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VP Jagdeo Sunday Edition NEWS is Guyana's Finance Minister AIETEUR

January 30, 2022

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...Dr. Ashni Singh is his assistant

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ExxonMobil's flaring is an environmental abuse to Guyana - latest lawsuit exposes its failure to manage climate issues

Budget 2022 Local Content measures 'barely a dent'- Opposition Chinese company to commence construction of Amaila Falls Hydro project this year- Govt.

Guyana, Suriname sign pact to pave way for business cooperation

Guyanese workers complain of being fed leftovers, mistreated on oil ship

Govt. depending on small-scale local miners for majority of gold - hopes large foreign operators getting billion earnings dollar concessions play bigger role soon Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @ 11am, 4&7pm on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Sunday January 30, 2022

VP Jagdeo is Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Kumar Singh has, since the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration took Office back in August 2020, presented three successive Budgets to the National Assembly for approval.

He has—for all intents and purposes—been the substantive face for the Irfaan Ali led PPP/C administration’s finance portfolio.

His official appointment however, is not Minister of Finance. That position is substantively held by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, a distinction confirmed on

...Dr. Ashni Singh is his assistant

The specimen for the yet to be circulated $2000 note.

Friday when the administration announced a new $2,000 note denomination for circulation.

Former Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma of the ousted coalition government, has been a lone voice repeatedly

calling for Jagdeo’s portfolio to be clearly outlined. It was Sharma, who this past week brought to the attention of the public, via his Facebook page, a bit of useful information nestled in a Gazetted Order.

According to the Gazetted Order of February last year, Head-of-State President, Irfaan Ali, in a letter to the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Gobin Ganga, outlined the Vice President’s responsibility in relation to his government’s finance portfolio.

I n t h a t l e t t e r, t h e President noted, “I, hereby,

New currency confirms real Finance Minister is Bharrat Jagdeo. with immediate effect a u t h o r i s e D r. B h a r r a t Jagdeo, Vice President, who has specific oversight responsibilities for finance to oversee the design (including signing) and issuance of notes and coins required under Section 23(1) of the Bank of Guyana Act No. 19 0f 1998.”

The notes have since b e e n s i g n e d b y Vi c e President Jagdeo, as can be seen on specimen of the new bill, in accordance with the section of the law outlined by President Ali. That section of the law provides for ‘Characteristics of Currency’ and reads, “The denominations, inscriptions,

form, material and other characteristics of the notes and coins shall be determined by the Bank with the approval of the Minister.”

Notable, the currency under the law has to be approved by the Minister.

Dr. Singh’s official portfolio is Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance.

Appositely, the President has since clarified that the Vice President’s role as having, “specific oversight responsibilities for finance” under the law—a law which references the substantive Minister of Finance.

Continued on page 13

The Official Gazetted order signed by the President outlining his Vice President’s role.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

PAGE 03

Guyana, Suriname sign pact to Budget 2022 Local Content pave way for business cooperation measures ‘barely a dent’

- Opposition Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, this past week announced a range of measures aimed at improving business competitiveness, promoting local content, and job creation in the still nascent Oil and Gas sector.

The measures announced however, will not provide any meaningful support to Guyanese businesses looking to compete with their international counterparts in the market—those that already enjoy a considerable amount of concessions, tax breaks and otherwise.

O p p o s i t i o n Spokesperson on Finance, Juretha Fernandes, in an invited comment this past week, was asked to respond to the measures as announced by Dr. Singh to which she responded, by pointing out that leading up to Dr. Singh’s presentation, “I had spoken about equity versus equality.”

To this end, she noted that with regard the measures announced, “…although he is doing something, it doesn’t even create a dent in bringing the local persons equitably on that playing field.”

Dr. Singh on Wednesday last during his Budget presentation for 2022 drew reference to the matter of local content and maximising domestic participation in the oil and gas sector which led to the Local Content Act. He told members of the Assembly that in considering that piece of legislation, “one of the recurring issues that arose was the question of ensuring that Guyanese businesses are not in a disadvantageous position relative to their international counterparts in competing for contracts in the oil and gas sector.”

He noted that “this could arise, for example, where the sector is procuring a service and the international companies tendering to supply that service enjoy a

Opposition Spokesperson on Finance, Juretha Fernandes particular tax treatment on the importation of their capital equipment to provide that service that Guyanese companies might not enjoy.”

To t h i s e n d , h e announced that in the interest of ensuring that Guyanese businesses can compete successfully under the new local content framework, Government will take steps wherever practicable to minimise disparities arising from the tax system that will disadvantage Guyanese businesses against their international counterparts.

This, he said, will help improve the competitiveness of Guyanese companies, help secure business opportunities for them, and thereby create jobs for Guyanese nationals.

Recognising the mass movement of goods and intensive logistics operations which are all critical to the oil and gas sector as well as the ongoing construction boom, he observed the transportation fleet has become an essential part of business capital stock.

In this regard, Dr. Singh said “we would like to enable Guyanese businesses to be able to renew and expand their transport fleets and, additionally, to do so by acquiring, newer, safer, and more efficient vehicles.

To this end, Dr. Singh said government would be implementing a range of measures including the removal of a range of taxes from various categories of industrial type vehicles such as heavy duty trucks and

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.

haulers, oil spill equipment and heavy lifting crane, among other items.

The measures, he said, are aimed at “ensuring that as many Guyanese businesses as possible can equip themselves accordingly.”

This is in order to be able to compete with their international counterparts more effectively, according to Dr. Singh.

Guyana’s Private Sector Commission (PSC) recently inked an agreement with its Surinamese counterparts, which will pave the way for business cooperation, tourism ventures as well as information and skills exchange or development, among several others between the two countries.

This will be made possible through the Guyana-Suriname Private Sector Business Council.

According to the PSC in a release, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between Guyana and the Suriname Trade and Industry Association on Wednesday to concretise bilateral relations between the two countries.

The pact between the two countries will: promote trade, industry and investment; improve competitiveness through i n n o v a t i o n a n d entrepreneurship and more importantly promote joint venture partnerships or the formation of synergies between businesses in the two countries.

Other areas of partnership include skills

PSC Chairman, Paul Cheong development; Information and Communications Technology exchanges; sharing research on agriculture development and forestry, and collaboration on infrastructure development in the transportation, education and Skills Development Centre for Oil and Gas. The agreement will also ensure that the two parties work towards supporting an enabling environment for the rapid and secure movement o f g o o d s ; t h e e n e rg y transition and climate change agenda;

advancement of tourism through joint ventures and the financing of large Public Private Projects with mutual benefits.

The MoU signed by PSC Chairman, Paul Cheong and Chairman of the Suriname Trade and Industry Association, Bryan Renten, will allow each country to select representatives to sit on the Guyana-Suriname Private Sector Business Council.

The Council will comprise of 10 members, with five individuals from each country. “It is expected that the Council will be established within a fortnight and will hold its first meeting to discuss the areas of cooperation,” the PSC announced yesterday.

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

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

EDITORIAL

Gratitude for American help but real help would be meaning

W

e carried a news story last week of a helping hand from America in an important area for which this country can only be thankful. It was titled, “U.S. eager to help Guyana with oil spill plan, but silent on full coverage insurance from oil companies” (KN January 24). Again, we need the help which we are lacking, and we are grateful that the U.S. has signalled its readiness to assist us. We are troubled, however, by the limit of American help with this oil spill plan mentioned.

We make clear our thinking, on this issue of “full coverage insurance.” Guyana wants it, Guyana needs it, and Guyana must have it. There is so much needed, because of our glaring deficiencies with this oil, ranging from contract relief to insurance coverage. We need much help with overall management of this oil bonanza, and such support from the United States is always looked upon favourably. To be frank, the help offered now falls short.

A comprehensive and robust oil spill plan is a good start, but it is not enough, far too short of what worried Guyanese expect. On the other hand, American assistance with obtaining “full insurance coverage” would be way better, of much more substance. It means a huge outlay of funds for such coverage with respected underwriters, and which bill Exxon should be footing. But on this, America is carefully silent. It could be said that that is a matter best left to the contractual parties to finalise, meaning, Guyana and Exxon. For it is private enterprise and a commercial engagement and transaction. Thus, it makes sense for America to stand on the sidelines, remain silent, and let the parties settle this full coverage insurance issue between themselves. There is some difficulty with this, and on several counts. To begin with, America was neither hesitant nor distant during the recent much disputed elections interval here. Its officials did not take a hands-off or silent approach then, in what was, by any definition, an internal matter. Operating under the banners of democracy and free and fair, America was aggressive and applied pressure at crucial moments. We agree with the attitudes and efforts of the Western superpower that were visible and audible then. Using that time and those energies as baselines, we must register our sharp disagreement with the suddenly cool and neutral public posture of America with this full coverage insurance that this country needs, not only for our protection in the event of a disaster, but also for our peace of mind.

We will not be able to survive the consequences of a massive oil spill without such insurance, and all our oil wealth could be history, evaporated. Also, the record has taught us that Exxon’s have long enjoyed a special relation with the White House and the State Department. The company is so powerful, that from Lee Raymond to Rex Tillerson and those before and after, have had immediate access to and the ear of the President or the Secretary of State. It is a two-way street since Exxon is a spearhead of America’s power in many parts of the world from the Caspian Sea to Africa to South America. It follows, therefore, that the President of the United States and the U.S. Secretary of State have more than minimal influence with the leaders of Exxon. Yet, the gentle arm twisting and the persistent moral suasion relative to what could be constructive, progressive, and protective to the interests of Guyana have not been forthcoming publicly. We weigh this against what occurred before. Americans of reach and strength from the resident Ambassador to the then Secretary of State, to the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs were on bright display during our controversy filled elections. They made known their displeasure in no uncertain terms. It was necessary then, and we think that it is definitely necessary now, with Exxon balking and Guyana running out of options, and nowhere to go. This is one of the areas that we urgently need American help, and we need it now. America was zealous before during our thorny elections, it cannot be on the fence now.

Sunday January 30, 2022

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What Guyanese want Exxon’s Darren Woods to know

DEAR EDITOR, The Exxon Head, Mr. Darren Woods is listed as a presenter at the February 10, 2022 Energy Conference. Mr. Woods is probably coming to Guyana and is likely to get a very warm welcome from the Oil Renegotiation Movement.

Exxon is a partner in development in an unequal, unfair relationship. What we want Mr. Woods to know is that his company, HESS and CNOOC, are making a killing in Guyana, shipping away enormous profits when they get 85.5 percent of all gross sales while Guyana gets a paltry 14.5 percent. Guyana’s oil and gas seem to belong to the oil companies, not Guyana.

Mr. Woods, Guyana is a poor Third World country – the richest and largest in CARICOM, yet we have the lowest standard of living and lowest currency. Our masses of people are poor – 42 percent live on US$5.50 a day.

Many of these earn the minimum wage and they can barely pay their rent and meet basic needs, while Exxon/ HESS/CNOOC boast to investors that “Guyana oil sweet baad” and they will be rich with all the profit dividends expected from the Guyana oilfields.

Mr. Woods, our people walk in mud when it rains as our streets are crumbling and there are huge potholes due to missing asphalt. The new

2022 budget will not help much as our village roads would have to wait for repairs and rehabilitation until we get some more money from oil.

We cannot drink the water coming out of our taps, and in some places, the water is red and “grumsy.” Our medical facilities are basic and inadequate. Medicines are in short supply, and there is a paucity of medical equipment and machines to do diagnostic tests, or treatments such as dialysis. The working poor struggle to feed their families.

Mr. Woods, trash is everywhere and even with the new budget, the Government does not have a comprehensive national plan

for solid waste disposal especially in the rural areas where the bulk of its supporters live. We need more money to do that. Mr. Woods, your past President, Mr. Trump had referred to countries such as our as a “sh…ole” country. Our electricity supply is most unreliable as the Burnham-era blackouts have not left us even though Burnham died over 35 years ago.

Mr. Woods, Guyanese want to know how was Exxon able to get Mr. Trotman to sign the PSA? The contract was not taken to our Parliament. It was reported that Mr. Trotman was “told to sign” the contract.

(Continued on page 6)

Sunday January 30, 2022

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Speaker of the House partisanship Estate planning and elder abuse other legal instruments. Do person or Executors or TrustDEAR EDITOR, desecrates that high office A basic tenet of elder so before it is too late espe- ees, purportedly having been

DEAR EDITOR, The Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly is on centre stage. He draws the spotlight on himself, by what is construed as his biased ways are his very sensitive responsibilities. For myself, the Speaker has manifested zeal and vigour to inflict the harsh and unacceptable on Opposition MPs; but supportive of the Government’s interests, and protective of its wayward parliamentary representatives. Frankly, the Speaker’s has been blatantly biased.

Guyana’s Speaker has forgotten that he is part mediator, part referee, and part peacemaker. As much as he is the captain on the bridge, he also can be compared to a floorwalker in a department store. There will be cheerful, cooperative customers, and there will be aggressive, obnoxious ones. All must be shepherded with an even hand, while continuously working overtime at maintaining an even keel.

Regrettably, the Speaker’s record has not reflected such attributes; he has taken sides and in glaring ways; when strength was needed, he has been weak and the wrong man.

In earlier days, there was a vulgar fiasco, collapse of order, national embarrassment in Guyana’s House of the People. For an eternity, the Speaker was ineffectual and lost control, when rowdy, raged-filled parliamentarians from both sides descended into the gutter before a national audience. They all were so much at home there, that they lingered forever with vileness hurled at each other. In that forgettable episode in the National Assembly, it was as if the Speaker was not there.

His feebleness was showing, and the nakedness of the incumbent was on display for all to behold in openmouthed disbelief. He was not the right man when matters got to such a wrathful obscene head. Guyanese felt sorry for him in his frailness, his weakkneed spinelessness. I did.

Given what followed subsequently, as directed against the parliamentary opposition, it was the last time that he gathered any sympathy from any corner not rabidly pro-government. He hasn’t from this corner. For he deteriorated in the quality of strong, independent leadership that is the essence of the role of the Speaker, as he went from bad to worse, then worse still. He forgot that Speaker of the House means not on behalf of Government

people exclusively, or the Opposition’s alone, but all Guyanese people.

Because there were two revealing instances that exposed the Speaker for who he is, what he is about, and how he interprets his touchy responsibilities in a particularly partisan way, even when the interests and welfare of all Guyanese are involved. The Opposition’s Shadow Minister of Oil and Gas tabled motions related to the controversial gas to shore project. It is the biggest thing that Guyana has ever dreamed up in its endeavours. The Speaker did the jaw dropping.

He gutted vital points of contention that called for enlightenment in the Shadow Minister’s paper, then insult him in the process. The Shadow Minister rolled with that, but the import of what the Speaker did cannot be limited to the Shadow Minister alone. He represents over 200,000 Guyanese citizens. All of them have been diminished by the Speaker’s words declaring that he did not have to provide reasons.

The Standing Orders afford him leeway, but in a bitterly divided society, the Speaker lost civility, then credibility.

The gas-to-shore project is not a PPP/C Government pet project to be squired by the Speaker, but one with great national consequence if not handled right. The Speaker cannot be pardoned for what was a clear and dangerous breach of his expected neutrality, sagacity.

But he was not done. For

when the Shadow Minister’s amended motion was allowed resurrection, it was still diluted, thanks to the Speaker’s scalpel.

A patriotic, bipartisan Speaker shrinks from such, recoils from such unseemly shenanigans. It is as if he was working double-time and sneakily to give one side an unfair advantage, to the severe detriment of Guyanese.

The Opposition was not the side benefitting from the Speaker’s generosity. Whose side is he on, how he intends to go about the business of the Speaker of the National Assembly needs no further subtitles.

Last, there was the rushed, controversy-filled Natural Resource Fund Bill, where debate degraded into verbal brawls. Opposition MPs took matters to a low level, profaned the chambers of the National Assembly.

They had company.

But now, they are the only ones being singled out for possible disciplinary action(s). Government MPs were not passive, serene choirboys and girls during the ruckus, but they are given a pass.

Again, he is protective of government, but warlike to the Opposition.

Whichever way turned, however charitably viewed, the bias and wounding partisan have come to characterise the thinking, decisions, and actions of the Hon Speaker.

He besmirches the office.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

The budget as a numbers game DEAR EDITOR, We hope for the sake of the country that by default, all major infrastructure projects go to foreign companies.

They bring better quality work, technology, but most importantly, badly needed modernisation to Guyana.

Along with them also comes urban planning ideas. The locally contracted roads deteriorate so quickly in these parts, be it main, or secondary roads. Roads that can barely accommodate two vehicles passing next to each other simultaneously, nevermind pavements for pedestrians, even in areas that are not heavily populated. It’s a losing proposition to award any major projects to local companies. The expected new

smart hospitals are nonfunctional, without considering staff need to be kept medically current in their skills. I suppose that would mean frequent trips abroad for training.

The expectations appear high, and the new buzz word for the budget is (Continued on page 6)

abuse is centred on the elder’s accumulated wealth.

With economies as they are and opportunities for wealth accumulation diminishing, one get-rich-quick scheme or get-on-rail [after squandering their youth and income] is to leech on to elder’s wealth.

The cost of higher education too, is sinking many of our ‘average’ students into deep debt even before graduation [depending on the programme of study]. As a result, they turn their attention to their parents’ wealth; moreso their sticky paws.

To safeguard against this, families should talk with and encourage their parents and aging relatives to plan and prepare their estate early. Do this while they are well and mentally capable to make these decisions, unchallenged. What is estate planning? Estate planning is, in the simplest terms, deciding and instructing how [an individual] wants his/her assets managed in the event of death or incapacitation. It also instructs of tasks that serve to manage an individual’s asset base [if it is not to be distributed upon death]. The planning includes bequest of assets to heirs and the settlement of estate taxes.

Who should plan an estate and when? Anyone over the age of 18 can and should plan their estate. It might surprise you but our children have accumulated a volume of assets around us and from our money [that would stun you]. Sometime ago when my daughter was planning on travelling to Guyana, I instructed her to write her Will.

She said, “but I do not own anything. What to write in the Will”. I took her to her room and told her to write how she wishes all those particles disposed of. Also, to say who she wishes to have her few farthings. I suggested she leave the cents for the needy children.

That was funny. It was a very enlightening and instructive exercise. Needless to say, it was an eye opener. I intend to tax her for storage.

But seriously, by age 50, adults should prepare their estates either by a Will or

cially in these trying times.

With non-communicable diseases on the rise and some being the leading causes of death, families must not leave estate planning to ‘when I can’t do any more’ or ‘when I become bed-ridden’. This posture is highly irresponsible. COVID-19 too was a game changer for many aged persons as well as some not so old who didn’t boast of a staunch constitution or were not prepared legally.

It is also how some criminal and unscrupulous elements get in and swindle persons of their assets. Today, we are seeing a rise in mental incapacitation due to the wretched Dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases among aging adults. Thus, one should plan his/her estate before these debilitating ailments step in. Persons with these diseases are particularly vulnerable to fraud, either financial or estate conversion.

Estate conversion is particularly odious and it appears to be prevalent in Guyana, so much so that the Attorney General himself was so moved to make amendments to the Power of Attorney Bill to strengthen same and ‘beef up’ the punishment and penalties for Donee breaching donor’s trust.

I would have liked to see some more checks and balances put in place for, not only persons allegedly issuing Powers of Attorney, and breaches of same, but also, Wills that are appearing with single beneficiaries, Deed of Gifts of entire estates to one

prepared by an elder (someone beyond the age of 70).

There is something happening at commercial banks also with elderly persons.

Their accounts are dwindling swiftly even though they do not withdraw funds. Also, withdrawals are being made but the banks are not taking safeguards against liability to themselves or the elders, by recording the names and ID information of the persons accompanying elders to the banks to transact business.

The devil is in the details.

Also, persons who are having elderly persons declared [by the Courts] mentally incapacitated [non compos mentis] and petitioning themselves as sole Trustee, without all family members participating in the process.

This too is an abuse of an elder’s incapacitation and vulnerability. It is odious. It is a violation of the elder’s Human (Constitutional) Rights. So, please get those Wills, Living Trusts, and Trusts prepared early. My daughter has. You didn’t put down tomorrow. Better yet, do your distributions while you are alive and well.

Cut the bad blood and feuds. When done, file it at the Probate Registry for safekeeping.

This will be the only truly ‘last Will’. It is advisable to leave a copy with the Executor or some trusted person.

Not having one on the outside could be a thorn in the flesh when there is a busted, dysfunctional family.

Kimanzi Mulekezi

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Sunday January 30, 2022

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Masculinity and Sexuality

Budget 2022 ... a comprehensive package

DEAR EDITOR, Despite child sexual abuse being acknowledged as a crime that has extreme negative impacts, societal ideas of masculinity and sexuality often comes together to shame young boys who are survivors of sexual violence.

ChildLinK’s “Caring for Boys: Social Norm Drivers of Sexual Abuse of Boys in Guyana” report found that expectations surrounding the ideas of traditional masculinity is amongst one of the largest factors that leads to under-reporting of sexual abuse experienced by boys.

Through interviews done with young boys and their caretakers, it was found that there is a general belief that young boys cannot be abused by older girls and women. Even in cases wherein it was acknowledged that it was possible, this abuse was not framed as being abusive, but rather it was seen as achieving a “rite of passage” to manhood.

However, these beliefs

significantly shift in the context of a male abuser. When young boys experience sexual violence, particularly if they are older, they are often seen as being unable to defend their masculinity as there is an expectation for males to be strong and resilient. As a result, many can struggle with feelings of fear and shame surrounding their experience as they believe that they should have been able to stop it. Many young boys also experience feelings of shame and confusion as they believe their experience will have an impact on their sexuality or at least be perceived that way. Those who experience an erection or orgasm during the assault may especially struggle with these feelings, and perpetrators are known to use this against them in order to silence them. These occurrences however, are normal bodily functions that one cannot control. Regardless of whether one has experienced an erection or an orgasm, it does not change the fact that

it is a violation of one’s body and right to consent. It also has no impact on one’s sexuality. Given societal expectations surrounding masculinity however, many survivors and their family can often hide experiences of sexual abuse in order to safeguard the image of manhood and heterosexual behaviour.

Contributing towards an environment wherein young boys are safe from violence or at the very least, feel empowered to report experiences of violence, means challenging harmful ideas of masculinity. Doing away with expectations of strength, resiliency and heteronormative behaviours, will go a long way in creating a space where young boys are not made to feel fear and shame when they have experienced sexual abuse.

Akola Thompson, Blue Umbrella Consultant, ChildLinK To report or seek counselling, please call 914/2270979/227-2023/233-3500

DEAR EDITOR, I have been wanting to write this letter a long while now, but decided to wait until the dust was settled in the PNC/R Leadership race. Editor, students reading for Management, and I am certain other disciplines at the University of Guyana, would be exposed to the lessons of Decision Making. The most prominent event used is the Cuban Missile Crisis that unfolded between the USA and the then USSR. Here in Guyana, we have an event that would probably rival the Cuban Missile Crisis. I am referring here to the Elections Fiasco of 2020. The PNC/R and its Coalition partners were insisting on only valid votes to be counted. There was evidence of massive electoral fraud, the first being the fact that the PPP had a spreadsheet that predated the elections, among other things.

The tens of thousands of the Coalition supporters were led to believe that the declarations of the GECOM were never going to be accepted.

Concomitantly, the external forces of the USA, CARICOM, EU, and others were calling on the Coalition to accept defeat. The Coalition refused and a long legal battle ensued, that went all the way up to the CCJ. Out of the blues, when most did not expect it, President Granger accepted that he had lost and paved the way for a new government to be sworn in. One year and months after that

fateful decision, Mr. Granger has been tight-lipped on the issue. Hence my concerns. As a renowned historian, the lessons of August 2020 cannot be lost on Mr. Granger. In my mind he owes it to several stakeholders to come clean as to the factors influencing his decision, which I am told was not even discussed with his Cabinet. He owes it to the thousands of supporters who were rallying behind him to maintain that only valid votes would be counted. He owes it to the nation who was glued to their, televisions, radios and Social Media, anticipating that only valid votes would be counted; Most importantly, he owes it to the students of History, Political Science and Management, so that these young minds can digest the lessons learnt for their academic advancement; for when the contemporary history of Guyana is written,

it will be free from the conspiracy theories that abound in the absence of the facts.

The theories are rife and taking root. For one we are hearing that he was directly threatened by Donald Trump and Michael Pompeo; we are hearing that he collected a hefty bribe from the PPP; we are hearing he was threatened with visa cancellation, among other things. I for one refuse to believe any of the theories, but the less informed in society are surely likely to believe some, if not all of the wild conspiracy theories that are circulating. Therefore, it is in this regard that I write to urge President Granger to come clean with us and inform us of those factors that resulted in this turnaround from his stated position of only valid votes to be counted.

History is watching him!

Yours faithfully, Carl Parker

DEAR EDITOR, Budget 2022 has been presented to the nation. It is a meticulously well written document that has all the associated features of a government on the move. In the minds of all its hearers, this budget showcases a government that cares for its people and one that will deliver despite opposition. This is what most of us wanted to hear and see in a budget. It is a well put together document that would enhance growth and development in this an oil rich environment.

Ours is an economy under rapid transformation which means that with careful management, our country will soon be propelled to developed status.

The naysayers have already hinted, that this is an overambitious venture, and one that is destined to fail, but as the old adage puts it, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” We are looking forward for that day and the

starting point is now.

The budget gives allocations to every sector there is; agriculture, education, infrastructure, housing and healthcare. It caters for the young and the old in every area in its all-pervasive approach. It meticulously touches every facet of nation building in that forward trajectory of progress.

The naysayers are in their usual negative campaign mode of criticising and tearing down, without any real sense of responsibility as to give a sensible alternative.

Their contribution has been negatives ever since their loss at the last election. What I am also convinced of, is that ulterior motive of theirs where they would like to see a nullity to the budget just as they did in 2011. But those negative efforts are all to no avail, because they are not in a position of strength.

This brings me to another point, with such a large budget, funding would have to

come from other sources other than the usual taxes, and here is where the oil revenues come into focus. We must begin usage of our oil funds to put that spike in development. Isn’t it then a stark revelation of the aggressive assault of The Coalition Opposition on the NRF Bill? The aim was to tie the hands of the government to the point of frustrating them with the non-use of our natural resource fund. That despicable move by the Main Opposition had to be stopped.

Guyana is on the right path and the momentum generated by its rapid progress means that nothing is going to stop us now. It is forward upward movement only. No longer would our country be referred to as an underdeveloped, Highly Indebted, Poor Country (HIPC). No longer can the rest of the world speak about us in condescending tones.

Respectfully Submitted, Neil Adams

Not surprising support for I ask former President Granger to come clean with us city clean up was withheld

The budget as a...

From page 5 “Transformational”. Granted the opposition would not have steered Guyana in a more progressive direction, as they have recently proven unable to govern, but importantly even unable to state their major accomplishments (That door to returning to the helm of government is permanently shut). But the budget is still in print. Guyana’s expectation to be the global leader in this, that or the other sector; is still

on paper! In the era of fast moving technology and sophisticated IT workplace tools for public sector staff – it is difficult to see the country on a global map. Furthermore, the other challenge is to translate all these high hopes (on paper) into actual first class quality work, done in a timely manner by some areas of the public sector. Realistically, it’s a wait and see approach for this transition.

Chi Kansi

DEAR EDITOR, The letter writer on the overflowing sewage chamber at City Hall. That situation existed some weeks ago when I visited and again on Friday, it has worsened.

What was ironic, the mayor’s SUV was parked on the manicured lawns while the public has to breathe and smell and almost stand in that filth and the authorities including the health department

can take no steps to remedy the situation.

Is it surprising support for the recent city clean up was withheld and boycotted?

Shamshun Mohamed

Lots of opinions are not necessarily based on justice and fair play DEAR EDITOR, I hear the opinion expressed by Kit Nascimento (KN, ‘Kit upset over protest

by Bolsonaro’ 25 Jan 2022).

Society hears him. Society is also aware that lots of opinions are not necessarily

based on justice and fair play but can be bought and influenced by big money power and relationships.

The 2020 Election is still before the court for determination for valid outcome. Any veracity

ascribed to the election awaits judicial pronouncement.

Where Kit or the government stands on this issue unfortunately is not solely for them or any hired opinion to determine.

Lincoln Lewis

What Guyanese want Exxon’s...

From page 4 Do you know who told Mr. Trotman to sign the contract?

Was it someone on the Exxon side? Did Exxon apply duress to Mr. Trotman to get him to sign? Did Mr. Trotman read the contract before he signed? Did he have time to read that long document before signing? Did Secretary of State Pompeo come to Guyana at the behest of Exxon?

Mr. Woods, who in the PNC and PPP, during the elections, contacted your company and promised that the contract will not be renegotiated. Did Exxon request that promise, or did the PNC and PPP contact you voluntarily?

Mr. Woods, your oil operators do not pay taxes;

they are exempted from customs duties and VAT. We are not sure if your companies have proper insurance coverage, your operations are still flaring gas and appear to be releasing “produced water into the ocean,” there is no “ring-fencing,” so there are no risks associated with your investments here as Guyana is paying back every cent you spend. Additionally, our Governments have not completed the audit of precontract costs, and costs for Liza 1 and 2, amounting to over US$9.5 billion, although the deadline may have passed. Mr. Woods, the “contract” is more like a “Deed of Gift” of oil and gas by the PNC Government and supported by the PPP Government. With new oil

discoveries over 10 billion barrels and increasing with every new well, did our Government ask for a mutual review of the “contract” and did Exxon refuse that request, or did our Government not ask at all for a review? Mr. Woods, did our Government ask Exxon to extend the deadline for the completion of the audit, and Exxon refused, or did our Government not ask for an extension?

Mr. Woods, our people are upset at this unfair contract, and would like this contract to be renegotiated forthwith. Our hopes and dream are tied up in getting a “fair deal.” Is Exxon prepared to sit with our Government to discuss?

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

T N U L B . . .

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

What possible motive could a Finance Man have for literally hiding his position from the nation he was elected to serve?

Had it not been for the watchful eye of a former Finance Man, the entire nation would have remained in the dark.

Guyanese, with conniving games already in play, we must, at all cost, watch our coffers especially close.

PAGE 07

Sunday January 30, 2022

PAGE 08

$19.7M allocated to rehabilitate two domestic violence shelters

Human Services Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

A

i m e d a t improving its response to issues of domestic violence, the Government of Guyana has allocated a sum of $114.9 million to the legal aid services in Guyana, of which $19.7 million was budgeted to rehabilitate two shelters for victims of abuse.

This was announced by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during the presentation of the 2022 Budget in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

According to reports, up to October last year, over 1000 cases of domestic violence were reported, many of which were filed through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security's new toll free 914 emergency number.

“Mr. Speaker, abuse of any form is unacceptable within our society and a social issue that cannot be ignored. The Government continues to pursue initiatives to prevent domestic violence,” he said.

Minister Singh explained that the $19.7 million is budgeted to go towards the rehabilitation and extension of the Whim and Onderneeming shelters, which will continue to provide services for victims of sexual and domestic violence.

In terms of initiatives to safeguard victims, he stated that the Inter-Ministry Gender Focal Point Committee (IMC) was reconstituted to mainstream

gender in all government agencies.

The IMC serve as the coordinating committee for t h e u p c o m i n g implementation of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Some other initiatives that came on stream to help victims of abuse, was the 914 hotline, which was launched to link survivors to agencies, advocacy programmes, referral pathways, microenterprise industries, public-private skills employment database matching and offer immediate help to extricate them from violent situations.

The Human Services Ministry had also established a Survivor's Advocacy Programme, which allowed women to receive the necessary support and assistance they need from the moment of reporting to the conclusion of their cases.

In December last year, the Ministry also launched a network to tackle domestic violence against women and girls called the Community Advocates Network known as CAN. N o t a b l y, d o m e s t i c violence training is now part of the curriculum of the police training college.

The Ministry had also launched an initiative called the 'COPSQUAD2000' which targeted 2000 police o ff i c e r s f r o m v a r i o u s stations across the country.

Officers were being trained on ways they would go about (Continued on page 51)

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

We all deh in boys seh... de same boat Dem

Guyana is not wan divided country. Is de politricks which causing all de problems between de people.

Guyanese people does live good with one another.

We children does go to school and be friends.

Neighbour does hail out and help out other neighbour.

People does live nice, nice, until election time. Den de problem does start.

No sooner dat election time come around and people gat to decide which party should rule, it does be nuff squabbling and tension

among de people.

After de election, de people does return to dem happy ways. If only de people bin realise dat de source of dem problem is not dem but is dem parties wah does want dem vote.

If only dem realise dat de main problem is de Pee-NSee and de Pee Pee Pee Cee. De supporters of dem parties both agree dat one political party is stupid and de other is evil. But dem violently disagree about which one is which.

But when it all said and done, we all in de same boat.

We e i t h e r s i n k i n g o r threading water.

It mek dem boys remember de time when three political prisoners end up in de same prison cell. De fuss one ask de second one, "Wha yuh deh in hay fuh?"

De second prisoner answer, “I oppose de Comrade Leader. Wah bout you?”

De first prisoner reply, "I also oppose de Comrade L e a d e r ? " Dem turn to de third man and ask he, “Wah bout you?

De third man say, "I am de Comrade Leader."

Talk half. Leff Half!

PAGE 09

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Sunday January 30, 2022

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated SUNDAY VP Jagdeo has made it clear that his Government is ready to tap into the NRF. Can we really trust the VP and the PPP/C Government to be accountable with OUR oil money?

We at this publication, and many other Guyanese who will continue to put country first, will be watching closely, how every cent is utilised.

MONDAY An enemy is one who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

Moreover, those who are opposed to Guyana having a fair deal with ExxonMobil are enemies of this nation, and therefore should not be trusted.

We at this publication are happy to see that more and more people are coming out

as they take a stand against the theft of this nation's patrimony.

TUESDAY A robbery committed on a businesswoman yesterday was described as “brazen”.

Brazen aptly describes such a robbery.

We at this publication have also been shedding light on many other brazen acts of enormous proportions occurring in this country.

Guyanese, we cannot take crime against our very existence for granted.

It is our hope that not only the perpetrator of yesterday's brazen act but ALL those involved in other criminal acts in this land are brought to swift justice.

WEDNESDAY 'Corruption in Guyana on the rise again', screams

one of our headlines today.

This is not according to us at this publication but the Transparency International Corruption Index, the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which is the most widely used corruption ranking in the world.

The lower the score on the Index, the more corrupt is the country.

In 2020, Guyana's score was 41 but by 2021, it dipped by 2.

It is high time that patriotic Guyanese join hands and help to stamp out corruption in our land.

THURSDAY Joseph Harmon resigned as Leader of the Opposition yesterday.

Regardless who is Opposition Leader, it is our hope that the Opposition will do its job and not engage in irrelevant side shows.

our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

A colossal budget was announced, is the Opposition prepared to participate in constructive debate?

FRIDAY Guyanese were teased with promotional clips that the budget will help offset cost of living, and we thought this was intended for ALL citizens, especially those struggling a bit more.

Each Guyanese should take a look at that massive

OIL budget and ask the question: What's in it for me as a citizen of this country, especially a taxpaying, lawbiding one?

Whatever it offers, it is not nearly enough, not when we have leaders who are bleeding us from every angle to satisfy their insatiable greed.

Change must and will come in this land.

SATURDAY Violence, for too many

of our brothers and sisters, is the only solution to many problems, some of which, we believe, can be solved quite amicably if only the art of listening and reasoning is embraced.

Since there will continue to be those among us who choose violence, we remind you of the 'iMatter' App. Download it so that 'if you see something' you can 'say something' in hopes of helping to save a life.

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

GAWU takes concerns of sidelined Guyanese oil workers to Home Affairs Minister Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn meets with GAWU President, Seepaul Narine and other Executive Members of the Union

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), which recently established its Oil and Gas branch, has received steady complaints from workers in the sector, which has triggered a meeting with the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn.

In a statement to the press yesterday, GAWU explained that the meeting with the Minister took place on Friday, during which it highlighted that workers in the oil and gas sector continue to be sidelined for jobs, though capable, while foreigners are supposedly given preference.

Even more surprisingly, the Union complained that workers are even being forced to demonstrate to their foreign superiors how they should undertake their tasks.

“We indicated to the Minister that workers have informed our Union that in many instances there were locals who though capable of undertaking certain jobs were unable to grasp such opportunities as foreigners were apparently given preference, GAWU noted.

The Minister was informed too that some GAWU workers “had informed our Union that they were required to demonstrate to their foreign superiors how

they should undertake their tasks. In the sector, we communicated, such occurrences were fostering some level of acrimony between locals and foreigners,” the Union explained in its missive.

The organisation also old Minister Benn that it has learnt a few firms were recruiting foreigners to undertake unskilled and semi-skilled jobs, which can be performed competently by locals.

GAWU said too that the oil sector employees reported that some foreigners appear to be working without the relevant documents.

In this regard, the Minister of Home Affairs told the Union that his Ministry has received such reports in the past. According to the GAWU statement, “He shared that his Ministry has also heard of similar issues and where complaints are lodged they are able to pursue investigations to address such matters.”

Meanwhile, Benn pointed to the need to expand the Immigration infrastructure to address the volume of requests for work permits and other matters.

“This he said was being done though more is required. He indicated too (Continued on page 13

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

VP Jagdeo is Guyana's...

From page 2 This publication reported yesterday that in honour of Guyana's 55 years of independence, the Central Bank will soon introduce a $2000 bank note.

It is set to feature the Guyana Flag to reflect the nation's strong sense of identity, the Wai-Wai pattern as a show of respect for the country's indigenous heritage, and six children that represent the inherent ethnic races while serving as a symbol of President, Irfaan Ali's “One Guyana” vision.

Kaieteur News understands that the new

denomination will be printed on a substrate called polymer that is already popular around the world for its security f e a t u r e s , d u r a b i l i t y, cleanliness, and low impact on the environment.

Speaking briefly with this newspaper Friday, Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga said the $2000 note was chosen for easy integration into the system.

He said its features are also in keeping with the Head-ofState's push for a “One Guyana.”

This newspaper understands that the note goes into circulation next month.

GAWU takes concerns of...

From page 12 that there was a need to upskill our labour force given the demands of the economy.

The Minister shared that given the rapid expansion of the country in the coming years there may be a need to develop a programme of skilled immigration as Guyanese would be fully employed,” the statement added.

The workers union was keen to note that it will continue to reach out to workers, and where n e c e s s a r y, i n f o r m t h e Ministry and Minister of such reports. “GAWU will also

seek to play its role in upskilling our Guyanese labour and will in the coming weeks seek to consider steps it can take in this regard.”

Only recently in its end of year reflection, GAWU flagged the unfair circumstances which Guyanese are forced to endure in the oil sector.

In that publication, the Union said it learnt that employees were not benefitting from overtime payments, as required by law, and even more so, that workers were being denied their right to unionisation.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

PAGE 15

Guyanese workers complain of being fed leftovers, mistreated on oil ship

G

uyanese cleaners, dish washers and laundry staff working on ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessels (FPSOs) offshore Guyana are complaining of being mistreated and fed leftovers by their foreign bosses.

One of those workers (name provided) reached out to Kaieteur News last week to voice what she described as unfair treatment by the American oil giant.

ExxonMobil does not employ workers directly but via a subcontractor that recruits employees for the company.

The laundry staff and her colleagues were reportedly hired

by Newrest Guyana to work on the Liza Destiny FPSO. The woman said she works 28 days offshore for a total take home salary of $120,000 and if she works fewer days that sum is reduced to $110,000. She intimated that, at first, life on the FPSO was okay but then things changed.

“We would be forced to eat lovers,” she said. When asked to explain, the woman said, “We cannot eat together with expats.

When the food is served we would have to wait until they have finished eating. When they are done, what is left back will then be

A local worker on an FPSO operating offshore Guyana. served to us.”

The laundry staff said that the expat workers are a mixture of Trinidadians, Europeans, Americans and Indians.

“There would be Guyanese in the mix too but most would be just trainees,” she related.

Apart from that, continued the

woman, only one laundry staffer is allowed to work for a 28-day rotation and that staffer is expected to work 12 hours every day.

If the other laundry staff does not show in time to relieve her, the worker revealed that, she is then forced to work those extra days without being paid overtime.

“All they will tell you is that you will get back the days that you worked but sometimes they would break their word and call you out to work,” she told reporters.

Additionally, she and the rest of her colleagues would not receive a bonus or allowances like the expats.

The workers also complained of

working without insurance and have reportedly protested that this should be corrected but Newrest would only make promises and fail to follow through.

One worker, a cleaner, said that “one year has passed since their employer promised to fix the insurance problem but to date nothing has been done.”

The cleaner noted too that because of the mistreatment, many locals when they complete their 28day rotation offshore would fail to return.

“People leffing the work, cause you working far from home, away from your family and children and the money is small and plus they treating you bad, it ain’t mek sense but some of we still holding on because we got bills to pay,” the cleaner said.

According to the cleaner, when workers fail to return they would be forced to do extra jobs and would be paid the same salary.

The cleaner said he would sometimes have to wash dishes and do the laundry when staffers do not return to work.

Moreover, the local workers are now pleading with the relevant authorities to look into their situation and help make their lives better while working offshore for the American oil giant.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Sunday January 30, 2022

Govt. depending on small-scale local miners for majority of gold earnings

By Shervin Belgrave During Wednesday’s budget speech, which was presented by Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, it was quite clear that his government is depending on small and medium-scale local miners for most of Guyana’s gold revenue, while it continues to be optimistic that largescale foreign operators, who are benefitting from billion dollar concessions, will eventually contribute significantly in the near future.

Dr. Singh highlighted to the National Assembly that Guyana’s gold sector did not do too well last year.

According to him, it declined by 14.8 percent because of lower production from largescale operators - mainly foreign mining companies operating in Guyana - and small and medium-scale miners - a category predominantly dominated by locals.

However, it should be noted that although the

- hopes large foreign operators getting billion dollar concessions play bigger role soon

Dr. Ashni Singh sector’s production dropped, the local miners still managed to declare more gold than their large-scale foreign counterparts.

Dr. Singh told the House that, “the combined output from the large operators declined by 31.7 percent in 2021 to 68,268 troy ounces.”

With regard to small and medium-scale miners, Singh said that they “declared 11.3 percent less ounces in 2021, taking their total output for that year to 499,054 troy ounces.”

In other words, small and

A small-scale mining operation in Guyana. medium-scale operators produced 430,786 more ounces than all the foreign mining companies operating in the country. It means that

locals produced more than 83 percent of the gold mined in Guyana for 2021 and despite their output was lower than the previous year;

A large-scale mining operation at the Aurora Gold Mines owned by Chinese Company, Zijin Mining Inc.

they still contributed significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and export earnings.

Dr. Singh, in his speech,

made it known that gold accounted for 8.8 percent of Guyana’s GDP and proved to be the country’s third largest Continued on page 51

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Meet the absolutely alluring Miss Wafeeqa Azee. This stunning belle enjoys modeling, poetry, and photography. Her favourite quote by Ali Ibn Abi Talib is, “Be like the flower that gives its fragrance even to the hand that crushes it.” Her picture is courtesy of Trinidadian photographer Tewelde Daniel.

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Sunday January 30, 2022

Education Ministry aiming to revolutionise primary level reading - LAUNCHES ATLANTIC READER SERIES TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO EACH PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILD

I

n its quest to revolutionise reading at the primary level, on Friday, the Ministry of Education launched the completed Atlantic Reader Series from Books one to six at the Redeemer Primary School in Georgetown.

The series comprises six reader books complete with workbooks.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand said that in 2011 when she assumed the o ff i c e o f M i n i s t e r o f Education, the education system had three particular challenges, which led to the decision to produce the series.

She said that schools at the time were using readers that were not relevant for the children of Guyana because they were prepared for other countries and that the quantity was not enough for every child to benefit.

The third problem, she said, was that too many children were not reading at the level expected for the grade they were in. With these challenges, Minister Manickchand said that a decision was taken for Guyana to produce its own series of readers that will be relevant to the Guyana context.

According to the Education Minister, 18 months after the decision was made, books one to six of the reader were written.

However, only readers one to

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand taking a look at the printed books.

Samples of the Atlantic Reader series on display at the launch on Friday. three were published and distributed to students across the country, as more time was needed to perfect readers four to six.

While out of office, Minister Manickchand said that she continued to advocate for the completion of the series so that the children of Guyana can benefit from the resource.

“Ten years have gone without the reader series intended to benefit each child, being in the book bag of each child. Ten years passed. Imagine what the results of our children could have been now,” Minister Manickchand remarked.

She said that the books launched on Friday include the re-edited version of books one to three and books four to six together with a workbook to be made available to each primary

school child. Further, Minister Manickchand noted that this year for the first time, each primary school child will receive all the textbooks, which they need for school.

With Friday’s launch, Minister Manickchand said that the Ministry hopes to move the system quickly from having large numbers of pupils not being able to read. She said that this resource is going to help the teachers of this country and she asked that teachers use the resource consciously in a way that gives them the results, which they want to have at the end of the class.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson said that he believes the Ministry of Education is now in a better position to enhance the literacy landscape of children. He said that the

Ministry will be conducting an analysis to monitor the effectiveness of the books.

Assistant Chief Education Officer, Ms. Samantha Williams said that the books are designed to move the primary level learners along a reading continuum that ultimately leads to them becoming independent readers.

She said that one of the important aspects of the books is that they allow pupils to navigate and explore the Health and Family Life Education skills in ways that allow them to connect with the theme and concepts of the stories.

President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mr. Mark Lyte congratulated the Ministry of Education on this achievement. He said that for too long, Guyana has been depending on material

Minister Priya Manickchand, along with the Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, pose with writers and other contributors to the Atlantic Reader series.

produced outside of the country to aid learning.

He said that using local materials has been extremely helpful in boosting the motivation and engagement of learning towards the materials presented before them. Mr. Lyte said that he is sure that educators will use the material to the best of their ability to ensure that learners develop good reading habits.

Head of the Learning Resources and Development Unit, Mrs. Myra Pierre Moore said that the launch of the books is commendable since through this and many more efforts not only will learners on the coast benefit but every child in the hinterland regions.

She said that it is a privilege that each child can have access to a book that will be used personally in the class and at home. She said that teachers can rest assured that there is added support for instruction that meets the curriculum standards and benchmarks if used appropriately.

Additionally, Mrs. Pierre Moore noted that through the use of reading resources, children can build a good foundation for learning. She said that the books are

invaluable resources specifically produced for the nation’s children at the primary level. “They were envisioned, designed, developed, produced and packaged with utmost care and consideration right here in our beautiful Guyana,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Mr. Irfan Akhtar said that the series is an important tool to support the children in the journey to achieve excellence in literacy and performance. Mr. Akhtar noted too that he was happy that the books will be available on the Ministry’s website so that anyone can access the material wherever they are.

Programme Manager for Human Resource Development, Dr. Laurette Bristol congratulated the Ministry and said that the intentions and aspirations of the Atlantic Reader series designed by Guyanese for Guyanese teachers and students meet the needs of literacy locally and extends the integration agenda for the Caribbean, which is to use education to foster the ideal Caribbean person.

Continued on page 34

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

PAGE 19

Everyone should pay taxes One of the most perverse strategies adopted, by both the PPP/C and APNU+AFC regimes, is the practice of increasing the income tax threshold in order to place greater disposable incomes in the hands of the workers.

This strategy is not only counterproductive but also contributes to a culture of tax avoidance and tax aversion.

Every employed person – whether self – or otherwise employed should pay taxes.

Taxes are an obligation which allow for the public to be provided with muchneeded and necessary public services.

Wi t h o u t t a x e s , t h e government cannot develop the country’s infrastructure.

Without taxes there will be no means to build roads and bridges and schools and hospitals and parks.

Ministers would not be able to dally around the country like Father Christmas opening facilities as if the monies for the works came out their pockets.

Its taxes which finance free public education and which subsidise, heavily, education at the University

of Guyana. Taxes also finance teacher’s training and the provision of technical and vocational education – what people referred to as ‘trade schools’ in the past.

The taxes of sugar workers help to provide the massive subvention which supports the sugar industry.

It is not a case whereby sugar workers are getting a free pass as a result of government transfers.

Subventions are used to pay public servants, free public health care, security, national defence, culture, youth and sport and to support indigenous peoples’ development.

Every citizen benefits from tax revenues. Every working person, regardless of how small his or her income is, should therefore contribute to the national tax pool.

As has been mentioned so often before, the payment of taxes is a key component of the social contract between government and the people. Belonging to society requires that people help support the provision of

services within that society through the payment of taxes.

Taxes, however, are often seen as a burden. Yet as one former US Justice said, “Taxes are the price for civilisation”. You cannot wish to be part of society and not pay taxes.

Everyone should pay taxes but the tax system should be fair. One way of achieving this is to have a progressive tax system in which those who can afford to pay more, do so.

However, the rich have ingenious ways of avoiding and evading taxes. And many poor people do the same also.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e purposes of taxes are being perverted locally. Taxes are now being seen less as a social and economic contribution and more as a means of putting monies and incentives in the hands of workers and businesses.

Guyana’s two main political grouping, the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC, now support the position that persons who receive the minimum wage should not

pay taxes. But they should enjoy the full benefits of citizenship.

These two main political groupings, by their actions, also endorse the position that the tax mechanism can be used to put more monies in workers’ pockets. And the working class organisations accept this position, hook, line and sinker not realising how the main beneficiaries of this system are businesses.

The business class supports increasing the income tax threshold – the lower limit below which no one has to pay taxes.

Increasing the threshold benefits everyone. It is in their interest to do so since it gives them a free pass.

Instead of increasing the pay of its workers, the private sector is able to circumvent paying increases by having the government increase the income tax

threshold. In this way, more monies end up in the pockets of workers without the employers having to increase salaries. The increases come from the tax savings provided by government.

When the government increases the income tax threshold, it is not only government workers who benefit from increased disposable incomes but also private workers. Private businesses, apart from their workers, are therefore able to avoid paying increases or higher increases to their staff.

Guyana needs comprehensive tax reform.

However, the PPP/C has never dedicated sufficient attention to such reforms. It, like the APNU+AFC, prefers to make incremental and piece-meal changes each year. It allows the PPP/C to treat tax breaks to workers and businesses as a hand-

out.

And who gives them wrong! After all, the lower paid workers get excited whenever their pay cheque increases. What these workers fail to realise is that this increase is not being funded by an increase in salaries but through their own taxes, including VAT, and that which are paid by their colleagues.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Sunday January 30, 2022

Proportional Representation in elections – key to democratic representation

By Sir Ronald Sanders

The second consecutive general elections in Barbados on January 19, at w h i c h M i a M o t t l e y ’s Barbados Labour Party (BLP) won all 30 seats in the House of Representatives, were hailed as historic.

They certainly were for Barbados, but not for the English-speaking subregion of the Caribbean.

The New National Party (NNP) of Dr. Keith Mitchell achieved this feat three times

in Grenada.

Under the system of constituency divisions and first-past-thepost, which also exists in Barbados, the NNP won all 15-seats in 1999, 2013 and 2018.

Winning all the seats in both Grenada and Barbados left opposition political parties without representation in the legislature, and, therefore, unable to question the laws being proposed or the

policies being pursued by the governing political party.

Thus, an important check on the actions of the ruling party does not exists.

Usually in the liberal democratic system which English-speaking Caribbean countries inherited from the British, there is a separation of the powers of the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary: the legislature makes the laws; the executive puts the laws into operation; and the judiciary interprets the laws.

The powers and functions of each are separate and are expected to be carried out by separate personnel - in the case of the legislature, by elected representatives of governing and opposition parties. The theory is that power, so divided, should prevent the exercise of absolute power by a single group.

In Grenada and Barbados, since the executive and the legislature are both fully controlled by the ruling political party, notwithstanding Senates comprising a majority or persons appointed by the leader of the governing political party, the executive and the legislature are effectively not separated.

However, these conditions have arisen in Grenada and Barbados as a result of democratic elections in which the majority of the electorate decided who should govern their affairs. There was no question that the five elections in both countries were free, fair and transparent. Subsequently, the results reflected the desire of the majority of the electorate not to install a political party in which they had no confidence or trust.

W h e n t h e s e c i r c u m s t a n c e s o c c u r, particularly in small countries such as Grenada and Barbados, checks and balances fall primarily on an independent judiciary which is the custodian of the rights set out in national constitutions. In Barbados and Grenada, the independence of their Courts from the political system is not in question.

The Barbados Courts and its highest court of Appeal, the Caribbean Court of Justice, are as independent as the Eastern Caribbean Courts and the British Privy Council which serve Grenada.

But the day-to-day vigilance relies more

particularly on a free and vigilant media – these days the social media platforms on which i n f o r m a t i o n , commentaries and views are widely shared, whether or not they are accurate.

Governing parties, wishing to be re-elected, follow the criticisms on these unbridled social media platforms carefully.

Notwithstanding, the role of the judiciary and the media – both traditional and social – as checks on ruling political parties with no elected oppositions, the question arises as to whether the electoral system of multiple constituencies and first-past-the-post should not now be changed constitutionally to always allow for an elected opposition.

It is universally accepted in Caribbean countries that candidates for elections have less appeal than political parties and their leaders.

Electors vote for the party and leader they believe could best serve them and the country.

It is only in exceptional circumstances that an outstanding candidate could win a constituency where the majority reject the party and leader concerned.

F u r t h e r, i n s m a l l countries, divisions between communities in terms of their needs, aspirations and interests have dissolved with modern road transportation, instant telecommunications, and shared expectations.

With the disappearance of these divisions, the electorate votes less for individual candidates and much more for parties and their leaders.

If these two realities are recognised, perhaps the time has come to consider a change of the electoral system to one of proportional representation in which the entire country becomes one constituency to elect contending parties to t h e H o u s e o f Representatives.

This system would be guaranteed to elect both a ruling party and its leader as well as opposition parties in accordance with the proportion of votes they receive. Each of the party leaders would submit, in advance of the elections, names that would serve in t h e H o u s e o f Representatives or National Assembly.

Sir Ronald Sanders Had such a system been in place in Barbados for the 2020 general elections, based on preliminary published results, the BLP would have won 21 seats in the 30-member Assembly (roughly 71% of the vote) with Mia Mottley as Prime Minister as the majority of the electorate clearly intended; and the Democratic Labour Party would have won 9 seats (28%).

The majority of the electorate would still choose the leader and governing party they prefer, but the minority would have a voice in the national legislature and the leader of the opposition would exist with all the rights, duties and obligations which the Constitution of the nation confers upon that office.

In Guyana, the only English-speaking Caribbean country in which the British changed the electoral system to proportional representation, elections return representatives of several political parties, giving the governing party a majority in Parliament and ensuring opposition representation.

Electoral reform in the English-speaking Caribbean has been discussed for decades without any attempt to reform the Constitution to make it possible. Now that many countries are again considering constitutional reform in the context of changing from Monarchical to Republican status, perhaps it is also time to consult the people of these countries on reforming the electoral system to ensure that all votes result in representation in Parliament as government and opposition.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the OAS. He is a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own.)

Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

PAGE 21

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

My music choice disqualifies me from being an unbiased human I have always stayed away from ethnic organisations. My fear has been and always will be that once you settle into an organisation that is essentially ethnic in ontology, you are likely to make choices based on your racial consciousness and those decisions may be philosophically flawed.

This feeling of mine has no relation whatsoever with the belief that it is psychologically and sociologically perfect for different race groups to want to preserve what is precious and value in their evolution, thus forming ethnic organisations are as natural and acceptable as the grass that grows on the parapet.

As a student at the University of Toronto, I saw the colour (no pun intended) and beauty of dozens of ethnic organisations with their own buildings with their names emblazoned on their façade. I could imagine what it is like in a cosmopolitan city like London.

I still believe there is

always a preference lurking in those groups that conflicts with the meaning of what a human should be like. I remember Ryhaan Shah wrote; “My Indian self is in my DNA. It is my history, my legacy, my traditions, my culture. It is my spiritual home.” Dr. Melissa Ifill, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UG, wrote: “I am unapologetically Black – always was and always will be! I march through this life and world as a Black woman.”

The persons who composed those statements have an alienable right to embrace how they feel. My uneasiness is natural and would be shared by countless souls. It is that there may be a bias on how those people see life as it unfolds. Would their ethnic DNA come in to play when crucial decisions are to be made?

This is a long digression on Clairmont Chung's belief that my choice of music should disqualify me from b e i n g G u y a n a ' s commissioner of human

rights so bear with me for a few more paragraphs. Dr. Ifill took a certain position on the March 2020 elections which I think could not be sustained.

I don't know if her statement above about her African consciousness led her to that feeling. It may not have. But could you convince non-Africans otherwise given the way she speaks of her Blackness? I took an opposing position to Dr. Ifill on the election. But in fairness to me, I have never proclaimed an enduring embrace of my ethnic genes and never belonged to an Indian organisation. I never cared to gravitate to those organisations at any time in my life.

Now for the caption of this column. I believe the long digression will become relevant as you read on.

Clairmont Chung rose to prominence in the academic world with his book, “Walter Rodney: A Promise of Revolution.” From reading him, I get the sense that he is driven by the studies of white

oppression of Black civilisation.

I don't have a problem with that. That is the history of the people of the Third World. No book can better express that than the great philosophical work, “The Racial Contract” by J a m a i c a n p h i l o s o p h e r, Charles Mills (deceased).

What I find problematic in the world view of people like Clairmont is how they elevate ethnicity and use it to reduce the human mind to a Pavlovian sponge.

Clairmont wrote that on first glance when he saw that I wanted to be commissioner of human rights, he was in support but when he looked at the names of three singers whose songs I like – Johnny Mathis, Patrizio Buenne and Andre Boccelli – he realised I would not be the right person for that job. He noted: As his

favourites, they do reveal a cultural disconnect for a would be human r i g h t s commissioner in Guyana or anywhere. If I had liked Damien Marley, Linton Kwesi Johnson and Steel Pulse would I have been more qualified?

The fact is, I like the music of those three Black artists. I introduced my wife to the music of Johnson. I grew up in Wortmanville with ska, rock steady, reggae and soul.

Why can't I like Mathis, Buenne and Boccelli and be essentially who I am – a person driven by memories of his childhood poverty and want to see freedom, justice and happiness for the poorer folks of my country?

How can my love for a

Frederick Kissoon

ce rtain kind of music deter me from my judging people as equal? Clairmont is saying that in my human rights work, I will not be unbiased because the music I listen to will distort my philosophical understanding that we, humans are all equal. Space has run out, but this I will say to Clairmont – keep your ethnic consciousness because nothing is wrong with it but man oh man, try to read more philosophy.

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

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Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

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COVID-19: Where is Omicron taking us?

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist We are now a month into the Omicron wave in Guyana and as I had predicted, we've peaked and our case numbers are coming down. As expected, there has been a rise in deaths and hospitalisations but not as significant as we saw with the Delta wave. We shouldn't let our guards down yet, especially for those that were not infected. Today, I will share some updated data that is specific to Omicron so that we have an idea where we are and where we may be heading.

How is it behaving?

Omicron is easier to catch than any other form of the coronavirus and it's the main reason why we are seeing unprecedented numbers of infections. It takes between 1- 3 days to exhibit symptoms after being exposed to Omicron while with the other variants, it was closer to 3- 5 days.

However, its main site of infection is primarily our upper airways (nose, throat and trachea). This differentiates it from the other previous variants of

coronavirus which all focused more on the lower airways especially the lungs.

As a result, Omicron is less severe and seems to be paving a way for the virus to remain with us as an upper airway infection similar to the other common cold viruses.

How are vaccines responding to it?

Because of the numerous mutations in its spike proteins, Omicron is more evasive to vaccines than any other previous variant.

H o w e v e r, t h e c u r r e n t vaccines are still holding up sufficiently against it to g u a r d a g a i n s t hospitalisations and deaths.

Someone who was fully vaccinated more than six months ago, only has 57 percent protection from being hospitalised with Omicron, while that level of protection increases to 81 percent if they were fully vaccinated less than six months ago. However, protection against hospitalisation with Omicron, ramps up to 90 percent if you have been given a booster vaccine.

Therefore, at this point, vaccines are still holding

their own against COVID19.

What's the outlook like for Guyana?

From the data, it seems that we are getting past the worst of the Omicron wave and the numbers are coming d o w n . H o w e v e r, t h e numbers are still peaking in the outlying regions and this should continue for a week or so. As I previously stated, January would have been the most difficult month for this wave and we should start to see less and less of Omicron as February progresses.

Unfortunately, lives are being lost but our experience has helped us to fare better than previous waves. I do see the cases flattening out by

late February to mid-March and when we will move into the next phase of the pandemic. The hope is, that Omicron is the last the pandemic has to offer but we have to keep an eye on Omicron 2 which is beginning to emerge especially in parts of Europe and India Will Omicron 2 hamper progress?

Omicron 2, better known as BA.2, is not a new variant but is a descendant that was

formed when the original Omicron variant came out.

Omicron 1(BA.1) and 2 were the main subsets of Omicron when it came onto the scene and are more like sisters rather than two different variants altogether. Omicron 1 took off and became the dominant version in the world but Omicron 2 is starting to show signs of dominance in a few countries.

We a r e c u r r e n t l y experiencing the Omicron 1 wave and authorities have designated Omicron 2 “a variant under investigation” in the UK. This means that there isn't sufficient data to make conclusions on its threat to us. Experts are suggesting that it will most likely not infect those that were already infected with Omicron 1 and may lead to the creation of a smaller wave that infects those that were not infected with Omicron 1. Should this occur, we may see a small

wave in infections but not to the level of Omicron 1 but this will give the impetus that may be needed to end the pandemic.

Whatever the case, the virus is showing signs of weakening with respect to the severity of the disease that it causes and I am still optimistic that we should see the beginning of return to normalcy in 2022.

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Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety.

SUNDAY KN PUBLISHER’S CHALLENGE TO TAX GIVEAWAYS IN EXXON DEAL… GOVT. HAS KEY OPPORTUNITY TO REBALANCE AGREEMENT IN FAVOUR OFTHE GUYANESE PEOPLE - CHRIS RAM When he served as Opposition Leader back in 2019, the now Vice President (VP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had repeatedly trashed the APNU+AFC regime for the poorly renegotiated Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). In fact, the VP is quoted in the media as saying that the PSA which was signed with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited, is a “contract that would harm us for decades into the future.” He even accused the APNU+AFC of having “sold our patrimony” to Exxon.

But the Vice President is not the only one in the PPP/ C’s camp to harshly criticise the deal. In fact, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, has said in Parliament more than once, that the contract is “the worst on the planet.”

In light of the foregoing positions which are shared by scores of local and regional actors, Chartered Accountant and Attorney-atLaw, Chris Ram says the historic legal challenge filed

by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall via his lawyer, Mr. Mohamed Ali, provides the Government of Guyana with a key opportunity to rebalance the agreement in favour of the Guyanese people.

In his most recent writings, Ram articulated that Lall through his lawyer is asking the Court to declare a number of the provisions of Article 15 (the Taxation Article) in the PSA to be unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect. Some of those provisions address the tax concessions granted to affiliated companies of Esso, Hess and CNOOC; the tax concessions to subcontractors of Esso, Hess and CNOOC; and the provisions that exempt from taxes, the

income earned by expatriate employees of Contractor, Affiliated Companies or NonResident Sub-Contractors who are in Guyana for 183 days or less in any tax year.

Lall is also claiming that such exemption violates the Constitution of Guyana and the Prevention of Discrimination Act. His case also challenges the provision of the agreement requiring the Minister responsible for Petroleum to pay the taxes of the oil companies out of the State’s share of profit oil.

Mr. Lall is also asking the Court to declare as unlawful, Parliamentary Order 10 of 2016 which sought to ratify the tax concessions granted under the Petroleum Agreement.

Through his lawyer Mr. Mohamed Ali, Lall is arguing alternatively, that even if the Order is valid, it only applies to holders of licences under a Production Sharing Agreement.

Ram was keen to note that the respondent in the matter is the Attorney General while adding that it is likely that the three oil companies will apply to be joined in the action.

Furthermore, Ram said the current Government of Guyana which inherited the agreement from its predecessor has publicly defended the Agreement on the grounds of sanctity of contract. That principle he said is now being challenged by a more fundamental one: legality, and in one issue, constitutionality.

Should the Court rule that the tax Article is indeed unlawful, Ram said this would have a huge impact on

the economics of the Agreement and result in significantly higher revenues to the country.

“We can expect the oil companies to fight to protect what then Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo described…as a ‘contract that would harm us for decades into the future,’ accusing the APNU+AFC as having ‘sold our patrimony’. Logically, the Government should see this case as offering some rebalancing of the Agreement in favour of the people. Its response this time would be particularly interesting,” the Chartered Accountant stated.

Finally, Ram said the granting of the Application would affect the holders of all similar Agreements. “They too will be watching carefully,” the lawyer concluded.

The case filed by Lall via his Attorney-at-Law Mohamed R. Ali, is set to be heard on March 10, 2022 at 10:30hrs before the Honourable Justice Nareshwar Harnanan.

CEASE OIL PRODUCTION UNTIL EXXON AGREES TO CONTRACT CHANGES PROTESTORS DEMAND Scores of protestors on Saturday morning took to the streets, for a second time this week, to demand that the “oppressive” oil contracts be changed so as to benefit the citizens of Guyana. In fact, the protestors are now asking that oil production be put on hold, until United States oil giant, ExxonMobil, agrees to renegotiate its contract with

Guyana.

Kaieteur News spoke to a few of the protestors who were furnished with placards and t-shirts, demanding 50 percent royalty in Guyana’s oil deal, which presently stands at a mere two percent.

It must be noted that Guyana has one of the largest oil reserves in the world, with more than 10 billion barrels of oil already discovered offshore Guyana.

Nevertheless, the country also has one of the poorest royalty or interest rates for its resources.

While Guyana has accepted two percent, other countries such as neighbouring Brazil has secured as much as 15 percent royalty from its crude, according to a report from the Law Library of Congress, a global legal research directorate, published in 2015.

The report also states that Guyana’s other neighbour, Venezuela, rakes in royalty rates of 30 percent of value of crude oil extracted. The report said “the amount may be reduced to 20 percent if oil field is not otherwise economically exploitable; additional royalty in bylaws of joint ventures of 3.33 percent of value of crude oil extracted.”

Under the provisions of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)— ExxonMobil Guyana—and its partners, Royalty is calculated at two percent of oil that is produced and sold.

It is in this context that Guyanese have decided to protest the royalty rates they

are forced to accept for the valuable resources.

The protest saw the support of Guyanese from as far as Berbice, Region Six, Region Three and even Region Two. The rally commenced in Georgetown and moved along the East Bank public road and finally to the Square of the Revolution in the capital city.

During the rally, citizens waved the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s national flag, even as they shouted for change to be effected.

As vehicles joined the protest, a few protestors seized the opportunity to air their frustrations regarding the “deal” Guyana signed with ExxonMobil.

Gary Morris, a man who lost one of his legs in an accident, told this newspaper that he needs to be respected, as well as the rest of Guyana.

He feels that the contract was not only disrespectful to Guyanese, but also wholly unacceptable.

“I need my rights. We all are citizens of Guyana and nobody can’t take we oil and we ain’t getting nothing (much) out of it,” the gentleman argued. According to him, the contracts should be renegotiated so that the profits can be shared “half and half” between Guyana and Exxon.

“If them do that, you know how much they will be able to do for we Guyanese citizens? We need to get up in life, each and every one of the Guyanese people. We want we 50 percent oil money,” he added.

In this regard, the activist

called on the rest of Guyana to join the protest against the “exploitative” contract. He was keen to note that the protest should continue and if Exxon refuses to change the provisions in the oil contracts, then production must cease.

Meanwhile, another protestor, who gave his name only as Anoop, said he is a resident of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara. He told this publication that ExxonMobil should be giving Guyana more than it currently is, especially since, according to him, Guyana’s fisheries sector has been tremendously impacted because of their operations.

He also made reference to the fact that ExxonMobil has not offered Guyana any insurance in the event of an oil spill, as he explained the need for more profits to benefit the country.

Carmen, from Berbice said, “we are out here because we looking for a better future for Guyana because what they (government) promised us, we don’t have, so we people in Guyana are suffering more.

We have oil but it’s not benefitting the Guyanese, and we have single parents and expect more for our people.”

The woman was keen to note that she has never supported a specific political party, but stands in solidarity with the call for more benefits to Guyanese.

Devika, a protestor from Cumberland, Berbice told Kaieteur News, “We are punishing a lot because they are not giving us what we are (Continued on page 25)

Sunday January 30, 2022

From page 24 supposed to be getting. We supposed to benefit more than what they are giving us. They are drawing so much oil from us and we aren’t getting nothing (much) from it,” she reasoned.

Police interruption Just as the protestors were leaving the Square of the Revolution, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) ordered that the driver and leader of the procession head to the East La Penitence Station, pending a charge for “loud and continuous noise” due to the Public Address (PA) system that was being used during the protest.

Two KN staff members were in police custody but were subsequently released on their own recognizance.

The protest action, the second in a series, was organised by a group of patriotic Guyanese, including publisher of this newspaper, Glenn Lall, who is pushing to achieve more for the country. On Wednesday, the protestors gathered at Houston, East Bank Demerara to protest the ExxonMobil contract.

MONDAY COURT CHALLENGE TO TAXFREE RIDE IN EXXON DEAL COULD LEVELPLAYING FIELD FOR GUYANESE - RAM

The recent legal challenge filed

by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall via his lawyer, Mr. Mohamed Ali, against the extraordinary tax-free ride given to the affiliated companies and subcontractors of ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited as noted in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) could, if successful, level the playing field for locals that struggle to compete in the industry.

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Kaieteur News

This is the viewpoint of Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram in his column titled, “Every Man, Woman and Child Must Become OilMinded” which was published in the Stabroek News.

In the latest installment of his column, Ram said the case by the Kaieteur News publisher is significant since it would essentially retain more revenues for the country while giving locals a fighting chance in the industry.

If the tax-free ride granted to the subcontractors and affiliated companies of the Stabroek Block partners are removed, Ram asserted that payments to them during the exploration phase for contract work will now attract the 10% Withholding Tax under Section 10 B of the Corporation Tax Act. Since the withholding is creditable against the eventual liability for that year, the consequence is temporal.

Additionally, Ram said Withholding Tax under the Income Tax which is now exempt will now become payable on interest, dividends, deemed dividends, remittances of actual and deemed profits.

He said too that income earned during the exploration phase by Affiliated Companies and subcontractors who are in Guyana for less than 183 days in any tax year which is now exempt from tax will become taxable. Also, expatriate employees of the oil companies, their Affiliated Companies and of Non-Resident Sub-Contractors who are physically present in Guyana for one hundred eighty-three (183) days or less in any tax year whose income is now exempt from tax will become taxable.

In light of the foregoing impacts, Ram said Lall’s case certainly gives the PPP/C government, which is on record as being heavily critical of the

deal renegotiated by the APNU+AFC regime, an opportunity to rebalance the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement in favour of the Guyanese people.

He said it will be interesting to see what would be the posture of the respondent, being Attorney General, Anil Nandlall S.C, that the government by extension, on this historic legal challenge.

The case filed by Lall via his Attorney-at-Law Mohamed R. Ali, is set to be heard on March 10, 2022 at 10:30hrs before the Honourable Justice Nareshwar Harnanan.

US EAGER TO HELPGUYANA WITH OIL SPILL PLAN BUT SILENT ON ABSENCE OF FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE FROM OIL COMPANIES The US Embassy here recently announced that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC) commenced a six-month series of joint activities designed to assist Guyana in the development of a reliable national response system for oil spills while enhancing the CDC’s maritime oil spill prevention, planning, and response capabilities.

Kaieteur News understands that the USCG is able to do this with support from the US Department of State’s Energy and Mineral Governance Programme (EMGP).

It was noted that a virtual risk assessment workshop is scheduled for this month to build upon the progress Guyana has already made with the development of its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and oil spill response capabilities. Furthermore, the USCG facilitators will guide the participants through an assessment of possible oil spill scenarios in Guyana to identify the most likely and most consequential scenarios. The US Embassy said the results will be used to identify possible improvements and updates Guyana’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

Other activities in 2022 will include virtual exercise programme management training and in-person exchanges to observe oil spill response exercises. This partnership the embassy said, is part of the continued U.S. support for energy governance and commitment to regional security to help Guyana build its disaster response capabilities.

While the US Embassy is eager to help Guyana with a plan for response to an oil spill as well as the enhancement of skills and capabilities to clean up after one, it has been noticeably silent on the need for full coverage insurance from the parent companies of the subsidiaries operating in Guyana’s basin.

Since 2015, ExxonMobil Corporation, the parent company of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, has steered clear of being tied to full coverage insurance for its Stabroek Block projects, which are certain to deliver multibillion dollar profits on an annual basis. Instead, it has placed only its subsidiary (EEPGL) on the hook if such an eventuality occurs offshore.

This is the state of affairs with its Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara Projects.

Following in its footsteps are Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited, the other two joint venture companies in the Stabroek Block.

WORLD BANK URGES In previously published articles, Kaieteur News placed the spotlight on the devastating economic, social and environmental impacts, which oil spills have had on many parts of the world. In some cases, the effects are irreversible. Considering this, international bodies have stressed on the need for countries to ensure the parent companies for subsidiaries provide “comprehensive” insurance to at least cover the costs associated with dealing with such events.

One of the many advocates on this matter is the World Bank, one of Guyana’s development partners.

According to the organisation, it is expected that oil companies take out insurance for their operations in any country.

However, the World Bank warned that operators have often sought insurance via their subsidiaries which only covers certain activities. These may include third party legal liability and control of wells, re-drill, and cleanup of sudden and accidental pollution from a well out of control. It cautioned that industry regulators must ensure that an operator’s insurance covers every possible eventuality since “for some operators, their insurance excludes blowout or subsurface pollution or below-wellhead risk.”

The World Bank highlighted that there is insurance that covers a

blowout from an oil project. It is referred to as Operators’ Extra Expense (OEE) insurance. The World Bank said that emerging oil producers such as Guyana would want to ensure that this is in place and had from parent companies especially when one considers how other nations suffered in the absence of this.

In this regard, the financial institution cited the case of the major oil spill which occurred in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill led to a loss of 53,000 barrels of oil a day for many weeks. It covered 6,500 square kilometers and involved five million barrels of oil. The source, the Deepwater Horizon field, was operated by BP under a joint operating agreement with Anadarko Petroleum and Mitsui Oil Corporation. The financial consequence of the spill was more than US$8 billion since the insurance of the operator did not cover pollution following a blowout.

TUESDAY AS TIME CLOSES IN ON GUYANA… GOVT. STILL SCRAMBLING TO PUT TOGETHER TEAM TOAUDIT US$9B PAYARA PROJECT Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat disclosed to the National Assembly on Monday that under the APNU+AFC regime, limited work was done on the audit of the US$460M pre-contract costs ExxonMobil incurred from 1999 to 2017. The Minister described the extent of the work done as “alarming” while noting that efforts are currently underway to iron out some of the questionable details uncovered with ExxonMobil.

The Minister’s response was noted as part of a series of written responses to questions posed by Opposition Member, David Patterson regarding the state of the audit which had commence in 2019 after being awarded to British firm, IHS Markit. The contract cost at that time was US$300,000.

With respect to Patterson’s query about the stage of completion of the US$460M audit, Minister Bharrat said this is still ongoing. He said, “The Government of Guyana, when we took office was alarmed at the limited work done in this regard by the previous administration and immediately commenced with international consultants and local agencies to have a number of shortcomings addressed.”

Minister Bharrat added, “Currently, the government is working to answer every questionable detail with the operator and the auditor to ensure that all expenditures are justifiable and accounted for as per the terms of the agreement.”

He further noted that the government has ensured that the cost of the auditing process is catered for in the 2021 budget which amounted to US$250,000. This would bring the overall costs for the audit of the US$460M bill to US$550,000. In light of the fact that (Continued on page 26)

PAGE 26

From page 25 the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) only allows the State a two-year timeline to conduct such audits, Patterson asked the Minister to say if ExxonMobil was approached for an extension.

Minister Bharrat did not state if ExxonMobil was contacted on that issue.

However, Bharrat sought to make it clear to the members of the House and the public by extension, that the cost recovery auditing process is a Government of Guyana undertaking.

That said, the politician shared that the administration is in the final stages of completing the first cost recovery audit which covers the period 1999 to 2017. He said this process “was left undone and found wanting by the previous administration.”

Bharrat said the government is now in the process of ensuring the second cost recovery audit process can be commended.

It is expected to cover costs incurred by ExxonMobil from 2018 to 2020 in the Stabroek Block.

SECOND COST RECOVERYAUDIT Last year, Kaieteur News had reported Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo as saying that the government was unable to select a group to carry out the audit of ExxonMobil’s post-2017 costs since “strong local content was absent in the bidding process.”

Questioned further on this matter by Patterson was Minister Bharrat. The Opposition Parliamentarian asked the Natural Resources Minister to state the full reasons why the tender evaluation process was quashed, who gave the orders for it to be cancelled, and the list of companies that submitted bids.

Minister Bharrat was keen to note that the PPP/C government did not discontinue any tender evaluation process. “In fact, the procurement process from advertisement to receipt of bids to establishing a panel of evaluators, to having a review of the evaluation process is ongoing. Please allow me to say that this government remains committed to local content development at the national level,” Minister Bharrat said.

He added, “There is little doubt that we have the requisite baseline technical accounting skills to participate in the post-2017 cost recovery audit process, however our local accounting firms are yet to gain experience in conducting a

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

petroleum cost audit exercise, especially of this magnitude.

Therefore, this government sees it apt to allow local firms to participate in the cost audit exercise alongside an international firm. This review is ongoing.”

Minister Bharrat declined to share the details on the companies being evaluated until the procurement process is properly completed.

BRAZIL, GUYANA, SURINAME SIGN MOU TO EXPLORE ENERGY CORRIDOR President, Irfaan Ali disclosed Monday that Guyana, Brazil and Suriname—countries of the Northern Cone of South America— have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of an energy corridor linking the respective states. He said this occurred during his visit to Suriname last week.

In his keynote address to over 300 participants at the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Conference 2022, the Head of State said this move is in keeping with Guyana’s wider goal of energy security.

Ali said there are many benefits to this groundbreaking initiative which is aimed at integrating the energy systems of the South American oil producing states. He said, “It would promote energy security by assuring the availability of energy to meet present and future demand. Such integration would be a boost to the confidence of foreign investors who desire guarantees of stable, reliable and affordable energy. The initiative has the potential to ensure optimal power generation and greater use of our natural resources while reducing environmental impacts.”

He noted that energy security therefore remains central to Guyana’s plans for net zero by 2050. The President stressed however that environmental sustainability is not grounded solely in energy security. In fact, Ali said there will also be greater emphasis on having a low carbon onshore economy.

In this regard, he noted that Guyana was among the first regional economies to develop a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) while reminding that it had signed a ground breaking agreement with the Kingdom of Norway in 2009 which provided a model of how the country can sustainably manage its forests and secure payments.

“Presently, we are in the process of revising and expanding this arrangement for the inclusion of environmental services, the protection of our biodiversity and water resources, the development of marine economy and the promotion of climate resilience. Our LCDS will allow us to further decarbonize onshore activities thereby further reducing carbon emissions,” the Head of State expressed.

During the launch of the draft LCDS-2030 last year, President Ali had explained that it sets out a vision for rising to the challenge. He said that the current and first draft is intended as the basis for a national consultation on how the country can redouble its efforts to build a low-carbon economy– through low-carbon energy; employment and development opportunities for all sections of society; a transformation of digital, marine and transportation infrastructure; and massive investment in adapting to the impacts of climate change.

President Ali had explained as well that the LCDS 2030 also sets out how the government can build a platform for the economy of the future – a low carbon economy – where world-class forest, biodiversity, water and marine resources are valued for the vital contribution they make to the health of the planet.

He had said, “The LCDS 2030 continues to propel Guyana on a pathway started in 2008, when we were the world’s first developing country to publish a LowCarbon Development Strategy. All Guyanese should take pride in the scale of vision we set out then and reflect on the significant progress that was made since, as outlined in this document.”

“We can now move to the next stage, which includes expansion of the work we started on creating a global model for valuing forests, in partnership with the Government of Norway from

2009.”

Ali had stated that no binding commitments will be entered into before the national consultation is complete, and the final LCDS 2030 is tabled in the National Assembly. The consultation process is expected to conclude next month.

WEDNESDAY PPP/C TIGHTENS GRIP ON OIL FUND - PASSES MOTION FOR HOUSE TO NOMINATE DIRECTORS The National Assembly on Monday evening approved a motion by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh for the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments to recommend nominees to serve on two boards governing the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).

Dr. Singh noted that a nominee from the House will sit on the Board of Directors as stipulated in Part III of the Act while another will serve on the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) in pursuant of Section VI of the new Act. Importantly, the political opposition was silent on this motion despite the fact that it had launched in-house protest characterised by a chaotic brew of chants, whistling, horn blowing and an attempt to steal the Mace when the NRF legislation was being considered on December 29, 2021.

In moving the motion, Dr. Singh reminded the House about some of the reasons why the NRF was amended.

He said these include the fact that the old 2019 NRF Act was an illegitimate Act passed by Parliament after the then APNU/AFC Government lost a No Confidence Motion; that in the old NRF Act, the Minister of Finance had exclusive and far-reaching powers; that the old Act used a complex formula to calculate how much could be withdrawn from the Fund,

leaving the general public in the dark; and that the 2019 NRF Act stipulated the establishment of a cumbersome 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) designed for deadlock.

Minister Singh also reminded the Speaker, Mr. Manzoor Nadir and the National Assembly that the People’s Progressive /Civic (PPP/C) Government had indicated once it entered office that ‘unless those fatal flaws are fixed, not a cent will be drawn from the Natural Resource Fund’. He posited that ‘where the Minister of Finance had unlimited powers, those powers have been removed by the PPP/C Government’s NRF Act. Where there was no Board of Directors in the APNU/AFC’s Act 2019, under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, there will now be a Board of Directors.

Minister Singh emphasised further that Government was clear in its intention to ensure that there was full transparency and accountability in terms of transfer of funds from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund as this would be scrutinised fully by the National Assembly during every step of the way.

In referencing the various criticisms of the new NRF Act, Minister Singh pointed out that, “In all this hullabaloo, one feature is striking—not a single soul has proffered or ventured a number (formula) to represent what would have been transferred under the APNU/AFC’s Natural Resource Fund Act.” He said that the answer was simple as it would have been ‘one man’ (the Finance Minister) who would have done so. “We have written it in the law that…nothing can be transferred from the Fund to the Consolidated Fund unless it is scrutinised by the National Assembly,” Dr. Singh reiterated. Dr. Singh also rejected criticisms about the President giving himself the power to appoint members to the Board. He said

the President has been given a mandate by the people to govern and is the best person to carry out this requirement as set out in the law.

HESS TO SPEND US$1B ON GUYANA PROJECTS IN 2022 - US$450M SET ASIDE TO DRILL MORE WELLS

Hess Corporation which holds a 30 percent stake in the Stabroek Block announced on Tuesday that its 2022 Exploration and Production budget totals US$2.6 billion.

Approximately 80% will be allocated to its major projects in Guyana and the USA. Expounding further, Hess said it plans to spend US$1B on its Guyana projects with US$25 million going towards the Liza Phase 1 development on the Stabroek Block where production optimization work is planned in the first quarter of 2022. Kaieteur News understands that US$190 million will go towards the Liza Phase 2 development, which has a capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

Production is expected in the first quarter of 2022.

Also, US$400 million has been budgeted for the Payara development with a capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day, and first production expected in 2024. It was noted that US$210 million for the Yellowtail development with a capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil per day. Hess said this project is scheduled to commence in 2025.

Furthermore, US$175 million has been set aside primarily for front end engineering and design work for future development phases on the Stabroek Block.

Hess was keen to note that US$450 million will be allocated to drilling approximately 12 exploration and appraisal wells on the Stabroek Block in Guyana, the Huron-1 well in the Green (Continued on page 27)

Sunday January 30, 2022

From page 26 Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico (Hess 40%) and the Zanderij-1 well on Block 42 in Suriname (Hess 33%). Funds are also included for seismic acquisition and processing in Guyana, Suriname and the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and for license acquisitions.

Following the announcement, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess said the majority of his company’s 2022 budget is allocated to Guyana since it is positioned to be one of the highest margins, lowest carbon intensity oil developments in the world.

As for his Chief Operating Officer Greg Hill, he said the focus in Guyana for 2022 will be on advancing high value oil developments on the Stabroek Block, which have a Brent breakeven oil price of between US$25 and US$35 per barrel, and continuing its active exploration and appraisal programme.

BILLION DOLLAR PROFITS Kaieteur News previously reported that after a mere three years of shrewd mega-investments in Guyana’s oil rich Stabroek Block, Hess Corporation is poised to join the top tier group of companies on America’s Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Index which is a stock market that monitors 500 publicly traded companies with outstanding cash flow performance.

Speaking at Goldman Sachs’ Energy Conference earlier this month, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess, said 2022 is going to mark the beginning of billion dollar profits for the Stabroek Block partner as the Liza Phase Two Project is on stream for start up in the first quarter. Once this comes into play, the revenue blowout would allow Hess to clear its debt and begin to increase profits for shareholders.

During the conference, the CEO had said, “Our strategy has been, and continues to be, to deliver high return resource growth; deliver a low cost of supply and deliver industry leading cash flow growth while keeping industry leadership in ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance). In terms of our resource growth, we do have a differentiated portfolio and we have been very disciplined in allocating capital to the best rocks for the best returns.”

Hess added, “We have been very focused on our portfolio which includes, Deep water Gulf of Mexico, the Bakken, Malaysia and Guyana and all four of those assets are free cash flow

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generative in 2022.” In terms of the low cost of supply, Hess said because of the investments that his company has been making, its cash costs are projected to decline by 25 percent to US$9 dollars per barrel of oil equivalent by 2026, while its portfolio breakeven will be one of the lowest in the business, as it will see a decreasing of US$45 per barrel Brent by 2026. “So you know, it really does position us as we go forward and ultimately focuses on cash flow,” he noted.

In terms of delivering industry leading cash flow, the Hess Boss said there are two components to be considered, the first being rate of change and the other, durability. In terms of the former, he said Hess’ cash flow for 2024 compounds at 20 percent a year, which is three times greater in comparison to its peers. He said too that cash flow is expected to compound that 25 percent by 2026. Hess said the growth in cash flow that is poised to come will actually put Hess “in the top five percent of the S&P…and I think that is underappreciated.” Once this is known, he said it is his hope that the company will begin to generate “generous investors” not just in oil and gas but outside of that industry as Hess is about to become “a cash flow growth story to behold.”

THURSDAY FIRST OIL BUDGET SET AT $552.9B… GUYANA PROJECTED AS 1 OF 3 FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES THIS YEAR With the 2022 Budget being the first to utilise monies from proceeds of the oil sector, Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh Wednesday announced that government estimates spending some $552.9 billion this year.

Singh, who presented the budget themed, ‘Steadfast Against All Challenges, Resolute in Building Our One Guyana’ was adamant “we must be cognisant of the vastness of the opportunities that beckon us as a nation, and we must have the vision and courage to convert those opportunities into a positive and lasting reality, remaining faithful always to the oneness of our country.”

Budget 2022, he said, “does precisely this.”

Prefacing his arguments before outlining measures for the year, Dr. Singh lamented not only the international developments that would

have impacted economies across the world, but the local realities including what he called the most severe flood in recent memory which decimated some sectors. To this end, he sought to explain that like all commodityexporting nations, Guyana remains particularly susceptible to global price fluctuations as evidenced by significant swings in our export earnings across some commodities in 2021.

As such, he explained, “among our main exports, rice and logs recorded an overall drop in prices.” The prices for key exports such as rice, logs and other commodities all fell on the international market.

The average world market price of rice fell by 7.8 percent year-on-year to US$458.3 per metric tonne for 2021, on account of increased supply in large producing countries.

Regarding sugar, Dr. Singh told the House, the average world price of sugar rose by 37.6 percent at the end of last year to an estimated US$0.39 per kilogramme, owing to increased demand.

With respect to precious metals, the average price of gold increased by 1.7 percent year-on-year to US$1,799.6 per troy ounce in 2021.

Similarly, there was a significant increase in aluminum prices, which grew by 45.1 percent in 2021 to US$2,472.8 per metric tonne.

With respect to crude oil, prices rose by 66.5 percent to an average of US$70.4 per barrel in 2021.

This increase, he said, “resulted from supply disruptions and the global energy crunch, the latter resulting from unprecedented growth in demand combined with dwindling supplies.”

As it relates to his projections for this year, Dr. Singh said, “in 2022, prices are expected to taper for most of our exported commodities.”

The price of rice, he said, is expected to decline further by 12.7 percent to US$400 per metric tonne and similarly, the world price of sugar is expected to contract by five

percent to US$0.37 per kilogramme.

The price of gold is also projected to fall in 2022 by 2.8 percent to US$1,750 per troy ounce, while the prices of aluminum and logs are expected to rise to US$2,700 per metric tonne and US$280 per cubic metre, respectively.

Like aluminium, the average price of crude oil is expected to increase this year, growing by five percent, owing to continued high demand to an average of US$74 per barrel in 2022.

Real Gross Domestic Product, Dr. Singh noted, is estimated to have grown by 19.9 percent, but non-oil GDP, according to him, is estimated to have grown by 4.6 percent in 2021.

To this end, he told the House “with this rate of overall growth, Guyana is likely to be amongst the three fastest growing economies worldwide in 2021.”

According to him, “the very creditable performance of the non-oil productive sector reflects the delicate and dynamic policy balance struck between aggressive containment of COVID-19 on the one hand and phased reopening of the economy on the other hand.”

Additionally, he credited his administration’s interventions “prompt and proactive flood mitigation measures which helped limit the fallout in the agriculture sector and supported the sector in resuming activity in the shortest possible time.”

“DRILL BABY, BABY DRILL!!!”

STABROEK BLOCK OPERATORS DEPLOY SIX DRILL SHIPS TO DEFINE MORE OIL WELLS - AS LATEST DISCOVERIES PROJECTED TO HOLD HALFA BILLION BARRELS OF RESOURCES Hess Corporation on Wednesday disclosed during its fourth quarter earnings call for 2021 that six drill ships

have been deployed to various parts of the Stabroek Block to define and test more oil wells.

The company said this comes on the heels of the two significant finds made earlier this year by ExxonMobil’s affiliate and operator of the block, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). The finds are so considerable that Rystad Energy, an international consultancy group, estimates that together, the two discoveries—Fangtooth and Lau Lau alone—could hold half a billion barrels of oil resources.

Kaieteur News reported that the Fangtooth-1 well encountered approximately 164 feet of high quality oil bearing sandstone reservoirs, and confirms the deeper exploration potential of the Stabroek Block. The well was drilled in 6,030 feet of water and is located approximately 11 miles northwest of the Liza Field.

With regard to the Lau Lau-1 well, it encountered approximately 315 feet of high quality hydrocarbon bearing sandstone reservoirs. The well was drilled in 4,793 feet of water and is located approximately 42 miles southeast of the Liza Field.

Following the completion of the Fangtooth-1 well, Hess said the Stena DrillMAX will begin drilling at the Tarpon prospect and following the completion of the Lau Lau-1 well, the Noble Don Taylor began drilling at the Barreleye prospect.

It was also disclosed that the Stena Carron completed drill stem tests on the Longtail-2, Whiptail-2 and Turbot-2 wells, and is currently performing a drill stem test on the Tilapia-1 well.

The Noble Sam Croft, the Noble Bob Douglas and the Noble Tom Madden are currently drilling and completing development wells at Liza Phase 2 and the Payara Field.

Additionally, Hess Corporation reported that it had a net income of US$265

million, or $0.85 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with a net loss of US$97 million, or US$0.32 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The Corporation was keen to note that its net production from the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) was 31,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with 26,000 bopd in the prior-year quarter.

On October 25, 2021, Hess recalled that the Liza Unity FPSO, with an expected capacity of 220,000 gross bopd, arrived at the Stabroek Block and startup of Phase 2 of the Liza Field development remains on track for the first quarter of 2022.

As for the third development, Payara, Hess said this will utilize the Prosperity FPSO with an expected capacity of 220,000 gross bopd while adding that first oil is expected in 2024.

This newspaper previously reported that the fourth development, Yellowtail, was submitted to the government of Guyana for approval in the fourth quarter. Pending government approval and project sanctioning, the project is expected to have a capacity of 250,000 gross bopd with first oil anticipated in 2025.

Hess reminded Wednesday that the company expects to have at least six FPSOs on the Stabroek Block in 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop the current discovered recoverable resource base.

FRIDAY HESS, EXXON HURRY TO APPRAISE LATEST MULTI-MILLION BARREL DISCOVERYAT LAU LAU WELL - EXCITED TO UNDERSTAND SCALE OF FUTURE PROFITS Earlier this month, Kaieteur News had reported that partners on the Stabroek Block—ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, and CNOOC Petroleum Limited— recorded two more major discoveries in the offshore concession. These were made at the Fangtooth and Lau Lau wells.

But given preliminary forecasts that the finds, hold approximately half a billion barrels of oil resources, the partners are now hurrying to conduct appraisal work so as to have a better understanding of the scale of profits they stand to make in the future.

Elaborating on this front during its recent fourth quarter (Continued on page 28)

PAGE 28

From page 27 earnings call for 2021 was Hess Corporation. Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess said, “…With these discoveries, the gross discovered recoverable resource estimate for the block is now more than 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent – and we continue to see multibillion barrels of future exploration potential remaining.”

He added, “Positive results at Fangtooth, our first standalone deep exploration prospect, confirm the deeper exploration potential of the block. Both discoveries further underpin our queue of future low cost development opportunities.”

In the coming months, Chief Operating Officer for Hess, Greg Hill said the partners will complete the analysis of the exploration well results. He said too that appraisal activities will then be conducted to determine the optimal development approach and timing.

Like his boss, Hill said, “Lau Lau further underpins our queue of future low-cost development opportunities in the southeastern portion of the Stabroek Block. This discovery will also require appraisal to determine the ultimate development approach and timing.”

Given that the partners continue to see multi billion barrels of exploration potential on the Stabroek Block, Hill said no time will be wasted to launch an aggressive drilling programme in 2022.

Hill said the partners plan to drill approximately 12 exploration and appraisal wells that will target a variety of prospects and play types.

He said these will include lower risk wells near existing discoveries, higher risk step outs and several penetrations that will test deeper Lower Campanian and Santonian intervals.

The Chief Operating Officer said exploration wells planned for the first quarter of 2022 include: Barreleye-1, located approximately 20 miles southeast of Liza. The primary target is lower Campanian with shallow and deeper secondary targets.

The well was spud on December 30, 2021.

Next in line he said is Tarpon-1, located approximately 63 miles northwest of Liza, which will target lower Campanian clastics, plus a deeper Jurassic carbonate. The well will be drilled following completion of Fangtooth operations.

He noted that Patwa-1, also in the queue, is near the Turbot area discoveries in the

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Kaieteur News

block. He said this well is approximately 3 miles northwest of the Cataback-1 discovery, with targets in upper Cretaceous clastic reservoirs. The well is anticipated to spud in March.

Kaieteur News understands that Lukanani-1 which is in the southeastern part of the Stabroek Block, located approximately 2 miles west of Pluma is also on the list. It is anticipated to spud in March. The primary target is Maastrichtian age clastic reservoirs, with secondary objectives in lower Campanian reservoirs.

With respect to the appraisal programme in 2022, Hess said this will be focused on delineating future developments. Hill said first quarter appraisal activities will include the Tilapia-2 appraisal well, located approximately 24 miles southeast of Liza-1. The well will appraise the February 2019 Tilapia-1 discovery in the Turbot area and is anticipated to spud in March.

In addition, Hill said, “We plan to conduct drill stem tests at Tilapia-1 and Pinktail1.”

Turning to development activities, he said this year will include drilling for both the Liza Phase 2 and Payara projects.

Hill said initial development drilling activities will also begin for the Yellowtail project following approval of the Field Development Plan by the government. He recalled that the Field Development Plan and Environmental Impact Assessment for Yellowtail have been submitted for government and regulatory review while adding, “The government is supportive of the project and startup remains on track for 2025. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Guyana and our partners to realize the extraordinary potential of this world class project.”

He was keen to note as well that a planned turnaround will be conducted in March on the Liza Destiny FPSO while adding that work activities will include production optimization work, designed to increase the vessel’s production capacity.

At Liza Phase 2, the Chief Operating Officer said the Liza Unity FPSO vessel is undergoing final hookup and commissioning after arriving in Guyanese waters in October 2021. Kaieteur News understands that the Liza Unity is on track to start production in the first quarter of 2022 with a capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

With regard to Payara, Hill said the overall project is 66

percent complete. He noted that the hull for the Prosperity FPSO vessel is complete, and topside construction activities are ongoing in Singapore for planned production start-up in 2024.

GOVT. TALKS UP INSURANCE IN BUDGET, BUT IGNORES COVERAGE FOR ‘OIL SPILL’ The importance of insurance for families and households was passionately touted during the reading of this year’s budget, but there was no mention of an effort to secure insurance for the oil operations in the Stabroek Block.

Addressing the National Assembly during his third Budget presentation since taking office, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, in announcing as part of measures of relief for Guyanese, noted that as more citizens “enter the world of work and start earning an income, and as their disposable incomes increase, they become better able to make provision for unforeseen adverse circumstances, such as by taking out life and medical insurance.”

According to the minister, “we would like to encourage as many of them to do so, since it enables individuals and their loved ones to better cope with these adverse circumstances when they occur.” To this end, he said government is proposing to allow taxpayers a deduction from their chargeable income for premiums paid for life and medical insurance up to a maximum of 10 percent of their income or $30,000 monthly whichever is lower.

This deduction, he said, will reduce the amount of taxable income and ultimately the tax payable by the Taxpayer, while at the same time secure assurance and assuage the concerns of

many citizens on their long term health care needs and the needs of their family in the unfortunate circumstance of their demise.

This measure is projected to cost approximately $1.1 billion, according to Dr Singh.

His presentation which included reference to the oil and gas sector on numerous occasion was deafeningly silent on insurance being demanded from the parent companies of the oil companies operating in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

These include ExxonMobil the parent company for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess Corporation the parent company for Hess Corporation Guyana and China National Offshore Oil Company’s local subsidiary.

In November last Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed to members of the media that efforts are afoot to secure up to US$2B from ExxonMobil to cover any damage that may result from the US$9B Yellowtail Project, the fourth to be developed in the prolific Stabroek Block.

The government’s pursuit of this US$2B commitment comes on the heels of years of criticisms from Kaieteur News and other industry stakeholders regarding the absence of any formal guarantee from ExxonMobil that it would cover in full, the shortfall of costs associated with an unmitigated spill which are not covered by of the subsidiaries.

From the commencement of oil production in December 2019 to the end of 2021, there were 69, one million barrel lifts of oil exported from Guyana, of which 9 were for Government.

With the arrival of the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel, it is expected that with two vessels in operation this year, it is anticipated that

there will be 94 million barrels of oil produced in the block this year from the Stabroek Block.

SATURDAY GAS-TO-SHORE PROJECT TO NOW COST IN EXCESS OF US$1.3B GOVT. PLEDGES US$520M FOR POWER PLANT - BUDGET 2022 Although the gas-toshore project was first touted as a US$900M project inclusive of a gas pipeline, a gas fired power plant and related processing facilities, Budget 2022 has confirmed this to be untrue and has in fact now confirmed a new price tag in excess of US$1.3B. This is since the Guyana Government has committed to provide some $520M in total, towards the gas fired power plant.

Minister with responsibility for Finance within the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, in his Budget 2022 presentation on Wednesday confirmed that government has already allocated in excess of US$20M towards the project.

A perusal of the project profile for the capital allocation that falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, points out that the government has in fact pegged the total cost for the power plant and other facilities at some US$520M, of which US$20M has been allocated for use this year.

With ExxonMobil spending in excess of US$800M to conduct surveys and other ancillary works for the project, including the laying of the pipeline, it would mean that the total cost of the project is now pegged in excess of $1.3B. Former Minister with responsibility for the project under the ousted coalition administration David Patterson, had last year

condemned the mounting project costs as ‘money for the boys.’

Last November, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo hinted at an increased total cost of the project.

According to the Vice President at the time, when factoring in prevailing global conditions, the prices for key commodities needed for the project have increased. He specifically pointed to the fact that the price of steel, for example, has been escalating on the world market.

Conceding, “…it’s a bad time to bid anything,” Dr. Jagdeo was adamant, however, “we can’t slow down the development” and that “we have to proceed,” with the Gas-to-Shore initiative.

Dr. Singh during his Budget presentation on Wednesday said, “the current estimate of the gas reserve is 16 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) with projections from Liza 1 and 2 likely at 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), and Payara will bring an additional 20 mmscfd. This augurs extremely well for the Gas-toEnergy Project.”

He told Members of Parliament (MP), “following a public expression of interest in September 2021, Government issued an advertisement for the prequalification of firms interested in the transformational Gas-toEnergy project, recognising the potential of natural gas as a transition fuel.”

The project, he said, will allow the country to phase out the use of expensive and carbon-intensive heavy fuel oil and is targeted to reduce costs substantially below the current levels. According to Dr. Singh, the project encompasses the establishment of a power plant to generate 300MW of power as well as a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant that will (Continued on page 29)

Sunday January 30, 2022

From page 28 cover domestic demand. The project also entails the construction of a 225 km 12" pipeline to transport the guaranteed minimum of 50 mmscfd of natural gas from offshore Guyana to the Wales Development Zone.

According to Dr. Singh, “ongoing geotechnical and geophysical works for both offshore and onshore operations are advancing with portions already completed.”

He said that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is expected to be completed by early second quarter of 2022.

To this end, he said, it is expected that the firm selected would be able to engineer, procure and construct the Power Plant and NGL Plant along with related facilities.

Construction is expected to start in the third quarter of 2022 and will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024, he said.

LIZA UNITYALONE WAS 37% OF GUYANA’S IMPORT BILL LAST YEAR

Guyana, on its financial books last year, has its total import payments growing over the previous year by 90.8 percent which translates to US$4.8 B, according to Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Kaieteur News

Notably however, this was primarily attributed to the arrival of Guyana’s second Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO), Liza Unity, which accounted for US$1.7B or 38.6 percent of total imports for 2021.

As it relates to the export end, Dr. Singh reported that at the end of 2021, total export earnings amounted to US$4,352 million, 68 percent higher than the US$2,590 million earned in 2020. Again, this “was mainly driven by oil exports growing by 179.6 percent” to some US$3B. Non-oil export earnings for last year, according to Dr. Singh, amounted to just about US$1.4B. Updating the House on the operations in the Stabroek Block regarding the FPSOs, Dr. Singh noted that ongoing exploration activities have continued to yield positive results, with 28 commercially viable oil discoveries to date in the Stabroek Block and an estimated recoverable resource of over 10 billion oilequivalent barrels, a mere six years after first discovery.”

The Stabroek Block, he said, currently has three identified production areas Liza 1, Liza 2, and Payara.

Production capacity is currently 120,000 bpd with the Liza Destiny FPSO in operation.

The coming into operation of the Liza Unity

FPSO early in 2022, he said, will raise capacity to 340,000 bpd, and the deployment of the Liza Prosperity FPSO in 2024 will further raise capacity to 560,000 bpd.

According to Dr. Singh, with the anticipated fourth production area, Yellowtail, estimates are poised to reach 810,000 bpd by 2026/27 and additional developments under consideration could see us reaching six FPSOs producing one million bpd by 2030. He told the House that as it relates to this year, real Gross Domestic Product is projected to grow by 47.5 percent, a rate of growth which no other country in the world is currently projected to achieve in 2022.

This, he said, reflects the coming into operation of the second FPSO vessel, the Liza Unity, which will significantly ramp up oil production.

The non-oil economy is expected to register growth, currently projected at 7.7 percent this year, driven mainly by rebounds in rice growing and gold mining, and continued expansion in construction activity and wholesale and retail trade and repairs.

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>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<

Drop in new pandemic infections, ‘iMatter’ App in GBV fight, American port security move and fishermen first casualties of oil fallout

I

t was encouraging, a tremendous relief, to learn last week that new COVID19 infections were down to under 200 and slightly above 400.

Compared to what we have had for several prior weeks, it is a far cry from the alarms of 800, 900 and near 1200.

Though Guyanese are still being infected at an unacceptable rate, I grab this viral lifeline, and pray that it will persist in the weeks ahead, if only to give assurance that the worst is past. We could use the breather, the longest one possible.

Now, I urge my fellow citizens to do what is right, and what is safe, for all. Get vaccinated, don’t delay, don’t endanger self and others.

Don’t add to the numbers, and become a statistic.

From the Hon. Minister of

Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, came the encouraging news that the ‘iMatter’ App, which is aimed at combating Gender based Violence (GBV) can be downloaded from both the Google Play store and Apple store.

The ‘iMatter App’ literally puts help at the fingertips of GBV victims with the insertion of a panic button and through a 914 call.

Lives could be saved, the traumatising arrested before abuse and partner violence spiral out of control.

It is yet another constructive step by Minister Persaud and her team to fight this societal scourge and national embarrassment of GBV; domestic partners, mainly women, and children in the home, should be encouraged. I am.

The United States is going to give us a hand with port security and container control. This is encouraging because I think it is needed for a long time, regarding what comes in here, what is transshipped through here from foreign sources, and what leaves here and originates locally. We have had a swift and startling return to huge cocaine shipments from Guyana in recent months that were intercepted overseas, and which points to powerful criminal and vast corruptions firmly in place in this country.

This makes sense for the U.S. to be involved in, for the damaging, and sometimes lethal, products that leave here negatively impact American society and the American way of life, including its financial underpinnings. Some of the areas of weakness needed to be identified and tightened, and as such this A m e r i c a n partnership with Guyana is most encouraging.

It would be still more encouraging for the United States to manifest the

same spirit and determination to aid us in getting a better deal with one of its very own. That would be its omnipotent corporate oil leader, Exxon. When America’s interests are threatened, its people move with energy and insight to make things right, as in this timely port security and container control move. I would be encouraged to see the same with high-ranking American officials smartly moving on Exxon to influence it to give us Guyanese a better deal, a fairer one, in the best American tradition.

I saved the disturbing for last.

Our fisherfolk are feeling the pain of our arrival as an oil producing nation, and of Guyana being the destination for an armada of vessels offshore that together wreak havoc with their livelihood.

First, their catch has been noticeably and hurtfully depleted, with answers from those in power conspicuously missing; or when they do come, they neither comfort nor provide relief.

Their dangerous and exhausting occupation, an honest one, is under attack, and they are on their own. They are being ordered away and chased out from their

By GHK Lall longstanding fishing grounds by stalking and menacing outsiders associated with the oil business.

These foreigners are the new pirates encountered by Guyanese fishermen plying their trade on the high seas, our seas. This is most disturbing, and it would have been encouraging to hear or read that Guyana’s leaders are saying something about their plight, and doing something of substance about it.

But that is not to be expected, as Exxon has neutered them and rendered them impotent, unable and unwilling to stand for suffering fishermen. They are the first casualties of Guyana’s oil wealth.

There will be more.

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

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

Welcomed decline in COVID-19 cases seen during past week - 38 deaths recorded between Jan. 22 and 28 If you hadn’t noticed, the worrying spread of COVID19 during the past week noticeably declined giving hope to many that we may just be closer to seeing the back of the dreaded pandemic.

Though less than the week prior, deaths due to COVID-19 complications during the past week, continued to be of major concern.

The previous week scrutinised by this publication ended with 892 new cases and 1,122 deaths.

At the start of the sevenday period (January 22) currently under scrutiny, the number of cases was 957 with deaths increasing to 1,130, an increase of deaths.

Among the eight additional deaths recorded are five men – two, ages 65 (fully vaccinated) and 79 (unknown status) from Demerara-Mahaica (Region 4), and another two, ages 60 (fully vaccinated) and 51 (unvaccinated) from Essequibo Islands – West Demerara (Region 3), who died on January 21, and a 48year-old (partially vaccinated) also from Region 4 who died on January 22.

The deaths of three unvaccinated women were also recorded – a 74-yearold from Region 4 who died on January 20, a 67-year-old from Region 3 and a 28year-old from Barima-Waini (Region 1), both of whom died on January 22.

By the following day, January 23, new cases had dipped to 642 with four additional deaths – two men and two women – bringing the national death toll to 1,134.

The deaths were that of three Region 3 residents – a fully vaccinated 46-year-old woman on January 20, a fully vaccinated 68-year-old man on January 21 and a 67year-old man whose vaccination status is unknown. Another death was recorded of an unvaccinated 88-year-old woman from Upper Demerara – Berbice (Region 10) on January 23.

On January 24, new infections dipped to its lowest reflected by the 173 new cases the Ministry recorded on its dashboard

that day, along with an additional four deaths.

Bringing the total deaths to 1,138 were three women and a man over a three-day period. On January 22 a 63year-old woman from Region 3, whose vaccination status is not known, passed away. The following day, J a n u a r y 2 3 , a n unvaccinated, 57-year-old woman from Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo (Region 9) also died, as did another unvaccinated woman, 52, from Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7).

On January 24, a 32year-old man from Region 4, whose vaccination status is not known, was added to the COVID-19 fatalities.

The new infections on January 25 climbed to 372 with deaths skyrocketing to 1,148. The deaths were those of six women and four men who died during a fiveday period.

According to Health Ministry on January 21, a fully vaccinated 80-year-old woman from Region 3 passed away. On January 22, a 73-year-old woman from Pomeroon-Supenaam (unknown status) passed away as well while the following day, January 23, three men were also listed among the dead – a partially vaccinated 48-year-old and an unvaccinated 65-yearold, both from East BerbiceCorentyne (Region 6) and a 64-year-old, whose vaccination status is unknown from Region 4.

January 24 saw the demise of three women – an unvaccinated 62-year-old from Region 7, a 76-yearold and 95-year-old, both from Region 4 with unknown vaccination status - and a 62-year-old fully vaccinated man from Mahaica-Berbice (Region 5). On January 25, the death of an unvaccinated 67-yearold woman from Region 4 was recorded.

New cases mounted to 424 on January 26 even as the death toll increased to 1,154.

The six new cases were that of four women and two men. On January 22 the death of a fully vaccinated, 42-year-old woman from Region 1 was recorded then, on January 25 three more Continued on page 56

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 30, 2022

Carmichael Street sisters are first in family to achieve UG education

T

owanna CrandonPrimo, 28, and Kaleda Crandon, 26, of Carmichael Street, Georgetown (where they grew up) are sisters. They are the first in their family to have acquired an education from the nation’s premier tertiary education, the University of Guyana.

For the siblings, they are on a mission to excel in their career paths. They explained that they are fully cognisant of the fact that in order to do so, they would need to equip themselves with the skills needed to be the best at what they do. They bravely took o n t h e ch a llen g e an d enrolled at the University of Guyana, a few years ago.

They have now completed that journey and in a matter of days will be “walking” the virtual graduation stage when the University hosts its upcoming series of virtual ceremonies beginning February 4.

To w a n n a C r a n d o n Primo, who currently serves as an immigration officer, will be graduating from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) with a Diploma in Public Management, while her younger sister Kaleda Crandon will be graduating with a Degree in Marketing.

According to Towanna,

one of her biggest challenges was readjusting to studying as she took some time after completing high school to commence her university studies, “My biggest challenge was getting back into study mode after nine years. I had to get accustomed to studying and attending classes. I also had to cope with the online learning when it first started because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But overall, my journey was a little bit of fun mixed with a lot of sleepless nights, however, I will not lie, it was worth it in the end.”

She added, “I started a schedule for studying; this helped me to keep track of what I needed to do for my different courses. I got accustomed to online classes and it would actually be my first choice now if I had to choose between that and face-to-face learning.”

The proud graduand expressed sincere thanks to her immediate family, especially her husband. “My main motivation was the support from my husband and my job as an immigration officer. I wanted to push myself academically to learn new things, my husband was also by my side giving me the extra push I needed,” she

Towanna Crandon-Primo (left) and Kaleda Crandon reflected.

In giving words of wisdom to the younger generation, Towanna urged, “It will be challenging but keep pushing and do not give up, it will be worth it in the long run and you will graduate feeling proud of yourself because it is not an easy road.”

Meanwhile, Towanna’s

sibling, Kaleda Crandon, who will be graduating with a Degree in Marketing, noted that her parents motivated her to further her education.

“My parents never had the opportunity to complete secondary school and further their education, so this was one of my major motivations,” she highlighted.

When asked how UG has shaped her life, Kaleda smiled while replying, “Here I am after four years of vigorous studies with a Degree in Marketing. The University has changed my

way of thinking and helped me to become a better critical thinker.”

One of Kaleda’s biggest challenges was completing her studies and balancing a fulltime job. “It was challenging having to work and attend the University of Guyana because having to focus on projects at work and staying up late to catch up on studies and assignments was a challenge for me,” the proud graduand explained.

In offering words of advice to other students, Kaleda urged, “Do not underestimate the study

materials. Always try to keep ahead of your studies.”

A record number of attendees are expected this year since due to the online nature of the event, there will be no limit to the number of invitees who can join the proceedings.

Members of the public are invited to view this year’s ceremonies on the University of Guyana’s F a c e b o o k p a g e @uniofguyana.

The graduation dates are as follows: Friday, February 4, 2022 • Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry •Faculty of Engineering and Technology • S c h o o l o f Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation Saturday, February 5, 2022 • College of Medical Sciences • Behavioural Sciences & Research • Faculty of Natural Sciences Friday, February 11, 2022 • Faculty of Social Sciences Saturday, February 12, 2022 • Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences • Faculty of Education and Humanities • Institute of Distance and Continuing Education – Degree and Diploma Programmes Only (A University of Guyana feature)

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

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ExxonMobil’s flaring is an environmental abuse to Guyana - latest lawsuit exposes its failure to manage climate issues While ExxonMobil has fed Guyana a series of promises such as new cash, well managed operations and good environmental stewardship, citizens are now seeing just how little value those words really had.

A c c o r d i n g t o To m Sanzillo, Director of Financial Analysis at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Guyana is seeing gross pollution of its airspace with the flaring (burning of gas that releases over 250 toxic chemicals) that continues aboard the Liza Destiny vessel in the Stabroek Block.

As a result of the flaring which Exxon has promised on numerous occasions to fix since 2020, Sanzillo recalled th at th r ee co u r ag eo u s women recently filed a lawsuit to put an end to this egregious act once and for all.

The litigants to the case are Sinkka Henry, Sherlina Nageer and Andriska Thorington. Their case was filed through their attorneysat-law Melinda Janki and Ronald Burch-Smith.

As previously reported by this news agency, their case notes that Esso

“The flaring is an environmental abuse of Guyana, as well as another financial burden that the country can ill-afford. ExxonMobil Chief Executive Officer Darren Woods makes 2,000 times the average salary of a worker in Guyana. His latest total compensation amounted to $15.6 million, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings, yet his company pays no taxes and disobeys environmental laws.”

ExxonMobil CEO, Darren Woods Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, an offshore company wholly owned by ExxonMobil, has been flaring associated gas almost continuously since it began production in December 2019, despite undertaking to reinject the associated gas, not flare it. Court documents on the matter also state that in May 2021, after ExxonMobil had flared billions of cubic feet of associated gas, the Environmental Protection Agency purported to modify Essos environmental permit for the Liza Phase One Project to allow it to flare gas under certain circumstances in exchange for a US$45 fee

per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The litigants are contending that the agencys decision to modify Essos environmental permit to allow flaring was irrational and unlawful and that it should be quashed by the court.

They also argue that the agency breached the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05 by purporting to allow Esso to flare in return for paying a fee. The litigants have asked for orders directing the agency to provide reports on the amount of gas flared, and the toxins released.

They are also asking for an independent and expert investigation into Essos

compliance with manufacturers standards for operating its gas compressor.

Noting the foregoing, Sanzillo reminded that ExxonMobil already has paid at least $4.5 million in fines to Guyana for flaring gas from its offshore operations. He said too, “The flaring is an environmental abuse of Guyana, as well as another financial burden that the country can ill-afford” while adding that, “ExxonMobil Chief Executive Officer Darren

International Financial Analyst, Tom Sanzillo Woods makes 2,000 times the average salary of a worker in Guyana. His latest total compensation amounted to $15.6 million, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings, yet his company pays no taxes and disobeys environmental laws.”

Lately, Sanzillo said ExxonMobil has made sweeping announcements about how it plans to curb global emissions, including

a pledge of zero flaring by the end of 2022.

The Financial Analyst also said that the company is chattering in terms of billions being spent, regions benefiting from new investment and tons of carbon caught, trapped, captured and stored. “Yet since it began producing oil in December 2019, it has not gotten that one projecta goto, highly visible, top priorityright.”

What is peculiar about ExxonMobils growing number of managerial problems, Sanzillo asserted, is that they are winding up in court or being criticised by the companys shareholders.

“For example, a group of ExxonMobil shareholders is suing the company, alleging it mismanaged 4 billion barrels of oil reserves in Canada. Another set of shareholders have the company in court over millions more barrels in the Continued on page 48

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Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

Education Ministry aiming to...

Minister Priya Manickchand handing over the complete series to Headteachers of the Sophia, Redeemer and Bel Air Primary Schools.

From page 18 Education Specialist at the World Bank, Ms. Ingrid Bjerke, said that 53 percent of children in the developing world either cannot read or understand a story by the age of 10.

She said that following the school closures due to the pandemic, this figure could rise to 70 percent.

She said that one of the key elements to developing literacy skills is access to books and reading material. She said that the Atlantic Reader series is an important tool in improving literacy in Guyana.

The contributing authors of the Atlantic Reader series are: Ms. Liza Ryce, Ms. Rekha Mohabir, Ms. Samantha Williams, Ms. Verina Layne-Woolford, Ms. Collete Horatio, Ms. Corrine Osborne, Ms. Sandra Persaud, Ms. Barbara Richards, Ms. Deborah Hutson, Ms. Stembiso Grant, Ms. Timeka Lewis and the late Ms. Nicole Agard. (Ministry of Education feature)

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Lessons from a Lashpreneur!!!

Let’s talk “Guylashes”

By Latoya Zephyr Everyone has eyelashes and great looking lashes change your face for the better, regardless of your gender.

We’ve had our fair share in the amount of male clients visiting us at Lift and lashes and it’s not hard to see why – eyelash extensions frame the face and define your eyes.

Celebrities such as Russell Brand and Johnny Depp have been advocates for male grooming for decades and now “guylashes” are the next rising trend. If you’re new to guylashes, keep reading for our top tips.

Work with your natural lashes Great eyelash extensions work with your natural lashes, not against them.

During your consultation with our Lash Tech, we will take you through the different styles and trends of lash extensions.

Together, you’ll pick a style that’s most suitable to both your eye shape and your face shape.

Pick a style that works with your grooming routine If you wear foundation or makeup regularly, you can go for a more dramatic set.

However, if you don’t wear much makeup day-today, you may want to opt for a natural classic set of lashes so they blend in with your natural lashes and frame your face. Ensure you follow the aftercare instructions Once your extensions are applied, it’s important you take proper care of them.

Every new client at Lift and lashes receives an aftercare card with instructions on how to take care of the lash extensions.

Ensure you avoid water or steam for 48 hours after the application and then follow a proper cleansing routine with a water-based cleanser.

Always make sure u visit a professional.

At Lift and lashes we only

ever apply one extension per natural lash so there are always an identical number of lashes on both eyes.

We use the best quality glue and most premium lash

extensions available to ensure you achieve a look you love. Our Lash tech have thousands of hours of lashing experience so you can rest assured you’re in the best place.

After it was held behind closed doors in front of a virtual audience last year, WWE Royal Rumble will be back in front of fans for 2022. In fact, Royal Rumble will take place from The

Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis on Saturday, January 29, 2022, marking the largest venue to host the event in its illustrious 30+ year history. Royal Rumble will be live streamed by Enetworks. The

event will be headlined by both 30-Man and a 30Woman Royal Rumble Matches, with the winners of both receiving a Championship match opportunity at WrestleMania in Dallas.

Latoya Zephyr, Entrepreneur & Columnist

Enetworks to air WWE Royal Rumble on Jan. 29

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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==CONSUMER CONCERNS==

By Pat Dial

E

very society, to a lesser or greater degree, is preyed upon by scammers, often termed 'con-men' or 'confidence tricksters'. Such scammers rob their victims not by open violence as "choke and robbers" do but by subtle and ingenious ways which mesmerise the victims and even the police and other law enforcers find difficult to uncover. Such scams range from stealing public funds to various schemes whereby

Sunday January 30, 2022

Oil economy is magnet for all types of scammers determined to prey on Guyanese prospective victims are offered large amounts of wealth by merely "making an investment", that is, paying a small percentage of it to the s c a m m e r.

A small percentage of a very large sum is often equivalent to a victim's life's savings.

Scammers tend to operate on the international stage and are particularly attracted to small developing countries, which for one reason or another are becoming rich as for example the oil-wealthy Gulf States. Since Guyana has recently become an oil

state and promises to grow wealthier and wealthier with each passing year and with a population that is perceived as innocent and trusting, it has become an attraction to scammers who have begun to gradually flock here.

In this offering we will bring to our readers' three types of scams which have become common in Guyana.

The first one is done by letter of various kinds promising large sums of money if the victim sends some money in advance. The second type is ponzi schemes of various

kinds and the third is the offer of the solution of all personal problems and the acquisition of wealth galore by the victims of "spiritualists" who collect handsome fees and who sometimes establish a hypnotic hold on their clients.

Examples of the first type of scam: Letters would arrive from all parts of the world ranging from Germany to Australia offering "shares" in the tickets of the world's richest lotteries such as the ElGordo of Spain or the Irish Sweepstakes. These letters

are cleverly written and give the impression that winning millions of dollars is within the easy grasp of the victim who is termed a subscriber.

Even letters of congratulations are received.

The victim then sends off his/her money and in due course receives a letter saying how closely the victim came to winning the fortune.

He/she is encouraged to keep on playing but will never win since the scammer would have embezzled the "subscription".

Another type of letter scam originates in Nigeria. A very well written letter comes telling the victim that the scammer works in a Government department and has been able to get his hands on millions of dollars and if the victim would permit him to send it to the victim's overseas account for safekeeping, he would give a 60 percent commission. The victim would have to send him all the details of his account which the scammer would then plunder. Other (Continued on page 56)

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

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NEW NATIONAL STANDARD ADDRESSES =GNBS IN FOCUS= SALE OF USED MOTOR VEHICLES Most of the vehicles on our roadways today were imported into Guyana as used motor vehicles. There are also instances where individuals purchase what is commonly referred to as 'secondhand' motor vehicles which were used by someone else right here in Guyana.

There are many cases where complaints have arisen during sale transactions, creating the need for a National Standard to regularise the motor vehicle industry to benefit used motor vehicle suppliers and buyers.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) recently developed the new National Standard – Requirements for Sale of

used motor vehicles (GYS 583:2021) to provide detailed requirements for the sale of motor vehicles. In developing the Standard, assistance was derived from the CARICOM Model Consumer Protection Bill 2016, and the CARICOM Model Consumer Standard (Used Motor Vehicles) Regulations - 2017.

The new Standard defines a Used Motor vehicle, as “… one that has, at any time before being offered or displayed for sale been registered in Guyana or another country.” Included in the definition are those motor vehicles, which have been used for the purpose of demonstration in connection with the sale of another motor

vehicle.

I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e Technical Committee – Consumer Products that developed the Standard comprised of representation from key stakeholder organisations, which formulated the requirements.

These organisations include the Guyana Road Safety Council, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Auto Dealers Association.

The scope of the Standard applies to three aspects. First, it applies to used motor vehicles that are offered or displayed for sale by a s u p p l i e r, w h e t h e r t h e supplier is acting as an agent

to another person or through a motor vehicle trader or dealer. Second, it applies to a supplier who is a party to, or acts as an agent for a party to, a contract for the sale of a used motor vehicle to which the Standard applies. Lastly, it covers the consumer information notice that should be provided by the supplier, which discloses information about a motor vehicle.

The Standard requires that information be readily provided to the consumer.

Accordingly, used vehicles shall have a Consumer Information Notice that relates to that motor vehicle which is prominently positioned, firmly attached and clearly visible from the

exterior of the vehicle. The Standard also provides requirements for the format of the Consumer information Notice including the size of the notice, material, legibility of the written information and the positioning of supplier logo or trademark.

The requirements are also applicable to motor vehicle sold via the internet and stipulates how information should be displayed in this medium. Information on used vehicles offered for sale should include the actual distance the vehicle has travelled, the radio receiver capability, valid identification number or chassis number, and the year of the vehicle. Other pertinent information

includes engine capacity, warranty and fuel type.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, u s e d vehicle suppliers shall provide to their customers, their names, address, contact n u m b e r, T I N n u m b e r, registration number or unique identifier given to them when they registered.

Suppliers may voluntarily choose to provide any other information to the customer such as email address.

The final section of the used motor vehicle Standard stipulates requirements for post-sale. This includes the provision of agreements of sale, which shall contain spaces for both the consumer and supplier to sign and date the agreement. The supplier (Continued on page 41)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

NEW NATIONAL STANDARD...

From page 39 is required to provide a signed copy of the agreement to the consumer. Other post sale details that the Standard requires the supplier to indicate to the customer are the certificate of fitness, warranty, vehicle licence expiry date, whether the vehicle is currently registered and the registration plate number.

The GNBS encourages suppliers of used motor vehicles to acquire a copy of

the National Standard by c o n t a c t i n g i t s Standardisation Department.

The Standard offers guidance to ensure that information and documentation provided

during sale transactions satisfy and protect both parties.For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627.

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Kaieteur News

Tails of Hope MEDEXES - ACCORD...

Sunday January 30, 2022

Sunday January 30, 2022

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Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Junior page

HANGING FLOWER

BY LAURA GUMMERMAN HEART DIY

Controlling Anger

There was once a young boy who had problem controlling his temper. When he became angry, he would just say anything that came to his mind and hurt people. So his father gave him a bag of nails and a hammer and said, “Every time you get angry, hammer one nail into the fence in our backyard”.

The first few days the boy hammered so many nails that he emptied half the bag. Over

the weeks, the number of nails he hammered to the fence reduced and gradually, his temper was much in control. Then came a day when he didn't lose his temper at all. His father asked him to remove one nail each day that he manages not to lose his temper.

Finally, on the day the child was removing the last nail, his father says, “You have done well, boy. But do

Dave

you see the holes in the wall?

The fence is never going to be the same, even after repainting. Likewise, when you say mean things in anger, you will leave a scar in the person's mind, as the nails did to the fence”.

Moral Anger is a dangerous weapon like a knife. When you put a knife in a man and draw it out, the wound heals but the scar remains.

FUN WITH POETRY

This a story about troublesome Dave, A boy who just loved to misbehave; He hid books at school to make others mad, Pulled girls' hair and made them sad; Dave tormented dogs to hear them howl, He didn't even spare the neighbours' fowl; He harassed cats by pulling their tails, The naughty boy delighted to hear their wails; Dave pelted cows with sticks and stones, And hit donkeys till he heard their groans; Animals were safe only when he was asleep, The twelve-year-old even hassled quiet sheep.

Then one day Dave met old Billy, A bad-tempered goat as wicked as he; The boy struck Billy with a stick on his side, The goat became angry and really wild; The bearded animal moved fast as a hare, It butted the troublesome boy right in the rear; Dave fell down but was quickly on this feet, And Billy struck again right on his seat; Mr. Misbehave then knew it was time to run, With Billy in pursuit, and having real fun.

Dave jumped a fence, looking for safety, But a Doberman sent him back hastily; He finally found refuge in an orange tree, But he had to bear the ants till Billy grew hungry; This episode served to change our hero much, But the sight of a goat now sends him off with a rush.

by Wendell George

First you'll want to trace your heart onto your styrofoam. If you don't feel confident to do this freehand, you can always sketch it out on a large piece of craft paper first and then trace it onto the styrofoam.

You can see that in order to fit the size of heart I wanted, I had to cut off a corner of

one piece and glue it onto the bottom to fit the tail of the heart. Use your hot glue gun to attach the pieces of styrofoam together to make one solid shape.

Next, use a serrated bread knife, electric turkey carver, or a jig saw to cut out your shape from the styrofoam. If you go the bread knife route, you may want to wait to glue the

Slitherlink Puzzle

In a Slitherlink Puzzle, you connect horizontally or vertically adjacent dots to form a meandering path that forms a single loop, without crossing itself, or branching. The numbers indicate how many lines surround each cell. Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of lines (from 0 to 3).

There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing. You may find it helpful to make small x's between dots that cannot be connected.

pieces together until after you cut them since it's a little rougher on the material.

When your heart is cut out, pull or cut your flowers off of the stems and use the hot glue to attach the flowers directly onto the heart.

Notice how your faux flower i s a s s e m b l e d though—sometimes they will fall apart if you cut them off the stem in the wrong area. Since I got three colors of pink for a gradient effect, I filled the lightest flowers in on the top third first, then filled in the bottom third with the darkest, and then completed the middle section last.

You can also cover the sides with flowers if you want to, but you'll want to buy smaller varieties in the

same color so they don't stick way over the sides and make your shape definition a little mushy.

I made an arrow and arrow tail out of balsa wood, and then cut pieces of glitter paper the same size and hot glued them all together.

To hang the heart, I glued a cup hook into the top of each of the heart “humps” and stuck 2 command hooks onto the ceiling where I wanted the heart to hang (about the same distance apart that the cup hooks are).

Then I tied the heart to the hooks with fishing wire for an “invisible” look.

Once the heart was hanging, I stuck each half of the arrow in opposite ends of the heart, and my work was done!

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

TEEN TIME

The efforts you make towards Self-improvement will reward you multiple times The next steps in this endeavour to become the best you can be have to do with your mental well-being. Take the time to deal with each one in a purposeful manner, and you will get the most benefit from it.

11. Smile at strangers, be polite to everyone, respect your elders and generally develop a cheerful disposition. You can never tell when someone you meet on the street will have to help you in some way at some later time. Even without this, courtesy and a happy attitude will get you liked by everyone and make you develop a good mood always.

12. Try to do the right thing always, even though it may mean some cost to you. Knowing you take pains to follow your conscience will make you feel worthy, and inspire you to do the same always.

As you do so, you will feel your conscience becoming more and more able to discern what is good in each situation you encounter.

13. Always try to put forward your best every time. The people who have succeeded in the greatest manner are those who have pushed themselves to not accept anything less than the best they could give to any situation. Let excellence become a habit, and you will be surprised how much you can do.

PAGE 45

Today

Today brings me joy, my whole heart sings, As if it has been given wings, As a new day so new and bright Is spread before my wondering sight!

Today will bring me peace in quiet prayer, As I lift my heart and, everywhere, See God's wondrous works appear, And feel His presence calm and clear.

Today with faith I make my way, Sure of His blessings all the day, Content to trust the staff and rod Of an all-wise, all-loving God.

14. People often feel that, because there is nothing really exciting happening to them, then they cannot enjoy life. The fact is that real enjoyment of life does not come from thrills or extraordinary events. One can derive the greatest pleasures from the simple things around at any time – a walk in one's neighbourhood, observing the trees, the birds and animals, even the people going about their everyday tasks.

A lively conversation about what is in the news, or about what is happening in one's own life can be just as uplifting.

The list can be endless if you tax your own mind to come up with things to do.

15. Be content with what you have.

Each of us at any given time must have what is needed to make us happy if we only appreciate it and do not lust over what other people possess.

Your own health and talents, the love of your family, how you are being successful at what you are doing, all these can make you feel contented.

Happiness is a choice, and you can be happy in any circumstances if you have a contented mind.

The good feelings you derive from your efforts will spur you on to improve yourself.

To keep you on this road to being your best, we continue with these words of advice in the coming weeks.

Today I have wealth much more than gold, Than hands may touch or heart may hold, Because I know that God will feed, By satisfying all that I may need.

The best people are the ones who know that they must keep on learning to become better persons.

TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY I would like to inform our readers that the Uncle Roy email address is temporarily unavailable. So please send any contributions you would like to make to this page to roypaul2002@yahoo.com

Solutions to last week’s

Hexadecimal Sudokus Hexadecimal Sudokus (also known as 16x16 Sudoku) are a larger version of regular Sudoku that feature a 16 x 16 grid, and 16 hexadecimal digits. Each row, column and 4x4 block contains all the digits 0 thru F (or numbers from 1 to 16, in the decimal versions).

Inkies Slitherlink

PAGE 46

1. Talk about your feelings Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.

2. Keep active Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, and feel better. Exercise keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.

3. Eat well Your brain needs a mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. A diet that's good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.

4. Drink sensibly We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary.

When the drink wears off, you feel worse because of the way the alcohol has affected your brain and the rest of your body. Drinking is not a good way to manage difficult feelings.

5. Keep in touch There's nothing better than catching up with someone face to face, but that's not always possible. You can also give them a call, drop them a note, or chat to them online instead. Keep the lines of communication open: it's good for you!

6. Ask for help None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don't go to plan.

If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can't cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear.

Local services are there to help you.

7. Take a break A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health.

It could be a five-minute pause from cleaning your kitchen, a half-hour lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you. Give yourself some 'me time'.

9. Accept who you are We're all different. It's much healthier to accept that you're unique than to wish you were more like someone else. Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good selfesteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn.

10. Care for others 'Friends are really important… We help each other whenever we can, so it's a two-way street, and supporting them uplifts me.'

Caring for others is often an important part of keeping up relationships with people close to you. It can even bring you closer together.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

Sunday January 30, 2022

g tin s... s e e er tur t In rea C

T

Kaieteur News

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Jaguar (Panthera onca)

he jaguar is a big cat, and the only member of the Panthera genus (lion, tiger, jaguar, leopard and snow leopard) found in the Americas. It is larger than the leopard and snow leopard, but smaller than the lion and tiger.

The jaguar can be found in the southwestern United States (rarely) and Mexico as well as across most of Central America. Its range continues well into South America as far as Paraguay and northern Argentina.

Its Scientific Name is Panthera onca and its Conservation Status is Near Threatened. There are no jaguar subspecies, according to recent assessments.

Interesting Facts About Jaguars · Largest wild cat in the Western Hemisphere · Third largest cat in the world. · Loves bathing and swimming in water. · Has the strongest jaw and bite of all the wild cats. · It can kill by piercing the bones of the skull between the ears.

More About Jaguars History The jaguar has been an American cat since crossing the Bering Land Bridge during the Pleistocene epoch.

Once, jaguars roamed over most of North America.

Fossils have been found as

far north as Missouri dating from the last Ice Age about 25,000 years ago.

Constantly pushed southward by a variety of factors, jaguars now can be found only in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas and from Mexico all the way down to Patagonia.

There are only an estimated 15,000 jaguars in the wild in Mexico, Central and South America.

Conservation efforts between the United States and Mexico have been successful at protecting a small population of cats in mountains of Sonora, Mexico.

Physical Appearance The cat is covered in rosettes for camouflage in its forest habitat. The spots vary between individual jaguars.

Rosettes may include one or several dots, and the shapes of the dots vary. The spots on the head and neck are generally solid, as are those on the tail, where they may merge to form a band.

Physically, with its spotted coat, the jaguar resembles the leopard except that it is larger, stronger and more muscular. Its fur is normally yellow and tan, but the colour can vary from reddish brown to black. A near-black form occurs regularly. Jaguars with dark pigmentation of the fur appear entirely black, although their spots are still visible on close examination. On all jaguars

the spots on the coat are more solid and black on the head and neck and become larger rosetteshaped patterns along the side and back of the body.

Sounds Lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars are the only cats that can roar. The sound is produced by a specialised larynx and flexible bone in its throat and can be used to stake territory, communicate generally or express anger.

Habitat (Where the Jaguar Lives) The jaguar can be found from Mexico all the way down to South America.

This large wild cat prefers life in a dense rainforest but will also live across open terrains, deciduous forests, swamps, grasslands and mountain scrub areas.

Jaguars love the water and will bathe and swim, play and hunt to catch fish in pools or creeks.

Hunting & Prey (Diet) With no predators, the jaguar is at the top of the food chain where it lives. The jaguar prefers stalking and ambushing its prey. The cat’s ambushing abilities are considered nearly peerless in the animal kingdom by both indigenous people and field researchers. Its exceptionally powerful jaw structure gives the jaguar the strongest bite force of all of the big cats enabling it to penetrate armoured reptile

shells as well as the hardened skulls of other, larger animals. Unlike other cats, it can kill with a fatal bite between the ears, directly into the brain. The ambush may include leaping into water after prey, as a jaguar is quite capable of carrying a large kill while swimming; its strength is such that carcasses as large as a heifer can be hauled up a tree to avoid flood levels.

In the food chain, the jaguar plays a vital part in stabilising ecosystems and k eep in g in ch eck th e populations of the animals within its range upon which this adept hunter depends for its survival. Jaguars are known to eat armadillos, birds, cattle, crocodiles, deer, eggs, fish, frogs, heifers, horses, mice and other rodents, monkeys, peccary, sloths, snakes, tapirs, turtles and anything

else they can catch, up to 87 different species of animal and reptile food sources.

Reportedly, while hunting horses, a jaguar may leap onto their back, place one paw on the muzzle and another on the nape and then twist, dislocating the neck.

With smaller prey such as monkeys or wild dogs, a paw swipe to the skull may be sufficient to kill it.

Reproduction and Lifespan Once old enough to leave its mother (12 to 24 months), a jaguar tends to live a solitary life as an adult, comfortable mostly on its own. Typical lifespan in the wild is estimated at around 12–15 years; in captivity, the jaguar lives up to 23 years, placing it among the longestlived cats.

Jaguar Conservation Issues Whereas the jaguar is

near to being completely gone from the United States, it still exists in Mexico, Central and South America though is now extinct in El Salvador and Uruguay.

Elsewhere, jaguar populations are rapidly declining. The big cat is considered Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, meaning it may be threatened with extinction in the near future. Loss and fragmentation of habitat is a major threat to the jaguar.

International trade involving jaguars or their parts is illegal but the cat is still frequently killed by ranchers and farmers in South America attempting to prevent jaguars hunting their stock. And poaching hasn’t stopped, nor is it prohibited in every country. (Source: https://bigcatswildcats.com)

Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 30, 2022

Chinese company to commence construction of Amaila Falls Hydro project this year – Govt.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh recently announced that the Chinese contractor, who was granted approval to construct the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, will commence operations on the mega venture this year.

The Minister made the revelation during the presentation of Budget 2022 on Wednesday last.

Dr. Singh told the N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y, “Regarding renewable and low carbon energy, our most promising venture continues to be the AFHP (Amaila Falls Hydropower Project) with an expected capacity of 165 MW”.

He informed that government has already requested, received and evaluated proposals for the project and negotiations are

in progress with the ‘highest ranked company’ China Railway First Group (CRFG) – the same company that had previously signed a contract to build the said project several years ago.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo in November of last y e a r, d u r i n g a p r e s s engagement, told reporters that a decision had been taken by Cabinet that government would be approaching the selected contractor to negotiate on the way forward.

The Ministry of Finance, in a subsequent public missive corroborated the Vice President’s assertions saying, that Cabinet had given its ‘No Objection’ to the company, as evaluated by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

In this regard, the AFHP will be developed under a

An artist’s impression of the original iteration of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project. ‘build-own, operate-transfer (BOOT) arrangement where the developer would operate the project for a 20-year period before handing it over to the government, at no cost.

The Finance Minister explained, “The project will be developed under a buildown operate-transfer (BOOT) arrangement within which the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) will purchase power from the operator under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). We anticipate that construction will begin in 2022 and be completed by 2027. Once operationalised, the facility will reduce the cost of energy significantly for both businesses and households.”

This year, the PPP administration has set aside some $29.4 billion to the energy sector, which it says will advance the transition to cleaner sources of energy. To this end, $20.8 billion will be channelled to the Gas-toEnergy project, while other investments will be made for solar farms in Berbice, Essequibo and Linden.

In explaining the reason for selecting the BOOT model for the Amaila Falls Project, Jagdeo was adamant that in such a situation, government would bear none of the risks financial or otherwise and that the project would be repaid for through the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that would have to be signed with the Guyana Power and Light Inc .(GPL).

The Vice President told reporters, “…we have a really great bid” and explained that in this iteration of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP), “we are not going to put any money into the project, we are just buying power.”

According to Jagdeo however, this time around, it is expected that the project would be cheaper as a result of lower interest rates but even ahead of negotiations with the contractor.

As such, he said the administration is looking to generate power at some US$0.07 (cents) per kilo watt hour (KWH).

He speculated that with

GPL purchasing power at that price, “we can still sell power at 15 cents per KWH, which we are hoping to do because now it’s 30 cents, and still make a good profit for GPL…we are very pleased that the bids came in and we have these offers now and the project is going to move forward.”

According to the ministry, a total of four companies submitted proposals, and China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most ‘capable partner’ by the Evaluation Committee after a rigorous evaluation process, following which NPTAB submitted the relevant recommendation to Cabinet for ‘no objection.’

It should be noted that checks conducted by this publication found that China Railway was in 2019 debarred by the World Bank for practices considered fraudulent on a highway project in the country of Georgia.

China Railway was established in 1950 and is a subsidiary of China Railway Engineering Group (CREG).

ExxonMobil’s flaring is an... transactionsthat is normal. He stressed From page 33 Permian Basin.

“Last year, ExxonMobil shareholders mounted a campaign that toppled board members and resulted in an overwhelming vote against management on climate change policy. In the face of this tumult, however, Woods declared there would be no changes to the companys direction,” the financial expert stated.

In closing, Sanzillo said corporations are frequently sued over commercial

however that when a company is routinely sued because it cannot manage operational issues like accurate valuations of reserves, sound drilling strategies and environmental compliancethat is a serious management problem.

He stressed that this state of affairs should not be ignored by the citizens of Guyana, and the authorities by extension. He alluded that it is a warning of what is to be expected in the future.

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 30, 2022

>>>Young Entrepreneur on the Move<<<

‘Soul Essence’ …HELPING TO MEET ALL SKIN & HAIR CARE NEEDS

Young Entrepreneur, Jonelle Thornhill

By Allyiah Allicock

W

hat started out as a hobby became a business empire for mother of one, Jonelle Thornhill.

She is now the owner of a popularly-known skin and hair care business called ‘Soul Essence’.

Catering for any kind of hair and skin texture with the use of ecofriendly products, today we give you a glimpse of how this business venture all started.

Thornhill, in a recent interview with this newspaper, said that she started making products about two years ago but back then the idea of a business was never in the picture. It was a hobby she enjoyed after learning about her own natural hair and skin type and their needs.

Making products for her own personal use and seeing how it benefitted her, gave her the inspiration and motivation to join the business arena where she now has a positive impact in the local beauty industry.

“I wanted to create innovative

organic beauty products from local resources which could improve all hair and skincare types. It began by experimenting with an endless number of recipes readily available online and then customizing them to create my own unique formulas,” she explained.

Being an environmentalist by profession, she saw the need to bring awareness to sustainable and eco-friendly products through her business. Her products range from herbal oils to shampoos to deep conditioners, body butters and beard oils.

Thornhill, who in October 2020 launched her business, stated that her brand targets customers ranging from millennials to 60 year olds who find her products interesting and effective.

“However, when I began manufacturing and procuring supplies for the organic products, my first set of customers were my relatives and close acquaintances who eventually became my reliable sources of honest feedback before I

“I wanted to create innovative organic beauty products from local resources which could improve all hair and skincare types. It began by experimenting with an endless number of recipes readily available online and then customizing them to create my own unique formulas.”

‘Soul Essence’ w a s confid ent to sell those products. They then eventually conveyed to others about the efficacy of my products as I branched out,” she noted.

Following this, her support base increased to include strangers

who were willing to try her products and have been satisfied. Continuing with this progress, the 28-year-old entrepreneur shared that her longterm goal is to build awareness about her brand and be able to export her products to both regional and international markets on a large scale.

In doing so, her ultimate aim is to acquire her own store and invest in quality management and marketing of her products. Taking things one step at a time, Thornhill is confident that all can be accomplished at the right time.

Our featured entrepreneur shared that her biggest challenges since launching her business has been balancing growth and quality in addition to increasing her social media presence. “I’m a very conservative person and therefore had to adjust and find ways to deal with content creating, marketing and building clientele, while creating products which are easily affordable and tend to the needs of the natural hair and skincare community. I had to also constantly be educating the new and potential clients about eco-friendly products and why they should opt for them over chemical laden products on the market,” she pointed out.

In terms of overcoming her challenges, Thornhill disclosed that she collaborated with other small businesses in making her presence known. She also participated in multiple pop-up shops which allowed her to attain

new clients at which she became a member of the Entrepreneurs Association of Sustainable Development in November 2021, which was founded by Ms. Sonia Noel.

“This boosted my confidence and allowed me to understand the marketing scene better,” she mentioned. As for the global pandemic and its impact, the young woman said her business took a hit just couple months back when she started to notice the inflation of prices for materials she needed.

Nevertheless, she managed to alleviate some of the challenges with the help of her husband and sister.

Thornhill, who is of the belief that young pioneers are a key contributor to the society, noted that “Entrepreneurs develop new markets by introducing new and improved products, services, and technology, thus, they help generate new wealth and add more to the national income.”

She noted that by dismantling monopolies, creating new demands, and tackling old problems with new technology, young entrepreneurs prove that they can foster more competitive economies and are “enablers of shared prosperity, while adapting more rapidly to ever more globalised societies.”

In closing, she suggests that collaborating with established entrepreneurs can help boost small businesses in Guyana.

Persons who are interested in making a purchase of Thornhill’s skin and hair care products can contact her on Facebook at Soul Essence Gy, on Instagram at soul.essence_, on WhatsApp using telephone number 680-2791 or shoot her an email at soulessencegy20@gmail.com.

l u o ’ e S ‘ ssenc E

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

Govt. depending on small-scale local miners...

From page 16 non-oil economy in 2021, accounting for more than 60 percent of its non-oil exports.

In moving forward, the Minister of Finance said that significant growth can be expected from gold mining in 2022 but the country will continue to depend on the small and medium-scale miners until larger operators can come fully on board.

His exact words were, “Significant growth can be expected from the sub-sector in 2022, with gold declaration envisaged to continue to be dominated by small and medium-scale producers operating 1,054 small scale mines and 25 medium scale mines.”

Regarding the large-scale operators that are currently benefitting from billion dollar concessions who rent thousands of acres of gold land for only $1000 per an acre, the Minister had this to say. “Large-scale operators are expected to come fully on stream in the medium term.”

One of these large-scale operators that government is expecting to come fully on board is Australian mining company, Troy Resources.

The company operates the Karouni Mines in Region 7, a concession that spans some 3,000 hectares.

Dr. Singh in his speech noted that gold production from this mine “will be paused this year but the investor (Troy Resources) will forge ahead with exploration and development of underground prospect.”

Kaieteur News had reported last year that the company had started firing local workers in order to hire expats to focus on the underground mining, which Dr. Singh referred to during his speech.

Other foreign mining companies operating in Guyana are Zijin Mining Inc, a Chinese company that owns the Aurora Gold mines – a concession considered to be one of the largest in the country encompassing almost 3,000 acres of gold land, Omai – a Canadian mining company that recently boasted of a US$3B gold find and Gold Source Inc. Gold Source Inc. had announced last year, that it had hit the jackpot with a significant gold discovery on its Region 8 Gold concession that spans over a 1,000 acres of land.

Despite their significant discoveries, Omai and Gold Source Inc. are reportedly in the exploration phase and Guyana should not be expecting much gold production anytime soon.

In the case of the Chinese company, representatives of the company had told Kaieteur News last year, it is still in the construction phase and works had been hindered by the floods earlier this year and the ongoing pandemic.

It must be noted however, that these foreign companies were granted an abundance of duty free concessions and tax waivers worth billions, while the small scale miners (locals) received none.

As the government awaits the large-scale operators to contribute significantly to Guyana's gold revenue, Dr. Singh notified the House that his government is gearing up to grant yet another large plot of the country's gold lands to another foreign investor.

He said, “Beyond this year, investment in the Toroparu area will finally result in long anticipated development of a full-fledged gold mine since an

$19.7M allocated...

From page 8 handling domestic violence cases when it is being reported to them.

The Guyana Police Force has established domestic violence

units an d s p ecial rooms at identified police stations to receive repo r ts in mo r e s uitable environment, the M inis ter concluded.

international mid-tier gold company has confirmed their interest in this project.

Notably, development works to the tune of US$165 million are slated for 2022 and a further US$189 million in 2023, with production expected to commence in 2024.”

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Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

'Beating the Odds' - UG graduands detail journey to academic glory amidst adversities

Leah Cummings – Associate Degree in Biology Close to 2,600 graduands of the University of Guyana (UG) will walk the virtual graduation stage in a series of ceremonies beginning February 4, 2022. However,

Marinella Glasgow – Stefan Bowman – Bachelor's Tandy Tappin, Post Graduate Diploma in Administration Associate Degree in Biology Degree in Economics

they each have a unique and inspiring story of how they were able to beat the odds in their journey to academic glory.

As part of our ongoing

series of student success stories, we feature below some of the graduands who have overcome various obstacles, including losing a loved one, dealing with

financial hardships, health complications, and domestic abuse while they were pursuing tertiary education.

For 38-year-old Tandy Tappin, it was facing an

Gerard Budhan – Associate Degree in Information Technology

abusive relationship and losing not one, but two, of the closest persons in her life, all while completing her Bachelor's and Post Graduate Diploma at UG. According to Tappin, she faced constant abuse at the hands of her partner following her decision to pursue further studies.

The veteran educator explained, “A course that was supposed to last only four years ended up taking almost eight years for me to complete. I wanted to stay in the relationship for my son because at the time, he was preparing to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and I didn't want my absence to cause him to do poorly.”

“I stayed, my son got President's College and I was happy for him, but then we were in a car accident and he died and I didn't get to mourn as I wanted to. I resumed classes at UG and I thought I could have made it but I was overwhelmed and I had to take a break. So, I ended up taking two years leave from UG.” However, just as Tappin was regaining her strength, tragedy struck again with the sudden death of her mom.

With tears in her eyes, she recounted, “That was my breaking point, because she passed away exactly two weeks before the death anniversary of my son. So, my mom's death helped me to come to grips with what's happening and that I don't have to pin it all up but I can let it all out. It was at that point, I recognised that life has to go on and I have to live for my other child, my daughter who is now 12 years old. I told myself I have to be strong for her and be that positive role model for her,

despite all of the challenges.”

Tappin who has been in the teaching profession for approximately 20 years echoed sentiments of appreciation and love to UG and her colleagues for showering her with compassion and support.

“I thought I needed some help in getting myself together. UG provided support by providing a counsellor to help me along the process until I was mentally strong again… That gave me the drive to complete and that helped me know that it's ok to do what I had to do in order to make myself better. I would really, really like to thank the University for providing such services for students like me and others who may be going through other issues in life,” Tappin expressed.

Twenty-year-old Leah Cummings is set to graduate with an Associate Degree in Biology come February 12, 2022. As Cummings reflected on the journey of attending the University, she expressed, “It was rough at the beginning because no one from my family actually came here so I had no help at all but it got better at the end.”

Leah added that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in her family facing severe financial hardships as her parents became unemployed, “I had tremendous financial challenges because my mom and dad were both out of a job due to the pandemic. It had put a strain on me and I wanted to drop out as I asked myself who would pay my tuition fees.”

Leah expressed that luckily she was able to secure a scholarship from the Continued on page 54

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

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= = = l a n r u o J t r u o C e ==Th Persons charged for dousing others with corrosive substance

By Renay Sambach

O

ver the years, there have been several cases in Guyana involving 'acid attacks.' As a result of these attacks, the victims usually suffer life-altering injuries.

Some long-term consequences of these attacks include blindness, as well as eye burns, with severe permanent scarring of the face and body, along with farreaching social, psychological, and economic difficulties.

Recently making headlines are four mothers who were remanded to prison for allegedly dousing their 'friend' with a corrosive substance.

The women responsible for this cruel act are: Gailann Marks, 21, of 111 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown; Jenifer Validen, 28, of 52 Albouystown, Georgetown; Alana Holder, 28, of North East La Penitence, Georgetown and Latifah Dacost, 26, of 853 Section B Block X 14 Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

They appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, in the company of their lawyers.

They were slapped with an attempt murder charge and they are expected to make their next court appearance on February 25, 2022.

They were not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that on Friday January 21, 2022, at Princes Street, Georgetown, they doused Renesha Maxwell, with a corrosive substance causing grievous bodily harm with the intent to murder her.

The defendants' lawyers made a bail application to the court for them to be released on a reasonable amount of bail with conditions attached.

However, the police prosecutor made objections to bail being granted on the grounds that Maxwell is still hospitalised as a result of the attack. In fact, the prosecutor argued that the defendants were determined to cause harm to Maxwell since they attempted to douse her with the substance earlier that day on Leopold Street but

The four mothers who were remanded recently to prison. someone had warned her and she tried to escape by jumping into a taxi, which drove away.

In July 2020, ex-cop Cassandra Boucher, 31, of School Street, Albouystown, was found guilty of dousing her lover with a corrosive substance and was sentenced to one year imprisonment for the offence.

On her first court appearance, Boucher had denied the charge, which stated that on November 7, 2018 at Camp and North Road, Georgetown, she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Anthony Paul with intent to maim, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The ex-cop's lawyer had told the court that his client had made several reports of abuse against her lover and the matters were never dealt with. The court had learnt that what Boucher did was an act of self-defence – a medical certificate was presented to the court in favour of Boucher to show that she also received injuries during the altercation with her ex-lover.

Boucher and Paul shared a relationship, which subsequently ended after the latter found out that she was pregnant for someone else.

On the day in question,

around 10:20hrs, Boucher called Paul and requested to be taken to the hospital since she was not feeling well. Paul then went to the defendant's home and she went into the backseat of his vehicle – he then proceeded to take her to the hospital.

However, while in the vicinity of Camp and North Road, Georgetown, Boucher went into her purse and took out a small glass bottle and threw a liquid on Paul's left side face and body. Paul had immediately driven to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was examined by a doctor and admitted for his injuries.

In another matter, Alfred De Jonge, called “Nat A Bai”, 36, of Linden, who doused the mother of his children with a corrosive substance back in 2017 – was committed to stand trial in May 2019, for attempted murder.

De Jonge was committed to stand trial before a judge and jury by Magistrate Peter Hugh in the New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court. He is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Shondell Williamson, with intent to commit murder her. On Thursday, January 19, 2017 at New Street, New Amsterdam, he doused her with a corrosive substance.

The woman, a mother of two was living, at the time of the incident, in the lower flat of 16 New Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice. The two once shared a rocky relationship during their more than eight years together.

They lived for a while in New Amsterdam before relocating to Linden.

However, due to the constant abuse, the woman left and returned to Berbice.

On the day in question, De Jonge was reportedly stalking the woman. He was dressed like a woman with a wig and dress. He was seen sitting on a culvert at the corner of Republic Road and New Street. He reportedly visited the home twice, but the woman was not at home.

He reportedly secreted himself in the yard and around 20:30 hours as Williamson entered her yard, she was accosted by the man whom she soon realised was her children's father. As she resisted him, he bathed her with the acid.

He reportedly shouted, “If I can't get you, no man will”.

He then broke the bottle and ran out of the yard into a waiting car, which sped away.

The woman who was severely burnt on her face,

chest and other parts of her body was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the GPHC. The man, after he fled the area, was apprehended in Linden. He was riding a motorcycle and in his bid to escape, he crashed into a vehicle.

He was previously wanted for being in possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Shondell Williamson was left blinded and the acid

disfigured her face and upper body – but after years of undergoing surgery, she was finally able to see again.

Through the kind compliments of the Saving Hands Emergency Aid, Inc. (SHEA) Foundation, Shondell travelled to the United States of America for treatment. She has so far undergone two years of intense medical treatment, including vision correction and reconstructive surgeries.

A bone from her rib was used to graft her nose.

PAGE 54

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

'Beating the Odds' From page 52 graduate from UG with an Associate Degree in Information Technology (Distinction).Like many other graduands, Budhan faced many challenges in his quest to pursue further studies. “It was challenging because it took me about five years to come to UG after leaving high school and this was mainly due to financial reasons. I had to work within those five years before I got that opportunity and the timing was right to start the University. I had to try catching up with everyone else who were fresh out of

high school and also I was working while coming to the University. Sometimes, I was not getting any time off and those were very difficult days, I had many days when I was lacking sleep. It was difficult sometimes to complete the assignments and not feel sleepy in class,” he explained.

Budhan expressed that he had to make up for the lost time at work. “In order to overcome the challenges at work, I had to work extra hours on the job in order to make up for the time lost.”

In terms of the impact UG has had on his life,

Budhan highlighted, “UG has allowed me to have a different outlook in life. I am more confident and able to express myself better. When I started UG, it was an encouragement to my younger siblings. They literally started UG the year after I started. They had doubts and all these things before but seeing me in this position, I was able to inspire them.” Marinella Glasgow, an aspiring oncologist is graduating with an Associate Degree in Biology (Distinction).

Glasgow, who hails from Victoria on the East Coast of

Demerara (ECD), detailed that during the course of her studies, she became ill, “When UG started online, I got really sick because I couldn't manage it anymore and I found it very difficult that particular semester in the second year.

I got some really hard hits, I got some difficult grades, I got some Cs but I worked hard to pull it back and I am here today and now I am graduating with a distinction.”

She added that another challenge was juggling work and studies. “The journey started quite comfortably

Riaz Rupnarin, Bachelor's Degree in International Relations

since I had a background in CAPE; however, it became very hard when I started to work. Sometimes, I would have to come to a class in the morning and leave right after class and then come back for class again and then go back to work; it was hectic.”

In offering words of encouragement to other students, she said, “I want to encourage students to be patient with themselves.

When we come to University, we meet with so many people from so many different backgrounds. And when we measure ourselves, sometimes we think we aren't good enough, but the fact that you are here means that you are good enough and the fact that you start, you can end, and you will end.”

T h i r t y - t w o - y e a r- o l d Riaz Rupnarin will be graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations. Like his colleagues, the Pomeroon resident was faced with many challenges, including losing one of his parents while he was attending university, but he was determined to persevere.

He explained, “Financial constraints coming from a poor background, my father passed away, my mother is a pensioner, my brother is disabled, and my sister is a single-parent mother, so not having that financial backing was very hard. I had to basically support myself through the four years of studies. So, sometimes it was quite hard, because I had to miss certain experiences due to finance; for example, as International Relations students, in our first two years, we had trips overseas with our lecturers but I had to miss them because of finance and other reasons.”

“The four years have been quite a trial and more so with the addition of the pandemic in the latter part of our studies. We know International Relations is a bit more physical and it was very hard to get that kind of experience while doing it online,” Rupnarin added.

Twenty-three-year-old Stefan Bowman of Mocha,

East Bank of Demerara (EBD) will be graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics on February 11, 2022.

Similarly, Bowman also has a unique story of beating the odds to reach the stage of graduation. He detailed that he had to deal with the loss of his mother in the final semester of his third year; this he noted was the most difficult period in his life.

On the day he came to the Turkeyen Campus to take his official graduation portrait, Bowman wore a pin with the photograph of his mother whom he recalled was always very supportive and would have been extremely proud to see him becoming a graduate of UG as this was her desire.

“Losing my mom while studying was really rough.

Even when my mom was very sick, she kept asking me about classes and exams so I knew I had to push through for her…I dedicate my degree to my mom; she would have been very proud,” he said as he was overcome with emotions.

When asked how he was able to cope with the loss while studying, he related that the University, his peers and his father were all incredibly helpful. “My colleagues kept pushing me through. They helped me out with a lot of assignments and they made sure that I got whatever I needed and if I missed anything, they made sure they kept checking in on me. My dad also helped me along the way, he provided the financial assistance I needed because I am not working but now that I have graduated, I will be looking for a good job.”

A record number of attendees are expected this year since due to the online nature of the event, there will be no limit to the number of invitees who can join the proceedings.

Members of the public are invited to view this year's ceremonies on the University of Guyana's F a c e b o o k p a g e @uniofguyana (University of Guyana).

Sunday January 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

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FOR RENT 1-2 bedroom apt to rent for single person,3 road st C/ Town.Tel:223-9677.

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Ministry records 5 more COVID-19 fatalities - 471 new infections recorded

A

nother five individuals who contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

This is according to the Ministry of Health which reported yesterday that the latest deaths have taken the country’s death toll from the pandemic to 1,165.

The deaths of four men and a woman, the Ministry noted, occurred over a two-day (Jan. 28 - 29) period.

On January 28, the deaths were of three men - an unvaccinated 55-year-old and a partially vaccinated 73-year-old, both from East Berbice-Corentyne (Region 6), and an 86-year-old from Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region 3).

The following day, January 29, the deaths recorded were that of a 74-year-old man from Demerara-Mahaica (Region 4) whose vaccination status is unknown and an unvaccinated 68-yearold woman from Mahaica-Berbice (Region 5).

The Ministry revealed via its dashboard too that there were 471 new infections.

According to the Ministry too, there are 20 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 204 are institutional isolation, 10,967 are in home isolation and seven are in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 47,094 have recovered.

Welcomed decline in COVID-19 cases seen...

From page 31 deaths were recorded – two unvaccinated women: an 86year-old from Region 4 and an

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Household items.Call:6913467,whatsapp 661-1417.

VACANCY WANTED Porters & Salesgirls.Apply at Best Buy Food Supplies with written application at 1E Dennis C Middleton St Camp bellville Georgetown.

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

LAND FOR SALE Transported corner Lot 90 Garnett & Republic St. Tel:622-6000.

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KitchenAssistant, Babysitter, Housekeeper & Sales person , must have secondary education.Call:6595559.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE Sale! South Central Hotel. 218 South Road Georgetown 6,710 feet first, second floor.Tel:697-6572,686-0444.

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Professional Soup cooks and kitchen assistance and professional kichen manager, good pay.Shot hrs.Call:6751509.

Wanted skilled carpenters, mason & labourers to work in G/Town & Linden. Contact:615-7526/602-9469/6606385.

Sunday January 30, 2022

Vacancy for qualified & experienced Grade 2 Teacher.

Contact:623-1615.

Vacancy for experienced Canter & Hauler driver. Apply in person at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda.

Porters/Bond Clerks.Basic reading and writing skills.To HR dept Survival Shopping Complex,173 Sheriff St. Tel: 609-2995.

Male & Female,age 25-45 yrs.Apply at WB Cleaning & Janitorial Services & washbay,D2 Louisa Row. Tel:503-2502.

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One office clerk,must be computer literate record keeping.

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

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89-year-old from Region 10, along with a fully vaccinated 57-year-old man also from Region 4.

Two more deaths were recorded on January 26 – an unvaccinated 70-year-old man from Region 4 and an unvaccinated 71-year-old woman from Region 10.

On January 27 there were 408 new infections and the deaths of two unvaccinated men from Region 4 were added to the COVID-19 fatalities bringing the nation total to 1,156.

On January 26, the death

of an 81-year-old man was recorded and the following day, January 27, the death of a 66year-old man was also recorded.

By January 28 new cases declined to 375 with the death toll reaching 1,160.

The deaths over a fourday (Jan. 25- 28) period were those of three men and a woman.

The men who died were: a fully vaccinated 57-year-old, a 75-year-old (unknown status) and an unvaccinated 82year-old all from Region 4 and an 80-year-old woman, also

from Region 4 whose vaccination status is unknown.

Guyana, as of January 28, recorded a total of 58,979 cases and of these 46,671 have recovered.

It is however, worrying that, at the time of writing this article, there are more than a dozen people in the COVID19 ICU battling for survival.

Given our prevailing state of affairs, it would be prudent that we each continue to follow measures to safeguard ourselves and loved ones from infection and possible death.

Oil economy is magnet for all...

From page 38 scammers would ask for an advance payment on the transaction.

Ponzi schemes have been operating underground all over the country but most of the public only knew of them when a Cuban national married to a Guyanese was uncovered running a ponzi scheme which had embezzled millions of dollars of mostly folk from the countryside. A Nigerian national was recently arrested by the police for running a ponzi scheme.

The simplest ponzi is done by the scammer taking in "investments" or "deposits" and using some of the deposits to pay the high interest and when news of the lucrative payments spread, the deposits snowball; the scammer then embezzles the other collections.

Madoff of New York and Stanford of Antigua are two famous ponzi scammers.

The third type of scam is the offer by "spiritualists" to give their clients wealth galore and the rectification of all their personal problems including getting them foreign visas.

The spiritualist gives all these benefits at a hefty fee.

These spiritualists advertise in the classified columns of some of the newspapers. We give samples of their fantasy offerings: One "specialised in all kinds of spiritual sickness and visa problems"; another does "Dutch spiritual work bringing prosperity and success and unites lovers and overseas romances"; yet another promises "permanent protection, healthy love/marriage relationships, job and money problems"; another confidently declares: "Meet me once and change your life.

You will solve all your marriage, love and money problems"; finally, one offers "ser-

vices at your every need including gambling, health, education and removal of Black Magic and 100 percent guaranteed results within days . . ."

These spiritualists prey upon the credulous and the police seem to be unable to deal with them. If the police were to mount sting operations, they may be able to limit the exploitation.

However, the surest protection against being scammed is to live by two rules: First, one must always be aware that one never gets something for nothing; and second, no one must trust in someone else to alleviate or cure one's personal problems - personal problems must ultimately be solved by one's self.

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

Sunday January 30, 2022

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Sunday January 30, 2022

Sunday January 30, 2022

CASH set alit with day one of Senior National Table Tennis Championships The action continued in the Senior National Table Tennis Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports hall which witnessed some quarterfinals action among others, as players aimed to book their spot in the finale.

In the “C” Class Open Draw many players turned up in this category, but it was Vicente Henery, Saalih Rahim, Walter Marcus and Ishaka Jackman who were deemed lucky enough to secure their spots in the semifinals.

Henery was able to defeat Umar Percival in his first match 3-1 (11,11, -5,9), Saalih Rahim defeated Jasmine Billingy 3-1 (8,-9,7,9), Walter Marcus also trounced Malachi Moor 3-1 (-8,13,7,10) and Ishaka Jackman crushed Abdool Rahim 3-0 (3,7,8).

In the U21 Men’s Singles there were a total of four groups, the top two from each group advanced. Jonathan Van Lange and Saalih Rahim, advanced from group one while Colin Wong, Niran Bissu advanced from group two, Krystian Sahadeo, Malachi Moore advanced from group three and Kyle Chung and Terrence Rausch advanced from group four.

From those that advanced, Jonathan Van Lange battled Terrence Rausch and defeated him 4-0 (15,5,7,8), Krystian Sahadeo whipped Niran Bissu 4-1 (8,10,11,-6,10), Kyle Chung beat Malachi Moore 4-1 (8,10,11,-6,10) and Colin Wong booked the final spot in the quarterfinals as he defeated Saalih Rahim 4-0 (4,5,9,10).

In the 21 Years and Under ladies four ladies battled it out in the group stage on day 1, Jasmine Billingy, Thuraia Thomas, Crystal Melville and Samara Sukhai. Despite only four ladies in the category only one would be determined the winner as the format being played was round robin.

Jasmine Billingy was dominant in her two matches as she fended off Crystal Melville 3-2 (-12,11,-8,9,3) and Samara Sukhai 3-0 (10,6,3) thus securing four points.

Thuraia Thomas also won her three games as she dominated Melville 3-0 (8,10,4) and Sukhai 3-0 (10,6,3).

At the close of play Billingy and Thomas were on four points each while Melville and Sukhai were on two points each.

Sunday January 30, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Information that you receive from others and from within your own heart could compel you to participate in some ambitious projects, Aries.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Some exciting visitors could come to your door today, Taurus, perhaps bringing Earthshaking information that could impact your life in a great way.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Group activities or social events in your neighborhood could put you in touch with new and exciting people who eventually become friends, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Have you been looking to branch out in a new direction, Cancer? If so, this could be the day you get the lead of a lifetime.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Unusual circumstances could arise that change the course of your creative orientation, Leo. This could involve modern technology in some way, and it’s highly likely that it concerns the gathering, sharing, and use of information.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you could decide to attend a class, workshop, or social event involving people in a spiritual, metaphysical, or intellectual field.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) New information could be coming at you from all sides today, Libra. Books, magazines, TV, the Internet, and conversations with friends are likely to bring exciting knowledge your way that reinforces some of your own convictions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Surprising news about your own finances and the world economy in general could cause you to feel confident and secure about your financial future, Scorpio.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some fascinating new information, possibly about spiritual or metaphysical matters, could come your way today via books, magazines, TV, or the Internet, Sagittarius.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Dreams and meditation could lead to insights regarding how best to handle your finances and make your money grow, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A social event or group rally could put you in touch with some new and exciting people in interesting fields, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you could be hit with some exciting news, Pisces.

It could involve new people and new equipment coming onto the scene.

Nadal meets dreamwrecker Medvedev in more than just a Slam final MELBOURNE, (Reuters) Rafa Nadal and Daniil Medvedev will face off in a generational clash today for the year’s first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, with both men having the chance to write their names into the record books.

A second triumph at Melbourne Park for 2009 champion Nadal will break a three-way tie for the most major titles in the men’s game, with the Spaniard nosing ahead of rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer with a 21st Slam. The 35-yearold repeatedly played down his chances in the leadup and during the past fortnight ow-

ing to a calamitous buildup due to a career-threatening foot problem and illness from contracting the COVID-19 virus.Yet he has produced some incredible tennis to enjoy a 10-match winning run, picking up an ATP 250 title in Melbourne before the year’s first major, and reach a 29th major final and his sixth in Australia. “I just feel happy to be part of this amazing era Halep is of Simona tennis, sharing allinto these Week 2 at Melbourne things with another two players. That’s it,”the Nadal Park for fifth said, adding that he wasyear. surprised consecutive to reach the championship match. “In some ways it doesn’t matter if somebody achieves one more or one less.

We did amazing things and things that will be very difficult to equal. I don’t think

much about all this stuff.”

Standing against him will be the world number two Russian - 10 years younger and a player who has already denied Djokovic a 21st major in the final of the U.S. Open in September. Another win on Sunday will cement Medvedev’s status as the leader of the next generation, who will give the ‘old guard’ a run for their money in an exciting year for the sport and end their iron grip on Slam titles. Medvedev will be glad to play the role of dream wrecker once again.“I’m gonna play again against one of the greatest.

And what’s funny, that again I’m going to play someone going for the 21st Slam,” Medvedev said with a smile.

“I guess Rafa was watching (the U.S. Open final) near the TV ... I don’t know who he was cheering for. I think Novak will be watching this one ... also!” Medvedev will himself aim to become the first man, since tennis became professional in 1968, to win a second Grand Slam title immediately after claiming his first following his 2021 U.S. Open success. Today’s showpiece will be the Russian’s fourth major final and each time he has faced either Djokovic or Nadal — who beat Medvedev in an enthralling U.S. Open final in 2019.Nadal will go into the Rod Laver Arena contest with a 3-1 overall lead in previous meetings but Medvedev won their most recent contest when he took down the Spaniard in the semi-finals of the 2020 ATP Finals.Medvedev, who was the highest-ranked player in the men’s draw the past fortnight, is also the favourite against the world number five Nadal, according to Australian bookmakers.The Russian, who had to save a match point in the fourth set in his quarter-final against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, oozed confidence on Friday and said he can beat anybody. He will try to bring his best tennis on court and make his own mark in tennis history.“I think it’s great rivalry between them,” he said about the ‘Big Three’ rivalry. “I’m happy to have the chance to try to stop one more time somebody from making history. “It’s not me going for the 21st, not me trying to break these records. I’m going for my second one. Of course, I know what’s happening, I know what Rafa is going for, I knew what Novak was going for.

“I’m not gonna say, ‘Oh, yeah, I am trying not to listen about this. But it’s kind of their thing, not mine. I’m just there to try to win the final.”

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Sunday January 30, 2022

England’s stand-in captain Moeen Ali sets up series decider with all-round show Moeen Ali scored a quick-fire fifty © Getty Images

Kyle Mayers got West Indies’ chase off to a fast start, West Indies vs England, 4th T20I, Bridgetown, January 29, 2022© Getty Images

Jason Holder celebrates the wicket of Tom Banton, West Indies vs England, 4th T20I, Bridgetown, January 29, 2022© Getty Images

ESPNcricinfo - Moeen Ali set up a Sunday-night decider in England’s series against West Indies at the Kensington Oval, leading from the front as stand-in captain with 63 off 28 balls and two key wickets in the run chase.

With Eoin Morgan ruled out of the series after injuring his quadriceps in the warm-ups on Wednesday, Moeen struck seven sixes four of them off consecutive balls in Jason Holder’s 18th over - as England surged to 193, building on the platform set by Jason Roy’s scratchy 52.

West Indies started brightly in pursuit, reaching 56 for 0 after the powerplay with Kyle Mayers making a sprightly 40 on his return to the side, replacing Shai Hope at the top of the order. But England’s spinners put the squeeze on: Moeen removed

both openers, and Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone both made breakthroughs on a dry pitch.

Holder and Kieron Pollard kept the run chase alive, but a middle-overs slowdown meant the task was beyond them. The result set up a deciding final match on Sunday night, with the series squared at 2-2.

Roy’s late arrival Asked to bat by Pollard for the third time in the series, England struggled to adapt to the pace of the pitch - the same one used in their onerun win last Sunday night early on, with Tom Banton plinking a pull to mid-on to give Holder a wicket in his first over. Roy, who was given a life when Holder put down a return catch, looked particularly out of form, creeping to 11 off 19 balls and swearing in frustration over the stump mic after failing to beat the

infield yet again.

But 15 balls later he had brought up a half-century, clicking into gear by clubbing Sheldon Cottrell 101 metres over midwicket, and England raced to 80 for 1 after nine overs with James Vince also hitting his straps at No. 3.

Pollard put the brakes on with another canny spell of slow-medium cutters, exchanging words with Roy after angling the ball into his pads to defend the short offside boundary. He conceded only one run (plus a leg bye) off the seven balls he bowled to Roy, roaring in celebration when Nicholas Pooran gobbled up a thick outside edge from a legcutter. Moeen cuts loose When Vince miscued a wide offbreak from Akeal Hosein to short third, England had lost their two set batters in the space of seven balls and the innings threatened to fall away. Moeen and

Livingstone traded sixes Livingstone’s, a 91-metre pull over midwicket, was the only boundary Pollard conceded but a canny 17th over from Cottrell left them 134 for 3 with three overs left.

What followed was a masterclass in death-overs hitting from Moeen. Holder, whose first two overs cost just three runs, leaked 28 off the 18th, including four consecutive sixes from Moeen: a drag over long-on, a deadstraight hit into the press-box window, a languid swing over extra cover and a wristy pickup over square leg.

Shepherd had Livingstone caught off a steepler with the first ball of the 19th but then suffered some rough treatment himself.

Moeen clipped two into the leg side to bring up a 23-ball half-century - his fastest for England - before hitting two more sixes, including a sump-

tuous chip over extra cover with the full face of the bat.

He miscued Holder to long-on at the start of the final over, and Phil Salt - down at No. 7 - skied his first ball into the covers, but Sam Billings, recalled in place of Harry Brook after missing Wednesday night’s game through illness, clubbed the last two balls for six. England added 59 in the last three overs, and Holder’s final two cost 41 runs. Spin strangle Mayers impressed at the top of the order, hitting Moeen for two sixes over the leg side and thumping Tymal Mills’ first three balls for four, six and six, but West Indies’ chase faded badly against spin in the middle overs.

Moeen made the first breakthroughs, having Mayers and Brandon King caught at long-off and long-on respectively, while Rashid maintained the pressure from the

other end.

Rovman Powell had played Rashid out during his hundred on Wednesday night, milking him for 11 off 11 balls, but his notorious weakness against wristspin was enough for Billings to bark over the stump mic: “Still love this match-up!” Three balls later, he ripped a googly through the gate which crashed into middle-and-off stump. 56 for 0 after the powerplay became 84 for 3 off 13, and after Pooran hit Livingstone for consecutive sixes, he holed out to longon looking for three in a row.

Holder’s 36 off 24 - his highest T20I score - kept West Indies’ hopes alive, but Reece Topley and Chris Jordan kept their composure to close things out at the death.

Scores: England 193 for 6 (Moeen 63, Roy 52, Holder 344) beat West Indies 159 for 5 (Mayers 40) by 34 runs.

Guyana Golden Jaguars take on Barbados tonight 8pm Guyana time at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Barbados lost 1-0 to Suriname on Friday at the same venue in a match without spectators but witnessed by the entire Guyana contingent.

An upbeat Jamaal Shabazz marks his return at the helm of the Golden Jaguars by facing his compatriot and friend Russell Latapy, who is in Head Coach of the Bajan team.

“Every time I wear the Guyana colours I feel a sense

of pride, deep love and respect for a nation that has adopted me as their own.

“The pens of our short preparation has been lifted and the ink has dried. What has been written for us in this game, will come to pass, stated Coach Shabazz in his now familiar philosophical tone.

“The players are very eager for this game and their desire is going to be a big factor in its outcome,” he added.

The Guyana team includes two under 20 players Omari Glasgow and Darron Niles, while no fewer than ten other players are under23s.

Shabazz views the youth-

ful composition as a positive and an opportunity.

“I am impressed with the attitude of this young bunch in training and in the way seniors like Daniel Wilson and Colin Nelson have stepped up in leadership roles.

“Omari (Glasgow) and Darron (Niles) are at the start of their senior team careers and for players like Kelsey Benjamin, Job Ceasar, Sese Norville, Ryan Hackett, Chris Macey and Nicholas McArthur they must show us that they are capable of carrying the basket in the absence of the overseas players.

Shabazz pointed out that his staff which includes (Wayne Dover and Charles Pollard) deliberately went for a locally based contingent for these two matches.

“We have guys who been training for years but not getting a chance to play. This match presents an opportunity for them to compete.

Taking nothing away from Barbados, Shabazz thinks it’s going to be a good match up with more than football at stake.

“Off course we saw Barbados were very organized against Suriname and narrowly lost 1 nil.

“We and the Bajans have history both on and off the field. Just ask the Bajan immigration,” quipped Shabazz.

“So it’s going to be very keenly contested encounter.

This one is for our GT living in Barbados,” he added.

Guyana starting line-up named subject to covid testing is as follows.

Sese Norville, Nicolai Andrews, Kevin Dundas, Colin Nelson and Shemar Fraser (defenders), Daniel Wilson, Job Ceasar and Pernel Schultz in midfield, with Omari Glasgow, Nicholas McArthur and Kelsey Benjamin as forwards.

The substitutes are: Alex Murray, Marcus Wilson, Bevan Baker, Thevron Pluck, Clive Nobrega, Leo Lovell, Ryan Hackett, Chris Macey, Darron Niles, Trayon Bobb, Jamal Perriera.

Golden Jaguars meet Barbados today

Sunday January 30, 2022

Central Essequibo Cricket Committee Invitational 10-10 bowls off today The inaugural Central Essequibo Cricket Committee Invitational ten-ten knockout competition bowls off today with eight matches across Region Two, PomeroonSupenaam.

On Friday at Reliance Sports Ground, the drawing took place and President Travis Simon expressed confidence of a successful twoweek tournament.

According to Simon, this will be the first competition for 2022 and is being used to kick start many competitions ahead and the players to be active as well.

Things were understandably kept off field for a while owing to the Global Pandemic. Simon, who is also the Secretary of Essequibo Cricket Board, stated that there will be guidelines in place for Covid-19 Protocols

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Trevis Simon and is very optimistic that players will adhere to everything.

The championship team is set to pocket $70,000 and trophy, while the runners-up side will also cash in $30,000 and a trophy.

Simon took the opportu-

nity to thank the 16 teams for their interest and at the same time they have demonstrated eagerness to get back on the field.

Vice-President, Brian Christiani, was very thankful to the teams as well and he is expecting some exciting cricket from ball one especially in this format of the game.

Some established players from across Essequibo Coast expected to be on show are: Ramesh Narine, Beesham Seepersaud, Elroy Stephney, Rovindra Parasram, Mark Austin, Patrick Rooplall, Ravendra Madholall, Kumar Dass and Basil Persaud among others. The action bowls off at 10:00am. Meanwhile, the venues for the competition are: Affiance, Anna Regina Multilateral School and Reliance Sports Ground.

Burkina Faso shock Tunisia in Afcon quarter-finals

Dango Ouattara’s competitive debut came in this Africa Cup of Nations. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Teenager Dango Ouattara scored the only goal and was sent off as Burkina Faso surprised Tunisia to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

Ouattara, 19, ran onto Blati Toure’s through-ball and held off two defenders and cut inside before firing in.

But he was then sent off

in the 82nd minute for an elbow on Ali Maaloul.

The Stallions, who have never won the tournament, will meet the winner of today’s BBC Two game between Senegal and Equatorial Guinea (19:00 GMT).

But they will be without Ouattara, now suspended after his late dismissal. It came

after referee Joshua Bondo’s second trip to the monitor for a video assistant referee check in quick succession.

Minutes earlier, Tunisia were denied a penalty as Soumaila Ouattara caught Wahbi Khazri with a high tackle in the box after initially winning the ball.

Representing the University of Florida at the Clemson Bob Pollock Invitational yesterday, overseas based Guyanese studentathlete Natricia Hooper recorded a best distance of 14.10m to finish second in her pet event behind fellow ‘Gator’ Jasmine Moore, who won the women’s Triple Jump with a top leap of 14.55m.

Hooper’s performance

was her new personal best and it was also the second time in less than a year that she reset Guyana’s National Triple Jump Record.

In May of 2021, Hooper erased Guyana’s 26-year-old National women’s triple jump record of 13.74 metres which was set by Nicola Martial (June 3, 1995) and replaced it with 13.92 metres.

Hooper now holds the second and third best all-time

distances in the women’s triple jump at the University of Florida.

She was named on the 2021 USTFCCCA Indoor First-Team All-American (triple jump) and 2021 USTFCCCA Outdoor Second-Team All American (triple jump).

Hooper is considered as one of the best Triple Jump athletes competing in the NCAA.

Hooper resets National Triple jump record

Barty realises dream to end Australia’s 44-year wait for home champion MELBOURNE, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Ash Barty is rarely emotional on court but when she accomplished her dream of winning the Australian Open, which also ended the home nation’s 44-year wait for a singles champion, she tilted her head back and let out an almighty roar.

Fans all around Melbourne Park and around the country were also roaring with joy as the world number one fought back from 5-1 down in the second set against big-hitting American Danielle Collins to complete a 6-3 7-6(2) win and clinch her third Grand Slam title.

“It was a little bit surreal,” the 25-year-old said about her celebratory cry of “Yes”. “I didn’t quite know what to do or what to feel.

“Just being able to let out a little bit of emotion, which is a little bit unusual for me, and being able to celebrate with everyone who was there in the crowd, the energy was incredible tonight.”

Since Barty won her first major at Roland Garros in 2019 and subsequently climbed to the top of the rankings, there has been growing anticipation that she would finally be the one who would end the sports-loving country’s wait for a homegrown tennis champion.

The closest she came before was in 2020 when she lost in the semi-finals. Barty finally fulfilled that expectation by becoming the first Australian to be crowned singles champion at the Grand Slam since Chris O’Neil won the women’s title in 1978.

“I think the expectation was that I would always come out and give my best, and that’s all I’ve ever done,” she said. “Now to be able to have this part of my dream kind of achieved is amazing.”

Barty’s adoring fans, many of them in green and gold, flocked to Melbourne Park yesterday in anticipation of celebrating ‘Australia Day’ for a second time in three days.

The 25-year-old did not disappoint.

O’Neil was among those cheering on from the stands on a floodlit Rod Laver Arena.

When Barty converted her first match point with a fore-

Danielle Collins of the U.S. reacts as she holds the runner up trophy after losing the final against Australia’s Ashleigh Barty.

hand crosscourt winner, 12,000 hollering fans leapt to their feet to hail the new champion.

Fittingly, organisers had arranged for Barty to receive the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup from her idol, mentor and fellow indigenous Australian, Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

“This is a dream come true for me, and I am so proud to be an Aussie,” said Barty, who teared up when Goolagong Cawley was announced as the trophy presenter. “It was really special just to be able to give her a hug. It’s the first time I’ve seen her in 12 months.”

ALL SURFACES Barty has now won Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces, with 23-time major champion Serena Williams the only other active female player to have achieved the feat.

Barty said it was “pretty amazing” and Australian great Rod Laver agreed.

“A Grand Slam champion on three different surfaces, you are the complete player @AshBarty and I am so happy for you tonight,” tweeted Laver, who was among those lucky enough to have a ringside seat.

Barty came into the contest having won 11 of her past 13 finals and had conceded just 21 games during the past fortnight, dropping serve only once. She also had a 3-1 headto-head lead against the 28year-old American.

But it was the 27th seeded Collins who was the first to set up a break point in the match with some forceful

groundstrokes.

A calm and composed Barty found the range with her serve to get out of trouble and then nosed ahead by breaking Collins in the next game when her opponent served up a double fault.

If Barty believed she would cruise to victory, there was more drama and more fight left in Collins.

Some uncharacteristic forehand errors from Barty allowed Collins, who will make her top-10 debut when the rankings are updated on Monday, to break early in the second set.

The American let out a shriek of “Come On” after opening up a 3-0 lead. She then broke Barty’s delivery, which looked almost impregnable this past fortnight, a second time in the set.

But when Collins appeared to be on the verge of levelling the match as she served at 5-1, the Australian showed nerves of steel and raised her game.

Barty got the set back on serve and then dominated the tiebreak to complete a memorable comeback that left the home nation rejoicing.

“As Australians, we’re extremely lucky to have the tennis history and the rich history that we do, particularly here at the Australian Open,” an emotional Barty said. “I’m a very, very small part of that.

“I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing myself, but to be a very small part of an amazing history in tennis as an Australian is really, really neat.”

PAGE 62

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

Female Teachers dominate MOE Golf Fitness Challenge The Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit in conjunction with the Nexgen Golf Academy held its first of several planned Golf Fitness Challenges for PE Teachers from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and Georgetown at the Woolford Avenue ground on Thursday, with the winners taking home trophies and vouchers for places 1-3 in each category but more importantly, bragging rights for their respective schools and districts.

This Challenge was created by Mr. Kurt Braithwaite, Physical Education Officer at the direction of Ms. Lorraine Barker-King, Department Head in an effort to ensure that teachers are fully trained to prepare their respective learners in the more than 80 schools that are already involved in golf.

“This will be a historic year for the sport and our learners, as for the first time in history, Guyana will write golf as a PE elective in the CXC examination. We at the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit saw the need for a sport that was fully covid-19

Participants with their prizes. compliant and are grateful to Mr. Hussain and the Nexgen Golf Academy for working with us to provide training, equipment and expertise to help develop the sport,” said Ms. Barker-King.

She went on to add that golf came along at exactly the right time when almost every other sport was suspended because of covid-19 and the avid response by the learners around the country has surprised everyone, with

thousands of young players taking up the sport.

Many of the teachers present also confirmed that their students were very involved in the sport, preferring golf to many of the other usual sports. “Even though we offer traditional sports, they all show up for golf so we’re asking for additional equipment to ensure that they can all participate.”

The activity was opened

by Mr. Braithwaite who

thanked the entire team comprising of judges from the National Sports Commission, physiotherapists from the Ministry of Health, scorers and officials from the Ministry of Education who were there to ensure that the competition was conducted under the strictest guidelines.

“The response by our teachers and learners is proof that we have found a winning solution to the challenge faced by the pandemic and we plan

on duplicating these activities around the country this year.”

22 schools were invited to be a part of the activity in which teachers completed a 1/2 mile run, Russian Twist (using golf balls), squats (holding a putter), and battle ropes before heading to part two of the golf challenge.

To complete the golf competition, participants had to drive for accuracy, make three putts from varying distances and difficulty, and golf an entire hole, with the best scores coming out on top.

Results of the competition were as follows: Golf Marcelle McintoshGriffith First Place (Region 4, Friendship Secondary) Shyanne Jordan Second Place (Region 10, Wisburg Secondary) Kentroy Boston Third Place (Region 2, Johanna Cecilia Secondary) Fitness Sherman Bristol First Place (Region 2, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary) Kevin Mars Second Place (Region 5, Novar Secondary)

Willon Cameron Third Place (Region 4, President’s College) President of the GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy Aleem Hussain thanked the Ministry of Education for their commitment to developing the game and showed those present how much international attention Guyana was getting because of golf with a four page presence in the GUIANAME Magazine and a feature upcoming in a Japanese magazine. “We have accomplished an amazing, probably a Guinness Book of Record achievement, the most players to take up a new sport in a single year, something that could not have been done without the assistance of the Ministry of Education so we will be forever grateful for their commitment and support.”

With the new budget allocating significant funds to sport and education, the hope is that golf is recognized as a core sport and given even more support as the goal is to have 25,000 active players by end of 2023.

TESTING, TESTING! Football Federation applaud NSC fulfills promise historic allocation for sports to assist Sports Bodies in 2022 National Budget GFF President Wayne Forde and Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr during a visit to the GFF facility at Providence.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wishes to congratulate the Government of Guyana for the historic budgetary allocation to Sports.

Federation President, Wayne Forde posited, “This I believe is a clear and convincing signal of the Government’s determined intentions to invest in the lives of our young people. I would like to commend Minister Charles Ramson and his team for the thoughtful work that resulted in this unprecedented and historic invest-

ment in Sports.”

Forde, under whose leadership the GFF has been soaring to great heights, further stated that the GFF has built a very sturdy partnership with the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, which has enabled the two entities to align their strategic priorities for the growth and development of football.

“These priorities are: 1.

Infrastructure development (the upgrade of community grounds). 2. Competition - the staging of established com-

petitions and the creation of new grassroots community tournaments. 3. School football - the establishment of a National nationwide Primary and Secondary school football programme. 4. Capacity building - investing in Coaching education, football administration, officiating and Governance.

I look forward to working with the Honorable Minister in the coming months as he facilitates government’s continued assistance to realise our common goals in 2022.”

In a continuous effort to promote ‘Clean Sports’, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), will be footing the cost for one random drug test per selective National Sports Associations and Federations.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, made the declaration yesterday.

Ninvalle said the decision came following much conversing with associations and federations while also taking into consideration that the NSC is cognizant of the fact that the costs for drug testing of athletes across the various sport disciplines is prohibitive.

In explaining the Ministry’s position, the DoS explained that the testing of athletes by the sports bodies have been a constant challenge over the years. He added that the NSC and the Ministry of Sport is aiming for the holistic growth of national athletes, hence this strategic move. ”We would like to see holistic development of our athletes as well as seeing them being aware of what is expected.

It is only fair that our associations and federations breathe with some degree of

Steve Ninvalle Director of Sports certainty when it comes to this very important aspect of sports – drug testing,” Ninvalle said.

According to the former Member of Parliament, the NSC and the Ministry’s intention is to embrace International best practices as much as possible.

We want to do everything within our power to ensure that our national athletes are best possible candidates to represent us with as little flaws as possible,” the DoS asserted. ”What the NSC will be doing is to provide funding for one random drug test during national competitions. Of course, this is not going to

be for all sports disciplines, but we want to give those bodies that will benefit the ability and resources to do what’s right internationally.

They must get accustomed to such practices,” Ninvalle reiterated.

He also highlighted the need for athletes to be educated regarding what they are allowed to use as supplements and even as medication. ”Athletes also need to educate themselves on what is required of them in and out of competition with regards to what they put into their bodies.

So it’s not just discipline in how you train but also what you consume.”

Guyana Olympic Association Executive Member, Dr. Karen Pilgrim is Guyana’s Doping Control Officer and Director of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) which is led by Patrick Werleman of Aruba.

Over the years, not many athletes from Guyana have tested positive for banned substances under the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), but those found guilty were sanctioned and served their time away from their respective sport.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 30, 2022

PAGE 63

Crandon concerned with ‘thought-process’ of batsmen As Harpy Eagles get ready to face W/Wards in T&T

By Sean Devers he recently renamed Guyana Harpy Eagles get ready to depart Guyana on February 6 for Trinidad where they will face-off with the Windwards and Leewards in their first two matches of the 2022 Regional four-day cricket tournament.

Guyana face the Windwards from February 9-12 and Leewards from February 16-19 at the Queen’s Park Oval in Portof-Spain.

But Head Coach Esuan Crandon is concerned about the thought process of the batsmen.

In the last practice at Providence which finished inside three days, only Chris Barnwell (who is no longer being considered for FirstClass cricket) was the only batman to reach a halfcentury with 66 and added 99 for the ninth wicket with 20year-old Junior Sinclair (44).

The pair joined forces with L e o n J o h n s o n ’s X 1

T

Coach Crandon and his Assistant Coach Ryan Hercules. wobbling on the ropes on 498.

O p e n e r Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul’s 41 was the highest score of any batsman in the match with Keemo Paul’s X1, who won the game by 28 runs, only managing 182 & 174, while Johnson’s X1 were bowled out for 150 & 179 in a bowler-dominated game.

On paper, Guyana has a

powerful side and includes Shimron Hetmyer, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Vi s h a u l S i n g h , L e o n J o h n s o n , Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul, Gudakesh Motie and Keemo Paul, all who have played International cricket for the West Indies.

However, while the bowlers have been impressive, Hetmyer, who made a century in the first

trial match in Berbice, missed the next two, including the last one at Providence, on a medical sick leave.

In the last game, batsmen, Skipper Johnson, Hemraj, Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Bramble and Tevin Imlach, along with a l l - r o u n d e r a n d Vi c e Captain Keemo Paul got starts but none of them went on to score a fifty.

“We have a balance team with loads of experienced players and a couple young players in the mix. I feel this group of players is good enough to win us the championship.

But I am more concerned about the thought process and the way how most of the batters got dismissed,” said the 40-year-old Crandon.

“Ideally you would want the batsmen to spend more quality time in the middle and be prepared to fight hard and long especially during the tough periods,” continued Crandon, who

took 90 wickets from 38 First-Class games between 2000 and 2011.

Crandon, who worked as assistant Coach of the West Indies Women’s team, indicated that he saw a little fight from some of the batsmen.

“However, most of them didn’t make good decisions with respect to shot selection.

Both teams failed to bat 75 overs in a single innings in this game and that’s something I am concerned about. We will be working on the same next week,” informed Crandon, who was first appointed Guyana Coach in 2012.

According to Guyana’s most successful First-Class Coach, “The batsmen simply need to place more value on their wickets. They need to be more discipline and patient. We want to see that inner drive and mental toughness that is needed, especially when things gets tough,” Crandon declared.

Nial Smith, Keon Joseph

and Clinton Pestano have bowled with pace, while Paul bowled with impressive control and had 4-48 in this trial match with left-arm spinners Motie taking 5-28 while Permaul got 3-51.

“The strength of this team is obviously the bowling. We’ve got a quality fast bowling and spin bowling line up that would trouble any batting line up in first class cricket. I am happy with the production of the bowling unit throughout the practice games,” posited Crandon who captured 7125 against the Brian Lara led T&T side in South Trinidad.

“The preparation period wasn’t ideal, however I can safely say that we made full use of every opportunity to train and play games. We have another couple days next week to prepare before we depart.

We will definitely use them well and ensure everyone benefits from the sessions,” said the Berbician.

GCB Lauds the Leadership of His Excellency Pres. Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Leadership Commends Minister of Sport Ramson for his proactive approach to sport development

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is high in praise of the historic 2.2 billion dollars budgeted for sports in Guyana for 2022. This is indeed a significant leap for the development of sport in Guyana. Individuals’ participation in sports is perceived as invaluable to the society since it encourages healthy lifestyles, different career opportunities and the promotion of aspects of one’s country. Through sports many young people are able to channel their energies in meaningful and purposeful ways, exploring their abilities among their peers and as they progress among the most successful players at the national, regional and international levels.

In cricket, the lucrative T20 leagues which are now played in many countries across the world have marshaled a revolution of the game as a desired

GCB’s President Bissoondyal Singh professional career. In the past, available funding has been a perpetual constraint in the implementation of sport development plans.

The budgeted allocation to sports for 2022 demonstrates His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali’s and his government’s c o m p r e h e n s i v e understanding of thevalue of sport to society.

This budget allocation would provide sport organizations with the requisite resources necessary to realize the transformation of most sports in Guyana from an amateur status to a

professional sport. His Excellency President Dr. Ali is obviously keen on having all sport disciplines employ systematic ways to administer sports in Guyana and has indicated that the characteristics of transparency, accountability and integrity should be guiding principles of sport administrations. Dr. Irfaan A l i ’s g o v e r n m e n t h a s witnessed a number of positive changes in cricket administration. From March 2021 a new executive took the reign of the GCB. This change has seen cricket being administered in a structured and systematic way with the three county boards now working more harmoniously to realize common goals and objectives. The GCB also commends Hon. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. for his energetic and pivotal role to the development and promotion of sports in Guyana. His intervention has been instrumental in

Hon. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. resolving outstanding issues within the administration of cricket. His continued support for cricket has ushered in new purposeful working relations between government and the GCB. The budget allocation suggest that the express concept of a National Academy is now inevitable and would become a formal nursing ground for young aspiring sport personalities.

The GCB’s President Bissoondyal Singh posits that this unprecedented budget allocation to sport represents the government’s wholistic comprehension of

the value and magnitude of sports to the growth and development of Guyana.

This is indeed a good sign as the GCB on a daily basis interact with players from all walks of life. We have seen how players’ involvement in cricket has prepared them for life apart from cricket. The nature of the team-oriented sport of cricket has allowed for the GCB to promote a unified and competitive approach to the game. The GCB continues to foster relationships from the Club levels through Associations, Counties, National and Regional levels. These

His Excellency Hon. President Dr. Irfaan Ali networks have allowed us to share ideas on development activities which will realize a sustainable cricket development structure.

President Singh advanced that the concept for a National Academy put forward by government will stimulate efforts by all GCB affiliate County Boards and Associations to do their part in feeding the National Academy through the implementation of structured programmes such as School Cricket, Club Cricket, Outreach programs and the tailored Association and County activities.