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AIETEUR NEWS

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

PNC/R prioritises new regime for Oil

Saturday Edition January 01, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 01 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 72,017

and Gas sector in New Year

…demands National Consultative body, accountable oversight of fund - Norton

Guyana puts no jail time for misuse, abuse of oil funds - Ghana assigns 15 years imprisonment plus fine

Housing Ministry initiates $20 billion more in last-minute contracts We hope 2022 will bring about a decent change in the hearts and minds of our politicians so that every citizen can be proud of being a Guyanese.

Next edition on Monday 03, 2022

Hours after contentious ‘approval’ Pres. Ali secretly signs new oil fund Law …calls in cameras next day to assent to Local Content Bill

Crumbs for you from your massive oil find

@11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

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Fires that created unprecedented havoc in 2021 The before and after of the fire at the Eve Leary police headquarters which destroyed the OPR and DPP offices.

By Tassia Dickenson The capability of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was pushed to its limit during the course of the past year with a number of fires, including one that destroyed 80 percent of a key law enforcement facility, the Brickdam Police Station.

In addition to the destruction of some state buildings, there were commercial buildings and private residences as well that suffered similarly, leaving behind, in some cases, fatalities and several persons homeless.

OPR AND DPP OFFICES On November 20, a fire, which started at the Guyana Police Force (GPF’s) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) Eve L e a r y, G e o r g e t o w n , completely gutted that building before destroying sections of the facility that accommodates the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In an article headlined, Fire razes OPR, DPP offices, published by this newspaper, it was revealed that the fire which started around 15:00hrs quickly moved through the old wooden structures.

Police officers were seen removing massive amounts of files from the DPP’s office, as firefighters, who arrived at the scene about 45 minutes after the blaze started, tried desperately to save the building. They were only successful in putting it out around 17:00hrs. This was after several persons, including Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, and staffers of the Chambers arrived at the scene and employed efforts to save the documents.

By the time this publication arrived, five fire

tenders were already at the scene. This publication was informed that ahead of the fire tenders’ arrival, police ranks were seen throwing files out of the windows of the upper flat of the DPP’s office into the compound.

The files, this publication understands, contained information on police cases and serious matters, which are before the courts.

By the time the flames were quelled, 98 percent of the legal documents were reportedly saved. The DPP Communications Officer, Liz Rahaman, revealed that she was alerted of the fire by members of the media.

“When we rushed down here, the fire was raging from the western [end] which houses the police offices in this compound.

Luckily, the fire department [turned up] and we are so grateful for them that they were able to contain the fire…,” she added.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn while speaking to members of the media, acknowledged that the losses could have been “tremendous” since local law enforcement has a legacy of operating via “a paper based system”.

When asked about the fire service’s response, Minister Benn said, “I am not happy.” This was owing to his belief that the firefighters could have done more to salvage the OPR building. The Minister had also noted that alternative measures would have been put in place to house those who were residing at the police barracks, which was also destroyed. ”Well, of course, it puts the operations in disarray. Also, the operations of the DPP Chambers is in disarray…the files and documents have to be taken somewhere to be sorted and put in a condition so they can be accessed properly,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner (ag), Nigel Hoppie said he believes that

the Eve Leary fire started in the barracks; the area that houses ranks who stay at the police headquarters.

Commissioner Hoppie told reporters that the fire started at the “western-most” part of the building in the compound. He further noted that the documents from the DPP’s office were removed to protect them from the fire or water damage.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who was also at the scene, told media operatives that an investigation will be

behind, the fire destroyed vehicles, office equipment and records.

Within a matter of days, a prisoner, Clarence Greene, of Lot 2292 Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown, who had been arrested for armed robbery and was being held in the station’s lockups, confessed to authorities that he started the fire.

According to police, the man claimed that he “grew frustrated” after being detained for several hours and so he decided to set fire to the building.

Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

Within minutes, Kaieteur News was told that the flames began to spread. All prisoners from the lock-ups and occupants of the building were all safely evacuated from the building as they awaited the arrival of the GFS. When Kaieteur News arrived, it was a scene of total chaos as ranks stationed there tried to save documents. Others were seen fetching out weapons, ammunition and office equipment.

forced to pull him back. He was left with no other choice but to watch as the fire damaged his vehicle.

A rank who was lucky to save his car said it was the first time in his life that he had run so fast. He recalled that when he entered his car it was not starting and he began to panic. Luckily, he said, it eventually started and he was able to drive it out of the compound.

A c c o r d i n g t o information released by the GPF, a few police vehicles were slightly damaged,

The state of the Brickdam Police Station amid the blaze.

launched into the cause of the fire.

Benn speculated that arson was the cause of the fire but, to date, reports suggest that investigations are ongoing.

BRICKDAM POLICE STATION More than one month earlier, on October 2, 2021, a devastating fire destroyed the Brickdam Police Station and another business place close by on Hadfield Street.

Apart from the rubbles left

Police had noted that the fire began around 11:06hrs in the upper part of an eastern building and spread to several other buildings in the compound.

At the scene, Kaieteur News was told that the building in which the fire began is situated close to the lock-ups. An officer who was there at the time recalled seeing thick smoke emanating from that part of the police station.

An alarm was raised and contact was made with the

One rank had even fainted as others rushed to save vehicles in the compound. Ranks recalled that one man whose Toyota Raum was parked in the compound ran in to save it.

They recalled hearing the man pleading with fire fighters to assist him.

“He told them ‘Please wet meh vehicle nuh, suh I could bring it out’”.

The blaze was too much, and ranks recalled that as he ran into the compound to save the vehicle, they were

while a number of privately owned ones that were detained in relation to matters under investigation have been destroyed or damaged.

Commissioner of Police (ag.), Nigel Hoppie, told reporters at the scene that ranks were able to save some of the records and some equipment, along with weapons and ammunitions.

Many ranks were seen breaking the walls and fences in order to fetch out Continued on page 37

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Saturday January 01, 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

Relief monies

T

he PPP Government could compose a symphony of the billions it had thoughtfully set aside to provide urgent cash relief for Guyanese in farming areas, hit hard by heavy flooding, and almost totally dependent on agriculture. The same was done to aid all of Guyana to cushion the piercing effects of the global pandemic, now firmly established here. Similarly, a huge sum was allocated for the purchase of vaccines from a supplier in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the surface, these developments involving heavy national expenditures, sound good and look good. Let there be no misunderstanding: as announced, they are good in terms of the difference they made in the lives of Guyanese families struggling to cope with one crisis following on the heels of the other.

But that is the good news only, and what it shields is a world of ugliness. The usual local ineptness and crookedness, that accompanies what rings with promise.

The bad news is that, below the surface of the numbers and statistics and comparisons energetically broadcast by the Government and its people, there is the other side of relief monies being doled out, which this newspaper has been in the forefront of bringing to the attention of the public. It is this slimy underbelly of Guyana that, even in a time of severe distress and community and countrywide anxieties, our fellow citizens are being ripped off by either government or party agents.

We take the easier one first, which would be COVID-19 cash relief billions. The positive is that many Guyanese in need of that helpful $25,000 have received it. The negative, which the PPP Government prefers not to hear about, is how its people have distorted and disgraced objectives behind the relief funds, which was to furnish a little timely assistance in an hour of need. But Government and party crooks are so saturated through and through with corrupt ambitions, corrupt instincts, and corrupt practices that even pandemic money is not beyond taking some for themselves.

More than a few have never been visited by the distribution teams, never collected any cash. The so-called ‘pink slip people’. Those who are renting are still waiting. They have filled out the required forms months ago, and months ago, no less a figure than Guyana’s Honourable Prime Minister vowed that they will be taken care of with competence and finality. They are still waiting.

But the first big batch of billions is paid, and some who could use that $25,000, still wait in vain. It is as if the people with ‘pink slips’ have been fired from cash relief consideration. Guyana’s weak Opposition made some passing noise about corruption, and that was it. The business of Guyana continues in the same criminal ways, as usual. As usual, it is the same sorry story, regarding flood relief funds. In Berbice and Demerara, angry Guyanese are making their voices heard at high volume, and in no uncertain manner.

It is that the flood relief distribution process is riddled with fraud and corruption, with some getting much more than they are entitled, and some left totally out in the cold, as in not getting anything, and left without anything to help them tide over a tough time. These people are staring disaster in the face, actually living with it, and government friends and operators seize the opportunity to make a financial killing, and suck the blood out of these struggling citizens.

The irony is that many of them voted for the same party, whose cronies and handpicked public servants are taking for themselves, what is due to the suffering. Other than for quick, polite sounds, neither Government officials nor party people nor party propagandists are saying anything. It is one big family having a sweet time with cash cook-up.Last, the vaccines from the UAE were sourced from suspicious people, and alarms about price collusions came and went swiftly.

Now Guyanese who received the Russian doses cannot enter the United States. Obviously, the focus is always on short-term personal gain, and no vision that positions this country to take this society forward positively. Whether cash relief or oil, this is Guyana’s story.

PPP Government misses opportunity for building “One Guyana” by railroading NRF Bill DEAR EDITOR An African proverb says, “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

The Government chose to go fast and alone in forcefeeding the Natural Resource Fund Act on the nation, using its one-seat majority. Despite its sloganeering about “One Guyana,” the PPP’s Engine Room essentially told the Opposition PNC and civil society representatives asking for more time for consultation, to go to hell.

The Vice President said “the key stakeholders, and not organisations without known supporters or members, should lead these advocacy and lobby efforts…that some of these organisations do not have many members or supporters but are sometimes ‘taken seriously’ in Guyana and internationally.”So how about the PNC representing

the large group of 217,920 people who voted for them?”

Using your standard Mr. VP, do they not have a right to ask for consultations? And Mr. VP, where in the Constitution or Article 13, does it have your litmus test that people who speak out must belong to groups with large memberships. Does every citizen not have a right to influence national decision making? Or is it that the groups must be pro-PPP, with mentally lazy “Yes men” and lackeys?”

The PPP won in imposing its bill without any debate, but it ended up being a pyrrhic victory, that may turn out to bite them in a place they don’t want to be bitten. Its unilateralism and triumphalism may hurt them in 2025. The PPP has probably already lost all those crossover votes that catapulted them in the 2020 elec-

tion. They say, “Be nice to people you pass on your way up. Those might be the same people you see on your way down.”

The Government’s propaganda machine was in overdrive to paint the PPP’s Bill as perfect; the PNC as thuggish; PNC as vulgar, defiling Parliament, as the PNC used some protest behaviours reminiscent of Dr. Jagan in his heyday (see article, “Pandemonium in Parliament” by Anand Persaud, SN, Jan. 15, 1991).When the PPP shut off dialogue and consultation with the people, it became a situation of the PPP Government versus the People of Guyana. The NRF bill was not a contest between the “wicked” PNC and the “saintly” PPP, it was a national issue. The NRF Bill was the “mother of all bills” as it provided the framework for accessing and spending the

little money we would have going in to that fund from the pathetic 2% royalty and paltry oil profits. With all the national patrimony gifted to the oil companies by both the PNC and PPP, this bill was important to people who want to make sure the NRF would not be looted, as the Auditor General’s reports are all about how billions in the Consolidated Fund have been misappropriated and unaccounted for in the ongoing fleecing of Guyana. When all the name calling started, the PNC’s retort was to label the Bill as a template for sticky hands to loot the national treasury chanting - “The PPP Thiefing Bill,” “No Thiefing Bill Must Pass.”We have gone fast with this bill but when half of the country thinks it’s a “Thiefing Bill,” we are not going far as a nation. It’s a recipe for more (Continued on page 6)

Saturday January 01, 2022

I was consistently passed over for promotion despite being recommended several times DEAR EDITOR, Despite losing three people close to me to suicide and brain aneurysms, I look back on 2021 with a heart bursting with gratitude.

This is largely in part due to the growth I’ve experienced at my current place of employ – the Environmental Protection Agency. Having worked diligently at the Agency for the past decade, and having been seconded to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment to work on national policies (Litter Enforcement Regulations, Expanded Polystyrene Ban Regulations, consultations on the GSDS), I was consistently passed over for promotion despite being recommended several times.

Under EPA’s new Executive Director, Mr. Kemraj Parsram, I was promoted to the post of Senior Environ-

mental Officer. This dear editor has given me much motivation to execute my duties with even more zeal, and to pursue my Masters Degree in Communications. With this, I’m able to continue to make my late uncle proud of the work I’ve done.

The Christmas season is notorious for lifting one’s spirit, and 2021 did not disappoint. Despite having received backlash from the media and some members of the public regarding the execution of our duties, I was heartened to join my colleagues in conducting our annual Christmas initiatives. From our own pockets, we were able to fund meal packages for sixty children who reside in close proximity to our headquarters in Georgetown – our plan is to increase the number of children reached next year. We were also able to provide personalized gifts to more than

fifty children in children’s homes in Regions Three, Four, Six, and Ten. Staff went a step further by donating blood during the season, a time when need is greatest.

With contributions from our Deputy Executive Director, and officers at all levels of management, we successfully conducted three blood donation drives during 2021, donating fifty units to the blood bank.

While these events can in no way dissipate the loss of my loved ones, they do offer a glimmer of hope and the resolution to continue these acts into the New Year. Thank you to the management and staff of the EPA, and a very happy new year to you and your readers.

Regards Ms. Aretha Forde Senior Environmental Officer Environmental Protection Agency

Would Fear Lead Us Into the New Year?

DEAR EDITOR Around this time last year, people the world over expressed collective joy as 2020 drew to a close. Oh, yes it was a horrible year.

We endured racial bias fueled by lies and distortions in the media, which led to riots and protests in the streets, and an election, the likes of which has never before been seen. Amalgamate to that, the worldwide fear of the Wuhan virus and lockdowns that almost brought all of human existence to a screeching halt.

Worsening a bad situation, authoritarian political leaders appeared to delight in flexing their muscles to push constituents into compliance with whatever Covid mandates they decided to implement at any given time, all in the name of health. From the outset it was apparent that no one really knew what to do, except to put a halt to all normal human relations and activities. No gatherings at all, even for religious services, funerals and death bed goodbyes.

Little wonder that so many were hopeful that 2021 would herald the return of some semblance of what we once knew as normal living.

Sadly, it did not. Many people are as spooked by the virus as they ever were, and with

each new variant the fear index spikes up thanks primarily to media hype, Distancing, masking, and multiple vaccinations are still very much with us. There appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic.

We are being told that although we distance, although we wear masks, although we get vaccinated two or three times, we can still get the virus and be sick.

We are vaccinating our children, as young as five years old. Scientific experts are still in disagreement with each other over the proper way to deal with the virus.

Experts on one news outlet contradict experts on another news outlet. Leaders make up their own rules, and depending on who you are or where you live will determine the mandates and rules by which you must abide.

So, as another depressing year draws to a close, the memory cells begin to kick in.

Memories of good years before politics and pandemics began dominating our lives; bringing us down, pitting us against each other, destroying families and ruining childhood for too many of our children. Remembering long past “Happy New Year” seems like a distant fantasy, an innocent dream where we fondly bid our farewells to the good old

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year and look forward to a promising new beginning.

As things stand now, the very term “Happy New Year” sounds quaint, a relic of a romanticized time gone by. Partying, blowing horns, laughing and dancing in crowded rooms with strangers, counting down the seconds to midnight, balloons and streamers released from the ceiling, all of which does not ring true anymore. That was a time of frivolity and carefree abandonment.

All of which does not really seem appropriate now.

Frivolity and carefree abandonment are luxuries we no longer possess.

This is the second consecutive year, where we are not bidding the old year a fond farewell, but at the same time, taking an enormous sigh as we say “good riddance to this horrible year” and pray that somehow the next 12 months will be better. Of course, as individuals it is imperative for our own mental health that we keep our perspective in check, and limit our exposure to media doomsayers and, to the degree we are able, not allow the political hacks to control our lives. In that spirit, I wish everyone a very Healthy and Happy New Year.

Regards Yvonne Sam

Let prosperity, joy, goodwill prevail we usher in the New Year 2022, for all our peoples let [s do so knowing that as DEAR EDITOR 2021 has been a year of coping and challenges, of sacrifices and of great triumph. Our peoples and economy have struggled to regain their footing amiss the world wide pandemic known to all as COVID-19 which has plagued and continues to plague all nations.

2021 has seen us pick up the pieces in order to rebuild, we are all coping with what is now the 5[new norm [, but we have truly been blessed to have our wellbeing sought after by a most gracious and caring government, we are truly grateful.

The constant floods are creating havoc in the lives of many but with our President His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali and our government and its power ministers are continuously working to bring relief, joy and goodwill.

We truly have the unwavering support of the government; we have received support in the form of cash grants, support for agriculture losses, food sustenance, and medicines.

This Government of Dr. Irfaan Ali should be applauded, we thank God the

Lord our Creator for giving us a government which can truly bring joy to all the peoples of this country.

We thank the Lord God for a good past year, with good governance despite the previous difficulties prior to 2020 elections and we thank God for life, sustenance, good air, blessings and all the abundance that Guyana has to offer.

In this respect, we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric Mosque [s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation [ Guyana, take this opportunity to extend a Happy New Year to His Excellency the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and family, distinguished members of the Government, the Opposition, and all our Divine brothers and sisters of Guyana.

We take this opportunity to remind our fellow citizens that there is light at the end of every tunnel, leading us to new beginnings.

The past few years have been quite challenging for us but our resilience has kept us steadfast and strong. So as

a people of this great nation our determination and strength knows no bounds.

We are ready to take the bull by the horns and grasp all opportunities that await us as we enter 2022.

We hope that, with sound management and administration, our resources can be handled sustainably, thereby creating a multitude of opportunities for improving the lives of our people and modernizing our nation like that of a first-world country.

While we all know that 2021 has been difficult, we must recognize that it has taught us that if we remain resilient, our wellbeing will improve.

The pandemic has taught us that we are all in this together.

It taught us to embrace, and then to adapt. In this regard, we urge all to continue living as one human family under God or as “One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.”

Happy New Year. Here s to better, happier, safer, and healthier days ahead.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

How could an illegal government pass a legal bill in 2019?

DEAR EDITOR It is simply mind boggling that a replica mace does not make the passage of the Bill legal, it is being argued. So how come a government which had fallen and was illegal could have passed a legal bill in 2019?

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

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Let prosperity, joy, goodwill prevail for all our peoples DEAR EDITOR 2021 has been a year of coping and challenges, of sacrifices and of great triumph. Our peoples and economy have struggled to regain their footing amiss the world wide pandemic known to all as COVID-19 which has plagued and continues to plague all nations.

2021 has seen us pick up the pieces in order to rebuild, we are all coping with what is now the 6[new norm [, but we have truly been blessed to have our wellbeing sought after by a most gracious and caring government, we are truly grateful. The constant floods are creating havoc in the lives of many but with our President His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali and our government and its power ministers are continuously working to bring relief, joy and goodwill.

We truly have the unwavering support of the government; we have received support in the form of cash grants, support for agriculture losses, food sustenance, and medicines.

This Government of Dr. Irfaan Ali should be applauded, we thank God the

Lord our Creator for giving us a government which can truly bring joy to all the peoples of this country. We thank the Lord God for a good past year, with good governance despite the previous difficulties prior to 2020 elections and we thank God for life, sustenance, good air, blessings and all the abundance that Guyana has to offer.

In this respect, we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric Mosque [s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation [ Guyana, take this opportunity to extend a Happy New Year to His Excellency the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and family, distinguished members of the Government, the Opposition, and all our Divine brothers and sisters of Guyana.

We take this opportunity to remind our fellow citizens that there is light at the end of every tunnel, leading us to new beginnings. The past few years have been quite challenging for us but our resilience has kept us

steadfast and strong. So as we usher in the New Year 2022, let [s do so knowing that as a people of this great nation our determination and strength knows no bounds.

We are ready to take the bull by the horns and grasp all opportunities that await us as we enter 2022. We hope that, with sound management and administration, our resources can be handled sustainably, thereby creating a multitude of opportunities for improving the lives of our people and modernizing our nation like that of a first-world country. While we all know that 2021 has been difficult, we must recognize that it has taught us that if we remain resilient, our wellbeing will improve. The pandemic has taught us that we are all in this together. It taught us to embrace, and then to adapt. In this regard, we urge all to continue living as one human family under God or as “One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.”

Happy New Year. Here s to better, happier, safer, and healthier days ahead.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

Help & Shelter establishes The Margaret Fund Dear Editor, Established on 25 November 1995, Help & Shelter’s mandate is the elimination of violence in all its forms.

We work in particular to eliminate domestic and sexual violence and child abuse and offer an array of free services including face-to-face and hotline counselling and psycho social support, court support and shelter for women and their children, to survivors/victims as they go through the process of rehabilitation with a view to transitioning to a safe and independent lifestyle which every citizen deserves.

Over the 26 years of our existence, we have played a frontline role in advocacy for a responsive legal framework which offers protection and justice for women and children.

We have also done extensive public education work to raise awareness and influence prudent and protective responses to the prevalence of all types of abuse within communities throughout Guyana.

Help & Shelter’s vision is focused on the elimination of violence from our society through actions that cause

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Kaieteur News

the transformation of individuals’ attitude towards the practice of violence.

Our philosophy is founded on the principles of: • Changing the tolerance of violence which has become a harmful social norm • Building and delivering education programmes for changing attitudes towards violence in our society • Promoting self-value and self-worth to combat low self-esteem in survivors of violence • Providing psychosocial and intervention-based services for the vulnerable • Representing the vulnerable is the process of restoration and justice.

• Supporting rights-based initiatives which uphold gender equality • Strong advocacy for policy changes and justice for victims/survivors of violence • Preserving the right of all to live a life free from violence and to be safe from fear of the threat of violence.

Help & Shelter is pleased to announce that with effect from 25th November 2021, the organization will award $250,000 a year in one or more grants to current or former beneficiaries of our services. These grants

will be made possible through The Margaret Fund, which has been set up in memory of former long serving Help & Shelter coordinator Ms Margaret Kertzious, who sadly died earlier in the year.

Grants may be awarded for any of the following purposes: •To cover the cost of academic/educational pursuits • Small business ventures • Income generating projects • Home improvements • Rent subsidies • Child day care costs Persons wishing to apply for a grant can uplift an application form from Help & Shelter’s office on Homestretch Avenue or make contact with any of the counsellors or with coordinator Colin Marks by phone on 225 4731 or email to hands@networksgy.com .

We hope that in future we will be able to increase the annual award amount, and to this end invite members of the public and the private sector to support The Margaret Fund with one-off or annual donations.

Yours faithfully, Colin Marks Josephine Whitehead For Help & Shelter

Tribute to a True Leader DEAR EDITOR The Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is laid to rest today in Cape Town, South Africa. I would like to express a short tribute to the Archbishop, a true hero and true leader. It was when I was studying theology I was motivated to learn about and from this true hero. His everliving legacy can help us to be true leaders.

In his book, ‘No Future without Forgiveness’, Archbishop argues that we would not know how to be a human being at all, except we learn this from other human beings.

We are bound together in what the bible calls ‘the bundle of life’. Our humanity is caught up in that of all oth-

ers. We are human because we belong. We are made for community, for togetherness, for family, to exist is a delicate network of interdependence for no one can be human alone.

Archbishop was key instrumental in unprecedented attempt at healing a nation when he was named Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by President Nelson Mandela. He succeeded to heal a wounded nation through forgiveness.

For him, there is no humanity without forgiveness and forgiveness is possible only through peaceful coexistence. He upheld social harmony, friendliness as the great goods of which social harmony is the summum

bonum – the greatest good.

The teaching of Jesus, ‘to love your enemies’ is personified in the Archbishop, for he expressed, ‘if you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends but talk to your enemies’.

He walked the talk and hailed as humble true leader in other words, he was a true servant leader. As former President of USA, Obama called, Archbishop was a true ‘moral compass’ to everyone around the world especially to leaders and aspiring to be leaders. I leave with his quote, ‘God’s dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion.’

Regards Jerri Dias

The year that shaped this oil-rich country DEAR EDITOR, The year 2021 will go down in the annals of Guyanese political history as the year that shaped the future of this oil-rich country.

Unfortunately, confrontation and conflict-driven by the negative policies and governance of the ruling PPPC/ government are unavoidable.

In the last few months, the PPPC has demonstrated beyond any shadow of a doubt its commitment to its previous governance style of domination and dictatorial governance, leaving the most optimistic of their election al-

lies in political sinking sand and trying to hold on to the PPPC’s elusive “democracy”.

The government proposed electoral reform draft bill, the imposition of a partisan CEO in GECOM and most grievous, the recent passing of the National Resource Fund (NRF) despite widespread criticisms fell on deaf ears.

Their rejection of a compromise for the bill to be sent to the Parliamentary Select Committee allowing the nation more time to discuss it is most egregrious. The government response to this reasonable demand from Guyanese

across the political/race divide at home and aboard amounts to a squandering of the “democratic dividend” it received in the post-2020 elections. They have thrown down the “gauntlet”. It is now for the masses, the political opposition in/out of the parliament, and civil society to rise up in defense of the nation’s patrimony which is being expropriated by the rulers. As a nation, we have two choices: either we struggle and end this abomination or we stand condemned by future (Continued on page 8)

PPP Government misses opportunity...

From page 4 gridlock. For the Local Content Bill, the PPP showed maturity and took a step towards “One Guyana” and accepted 10 of the 14 amendments proposed by the PNC. Such magnanimity and inclusivity in approach can help us go far as a nation. But in the next breath, the PPP backslid and decided to go it alone come hell or high-water in bullying through its own NRF Bill and repealing the PNC Bill, refusing to consider the request of the elected Opposition with 31 seats, to hold the bill for national consultations and review. Regardless of whether the PPP thinks the PNC is evil and are election riggers, they won their 31 seats in free and fair elections, and must be accorded due respect. The PNC must also respect that the PPP won fairly, and act with decorum in Parliament.

A petition signed by 64 Guyanese nationalists was also filed to parliament by a civic society group – the Policy Forum Guyana, in addition to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Guyana Bar Association, Trade Union Congress, the Transparency Institute of Guyana, the Article 13 group, and others calling for more

consultation, as the Government had not done consultations for its NRF Bill. Nation, why was it so important for the Government side to rush this bill and pass it that night?

In leadership, we teach that “the process is as important as the product.” The PPP can pass any bill any time that requires a simple majority as it has a 1-seat majority. So, what would it have cost the PPP to delay the bill by two or three weeks to obtain some consensus or at least give stakeholders a hearing – a kind of due process and they get credit for being democratic and inclusive. As the proverb says, “If you want to go far, go together!” In the NRF Bill, the PPP went alone, in wanting to go fast, sacrificing the bigger goal of going together as “One Guyana.” Neither the PNC nor PPP alone can run or rule Guyana! Blogger Bryan says, “If a Government do not listen to the opposition demand for ‘healthy debate and discussion,’ and conduct of parliament is based on ruling parties wishes alone, what is the alternative for opposition parliamentarians other than obstructionism and sloganeering?”

This nation has been fractured for so long with no heal-

ing in sight, that people say “Guyana nah gat good…Guyana gone fuh channa.” We are such a rich, lucky nation with an abundance of resources, yet our people have remained poor and destitute for over six decades under both the PNC and PPP. We have become a nation dependent on barrels and foreign remittances, and now we can add hampers and “Because We Care” pittances to that list.

We don’t have natural disasters as other countries that have to deal with hurricanes and earthquakes. Our disasters are man-made.

They are called PNC and PPP, and there is no end to our misery until a credible third force emerges again.

Nation, while we remain a “House Divided,” and renegotiation tarries, Exxon/ HESS/CNOOC are dancing all the way to the bank. Instead of fighting the oil companies together for a better oil deal, the PPP and PNC are fighting each other over the NRF while the oil companies’ shareholders are giddy with oil profits from their Guyana investments. Wake up Guyana!

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

T N U L B . . .

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

Today, a new year, 2022, has dawned.

May it be the year that much needed radical changes are realised, with a view of putting this nation on a truly developmental path.

May all those who have been hindering the development of all of Guyana, repent of their wicked ways and endeavour, from today, to do right by our peoples.

A Happy & Prosperous New Year to all Guyanese.

PAGE 07

Saturday January 01, 2022

PAGE 08

The year that shaped this oil-rich...

From page 6 generations and live with the negative consequences.

Every people that call themself a nation at some point in their history have to define the parameters/rules that govern them, and the latitude given to those who rule them.

Guyana is faced with its moment of truth. What we do

or fail to do will make or break this nation our destiny is in our hands.

The rulers have chosen a reckless path, leaving the rest of us with no choice but to resist/fight back with all our collective might. Nothing short of such action will achieve the objective.

Given what is at stake – it

will require an unprecedented response that will force the rulers to realize that the nation stands united and that enough is enough.

This is simply a matter of the rats wanting to run away with the cheese in broad daylight.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

Decapitated baby found floating in EBD canal The decomposed, headless body of a male baby, believed to be about two to three weeks old, was yesterday found floating in the five-door koker canal at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. The discovery, according to the information released by the Guyana Police Force, was made by some individuals around 14:15 hours.

It was revealed that on the date and time mentioned, persons were walking along a trail beside the five- door

koker when they observed the body floating at the opposite side of the canal.

The police were summoned and on arrival, the body had floated from where it was initially seen.

However with the assistance o f 1 9 - y e a r- o l d K e v i n Ramiscindo, ranks were able to canvass the area and the body was eventually found between a clump of grass in the said canal, about 15 feet from the Demerara River.

The body, according to police, was fished out of the

water and examined.

However, because of its state of decomposition, marks of violence could not have been determined. The area was further canvassed for the head but efforts proved futile. It is unclear if the head was severed from the body by person/s or if it was eaten off by fish or other sea creatures, police noted in a release.

The body is currently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home pending further investigations.

Saturday January 01, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Guyana puts no jail time for misuse, abuse of oil funds - Ghana assigns 15 years imprisonment plus fine Despite heavy criticism, the PPP/C Government has remained steadfast in its belief that there is no need for specific penalties for the misuse of oil revenues.

According to the administration, the existing laws such as the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) are more than enough to address any malfeasance in public office. As a result, it hurriedly passed on December 29, 2021, the Natural Resource Fund legislation which was assented to hours later by President, Irfaan Ali. It is significant to note however that while the Ali administration insists that there is no need to outline explicit penalties for abuse or misuse of funds in the legislation, its Western counterpart, Ghana, which it claimed to have consulted on the NRF law, has shown a completely different approach toward the protection of the nation’s oil revenues.

According to Ghana’s legislation governing its Petroleum Fund, “A person who (a) misappropriates the Petroleum Funds; (b) defrauds, attempts to defraud or conspires with another person to defraud the Republic in relation to the Petroleum Funds; (c) uses, attempts to use or conspires with another person to use information on the Petroleum Funds or documents relating to the Petroleum Funds for personal benefit or advantage or for the personal advantage or benefit of another person; commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not

financed through the regular budget process, nor were they subject to as much parliamentary oversight.

In Iran, that country’s US$40 billion National Development Fund provided loans to private-sector companies, cooperatives and economic enterprises owned by non-governmental institutions through agent President Irfaan Ali less than 15 years or to both.”

It goes on to state that, “(2) A person who abets in the commission of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than two hundred and fifty thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than seven years or to both.”

When Guyana had pursued the creation of its first NRF legislation back in 2018, it was warned to have clear penalties or the fund could run the risk of failing to serve current and future generations. This advice was provided by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), which also cited numerous examples from around the world of how often Natural Resource Funds become easily mismanaged, and the perpetrators, mostly politicians, go unpunished.

For example, the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund, established in 2009, has proven to be a major source of alleged corruption and mismanagement. Designed to attract investment into Malaysia by forming joint ventures with foreign firms, 1MDB ended up being in over US$11 billion of debt by 2014.

Among its more suspect

transactions are a US$1 billion investment in a Saudi oil company in 2009 which has gone missing; funds that were diverted in 2012 from an Abu Dhabi state fund to a firm in the British Virgin Islands (a secrecy jurisdiction); and US$4 billion that has been misappropriated from Malaysian state firms.

Malaysia, the US, Switzerland, Singapore and the UK are still trying to unravel the web of corruption and money laundering schemes that are related to the fund that robbed current and future generations of their wealth.

The Azerbaijani and Iranian funds are other examples of extra-budgetary funds, which have been used to fund the legacy projects of political parties instead of being prudently saved for future generations. In Azerbaijan, for instance, government authorities have used the State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) to directly finance strategic government projects, such as the railway between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey.

These expenditure items were not subject to the same reporting or public procurement requirements as those

Dem boys seh ...

Happy New Year!

Is a New Year! 2022 is upon us.

Is a time of suspended belief and even make-belief.

We does suddenly feel brand New at de start of de New Year. Even if yuh gat on de same old clothes, yuh does feel as if yuh fresh and new.

People does greet one another fuh de New Year.

But if yuh mind bad and yuh bowling bad card, is just an insincere greeting.

Some does sweep out dem house pun Old Year’s Day. Dis is symbolic of ridding de old and ushering in de new.

But dust is dust and is

to dust we gan all return.

De New Year does offer opportunity fuh new beginnings.

But if yuh nah change yuh old ways, how yuh can have a fresh start.

Sweeping away de dust is just window-dressing, unless de change begin in yuh heart.

Dem politicans nah gat change ah heart.

De politics of dis country rotten.

And some politicians does pretend dat things change but is de same old dutty politics wah playing out.

Change does sometimes be a charade, a smokescreen for a return to de old.

And boy! How we love to return to de past.

Some ah dem politicians deh in de present but living in de past.

We now bringing street lawlessness into de National Assembly.

De new leadership proving worse dan de old.

De past year had too many deaths, too much crime, too plenty accidents and too much deaths by accidents. If we can change dat it can mek de New Year feel dat it is a real change.

But nah try fuh change we leaders. Dem stuck in dem old ways and nah gan change!

Talk half and be safe for de sake of change!

banks. While the fund managers did not provide information on the specific investments, news reports revealed where they actually went. Importantly, the executive directly controlled the fund and, therefore, some decisions bypassed normal budgetary and parliamentary procedures.

Taking the foregoing

examples into account, among other cases of blatant mismanagement, Guyana was urged to have “clear consequences for malfeasance.” The legislation recently passed fails to acknowledge the foregoing advice and therefore leaves the wealth of current and future generations, open to wanton abuse.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday January 01, 2022

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! I

n case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated but the entire nation.

SUNDAY Guyanese! Look at your fellow citizens, those Azerbaijanis and their own airport project.

Azerbaijanis got a spanking new, 21st century airport in 8 months for US$40M. Guyanese get repeated sticks to hold, costing more and more millions.

Guyanese get this from this PPP Government, the previous Coalition, and the PPP ones responsible for this failure.

Will we have to deal with a cabal of crooks and criminals forever!

Come on Guyanese, open your eyes!

MONDAY The news is that Exxon will supply the national grid with solar power.

Exxon takes billions (US$) and gives Guyanese this piece of baccoo charity.

We w i l l t a k e t h e blackouts and darkness, just give us back some of our own billions.

Don't insult us with these pennies of charity.

TUESDAY When the primary aim of leaders is to rob a nation blind, it is time that they are exposed and be made to face lawful consequences.

Except we as Guyanese make it clear that “enough is enough” and demand changes in this land, we will

continue to haemorrhage money by the billions of American dollars.

Guyanese, stop sitting in silence while our future is reduced to one of barely enough, if any at all.

What we are faced with in this land is certainly not a joke; we literally have to fight for our lives!

We must demand better for ALL of Guyana, not just a few.

WEDNESDAY Stand Up! Let your Voices Be Heard!

Guyanese, we must defend this nation against those whose clear intent is to rob us of our birthright.

This land is our land,

every inch of this 83,000sq. miles, and we must protect it at all cost, not only for us but for generations to come.

To be silent is to embrace the evils being perpetuated in this land.

THURSDAY An elderly woman was tied-up and beaten in her home for her modest valuables.

After robbing her family, a bandit accosted a young woman with the perceived intent of raping her.

All this brutality and hooliganism in an oil-rich country which should be showing signs of 'moving on up'.

But this should come as

no surprise. If criminality is being perpetuated at the highest level then, most certainly, those below will follow suit. The evidence is seen daily in our nation.

Wake up Guyanese, wake up and do your part to help safeguard this nation.

FRIDAY With the passing of the NRF Bill, there is the likelihood of greater risks, intensified tensions, and the possibility of flaring confrontation in this society.

It is a society that needs only a touch to get out of control, since it is always on edge.

The Government, even at this stage, must listen to the concerns of a wide crosssection of this nation. Failure

to do so could take Guyana into unknown territory.

Please listen President Ali. Please hear Mr. Vice President. Don't take us to the abyss.

SATURDAY Today, a new year, 2022, has dawned.

May it be the year that much needed radical changes are realised, with a view of putting this nation on a truly developmental path.

May all those who have been hindering the development of all of Guyana, repent of their wicked ways and endeavour, from today, to do right by our peoples.

A Happy & Prosperous New Year to all Guyanese.

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

Nalicia Ramdyal

PAGE 14

This week’s beauty is Miss Nalicia Ramdyal. This stunning Guyanese goddess has competed in several pageants where she has represented her country with pride, charm and excellence. Kaieteur News wishes her the best in her future endeavors.

Continue to make your homeland proud!

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday, January 01, 2022

THE MACE T

he range of nonsense that is peddled in Guyana and which is believed by many is truly astonishing.

The latest is the claim that because the ceremonial Mace may not have been in place during the vote for the passage of the National Resource Fund Act, it means that the Act was not properly passed.

The Mace is a symbol. It is used for ceremonial purposes. It is absolutely absurd for anyone to hold

that a condition for any laws to be passed is for the Mace to be in place. This is baloney!

The Mace is not a requirement for the passing of legislation. The majority of votes of the persons present and voting are all that is required for the passage of legislation.

The Mace is merely symbolic. It has greater symbolic importance just prior to and after the election of a Speaker because it is symbolic of the authority of the Speaker.

According to the Rules of Procedure, Practice and Convention of the National Assembly, the Mace is a symbol of the powers and privilege of the Assembly and is borne before the Speaker when entering and leaving the Chamber, and upon state occasions by the Sergeant-at-Arms and is placed on the Table when the Assembly is in session. The presence of the Mace is merely a sign that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is in the Chair.

To seek to remove the

Mace is considered an act of dissent or disrespect. But it does not nullify anything which is taking place or has taken place in the National Assembly.

During a BREXIT debate in the House of Commons, one MP picked up the Mace. He was immediately removed from the House and later suspended.

To say that without the Mace, no act of the National Assembly is valid is incredulous. It is like saying that unless the Presidential

standard is present, anything that the Head of State decrees is not valid. It is as absurd as saying that 34 is the majority of 65.

G u y a n a i s a parliamentary democracy.

The requirement for the passing of laws is not reliant on the presence or absence of the Mace, even though by convention, it is expected to be present during Sittings.

But a motion or question is determined by the majority votes of the elected representatives present and voting.

This is the exact provision which is mandated

by Article 168 (1) of the Constitution. It states: “Save as otherwise provided by this Constitution, all questions proposed for decision in the National Assembly shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting.”

The Standing Orders of the National Assembly are the rules which guide its deliberations. The Standing Orders make no mention of the need for the Mace. None whatsoever!

Guyanese therefore must disabuse themselves of this nonsense that the presence of the Mace is necessary for the proceedings of the Assembly to be valid. It should be observed that when the Speaker sits in Committee, the Mace is not in its usual place but that does not render null and void the proceedings of the Committee.

And when the Speaker is

elected for the first time, the Mace is under the table since it is merely symbolic of the authority of the Speaker and since one is being elected, it cannot symbolically be placed in its usual place.

Once the Speaker has pronounced that a Bill has been passed, this confers legitimacy on the legislation until assented.

Those therefore, who feel that there can be successful challenge to the recent passage of the National Resource Fund Act are wasting their time. The Courts have long held that parliament controls its own affairs.

This position is in conformity with the Article 165(1) of the Constitution which provides that the National Assembly may regulate its own procedure and may make rules for that purpose.

Unless the intended litigants can establish that the legislation in question is unconstitutional, they stand little chance of success. And to claim that the legislation conflicts with the Constitution would infer that it was properly passed.

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

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Confessions of an abused young woman I

was 15 years old when my innocence was stripped from me.

It pains my heart to write about it as much as it does to tell the story verbally, not only because I am fearful of how people would view me, but because I fear they may also blame me.

It’s the very reason I never told my mother what happened, and even though I am much older now, I am yet to gather enough courage to break her heart with this detail, which I am sure she can live without.

Rape is when a person p e n e t r a t e s s o m e o n e ’s vagina, anus or mouth with a penis, without their consent and sexual assault is when someone penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth, with any part of the body other than the penis, without the person’s consent.

Other forms of sexual assault are, someone touching another person in a sexual way without their consent; causing someone to touch the perpetrator in a sexual way; causing someone to touch someone else in a sexual way, all w i t h o u t t h e p e r s o n ’s consent.

MY STORY It happened when I had just finished secondary school and was on work study at a health centre. The evil man who took advantage of me was a doctor. I never complained because I worried it would stain my reputation and I would probably never get a

job. As silly as it sounds, it’s just the way some teenagers think.

I wish there were more campaigns back then, like

t h e r e a r e n o w, t h a t encourages one to speak out against abuse. I had no idea what was happening, or why, or how I should handle it.

No child should be forced to live with this burden. Imagine it was your own, how would you have dealt with the matter?

Thinking of this made me never want to share this horrible story with my mom.

She was so strict that I feared her reaction.

While on work study, the doctor, who was seemingly also very young, would compliment me and I would shyly accept his remarks. I had never imagined what could have been the outcome.

It went from the inappropriate comments, to one day touching me in places I dare not mention.

My intent here is not to scare young girls away from

attending work study, but to encourage you to be strong enough to tell someone if these incidents do occur.

The first time he touched me, we were in a medicine room getting drugs for patients. The nurses were in another room

made her promise not to ever tell anyone.

Resolution While it is my wish that something of this nature never happens to any other young woman, I don’t think I would want to pursue the matter legally. This does not mean that you shouldn’t.

I am now married and

handling pregnant women that day.

He tried to not only grope me, but kissed me. His breath smelled like cigarettes at 09:00am and, indeed, I ran from the discomfort.

Fearful of what the outcome of that morning would be, I naively stayed behind that day to talk to him about what had happened, after all the other staff members had left.

It was the worse decision of my life. The doctor did not penetrate me, but he had exposed his body to me and did things I wish I could forget.

The days passed and I was fearful to show up, but when I did, I returned wearing pants, embracing the excuse that my uniform s k i r t m a d e m e uncomfortable. My friend who was also on work-study with me had noticed my behaviour and questioned me. I had confided in her but

have moved on with my life and so has the doctor, I’ve been made aware.

The last time I saw him, I was alone in a shopping Mall.

I saw him and shuddered.

I pretended as though I never noticed him but along came this woman with a pregnant tummy, who took him by the arm.

I breathed a sigh of relief that he did not approach me, but I also wondered what circumstances got that pretty girl there.

This year, 2022, my intention is to start a support

club for girls who have been abused in one way or another. I have learnt that talking about the experience with people who understand, brings with it some level of comfort.

It may not drain away those nasty feelings of hurt, anger and shame that we feel, but it gives us hope.

It is my hope too to gather enough strength and courage to tell my mom what happened.

Moving on It would be difficult for someone who had never experienced such a trauma to even understand the hurt we feel. However, I am using the little influence that I am blessed with, as a writer, to urge abused persons to tell their stories.

Share it with someone. I implore you. At times I regret not having opened up about my experience earlier.

I often think of how justice could have been served. If the evil man would have been locked up, or if he would have been stripped of his licence.

To be honest, I feel like he would have deserved every bad thing that came his

way and so my advice is to share your experience. You deserve justice!

Moving on from an abusive page in your life has to be the most difficult thing for a person. It affects your confidence, your trust in people you care about, and more importantly, it tortures the mind forever.

As throbbing as those memories are, it is impossible for them to be erased easily. Even years later, I still punish to forget the nasty things he did to me as a teen.

Statistics Research shows that in the first quarter of this year alone 635 girls were abused as compared to 404 boys.

The types of abuse reported include: physical, sexual, verbal, neglect and abandonment.

Statistics for the remainder of the year was solicited from the Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, but according to the official, there is a process in which information is disclosed to the public, which she implied may very well result in the statistics being relayed weeks later.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Saturday January 01, 2022

COVID-19: Prepare for the Omicron wave, it may be here sooner than you think

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist The Omicron variant is now dominating infections worldwide and it's only a matter of time before it does the same here. This variant of the Coronavirus (SARS COV-2) is the most efficient form yet. Data so far is suggesting that it spreads four times faster than the original variant and two times faster than the delta variant which was previously the most infectious variant of the coronavirus. Recent evidence suggests that Omicron infects human tissue 70 times higher within 24 hours when compared to the Delta variant.

These are ominous signs of a virus that has reached its most efficient form and will disseminate through populations with unprecedented pace.

Today, I will share with you my thoughts on the possible repercussions that we may face once Omicron begins to surge here.

It may happen sooner than we think Most of our neighbouring countries have started to declare cases with the Omicron variant and this is an obvious red flag for us.

Being at the frontlines, I am seeing trends that indicate that we may have this strain here and the surge may occur earlier than we think. Given the trends worldwide, and from patterns from previous spreads, I am concerned that we may see the Omicron surge soon and it may peak in January 2022.

High number of persons being infected at once In the US, the CDC is estimating that the percentage of cases from Omicron has jumped seven times in a week.

UK health officials are estimating the risk of spreading Omicron to another household member as being three times higher than the delta variant. The data is obviously suggesting the potential for a higher number of persons becoming infected with COVID-19

than with any previous variant. What is alarming, is the majority of these infections may occur within a shorter period than we would have previously experienced.

We may see unprecedented numbers of daily infections in the coming weeks. I will not be surprised if we register more than 500 daily infections from testing daily.

I hope I'm wrong but given the available data, there is a high likelihood of this occurring.

High number of hospitalisations Data so far is suggesting that Omicron infections may be less severe than the delta infections. A study published by the London Imperial College showed that the risk of having to be hospitalised from an Omicron infection is 40-45 percent lower than that of a Delta infection. Death rates from Omicron thus far have been hovering around 0.03 percent of infections while the COVID-19 death rate before Omicron was previously around 3 percent of infections. While these

numbers can change, it is so far showing a trend of Omicron being more efficient in its spread but less effective in causing severe disease or death.

However, this can be a double edged sword since a larger number of persons being infected at once can mean a higher proportion of persons needing hospitalisation in a short space of time.

This can have the potential to overwhelm hospitals and be detrimental to optimal patient care. My hope is that the majority of Guyanese will display mild symptoms since most of the population would have developed antibodies either from a previous infection or from vaccination.

A high percentage of the working population being on medical leave With the potential of unprecedented numbers of infections occurring in a short space of time, comes the risk of a critical portion of the country's workforce being sick on medical leave.

T h e N e w Yo r k F i r e Department is currently seeing an upsurge of staff calling in sick with 10 percent of firefighters and 16 percent of EMS workers on medical leave.

The Guy's St. Thomas Hospital in London is reporting that almost 10 percent of its Doctors and Nurses are off from work sick with COVID-19.

These are just examples of what may occur with our workforce when Omicron peaks in the new year.

The risk of not having sufficient health workers because too many are on medical leave from COVID19 can only compound the challenge of taking care of patients during a pandemic surge. Medical and economical productivity may take a hit during the Omicron wave. Our goal should therefore be to slow this spread as much as possible by practicing preventative measures and thereby, preventing the system from becoming overwhelmed.

The Omicron wave will

last for a much shorter time than the previous COVID-19 waves and may also signal the end of the pandemic as the targeted “herd immunity” may be achieved with such large numbers of infections.

The beginning of 2022 may be a period of trials but it may set the foundation for a return to normalcy when the storm is over.

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

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

PAGE 21

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

What will happen to Guyana in 2022?

It is natural for every soul on Planet Earth to ask what a new year will bring to them and their country. For Guyanese this becomes a pressing mental inquiry each year.

It has not been a country where things positive and comfortable have been happening for decades and decades. I have always listed Guyana in a category of stagnant countries where pessimism is obvious to those who are not even looking. It is a group of three countries – Cuba, Russia and Guyana.

It does not appear way into the distant future that the people of Russia will ever discover a mountain of freedoms and rights that so many countries have enjoyed even if interrupted at times.

Vladimir Putin is a deadly autocrat that would not hesitate to kill those who oppose him But Russia is not as poor as it was 50 years ago. At the moment its economy is doing fine and has been in steady shape for years now. Cuba is a sad example of a country the past 30 years that has gone absolutely nowhere. It must break the heart of all human beings to see how Cubans are running all over the world

just to ensure survival.

Doesn't that remind you of a certain nationality when Guyana collapsed under the weight of Burnhamite dictatorship? We here in Guyana must welcome the Cubans and allow them to have a future.

Guyana has never had a prolonged period of economic and social deprivation as Cuba. The Guyanese character has never been shaped by centuries of pessimism as the Russian temperament has been. The Russian character is an introverted, maudlin one, while the Guyanese personality is based on a West Indian style of life even for the religious communities of Hinduism and Islam.

There is too much psychic integration between Canada, the UK, the US and the Caribbean for Guyanese to be forever gloomy.

But in a comparative context Guyana has been an unhappy place whose philosophical efficacy is stultified when compared to our neighbours. We have never produced anyone coming close to Bob Marley, Rihanna, Harry Belafonte, Sydney Poitier, Garfield Sobers and Usain Bolt. The

Caribbean has three Nobel laureates. None is from Guyana.

We have not produced a triple centurion in cricket – Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica have. We never had a Premier League footballer, Trinidad and Jamaica have. A Guyanese is not the cricketer with the most wickets and the most runs among West Indian nations.

There have been winners of Miss Universe and Miss Wo r l d f r o m d i f f e r e n t CARICOM countries but not Guyana; not that I approve of those types of contests and think they should stop. We have no Olympic gold medalist, other CARICOM nations have.

In an act of insane decline, our GDP and GNP were ahead of Malaysia and Singapore in the 1950s. It is comical to make the comparison now. We have been a sea of storms since the 1950s. From the internecine conflicts in the 1960s that produced the most tragic act of violence in the Caribbean in Wismar right up to March 2020, we have given the Caribbean a bad name.

People around the world know about Guyana only for Jonestown. Both the world

and the Caribbean tend to be fed up with us. Now we give the world another sickness in what happened days ago in parliament.

Things funny, weird yet morally and philosophically unacceptable happen in this land that simply do not happen and perhaps will not occur in any other country no matter how shambolic those societies are. Which country has a human rights body that remained silent when the world watched an incumbent party trying to rig an election for five consecutive months?

Which country has a NGO whose raison d'être is to ensure the society maintains a culture of transparency but turned a

blind eye when the election commission Frederick Kissoon of the country that administers the national elections famous Italian philosopher, was the very body that was A n t o n i o G r a m s c i w h o involved in rigging the observed that the optimism national poll and that NGO of the will must at all times be was completely silent? Name greater than the pessimism of a country in the world where the intellect. Speaking for a newspaper columnist wrote myself; some sections of that the grandfather of an society's acceptance of the e n g i n e e r k n e w t h e rigged March 2020 election columnist's father and has driven home the lesson because of that the engineer that Guyana has deep-seated wants to sue for libel. Name monsters that should be such a country where such exorcised. If we don't do that, incredible non-logic would there will be no tomorrow. occur.

(The views expressed in Can things change from this article are those of the 2022? No one can predict the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t future so the answer can be necessarily reflect the yes and no. But it was the opinions of this newspaper.)

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Two more COVID-19 deaths, 6 in ICU A

s of December 2021, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that Guyana's confirmed COVID-19 infections have

reached 39,573, with the total deaths amounting to 1054.

The most recent deaths the MOH recorded are two persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The deaths are of a72-yearold woman of DemeraraMahaica, who was unvaccinated, and a 60-yearold man from East BerbiceCorentyne who was fully v a c c i n a t e d .

As of December 31, the Ministry recorded 178 new cases.

The new cases were recorded in Region One which has three new cases, Region Two which has two cases, Region Three which has 13 new cases, Region Four which has 113 new cases, Region Five which has one new case, Region Six which has 27 new cases, Region Nine which has nine new cases and Region 10 which has 10 new cases.

As it relates to the persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, the MOH says that six persons are hospitalised in that unit.

The MOH noted too that 37 persons are in institutional isolation, 850 are in home isolation and five are in institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry noted that the recovery figure for those who contracted the deadly virus stands at 37,626.

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Guyanese workers being exploited in oil and gas sector - Union The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is again flagging the unfair circumstances which Guyanese are forced to endure in the oil sector, at the hands of the leaders of the country.

In what it described as “exploitation” and “heartlessness” in its end of year reflection yesterday, the union pointed out that during 2021 it was able to establish its Oil and Gas Branch, which has been approached by workers from several enterprises in the sector.

It was during interactions with these workers, the union said, it learnt that employees are not benefitting from overtime payments, as required by law, and even more so, that workers were being denied their right to unionisation.

“Through our fraternal relations with the Oilfield Wo r k e r s Tr a d e U n i o n (OWTU) of Trinidad and Tobago we shockingly learnt that Guyanese workers received 10 times less pay

than their colleagues in the neighbouring twin-island republic,” the union told the media.

It noted too that a worrying trend has plagued the sector, whereby labour is being imported to carry out functions such as drivers, mechanics, and other allied skills. In fact, the union said it was shocked to learn that at one firm, even the office assistant was a foreign national.

“Apart from taking the jobs of locals, the foreigners, we understand, are receiving conditions-of-employment that are superior to locals.

This is patently discriminatory, and we consider disrespectful to Guyanese,” the workers union contended.

It said that while foreign workers are reportedly benefitting from housing, subsistence, and other allowances, Guyanese receive nothing of the sort.

“Worse yet it appears that many of the foreigners engaged have not received

permission to work in Guyana yet are allowed employment without even paying income taxes to the State. We are unaware of whether immigration officials are aware of such developments though locals shared with us that, it appeared, these companies operate with impunity and no fear of repercussion,” the union informed.

GAWU said that it is aware that Government is seeking to address such

occurrences through the enactment of the local content legislation and thus it welcomes this development.

It, however, noted that for the legislation to have true meaning it must be enforced and its schedules renewed regularly to ensure increased Guyanese participation in the sector.

According to the workers' union, it has come to understand that some employees are being paid at the national minimum wage with their incomes augmented by allowances that can be withdrawn at a moment's notice.

Back in October of this year, GAWU had reported that oil companies and their subcontractors have been replacing locals with foreigners to do driving,

cleaning and other simple jobs.

The union stated that in trying to justify this act, the oil companies have reasoned that Guyanese lack the qualifications, skill and experience to undertake certain basic tasks.

However, according to GAWU, the tasks some of the companies have hired foreigners to do are not complicated and can be done

by Guyanese.

The union called for the government to urgently investigate this matter.

Kaieteur News had also reported that some local workers were sent home by the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI), a local company which boasts that 90 percent of its work force is Guyanese, allegedly because they had

complained to the media that foreigners were being paid more than they to do the same job.

In 2019, an oil service company operating aboard the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, appeared to be using the job descriptions for some of its employees to pay foreign workers more than local workers for the same job.

Revealing this was attorney-at-law and current Member of Parliament, Sanjeev Datadin. He had made the disclosure while appearing on the Kaieteur Radio programme, Guyana's Oil & You and stated, “You can't discriminate on how much you pay locals versus how much you pay overseas people for the same job”.

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PAGE 26 One of DBL’s representatives presenting gifts to children during the recently passed Christmas season.

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

Demerara Bank Limited impacts communities through year of meaningful activities

A

s challenging as 2021 was, it was also inspiring for the employees of Demerara Bank Limited, who, in keeping with the Bank’s corporate social responsibility, witnessed the meaningful impact of their acts of kindness that were imparted to a number of entities and communities across the country.

In December 2021, the Bank’s CSR activities included lighting and beautifying the avenue between Lamaha and New Market Streets, Georgetown; donations to the Mahaica’s Children’s Home and Cheshire Home on the East Coast of Demerara and the Bal Nivas Children’s Home in Berbice.

The Mahaica Children’s Home and the Bal Nivas Children’s Home both provide shelter for children who come from abusive households or were otherwise displaced, while the Cheshire

Home provides specialised care for a d u l t s s u ff e r i n g w i t h p h y s i c a l disabilities.

These activities were complemented by hamper distributions to impoverished families in the Corriverton area and a Toy Drive, at its Essequibo branch, which benefitted 40 children with Kids Savings Accounts.

According to a representative, Corporate Social Responsibility is deeply engraved in the culture of Demerara Bank Limited and the Bank will continue to respond to new calls for support, particularly in the area of health, education and community development.

The Bank, in its statement, expressed its deepest appreciation to its customers and employees for their patronage and continued support over the last year, and extended best wishes to all Guyanese for a prosperous new year.

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PNC/R prioritises new regime for Oil and Gas sector in New Year …demands National Consultative body, accountable oversight of fund - Norton Newly elected leader of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Aubrey Norton, in his New Year’s message to Guyana and his party’s constituents has promised to prioritise in 2022, a revamped oil and gas regime.

One where, there is the establishment of a National Consultative body on Oil and Gas to inform decision

making and promote and protect the interest of the Guyanese people.

Additionally, Norton said, “we demand inclusive, transparent and accountable governance and oversight of the Natural Resource Fund and a programme to transfer some of the oil wealth to the marginalised, povertystricken segments of all ethnic groups of the

population, including activation of the Buxton Proposal or a similar initiative, infrastructural renewal and expansion in d i s a d v a n t a g e d communities.”

To this end, he reminded that Guyanese watched, the funds in the Natural Resource Fund grew, and were “fooled into believing that these funds were not

being touched by the Government. Now we all k n o w b e t t e r, a s t h e Government, since being installed on August 2, 2020, has borrowed almost twice the money in the Fund.”

As such, according to Norton, “in 2022, our preoccupation as a Party will be to provide the requisite leadership to effect change.

We will continue the fight for

Newly elected PNC/R Leader, Aubrey Norton a fair, just and equitable Guyana. We must be ever more vigilant in holding the Government accountable as we insist that they stop violating our laws and Constitution.”

Adamant “we are committed to tackling the burning issues of the day, such as corruption, discrimination, poverty, crime, unemployment, especially youth unemployment and the nonsupport of small and micro businesses,” Norton said, “we demand the resolute upholding of our Constitution especially in respect of the three branches of Government.”

Additionally, he said the party will be demanding the proper functioning and strengthening of the guardrails of “our withering democracy, including the Public Procurement Commission, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, and the Integrity Commission, inter alia.”

He said too, “we demand a more effective Parliament.

Its current functioning is at the behest of the Government. It meets infrequently, with most of its sittings targeted at financial matters. We need action to shift the Parliament away from being the rubber stamper of government’s decisions.”

This, in addition to having a government in place that must work with the labour unions on labourrelated issues, including the return of collective bargaining, the fight for a decent wage and better working conditions, especially in view of the burgeoning oil sector, the Dutch disease and the differential wages paid to Guyanese and foreign workers for the same jobs.

These demands, he said, are being made at a time when the Irfaan Ali regime “is very dictatorial and there is need for good governance and respect for the Rule of Law.” To this end, Norton in his end of year message said “fellow Guyanese, you can

expect the practice of good governance and respect for the rule of law from the APNU+AFC, of which the PNCR is a major actor.”

He qualified this position by adumbrating “our approach to our responsibility of holding the installed Irfaan Ali government accountable, and eventually removing them from office and working to make our lives as Guyanese better will be characterised by our philosophy of democracy, economic freedom and the rule of law.”

This disposition, he said, will be obvious in the way in which “we do things and, in the support, and defense that we will offer the people of Guyana against the dictatorial practices of the Irfaan Ali regime.”

According to the newly elected PNC/R Leader, “Guyanese are not living in a democracy. We do not enjoy political and economic freedom. There is no respect for the rule of law as we speak and therefore the concepts of democracy, economic freedom and the rule of law are germane to the circumstance of hardships that we as hardworking, peaceful and law-abiding Guyanese are facing, a mere 16 months after the Irfaan Ali government was installed in power.”

Lamenting the existing state of affairs, Norton iterated inflation has jumped nearly seven per cent since Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C took office and “it means that Guyanese are worse off than when the Coalition government was in office. I worry about how we will cope with the 15 percent spike in the price of foodstuff; No one will doubt that the cost of living is extremely high.”

He posited that this massive increase in food prices is no accident since “it has everything to do with the lack of economic freedom and a deceitful and incompetent PPP/C government that does not know how to reduce the cost of living for Guyanese.”

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Saturday January 01, 2022

Ramjattan challenges Govt. to renegotiate oil contracts

D

uring the second sitting of the N a t i o n a l Assembly on Wednesday, Opposition Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan challenged the PPP administration to renegotiate the oil contracts.

Ramjattan made the charge during the debates on the Local Content Legislation.

He said, “It is fortunate because of signing the production agreement that

we are seeing all of this happening here. When the oil was found and (a) production agreement had to be made (there was) one set of gallivanting and pompeziting from the Opposition how they gonna renegotiate and all of that and they had a model under which we adopted and even got one percent more royalty.”

In this regard, the MP urged, “They could say whatever they want. Well

renegotiate it. You (are) talking about sanctity of contract now? Renegotiate it!”

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat on Wednesday told the National Assembly that Guyana has one of the worst oil deals.

According to Bharrat, “I’m not sure what the honourable member, Mr. Ramjattan, was trying to say when they negotiated for an extra percent of royalty. Mr.

Speaker, we have probably one of the worst production sharing agreement in the world and the honourable member is here boasting about negotiating for one extra percent, when countries are enjoying five and seven percent.”

It must be noted that even though the Minister has accepted the fact that Guyana is merely benefitting from two percent of the country’s oil wealth, the Government has not since

Opposition Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

made efforts to renegotiate the contract, despite having promised so on the elections campaign trail.

While serving as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo had said that he wanted the unfavourable oil contracts renegotiated, but consistently refused to renegotiate the one contract that at this juncture promises to make Guyana some much needed money.

That contract is the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that governs operations on the Stabroek Block.

Jagdeo pointed to the PPP as a group that would manage the oil sector well if it is elected to Government on March 2, 2020. He had said that it would look to revisit lopsided oil contracts – all except for the Stabroek PSA with ExxonMobil and its partners, that is.

He had, for instance, noted the Orinduik PSA as a contract that he is interested in revisiting when it was pointed out that Guyana will effectively be getting no royalty for operations done on that block. Tullow Oil and its partners had boasted that the contract allows them to pay the meagre one percent royalty with one hand, and take it back with another.

For the Orinduik Block, on the other hand, two discoveries have been made, but Tullow has announced that the “heavy oil” found there is causing the contractors to reassess just how commercially viable production would be for them.

So, despite the fact that other contracts may be lopsided too, the Stabroek PSA is the one that has caught flack since its release to the public.

The Stabroek PSA, which governs operations for 14 significant discoveries there, has been criticised for its extremely low royalty at industry standards, its daunting lack of ringfencing provisions, its gaping loopholes which could lose Guyana billions of US dollars in revenue, and many more issues. Some of the provisions in the Stabroek PSA have even been determined to be illegal by some, and will be facing a judicial review at the behest of Activist, Ramon Gaskin.

Despite all of that, Jagdeo has singled out the Stabroek PSA as the one contract which his government will not touch, as he has said that Guyana could still claw back value with it as is.

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Saturday January 01, 2022

The Court A look at some matters that were Journal brought before the courts in 2021

By Renay Sambach

T

his article will highlight some interesting matters that were brought before the court in 2021.

Some of these included matters that involved former Ministers, a Permanent Secretary and even high ranking members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who were charged for fraud.

FORMER FINANCE MINISTER, WINSTON JORDAN The most recent matter was the former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan who was charged for vesting of State lands in 2020 in relation to the Kingston water front properties.

On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, the former minister was placed on $3M bail for a misconduct in public office charge. The former Minister in the company of a battery of lawyers, including the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

The other lawyers that represented him are: Khemraj Ramjattan, Roysdale Forde and Darren Wade.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleges that while being and performing duties of Minister of Finance and being the concerned Minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between February 26, 2020 and July 31, 2020 at Main Street, Georgetown, he willfully misconducted himself.

It further alleges that the Minister acted recklessly when he signed NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order No. 50 of 2020, transferring

to and vesting to BK Marine Inc. absolutely, all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms and further appurtenances that is to say, Mudlots 1 & 2, F of Mudlot 3, A, B & D, situated at North C u m m i n g s b u r g , Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres, by paying $20,260,276.00, for a property valued over $5B and being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public trust and without reasonable excuse or justification.

The charge was brought against Jordan by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) an arm of the GPF. The Chief Magistrate granted bail in the sum of $3M and the matter was adjourned to February 10, 2022.

FORMER GL&SC BOSS, TREVOR BENN Similarly, former Head of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), Trevor Benn, was charged for misconducting himself in public office by selling a portion of State land for four times less than its initial value.

Benn, 53, of Century Palm Gardens, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, with his lawyer, Mark Waldron.

He was not required to plead to the charge, which alleges that between December 1, 2018 and August 31, 2019 at GL&SC, Georgetown, while being a public officer, he willfully misconducted himself by executing the sale of two parcels of lands, all being a portion of Middle Walk, Plantation Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The charge further stated that Benn willfully misconducted himself without any excuse or Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

reasonable justification, when he caused Wilfred Brandsford, a businessman and former Director of the GL&SC, to pay the sum $13.5M to GL&SC for the portion of land knowing at the time that he did not have the authority to sell the said land and knowing the plot had been previously valued at the sum of $60.8M. Benn's conduct amounts to breach of the public's trust.

Benn was released on $100,000 bail.

It was reported that Brandsford is the owner of Car Care Enterprise, and he allegedly benefitted from the sale of 'severely undervalued' land located at Plantation Ruimveldt, Georgetown. In fact, when the portion of land that Brandsford bought was compared to other similar land sales by the Government, it was discovered that Benn had allegedly sold the land for 10

Janico Vide Industrial Engineering Limited for the lease of six acres of land at Plantation Ogle, East Coast Demerara, knowing that the GL&SC did not have the authority to lease any land at Plantation Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

It is also alleges, that on March 27, 2020, Benn granted a Provisional Lease to Janico Vide Industrial Engineering Limited and willfully misconducted himself thereby leading to a breach of the public's trust.

Benn was arrested on March 10, 2021, after a probe was launched into the alleged illegal land sale. It is reported that despite the fact that the lands belonged to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Benn moved ahead to illegally lease the plot of land to a company called Janico Vide Engineering Limited for

Former Head of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), Trevor Benn,

times less than its actual value.

Moreover, a few months prior to the aforementioned charge Benn appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts for charges surrounding the illegal sale of State lands.

On March 12, 2021, Benn appeared before Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, for the alleged illegal sale of six acres of land and was placed on $200,000 bail for the offence.

He was not required to plead to the indictable offence, which alleges that between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020, at GL&SC, Georgetown, while being a public officer, he willfully misconducted himself by causing the sum of $27,000,000 to be paid by

some $27M. It was reported that the $27M transaction was made pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the company and the GL&SC signed. That MoU dictated that the engineering company would lease the land for 50 years and pay $200,000 per acre annually.

Moreover, Benn was appointed Commissioner of GL&SC in 2016 by the David Granger administration and was granted presidential powers related to the sanctioning of renting and granting of leases, licences and permission of occupancy of all public lands.

When the Irfaan Ali administration took office in August 2020, he was stripped of those powers and was later

Permanent Secretary attached to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sharon Hicks, sent packing in November.

Following the revocation of his presidential powers, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, S.C., had stated that his government would review all the leases, licences and permissions to occupy Public Lands granted by GL&SC after the No C o n f i d e n c e Vo t e o f December 2, 2018.

SHARON HICKS On December 17, 2021, the Permanent Secretary (PS) attached to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sharon Hicks, made her first court appearance. The PS was reportedly caught redhanded collecting bribe during a police sting operation on October 7, 2020, but was charged more than two months after.

Hicks, 42, of Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate McLennan, in the company of her lawyer, Sase Gunraj. She denied the charge, which stated that on October 7, 2021, at 251-252 Thomas and Quamina Streets, Georgetown, while being an agent employed by the Government of Guyana, she obtained, for herself, from Heramainie Chintamanie $200,000 as an inducement or reward for processing the payment requests for security services provided.

Gunraj made an application for his client to be released on bail and same was granted by the Magistrate.

The defendant was placed on $100,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to December 20, 2021, for statements.

The PS was charged a few days after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C.,

returned the case file to police investigators, with advice to charge her for corrupt transaction by an agent.

It was reported that Hicks was caught during the police sting operation collecting $200,000 as a kickback from a security services contractor.

Investigators had learnt that the PS had a deal with the previous owner of the company. The deal was that, in order to receive contracts, he must pay her $200,000 every month.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h a t contractor died and his son took over the business operations. The new owner was reportedly unaware of the deal with the PS, and became 'fed up' after she began demanding money from him just to sign off some invoices. As a result, he notified police and a sting operation was set up. The man agreed to pay her the money on October 7, and she was allegedly caught redhanded by ranks collecting the cash.

Hicks was sent on administrative leave immediately to facilitate an investigation.

However, it took more than two months before the DPP's office advised that she be charged for the unlawful act. The file had been back and forth between the DPP and police investigators.

Police had to correct errors and return the file on three occasions.

DAVID PATTERSON & RAWLSTON ADAMS In another matter, former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and former General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams, were on January 25, 2021 charged for (Continued on page 35)

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A look at some matters that were brought before...

Former General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams.

From page 34 defrauding the DHBC of over $160M. They appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. The matter was first sent to the Chief Magistrate, but she recused herself from the matter since both Patterson and Adams are known to her.

The matter was then transferred to Senior Magistrate Daly, who read the joint charge to the defendants. Patterson is being represented by attorneys-at-law, Ronald Burch-Smith and Nigel Hughes, while Adams is being represented by attorney-at-law, Glenn Hanoman.

The duo was charged for defrauding the DHBC in relation to a contract that was awarded to a Dutch company, LievenseCSO, to conduct a feasibility study and design for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge between Houston, East Bank Demerara, and Versailles, West Bank Demerara.

Patterson and Adams were not required to plead to the joint charge, which alleged that between November 18, 2016 and February 1, 2018 at Georgetown, they conspired with each other and with other persons unknown, to defraud the DHBC of $162,635,015, funds of the DHBC's Asphalt Plant Account.

The charge was brought by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), a branch of the GPF. After the contract was made public in 2017, the then Opposition People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had called for a thorough investigation by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) into the awarding of the contract to the Dutch firm, this later triggered an investigation by SOCU. The PPP/C in its investigation found that

Patterson's request to Cabinet for approval of the contract was not forwarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). As a result, the PPC had asked for the tender to be reset. NPTAB had given approval for the project to be retendered, but it was not.

The PPP/C was adamant that the bypassing of the procurement process was illegal, but SOCU later stated that it had sought legal advice, and that there is no evidence that a criminal offence was committed.

Senior Magistrate Daly had released both defendants on bail in the sum of $200,000 each.

CHRISTOPHER JONES AND ANNETTE FERGUSON Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette F e rg u s o n a n d f o u r A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) supporters, were also charge earlier this year for illegal procession.

The charges stem from a march outside of the High

Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones.

Court in Georgetown, in April, 2021, following the ruling on the elections petition case by Chief Justice ( A g ) R o x a n e G e o rg e -

Wiltshire.

The matters were called in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Senior Magistrate Daly. The defendants were represented by attorneys-at-law Joseph Harmon (the Opposition Leader), Member of Parliament, Geeta ChandanEdmond, Ronald Daniels and Darren Wade.

Jones, Ferguson and six named coalition supporters: Mark Griffith, Gary Morris, Malcolm Billison, Travis Ellis, Gordon Lucas and George Halley.

The first joint charge alleges that Jones and Ferguson along with the six coalition supporters on April 26, 2021, at Georgetown, illegally engaged in a procession without permission from the Commissioner of Police.

The defendants were charged under Section 12 of the Public Order Act. Section 12, which stipulates, “Any person who holds, organises, forms, speaks at or takes part in any public meeting or public procession at which a noisy instrument is used without the permission of the Chief Officer of Police shall be guilty of an offence.” The law further outlines that anyone found guilty could face a fine of $26,000 and be imprisoned for up to four months.

The defendants denied the joint charge after it was read to them and Senior Magistrate Daly granted them bail in the sum of $20,000 each.

Additionally, Ferguson was slapped with an individual charge, which alleges that on April 26, 2021, she obstructed a peace officer from conducting his duties. She pleaded not guilty and was placed on $10,000 bail for that offence.

A few months after Ferguson made another court appearance but on a cybercrime charge. The Opposition MP appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Senior Magistrate Daly, in the company of her lawyer, Lyndon Amsterdam.

Ferguson denied the charge, which alleges that on June 15, 2021, she used a computer system to transmit data with intent to cause substantial emotional distress to a senior officer of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Colonel Omar Khan.

According to reports, the Opposition MP is charged for falsely alleging in a Facebook post that Khan will be in charge of a 'killing squad.' Kaieteur News understands that Ferguson's post, which refers to the

“setting up of Death Squad and Black Clothes groups,” had stemmed from discussions had during the considerations of Financial Paper 2/2021 during the parliamentary session on June 14, 2021.

During the debate, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, told the House that the concept of the Regional Joint Support Teams is a new crimefighting initiative formulated in April 2021, and that the supplementary provision for the period ending December 2021 is to “set up” the initiative.

The Government MP had explained that the Regional Joint Support Teams will not denigrate or usurp the functions of the GDF or the GPF, but is intended to enhance the capacity of the law enforcement agencies in Guyana to fight crime, regardless of the type of crime, with the support of the GDF. However, following that parliamentary session, an online news agency published a story headlined, “Exclusive: PPP secures $250 million budget to resuscitation Black Clothes Death Squad.” The O p p o s i t i o n M P subsequently shared the article with her own commentary. Both the Joint Services Coordinating Council (JSCC) and the Ministry of Home Affairs had condemned the Opposition MP's post and cautioned citizens against the “reckless and irresponsible social commentary.”

RANKS ON CRIMINAL CHARGES Additionally, a number of police ranks are before the court on various criminal charges. Some of the charges include: fraud, violating COVID-19 guidelines and causing death by dangerous driving.

Several members of the Force allegedly misappropriated millions of dollars that were entrusted to the GPF's Finance Department. Their matters are being heard in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before the Chief Magistrate.

The ranks who are facing fraud charges are: Deputy Commander of Division 4 'B' – Senior Superintendent Lorraine Saul, Police Finance Officer – Superintendent Marcelene Washington, former Deputy Finance Officer – Deputy Superintendent Frank J a c k m a n - Wi l b u r g a n d former Deputy Finance

Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson.

Officer – Assistant Superintendent Roxanne Griffith-Adams. When the matter was heard in court Saul and Washington were o u t o f t h e jurisdiction. Other ranks that were charged are: Officer-in-Charge at the Police Finance Department (ag) - Assistant Superintendent Kurt Smith, former Assistant Commissioner of Police Kevin Adonis, Sergeants Jermaine Fraser and Michael Corbin, Corporal Rawle Haynes and Constables Jenneka Carmichael and Tatyan a S mith . S aul, Washington, JackmanWilburg, Griffith-Adams and Kurt Smith were charged for conspiracy to commit fraud, in relation to the falsification of meals payment.

Adonis, Haynes, Fraser and Corbin were slapped with allegedly stealing millions of dollars that were allocated for ranks who performed extra duties while Ta t y a n a S m i t h a n d Carmichael were charged for erasing critical data in one of the fraud cases. However, the matter against Smith and Carmichael has since been dismissed.Saul, Washington and Griffith-Adams, were slapped with one joint conspiracy to commit a felony charge and Saul was slapped with an individual falsification of the account charge. The charge involving Saul, Washington and Griffith-Adams, was laid indictable and they were not required to enter a plea.

According to facts of the aforementioned charge, Saul was stationed at the Felix Austin Police College Mess, as the Officer-in-charge, and on the date mentioned in the charge, she created feeding accounts for ranks who were performing fixed point duties. It is alleged that the accounts Saul prepared were for duties that never existed.

It is further alleged that Saul conspired with Washington, J a c k m a n - Wi l b u r g a n d

Griffith-Adams who approved and processed the accounts at the Police Finance Department.

Another case involves Saul, Washington and Jackman-Wilburg. They were slapped with two joint conspiracies to commit felony charges. Saul was also slapped with two individual counts of falsification of accounts.

One week before those charges were filed in court, a matter involving Saul and Kurt Smith was called. For that case, both charges allege that the duo conspired with others to falsify meals payment.

According to police facts, Saul was the Officerin-charge at the Brickdam Police Station's Other Ranks Mess before she was moved.

The Mess provides breakfast, lunch and dinner to ranks stationed at various stations and locations within Regional Division 4A. M o r e o v e r, J e n n e k a Carmichael of Lot 121 Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice, and Tatyana Smith, 21, of Lot 43 Third Street, Alberttown, on April 21, 2021, appeared before Chief Magistrate McLennan and were placed on $150,000 bail each for allegedly deleting electronic data relevant to one of the fraud cases. This matter went to trial and was dismissed due to lack of evidence.

On March 26, 2021, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kevin Adonis of 95 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, and three other members of the GPF, made their first court appearance after they were slapped with a $19M fraud charge.

Also charged were Rawle Haynes of Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo, Jermaine Fraser of 4116 Phase One West Minster, West Bank Demerara, and Michael Corbin of 315 First Av e n u e , L a P a r f a i t e Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. The four men (Continued on page 36)

PAGE 36

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

A look at some matters that...

From page 35 appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Fraser, Haynes, Corbin and Adonis were slapped with a joint charge, while Corbin and Haynes were slapped with individual charges. They were not required to plead to the indictable charges after they were read to them.In August 2021, a Corporal was remanded for extorting over $400,000 from a suspect's relative The cop, Omale Damon, was caught in a sting operation collecting money from the suspect's relative. It is alleged that Damon swindled over $400,000 from the woman claiming that he could get her relative released from police custody.Damon had appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before the Chief Magistrate where he was slapped with three counts of corrupt transactions. He denied the charges which allege that in March, 2021, he collected a total of $400,000 for the release of a person in custody for the possession of firearm. He was also charged for collecting $80,000 for the release of the motor vehicle the suspect was driving.

Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson The court heard that shortly after receiving the first $200,000 the defendant requested another $200,000 which was given to him after he told the woman that the other officers involved wanted more money.

The woman later requested that Damon release the motor vehicle the suspect was driving when he was arrested for the illegal possession of firearm, and in return the defendant requested another $200,000.

However, the woman informed him that she did not have any money and later sought help from the girlfriend of the person that was in custody.

The girlfriend then reported the matter to the police and a sting operation was carried out. This led to Damon being caught in the act receiving $80,000 from the girlfriend – the $80,000 was later recovered.

The defendant was arrested and subsequently charged for three counts of corrupt transactions. On his second court appearance before a different Magistrate, Damon was granted bail.Meanwhile, as you may remember, the elections fraud cases (in relation to the March 2, 2020 election) are still before the court and the trial is slated to commence this year.

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

PAGE 37

Fires that created unprecedented...

From page 3 whatever they can. Some were also seen throwing out riot shields, documents and other office equipment, including monitors, keyboards and other parts of computer systems. They were even successful in moving out a generator from the burning building. Some ranks reportedly received minor injuries while trying to save records and equipment.

Those injuries were minor cuts and bruises received to their hands and faces and were attended to and dressed by paramedics who were on standby at the scene with ambulances.

Paramedics were also seen attending to firefighters who were exhausted from the exercise and the heat of the blaze.

The fire lasted hours and was eventually extinguished by fire fighters around 14:00hrs.

All of the buildings in the compound were completely destroyed with the exception of the lock-ups, the impact base and the barracks.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who braved the heat to inspect the damage, told reporters that the fire is a major set-back for the force.

Former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee had also expressed, in a Facebook post, that he is deeply saddened by the destruction by fire of the station. He said that it is another building designed

by Cesar Castellani that went up in flames.

“This is probably the most serious damage done to an important and strategic asset of the GPF in recent history,” Rohee stated.

He added too that many records of firearm licences,

Angold Thompson

A scene at Sharon’s Mall as fire fighters tried to control the blaze.

Krystle Chung

court documents, files belonging to the CID, narcotics, and Traffic departments relative to Police ‘A’ Division might have been lost in the fire.

There were other government ministers who visited the scene to inspect

the damage.

The force has since stated that, while investigations into the fire are ongoing, efforts are being made to relocate the affected offices and ranks. In the meantime, temporary police offices have been established at the St. Stanislaus College to deal with reports and other police related matters.

Meanwhile, Minister Benn has since announced that Brickdam Police Station will be rebuilt as an 11storey modern building.

SHARON’S MALL On the evening of April 28, 2021, the lives of many entrepreneurs and business owners were affected after fire gutted the Sharon’s Mall, which is situated at the junction of King and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown. The inferno, as it was previously reported, swept through the fourstorey building as persons were still in the process of escaping. The fire fighters at the scene however, tried to

control the inferno but were futile in their efforts. This resulted in the destruction of the mall which attracted a large crowd, many of whom were disappointed in the efforts of the fire fighters.

Based on a Kaieteur

News report, fire fighters had a difficult time controlling the fire which quickly swept through the two top floors of the Mall which rents space to lawyers and other business owners.

It was reported that a

small fire was first detected and persons who were still in the building were quickly evacuated.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene sometime after 18:00hrs, a Continued on page 48

PAGE 38

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

Saturday January 01, 2022

sweN rueteiaK

PAGE 39

==GNBS IN FOCUS==

Achievements for 2021 significant - GNBS focused on meeting stakeholders needs

F

or many reasons, it was a successful and exciting year for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the organisation focused on the standards and measurement needs of stakeholders within the various sectors.

Our remarkable achievements as the National Standards Body, required strategically overcoming the challenges of the prevailing pandemic and the acquisition of human and capital resources. It also required being proactive in developing the requisite standards and timely delivery of services demanded by industry.

The following were some of our major achievements in the last year:The GNBS opened three new branch offices in 2021: the Corriverton Office, Region Six in April, Bartica Office, Region Seven in March and Mahdia Office, Region Eight in November. These offices were opened to allow the GNBS to better serve businesses and consumers in the respective Regions. In August, to better serve Guyana's burgeoning energy industry, the GNBS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Petroleum Institute (API). At this event, the Standardisation Department also launched its Standards Portal to make its over 500 national standards, readily accessible to manufacturers, suppliers and others. A total of 11 new standards were developed in

2021 and 11 were revised to continually meet the needs of stakeholders.

The highlight of activities for the GNBS in 2021 was its National Quality Awards (NQA) Ceremony held in October to reward businesses for their commitment to quality products and services. The third edition of the NQA saw the participation of thirty-six (36) Guyanese companies, and winners were awarded in five overall categories Manufacturing, Services, Small Business Manufacturing, Small Business Services and AgroProcessing. Specific awards for customer-focus, continuous improvement, health & safety and environmental initiatives were also presented to successful companies.

Meanwhile, the GNBS unveiled the 'Made in Guyana' mark at the NQA Ceremony. The mark will be used to certify authentic Guyanese products to increase consumer preference, brand recognition and market access.Under the GNBS' established Certification programmes, several new products and laboratories were certified in 2021 based

on the requirements of National Standards.

The products include bathtubs and shower units, gold jewellery, PVC pipes and concrete hollow blocks.

For laboratories, the Ve t e r i n a r y S e r v i c e s Laboratory of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Max Hanoman Medical Centre L a b o r a t o r y, I M E X Incorporated Laboratory and Caresworth Medical Centre Laboratory were certified by t h e G N B S .

One of the Bureau's main roles is the verification of measuring instruments; a service which was further expanded in 2021 with the addition of Breathalysers and Speed guns mainly used by the Guyana Police Force.

In addition, throughout 2021, the Legal Metrology Department verified a total of 44,501 measuring instruments used in trade, and conducted exercises and 5,719 surveillance visits to shops, markets and other retail outlets to ensure compliance. Further, the GNBS continued to monitor 17 categories of products to ensure only quality gets to consumers. Importantly, the Product Compliance department commenced the

monitoring of a number of electrical fittings and equipment to protect consumers from substandard and defective products. In addition, over 10,000 pieces of substandard electrical fittings and equipment were seized and destroyed during t h e l a s t y e a r .

To support business growth and development, the GNBS took some critical steps to align the services of its Business Development Department in 2021.

This resulted in the department offering customised training and technical support to help businesses implement s t a n d a r d s .

The GNBS Business D e v e l o p m e n t Te a m professionally trained more than 700 personnel from the

public and private sectors.As it relates to Oil and Gas – the newest and fastest developing sector in the local economy - the GNBS in 2021 established its Oil and Gas Department dedicated to serving the industry. This Department worked closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources to carry out its responsibility to monitor measurements in the custody transfer process on the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading ( F P S O ) v e s s e l .

Finally, amongst GNBS key achievements for 2021, the Industrial Metrology and Testing Laboratory was accredited to the ISO 17025 Standard - General requirements for the competence of testing and

calibration laboratories.

This significant achievement came through hard work and dedication, and enables our laboratories to demonstrate competence and produce valid measurement results, which are accepted worldwide.

The GNBS extends gratitude to all of its stakeholders for having confidence in the standards and services it provided over t h e l a s t y e a r .

In the New Year 2022, the National Standards body will continue to work to create a culture of quality in Guyana through its responsiveness to the needs of industry and the education and protection of consumers.

A HAPPY, SAFE AND PROSPEROUS NEW Y E A R TO A L L !

Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

Saturday January 01, 2022

==CONSUMER CONCERNS==

2022 initiates historic evolution from the traditional Guyana New Year

By Pat Dial We have today entered 2022 and Guyanese, as they had always done, had frantically tried to complete the business of 2021 so that they will begin the New Year with a tabula rasa, a clean slate.

This process is cathartic and Old Year's night is the climax. This is a night of hope and stability and there is the underlying belief that however the New Year finds one, one will be in that mode throughout the ensuing year.

Thus, as the dawn of the New Year suffuses the world, one should be happy and free of care. This manifests itself in the many house parties, public dances at the clubs and hotels, attendance at midnight church services or remaining at home in calm and quiet with resolutions to be successful and though the pandemic had curtailed these Old Year's activities, the celebratory spirit everywhere

pervaded. In this New Year, however, from its very beginning, this established pattern of hope and stability and quietude has been disturbed by the intrusion of a host of novel problems which have no quick or easy solutions and the likes of which promise to continue from year to year thus transforming the traditional New Year.Among these problems is the COVID pandemic becoming more dangerous without any reliable treatment to meet new strains; Climate Change with its international targets and the development of sources of alternative energy; cyclic flooding resulting in economic devastation and human suffering; electoral problems threatening the social, economic and political viability of the country; the new Oil Industry with unsettling facets such as L o c a l C o n t e n t , environmental issues, the use

and protection of the oil revenues; the threatened determinist self-diminution of an important political party which could result in serious social and political instability; ensuring the country is not exploited by the many financial and technological investments which are coming into Guyana; fending off the inevitable pressures and challenges of the Dutch Disease and so on.

We will briefly analyse a few of these on this daunting list and glean how it has changed the nostalgic New Year of Auld Lang Syne.

There is the COVID pandemic. Guyana had done very well in confronting it. It was one of the few developing countries which was able to satisfy its inoculation needs and achieve a programme of vaccination that was fairly successful despite the strong lobby of non-vaccinators and

having over 70 percent of its population receive at least one dose. Its shutdowns have never been as onerous as in most other countries.

But the advent of new strains like omicron and delta and the quick permutations of all the COVID viruses threaten to negate all the gains and hold out the alarming prospect of a COVID-tired Health Service and population being unable to confront another new onslaught.

At the last Elections of 2020, the country barely escaped the destruction of Democracy and the reestablishment of Dictatorship. What saved the day for Democracy was the protective help of the ABCE countries and indeed the rest of the world. No one is certain that efforts such as the electoral and constitutional reforms being proffered to protect Democracy would be successful and the world would not be willing to again protect Democracy if Guyanese themselves do not do so. There is however, some hope that the younger population would be more

willing to uphold Democracy than their parents.

With Climate Change, the cycle of flooding has become regularly recurrent and the coastal drainage laid down by the Dutch much over two centuries ago is now inadequate. Every year, the floods cause great economic loss to the country, to farmers and householders and there is much talk about moving the capital city and the coastal population to the higher lands of the Interior. The cost of moving the capital city and the economic base of the country would be prohibitively expensive and disruptive and so ad hoc measures have been used from time to time to bring relief to flood-affected communities but without any fundamental remedy being in sight.

Then there is the Oil Industry with its many facets such as Environmental issues; security and proper usage of oil revenues; policing and expanding Local Content; finding an antidote to the Dutch Disease by developing and making self-sustaining and profitable the country's non-oil

economic base and so on. In most developing countries, the discovery of oil reserves has led to national rejoicing.

In Guyana, obfuscated by politics, it has generated discord.

In the foreseeable future, funded by oil revenues and income from non-oil industries, Guyana would have achieved world class social services and a standard of living comparable to the best in the developed world.

No politician could survive by racial appeals for support since the two main racial groups, the African and Indian, are declining numerically and by percentage of the population and the new generation of young voters are more pragmatic and objective than their parents.

With these new trends, t h e p r o b l e m s aforementioned will be solved or settle into an equilibrium as new ones will arise. But, the advent of the simple, rural, carefree celebratory New Year and the cathartic days in the run-up to it will never return. The New Year season is now gradually growing to resemble that of the developed countries, where in England for instance, New Year's Day is not even a public holiday.

But, despite this inevitable evolution of the New Year season, it will never lose its valued Guyanese character.

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

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

Hours after contentious ‘approval’ Pres. Ali secretly signs new oil fund law …calls in cameras next day to assent to Local Content Bill

Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon

Guyanese across the country are at odds with r e g a r d t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Natural Resources Bill, 2021, as to whether or not it was lawfully approved in the National Assembly on the evening of Wednesday, December 29.

There are arguments for and against it. Despite the public debate, Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, had, mere hours after the raucous session, formally assented to the Bill, thereby bringing it into law— with the final step being its publication in the Official Gazette.

As such, the way has now been cleared for the government to utilise as much as 100 percent of the funds in the Natural Resource Fund, held in the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, yesterday gave the confirmation in a

public posting ahead of the official publication in the Gazette.

According to a copy of the signed Bill, now an Act of Law, it was signed on December 30, 2021—hours after the Bill was approved by the Government Members of the National Assembly, with a vote put by Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir.

Minister Nandlall captioned his depiction of the signed Act with the caption: “For the avoidance of any doubt…”

It should be noted that this Act is yet to be published in the Gazette; nor was it done in public view as was done yesterday when he signed into law, a second piece of legislation—the Local Content Bill.

Surrounded by government ministers and key private sector stakeholders and the flashing and recording Continued on page 43

PAGE 41

PAGE 42

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

An overview of the campaign for a fair share of Guyana's oil wealth Stand up! Speak out! Be Loud! This oil Wealth belongs to us!!! -- are just some of the slogans which headlined the campaign for the renegotiation of the oil contract.

The campaign which started in June 2, 2021 is part of a bold step taken by Kaieteur News' publisher and 'better oil deal' advocate, Glenn Lall.

Kaieteur News would have exposed that Guyana's PSA for the Stabroek Block has some of the world's worst provisions when compared to 130 other deals.

For example, the PSA sees the government paying the contractor's income tax out of the country's share of the profits. However, none of the 130 PSAs examined shows this arrangement.

Further, Guyana's PSA is

about his views on the current oil contract and the need for a better deal in which all Guyanese can benefit. He has been unrelenting in efforts to ensure that country patrimony is protected, by organising protests and taking his message on Radio, Facebook, YouTube and even Tiktok.

The newspaper publisher has been adamant that the two percent royalty deal which oil giant ExxonMobil has inked with local politicians is not carved in stone and as such can be changed in favour of the citizens of Guyana.

Commenting recently on the oil contract campaign, Lall said that, “To date the fight that Kaieteur News and several other media houses have been waging against this lopsided oil contract and

Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall leads the campaign for a fair oil deal.

Kaieteur News staffers join the protest action for fairer oil share.

the only one out of 130, which has very moderate work obligations for contractors who are vested with offshore licences.

Additionally, the GuyanaExxonMobil PSA is the only one out of 130 contracts, which has no ring-fencing provisions to prevent costs of unsuccessful wells being carried over to that of successful wells.

There is also no sliding scale for royalty to increase as production improves. And that is not all. Guyana's PSA is the only one out of 130 that allows insurance premiums to be fully recovered as well as interest on loans and financing costs that are incurred by the contractors Lall has been very vocal

the way that both governments have been dealing with the business aspect of the oil industry, to say it saddened the heart is putting it mildly.”

He compared the deal to a road to complete disaster not only for this present generation but for future generations.

“We are heading straight into a oil curse darker than where the entire Africa stands today, whether the citizens want it to continue this way is another story,” Lall added.

Nevertheless, the newspaper publisher vowed that as “we enter 2022, the fight for a fair share of our resources will continue every day.”

In the first half of 2021,

Kaieteur News published a series of articles and photographs which highlighted the need for the renegotiation of the

contracts.

Since the beginning of the protest, Guyanese locally and in the Diaspora have joined the call to have the contract changed.

Many citizens, locally and abroad, have lent their voices to the issue. Even before the official campaign organised by Lall got underway, Guyanese started to speak out on the lopsided and unfair oil deal. In January of last year, this newspaper published a piece headlined “Suriname secures three times Guyana's Royalty for latest oil find”. In that piece, Kaieteur News reported that Suriname was able to obtain a 6.5 percent royalty from operators, Total and Apache, for its Maka-1 Well.

This percentage is three times the royalty Guyana obtained from ExxonMobil for its Stabroek Block and six

times the royalty it obtained from Tullow for its Orinduik Block. Suriname was also able to negotiate a deal that allows it to benefit from a 36 percent tax on income from the operators.

The report angered vendors of the La Penitence Market, who expressed their views on the matter.

For one, Mr. Chunilall, who owns a stall in the market, said that he is “very disappointed in his leaders for signing such a lop-sided deal” with ExxonMobil's Subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The businessman said as a Guyanese, he is feeling very ashamed that Guyana's neighbour, Suriname, got a far better deal.

He added that Guyana should have sought advice from countries with experience in order to avoid such a “raw deal”. Chunilall told Kaieteur News that he refuses to believe that all is lost.

He called on Guyana's leaders to pressure ExxonMobil and Tullow for a renegotiation of the Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs).

A n o t h e r s t a l l o w n e r, Margaret, who operates in the La Penitence Market, said that she too supports the call to renegotiate Guyana's oil contract.

However, she told this publication that she has lost tremendous faith in political leaders from both sides of the political divide.

She believes that Guyana's leaders cannot be trusted to negotiate any deals on its people's behalf because they are “too corrupt”. She also said “even if Guyana is successful in obtaining a better deal, its people will still be neglected since political leaders will fill their

pockets.”

Uncle Buddy who sells clothes said that he wants his “leaders to go to Suriname and learn how to make a contract.” He continued that after Guyana's leaders consult with Suriname, they must return and renegotiate the deals they had previously signed.

Uncle Buddy said that he recently read in a news article that the government signed on to such a one-sided deal because of threats from neighbouring Venezuela. He said that “Guyana does not need friends; it needs money.” He gave an example of selling a pair of pants and preparing a plot of land to plant.

Buddy said, “You and your neighbour have a piece of land of the same size. Both of you want to prepare the land to plant the same crop. A man tells you that he will prepare your land for $20,000. You agree and pay that price. Your neighbour who has better sense finds a man to do the same job for $10,000. Who is in a better p o s i t i o n ? Yo u o r t h e neighbour? Guyana is the stupid one and Suriname got better sense.”

In his next example, he s a i d , “ Yo u a n d y o u r neighbour sell pants, so both of you go to the Chinese and buy a pair of pants for a $1000. You now decide fuh give away you pants fuh $1,500 but your neighbour decide fuh sell he pair a pants fuh $2000.”

“Who is in a better position, you or the neighbour?

The neighbour because you pants gon sell out first year cause it cheap but when you pants sell out, the neighbour get a chance fuh sell he pants. So in the end, you only win $500 but the (Continued on page 44)

Mr. Glenn Lall is unrelenting in his quest to inform the citizenry about the oil deal.

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 43

Hours after contentious ‘approval’ Pres. Ali secretly signs...

From page 41 cameras, President Ali told those in attendance, “this Bill, is a Bill that is alive and it’s a start in what will be a dynamic journey. Because, as you are aware, we are now at the infancy stage and the development of the oil and gas sector will bring with it changes. So the Bill itself will be alive, a bill that will be used ever so often in the context of our own development in the oil and gas sector.”

Meanwhile Substantive Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon in a public statement, after Speaker Nadir defended

Surrounded by government ministers and key private sector stakeholders and the flashing and recording cameras, President Irfaan Ali signs into Law, Guyana’s Local Content Legislation.

Captioned “For the avoidance of any doubt…”

The NRF Act illustrating the President’s assent. the Bill as lawfully approved, argued otherwise.

Harmon instead contended that Nadir by his own admission, indicated that the conditions had not been met for the lawful passage of the Bill.

On Thursday morning as reporters bombarded the Speaker with private calls, enquiring into whether the Bill was lawfully passed, given the publicly expressed consternations by members of the political opposition, he hosted an impromptu press conference to clear the air.

In his defense of the lawful passage of the Bill, he told media operatives, that on his ascension to office, he had foreseen the need for a replica Mace, and it was made.

He went on to explain that in Parliamentary and other Westminster systems of government, such as in the United Kingdom and Canada, “they have two Maces.”

To this end, the Speaker told media operatives, “we have two Maces also” and

went on to explain that when he ascended to that office, he had set about exploring preparations for any likely occurrences to be had in the National Assembly.

One such decision taken, according to Nadir, “was to have another Mace, in the event the traditional Mace could not be found to put in place whenever parliament sits; we have another Mace.”

As such, he said it was the smaller Mace, the replica that had been made which was used during the session in question.

According to Nadir, the Mace was in place “shortly before I put the question on the NRF.” He said too, “I called for members to take their seats, since MPs are only permitted, under the standing orders to vote from their seats in Parliament.”

He was, as such, insistent that the two ingredients necessary for lawful passage of Bills were present — a Mace was in place and that

the vote was taken while the government members were in their seats.

He elucidated further, “…for the authority to conduct its business and to ensure the business is lawful and legal, two main ingredients must be present, (and) we to have a quorum and two, the authority, (and) the Mace must be in place.”

Harmon in response to the Speaker said, “in his bid to suggest that the Bill was legally passed, the Speaker made some striking revelations which contradicts his efforts.” He explained that “the Speaker told the nation that the Mace and a Quorum are the two main ingredients that constitute a sitting of the National Assembly, and he is correct. However, as we have stated and the speaker acknowledged, the Mace of the National Assembly was not in place when they attempted to pass the Natural Resource Bill of 2021.”

To this end, he said the Speaker’s statement that Guyana has two Maces is appalling and simply untrue and that the replica referred to by the Speaker is a miniature Mace, which was made for the hosting of Guyana’s National Youth Parliament and holds no authority in the sitting of the National Assembly.

He further contends that there is no rule that provides for the use of a replica Mace in the National Assembly as being touted by the Speaker.

“The Speaker cannot simply decide to pick up something and replace the official Mace of the National Assembly when the rules clearly state that if the Mace is not in the house absolutely no business can be done. Again, I say there is no provision for use of a replica or substitute Mace.”

According to Harmon, Nadir’s “ramblings that other parliaments in the

We s t m i n s t e r s y s t e m especially in the United Kingdom and Canada have two maces are simply malicious and misleading.”

He cited as example, in the United Kingdom there are a total of 13 Royal Maces, three of which are on loan to t h e H o u s e s o f Parliament—one in the House of Commons and two in the House of Lords.

None of these, he said, serves as replacements or replicas of the other. He argued further that on numerous occasions in the House of Lords, MPs removal of the Mace was a sign of disagreement with what was happening in the House and that once this occurred the proceedings were halted until the Mace was returned to its rightful position.

Citing Canada, Harmon noted that in their House of Commons one Mace is used which dates back to 1917.

“This mace replaced the

original House of Commons Mace that was destroyed in a fire on February 3rd, 1916.”

He explained that “there was a temporary Mace which was made of painted wood and metal that was used after the fire in 1916 until the current Mace was presented to the then Canadian Prime Minister in 1917.”

He maintained that the temporary Mace is only used on February 3rd of every year to commemorate the fire and as such “that Mace is not used as a replacement if someone moves the Mace during a sitting of the House.”

Harmon was unwavering in his position, “the house sitting cannot be held if the Mace is not in place.”

In the circumstances he posited, “…the Speaker’s reference of two Maces in Westminster Parliaments reeks of sheer desperation on his part to make sense of the illegality he masterminded on behalf of his bosses.”

PAGE 44

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

An overview of the campaign for...

A group of citizens down tools to share their concerns for a better oil deal.

A citizen holds up a Kaieteur News article as part of efforts to highlight the issue.

Members of the New York based OGGN joined the protest.

An overseas-based Guyanese stands in solidarity for a fair share of Guyana's oil wealth.

From page 42 neighbour win $1000.

Guyana gave away the oil fuh $500 and Suriname sell dem own fuh $1000.”

Uncle Buddy said, “No! This is nonsense. We must get a better deal, at least four percent royalty if not six percent.”

The vendors are just a faction of Guyanese who voiced their frustration at the issue.

In support of calls made

by Kaieteur News' Publisher for renegotiation of the oil contracts, the Diaspora Group – The Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) launched their campaign in June under the slogan “Renegotiate Oil Contract Now.” The group hosted a petition drive in Little Guyana, Queens, NY. Their goal is to collect thousands

of signatures from Guyanese residing in New York, Canada and elsewhere to support the call for renegotiation that will result in Guyana getting more money to fund its long list of urgent needs such as flood control, sea defences, education, health, housing, a living wage for the working poor.

The petition addressed to President Irfaan Ali reads, “Dear President Irfaan Ali, The Oil Contracts are very lopsided against Guyana.

Global Witness calculates Guyana loses $55 billion on 8 billion barrels when compared to a fair contract.

Compared to Suriname's, on the Royalty alone, Guyana loses $25 billion on 9 billion barrels.

These sums of money are a windfall to the shareholders of the Oil

Companies at the expense of Guyanese citizens. The Contract provides for renegotiation providing both parties agree.

Just ask ExxonMobil to come back to the negotiation table. We, the signatories urge you to take the first steps to get a FAIR DEAL CONTRACT.” A release from the group outlined further that New York-based members of OGGN had set up a table in the northwest corner of the intersection of Liberty and Lefferts Boulevard in the heart of what is now known as “Little Guyana”.

The intersection is the last stop of the elevated subway line – where upwards of 75 percent of the passengers are Guyanese.

“OGGN members were there to greet them with banners and placards

containing messages of a lopsided contract.

Many Guyanese walked over to a table setup on the sidewalk and were happy to sign the petition,” the statement said.

Additionally, the release said that some Guyanese New Yorkers held placards which compared the Suriname and Guyana contracts and there were also other placards – one in particular read, 'Global Witness calculates Guyana

loses $55 billion on 8 billion barrels'.”

The statement added that most of the folks who signed the petition expressed satisfaction that a convincing case has been made to support the call for renegotiation.

In the interim, OGGN said it will continue their campaign in New York every Friday from 3:00 – 7:00 pm for the rest of the summer.

The group promised that campaigns will be launched

in other countries with a high Guyanese concentration.

The petition drive followed previous OGGN online petitions that garnered a few thousand signatures.

According to the release, OGGN's goal is to encourage the government to renegotiate one of the worst oil contracts in the world and support the Government fully as it becomes empowered and emboldened to request Exxon to renegotiate.

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 45

PAGE 46

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 47

Housing Ministry initiates $20B more in last-minute contracts D

uring the opening of tenders on Thursday at the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration (NPTAB) office, a total of $20,195,976,170 in projects were opened for infrastructure development works for communities on the East Coast of Demerara and the East Bank of Demerara.

Ministry of Housing and Water - Central Housing and Planning Authority Infrastructure development works - Great Diamond Block 5, East Bank Demerara for Lots 1 to 5.

Infrastructure development works – Great Diamond Commercial Hub.

The procuring entity for these projects is the Central Housing and Planning A u t h o r i t y ( C H & PA ) .

During the contract signing for the Eccles to Diamond four-lane highway proje c t , M i n i s t e r o f H o u s i n g a n d Wa t e r , C o l l i n C r o a l h a d m e n t i o n e d that by December month end, tenders Infrastructure development works - Golden Grove Block 9, East Bank Demerara for Lots 1 to 5.

w o u l d b e o p e n ed for infrastructural works in Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast to Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.

During the year, the Housing Ministry had allocated a number of house lots in these communities Below are the companies and their bids: Infrastructure development works Little & Great Diamond AHS Phase 2, East Bank Demerara for Lots 1 to 6.

Infrastructure development works – Great Diamond Block 1 (North West) for Lots 1 to 7.

(Continued on page 49)

PAGE 48

FOR RENT PENPAL

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Bobby’s Reality, good for business– 4.018 acres of prime land in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Reduce Price. call 679-2497.

1 Mercedes Benz GL450 in excellent condition & low milage interested persons can make contact Tel#625-5136 Massey Ferguson 283 $2.3M,Massey Ferguson 165 $1.7M,Massey Ferguson 135 $1.1M,Pick-up trucks: Ford F150 $1M,Ford Ranger $800,000. #682-5230/6154414.

WANTED

LEGAL NOTICE

Female domestic maid wanted for housekeeping : $3500 daily. Male Labourer: $4000; Skilled Labourer: $5000 daily. Vreed-En-Hoop #682-5230/615-4414.

JEAN STRAKER nee WHYTE Last Known Address Lot 118 No. 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton Berbice, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 28 day of October, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LEON RICARDO STRAKER, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 6" day of December, 2021 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 28th day of February, 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf at the Family Division of the High Court atGeorgetown.IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].

The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the

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Male seeking non-racial single independant female.

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Temperature guns with 9V battery.Price $5,000.Call:6247155.

FOR RENT Vreed-En-Hoop 2 Bedroom, Kitchen, Living room, Granite counter top, Security Cameras, Fully Grilled, A/C, Family Preferred,$30,000 monthly. #682-5230/615-4414 Self-Contained rooms in Lodge,for working couple/ single person,$35,000 light & water.Call: 623-0076.

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Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

Live in domestic and waitress salary,range $20-30,000 wkly.Tel:610-3974.

Buildsmart Construction & Supplies Inc experienced drivers/expeditors to work in G/Town. Licenced for car/ van/lorry:geraldoralphonso @gmail. com or 669-0855.

Buildsmart construction & supplies Inc. Needs admin, clerks and secrateries to work at office in G/Town: geraldoralphonso @gmail. com or 669-0855.

Buildsmart Construction & Supplies Inc is seeking qualified accountants to work at officeinG/Town: geraldoralphonso @gmail. com or 669-0855.

Experienced Dredge workers.

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Wanted Machinist.Tel:2235273/621-5907.

Civil Engineer with 3 yrs experience, office assistant with experience. Send resume tovandv contracting @ hotmail.com or call/ whatsapp 664-5270.

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LEGAL NOTICE 2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1466 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.: FD-1466 BETWEEN: (STRAKER) LEON RICARDO -V-Petitioner/ Applicant (STRAKER) AMANDA JEAN nee WHYTE Respondent to the Respondent AMANDA

Fires that created...

From page 11 number of fire fighters and police officers were already there and had started to cordon off the area.

At that time, only clouds of black smoke were visible outside of the building.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who arrived at the scene shortly after the fire started told reporters, “When I got here, it appeared as though they had it under control. But what appears to be happening is, as it’s a concrete and steel building with drop ceilings the fire is moving slowly…making it difficult because the fire is burning beneath the floor and the drop ceilings.”

“It’s difficult but they are working at it.

Obviously we have to look at the construction of the building and fundamental issues,” the Minister further stated.

As such, the Minister went on to note that in the future, persons who would like to construct buildings higher than two floors, must have a fire alarm system, a sprinkler system and a rising main in place.

FIVE BUILDINGS DESTROYED HOURS APART The day before Valentine’s Day last year, fire fighters had their work cut out for them as they were tasked with attending to multiple fires that destroyed five homes across Region Four. This resulted in a total of 35 persons being left homeless. The first, according to Fire Chief, Kalamadeen Edoo, began around 04:09hrs at Lot 20 19th Street, Dazzle Housing Scheme, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

A relatively large twostorey concrete house, owned by Claudia and James Osbourne, caught on fire, which was reportedly caused by a lit mosquito coil.

A few hours later, while fire fighters were wrapping up their work there, they were summoned to tend to another blaze, which erupted at Lot 20B Shell Road, Kitty, which razed two, two-storey wooden and concrete houses.

Videos which were seen by this media house showed firefighters battling the raging flames, as the occupants burst into tears upon seeing their homes being burnt completely to the ground.

LEGAL NOTICE Registry is closed. Dated the 9th day of December, 2021

The blaze, according to Edoo, was caused by an overloaded electrical circuit, which had sparked and ignited combustible materials within one of the houses.

Convinced that their day’s work was completed, fire fighters were called upon yet again. Around 11:45hrs, another fire erupted at the Lot 75 Costello Housing Scheme, along Cemetery Road.

Kaieteur News learnt that the fire began in an apartment building then spread to another building close by, which housed a restaurant. The occupants from the apartment building, 24 in total including six children, managed to escape. Edoo confirmed that those buildings were also completely destroyed and because of the severity of the blaze, two other buildings were partially scorched. This fire, Edoo said, was also electrical in nature.

BURNT TO DEATH Unable to escape, 77year-old Angold Thompson and 26-year-old Krystle Chung both lost their lives tragically in fires that destroyed their homes, leaving their respective families in a great state of grief.

According to reports, Thompson met his demise on October 31, last after rushing back into his blazing home to retrieve some of his family’s belongings. Before this, he had managed to save his wife and grandchildren from the fire but got trapped in the building and sadly lost his life.

Chung on the other hand was trapped in her room screaming for help as the fire spread through her entire home in January of last year.

She sadly lost her life.

According to an eyewitness, before the firefighters arrived at the scene of the Chung family’s Little Diamond home, there were loud cries for help coming from Krystle’s bedroom. “Her father and some men tried to rescue her but the fire kept spreading and they had to back off…at that point.

They couldn’t do anything to save her, the way the fire went blazing,” the eye witness added.

After the firefighters were notified that a woman was trapped in the front bedroom in the top flat of the twostorey home, the men aimed their hoses at the bedroom area to control the fire.

However, that was not enough. After some time, the screams of the young woman were no longer heard.

At that point, Chung’s relatives and other persons gathered under a neighbour’s house. As Chung’s mother watched on in tears, her relatives tried to console her.

The burnt body of the young woman was later removed in an unidentifiable state.

Saturday January 01, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Housing Ministry initiates $20B...

Infrastructure development works – Golden Grove Block 15 & 17 (Kaneville East) for Lots 1 to 5.

Infrastructure development works - La Bonne Intention Phase 11, East Coast Demerara for Lots 1 to 6.

Infrastructure development works - Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara for Lots 1 and 2.

Infrastructure development works - Golden Grove Block 18 (Kaneville West) for Lots 1 to 10.

Infrastructure development works - La Reconnaissance, East Coast Demerara for Lots 1 to 7.

Infrastructure development works - La Bonne Intention Phase 4 for Lots 1 to 8.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday January 01, 2022

Lucinda Brand solos to victory, Wout van Aert rolls to sixth consecutive ‘cross win in Loenhout VeloNews - Lucinda Brand (Baloise-Trek Lions) soloed to another victory at the women’s elite Azencross Loenhout.

The world cyclocross champion distanced Denise Bets ema (P auw els S auzenBingoal) by 14 seconds with less than a lap remaining.

Brand’s teammate Shirin van Anrooij rolled across the finish line some 33 seconds back to take third.

The win in Loenhout makes four in a row for the Dutch world champion and a Dutch sweep of the women’s podium.

Aggressive racing from the start saw Brand, Betsema, and Van Anrooij get away quickly while Annemarie Worst (777) went fullgas to try to keep in contact with the leaders.

After the opening lap, Betsema, Van Anrooij, and Brand had a lead ahead of Worst, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Alpecin-Fenix), and Sanne Cant (IKO-Crelan).

Into the second lap, Worst closed the gap while Betsema attacked and gained as much as six seconds before van Anrooij and Brand brought her back.

Over the next two laps Betsema repeatedly tried to break the two Baloise Trek Lions riders and would pay for this on the final lap when Brand charged away for the win. Brand has now finished on the podium of 13 consecutive races, a sequence stretching back to early

Lucinda Brand

November, and has won four in a row.

Notably absent in Loenhout were Blanka Kata Vas (SD Worx), Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Fenix), Fem van Empel (Pauwels SauzenBingoal), and Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma).

X2O Bathrooms Trophy Loenhout 2021 elite women’s results 1. Lucinda Brand (BaloiseTrek Lions), 46:33 2. Denise Betsema (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal), at :15 3. S h i r i n v a n A n r o o i j (Baloise-Trek Lions), at :33 Wout van Aert powers away in elite men’s race Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) made it six in a row with a win at the X2O Trofee in Loenhout.

Sitting mid-field in the opening laps, van Aert went to the front after the second lap with Quinten H e r m a n s ( To r m a n s - C i r c u s Cyclocross Team) and Laurens Sweeck (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) tagging along. They were pursued

by Corne van Kessel (TormansCircus Cyclocross Team) and Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal).

Mathieu van der Poel (AlpecinFenix) and Top Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) were not at the start, however, the elder van der Poel brother, David, went to the lead from the start. He was soon brought back by Toon Aerts (Baloise-Trek Lions), Sweeck, and Eli Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal).

After three laps van Aert and Sweeck were on the front, joined by

Vanthourenhout with Aerts and Van Kessel on their wheels.

With three laps remaining, there was a gap of only eight seconds between the front groups, and then van Aert dialed the pace up a notch, distancing Vanthourenhout.

The three-times world cyclocross champion van Aert went into the final two laps with nearly a 12-second gap behind him to Vanthourenhout.

This margin expanded to nearly half a minute in the final lap.

Then, Van Aert deepened his lead over Vanthourenhout towards half a minute, while Aerts settled in third place at the start of the final lap.

The gap behind van Aert stretched to 14 seconds for Vanthourenhout, and 27 seconds for Aerts as the two sorted out the final podium places.

The Belgian multi-disciplinary star has wins in the UCI World Cup series, the Superprestige series, and the X2O Trofee series, pocketing the top prizes in Boom, Essen, Val di Sole, Dendermonde, HeusdenZolder, and now also Loenhout.

X2O Bathrooms Trophy Loenhout 2021 elite men’s results 1. Wout van Aert (Jumbo Visma), 56:16 2. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal), at :14 3. Toon Aerts (Baloise-Trek Lions), at :27

Wout van Aert (Instagram)

‘Here I am’ - Nadal reaches Melbourne ahead of Australian Open

M

Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 18, 2021. (REUTERS/ Christopher Pike/File Photo)

ELBOURNE, (Reuters) Rafa Nadal confirmed his bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title yesterday by posting a picture of himself at Melbourne Park on social media and allaying fears that he could miss next month’s Australian Open.

Nadal caught the novel coronavirus while playing in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi this month and said he would make a decision on his future tournaments depending on his “evolution” over the weeks ahead. read more “Don’t tell anyone ... here I am,” Nadal, who is tied on a men’s record 20 major titles with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, said in a Twitter post showing him standing on the Rod Laver Arena court.

Nadal, 35, played in Abu

Dhabi after spending four months on the sidelines with a long-term foot problem. He was knocked out at Roland Garros in the French Open semi-finals and was forced to pull out of Wimbledon, the Tokyo Olympics and the U.S. Open.

The positive COVID-19 test cast further doubt on whether the Spaniard would play at the Australian Open — a tournament where he has won once and been runner-up four times.

Nadal will be expected to kick off his preparations for the Grand Slam by returning to the tour for the first time since August at the ATP 250 event in Melbourne from Tuesday.

His arrival will be a boost for the organisers of the Australian Open, which has been ravaged by injuries with Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem,

Serena Williams and Bianca Andreescu all missing.

While Nadal ended the speculation surrounding his participation, local media in Australia reported that Venus Williams has joined sister Serena in skipping the hardcourt Grand Slam.

Seven-time major winner Venus would have required a wild card into the main draw but has decided against travelling to Melbourne, according to News Corp.

There was still uncertainty if Serbia’s world number one Novak Djokovic will play at the Australian Open, where the 34-year-old has won a record nine titles including the last three.

Speculation over Djokovic’s participation was heightened after he pulled out of the Serbia team for the ATP Cup in Sydney which starts today.

Saturday January 01, 2022

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Kaieteur News

GFF-K&S Super-16 Ex-England striker Wright says Africa Cup GDF & Western Tigers of Nations coverage ‘tinged with racism’ LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Former England striker Ian Wright says media coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations is “tinged with racism” as Premier League stars prepare to travel to Cameroon for the tournament.

Some of the biggest names in England’s top flight, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, will be playing in the 24-team event that starts on January 9, missing crucial games for their clubs.

Wright said the tournament was being treated differently from Euro 2020, which took place earlier this year, highlighting the issue of player release.

In a video posted on his official Instagram account on

Former England striker Ian Wright Wednesday, the former Arsenal forward said: “Is

there ever a tournament more disrespected than the Africa

Saturday January 01, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Even though you might have to work today, Aries, you should still try and take things fairly easy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You have so many talents and such a range of abilities, that sometimes it's hard for you to know where to devote your efforts.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You can't force creativity. Not even you. As much as you want to produce something fantastic right this minute, you will find that mere mortals such as us need the help of a creative muse.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It seems that you're ready for a major change in your life, Scorpio. But take care that you don't implement change merely for the sake of change.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed with the combination of professional and social obligations. If you're doing any entertaining tonight, see if you can drum up some extra help.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You could be feeling the push-pull of internal desires versus external demands today. As much as you want to stay in bed today, with covers pulled tight to your chin, the world is clamoring for your attention.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) When it comes to home improvement, there is something to be said for immediate gratification.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You really don't need to prove anything to anyone, Virgo. You may be feeling under a bit of pressure to get a lot of work done. But some projects, especially those that require creativity, simply can't be rushed.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You have a keen mind, Sagittarius, and are always absorbing new bits of information. What is amazing is how much of it you manage to retain.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Take care not to take on too much today. Your intentions are certainly good and your motivation pure, but even you are limited by the fact that there are a mere 24 hours in a day.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't take anything at face value today, Aquarius, especially if it involves money. It's likely that a friend or colleague will approach you with a deal that is too good to pass up.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may find yourself overwhelmed with information today, Pisces. By midday both your voice mailbox and your email box could be full up. It seems everyone needs a piece of you today.

Cup of Nations?

“There’s no greater honour — none — as a sportsperson than representing your country.

The coverage is completely tinged with racism, completely tinged.

“We played our Euros across 10 countries in the middle of a pandemic and there’s no issue, no issue at all. But Cameroon, a single country hosting a tournament, is a problem?

“You’re getting players being asked if they will be honouring the call-ups for their national teams, if they will be ‘honouring’. Imagine if that was an English player representing the Three Lions?”

Wright said many of the best players in the European leagues were African.

“If we love them at club level, why can’t we love them at international level like their counterparts from across the globe?” he asked. “Why can’t we?

“Why is this tournament constantly getting so much flak?”

Wright received the backing of former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation.

Eto’o tweeted: “Respect @IanWright0. There’s no greater honour for a sportsperson than representing your country.

The Africa Cup of Nations is a celebration of African pride, and next week’s AFCON will once more prove the undeniable greatness of African players.”

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira had earlier issued a similar call for respect for the tournament, a message reiterated by Ajax’s Ivory Coast striker Sebastien Haller.

looking to entertain fans The battle for the grand cash prize of $2Million begins tonight at the National Track & Field Center, Leonora, and ahead of the clash, representatives from the finalists shared their thoughts on what to expect.

Coach Charles Pollard (Western Tigers) said: “I must say I’m excited to be in the final. I’ll be coming up against my teacher, it’s a privilege for me to now to rub shoulders on the coaching table.

I expect a very tactical game, I know the GDF are also strong physically but I have a very hungry and exciting bunch of players at Western Tigers, who are eager to prove themselves against this Western Tigers outfit.”

Curtez Kellman one of the lead players with Western Tigers stated: “Thanks to K&S and the sponsors for giving us the opportunity to play football again. Going

into this final, we are pretty confident, our group is very positive and we want to take that positive energy into the game tomorrow and get the results that we need.”

Coach Kavin Pearce (GDF), “I want to thank God for the opportunity to coach the GDF, it’s been a long journey and I am grateful. I grabbed this opportunity with both hands to represent the GDF, we will be going out there looking for nothing less than a victory, we will defend our title like we are defending our country.”

And GDF player Sherwayne Caesar stated: “I want to welcome Western for reaching this stage, I know it’s a hard fight to get here and we are looking forward to a good match. We had such a long layoff, I’m hoping that we put on a good show for the fans that have been anticipating this contest.”

Kaieteur News

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Saturday January 01, 2022

NBA roundup: Joel Embiid’s 34 points help 76ers rally past Nets (Reuters) - Joel Embiid scored 34 points and converted the tiebreaking three-point play with 3:14 remaining as the Philadelphia 76ers made all the plays down the stretch in a 110-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday in New York.

Embiid shot 11 of 23 from the floor and notched at least 30 points for a seventh straight road game. His hoop and subsequent free throw started Philadelphia’s gameending 13-5 run.

Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and hit five of Philadelphia’s 13-pointers.

Seth Curry added 17 points for the Sixers, who shot 42 percent on a night when they were coached by assistant Dan Burke after head coach Doc Rivers was placed in COVID-19 protocol.

Kevin Durant returned from missing three games in the NBA’s health and safety protocol and scored 33 points for the Nets. James Harden produced his second triple-double in three games since returning from the protocol with 33 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.

Wizards 110, Cavaliers 93 Bradley Beal collected 29 points and a season hightying 10 assists in his return from health and safety protocol to fuel host Washington to a win over

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dribbles as Brooklyn Nets center LaMarcus Aldridge (21) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Dec 30, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) Cleveland.

Beal made 13 of 23 shots from the floor for the Wizards, who also saw Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (four 3-pointers, 12 points) and Anthony Gill (eight points) return from protocol.

Spencer Dinwiddie, however, entered health and safety protocol prior to the game.

Cleveland’s Kevin Love collected 24 points and 11

rebounds and rookie Evan Mobley scored 14 of his 21 points in the first quarter.

Lauri Markkanen and Isaac Okoro each added 11 points for the Cavaliers, who were playing their first game since Ricky Rubio sustained a torn ACL on Tuesday in a 108-104 setback at New Orleans.

Bucks 136, Magic 118 Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 33 points and 12

Diplomatic boycott of Beijing Games is ‘meaningless’, says Coe ( R e u t e r s ) - Wo r l d Athletics President Sebastian Coe said he takes human rights “very seriously” but that Britain’s diplomatic boycott of next year ’s Beijing Winter Olympics is “meaningless”.

The United States, Australia and Canada have also announced a diplomatic boycott of the Games over China’s human rights record, a stand that China dismissed as “political posturing”.

Coe drew criticism over his comments last week when he said he was “philosophically opposed” to boycotts.

“Boycotts, on balance, are historically illiterate and intellectually dishonest. A political boycott is, frankly, meaningless,” Coe told British media on Thursday.

“That’s not to be an apologist for countries that do not conform to the basic standards around human

rebounds, helping Milwaukee complete a

Ashes 2021-22: Head out of fourth Test after testing positive to Covid-19

S

World athletics president Sebastian Coe participates in the medal ceremony at the Tokyo Games.

(REUTERS/Andrew Boyers) rights ... I’m not insouciant or cavalier about human rights. I take them very seriously.

“I don’t think over the long haul (boycotts) actually achieve a great deal. There

are always unintended consequences. And at the end of the day, the people that most suffer in all that are the athletes.”

The Beijing Games begin on Feb. 4.

regular-season sweep of host Orlando with a victory.

portsMax Australian batsman Travis Head has been ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test and returning a positive test for Covid-19.

Cricket Australia confirmed that the 28-yearold is asymptomatic and will not fly with the squad to Sydney on Friday for the fourth Ashes Test due to start at the SCG on January 5.

The remainder of the Australian squad, their families and the team’s support staff have undergone P C R a n d R AT t e s t s yesterday and were still planning to travel to Sydney yesterday.

A Cricket Australia spokesperson said: “As part of our testing procedures, we

are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily. Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive Covid-19 r e s u l t e a r l i e r t o d a y.

T h a n k f u l l y, h e i s asymptomatic at this stage.

We anticipate that he will be available to play in the fifth men’s Ashes Test in Hobart.

“We are grateful to our exceptional medical staff for all the work they have done throughout this series and we will continue to work with and support the players, their families and staff from both teams.”

Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have joined the Australian squad as additional cover as a precautionary measure, although Usman Khawaja appears most likely to

Jrue Holiday put up 25 points and seven assists and Khris Middleton added 22 points and six assists as the Bucks ended December on a five-game winning streak.

DeMarcus Cousins fueled a key run with 13 of his 15 points coming in the third quarter, and Bobby Portis and Donte DiVincenzo each had 11 points and nine rebounds.

Orlando has lost five consecutive home games for the first time this season. The Magic are 2-13 — and 0-11 against Eastern Conference opponents — at the Amway Center. All nine Magic players reached the scoring column, led by Franz Wagner’s 20 points as he followed up a 38-point performance against Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Wagner scored in double figures for the 18th consecutive game, giving the second-longest streak by a rookie in franchise history.

(Field Level Media) Australian batsman Travis Head has tested positive for Covid-19.

replace Head in the XI. On Friday, there was a huge jump in confirmed Covid-19 cases in Sydney, were the fourth Test will be played, with 21,151 infections diagnosed up from 12,226 on Thursday.

The Boxing Day Test earlier this week was jeopardized after positive cases within the England camp, while Third Test match referee David Boon tested positive on Thursday.

Australia captain Pat Cummins missed the second Test in Adelaide after being a close contact of a confirmed Covid-19 case.

Head becomes the first player to miss a Test in the Ashes series due to testing positive as Covid-19 closes in on the series.

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

GFF-GNWFA Super 16

PAGE 53

South Africa U19s take 2-1 series lead over West Indies U19s with one-wicket win in St. Vincent South Africa Under-19s secured a one-wicket win over West Indies Under-19s to take a 2-1 series lead.

Police FC will beat Conquerors 5-1 to reach the final.

Police and Panthers to play in final

T

he finalists of the inaugural Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF)/Guyana National Wo m e n ’s F o o t b a l l Association (GNWFA) Super 16 tournament has been decided following two exciting matches on Thursday night at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC), Leonora.

Police FC made very light work of Fruta Conquerors with a 5-1 victory, while the Guyana Defence Force ladies couldn’t emulate their male counterparts in reaching the final, and lost 4-2 to GT Panthers. The Guyana Police Force women dominated Fruta Conquerors from the first whistle and after the five goals had already been tucked behind their net, Conquerors managed a stoppage time goal off the boot of Shamya Daniels.

Meanwhile, Dennecia Prince netted a hat-trick for the winners with her goals coming in the 13th, 49th and 57th minutes.

F o l l o w i n g P r i n c e ’s display, Martha Chance took the spotlight and added a brace in 81st and 89th minutes of the match.

GT Panthers were cruising after being 3-0 up against GDF in their semifinal clash, courtesy of goals from Feona Benjamin; who scored the opener in the sixth minute and a brace from Annalisa Vincent in the 8th and 24th minutes, but two goals added by Neeshona Castello (50th) and Abeocie Haywood (71st) gave the army women

some hope.

However, Benjamin squashed all hopes for GDF women to reach the final

when she completed her brace and doubled Panthers’ lead to 4-2 in the 81st minute.

SportsMax - South Africa Under-19s secured a one-wicket win over West Indies Under-19s to take a 21 series lead in their fourmatch Youth ODI Series in St. Vincent, on Thursday, thanks to a solid all-round effort from Liam Alder.

In the match played at the Cumberland Playing Field, West Indies Under 19s won the toss for the third consecutive game and chose to bat after electing to field in the two previous matches.

They struggled throughout their innings, eventually capitulating for

106 in 38.3 overs.

Opener Shaqkere Parris top-scored for the young Windies with 27 and the only other batsmen to reach double figures were Teddy Bishop, who got 26, and vice-captain Giovonte Depeiza who got 22.

Hardus Coetzer and Dewald Brevis each took three wickets for the South Africans while Asakhe Tsaka and Alder took two apiece.

The South Africans then made a meal of their modest target of 107, being 90-8 at one stage before getting to 113-9 in 18.3 overs to win by

one wicket thanks to 24 not out from Alder, batting at number nine, which included two sixes.

Opener Ethan Cunningham top-scored with 25 for South Africa U19s.

Off-spinner Onaje Amory almost produced a match-winning spell with 4 for 8 from his four overs, while Johann Layne and Matthew Nandu got two wickets each.

The fourth and final game of the series will be played on Monday at Arnos Vale.

Matthews nominated for ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year

Police FC goal scorers Dennecia Prince (left) and Martha Chance.

SportsMax - West Indies Women’s allrounder, Hayley Matthews, is part of a threewoman shortlist nominated for the ICC One Day International (ODI) Female Cricket of the Year award.

The past year saw the talented 23-yearold put in brilliant performances with both the bat and ball. In 14 matches Matthews scored 380 runs at an average of 29.23, with one century and one half-century. She claimed 18 wickets at an average of 22.44 and had an economy rate of 3.33.

Matthews was named Player of the Series when the West Indies Women faced Pakistan in a five-match ODI series in July. She scored

168 runs, which included a century, and took seven wickets in a series that the Caribbean team won 3-2.

The player was not as impressive against South Africa but returned to full form in the following series against Pakistan. Matthews started the series with a half-century and three wickets in the first ODI and followed that up with a four-wicket haul in the second game.

The all-rounder ended the series with a knock of 49 in the final match, which helped her side complete a whitewash.

Also in contention for the award are Pakistan’s Fatima Sana, and England’s Tammy Beaumont.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 54

Saturday January 01, 2022

NSC names Lennox Daniels as new National Boxing Coach New National Boxing Coach Lennox Daniels

Lennox Daniels was announced yesterday (December 31) by the National Sports Commission (NSC) as the country’s new National Boxing Coach, according to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.

Daniels will replace Wincel Thomas, in a move that Ninvalle is hailing as a “step in the right direction for boxing in Guyana.”

“For the first time in a number of years, we can say that Guyana now has a functioning National Coach,” Ninvalle said.

According to Ninvalle, “Mr. Daniels brings decades of experience in the coaching field.

As a matter of fact, he has coached most of the top fighters coming out of Guyana in the past two-tothree decades, including our

C o m m o n w e a l t h W e l t e r w e i g h t Championship, the late Andrew Murray.”

Daniels was also in charge of numerous of the country’s boxing teams that would’ve attended several high-profile games and tournaments, including the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, that featured the likes of Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis and Dillon Carew.

“I can speak from the position of the NSC, to say we’re happy to have the service of Lennox Daniels.

He will play a part in decentralizing the sport of boxing,” Ninvalle pointed out.

The Director of Sport, who also stands as president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA),

highlighted Daniels’ involvement as coach of 2018 Caribbean School Boys and Junior team.

“Before, we would not h a v e h a d m u c h communication with the boxing coach that Mr. Daniels has replaced, but we intend to make sure that our engagement with Mr. Daniels is something that will work and will have a meteoric rise of the development of boxing in Guyana.

“We want to thank the

Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, for reaching out to us, and it is my personal belief that it’s a great step for boxing and we will see much difference with him on board,” Ninvalle noted.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle said Daniels has already hit the ground running, and has taken charge of the Andrew Lew is g y m, w h ich is presently being rehabilitated.

Team Daniels hosts prize giving ceremony for youths in South E’bo

The young cricketers and their parents at the ceremony.

T

eam Daniels in collaboration with South Essequibo Cricket Committee and Anthony Adams and friends on Monday last hosted a prize giving ceremony for young male and female cricketers in South Essequibo.

Despite the pandemic putting a halt to sports for most of the year, Team Daniels, under the leadership of Coach Forbes Daniels, still managed to organise a few tournaments and conducted a number of coaching sessions. Sessions were conducted by Anthony Adams, Debra Daniels,

Forbes Daniels, Nathan Persaud, Rayon De Coata and Feizal Mohamed.

Coach Forbes Daniels urged the parents present to get involved in clubs within their areas so that they provide more guidance to the youths.

Daniels gave a brief report on the organisation (Team Daniels) for the past year and noted that they managed to take two junior teams to Demerara and also hosted youth teams from Demerara and Berbice (Transport SC) in a single year. He noted that this was the first time an area committee was able to do

this.

Team Daniels contested the last South Essequibo Cricket Committee elections in an effort to assist in the development of the game in the area, but even though that campaign did not materialise as they would have liked, Team Daniels is still working along with the SECC to improve the standard of the game there.

Daniels is calling for support so that sports can continue to grow in the area as they aim to continue to produce rounded athletes.

Apart from cricket, Team Daniels would have introduced table tennis and

golf and also hosted a number of athletics meets.

The young cricketers were presented with trophies and medals.

Team Daniels is still working to complete their indoor facility at Zorg so that cricketers can maintain a decent level of fitness during the rainy season.

Daniels is calling on administrators to work together towards the development of cricket in South Essequibo and is urging administrators and to guard against outside interference.

Daniels has over 40 years of experience in cricket.

West Indies name squads to face Ireland and England in upcoming white-ball series ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Interim Selection Panel yesterday announced the squads for the upcoming series against Ireland and England. The West Indies will start the New Year at Sabina Park, Jamaica as they host Ireland in the threematch CG Insurance OneDay International (ODI) Series and a one-off CG Insurance T20 International (T20I) from January 8 to 16.

T h e t w o - t i m e Wo r l d Champions will then travel to Barbados to face England in five T20Is at Kensington Oval from January 22 to 30. “ We h a v e t r i e d t o maintain the general makeup of the squads from the P a k i s t a n To u r b e f o r e Christmas, with the captain and some senior players coming back in. COVID-19 has also played a part in the final make-up of the squad.

The challenges in the next couple months are getting the young players in both squads to not only improve on their skills but maintain the attitude and desire we saw in Pakistan,” Head Coach Phil Simmons said.

“We do need to start the year on a high. And we know both Ireland and England have very good teams, so we expect a very strong challenge as we look improve our chances of automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023 and building the T20 team for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022.” The CG Insurance ODI Series between West Indies and Ireland will form part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, in which the top seven teams can secure automatic qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. The current ICC Super League table standings can be found at: https://bit.ly/3BHzwt4 All matches will be available in Ireland and the United Kingdom on BT Sport on its sport channels and across its digital platforms. Of note - Evin Lewis and Anderson Phillip are unavailable due to recent COVID-19 positive tests.

Fabian Allen has recovered from ankle injury but unavailable for the Ireland series due to a COVID-19 positive test.

Obed McCoy is unavailable due to rehab on shin injury.

SQUADS CG Insurance ODIs vs

Ireland Kieron Pollard (captain) Shai Hope (vice captain) Shamarh Brooks Roston Chase Justin Greaves Jason Holder Akeal Hosein Alzarri Joseph Gudakesh Motie Jayden Seales Nicholas Pooran Romario Shepherd Odean Smith Devon Thomas COVID-19 Reserves Keacy Carty Sheldon Cottrell T20Is vs Ireland and England Kieron Pollard (captain) Nicholas Pooran (vice captain) Fabian Allen (England T20I only) Darren Bravo (England T20Is only) Roston Chase Sheldon Cottrell Dominic Drakes Shai Hope Akel Hosein Jason Holder Brandon King Kyle Mayers Rovman Powell Romario Shepherd Odean Smith Hayden Walsh Jr. COVID-19 Reserves Jayden Seales Alzarri Joseph Devon Thomas Match Schedule Ireland Series at Sabina Park, Jamaica January 8: 1st CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean) January 11: 2nd CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean) January 14: 3rd CG Insurance ODI (9:30am local time/10:30am Eastern Caribbean) January 16: one-off T20I (4pm local time/5pm Eastern Caribbean) England Series at Kensington Oval, Barbados January 22: 1st T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) January 23: 2nd T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) January 26: 3rd T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) January 29: 4th T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica) January 30: 5th T20I (4pm local time/3pm Jamaica)

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 01, 2022

PAGE 55

GFF, KS inaugural Futsal KO tournament (Quarter finals)

Gold is Money & Sparta Boss advance to Tuesday’s semis Tierre Phillips makes a stunning save but could not prevent Berbice All Stars from an 8-1 drubbing from Sparta Boss. (Sean Devers photo)

By Sean Devers Gold is Money and Sparta Boss joined Leopold Street and Bent Street in Tuesday’s semi-finals of Guyana Football Federation and Kashif and Shanghai’s inaugural 5-a-side Futsal tournament after registering victories on Thursday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Watched by another large and noisy crowd which saw 21 goals being scored in two matches as Sparta Bosses mauled Berbice All-Stars and Gold is Money defeated North East.

After a couple of exhibition games were played, the tournament began in earnest.

Stephen Alfred scored four goals, while Sheldon Shepherd, Nicholas McArthur, Eusi Phillips and Curtez Kellman netted one each for Sparta Boss who crushed Berbice All Starts 81 with Nigel Caesar scoring the consolation goal for the Berbicians.

In the Second game, a helmet-trick from Randolph

Wagner and goals from Jamal Pedro, Cecil Johnaton, Joel Yap and Marcus Wilson, spearheaded Gold is Money to an emphatic 8-4 win against North East whose goal scorers were Jamal Cozier (2), Daniel Ross and Lindy Gardner.

In a game in which both keepers made some outstanding saves, Nigel Caesar scored the opening goal after burly Custodian Devon Charles had parried a full blooded shot from close range to give Berbice All Stars the opening goal in a game which turned out to be a nightmare on Homestretch Av e n u e f o r t h e N e w Amsterdam team.

It was 1-1 when a deflection of Shepherd registered the equaliser for Sparta Boss, while Tierre Phillips, who saved a penalty and had some great saves, was beaten four more times in the first half as the Berbicians were constantly under pressure from the rampant Sparta Boss.

Eusi Phillips and Alfred beat Phillips with quality

shots before Phillips scored from the penalty spot to make it 5-1 at half time.

Despite good work by Phillips, McArthur registered the first goal in the second half to make it 6-1 as Sparta Boss continued to out play the Region six unit.

A spirited fight back, but the desperate Berbice team could not penetrate the burly Charles who was like a wall between the uprights.

Poor defence resulted in the skilful Alfred scoring Sparta Boss seventh and eighth goals to compound the Berbicians misery as he beat a frustrated Phillips, whose good work prevented a score-line of far more goals for the dominant Sparta

Sparta Boss Goalie makes another brilliant save.

(Sean Devers photo)

Boss.

In the second game, Gold is Money battled North East, Gold is Money had the first shot on goal but it was saved as both teams played attacking football and fired several shots on target.

A left-footer from dreadlocked Jamal Pedro passed the Keeper like a bullet and Gold is Money were up 1-nil in the eleventh minute of the contest.

But Ross found the back of the net to level the scores and North East, who beat

Venezuelan side, Vengy 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 5-5 score-line at the end of overtime in arguably the most exciting contest in the tournament so far, were looking threatening.

Wagner scored twice in the space of two minutes and the fans in the stands roared its approval with the score reading Gold is Money 3, North East 1 at the interval.

In the second half, Wilson was the first the score to give his team a 4-1 lead as both teams upped the tempo.

Cozier scored for North East to reduce the lead to 4-2; Wagner would add two more goals to his two from the first half, while Johnaton, Wilson and Yap would score one each in the second half.

G a r d n e r ’s o n e a n d Cozier’s brace for North East would mean that eight second half Goals were scored.

No games will be played today with semi-final action set for Tuesday and grand final scheduled for Saturday January 8, 2022.