their search for the bicycle thief/ thieves, the 22-year-old man was spotted riding past with one of the stolen bikes. The ranks arrested him and took him to the police station but upon his arrival, he took off his brown fanny pack and threw it into the station’s compound. One of the ranks became suspicious of this move and decided to pick it up. When the rank opened the disposed fanny pack, he
The .38 Revolver and ammunation found in fanny pack discovered that it contained a .38 revolver loaded with six live rounds of ammunition. Busted with the weapon, ranks asked him if he had a licence to carry the weapon to which he responded in the negative. The ranks took possession of the firearm, cautioned him that he had broken the law and placed him into the lock-ups pending charges.
Guyana still without full coverage insurance... From page 15 SURINAME Suriname in contrast has made it a non-negotiable position to have parent companies provide insurance to cover any disaster. While Suriname still has a few years to go before offshore oil production commences, it has outlined a suite of high standards for all oil companies to follow. One such principle applies to insurance for oil spills. Confirming this industry requirement recently was former head of Staatsolie (Suriname’s National Oil Company), Rudolf Elias. Last year, during an interview on the Kaieteur Radio programme, Guyana’s Oil and You, Mr. Elias noted that all the companies operating in its basin are very well prepared to handle the possibility of an oil spill, not just during the oil production stage, but in exploration as well. Elias said Suriname, and its entire oil industry by extension, understands the importance of being well prepared, especially when one recalls the lessons of the tragic Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which occurred in April 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico on the BP-operated Macondo Prospect. The Deepwater Horizon incident is considered to be
the largest marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry, costing the lives of 11 men. The industrial disaster also resulted in over four million barrels of crude oil being spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, which disrupted the entire region’s economy, damaged fisheries and critical habitats, and brought vividly to light, the risks of deepwater drilling for oil and gas. Elias said, therefore, “…In the end, the parent company will have to take full responsibility…So it is always good to have the mother company be the guarantor for the event of an oil spill.” PERU Meanwhile, the Peruvian government is still dealing with an ecological disaster caused by an oil spill from one of the companies that is also operating in Guyana’s backyard. This publication reported that on January 15, last, approximately 12,000 barrels of crude was spilled from one of Repsol’s refineries. The oil spill occurred at one of the La Pampilla refineries off the coast of Ventanilla in the region of Lima, Peru. It was reported that the spill was caused by shock waves from an undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean. At the time of the undersea eruption,
Suezmax tanker, Mare Doricum, was offloading a shipment of Brazilian crude oil at one of La Pampilla refinery’s offshore mooring buoys, and as such, a quantity of the cargo had spilled. Repsol had underreported the quantity of crude that was spilled but later investigations by Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and Control (OEFA) revealed that almost 12,000 barrels of oils had spilled – more than double the amount that was initially reported by the company. More than a month after the ecological disaster, the country is still grappling with the clean-up and remediation. A Peruvian official recently announced that the company is not fulfilling its obligation. However, the country continues to take actions against Repsol. These have included the barring of four of its executives from leaving Peru, suspending the company’s hydrocarbon operation and imposing several fines for noncompliance. The clean-up and remediation of the oil spill is expected to cost US$65 million. At least this is what was announced by Repsol’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Josu Jon Imaz.
Monday February 28, 2022
Kaieteur News
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30 firms bid to fix bridges at Chateau Margot, Beterverwagting, Cemetery Road & Garden of Eden From Yesterday’s Edition Procurement of tractor driven pumps for NDC's on Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 for Lot 1 to 3.
Ministry of Public Works Government buildings - Lot 1 rehabilitation/ construction of living quarters, Coldingen, East Coast Demerara and Lot 2 construction of fence and guard hut at living quarters at Coldingen. Rehabilitation of bridges, Lot 1- reconstruction of Garden of Eden Access bridge, Lot 2 – rehabilitation/ construction of Chateau Margot Railway Embankment Bridge #2, Lot 3 - rehabilitation/construction of Beterverwagting Railway Embankment Bridge #3 and Lot 4- rehabilitation/construction of Cemetery Road Bridge #2.
(Continued on page 18)
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Kaieteur News
30 firms bid to fix bridges at Chateau Margot... From page 17
Monday February 28, 2022
10 patients in COVID-19 ICU - 12 new infections recorded
Supply and delivery of materials for sea and river defence works for Lots 1 and 2. Infrastructural Development for Lot 5 – installation of LED lights on Essequibo Coast public road (Jib to Charity) and Lot 6 - installation of LED Highway lighting on sections of Corentyne road.
Although the Ministry of Health recorded no COVID19 fatalities yesterday, it did reveal, via its dashboard, that 10 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. Also, there are 31 individuals in institutional isolation and 602 in home isolation. According to the Ministry too, Guyana recorded 12 new cases within the last assessed 24 hours. The cases have taken
the total number of confirmed cases of the disease recorded in Guyana to 62,903. New cases, according to the Ministry, were recorded in Region One (one case), Region Two (one case), Region Three (one case), Region Four (six cases), Region Five (two cases) and Region Six (one case). To date, a total 61, 003 people have recovered.
Procurement of cold milling machine.
Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Procurement of security services.
Farm access roads for Lots 1 – rehabilitation of farm access, IR3 to Abary, Onverwagt, Region Six (Phase2), Lot 2- construction of Moleson Creek to Eldorado Road (Phase 2), Lot 3 - paving of Big Baiboo access road DeHoop, Lot 4 - alignment clearing of Timehri to Sandhill – Makouria to Bartica and Lot 5 - alignment clearing of Parika to Goshen to Makouria link.
Supply and delivery of cooked meals for the residents at the Night Shelter, East La Penitence.
EPA orders Exxon’s consultant...
Observant “weeder man” helped save car dealership from fiery destruction... From page 16 was sometime around 19:00hrs, he said, and the man who alerted him about the smoke was at the reportedly weeding a plot of land located behind the building. The security guard said that he did not know how to contact the fire service so he opted to alert police ranks at the Brickdam Police Station. Within minutes, he continued, there was a fire truck with siren blaring in front of the business place. The fire fighters quickly
discovered that the fire had erupted in an office located at the back. They broke the door in order to gain access and quickly extinguished the flames before it became disastrous. Apart from the water damage the office sustained, the walls were scorched and a computer was destroyed. Kaieteur News understands that the fire might have been electrical in origin, because when the fire fighters entered the room, they found a burning computer.
From page 8 residues that will be taken to a landfill? What is the total volume of waste bound for landfills during the life of the project? What is the total land demand for such landfill given the volume of waste produced over the life of the project? What are the standards for operation of such landfill, and what are the risks if these standards are violated?” When it comes to baseline information on Guyana’s fisheries sector, the group requested the consultant to provide them with specific data such as the total number of formal and informal operators, size, catch per unit, effort in the dry versus the wet season, economic value of formal and informal production, livelihood dependency, economic linkages, and total economic value of the sector considering linkages with other sectors.
It was also requested that information pertaining to the near-shore and offshore fish nurseries located and mapped by geospatial coordinates be provided. The public feedback period on Esso Exploration Production Guyana Ltd’s (EEP G L), Exxon’s s u b s i d i a r y, Ye l l o w t a i l Environmental Impact Assessment was closed on December 15, 2021. This project is expected to generate some 250,000 barrels of oil per day. Initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years. The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons during development well drilling, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 persons during production operations.
Monday February 28, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Over $7M estimated to clean trash racks for Kitty pump station
A
An example of a trash rack.
ccording to an engineer’s estimate, the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to spend some $7,560,000 million for the cleaning of trash racks at the Kitty Pump Station, which is located on the Rupert Craig Highway, Georgetown. This figure was revealed in an Invitation for Bids (IFB), which was published in the Sunday Edition of the Kaieteur News. A trash rack is a wooden or metal structure, frequently supported by masonry that prevents water-borne debris such as logs, boats, animals, masses of cut waterweed, etc, from damaging water wheels, penstocks, and sluice gates during floods. According to the IFB, interested eligible
bidders may inspect the Bidding Documents and obtain further information from the Procurement Office of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) during normal working hours. Bid documents will be available from March 4, 2022 and can be uplifted from the office of the NDIA cashier, Finance Building at the Ministry of Agriculture on Regent Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. According to the advertisement, bids shall be submitted in a plain, sealed envelope and addressed to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance on Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, and deposited in the tender box, no later than 09:00 hours on Tuesday March 15, 2022.
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Kaieteur News
Monday February 28, 2022
Monday February 28, 2022
Shreyas Iyer leads India to 3-0 T20 sweep over Sri Lanka DHARAMSALA, India (AP) — Shreyas Iyer struck his third consecutive halfcentury as India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in their third and final Twenty20 cricket game yesterday to sweep the series 3-0. Iyer followed up his scores of 57 not out and an undefeated 74 in the first two games with 73 not out off 45 balls as India finished on 1484 in 16.5 overs with 19 balls to spare. Sri Lanka had won the toss and opted to bat, with Dasun Shanakar’s 74 not out off 38 balls helping the visitors recover to 146-5 after a shaky start. Iyer’s total of 204 runs in
the three-match series helped India wrap up a third consecutive T20 series sweep. India had previously beaten West Indies and New Zealand by the same margin. This was India’s 12th consecutive win in T20 cricket, equaling Afghanistan’s record winning streak in the shortest format. Shreyas Iyer was named man of the match and series. “All three knocks have been special,” he said. “The outfield was fast (Sunday) and I tried to hit the gaps. It has been a roller coaster journey after my injury. It requires only one ball to get into form.”
Chasing 147, India made a slow start after losing Rohit Sharma (5) cheaply. Sanju Samson (18) opened the innings in Ishan Kishan’s absence. He was caught behind in the seventh over after adding 45 runs for the second wicket with Shreyas Iyer. Lahiru Kumara (2-39) then struck twice, including the removal of Deepak Hooda (21), as India was reduced to 103-4. But Iyer was immaculate in his run scoring and never let the pressure creep up. He reached his sixth T20 halfcentury off 29 deliveries. Overall, he finished with nine fours and a six.
Monday February 28, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There will be a lighthearted, almost silly energy in the air today, Aries. The Universe is encouraging you to give up your iron grip on that list of responsibilities and have some fun. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Taurus, plans to attend a lecture may have to be postponed because someone who's going with you feels under the weather. Overindulgence in food or drink may be the reason. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A desire to make a big purchase might tempt you to overextend your credit cards and clean out your savings. You aren't usually one to act on impulse, so don't do it today. CANCER(June21–July22) Home might be a lonely place tonight. The other members of your household may be out or out of town. You might not feel up to any carousing, so you will probably choose to stay home and read or watch TV. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Usually you're quite social, Leo, but today you will feel like nothing more than working alone. Notwithstanding your wishes, however, you might be plagued with phone calls. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Too much good food, good wine, and good conversation, Virgo? Not that any of this is undesirable, but you may be suffering from overload right now.
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Kaieteur News
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You usually don't mind being alone, Libra. In fact, you enjoy your own company. Tonight you're going to crave companionship. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is the day to listen and observe, Scorpio. There is a lot to learn from what's going on around you. You might be surprised at the impact of it. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you going out tonight with friends who mean a lot to you, Sagittarius? You might be tempted to eat and drink too much and spend too much money. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) What's driving you today, Capricorn? Why do you feel an obsessive need to get all your work done at once? If you're trying to impress someone, there's no need. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) What's driving you today, Capricorn? Why do you feel an obsessive need to get all your work done at once? If you're trying to impress someone, there's no need. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The desire to stay home alone and rest tonight might conflict with a need to go out with your friends, Pisces. You may be too stressed to put up with gossip or too much intellectual stimulation. Tell your friends you will go out with them another time.
Ravindra Jadeja scored 22 not out off 15 deliveries as the duo added an easy 45 runs for the fifth wicket to steer India to another comfortable win. This was after Sri Lanka failed to capitalize on winning the toss and was reduced to 11-3 in four overs. Avesh Khan (2-23) and Mohammed Siraj (1-22) struck early blows as the Sri Lankan top order was destroyed. Pathum Nissanka (1), Danushka Gunathilaka (0) and Charith Asalanka (4) all fell early. Ravi Bishnoi (1-32) then bowled Janith Liyanage (9) to further reduce the visitors to 29-4. Dinesh Chandimal scored 22 off 27 deliveries but his dismissal left Sri Lanka at 605 in 12.1 overs. Shanaka then took charge and struck a 29-ball halfcentury. He hit nine fours and two sixes, putting on 86 runs off 47 deliveries with Chamika Karunaratne (12 not out). Sri Lanka was short of a competitive total but Shanaka’s knock saved the side from total embarrassment. “It has been a tough series without our senior bowlers. We didn’t capitalize on the first six overs today again with the bat,” Shanaka said. “Our pace attack has been good throughout the last year. But we need more control with pace. We have to adapt to different conditions in international cricket.” The hosts had already sealed the series with convincing wins in the first two matches. India won in Lucknow by 62 runs and then won on Saturday in Dharamsala by seven wickets. The two teams will now compete in a two-test series. The first test starts on March 4 in Mohali. With the series already decided, India made wholesale changes to their playing eleven, resting Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Opener Kishan also missed out. He had suffered a blow to the head during the Indian innings on Saturday. He spent the night at a local hospital and is under observation for signs of concussion. Scores: India 148 for 4 (Shreyas 73*, Kumara 2-39) beat Sri Lanka 146 for 5 (Shanaka 74*, Avesh 2-23) by six wickets.
Calls grow for Russia ban in... From page 22 discussing Russia at a board meeting on March 2, two days before the start of the March 4-13 Paralympics. “Over the next 24 hours the majority of the IPC Governing Board, including the IPC President, are travelling to Beijing for the Paralympic Winter Games,” an IPC official told Reuters. “Therefore, nothing will be decided by the IPC until a meeting can be convened between the Board Members.” The meeting had been scheduled for March 2 in Beijing.. Some 650 athletes from 49 national paralympic committees, including the Russian, will take part. Scores of federations
and teams have moved events from Russia or have refused to compete there or against Russian teams in the past four days. The International Olympic Committee urged international sports federations on Friday to either move or cancel events planned in Russia or Belarus. Russian troops entered Ukraine through Belarus when the invasion began on Thursday. Ukrainian forces were holding off Russian troops advancing on the capital Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said as the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two entered a fourth day.
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Kaieteur News
Monday February 28, 2022
CWI pays tribute to Sonny Ramadhin, West Indies legendary spinner and hero of first Test win in England
Former West Indies spinner Sonny Ramadhin then and now. ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) today paid tribute to Sonny Ramadhin, the legendary spin bowler who passed away at age 92. Ramadhin was an outstanding matchwinner and formed a famous partnership with left-arm s p i n n e r A l f Va l e n t i n e throughout their careers. They were a crucial part of the team which led West Indies to a famous 3-1 series win against England in 1950. Ramadhin had the remarkable match figures of 11 wickets for 152 runs in the historic win at Lords – West Indies first Test match win in England. CWI President Ricky Skerritt said: ”On behalf of CWI I want to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sonny Ramadhin, one of the great pioneers of West Indies cricket. Mr Ramadhin made an impact from the moment he first stepped onto the field of World Cricket. Many stories are told of his tremendous feats on the 1950 tour when
he combined with Alf Valentine to form cricket’s ‘spin twins’ as West Indies conquered England away from home for the first time. This iconic tour is part of our rich cricket legacy, which was pioneered by Mr. Ramadhin and others of his generation. His English exploit was celebrated in a famous calypso – and is still remembered more than 70 years later. Today we salute Sonny Ramadhin for his outstanding contribution to West Indies cricket.” Ramadhin was born in Trinidad on May 1, 1929. He made his Test debut against England at Old Trafford in 1950 in the team alongside the legendary Three Ws, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Clyde Walcott. He played 43 Test matches and took 158 wickets at an average of 28.98 each. His best bowling figures were 7-49 against England at Edgbaston in 1957. Overall, he played 184 first-class matches and captured 758 wickets at 20.24 each.
Calls grow for Russia’s ban in sport, IPC to meet next week BERLIN, (Reuters) Calls for a blanket ban of Russia in sport grew louder yesterday with Germany’s elite athletes’ grouping demanding tougher sanctions and the International Paralympic Committee set to discuss Russia ahead of next week’s Beijing Paralympics. Germany’s Athleten Deutschland said a complete ban of all Russian sports bodies, athletes and officials as well as events in the country was the necessary r e s p o n s e t o R u s s i a ’s
invasion of Ukraine. “German representatives in national and international federations, along with likeminded officials from other countries, should urgently use their influence to bring about the swift and complete isolation of Russia and Belarus,” it said in a statement. It also said federations should also cut ties with any Russian donor and called on the IOC to soften the financial blow to them. The IPC said it would be (Continued on page 19)
Monday February 28, 2022
Kaieteur News
PAGE 23
Liverpool win Carabao Cup as Chelsea’s Kepa misses decisive penalty in shoot-out
P
A Media — C a o i m h i n Kelleher won the battle of the second-choice goalkeepers against Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga as Liverpool claimed a record ninth League Cup after an incredible penalty shoot-out. The Irishman scored the decisive kick, with his opposite number – sent on specifically for the shoot-out with two minutes of extra time remaining – blazing over as the spot-kicks finished 11-10 after 21 of 22 efforts were perfectly dispatched. In a thrilling and absorbing Carabao Cup final at Wembley both sides had goals ruled out for offside in normal time, Joel Matip falling foul of Virgil Van Dijk’s transgression and substitute Romelu Lukaku marginally straying ahead. Extra time could not settle it and it ultimately came down to the goalkeepers, but not in the way usually imagined in a shoot-out, as Kelleher – who started after manager Jurgen Klopp kept faith with him for cup competitions – was successful from the spot and Kepa, who had barely touched the ball after coming on, was not. Kelleher had played in every Carabao Cup game bar one this season, and then only because first-choice Alisson Becker needed game time after Covid-19, and was the hero in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out against Leicester. Kepa had similar outings in the cup competitions but his ‘live’ game time in the final amounted to less than three minutes as Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel adopted the policy he had done in the UEFA Super Cup final in August by swapping the otherwise excellent Edouard Mendy for the Spaniard, who famously refused to come off in the 2019 League Cup final. It barely affected his shot-stopping as virtually all the penalties taken were unstoppable but cannot have
helped his rhythm or feel for the occasion. Penalties were almost inevitable after two of the Premier League’s top three sides went blow-for-blow over 120 minutes with disallowed goals and the odd on-pitch confrontation adding to the occasion. Mohamed Salah was making only his third League Cup appearance for the club in nearly five years, having lost his previous two appearances against Chelsea in September 2018 and Arsenal in October 2020. It was also third time lucky for Klopp, who had lost his last two Wembley appearances in the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool in the 2016 League Cup final, when they were beaten by Manchester City on penalties. As expected Chelsea started without Romelu Lukaku, although the withdrawal of midfielder Thiago Alcantara after injury in the warm up was a significant blow to Liverpool with the midfielder, in tears on the bench, having to be consoled by team-mate Alisson at kick-off. The late change unsurprisingly affected Klopp’s side who, for 15 minutes, appeared to struggle with Chelsea’s front three and left wing-back Cesar Azpilicueta pushing on. Just six minutes in Kelleher justified his m a n a g e r ’s f a i t h b y producing a superb reaction close-range save from Christian Pulisic. Liverpool’s first sight at goal saw Sadio Mane comically misjudge Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross and head well off target, with Salah slicing a free-kick wide. Having got their act together Klopp’s side began to dominate possession – they had a 10-minute spell where they had the ball 87 per cent of the time – and Mendy got down low to block Naby Keita’s shot
Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga is consoled by Marcos Alonso after the match. (REUTERS/David Klein) before brilliantly getting up to deny Mane’s close-range follow-up. Salah headed wide at the far post from Andy Robertson’s cross but Chelsea continued to create the best chances with Kelleher saving from Pulisic as Liverpool waited for another delayed offside flag which never came before Mason Mount bundled wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Pulisic, sliding in at the far post, failed to connect with a Kai Havertz cross early in the second half but the most glaring miss came from Mount who appeared to get the ball stuck under his feet having been clean through and stabbed a shot against a post. In the technical area Tuchel sank to his knees and beat the turf with his hand. Injury to Azpilicueta saw Reece James make his first appearance since late December faced with the livewire Luis Diaz, one of Liverpool’s better players on the afternoon. Thiago Silva belied his 37 years to race back and clear Salah’s goal-bound dink over Mendy after the goalkeeper had scuffed a clearance. Liverpool thought they had taken the lead when Matip nodded home from Mane’s header but VAR
suggested referee Stuart Atwell look at the monitor and it was chalked off for an offside against Van Dijk, who had blocked Toni Rudiger’s run. It was the sign for Tuchel to send on Lukaku and Timo Werner, for Mount and Pulisic, with Werner the next to be flagged offside as
Havertz headed home. L i v e r p o o l ’s t r i p l e substitution saw Diogo Jota, James Milner and Harvey Elliott introduced but it was the impressive Diaz and then Van Dijk who forced Mendy into two saves, before Kelleher denied Lukaku with virtually the last kick of added time.
Lukaku had a goal ruled out in the first extra period on a tight-looking offside call and Havertz for one less so in the second. A series of impeccable penalties followed before Kelleher brought home Liverpool’s first domestic cup in a decade in unlikely circumstances.
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Spinners shine but West Indies Women go under to Australia in first warm-up
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incoln, New Zealand- West Indies Women suffered a 90-run defeat to Australia in their first warm-up match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup played at Lincoln Green. Asked to bat first, Australia posted 259/7 from their 50 overs. Ellyse Perry top-scored with 62 off 85 deliveries followed by Annabel Sutherland with 54 not out. Stafanie Taylor led her team from the front with the ball, taking 3/51 followed by Anisa Mohammed with 2/45 and Hayley Matthews 2/45. In their reply, West Indies Women reached 169/9 in 50 overs. Taylor starred this time with the bat, smashing 66 from 128 deliveries followed by Hayley Matthews with 24. Ellyse Perry also starred with the ball taking 2/6, while Tahlia McGrath, Alana King and Annabel Sutherland all took two wickets each. West Indies Women’s vice-captain Anisa Mohammed said despite losing, there were some positives to extract from the match. Mohammed said, “The bowlers bowled really well and we had Australia under some pressure up until the forty-fifth over but with wickets in hand a long batting line-up, it was expected they would go after it (our bowling). It’s good to see Staf (Stafanie) getting back into the runs and taking wickets.
Monday February 28, 2022
GRFU installs 2022 Executive Body - Previous body’s lack of documents stalls audit
Ellyse Perry spearheaded Australia’s batting effort. (Getty Images) We just need a couple more batters to get going and come that first game with New Zealand I think we will be ready.” West Indies will play their final warm-up match against India tomorrow at Rangiora Oval before taking on home team New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament on March 4 in Tauranga. West Indies Women ICC Cricket World Cup Match Schedule ** Date and time in brackets, indicate match times for Caribbean fans due to 17-hour time difference between New Zealand and Caribbean · February 27: Wa r m - u p M a t c h 1 v s Australia at Lincoln Green, Lincoln, 11am (February 26, 6pm Eastern Caribbean Time/5pm Jamaica Time) · March 1: Warm-up Match 2 vs India at Rangiora Oval, Rangiora, 11am (February 28, 6pm Eastern C a r i b b e a n Ti m e / 5 p m Jamaica Time) · March 4: vs New Zealand at Bay Oval, Tauranga, 2pm (March 3, 9pm Eastern Caribbean
Time/ 8pm Jamaica Time) · March 9: vs England at University Oval, Dunedin, 11am (March 8, 6pm Eastern C a r i b b e a n Ti m e / 5 p m Jamaica Time) · March 12: vs India at Seddon Park, Hamilton, 2pm (March 11, 9pm Eastern C a r i b b e a n Ti m e / 8 p m Jamaica Time) · March 15: vs Australia at Basin Reserve, Wellington, 11am (March 14, 6pm Eastern Caribbean Time/5pm Jamaica Time) · March 18: vs Bangladesh at Bay Oval, Tauranga, 11am (March 17, 6pm Eastern Caribbean Time/5pm Jamaica Time) · March 21: vs Pakistan at Seddon Park, Hamilton, 2pm (March 20, 9pm Eastern C a r i b b e a n Ti m e / 8 p m Jamaica Time) · March 24: vs South Africa at Basin Reserve, Wellington, 11am (March 23, 6pm Eastern Caribbean Time/5pm Jamaica Time) · March 30: Semi-final 1 at Basin Reserve, Wellington · March 31: Semi-final 2 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch · April 3: Final at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
The 2022 GRFU Executive Body. Seated (L-R) are Public Relations Officer Godfrey Broomes, President Ryan Dey and Treasurer Troy Yhip. Committee members behind (L-R) are Oslyn Ollivierre, Telroy McAlmont, Shaquille Thornhill and Michael Whitehead. The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has reinstalled its Executive Committee with a few tweaks following the union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held over the weekend. Ryan Dey returns as President since occupying the post in 2020 along with Senior Vice President Joshua Griffith and Junior Vice President Kevon David. Troy Yhip acquired the Treasurer post from Quacy Bremner, while Marie Roberts was elected Assistant Secretary Treasurer. Public Relations Officer Godfrey Broomes returns to his post while Telroy McAlmont, Michael Whitehead, Oslyn Ollivierre and Shaquille Thornhill were re-elected as Committee
Members. The union disclosed that the post of secretary is to be filled on the first meeting of the new Executive body. Following the meeting, Dey had a chance to speak with the media and kicked it off by sharing his thoughts on his previous run in office and what he has planned for the future. “I want to thank the players and the members of the union for giving me another shot at this presidency. The previous presidency, to me, it was good. We didn’t have a lot of time on our hands because of the COVID-19 virus. But, now, it seems that the country’s being opened slowly. So hopefully, most of the things that I wanted to do then I can get to do now, which includes getting rugby into other regions, having more local tournaments and having our players get the chance to train properly, so we can reach that level that we were once before.” During the AGM, an attendee that represented neither club of the GRFU raised a number of issues but none more enthralling than the submission of financial audits. The President was keen to shed light on the subject. “Now, we cannot do an audited financial statement because the union before us, that’s the 2018-2019, haven’t supplied us with the relevant documents for us to go to the auditing firm so that they can audit their books and then audit our books. Our books are intact, but we need succession. So it
cannot be that you skipped two years and then you do our two years. You have to have the relevant documents from the previous union in order for us to have an audited financial statement,” Dey stated. “Now, we will be pursuing the personnel from the previous union to get these documents so that we can be financially auditing and show our transparency when it comes to spending monies in this union. I haven’t received any financial documents from them other than and an excel sheet, which you cannot use. You need bills, you need invoices and you need receipts.” The previous GRFU executive was led by Peter Green, who was President from 2013 – 2019. Dey disclosed that his Executive Body had already approached the auditing firm that has done the union’s auditing for the past five years and it was that firm which stated the GRFU cannot do an audit for 2020, until 2018 and 2019 have been fully audited. He further stated that the current union’s financial documents will be completely ready to audit by the end of this new week. “We have some bills and some other monies that are supposed to be coming in from other sources and that was in our time. So by then we will have all our finances settled and ready for this union and ready for financial audit. We just need the 2018 and 2019 auditing periods so that we can have our audit for 2020 and 2021.”
Monday February 28, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Jamaul John leads winners in Forbes Burnham Memorial cycle race Female winner, Marica Dick receiving her prize from Sean Chin Chan.
The participants and officials take time out for a photo after the event. A total of 48 riders took part in the Annual Forbes Burnham memorial Cycle race, which commenced from Carifesta Avenue and proceeded to Belfield at the former residence of the former President and back, and it was the impressive Jamaul John who headlined the various winners during the race. R e p r e s e n t i n g Te a m Foundation, John powered to victory over the course in a time of 1:11:23:44 to defeat Lyn Murray, Christopher Griffith, Alexis Mendes, Alexander Leung and
Marcus Keiler in that order. Marica Dick of We Stand United team was the lead female involved in the race. The other categories resulted in Alexander Leung of We Stand United claiming the Junior Category, beating Arjune Sukhai and Akon E u r o p e r e s p e c t i v e l y. Veterans under50 produced triumph for Lyn Murray who came ahead of Alexis Mendes, Paul Chow-weenam and Warren Mc Kay. Veterans over50 saw Ian Jackson powering home ahead of Talim Shaw and Shameer Baksh.
The full results are as follows: Open Category -1st to 6th 1. Jamaul John Foundation 2. Lyn Murray 3. Christopher Griffith Evolution 4. Alexis Mendes Kaieteur Attack 5. Alexander Leung - We Stand United 6. Marcus Keiler - Team Alanis Time: 1:11:23:44 Junior Category- 1st to 3rd 1. Alexander Leung- We
Stand United 2. Arjune Sukhai Kaieteur Attack 3. Akon Europe - We Stand United Veterans under50- 1st to 3rd 1. Lyn Murray 2. Alexis Mendes Kaieteur Attack 3. Paul Chow-wee-nam Team Alanis 4. Warren Mc Kay - We Stand United Veterans over50- 1st to 4th 1. Ian Jackson 2. Talim Shaw 3. Shameer Baksh
We Stand United Cycle Club’s 13 year-old Alexander Leung, winner of the Junior race who placed 5th overall collects his prize.
CWI pays tribute to Sonny Ramadhin, West Indies legendary spinner and hero of first Test win in England
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Spin twins Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine. (Getty Images)
Stafanie Taylor starred with both bat and ball for the West Indies women. (ICC/Getty)
Spinners shine but West Indies Women go under to Australia in first warm-up This is the first domestic cup Jurgen Klopp has won as Liverpool boss. (Getty Images)
Chelsea’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy dives for a save. (AP Photo/ Alastair Grant)
Liverpool win Carabao Cup as Chelsea’s Kepa misses decisive penalty in shoot-out
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