Kaieteur News

K

65 teachers, Thursday Edition NEWS 44 students test positive for COVID-19 AIETEUR

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

January 06, 2022 - Vol. 15 No.01

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 80,391

…GTU calls for immediate closure of all schools

Omai boasts of US$3B gold find ...as contract remains a secret

Guyana records 788 new COVID-19 cases in one day ...Pres. says situation under control

Govt. to upgrade 32 hinterland bridges to international standard Ashni, Nandlall, Bharrat to pick members for NRF Investment Committee

The protest continues ‘for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

Two more oil discoveries confirmed …Exxon boasts success rate in Guyana as “not normal”

VP Jagdeo continues to duck, dive and hide from the mainstream media on the oil sector and the gas-to-shore project with his facts, figures and financial analysis. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Ashni, Nandlall, Bharrat to pick members for NRF Investment Committee T

h e P P P / Government has made provisions for an Investment Committee to manage the oil account, but three individuals, of the seven member body will be selected by the Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, Natural R e s o u r c e s M i n i s t e r, Vi c k r a m B h a r r a t a n d Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

This information is outlined in the newly gazetted Natural Resource Fund Act of 2021.

According to the amended laws under Section 8 (1), three of the seven-member body, of which only five will be allowed to vote, will be appointed by the Cabinet members.

In fact, the legislation states that; “a nominee of the (Finance) Minister who shall be the Chairperson of the

committee, a nominee of the minister responsible for the administration of the petroleum sector (Natural Resources Minister), a nominee of the Attorney General, a nominee of the Leader of the Opposition, a nominee of the private sector and two ex-officio nonvoting members…the Senior Investment Adviser and Analyst (and) a nominee of the Governor of the Bank” shall be appointed.

Notably, the body with major Ministerial control will be responsible for merely advising the Board of Directors on the Investment Mandate, Section 9 of the Bill outlines.

In doing so, it shall take into account “the overall objectives of the Fund in this Act, the current conditions, opportunities and constraints in relevant financial markets, the need to ensure sufficient funds are available

for withdrawals from the fund, international best practices in investment portfolio management, the principal of financial diversification with the objective of maximizing risk-adjusted financial returns…”

It must be noted that while the Investment Committee is just tasked with “advising” the Board of Directors, it is this group who will determine how the funds generated from oil and gas will be used.

Section 5 (1) of the Act states that “there shall be a Board of Directors of the Fund which shall comprise of not less than three and not more than five members who shall be appointed by the President, one of whom shall be appointed Chairperson by the President”.

Furthermore, it explains in Section 5 (5) that the Board shall be responsible for “the overall management

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

of the Fund, reviewing and approving policies of the Fund, monitoring the performance of the Fund, ensuring compliance with the approved policies of the Fund, exercising general oversight of all aspects of the Fund and ensuring that the Fund is managed in compliance with this Act and all other applicable laws”.

Even though there is an Investment Committee, it is the President appointed Board of Directors who will be tasked with preparing the investment mandate.

The law says that the Directors of this Board shall be selected from among persons experienced in legal, financial, business or administrative matters.

The Directors shall be appointed for a two year

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh period and may be eligible for reappointment with no definitive restriction on timeline. However the amended Bill makes it clear that certain individuals will not be considered for the position. These include: Members of Parliament, persons serving on other oil committees, who are or has been declared bankrupt, are medically unfit, has been convicted of an offence or has a conflict of interest, due to family interests or investments, among others.

In addition to these two groups, the NRF Bill also leaves room for a nine m e m b e r P u b l i c Accountability and Oversight Committee which shall comprise of a nominee from the National Assembly, three representatives from the religious community, two representatives from the private sector, two representatives of organized l a b o u r a n d o n e representative of the professions.

This Committee shall provide “non-governmental oversight of the Fund” according to Section 6 (7).

NRF Act 2019 In the previous act, assented to by former President, David Granger, provisions were also made for the three bodies outlined in the law. However, the committees were governed differently. With regard to the Investment Committee, the NRF Act of 2019 said six members would have been appointed to a four year contract, inclusive of; a nominee of the Minister who shall be the Chairperson of the Committee, a nominee of the minister responsible for the administration of the petroleum sector, a nominee of the Leader of the (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 06, 2022

GPHC fire…

City Hall workers to get 10% pay hike

Oily-substance found at scene being tested C Kaieteur News has been able to confirm that an oily substance found at the scene of the New Year's Day fire at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation' (GPHC) Echocardiograph Room has been sent for testing.

The fire, which broke out around 05:24Hrs last Saturday displaced 11 patients, destroyed $30M worth of equipment and is proving to be a setback to the cardiology department of the hospital.

Investigators believe that it could be an act of arson but so far they are yet to establish credible evidence to support their theory. An oily substance found at the scene is currently being tested at Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory to determine if it is a flammable substance that was used to start the fire.

Once the results are back, investigators will be a step closer in the quest to determine the cause of the blaze.

Aftermath of the GPHC fire.

Senior Counsel implicated in attempt to bribe murder witness

A

Senior Counsel is under investigation for allegedly attempting to bribe a witness to change her statement against an alleged killer who is before the court.

The lawyer is currently representing a man who is accused of fatally stabbing his wife back in December 2016 at her work place.

According to police the witness to the fatal stabbing claimed that a male relative of the defendant and his lawyer recently offered her a large sum of cash to change the statement she had given to detectives during their investigation.

Police have since arrested the male relative and up to press time were in the process of locating the lawyer.

PAGE 03

ity Mayor Ubraj N a r i n e announced on Wednesday that the Council has approved a 10 percent salary increase for the staff of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

Narine made the announcement during a news conference held at City Hall. According to the Mayor, the Council is committed to fulfilling its mandate despite meagre resources. The Mayor said that while the Council is still working on paying off its over $5B in debts, it still has an obligation to its staff.

Therefore, he announced, a 10 percent increase in wages and salaries will be paid to the staff. He explained that 5 percent would be retroactive to January 2021 and 5 percent would be paid from January 2022.

According to the Mayor, the Council will be relying on revenues coming in from amnesty being granted for rates and taxes to help pay the salary increases. He revealed that many businesses owe millions of

City Mayor Ubraj Narine during the first press briefing of the year.

dollars in property rates.

“These are areas we are looking to generate this kind of revenue…the Local Government Commission had recommended a 7 percent increase for workers but City Hall's Finance Committee recommended an additional 3 percent,” he said.

The Mayor revealed too

that City Hall has cleared about $80 million owed to the Credit Union. He noted however, that those debts owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Scheme are still to be cleared.

When asked how the Council plans to sustain the salary increases, Narine told (Continued on page 22)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 06, 2022

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

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

EDITORIAL

Foreigners are having fun at Guyanese expense

T

he foreigners are having a good long laugh at the expense of Guyanese, as they set up shop here, and drag their tentacles across the faces of Guyanese.

Two companies with old American roots established local subsidiaries here Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—Hess Guyana Corporation started the ball rolling. Then, the action got so sweet that the savvy Chinese decided that there was plenty of space for them here, too, with China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) now well-settled and all of them drawing down like pigs in filth. (KN January 5 “Exploitative Exxon contract tortuously unfair…is already making vast majority of Guyanese poorer, not richer…but the politicians always do well in countries that produce oil -Int’l Lawyer”).

We at this publication absolutely agree with Ms. Melinda Janki, the attorney relaying the sad story of Guyana. We let her say it in her own words: “…under this deal, when you take everything into account, Guyana gets roughly 10 percent and Exxon and its two partners (Hess and CNOOC) get 90 percent, if that is not exploitative, then I don’t know what is, and I think it is really important that people should understand that the oil sector is exploiting them.” Now we want to go through what Ms. Janki said piece by piece.

This is our oil wealth and we are getting 10 percent, and these predatory monsters are telling us what a good deal we are getting. Indeed, it is a good deal for them, those on the 90 percent side of this story of modern highway robbery.

We are reminded of those classic long ago cartoons from Warner Bros, in which Bugs Bunny would start out with ‘one for you and two for me’ only for Porky Pig or whoever the cartoon character is in that episode to scratch their heads and say something is not right here, something smells awfully fishy.’ By that time it is too late, because the loot is gone, and the loser is left empty-handed.

ExxonMobil, Hess Guyana and CNOOC are thinking of us along similar lines. That is, Guyanese are Loony Tunes, and people over whom they could pull the wool over our eyes. They are all having a grand time on the way to the bank, while we are wondering what hit us, how we are going to recover. Somehow, we must find ways to get even and get back at these foreign slave traders, and their local collaborators. We think the time is coming when Guyanese are going to have to stop talking and to start acting. If not, we will still be writing and talking 10 to 20 years from now, with nothing to show for our patience, and even with the likelihood that the oil could be severely depleted. In fact, circumstances may very well force Guyanese, the envy of the region, to go from those having the riches of massive oil wealth, to those forced to sell themselves to get by.

This is one of the monsters that hangs over the heads of the peoples of this poor nation.

For this was something else that Ms. Janki laid square on the table. The vast majority of Guyanese are poorer, not richer. We agree again, and with another nightmare scenario that she put before us, namely, ‘the politicians always do well in countries that produce oil.’ They get fat and stinking rich, with reported billions in secret foreign bank accounts, their children buy up expensive real estate in exclusive neighbourhoods in London, New York, and San Francisco, to name a few prime locations. The politicians and their families shop on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, and Michigan’s Magnificent Mile. Now that is living high on the hog, and we have some of them here already.

Truth be told, in most places where oil has been found, there is one kind of people who get filthy rich, and the bulk of the population who end up being poorer and working to scratch out an impoverished existence, like scrawny chickens forced to eat dirt. In the 90:10 percent world outlined by Ms. Janki, which favours foreigner freebooters and enriches local conspirators, if that is not exploitative, then nothing is.

Multi-storied buildings must provide parking DEAR EDITOR, Numerous multi-storied buildings are being constructed in Georgetown.

None of these buildings provide parking space for the cars of the occupants of these buildings.

This has resulted in the occupants of these buildings parking their cars on the neighbours’ parapets or even blocking their bridges or park-

ing on the streets, sometimes diagonally narrowing the streets turning them into less than one-lane streets and causing accidents or collisions with vehicles lawfully driving through the street.

These high rise buildings must provide parking spaces either by buying contiguous next door lots as Survival and DDL supermarkets have

done in Sheriff Street or by requiring these buildings to use their bottom houses or bottom flats as parking space.

This must be done immediately by the joint forces of the M&TC and the Ministry of Local Government.

In the Subryanville area, for example, several blocks of flats are being built without providing any parking and

this will immediately lead to congestion of the neighbourhood, slowing of traffic and traffic accidents.

We call upon the M&TC, Ministry of Local Government and Police Traffic Department to immediately intervene and shoulder their responsibilities.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

WHO ARE WE? WE ARE GUYANESE! DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is a Nation pillared on “six peoples”.

However, the two main “people” blocks are “Indians” and “Blacks”.

Since the 2020 General Elections, the nomenclatures: “Indians” and “Blacks” have taken strengthened Usain Bolt-like legs and are dangerously straddling our Nation.

Just check the narratives on Facebook.

Irresponsible people of one race, in and out of Guyana, are throwing salvos at the other race(s).

One Facebook contributor, obviously a Guyanese who migrated many years ago and with the tone of American superiority, enquired why people of African descent are called “Blacks” while those of Indian descent are termed “Indians”.

Assuming his intelligence, he should not have difficulty answering his own question.

As the “ethnic” (in preference to “racial”) block relates to “Indians”, India is a COUNTRY. Indians, regardless of State of origin, carry INDIAN passports. On the other hand, AFRICA is a CONTINENT made up of several COUNTRIES with the citizens of each country carrying the passports of the COUNTRY instead of the CONTI-

NENT. A Ugandan carries a Ugandan Passport, NOT an African Passport.

Consequentially, I would surmise that, while a person from India is termed “Indian”, in Africa itself, a person from Uganda is NOT termed an AFRICAN, but a Ugandan.

Also, in Africa, a Ugandan can be white, brown, black, etc.

The colour is merely for distinction, not RACISM, though I will not deny that racism may be a by-product of the distinction.

Similarly, during the Slave/ Indentured Servants trade, the terms BLACK (not African) and COOLIE were used as distinctions of colour, regardless of terminology, within what was, in effect, “slavery”.

0The difference in conditions was because of the time, each grouping was brought to British Guiana.

Thus, the BLACK and INDIAN distinction is not of recent vintage nor coined by either the Blacks or Indians of Guyana, or the West Indies for that matter.

When house lots were given out to sugar workers post 1948, there was no segregation in allocation.

Racists should check the records. Blacks and Indians were allocated house lots

side-by-side. How the events of 1964 imposed segregation of the two main ethnic blocks is on record, and the architect of that crime is known to those who care to be honest.

I recall an assignment I did at UG way back in 1974 in which I argued that the scrapping of the Railway was a deliberate punitive move against Indians by the dictator.

Farmers’ produce were transported to market with the train; Children from the countryside went to “town schools” with the train. The dictator did not care that Blacks were also affected, so long that the larger Indian block was stultified. He saw the negative effects on the Blacks as necessary casualty.

My lecturer asked me to defend the paper at tutorial. I did.

I got 99 percent for my assignment.

Incidentally, I was not graduated after final year exams. Like Carlyle Harry, I refused to do National Service.

I was even pulled off a flight to the USA on the behest of the dictator’s right-hand strongman at the time. So much for speaking out as a UG student.

Today, BLACKS and INDIANS are the racist snowballs, growing daily and polarising the main ethnic blocks in our dear Guyana. I wish to state here categori-

cally: THOSE WHO ARE GUILTY OF THIS ARE ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE! MOST OF THEM RESIDE OUTSIDE OF GUYANA! YOU ARE NOT ONLY DESTROYING THE PEOPLE FOR YOUR NARROW ENDS; YOU ARE DESTROYING GUYANA. YOU ARE DESTROYING THE FUTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN. YOU ARE SICK! The nomenclatures: “Black, Indian, Putagee, Buck, Chinee and White” have been with us for centuries and will be with us for a long time to come.

Put whatever racial slant you may wish; that will not change.

The pseudo-academics and naysayers living in fool’s paradise are inoculating innocent expressions with evil intent, to wit: Divide the people along racial lines. We will be foolish to let them succeed.

Differences there will be but destruction, there must be not. If we destroy the bridge which gives us access to each other, we will forever be separated.

And there will be no ONE GUYANA. BEWARE FELLOW GUYANESE! Yours, Taajnauth Jadunauth

Guyana must focus on post-secondary education DEAR EDITOR, With the passing of the Natural Resource Fund Bill, the government of Guyana can now implement a plan to boost post-secondary education, which in turn, will provide a platform for sustainable employment for all Guyanese.

The decommission of multiple sugar estates, low output of rice exports, increasing immigration and the increasing effect of the pandemic contribute to the high unemployment rates in Guyana.

A renewed focus on postsecondary education would help to address some of these issues.Trade schools, usually referred to as vocational schools or technical institutions, provide hands-on train-

ing for specialised occupations. Professionals such as electricians, mechanics, carpenters, and plumbers represent traditional professions, but the list of skilled trades is long and includes high-tech specialists such as petroleum engineers, oil and gas specialist, and architectural engineers.

Trade-certificates can offer the same amount of income, or even higher in some cases, as a traditional bachelor’s degrees.

While Guyana does have some technical institutions, we need to refocus our efforts to provide unemployed people with the opportunity to learn a trade at an affordable price.

For example, the laid off sugar workers will be able to learn a new trade which will

help them to find jobs and provide for their families in the long term. A severance package will only last a few months for some of these sugar workers because it is a short-term solution.

As Guyana progresses as an oil nation, the need for specialised jobs and skills are in high demand now more than ever.

The new Local Content Bill passed last Wednesday will enable oil companies to procure the resources locally; however, it is up to Guyana to make those resources available so that they won’t be outsourced.

Guyana needs to offer specialised jobs and skills in different sectors of the economy so that we can compete with the international community and the

immigrants.

The shortest route to that goal is to offer affordable education technical institutions.

Put differently, the NRF can provide a foundation for affordable education, which will help not only youths but also other individuals from suffering industries like the sugar industry or the agriculture industry.

Guyana needs productivity along with efficiency to effectively handle its oil and gas sector.

Therefore, Guyana needs to provide educational opportunity for all its citizens and not a selected few.

With more people being able to attain a higher education, the productivity of the country will increase, and in turn, so will GDP. MJ

Thursday January 06, 20220

City Council seems oblivious to the need to implement COVID-19 measures to protect the safety and health of their workers DEAR EDITOR, As a citizen of Georgetown, a property owner in the ‘Garden City’ and as a businessperson in our capital, it is necessary for me to visit a number of municipal locations regularly to pay my property rates, to apply for various licences and permits and to obtain other municipal services.

But my visits to these installations of the Council, leaves me to wonder whether the Georgetown Municipality is governed by its own laws and conventions in contravention of national policies or whether they are just a rogue organisation which doesn’t conform to other people’s ideas of how things should be.

In the midst of this worldwide pandemic where countries and cities all over the globe are rushing to put in place systems for the prevention and mitigation of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease 2019 (COVID-19), it would seem as though the City Council is oblivious to the need for measures to be put in place to protect the safety and health of their workers, their customers and the public at large.

At this time, when there is a distinct possibility that present in Guyana are the Omicron, Delta and other variants of the deadly Coronavirus, and when there is a serious uptick in infections with active cases surging every day to staggering levels, it is alarming to note that Tom, Dick and Harrylall are allowed to casually saunter into any municipal location for whatever reason without being required to produce a vaccination card, without wearing a mask, without having to wash their hands or engage in any other form of hand sanitisation, or without adhering to social distancing recommendations.

I think it is all well and good for the National COVID19 Task Force (NCTF) to shut down parties and other events that are flouting the COVID-19 regulations, but why don’t they visit and take action at the various municipal markets that are ‘wet markets’ which have been implicated globally in multiple zoonotic outbreaks and which are bustling and teeming with activity involving hundreds if not thousands of persons daily who are not required to sanitise or be temperature

tested before entering the facility, and who are being attended to by vendors who have not been vaccinated nor are they wearing masks.

I have spoken to numerous employees of the Georgetown Municipality, and with the exception of one, all the rest say that they are not vaccinated nor do they have any intention of being vaccinated as there is no requirement by the administration of the Council for them to be. They said that they are not provided with masks, sanitisers or other such personal protective equipment against the virus any more even though they are required to be out there every day policing the city, managing solid waste, looking after food hygiene, cleaning the markets, drains, etc.

One has to wonder how this is even possible with the Council having an entire Public Health Department employing a Medical Officer of Health, Environmental Health Officers, and a Health and Safety Officer. This state of affairs does not auger well for the health and wellbeing of the city and needs to be addressed at the double.

Sincerely, Magagula Jackson

Guyana - new Dubai or old oil curse?

DEAR EDITOR, That Guyana is poised to become the “next Dubai” or the next country to suffer the “oil curse” are divergent projections that are made concurrently by equally divided commentators looking at the same factual scenario. Are the optimists right – or should the pessimistic view to be preferred based on real cases like Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Venezuela just across our Western border?

As things stand today, it can pan out either way. Given our fragmented society – where one’s race automatically determines which political party one will support – the stage is set for corruption and general mismanagement to prevail. This is so because the built-in check on opportunities for indiscretions is non-existent where all stakeholders do not share the same fundamental interests. In a setting where the Opposition vigorously opposes every position and initiative the Government takes, irrespective of merit, as is also the case with the incumbent Democrats and the minority Republicans in today’s USA, it becomes easy for corrupt players to operate unmonitored as their own people are focused more on standing by their col-

leagues regardless, rather than on seeing to it that their colleagues do right for the country.

It could be an entirely different production to behold if we truly become One Guyana whereby everyone will feel that he or she has a stake in the best outcomes for Guyana – rather than for their own race or political party or self, ultimately. We each want the best possible outcomes for ourselves. Is this not more achievable when we can nurture within, the feeling that theoretically every Guyanese has an equal chance of attaining the best outcome for himself – rather than just a 50-50 chance of so doing dependent upon which political party is in power? I would say, yes!

Now is the time to become truly Guyanese in our thinking. Too much is at stake now!

As a divided populace we also open ourselves to divide and rule tactics being deployed against us by foreigners for their own benefit. This may

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Kaieteur News

come in the guise of incentives to act in corrupt ways with personal avarice rather than patriotic duty being the primary consideration – especially when there is sameparty or same-race empathy providing cover. A society fragmented by ethnicity, class, the result of dictatorship or in Guyana’s case race, is a fertile playground for the corrupt – and stands well setup to embrace the “oil curse”.

If all Guyanese should set aside their natural skepticism based upon history, and AfroGuyanese accept that a change is necessary now and must not be envisaged as possible only when the PNC is in government, then the plain good sense of the President’s declared One Guyana policy outlook expressed repeatedly with (Continued on page 6)

Govt. did far superior than Coalition with NRF Bill now law DEAR EDITOR, It was a great coincidence that I wrote a letter to the Press on the same day that the Coalition unleashed its trademark thuggery and hooliganism in the sanctity of the Supreme lawmaking body of the land - the Parliament, stating in no uncertain terms that even though there is a change of leadership in the PNC, ‘the leopard cannot change its spots’. This uncivilised behaviour is yet another blatant affront to our democracy.

I would like to now qualify this: It is easier for the leopard to change its spots than the PNC to change its intimidating, bullying and downright gutter politics mentality.

The old PNC status quo no doubt can only get worse. It is power at any and all cost.

That is the way forward for the PNC. The PNC should take a page from the PPP’s General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s leadership. Never once did the PPP use any type of Neanderthal behaviour to get into power.

The PNC is never interested in compromise and the greed for power will take precedence over any rational behaviour. Let us look at the Local Content Bill. The Opposition had tabled 14 amendments and of these amendments, 10 were accepted. The Natural Resources Minister, Mr. Vickram Bharrat was clearly objective and judicious. This Bill was passed without a problem. The Opposition was clearly satisfied.

But then they objected vehemently to the passing of the amendments to the National Resources Fund Bill that by far superseded the NRF Act, which they passed as an illegal Government in January 2019, just days after the successful passage of the No Confidence Motion on December 22, 2018. This NRF Act was passed on 3rd January 2019 and Gazetted on 23rd January, 2019. This was speedy and without inputs from the then Opposition and the society at large. Indeed, there was an insane haste to get their hands on the oil money.

Let us take a look at the Coalition’s NRF as compared to the PPP/C’s NRF.

The Coalition’s NRF Act provided for a Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, which consisted of 22 members appointed by the President. Unfortunately, when one looks at the functions of this Committee, it will be seen that it is mere window dressing with no real power. It does monitoring, assessing and evaluation, creates reports and submit reports to a large extent. The Minister of Finance is responsible for the overall management of the Fund. This is where the true lower lies.

The amended NRF Act provides for the appointment of the Board of Directors, which has governance and management responsibilities.

These directors are appointed by the President. The Board is comprised of a minimum of three members and a maximum of five. This removes the sweeping powers from the subject Minister and puts it in the hands of persons with ‘wide experience and ability in legal, financial, business or administrative matters’. One is appointed by the National Assembly and one from the private sector.

This Board is in addition to the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, which is comprised of nine members, selected from the National Assembly, the private sector, the religious community, organised labour and the professions. This Committee provides non-governmental oversight of the Fund so there are two tiers of transparency and accountability mechanisms, in addition to the audits. Whilst the Coalition’s NRF provided for a bloated Committee which was in effect useless, the current NRF provides the checks and balances which are vital to transparency and accountability through the Board and the Committee.

Another bone of contention is the withdrawals from the Fund. The Coalition’s NRF ensured that the withdrawal amount is shrouded in complicated details and calculations when Schedule I is analysed. There is no clearcut calculation apart from being stipulated that the withdrawal should not be in ex-

cess of the amount approved by the National Assembly in a fiscal year. The determination of the withdrawals amount is the lesser of the Economically Sustainable amount and the Fiscally Sustainable amount. The former takes into consideration the ‘competitiveness of the economy’ and the latter, the ‘long-term sustainability of the Fund’. Both are determined by the Minister of Finance and are vague and subjective. The calculation of the Fiscally Sustainable amount, which is laid out in Schedule I, provides no clearcut calculation as is now provided by the current NRF. The current NRF sets a ceiling on the annual withdrawal from the Fund at US$500 million and this withdrawal starts from 100 percent and moves to 75 percent, 50 percent, 5 percent and 3 percent for the second, third, fourth and fifth deposits of US$500 million.

The last 3 percent is on excess of US$2,500 million.

In the current NRF, approval is sought in the National Assembly before monies are transferred to the Contingency Fund. It must be noted that US$500 million is just around GYD$105 billion or just about one-third of Guyana’s current budget.

This money is vital to push our socio-economic development of the country, and this will also benefit future generations. But this is what the Coalition is afraid of. This will make them more irrelevant and dashed into oblivion, given their proven track record for squandering and corruption. Then it has been much publicised that the current NRF provides for ‘no jail term’ for persons misappropriating from the Fund. This is preposterous and barefaced coming from the Coalition since the ‘Penalties and Offences’ in the current Act is a replica of the NRF Act illegally enforced by the Coalition in January 2019. I saw APNU protestors holding placards and chanting about ‘thieving’ completely oblivious that the offenses and penalties are exactly the same under the current NRF. This is gullibility to the extreme.

(Continued on page 6)

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Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

Hope Secondary School DEAR EDITOR, I would like to bring to the attention of the Honourable Minister of Education Priya Manickchand.

I have a relative who is presently attending the Hope Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara. My relative came home from school Monday with several bumps on the visible parts of her skin and upon enquiring what happened to her, she explained that the classroom she is now in is heavily infested with mosquitoes and

they, the students, of that class have already spoken to their level head and the form teacher since school reopened but to no avail.

Editor, in my humble opinion, there was no proper planning for the reopening of schools by the Minister of Education and by extension, the government has not been forthcoming with the presence of the Omicron virus in Guyana.

How much more are we going to risk the lives of our children by sending them to

school?

The timings are now perfect for civil society groups and human rights activists to speak out if possible and let’s have peaceful protesting so as to force the Minister of Education and by extension the government to revise this whole school reopening arrangement.

Our children must not with their lives or health pay the price for the incompetence and short sightedness of this government.

Concerned Relative

Govt. must cease the foot-dragging on constitutional bodies DEAR EDITOR, The NRF Bill was passed and enacted into law in mere hours, but the establishment of the PPC and other constitutional agencies and bodies is taking forever and dragging out.

Why is this?

It is time for the administration, in office over a year, to start walking the talking.

Shamshun Mohamed

Guyana - new Dubai or old oil...

From page 5 visible passion would be embraced. It matters not that this sounds un-Guyanese – which of itself is a shocking thing to state – as it is the correct approach for our leader to take today. Let us go for it! We can have much to

gain this way; the “new Dubai” would suit us just fine and is indeed achievable if only we make that collective change of outlook.

Yours truly, Ronald Bostwick

Time to closely monitor the appointment of the Board of Directors DEAR EDITOR, The New Year is upon us, and please permit me space to write about new problems, which we have.

Now that the National Resource Fund Bill has been enacted, it is time to closely monitor the appointment of the Board of Directors without losing sight of the fact that the process of appointment is fundamentally flawed.

On New Year ’s Day, President Ali announced his second quality that he requires of a board member: not a politically aligned person. To me, anyone who puts an X on a ballot is a politically aligned person and if the person did not vote in an election, the person may have done so for a politically aligned reason.

Let us assume for a moment that President Ali found board members with the two qualities we know he specified: integrity and not politically aligned, permit me to walk through a scenario.

Section 5, subsection 1 says that the Board “shall comprise of not less than three and no more than five members”.

Section 5, subsection 2 describes the basic composition of the board, “one of whom shall be nominated by the National Assembly and one of whom

shall be a representative of the private sector”.

If the National Assembly and/or the private sector refuse to nominate someone, does this mean the Board is nonexistent and therefore cannot operate?

Further, let us consider the process by which the National Assembly and private sector nominates individuals.

Will the National Assembly require a 33-vote majority to nominate a person? If so, it completely removes representation of people who did not vote for the President through the National Assembly nominee.

As of this moment, I recommend that the National Assembly require a 43-vote majority to nominate someone in the current Act. I have no idea what the private sector process will look like for nominating someone.

The last I read about was “wide consultation” but I welcome a formal description of the process.

I anticipate that it will be far more fluid than that of the National Assembly. Reading back, does the private sector nominate anyone or is the person just a representative as the act states?

There is growing unpopularity of the Act among Guyanese who do not want the Act in its current

form but require changes.

Therefore, and at the risk of sounding like a (good) troublemaker, I suggest that the two bodies (National Assembly and the private sector) consider withholding any nominations and bring the President to the negotiation table for proper consultation on amendments to the Act. This was the first time I ever saw protest to a Bill before it was enacted, and the effort must be commended.

The President did not listen to the people of the country as they protested the Bill.

Instead, the President committed the first act that I described in my initial letter, no representation for the people who did not vote for the President.

I pursue this issue not because I fear that the current administration will succeed as they claim but because I recognise that more transparency is better than some transparency. I want the government to succeed, this or any other.

Guyanese succeed when the government succeeds. I do not see this as a PPP or an APNU+AFC issue since either party can have a President who will have the same power described in the current bill.

Sincerely, Surendra Dhanpaul

Govt. did far superior than...

From page 5 This NRF Bill, which is now the NRF Act, is by far more superior in terms of transparency and accountability and the Coalition is cognisant of this fact, but as is expected, they will cry corruption and hope that the masses believe them, i nciting and encouraging violence and mayhem to

destabilise the Government.

In conclusion, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali has done an excellent summation of the Coalition’s attitude: ‘They do not regard politics as a contention for better policies and governance; they regard politics as nothing more or less than a battle for power.

That is why we had the display in the National As-

sembly of violence and intimidation – that is their default strategy; to whip up antagonism and hostility based on misrepresentation, misbehaviour and mischief.

My brother and sisters that is their game.

Your government will not play it.’

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

Yesterday, the Government made it clear that fighting the contagious COVID-19 variant, Omicron, rests entirely in each person's hand.

It is imperative that citizens safeguard themselves; wear your mask, sanitise and whatever else is necessary.

We hope citizens are taking note as this tactical approach which can be applied to other aspects of life including how we safeguard our nation's wealth so that future generations can benefit.

The government will not safeguard your future, so each Guyanese had better wise up, and in a hurry too.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday January 06, 2022

Govt. to upgrade 32 hinterland bridges to international standard The Ministry of Public Wo r k s w i l l s o o n b e upgrading a total of 32 hinterland bridges to international standards, stretching from Kurupukari to Lethem.

This is according to an 'Invitation for Bids' issued by the ministry which was published in Wednesday's edition of this newspaper.

According to the ministry, the project has been divided into six lots and will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

Some of the locations where the bridges would be rehabilitated are: Iwokrama, Pirara, Surama, Camudi Bash, Annai, Yararinta, Genip Landing, Massara Junction, Point Ranch and Hunt Oil. Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the intention to fix these bridges are not because they are in a poor state but to upgrade them to international

standards. International standards meaning, reconstructing the wooden structure bridges with concrete. Upon completion of the bridges it would have the capability to accommodate heavier vehicles which usually traverse the Kurupukari to Lethem trail.

Back in April last year, the main access bridge to Lethem called the Pirara Bridge collapsed under a heavily loaded truck.

Kaieteur News reported that at least 50 feet of the 160 feet-long bridge was damaged.

Because of this, many vehicles were stranded for days, causing a temporary bypass to be built. The firm contracted to do emergency repairs on the bridge had to replace 16 piles on the bridge. The estimated cost to repair that bridge was at least $17 million. According to reports, the bridge was damaged in 2019 also.

In the public notice, the

The truck at the collapsed section of the Pirara Bridge.

project cost was not disclosed but the ministry stated that the information would be provided in the tender documents as well as in subsequent publications.

Meanwhile, the opening of the project will be conducted

at the National Procurement and Tender Administration

The bridges which will be rehabilitated.

Board office which is located in the Ministry of Finance

compound on February 1, 2022.

Thursday January 06, 20220

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Act before it is too late

T

wo recent develop ments should be of extreme concern.

The first is the high number of staff infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The second is the decision of the Supreme Court to close for five days following possible exposure to the virus.

It is also being rumoured that a number of staff of a certain public utility have been displaying COVID-like symptoms and dozens of its staff have been sent for testing.

These developments indicate possible extensive institutional infections.

This is all the more so especially given the almost exponential rise in cases since December 28, 2021.

The rapid increases in cases, as was previously suggested, could have been because of the social interactions of Guyanese during the Christmas holidays or it can be because of the Omicron variant; or it can be both.

The decision of the Supreme Court of the Judicature which includes both the High Court and the Court of Appeal for six days is a positive development by a constitutional agency.

It is not waiting on the government to issue any orders about closure but, in the face of exposure and the need to sanitise its facilities, it has taken purposeful and commendable action to close its doors for six days except for emergency cases.

The government is not going to order any lockdown, not even a partial one.

It will not increase the curfew hours or tighten the

regulations governing bars or restaurants.

The government has been stubborn in tightening regulations and in even allowing vulnerable sections of the public service workforce to work at home or on rotation.

But given the present institutional spread, there may be no need for the government to order any lockdown.

State agencies are likely to be forced to close their doors because large numbers of their employees are being infected.

So while the government is reluctant to take measures to slowdown the spread of the virus, its infection of public service and public sector staff, could result in many government Ministries, agencies and departments being forced to close their doors.

This of course will make the government look very silly because while it is refusing to shutdown government institutions, the virus will do this.

The real fear right now is that rapid increase in cases could overwhelm the public health system.

Right now this is not happening and the numbers of hospitalisations and persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Units remain low.

But surely this cannot be expected to last much longer.

The more infections there are, the greater the likelihood of increased risk of severe cases requiring hospitalisation.

Preliminary data on the severity of infections is still inadequate to make general conclusions but there have been suggestions that while the Omicron variant is far more transmissible it is less

virulent than the Delta variant and has resulted in less severe forms of the disease.

Natural immunity caused by persons being previously infected does not appear to significantly prevent infection.

In fact, a number of reports suggest that the variant is known to have infected persons previously infected with other variants.

One study reported by the New York Times indicates that while it attacks the upper respiratory tract, it is not as severe on the lungs.

This is comforting news if it is true but still of concern to those sections of the population which are highly vulnerable.

The World Health Organization has also indicated that evidence tends to suggest a decoupling between cases and deaths, meaning that the death load is not as high as previous variants.

But this finding is based on limited evidence mainly from South Africa.

Given the rapid rise in cases in Guyana, indicative of the possible presence of the Omicron virus in Guyana, and the variant’s known effect on children, parents should now be cautious about sending their children to school.

Socially responsible private sector entities should follow the lead of the Supreme Court and shut down their businesses or at least increase the testing of staff, until such time as this wave blows over.

Institutional spread is not going to be limited to government entities and therefore the private sector should act be-

Dem boys seh...

A political ceasefire is needed De guvament and de Opposition playing games; blame games. Instead of coming together to fight de pandemic, dem tekkin swipes at wan another bout who doing wat and who right and who wrong.

When people die and lie down in coffin, it nah matter to dem who right and who wrang.

Dem done gone and dem family gan leff in grief.

Suh dem political parties should cut out de tug-o-war and start playing a new game, one which everyone gan win.

Instead of criticism, dem should mek recommendation. Instead of opposition, dem should have co-

operation.

Right now Guyana facing a tsunami of cases.

De other day was only 750 active cases. In less dan a week, de numbers already triple. Dat is how serious things deh.

Things done hard in de country, much less fuh gat mo problems as a result of Omicron.

People nah gan able to wuk.

How dem gan feed dem family. De hospital gan be shart ah staff, regardless of wat de guvament say. And we know dat mean dat nuff people nah gan get de treatment dem deserve.

De economy gan slow down. Already prices high

and in some country dem seh de prices gan rise because nuff workers nah able to go to wuk.

Dat is why dem boys seh, is time fuh a political ceasefire in Guyana.

De political combatants wah throwing words and criticisms should stop and dem should have a meeting to discuss wat can be done, including increasing vaccination among the 18-37 age group and in some Regions.

De Omicron might push we towards herd immunity.

But dat gan come at a high price to de economy and to dem wah gan get infect.

Talk half and join hands fuh stop dis disaster in-demaking.

fore it is too late.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the

author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday January 06, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

In the Diaspora, in the incredible mind, in Guyana

I

emphasised in several columns that once the election rigging game was over, Guyana will see vast areas of the incredible mind at work.

In my first column for 2022, I wrote these words: “This country has people with some of the most disturbing character substance you don't find elsewhere.

It is impossible to find words to describe this possession. 2019, 2020 and 2021 in Guyana have produced some of the worst traits in the human character.”

Many times, I pen these observations and as time passes, I am simply dumbfounded how easily Guyanese behaviour could be predicted.

I did several columns condemning the weekly page in the Stabroek News titled “In the Diaspora” (ITD) for not featuring even one column on the year-long denial of the ruling party of

the 2018 no confidence vote (NCV) and the five months of election rigging.

Here is a quote from my column, “There has to be a yardstick by which you judge people in a crisis of Tuesday, November 3, 2020: “The impending disaster showed how deeply shattered is the psyche of sections of this country. Do you know the column, “In the Diaspora” never devoted even a paragraph on the election rigging which went on for five consecutive months?”

Here is what I wrote in my column titled, “In the diaspora, in the diaschisma, in the diathesis,” of Friday, November 19, 2021: “After one year of failure by the leadership of APNU+AFC to hold general elections after the no-confidence motion (NCM) was passed, ITD did not do even one column on the controversy… ITD is edited by Dr. Alissa Trotz who is a leading figure in a group named Overseas Friends of

the WPA. Is Dr. Trotz telling us in this wide world, she could not find one educated soul, just one soul, with academic standing to argue that 34 could not be the majority of 65 and that five months of rigging was so conspicuous and graphic in a world of smart phones that it had to be criticised?

The latest edition of ITD (January 3) is devoted to a condemnation of the Natural Resource Fund Act (NRFA).

Do you see how human behaviour in the Guyanese nationality can be predicted?

Nothing on the NCV, nothing on 34 is a majority of 65, nothing on five months of election rigging, nothing on the most disgraceful act of political hooliganism ever seen in a CARICOM parliament in the history of the West Indies but the NRFA is an exigent matter for discussion.

Let's quote from ITD for January 3, written by an obscure group in Guyana

named Policy Forum (PF) that 99.99 percent of the Guyanese people do not know about, and that consists of the usual suspects with an overt political agenda: “Indeed, all those who rightly fought for political democracy during the 2020 elections should be as vociferous about defending the Guyanese people's right to have a say over their resources.”

Any decent mind reading this quote from PF will be compelled to ask where was PF when a ruling party refused to accept defeat in an NCV arguing that it will stay in power because a majority in the 65 member House is 34 and not 33?

Where was PF when the country almost imploded when David Granger and Joseph Harmon made inflammatory speeches that led to mayhem in Region Five in September 2020?

Where was PF between March and July 2020 when

we were close to returning to Burnhamism?

It is quite surprising that the editor of ITD, Dr. Alissa Frederick Kissoon Trotz who lives in Canada did not remove N ews ran an editorial on the the words: “those who rightly NRFA and observed: “The f o u g h t f o r p o l i t i c a l private sector is sufficiently democracy during the 2020 p e o p l e d w i t h o v e r t elections.” Does Dr. Trotz supporters of the ruling party believe that there was a to raise concerns as to reason to fight for democracy whether any of its nominees in the 2020 elections? would be considered truly Now read this part of the independent…we remain column of PF: “Another convinced that the private major aspect (of the NRFA) is sector should have no t h e e x c l u s i o n o f representation on this Parliamentary and civil board.” Well, well, this society involvement in the cannot be a good start to management of this Fund.” 2022.

One can understand The Stabroek News does parliamentarians being not want the private sector on involved in a say on the the board of directors of the administration of the fund. fund. So who decides who But who or what is civil goes on it? society in Guyana?

(The views expressed in Who determines who is this article are those of the selected? author and do not The same day PF wrote necessarily reflect the its piece in ITD, the Stabroek opinions of this newspaper.)

Thursday January 06, 20220

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday January 06, 2022

PNCR hammers Govt. about “poor management” of COVID-19 pandemic Leader of the PNCR, Aubrey Norton

A

mid a surge in Covid-19 cases here, the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) has slammed the government for what is said is its poor management of the crisis.

The party said the steep rise in COVID-19 cases in Guyana is as a result of the poor management of the pandemic by the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration,

despite being repeatedly warned by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). “In just one day we have recorded approximately 485 cases tested positive and we are not clear whether all of the testing for that period has been addressed. We are also unable to say what is the backlog in relation to specimens to be tested,” the party said in a statement

Wednesday.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during his daily Covid-19 update on Wednesday revealed that a total of 788 new cases of the virus have been recorded within 24hours.

The number of new cases now represents the highest number of new cases to ever be recorded in a single day and the country has recorded more new cases in the first three days of

January than it did in all of December.

The new cases have also pushed the number of active cases in the country to over 2500. According to the PNCR it is clear that there are a number of problems plaguing the operations of the COVID-19 Programme, such as the lack of access to information on the circulating variants especially OMICRON; the unavailability of

epidemiological data; and the closure of a number of testing sites across the country. It also pointed to the shortage of test kits, and the high percentage of infected medical personnel.

“This list represents a small subset of issues affecting the management of the programme that places the population at a high risk of COVID-19 infection.”

The PNCR said too that to further compound the

situation, the Education Ministry in a “blind rush” reopened schools, notwithstanding the epidemiological uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and the upsurge in cases.

“In front of our very eyes we are witnessing a global upsurge and to make matters worse as a country we are unable to speak with any degree of certainty how this situation is being addressed to protect the health of the population,” the PNCR said.

The party noted that the Health Ministry has no answers and as a consequence, the nation is in a major state of uncertainty.

“We are calling once again on the Government to embrace truth and transparency in providing us with the information which would guide us in taking the necessary actions to protect ourselves.

We are also encouraging our citizens to embrace public health (Continued on page 22)

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Guyana records 788 new COVID-19 cases in one day ...Pres. says situation under control

G

u y a n a o n We d n e s d a y recorded 788 new COVID-19 cases, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank announced.

During his daily COVID-19 update yesterday, the Minister announced that out of 1,878 tests conducted, a total of 788 persons have tested positive for the virus. “Over the last 24 hours, we were able to detect 788 new cases and this came from, 1878 tests so the positivity rate has gone up so it's about 41.95 percent, and that shows that we have a lot of people getting positive very quickly. We have anticipated that these numbers are going to double and we are seeing that happening right now,” the Minister said.

into quarantine first then waiting at least four to five days would give them a more accurate result. It was noted that the increase in cases was due to the new variant circulating worldwide. The Minister stated on Monday that health officials have suspected that the easily transmissible Omicron variant is present in Guyana.

“We anticipate with Omicron, what will see b e c a u s e o f i t s contagiousness is an increase in cases especially if people are not abiding by the public health measures and that is wearing masks and so forth,” he added.

Situation under control Meanwhile, with the outbreak in cases, the Government has assured that the situation is under control

The total active cases in the country now stands at 2554 with Region Four having 1,648, Region Six with 338, Region Three with 206, Region Nine with 115 and Region 10 with 82. Over the pasts days, testing sites across the country have been packed with persons coming to do a COVID-19 test.

Minister Anthony shared that getting tested just after being exposed might not give a person an accurate result.

He explained that going

and it does not call for any stringent approach at this time. This was assured by President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health who were joined by some top health officials yesterday during an emergency media briefing on the COVID-19 situation.

While asking the general public to not panic, the President said “what we learn so far from the science and experiences is that vaccination with booster minimises the impact of this new variant.”

In their response to the situation, the President explained that his government has the capability and capacity to deal with the high incidence of hospitalisation and more cases. “We don't have control over the new variant and how it will operate but we have control over our own actions,” he added.

Also reiterating that the health system has the capacity to deal with these new cases was Minister

Anthony and Dr. Fawcett Jeffery, Medical Director at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Dr. Jeffery said despite staff at the GPHC testing positive for COVID19, the hospital still have what it takes to attend to patients and deliver services.

He noted however that more strict screening system and re-enforcing the existing guidelines would be put in place to safeguards staff as well as persons coming into the hospital.

It was advised by the Minister that persons should continue to wear their masks and abide by all COVID-19 protocols. He highlighted not only is the Omicron variant in circulation but the Delta variant is still around.

Meanwhile, it was revealed by the Ministry that two more persons, an unvaccinated and a fully vaccinated person have died after contracting the virus.

The country's latest fatalities are that of a 62-year-old

woman and a 70-year-old man from Region Six who died on over a two day period (January 3 and 4). Via its COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry reported that five patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 66 persons in institutional isolation, 2,445 in home isolation and 10 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 37,842 persons have recovered from the virus.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday January 06, 2022

COVID-19 shuts down Georgetown High Court for five days

T

he Georgetown High Court and all of its offices have been closed for five days as a precautionary measure, given the significant spike in COVID19 infections over recent weeks, a notice from the Supreme Court of Judicature

outlined.

According to the notice, the closure will also facilitate sanitisation of the High Court and; the usual precautions and protocols will be adapted. The court will resume on January10.

However, despite the closure, the notice stated that

urgent matters will be done by way of remote hearings.

The filing of urgent matters may be effected through the use of the High Court's efiling portal on the Supreme C o u r t w e b s i t e (supremecourt.gy).

The notice outlined as well, that persons who have

The Georgetown Supreme Court. in-person hearings scheduled in court during the closure period must contact the Registrar, the Deputy Registrar or their Attorneyat-Law.

“The Georgetown High Court Registry will resume operations with a skeletal staff from January 10, 2022, until Friday, January 14, 2022. Persons should

therefore continue to utilize the e-filing portal during this time.

Strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols will be enforced,” the notice stated.

The notice disseminated via the Supreme Court Facebook page.

GECOM recommences distribution of replacement ID cards The Guyana Elections Commission said it has resumed the production of National Identification cards for persons who have applied for replacements during the period August to October 2021.

In a press release, GECOM said, persons who would have completed a replacement transaction are advised that they can uplift

t h e i r National Identification Card from the GECOM Registration Office where the transaction was done with effect from 6th January, 2022.The Commission is also advising persons that it has recommenced treating routinely with applications for ID cards replacement.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 06, 2022

PAGE 15

Sugar workers picketing outside of the National Insurance Scheme, Leonora Office.

Sugar workers picket NIS over poor services Sugar workers on Wednesday staged a picket exercise outside the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) office at Leonora, West Coast Demerara over a range of poor services.

The workers were primarily from the Uitvlugt branch of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

In a press release GAWU said among the services it offers are: pursues workers matters at the NIS whether

they relate to the accessing of benefits, updating of contributions, or obtaining of old age and other pensions. “To this end, the Union's officer stationed at Uitvlugt would visit the Leonora office, which is charged with responsibility for the area, to follow-up matters. Our officer, despite regular visits, has been unable to get any update on the issues he is representing.

The NIS office would often indicate that they could not

provide any answer or in some instances he simply not provided with any responses. Workers have also shared similar occurrences with the union as well. One former worker related he has been seeking for several years to obtain his old-age pension and despite visiting the office for almost daily in recent months he has been unable to have his matter addressed. It is most disheartening that those who contributed to the

Govt. and PNCR hail Baroness Amos on receiving Order of Garter President Irfaan Ali and the People's National Congress Reform have both congratulated Guyaneseborn Baroness Amos whom the Queen has recently appointed as the first black person to the Order of the Garter. In a statement President Ali, said the appointment is well deserved as it is a recognition of significant public service, given Baroness Amos' distinguished service to the UK and the Commonwealth.

“All Guyanese should be proud of this recognition”, the Head of State noted. Baroness Amos, who hails from the island of Wakenaam, is a former Labour cabinet minister.

For their part, the PNCR extended congratulations to The Right Honourable Baroness Valerie Ann, Amos C.H. Baroness Amos, a labour member of the House of Lords, was also the first black person to become a cabinet member.

“The Baroness Amos, who is also a life peer, becomes the first black

The Right Honourable Baroness Valerie Ann, Amos C.H.

person appointed Lady Companion of the Order, the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry. The appointment is the personal choice of the Queen, who has up to 24 'knight and lady companions,'” the PNCR said in a statement.

It noted that the ceremonial order, founded in 1348, is recognition of significant public service, and made without Prime Ministerial advice. Guyanaborn Valerie Amos moved to Great Britain with her family in 1963 and built a career

working for equal opportunities.

It noted that on a private visit to Guyana in 2004, Baroness Amos paid a courtesy call on then Leader of the PNCR and Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin, where discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere on a wide range of matters of mutual interest.

In 2017, she met with President David Granger at State House where they discussed, among other issues, Guyana's 'green' development pathway.

development of our country are treated in such manner, GAWU stated.

At this time, the Union's officers stationed across-thecountry as well as its offices in Georgetown and New Amsterdam are aggregately representing several hundred matters before the NIS. “Our Union continues to regularly write the NIS on matters and on many occasions, we

would receive a response several weeks after our correspondence. We are aware of several matters which we have been seeking to address over several years and though we continue to follow-up with the Scheme those matters remain languishing,” the GAWU release added. The union said it has been seeking for some time to engage the NIS

directly with a view to bringing matters to a conclusion. According to the union, though the NIS has committed to same, attempts to have engagements convened have been futile.

“The GAWU is hopeful that the NIS could improve its service to the thousands of contributors who depend on their benefits,” the release ended.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Thursday January 06, 2022

Two more oil discoveries …Exxon boasts success rate confirmed in Guyana as “not normal” G

uyana is on track of producing some 340,000 barrels of oil per day with the announcement that the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) is poised to commence production in early 2022.

This was announced by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat as he welcomed the announcement of two new oil discoveries made by the Esso Exploration and Production G u y a n a (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana's—led consortium.

Bharrat made the announcement even as ExxonMobil announced separately that the Fangtooth-1 which was spud using Stena DrillMAX encountered approximately 164 feet (50 meters) of highquality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs.

The well, according to ExxonMobil, was drilled in 6,030 feet (1,838 meters) of water and is located approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) northwest of the Liza field.

As it relates to the Lau Lau-1 well, spud by the Noble Don Taylor—the second of the six drill ships currently being used by ExxonMobil in Guyana—that well encountered approximately 315 feet (96 meters) of highquality hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone reservoirs.

The well, ExxonMobil said, was drilled in 4,793 feet (1,461 meters) of water and is located approximately 42 miles (68 kilometers) southeast of the Liza field.

“These discoveries will add to the previously announced recoverable resource estimate for the block, of 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels.”

ExxonMobil Guyana, President Alistair Routledge in acknowledging the discoveries noted that “we tend to think that this is still a frontier exploration region so the success rate we are having really talks to the technology that we have been able to bring, the experience from various basins around the world; this is not normal, this level of success and we remain committed to our exploration activities offshore Guyana and hope to continue to extend and grow

commercially feasible finds, will further strengthen Guyana's position as a country with world-class discoveries of high-quality hydrocarbon.”

To This end, he said, Government will continue engaging all stakeholders towards the exponential development of these resources for all Guyanese

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

that resource base.”

Mike Cousins, senior vice president of exploration and new ventures at ExxonMobil in making the announcement said “initial results from the Fangtooth and Lau Lau wells are a positive sign for Guyana and continue to demonstrate the potential for the country's growing oil and gas sector, ExxonMobil and our coventurers in the Stabroek block.”

He said, “…the Fangtooth discovery is a successful result of our strategy to test deeper prospectivity, and the Lau

Lau discovery adds to the large inventory of development opportunities in the southeast part of the Stabroek block.”

Both discoveries, according to Cousins, “increase our understanding of the resource, our continued confidence in the block's exploration potential, and our view that the many discoveries to date could result in up to 10 development projects.”

According to Bharrat, “the Government of Guyana remains confident that these two additional discoveries, which add to the twenty-six

Providing an update, on the FPSO, which arrived in Guyana's waters last October and is currently undergoing hookup for commissioning, ExxonMobil's Cousins said, “…Unity is on track to start production in the first quarter of 2022 and has a target of 220,000 barrels of oil per day at peak production.”

Minister Bharrat in his

“…this is not normal, this level of success and we remain committed to our exploration activities offshore Guyana, ” ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge while maintaining a social, e c o n o m i c , a n d environmental balance.

In addition, the Government of Guyana is continually examining possibilities to strengthen oversight and management of the exploration programmes of all operators to further expand the sector through commercial discoveries.

announcement yesterday also reminded that the Liza Unity FPSO has a capacity of approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day, “which will complement the Liza Density FPSO currently producing approximately 120,000 barrels of oil per day, bringing Guyana as an oilproducing economy to approximately 340,000 barrels of oil per day in 2022.”

As such, Bharrat used the opportunity to iterate, “the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana

The Liza Unity as it leaves Singapore waters destined for Guyana.

welcome these two new discoveries offshore Guyana and remain even more committed to the sustainable exploration and development of Guyana's oil and gas resources.

In this regard, I would like to reassure all Guyanese and stakeholders that this will be undertaken in keeping with international best practices for compliance and transparency within the petroleum sector and to ensure benefits are derived for all Guyanese.”

With regards the third project, Payara, ExxonMobil 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.

According to Cousins, these new projects continue to drive investment in Guyana's growing economy and boasted that, “more than 3,200 Guyanese are now employed in supporting project activities, and ExxonMobil and its key contractors have spent more than $540 million with more than 800 local companies since 2015.”

With regard, the Field Development Plan and Environmental Impact Assessment for the fourth potential project, Yellowtail, Cousins said, this has been submitted for government and regulatory review.

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Omai boasts of US$3B gold find ...as contract remains a secret Recent appraisal results

by Omai Gold Mines suggest that together with Fennell's historical mineral resource and other known deposits in the locale, there is great potential to re-build Omai into a multi-million ounce project. This, according to President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omai Gold Mines Guyana Limited, Elaine Ellingham, who on Tuesday last, announced “a very significant milestone for Omai Gold—a Mineral Resource of over 1.6 million ounces of gold.”

The deposit, she said, was found at its Wenot Deposit and, “gives us a very solid base from which to expand the property's total potential gold resources.”

According to Ellingham, not only is the Wenot Deposit open, along strike and at depth, it is also located approximately 400 metres south of the past producing Fennell open pit that hosts a significant historical gold mineral resource that also remains open at depth.”

To this end, she reminded that Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005.

Since it operated and was shut-down during a subUS$400/oz gold price environment, known extensions to the Wenot and Fennell open pits were not pursued, nor were the many n e a r- m i n e e x p l o r a t i o n targets, Ellingham reminded.

As such, “This initial Wenot Mineral Resource attests to the potential to expand the known deposits and together with Fennell's historical mineral resource, demonstrates the potential to re-build Omai into a multimillion ounce project.”

She said too, “we also see potential elsewhere on the property for additional Wenot-type and Fennelltype deposits.”

According to the Omai President and CEO, starting in late November, with the Wenot Mineral Resource drilling completed, “we shifted our focus to commence exploration for near-surface mineralization

that has the potential for additional ounces amenable to open pit mining.”

To this end, she said, “our exploration team is to be especially congratulated for delivering results while safely facing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their experience and dedication allowed us to complete the Company's first NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate on the timeline set out at the end of 2020.”

Additionally, “I have great confidence that this team will drive further exploration successes in 2022.”Omai Gold Mines Guyana Limited had in October 2020 announced the discovery of high-grade gold in its abandoned Wenot pit at Cuyuni, Region Seven, with the promised findings originating from unassayed core from a 2012 drilling programme that had been preserved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Omai said in a release at the time that the assayed results from the first two of these holes drilled, 12WED11 and 12WED13 which were never logged or sampled, indicate that high-grade mineralization extends below the Wenot Pit and there is expansion potential of gold mineralization to new sedimentary targets. “ Vi s i b l e g o l d w a s encountered in hole 12WED11.

Highest assay values include 29.19 g/t Au over 1 meter from 460 to 461 meters. Hole 12WED13 intersected 4.5 meters of 2.93 g/t Au from 54 to 58.5 meters to the south of the Wenot Pit in sedimentary rocks, where there has been no previous exploration,” Omai stated.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omai Gold Mines at the time, Mario Stifano, was quoted as saying, “we are very pleased that the results from these two holes confirm that high-grade gold continues beyond the limits of the Wenot shear and the Wenot Pit to the south within the sedimentary package, and that mineralization from the Wenot Pit continues at least 150 meters below the depth

The Omai Gold Mines technical team held an exploration meeting at the site in Guyana where Geologists reviewed the results and worked with CEO Elaine Ellingham (at centre) and others to prioritize targets and develop plans for the 2022 exploration program (Photo: OGMI) of the historical pit that was m i n e d . ” These results, Stifano added, supports Omai's planned initial 5,000-meter drill programme expected to commence at the beginning of 2020.

The company had abandoned operations here but announced its return back i n O c t o b e r .

Omai Gold Mines Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary Avalon Gold Exploration Inc., holds a 100% interest in the Omai Prospecting License, covering some 4,590 acres or 18.575 square kilometres including the past producing Omai gold mine, and a 100 percent interest in the adjoining Eastern Flats Mining Permits covering 1,519 acres.

“Once South America's largest producing gold mine, Omai produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005; Mining ceased at a time when the average price for gold was less than US$400 per ounce, leaving significant drilled mineral resources untapped and prime exploration targets untested.”

According to Omai, the Company's short-term priorities are to verify and expand the known mineral resources, “while advancing exploration on key targets, providing a solid opportunity (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

The gutted house of Oscar Liddell.

Thursday January 06, 2022

Pensioner burnt to death in New Amsterdam fire A 75-year-old man died on Wednesday in his home during a fire. He has been identified as Oscar Liddell of Pilot Street New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Reports are that the deceased's son Junior Liddell, 38, a Joiner of Pilot Street, New Amsterdam received a call from a next door neighbour around 06:10 hrs on Wednesday informing him that his father's house was on fire.

He said, he immediately made checks and observed that (Continued on page 22)

Oscar Liddell in younger days.

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Five persons nominated to sit on Public Procurement Commission

F

ive persons have been selected to sit on the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), two years after the life of this critical procurement oversight body ended.

During this period tens of billions of dollars in contracts have been awarded by the PPP/C administration with little oversight.

The nominees were chosen as by a subcommittee of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Among the five names agreed to by the government and opposition are: President of the Guyana Bar Association, Pauline Chase, former Chairman of the National Tender Board, Berkely Wickham, Economists, Rawle Lucas and Joel Bhagwandin and Rajnarine Singh.

Speaking to the Kaieteur News on Wednesday, PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira related that the process is closer to being finalised. He explained that the names will be presented to the PAC for approval before it goes to the

Former Chairman of the National Tender Board, Berkely Wickham National Assembly for its decision for the appointments to take effect and for the members of the PPC to take their oath of office. He said the names will be presented to the PAC when the committee meets next Monday.

Earlier this week, Figueira used the word “untenable,” to describe the slothfulness of the government to bring on

Joel Bhagwandin stream the long overdue Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

The PPC is the body which exercises a major regulatory and oversight role in public procurement and the awarding of government contracts.

The PPC monitors public procurement to ensure the principles of fairness, equity, value for money, and competition are

President of the Guyana Bar Association, Pauline Chase upheld and to ensure that the procedures of public procurement are executed in accordance with the laws of Guyana, but it has not been in place since October 2019.

This, despite a sub-

Rawle Lucas committee of the PAC was established more than six months ago to deal with the short listing of names.

The government side of the PAC had previously been accused of not submitting its

final nominees from the shortlisted names. At the first meeting of the PAC for the year, Figueira accused the government of stalling on the very important business of establishing the PPC.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday January 06, 2022

Serial robber jailed for seven years Confessed robber, 35year-old taxi driver, Kwame Jowanza was sentenced to seven years six months imprisonment for a series of robberies committed on four victims.

The accused was arrested on Monday after a party of policemen swooped down

on a Parfaite Harmonie home where a search was conducted. During the search which was carried out in his presence, a number of articles were found. These include: four ladies handbags; one fake number plate; two Samsung Galaxy smart phones which did not

contain sim cards; one tablet and one Bluetooth speaker.

The accused was sentenced yesterday after he appeared before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate's Court where the indictable charges were read to him and he pleaded guilty to each

offence. Jowanza's victims were: Basmattie Surjpaul a 21-year-old clerk of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, Melenda Alli, a 23-year-old clerk of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, Budindra Basdeo, an 18-year-old lab technician of Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara and Tamika Bidder, age 21 years of DeWillem, West Coast Demerara.

Serial Robber, Kwame Jowanza

The recovered items which were found in Jowanza's home.

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22 WANTED

TO LET

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One bedroom apartment with bathroom & living rooms, Cummingslodge E.C.D. Call: 222-0404 or 673-2467, whatsapp 516-805-2048.

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

2001 Toyota Mark 2 in excellent condition,low mileage & clean interior. Call:617-8424.

COOK AND MECHANIC TO WORK IN CHARITY. A T T R A C T I V E RENUMERATION, ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED. CONTACT:6880417/600-1199.

Porters & Salesgirls.Apply at Best Buy Food Supplies with written application at 1E Dennis C MiddletonSt Campbellville Georgetown.

Looking for honest & reliable person for light work and to look after person,live in work age 40 up.Tel:231-4933.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Flat 3 bedroom properties, locationHaslington, Tuschen,Underneeming, Parfaite Harmony other locations available.Tel:223-6035/ 673-6210.

One female domestic worker.

Age 35-45 yrs old.Contact: 226-7766,call between the hrs of 11-4pm.

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

PENPAL SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

Male seeks female,ages 18-35 ,for relationship.Call:- 6950331.

African Guyanese male seeks a loving female companion( 30 and above) to live with. Call:603-9085.

Repairs and servicing, refridgerator, treadmill, washing machine, stove, pressure pump, filtration system dryer, deepfryer etc 694-9733

One portable massager A/C 240V,$30,000.Call:660-0851.

Pure breed German Shepherd Pups(quality bloodline) black & tan.Contact:6659140.

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

FOR RENT Vreed-En-Hoop 2 Bedroom, Kitchen, Living room, Granite counter top, Security Cameras, Fully Grilled, A/C, Family Preferred,$30,000 monthly. #682-5230/615-4414 APARTMENT FOR RENT AT E.B.D,FULLY FURNISHED 2 SELF-CONTAINED BEDROOMS AC,OWN DRIVEWAY. US$1,100. TEL:647-1773.

VACANCY Pacific Development Accountant/Office Manager.

Vat, PAYE,NIS, maintain accounting needs. Tel:2236035/673-6210.

One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

WANTED FOR SALE

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

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

Wanted Machinist.Tel:2235273/621-5907.

One male able bodied clerk.

Tel:231-2029/616-5954.

KitchenAssistant, Babysitter, Housekeeper & Sales person,must have secondary education.Call:6595559.

1 helper needed,10 yrs experience. Tel:693-6508.

A cook for family of three, light house keeping.Tel:6548839.

Receptionist at Hick's Ville Hotel.Tel:640-0673,2310951,227-7714,223-3448, email:info@vgiworld.com.

Experienced cashier,counter server,roti/puri cook, cleaners & pastry maker.Apply at Hack's Halaal,5 Commerce St. Vacancy for two experienced Pastry Maker @ Humphrey's Bakery & Farm Products,38 Ketly St Charlestown.Tel:2257864/227-8607.

One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132.

Vacancy exist for carpenters, porters and apprentice. Contact:624-9506,624-9504,2255818.

City Hall workers to get 10% pay...

From page 3 members of the media that he could not give any details but the finance committee already has the monies figured out. The Mayor noted too that it would be too soon to say whether there be will increases in rates and taxes. Narine noted that any increase in rates

would be decided by Council. City Council has more than 600 workers on its payroll. The Mayor said that in the interim, the council will continue to advocate for a collaborative approach between Central Government and the Municipality to ensure that the capital city is maintained and adequately resourced.

PNCR hammers Govt over “poor management”...

From page 12 guidelines of social distancing and masking, coupled with vaccination.

Let us protect ourselves and save the lives of our loved ones,” the PNCR encouraged.

The PNCR said the Irfaan Ali administration and, in

particular, the Health Ministry and its Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony should understand that they have a responsibility to provide specific information to the citizens of this country.

“We cannot accept the Minister failing in his duty to

be transparent and share the necessary information with the public to protect the health of the nation,” the party said while noting that the deteriorating situation presents not only a threat to the health of the nation but its security as well.

Pensioner burnt to death in New Amsterdam...

From page 18 smoke was emanating from the building and he attempted to enter the building to rescue his father who was trapped inside but he was unable to gain entry.

The fire service was then contacted and upon their arrival, they managed to extin-

guish the fire.

As firefighters checked through the rubble, they discovered the burnt remains of Liddell in a bedroom on a bed.

The body was escorted to New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival

by Dr. Balkarran. The body was then escorted to Baileys Funeral Home awaiting autopsy. Meanwhile, the Fire Chief in Berbice Mr. Kirtland Harry has indicated that based on their investigations thus far, the fire may have started in the kitchen from a gas stove that was left on.

Ashni, Nandlall, Bharrat to pick members...

From page 2 Opposition, a nominee of the Guyana Association of Bankers; and two ex officio nonvoting members comprising the Senior Investment Adviser and Analyst and a nominee of the Governor of the Bank. The NRF Act of 2019 did not make provisions for a Board of Directors.

It however spoke to the establishment of a Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, which was tasked with; “monitoring and evaluating the compliance of the Government and other relevant persons with the provisions of this Act, monitoring and evaluating whether the Fund has been managed in accordance with the principles of transparency, good governance and international best practices including the Santiago Principles, providing independent assessment of the management of the Fund and utilization of withdrawals from the Fund and

facilitating public consultations on the management of the Fund and utilisation of withdrawals from the Fund”.

The then act had stated that the 22-member Committee should be comprised of; a representative nominated by a consortium of civil-society organisations and community-based organisations; a nominee to represent women nominated by a consortium of civil-society organizations and community-based organizations which represent women; a nominee to represent youth nominated by a consortium of civil-society organizations and community-based organisations which represent youth; a nominee of the Bar Associations of Guyana; a nominee of the Guyana Consumers Association; a nominee of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; a nominee of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc; a nominee of the Guyana Press

Association; a nominee of the most representative associations of trade unions; a nominee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana; a nominee of the Private Sector Commission; one nominee from each of the ten Regional Democratic Councils; and a nominee from academia nominated by the governing council of the University of Guyana.

The Opposition as well as several members of civil society blasted the government when it signaled it intent to remove the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee.

In this regard, the administration decided to keep the Committee but reduce the body to only nine members.

The NRF Bill was effectively passed in Parliament on December 29, 2021 amid protest action by the Opposition members, who said they would not assent to a “thieving bill”.

Omai boasts of US$3B gold find...

Pump Attendant/Cashier, shifts (6am-2pm & 2pm10pm).Shell Station Providence E.B.D, email: Shell ramsburg@gmai.com.

From page 17 to create significant value for all stakeholders.”

Though its return to Guyana was met with high praise by some with the prospect of huge investments and job creation for Guyanese,

Minibus Drivers & Taxi Drivers. Tel:225-3234/628-1183.

VACANCY

Vegetarian Gardens Accounts Clerk & Porter. Tel:6400673,231-0951,227-7714,2233448,email: info@vgiworld. com.

Vacancy exist for 2 office staff with CXC subjects and 1 cleaner at Plantation Ruimveldt.Contact:223-7165/ 625-2573.

Cook/Baker/Pitmen and Hauler Operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced.Call:618-2020 or 231-2250.

Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel:627-1835/ 626-4691.

Driver/Office Assistant.Call or email: 223-4172, elite protectionservicesgy@gmail.com.

One office assistant,must be computer literate between 2540 years. Contact:6238078,220-2034.

Omai over two decades had exploited Guyana and its resources and caused considerable damage to the environment.

On August 19, 1995 a man-made environmental disaster occurred in the Omai Mines; the wall of an earthen tailings pond which was constructed to contain cyanide utilized in the gold-mining industry was breached.

More than 400 million gallons of cyanide-laced material spilled into the Omai River and subsequently into the Essequibo, the country's largest river.

The spill resulted in severe environmental, ecologi-

cal, social, economic and political consequences.

Added to that, from 1993, the company commenced actual extraction of gold, and during its 24-year run, the company extracted some 3.7 million ounces of gold but only paid five percent of that in royalties to Guyana.

Had the terms of its contract for the lucrative gold mine entailed more benefits for Guyana, the country would have reaped billions of US dollars. To make matters worse, the company also benefitted from a slew of tax, fuel and vehicular concessions— totaling millions of Guyanese dollars.

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

65 teachers, 44 students test positive for COVID-19 …GTU calls for immediate closure of all schools The Guyana Teachers' Union said some 65 teachers and 44 students have been tested positive for COVID19 and as such, it has called on the government to immediately shutdown all schools. The union said too that some 15 schools were forced to close already due to the worsening pandemic here.

The Guyana Government on Monday reopened schools countrywide and has since hailed the move as critical given lack of educational engagement among students.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the GTUC said positive cases have risen exponentially over these last three days in Guyana, especially with the reopening of schools for face-to-face engagement.

“The Ministry of Education ignored their own (government) Gazette order for social distancing (6 feet apart) and large gatherings, which were recently issued for January 2022. Also, WHO's advice to observe one (1) meter apart as acceptable social distance has been breached with two learners seated in a single bench about a meter long,” the GTU said.

According to the union, the most worrying is the number of schools that reported positive cases for teachers and students. “The numbers continue to climb in every education district in Guyana. The union's datasheet shows that sixtyfive (65) teachers, forty-four (44) learners have reportedly tested positive in two days of school. Also, fifteen schools were forced to close due to COVID 19 cases. However, some schools are operating despite reporting issues of C O V I D - 1 9 . ” As the GTU is demanding

that all schools be closed immediately so that the Ministry of Health can conduct a proper assessment before advising on the way forward. We are aware of the challenges presented by online learning and that reopening schools for faceto-face is our preferred option, but let us be mindful that we need a healthy nation to progress.

“The rate at which persons are getting sick due to COVID-19 infections has to be addressed now. The only way to preserve the lives of our children, teachers, and their families is to suspend all face-to-face engagements in schools. We depend on the Ministry of Health to tell Guyanese the truth so that we can all work to preserve lives,” the release stated.

Minister of Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony during his daily COVID u p d a t e o n We d n e s d a y reported that Guyana recorded 788 positive COVID-19 cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours.

“Over the last 24 hours, we were able to detect 788 new cases and this came from 1,878 tests so the positivity rate has gone up so it's about 41.95 percent, and that shows that we have a lot of people getting positive very quickly,” Dr. Anthony said.

“We have anticipated that these numbers are going to double and we are seeing that happening right now,” he said. The total positive cases now stand at 2554, with Region Four having 1648, Region Six, 338, Region Three, 206, Region Nine, 115 and Region 10 with 82 active cases. Fifty-nine persons are hospitalised with 36 in the Ocean View hospital, five of whom are in the ICU. Despite the rise in cases,

Grade Nine students at the Matthews Ridge Primary Top, Region One. (Ministry of Education photo)

the Health Minister is assuring citizens that there is adequate testing capacity at the National Public Health Reference laboratory. “I think we have the capability of doing at least 2000 PCRs over a 24-hour period, that's fairly large. We also have GeneXpert machines that we have placed at the various regional hospitals so they can do some amount of testing there and with antigen testing it does not require much of an infrastructure, just the test kits. We have adequate test kits across the public health system and they are being used,” Dr. Anthony said. In addition, more than 12 private health facilities have been certified to do testing.

The Minister noted that with the increase in cases, persons may panic and want to get tested; however, getting tested too soon after exposure might not get an accurate result. “Don't go and swamp the testing sites. We have seen a lot of people showing up at testing sites and demanding to be tested, but if you go too early, you are not going to know what's your true status,” he said.

“You will have to be quarantined first of all and wait at least five days before you go and get tested.

If you go right away and get tested, it's going to show negative. If you go the next day and get tested, it's going to show negative, so you have to wait that window period out before you get tested. For these tests to work, a person would have to be infected, they would have to get an adequate amount of virus in their system before the test can detect it,” Dr. Anthony added. Persons showing COVID-19 symptoms are advised to get tested.

PAGE 23

Students of D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary School, Region Seven.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 06, 2022

Thursday January 06, 20220

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Ebadot rips through New Zealand as Bangladesh complete historic win ESPNcricinfo Bangladesh, a team at the lowest of ebbs only last month when they were swept at home by Pakistan, have taken down the world champions, the mighty New Zealand, by eight wickets in the first Test in Mount Maunganui.

In the scale of unlikely results in Test cricket, this is right up there. It’s the first time Bangladesh have beaten New Zealand in Tests, ending the hosts’ 17-match unbeaten home record. This is also the first time Bangladesh have beaten New Zealand in any format in New Zealand. It’s Bangladesh’s sixth overseas Test win - anywhere. But more than the stats, trivia and milestones, what stood out was how Bangladesh dominated New Zealand almost all the way through the Test.

Little known Ebadot Hossain, the fast bowler who started this game with the poorest average for a minimum of ten Test wickets, was the unlikely hero for Bangladesh. On the fifth morning, he took two wickets to take his innings figures to 6 for 46, the first six-for by a Bangladesh fast bowler in more than eight years and the best by a Bangladesh quick overseas. Taskin Ahmed took three wickets while Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up the last wicket to fall. The home side, which lost their last five wickets for 15 runs, lasted only 56 minutes on the fifth morning, folding for a lead of only 39.

Bangladesh took their time reaching the 40-run target, in 16.5 overs, during an extended first session.

Shadman Islam and Najmul

Hossain Shanto were dismissed caught behind, with Ross Taylor taking a superb catch off Shanto’s outside edge. Fittingly, Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s highest run-getter in Tests and their most experienced cricketer, scored the winning runs, with captain Mominul Haque at the other end. Within ten minutes of the start of play on the day, Bangladesh were up and running. Ebadot got one to move ever so slightly into Taylor, who inside-edged the ball on to his leg stump. The fielders were ecstatic as they swarmed Ebadot, who bowed down in a sajda before his usual salute to celebrate his five-for.

In his next over, Ebadot got Kyle Jamieson to play uppishly towards midwicket, where big Shoriful Islam dived to his right to complete a

Thursday January 6, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If There is no question about it, Aries, change is in the air!

Perhaps you can't feel it because you have allowed yourself to become bogged down in disappointment.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) All living things benefit from your gifts, Taurus. Nurturing has always been part of your nature, and is especially so today.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) At some point, popularity becomes a burden rather than a blessing. Your bulletin board is cluttered with invitations to lectures and parties, Gemini, but your eyes begin to glaze over at the thought of attending all these events.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It's another fortuitous day for finances, Cancer, so be sure to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You are seeing a new side of yourself today, Leo, and what a lovely side it is! Normally so conservative, today you find yourself considering purchasing clothes with stylish details and expensive fabrics.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) We are all gullible to a certain extent. And you are no exception. You can expect to receive some financial offers today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You have heightened sensitivity right now, Libra, and you know just how to use it.

While it can be difficult to be so needed by others, right now it is your place to give help where it's needed.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your warmth and good nature draw people to you like a magnet today, Scorpio. Of course, you're used to this occurring, but today these aspects of your character are especially enhanced.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) There's no question, this has been a long time coming. But today the change you have been hoping for so long is likely to occur, Sagittarius.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) This is a time to take care of yourself in the truest sense of the word, Capricorn. This doesn't mean indulging in excesses, but rather just the opposite.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It's another potentially anxious day ahead, Aquarius.

But you have the power to soothe your ruffled feathers.

Physical activity of any sort will calm you down considerably.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Hobbies and diversions are wonderful; no one will argue this with you, Pisces. But there comes a time when you use your hobbies as a way to avoid other responsibilities.

sharp catch. Taskin then joined the party. He had Rachin Ravindra caught behind for 16, before yorking Tim Southee to take his third, and Bangladesh’s ninth wicket.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, brought on to take out the tailenders, removed Trent Boult when substitute Taijul Islam latched on at deep midwicket.

Yesterday, Will Young and Taylor had added 73 runs for

the third wicket as New Zealand had got down to the business of wiping out the 130-run deficit. But shortly after Young reached his second fifty in the game, he fell to Ebadot’s good-length delivery, which opened up one end for Bangladesh. Ebadot struck again a ball later when he clean bowled Henry Nicholls, and in the next over, had Tom Blundell out lbw.

New Zealand lost three wick-

ets for no runs, in the space of seven Ebadot deliveries, and that was where the match was decided for Bangladesh.

Scores: Bangladesh 458 (Mominul 88, Litton 86, Boult 4-85) and 42 for 2 (Shanto 17, Mominul 13*, Mushfiqur 5*) beat New Zealand 328 (Conway 122, Nicholls 75, Shoriful 3-69, Mehidy 3-86) and 169 (Young 69, Taylor 40, Ebadot 6-46, Taskin 3-36) by eight wickets.

Gutsy Dean Elgar has South Africa’s...

From page 28 been the best. India had gone into lunch at 188 for 6, but after that Shardul Thakur came out swinging - and also connecting. There was one topedged six, but five superbly timed fours as Thakur pushed India’s lead into the 200 territory. After he was caught on the boundary off Marco Jansen, Hanuma Vihari farmed the strike and went for his shots. Even so, he wasn’t always successful in shielding the bowlers, and Bumrah faced down a short-ball barrage from Jansen, in the middle of which there were words exchanged and a mid-pitch confrontation where players had to separate the two men, who were team-mates at Mumbai Indians just three months back.

India’s target seemed like a safe one given the nature of the surface, where some balls were spitting up off a length.

But a confident Markram put his failures of this series behind him to play an attacking role in the opening stand.

Thakur continued to have a fantastic Test when he trapped Markram lbw in an over that had two close calls already. R Ashwin then provided an important breakthrough, getting Peterson lbw. He had van der Dussen in some trouble too, and while KL Rahul rotated his bowlers around - the injured Mohammed Siraj bowled the least - and all of them kept things tight, Elgar and van der Dussen survived till stumps.

Stumps: South Africa 229 and 118 for 2 (Elgar 46*, Markram 31, Ashwin 1-14) need 122 runs to beat India 202 and 266 (Rahane 58, Ngidi 3-43, Jansen 3-67) - Jasprit Bumrah and Marco Jansen exchanged words in a midpitch confrontation. (AFP via Getty Images)From page been the best. India had gone into lunch at 188 for 6, but after that Shardul Thakur came out swinging - and also connecting. There was one top-edged six, but five superbly timed fours as Thakur pushed India’s lead into the 200 territory. After he was caught on the boundary off Marco Jansen, Hanuma Vihari farmed the strike and went for his

shots. Even so, he wasn’t always successful in shielding the bowlers, and Bumrah faced down a short-ball barrage from Jansen, in the middle of which there were words exchanged and a mid-pitch confrontation where players had to separate the two men, who were team-mates at Mumbai Indians just three months back. India’s target seemed like a safe one given the nature of the surface, where some balls were spitting up off a length. But a confident Markram put his failures of this series behind him to play an attacking role in the opening stand. Thakur continued

to have a fantastic Test when he trapped Markram lbw in an over that had two close calls already. R Ashwin then provided an important breakthrough, getting Peterson lbw. He had van der Dussen in some trouble too, and while KL Rahul rotated his bowlers around - the injured Mohammed Siraj bowled the least - and all of them kept things tight, Elgar and van der Dussen survived till stumps.

Stumps: South Africa 229 and 118 for 2 (Elgar 46*, Markram 31, Ashwin 1-14) need 122 runs to beat India 202 and 266 (Rahane 58, Ngidi 3-43, Jansen 3-67).

PAGE 26

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: LeBron, Malik Monk rally Lakers past Kings

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) - LeBron James and Malik Monk combined for 55 points, including five 3-pointers in a fourth-quarter rally that allowed the host Los Angeles Lakers to overtake the Sacramento Kings 122114 on Tuesday night.

James finished with a game-high 31 points and Monk had 24 as the Lakers won a third straight to open a five-game homestand.

De’Aaron Fox scored a teamhigh 30 points and Buddy Hield tallied 26 for the Kings, who lost for just the second time in their last five games.

The Lakers trailed 96-89 with 8:11 remaining before riding 14 points from James

and 11 from Monk in a 33-18 finish. James hit a pair of 3pointers and Monk three as part of the flurry.

After James and Hield had split four consecutive leadchanging 3-pointers, Monk and Tyrese Haliburton exchanged two-point hoops.

Monk gave the Lakers the lead for good, 112-110, with a 3-pointer with 2:50 to go.

Raptors 129, Spurs 104 Fred VanVleet scored 24 of his 33 points in the first half and had seven assists as Toronto defeated visiting San Antonio.

VanVleet, who was 7 of 14 on 3-point attempts, has scored more than 30 points in

each of the past three games as the Raptors have improved their record to .500 for the season, at 17-17. Pascal Siakam added 18 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the Raptors, who have won three straight. Gary Trent Jr. contributed 21 points.

Former Raptor Jakob Poeltl scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Spurs, who have lost four in a row. Devin Vassell and Joshua Primo each scored 15 points.

Grizzlies 110, Cavaliers 106 Ja Morant scored 26 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 22 to propel visiting Memphis to a win over Cleveland. Morant, the Western

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) drives to the basket beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen (24) and center Jarrett Allen (31) in the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) Conference Player of the Week, made several crucial plays in the waning moments to send Memphis to its season-high sixth straight win.

Cleveland’s Darius Garland recorded 27 points and 10 assists in his return from a four-game absence due to health and safety protocol.

Jarrett Allen collected 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who have lost four of their last five games.

Knicks 104, Pacers 94 Julius Randle returned from the COVID-19 list to post a double-double — 30 points and 16 rebounds — and RJ Barrett scored 32 points as host New York fended off In-

diana.

Barrett scored 19 points in the first quarter for the Knicks, who snapped a twogame losing streak. Alec Burks added 14 points and Immanuel Quickley tallied 11 points off the bench.

The depleted Pacers lost their fifth straight game. Indiana has seven players in COVID-19 protocols, including three of its top five scorers in Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert and Chris Duarte. Keifer Sykes, a 28year-old rookie, scored 22 points for Indiana. Suns 123, Pelicans 110 Devin Booker scored 33 points and Chris Paul had a double-double as

short-handed Phoenix defeated host New Orleans. Paul had 11 points and 15 assists, Mikal Bridges scored 23, Cameron Johnson added 18, Bismack Biyombo had 16 and Jalen Smith had 12. The Suns overcame the absence of coach Monty Williams, starters Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder and backups JaVale McGee and Abdel Nader, all of whom were in the health and safety protocols.

Devonte’ Graham scored 28, Jonas Valanciunas had 25 points and 16 rebounds, Brandon Ingram scored 16 and Josh Hart had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Pelicans.

(Field Level Media)

Senegal latest team hit by virus days ahead of African Cup DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Senegal’s national soccer team was forced to delay its flight to the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon after three more players and six members of the backroom staff tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Senegalese soccer federation named the players yesterday as Pape Sarr, Nampalys Mendy and Mame Thiam. They and six members of the management team tested positive on Tuesday, when the squad was scheduled to fly to Cameroon, the federation said.

Federation spokesperson Kara Thioune said the squad was now due to leave yesterday afternoon and the three players and six officials would remain behind in Dakar until they return negative tests.

The African Cup starts on Sunday and Senegal has little time before its first game of the tournament against Zimbabwe on Monday. Senegal, with stars like Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and Chelsea

goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, is one of the favorites after losing in the final at the last African Cup. The news of more virus cases underlines fears that the pandemic and the recent emergence of the more contagious omicron variant will cause chaos in the buildup and at the African Cup in Cameroon, where less than 3% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to a tracker kept by Johns Hopkins University.

Top European clubs have made clear their concerns over sending their African players and have questioned if Cameroon and African soccer confederation organizers will be able to prevent major outbreaks at the monthlong event.

In response, organizers announced that only fully vaccinated fans with proof of negative tests will be able to attend games, meaning games are likely to be played in empty or near-empty stadiums because of Africa’s very

Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate, right, and Norwich City’s Sam Byram battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Norwich City at Selhurst Park, London, Tuesday Dec. 28, 2021.

(Steven Paston/PA via AP) low vaccination levels. The Confederation of African Football employed pharmaceuticals company UNILAB to oversee the regular testing of all players and officials from the 24 teams. But a growing number of teams have been

affected by virus cases even before Africa’s biggest soccer tournament has kicked off.

Host Cameroon announced last month that it had positive cases in its squad. Burkina Faso, which

plays Cameroon in the first game of the African Cup on Sunday, has had to leave players behind in Abu Dhabi because of the virus and may not be able to field its strongest team in the tournament opener in Yaoundé.

Like Senegal, Cape Verde and Tunisia have reported new cases in their squads, while Gambia and Ivory Coast were forced to cancel warmup games because of outbreaks in their squads.

Malawi left three players behind in Saudi Arabia, where the team had a training camp, because they tested positive.

Nigeria left striker Victor Osimhen of Italian club Napoli out if its African Cup squad because of his positive virus test.

Defending champion Algeria has also reported infections. Senegal already had the complication of Cheikhou Kouyaté and Alfred Gomis testing positive and staying behind with their European clubs to see out isolation periods.

The African Cup should have taken place in 2021 but was delayed a year because of the pandemic. It faced calls in recent months that it should be postponed again because of the emergence of omicron.

Thursday January 06, 20220

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

GFF Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021-2022...

NAMILCO hands over 1st prize of $500,000; champs, GPF urged to build on success

NAMILCO’s Marketing Supervisor, Ms. Alicia Anderson (5th left) gets a hand on the championship trophy from Member of the winning GPF FC team Ms. Sasha James in the presence of NAMILCO Finance Director Mr. Fitzroy McLeod (3rd left), GNWFA President Mrs. Andrea Johnson (2ndLeft), Coach, Manager and members of the Police FC team. ”I am really happy to see local talent coming through and you are in the forefront of that and so I am charging you all to keep that momentum going, keep the local talent developing, keep playing and knocking on the door.”

The words of National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) Finance Director, Mr. Fitzroy McLeod to members of the Guyana Police force Female Team when the company handed over the first prize of $500,000 for the just concluded, Guyana Football Federation Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021-2022.

Held under the theme, “We Rise Against Domestic Violence”, this inaugural year-end tournament, one of three tournaments the GFF has organised, two of which have been done in association with the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation (Men’s Super 16 Cup and Futsal), attracted 16 teams with the GPF defeating GT Panthers 4-2 in the final on January 2nd, 2022 at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

President of the Guyana National Women’s Association (GNWA) which organised the competition, Mrs. Andrea Johnson was on hand at NAMILCO along with repre-

sentatives of the GPF FC including Captain, Colette Hope and Head Coach, Vurlon Mills.

NAMILCO’s Marketing Supervisor Ms. Alicia Anderson chaired proceedings whilst also congratulating the members of the GPF FC on a job well done.

McLeod challenged the members to keep on keeping on and building on the success they have earned from this inaugural competition. ”Congratulations on coming out victorious, even greater congratulations on maintaining the momentum and fighting to the finish so that you could be victorious. I really implore you not to make this be an event and destination in one. Let this be a stepping stone, as you move forward, keep the momentum going; keep aligning yourself with good teams that challenge you so you can keep building and improving yourself.”

McLeod, a former footballer and strong supporter of the game, posited that as a student and athlete, one must have a teachable spirit, “Listen to advice, try and incorporate that into your game and your development as an overall human being, not just as an athlete.” Players

present, Coach and Manager were all encouraged to spread the word and always strive to be the best. ”Maintain the focus on your goal, develop yourself physically by eating a lot of NAMILCO products, you get the wheat-up in your system, you have the get the nutrition right, you have to put in the work and you have to put in the study, the mental part of it. Aim to be total football players.”

GNWA President Andrea Johnson in her remarks thanked McLeod and NAMILCO for their continued partnership with the GFF which has been going for many years. Johnson stated that the support for this inaugural Women’s Festival is heartwarming and looks forward to building on this initiative. She promised that in conjunction with her parent body, all can look forward to more female football throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. ”I can assure you that we have so much talent here amongst our females that people are not aware of; so I want to thank NAMILCO for stepping up and tangibly supporting this tournament so that this talent could have

come to the fore. Gratitude is extended to you on behalf of my executive and the GFF and we look forward to your continuous support.”

GFF President Mr. Wayne Forde weighed in on

NAMILCO’s backing: “Without any hesitation, Mr. Bert Sukhai offered his commitment to support our girls. I was delighted by his eagerness to see more investment being channeled towards the

development of Women’s Football in Guyana.

It goes without saying that NAMILCO is an enduring partner of the GFF and we are happy to have taken this historic journey with them.”

BBC News - World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has been denied entry to Australia over an issue with his visa. The player arrived in Melbourne yesterday where authorities noticed a mistake with his application.

Djokovic was due to play in the Australian Open, after being exempted from vaccination rules.

He has been told he will be deported but his lawyers have said they will challenge the decision, Australian media report. The tennis star had been quizzed in a room at Melbourne airport for hours while his visa and exemption status was being investigated.

His team had not requested a visa that permits medical exemptions for being unvaccinated. It is not clear whether he will remain in Aus-

tralia while his lawyers attempt to overturn the decision. Djokovic has not spoken about his vaccination status, but last year he said he was “opposed to vaccination”. In a statement, the Australian Border Force said Djokovic “failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled.

“Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia,” it added. His treatment has provoked outrage in his native Serbia. Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic said his son was had been in a room guarded by police.

“This is not just a fight for Novak, but a fight for the whole world.” he said in a

statement released to the media.

President Aleksander Vucic said the star was a victim of “harassment”, and that “the whole of Serbia”, supported him.

Earlier, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Djokovic would be refused entry to the country unless he provided evidence that he could not be vaccinated for medical reasons. Australia is seeing tens of thousands of Covid19 cases for the first time after enduring some of the world’s strictest restrictions.

More than 90% of Australia’s over-16 population is fully vaccinated, but some people still cannot travel interstate or globally because of current measures. The Australian Open begins on 17 January in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic: Australia cancels top tennis player’s visa

PAGE 28

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

Australia 126-3 after rainswept Day 1 of 4th Ashes test

Australia’s David Warner edges a ball and is caught out by England during their Ashes cricket test match in Sydney, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) SYDNEY (AP) — The fourth Ashes test sprung to life late on Day 1 after sweeping showers threatened to dampen the prospects of both teams for a positive start at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

After rain delays permitted only 21 completed overs in the opening two sessions yesterday, runs and wickets came more frequently in the final passage of play as Australia reached 126-3 at stumps.

Steve Smith was unbeaten on six and Usman Khawaja was four not out when rain ended play for the day.

“It’s obviously out of our control,” opener David Warner said of the frequent stoppages for weather. “We just have to readjust when we come off and go back on again.

“It is frustrating but we

can’t do anything about it.”

Veteran seamer Stuart Broad, recalled to the England team after being omitted for the third test in Melbourne, went someway to vindicating his selection by dismissing Warner and generally appearing the most threatening bowler in the England attack.

Harris and Warner put on 50 for the first wicket before Broad made the breakthrough for England in the 21st over, teasing Warner onto the front foot and finding the edge which carried comfortably through to Zak Crawley at second slip for his 527th wicket in 151 matches.

Warner, who made 30 with six boundaries off his 72 balls, swiped his bat through the air in frustration at his dismissal and not capitalizing after making another good start to an

innings in this series.

It was the 13th time Broad (1-34) has captured Warner’s wicket in tests, the most any bowler has captured the pugnacious left-handed opener.

“It is one of those things where a bowler bowls a lot at you and he obviously pitches the ball on the right areas a lot of the time,” Warner said. “He’s very consistent, holds his length well and tries to create that false shot, which today I tried to drive the ball too straight where the other ones I drove through the covers was a bit squarer.

“That was my disappointment,” he added, “but it is awesome just to see Broady back out there.

You want to see a worldclass bowler and to have him and Jimmy Anderson bowling

England’s Stuart Broad, right, is congratulated by teammates after he took the wicket of Australia’s David Warner during their Ashes cricket test match in Sydney, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) at us is great.”

Marnus Labuschagne joined Harris at the crease, but four balls into the 22nd over showers swept back over the ground forcing the players from the field after only 9 overs of play in the middle session, much to the disappointment of the crowd of about 30,000.

Play resumed shortly after tea and Harris and Labuschagne lifted the scoring rate, often finding the gap through cover for runs, and then clipping through square leg as the English bowlers over-corrected their line.

Harris made 38 but, like Warner, failed to capitalize on a good start as he edged a Jimmy Anderson (1-24) delivery through to England captain Joe Root at first slip to

have Australia at 111-2.

Next over, Mark Wood (131) got a deserved wicket when his pace straightened up Labuschagne (28) on the crease and the world’s topranked batsman feathered an edge through to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

“You want to try and test yourself against the best players,” said Wood, who has now taken Labuschagne’s wicket in consecutive matches. “I feel like I have bowled well (this series) but haven’t got the wickets I would have liked.”

“Thankfully I made Marnus play at that ball, which wasn’t easy to play at and found the edge.

The ball before, he hit me for four and I just tried to really focus on that (next) ball and thankfully got it spot on.”

It was an eventful finish to the day after Australia skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first on a green-tinged SCG pitch.

Both teams made one change from the third test at Melbourne where Australia won by an innings and 14 runs to take a 3-0 series lead and retain the Ashes.

For Australia, Khawaja replaced Travis Head, who was absent after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Broad returned for the injured Ollie Robinson.

England has lost the series but is still aiming to take something from the tour by winning an Ashes test in Australia for the first time in almost a decade.

Scores: Australia 3 for 126 (Harris 38, Anderson 1-24) vs England.

Gutsy Dean Elgar has South Africa’s nose in front on testing Wanderers pitch ESPNcricinfo - A sturdy display by South Africa’s top order put them in position to level the series against India, ending the fourth day’s play on 118 for 2, practically halfway through their chase of 240. Fortunes swung from one team to another during the course of a gripping day’s cricket, as India made 266 in their second innings - less than what looked possible when Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were putting together a century stand, but more than seemed probable when India slid to 184 for 6 and then 228 for 8.

South Africa lost Aiden Markram and Keegan Petersen in their chase, but each of the partnerships they have had so far have been substantial, especially in the context of the target. Markram and Dean Elgar took a leaf out of the Pujara-Rahane book

and began aggressively, putting on 47 in ten overs. Elgar and Petersen then added 46, while the unbroken ElgarRassie van der Dussen stand has yielded 25 runs in 12.4 overs so far.

Elgar played his usual bloody-minded innings, wearing blows on the body, shrugging off edges and balls whistling past, and always finding a way to survive.

Apart from the opening burst where Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami had a rare period of not landing the ball exactly where they wished, India’s bowlers kept asking questions of the batters; but until stumps, South Africa’s top order weathered them.

While the hosts ended the day with the advantage, the morning had brought forth a deluge of runs via Pujara and Rahane. Both men had come into the game with

increasing scrutiny about their spots in the XI, and ended up making fifties. They were proactive and on the lookout for runs. Pujara showed his intent early by whacking an on drive to the long-on boundary off Lungi Ngidi in the day’s second over - this, after he had already glanced a four at the start of it. It was the sort of ball which Pujara might ordinarily have just pushed to cover. Three overs later, Rahane rose with the ball as Jansen banged it in short outside off, and cut it beautifully over point for six.

Just when South Africa were looking flat, Kagiso Rabada found ferocious rhythm after the first drinks break. He hit the hard length outside off that has made balls rear up on this pitch, and moved it away just enough to catch Rahane’s outside edge with the batter unable to pre-

Dean Elgar took blows on the body, but always found a way to survive. (AFP via Getty Images) vent his hands following the ball. In his next over, Rabada got one to dart back into Pujara at pace, and trapped him lbw.

Rabada then gave Rishabh Pant a working over in just two balls, beating him

outside off first up and then firing a missile that rose up to throat and had the batter in a complete tangle as he fended with his gloves and saw the ball land short of the slips.

Next ball, Pant danced down the track and tried to whack

Rabada over cover, but only got an edge through to the keeper. With Rabada in the seventh over of his spell and his bowling clearly a cut above the rest, Pant’s shot selection might not have (Continued on page 25)

Thursday January 06, 20220

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

GFF, KS inaugural KO Futsal semis...

Sparta Boss, Bent Street to clash in Saturday’s final Jermaine Junor (centre) scores his 7th Goal in 3 matches as Bent Street beat Gold Is Money 4-3. (Sean Devers photo)

Sports Minister Charles Ramson & Olympic Boxer Keevin Allicock were among the large crowd. (Sean Devers photo)

By Sean Devers On another night of entertaining football on Tuesday night, the largest crowd to attend the Guyana Football Federation, Kashif & Shanghai inaugural KO Futsal tournament saw pretournament favourites Sparta Boss and Bent Street qualify for Saturday night’s final.

Sparta Boss showed Leopold Street who is Boss with an emphatic 7-2 victory, while Bent Street beat ‘Gold is Money’ in keenly fought game, 4-3 in their semi-final game to stake a claim for the $1 Million winners’ prize.

Both teams will start Saturday Night’s encounter with at least $500,000 in the Bank with Gold is Money and Leopold Street clashing in the third place play off with the winner getting $250,000 and the loser going home with $100,000.

Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson, who was among the rampacked crowd off fully Vaccinated and masked fans in the stands, met the teams before they started their matches.

Sparta Boss, who defeated California Square 5-1 before destroying Berbice All-Stars 8-1 on their way to the semis, continued to show that they are the team to beat with a dominant performance on Tuesday night.

Led by a hat-trick from Ryan Hackett, a brace from Curtez Kellman and goals from Eusi Phillips and the skilful Stephen Alfred and another good night between the uprights from the burly Devon Charles, Sparta Boss were clinical in their 7-2 victory over Leopold Street after leading 2-nil at half-time.

Hackett scored twice in the first half which was dominated by Sparta Boss who showed off their dribbling and passing skills as they controlled most of the possession.

Charles, who had just conceded two goals in two matches, was again like a wall in the first half.

However, it was Leopold Street who scored first in the second half when Abumchi Opara beat a diving Charles

to his right, a minute into the second stanza.

But Eusi soon found the back of the net two minutes later, while Hackett scored his third goal to leave the score on 4-1 for Sparta Boss.

Kellman scored twice in quick succession before Stephen Alfred, who scored four goals against Berbice All Stars, registered his sixth goal of the tournament and at 7-1 Leopold Street were being outplayed.

When Leopold Street shot to goal, they were cleared by the defence or well saved by Charles.

However, Quincy Adams capitalised on a defensive error to shoot one past Charles who sat on ground fuming with his players.

But by then it was too little, too late for Leopold Street and when the final whistle blew, the Sparta Boss and their vocal fans celebrated their qualification for the final.

In the second Semi-final, Bent Street, who defeated Team Cruel, 4-1 in the round of 16 before demolishing Back

Sparta Boss scores another goal to beat Leopold Street 7-2. (Sean Devers photo Circle unit 7-4 in the quarter-finals, had a tough battle with Gold is Money.

At half-time, in the very competitive contest, Bent Street, thanks to a goal from Colin Nelson, were leading 1nil.

In the second half, goals

from Cecil Johnaton and Marcus Wilson give Gold is Money a 2-1 lead as the entertaining contest ebbed and flowed with both teams engaged in a ding dong battle.

The tournament’s leading goal scorer, Jermaine Junor, who scored five goals against Back Circle, found the back

of net for his seventh goal and the equaliser, and at 2-2, the game had to go into overtime.

Daniel Wilson give Bent Street a 3-2 lead but three minutes later, Randolph Wagner scored the equaliser before Wilson scored his second goal to take his team into the final.

West Indies reschedule Tour to South Africa ahead of ICC ODI Series forms crucial part of preparation for Women’s Cricket World Cup ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand ST JOHN’S, Antigua – West Indies Women’s team will play four One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa Women in Johannesburg from January 28 to February 6 as part of their preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Ahead of the first ODI West Indies will have a warm-up match against a South Africa XI on January 25.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) yesterday confirmed a revised schedule as both teams finalize preparations for

the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup to be played in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3, 2022. West Indies Women were previously scheduled to play three (3) T20 Internationals and five (5) One Day Internationals against South African Women from January 15 to February 6. All matches in South Africa will be played in a bio-secure environment at the historic Imperial Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, a venue close to the teams’ hotel which has been secured for exclusive use due to the

ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

CWI CEO Johnny Grave said, “There has been a lot of hard work and collaboration with our friends at Cricket South Africa regarding this tour and we are very pleased that we have been able to confirm this rescheduled ODI Series, allowing us to play vital high-level international competition and complete preparations ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. We are extremely grateful to both CSA’s and CWI’s

operational and medical teams for their efforts in confirming the schedule and we look forward to an exciting ODI series.’’

West Indies Women’s Head Coach Courtney Walsh said: “This tour will give us a chance to get some cricket in before the World Cup especially since we have played less cricket than than anticipated following the cancellation of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

This tour will show us

exactly what we need to finetune before departing for New Zealand, so that when we get there we can hit the ground running and give a proper showing of ourselves on the world stage.”

The series will feature two day matches and two day/ night matches under lights.

The day matches start at 10am local time (4am Eastern Caribbean/3am Jamaica) and the day/nighters at 2pm local time (8am Eastern Caribbean/7am Jamaica).

MATCH SECHDULE (all

matches at Imperial Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg) Day matches start 10am local time (4am Eastern Caribbean/3am Jamaica) Day/night matches start 2pm local time (8am Eastern Caribbean/7am Jamaica) Tuesday, January 25: warm-up match – vs South Africa XI (day) Friday, January 28 : 1st ODI (day/night) Monday, 31 January 31: 2nd ODI (day) Thursday, February 3: 3rd ODI (day/night)

PAGE 30

GCB’s 4-Day trials beings at Albion, Akshaya Persaud scores 54 For the first time ever the Guyana Cricket Board are holding preparations for a National Senior team in the ancient County of Berbice with the first of a possible three four day games which began yesterday at Albion which hosted the first ODI in the West Indies when West Indies beat Pakistan in 1977.

Thirty players were shortlisted for this game which is scheduled to conclude on Saturday with notable omissions, apart from those on West Indies duty, are Chanderpaul Hemraj, Anthony Bramble and Christopher Barnwell.

According the Chairman of the National Selectors, former Guyana and West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, Barnwell, who turns 35 today, is being ‘phased out’ to accommodate a younger player but could be a key player for the 50-over team.

Hemraj and Bramble failed both of their fitness tests and showed no improvement and were not considered for this game.

The recently renamed Guyana Harpy Eagles, could play their first of three games away from home, their opening game tentatively set for the Kensington Oval in Barbados from early next month.

Due to the pandemic the

Thursday January 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

Akshaya Persaud scored an unbeaten 54 yesterday at Albion.

(File photo) tournament has be reduced from 10 to five matches with each team playing each once.

In yesterday’s action at Albion in Corentyne Berbice, 117 km the City of Georgetown, Leon Johnson’s IX elected to bat against Keemo Paul’s X1 and, in sunny conditions and a slow track on an outfield which was recently cut and

reached 188-7 by the close of day one.

A few spectators saw Akshaya Persaud hit four fours in an unbeaten 54 from 152 balls and 190 minutes.

Persaud shared in a 29-run stand with Kevin Sinclair (16) before Sinclair was removed

by Ashmead Nedd at 145-7.

Persaud and Clinton Pestano, who hit a six and a four in his undefeated 24 from 71 balls and 68 minutes featured in an unfinished 43-run eight-wicket partnership.

It was a disappointing batting performance from the top order as only Tagenarine Chanderpaul, with 27 from 94 balls in 106 minutes with a solitary boundary, passed 25.

Skipper Johnson faced 75 balls and batted for 112 minutes after reaching the boundary twice and clearing it once.

Vishaul Singh (13) added 29 with Johnson for the fourth wicket before Singh was trapped LBW to Sylus Tyndall at 75-4 after Chanderpaul and Raymond Perez (9) had put together 27 for the first wicket before Perez fell to Veerasammy Permaul.

Kemol Savory fell for seven, Jonathon Rampersaud scored seven, while Zachary Jodah retired after making a single.

Today is the second day.

(Sean Devers)

GT Panther’s Vincent cops MVP award at GFF women’s super 16 cup

By Zaheer Mohamed GT Panther’s Annalisa Vincent copped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) - GNWFA Women’s Super 16 tournament concluded on Sunday night at Leonora.

Vincent, who hails from region one, scored nine goals, the most in the tournament as her team took the runner up spot, losing to Police 4-2 in the final.

In an invited comment, Vincent said she was not entirely pleased with her performance and could have done better.

“I had to function in more than one position and this was a bit tough, I tried my best but could have done better,” she added.

Vincent lauded the players for their efforts and said everyone did their best. “We did well to reach the final, it was a total team effort, however, there is always room for improvement,” she posited.

She said that the team didn’t have as many training sessions and the fitness level wasn’t up to par.

“I think we need to place more emphasis on technical and tactical aspects of our game,” she explained.

Vincent, who captained the team, pointed out that

Annalisa Vincent they were confident of going all the way despite, not being able to train as much.

“We were optimistic about winning, but we fell short because of a lack of training which contributed to players not being able to endure the entire game.”

Vincent said that she will continue to train so that she can continue to improve in all aspects of her game.

Other players who received awards were Deekola Chester of Police - best goalkeeper, best defender -Colette Hope of Police, best forwardDennecia Prince of Police, best midfilder- Jalade Trim of Fruta Conquerors, youngest player- Amya Schroeder of Bartica, oldest player Alicia Mentore of GDF, most improved player- Angel Denny of Fruta Conquerors.

‘Coaches must be accountable for DDL boosts GCF Online performances’

SportsMax - West Indies legend, Viv Richards, has called for there to be more accountability across the board when it comes to the affairs of the regional team, including the performances of coaches.The West Indies men’s team, which is coached by former player Phil Simmons, has been plagued by poor performances in recent months.

At the T20 World Cup the team, who entered the tournament as defending champions, were less than inspiring and crashed out after finishing 5th in Group 1 after winning just one match and losing four.

The performance was followed by lopsided defeats in Sri Lanka for the Test team and Pakistan. The Women’s team, who appointed former fast bowler Courtney Walsh two years ago after a string of poor results, have in the meantime won two of their last three series.

“We’ve got to start calling on the coaches a bit more in my opinion for performances, and to have a level

- WI legend calls for clear targets, transparent fitness standards

Viv Richards

at some point regarding performances, where you’d say that last year we were here at that level and where we want to be next year, so I am looking for stuff like that sort of improvement,” Richards recently told the Good Morning Jojo radio programme.

“I think I am looking for that sort of improvement, which I am not seeing at the moment,” he said.

At the same time, the former player, known as the Master Blaster in his prime, also believes that there was also the need for more trans-

parency and equality as it relates to players’ selection based on fitness standards.

“There are times we play to people’s affairs and not overall in terms of the team in itself because no one or two or three individuals make up a team in itself. It’s about the solidness, and everyone being on board, and just how you dish out the treatment, I think it needs to be a little fairer in my opinion. It gives everyone an opportunity and where the fitness is concerned, that seems to be lacking for years now,” he said.

Chess Programme

Demerara Distillers Limited has once again sponsored the Guyana Chess Federation’s Online Chess Programme for the second year.

DDL has sponsored premium licences for 66 junior players on Chesskid. com for the year 2021 amounting to the sum of GYD$210,000.

Previously the company had purchased these licences when the GCF had initially rolled out its Online Chess programme in August 2020.

This contribution had provided enormous support to the many chess players at the time.

‘Gold’ membership on the Chesskid.com allows children the opportunity to access an unlimited number of chess puzzles, tactical exercises, challenges, educational videos and lessons among other learning resources. The numerous chess lessons on Chesskid.com teaches from a beginner’s level with fun and interactive videos giving children the opportunity to learn chess at their own pace from

DDL injects $210,000 into GCF Chess programme.

the comfort and safety of their homes.

They are also provided with the opportunity to play chess online with other members of the Chesskid.com platform which provides a rating system for our junior players.

President of the GCF, Frankie Farley is thrilled about the initiative and expresses his gratitude to Demerara Distillers Ltd. for their support over the years and looks forward to a continued partner-

ship. The GCF has been making great strides in developing and increasing participation in chess within the regions. Corporate sponsorship such as this one is much needed especially for the online platform which has become the main medium for the playing of the game due to the Covid19 pandemic. The GCF currently has an online membership of over 300 children, of which, 200 are active members.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 06, 2022

“Toughest tournament I’ve played in my 30 years of coaching” GDF boss - Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson

By Calvin Chapman As many predicted, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) football club successfully defended their GFF-K&S Super 16 yearend title after beating Western Tigers 5-4 via kicks from the penalty mark in the final, but according to their head Coach, Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson, the 2021 tournament was his toughest competition since his coaching career began way back in 1986.

However, the experienced coach shared with Kaieteur Sport that he anticipated a tough competition and he prepared his players well.

More specifically, Wilson shared that, “We played back to back games in Linden and the MSC (Mackenzie Sports Club) ground was not up to standard, and we had to tune our tactics down to suit the conditions.”

“The games against both Linden teams were overly aggressive, and those that have been around local football for a while will know that it’s never easy beating Linden at home.”

However, the coach prepared for that, he mentioned that he had his troops doing a lot of conditioning leading up to the final, not only physical but also psychological since he was quite aware of the added

pressure on champions to emulate past success.

GDF seemed to absorb the pressure time after time and the first match was very nervy against the combined Upper Demerara side, it was deadlocked 0-0 until extra time, but the eventual champions, GDF, scored after the Linden based team were down to nine-men.

Coach Wilson praised his side for showing great character because although he would’ve prepared them both mentally and physically, they still had to go out and execute on the field. During the interview with this publication, he joked that the team has been behind throughout the entire competition and they were in g r e at d an g e r o f b ei n g eliminated against Milerock, Den Amstel and in the final they trailed Western Tigers for 20 minutes.

In addition, they played back to back matches, and thrice featured in extra-time clashes, all of which Coach Bill explained he anticipated, and prepared his squad for.

He also anticipated penalties and revealed that the coaching staff had the squad go through countless penalty drills, and that coupled with the positive atmosphere, allowed the players to succeed.

PAGE 31

GDF Champions of GFF-K&S Super 16.

GFF, KS inaugural KO Futsal semis Leopold Street’s Quincy Adams beats the impressive Devon Charles in Tuesday night’s semi-final action. (Sean Devers photo)

Sparta Boss, Bent Street to clash in Saturday's final GFF Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021-2022

Collette Hope (right) collects the prize envelope from NAMILCO Finance Director Mr. Fitzroy McLeod while players and other officials from the GFF and NAMILCO share the moment.

NAMILCO hands over 1st prize of $500,000; champs, GPF urged to build on success Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.