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AIETEUR NEWS

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

Guyana still in

Friday Edition January 07, 2022 - Vol. 15 No.01

the dark about - Int’l suspected oil spillLawyer

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 82,337

Exxon, Hess helping Guyana to manage oil resources Lone company bids $24M to design, supervise school project

Guyana records 967 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

Dilapidated house Oil companies apply collapses, kills to reclaim US$20M mother, child 6 from GRA - AG report 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

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

Friday January 07, 2022

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Exxon, Hess helping Guyana to manage oil resources

By Kiana Wilburg Hess Corporation's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess revealed on Thursday that his company and Exxon Mobil Corporation are supporting independent work being done by an international group to help Guyana devise a developmental plan for the management of its oil wealth.

During a recent discussion at Goldman Sachs' Global Energy and Clean Technology Conference2022, the Hess Boss said the support is being provided to Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School who is part of a team in Georgetown for a project called, the Guyana Development Initiative.

Kaieteur News understands that Porter is an American academic known for his theories on economics, business strategy, and social causes. Furthermore, Porter is the Bishop William Lawrence University Professor at Harvard Business School, and he was one of the founders of the consulting firm The Monitor

Hess Corporation's CEO, John Hess

Group (now part of Deloitte) and FSG, a social impact consultancy. He is also credited for creating Porter's five forces analysis, which is instrumental in business strategy development today.

Expounding further, Hess said the development plan will help Guyana enhance its human capital through healthcare and education and its infrastructure.

Already, Hess disclosed that it is partnering with Exxon, also to provide support to help Guyana build an electric plant using natural

gas that has been discovered in the Stabroek Block. “(We will) also look at building their national capital to manage this oil wealth and hopefully, five to 10 years from now, we will be looking at Guyana as a role model for how to develop resources responsibility,” expressed the Hess Boss.

He added: “We as a company believe in social responsibility and want to do our fair share to contribute to that exemplary development that hopefully the government will continue to

conduct. So social responsibility is very important to us and we want to make a positive impact on the communities where we work and Guyana is going to be at the top of that list.”

In the meantime, the Hess Boss said that the Stabroek Block partners remain focused on fully understanding the exploration potential of the offshore resources in the Guyana basin, which he described as having industry leading production costs and world-class reservoirs. He alluded too that the latest discoveries, being Fangtooth-1 and Lau Lau-1 wells in the Stabroek block are a testimony to the treasure

Professor Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School.

the partners hold in the South American nation.

Hess said the discoveries are significant and will add to

the estimated 10 billion barrels of recoverable oil equivalent resources in the block.

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Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

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

We are playing with more than fire

I

t didn’t take a Nobel Prize winner in the sciences or medicine to recognise that we are playing with more than matches and fire.

We definitely are playing the fool and like that fine young fellow who used to scream repeatedly about trouble in the crowded theatre, some will get run out of town and end up on their own.

But what we have done in our management of this global plague called COVID-19 is asking for it, and we hope that we don’t get it, as foolish as we have been.

Our authorities and many citizens have exhibited all the attributes of a bunch of clowns. What other way is their left to describe our peers and the people they follow, given how they have conducted themselves? What is wrong with us that we must be this moronic?

Some citizens speak of conspiracies where this virus is concerned. Surely, they can’t be serious, or this brainless.

For who in their right minds would want to do them something? Guyanese like to say that they are modern, but they encounter a real medical difficulty, and the best that they automatically come up with is that somebody want to do them something.

People with a brain in their head would not want to plant a wire or bug in the heads of Guyanese who are so thick, that a chainsaw would be required to check on what is below (if anything) their scalp.

The right-thinking have no time or interest in backward people, who needlessly endanger themselves, families, colleagues, and neighbours.

Ask them to wear a mask and we suddenly have more breathing cases than all of Latin America.

Beg them, plead with them, please keep distance and they still find themselves in shirt pocket and hip pocket.

We think that they could be trying to pick their neighbours’ pocket that is the real story. For those who think that we have it wrong, or are coming down on the harsh side, we ask nicely to take a look at what transpired at our malls for the holidays.

It was Carnival and Mardi Gras all rolled into one, since the beginning of November.

We can understand the bus parks, marketplaces, and the Stelling, for those are unavoidable necessities, and our regular working-class brethren don’t have much of a choice.

They have to face the music, or starvation is their lot, since nobody is looking out for them, certainly not the big political hustlers in this country.

But please don’t make the same mistake and seek the same courtesy of us for the rum shops, betting shops, and drug shops.

Guyanese who want to drink rum so much could do that in their yards, or under their homes, what we call bottom-houses. Look at us now: in two days we had a total of some 900 new virus cases.

Given the time span, this has never happened here before. But, for those who think that ordinary people in the street are the worst ones, the only ones without a mind, we say think again. Start by looking at the big shot people in this society. We don’t think our experts had to go to Harvard or Oxford to think of, then actually put out the new curfew hours. Those aren’t curfew hours. They are one long happy hour.

And then not satisfied with that joke of a curfew span, the big boys and big girls in government had to go still further and reduce the hours some more for the traditional holiday dates. Clearly, it is becoming more and more difficult to find somebody with a fraction of a brain in this country.

Okay, let’s not go so far, but some good old fashioned commonsense would make a difference.

They tell us to get vaccinated and lockout those who don’t comply. Then, local experts turn right around and open up the viral floodgates.

We continue to play stupid. We will get stupid people treatment. The oil so fried the political brains, all they can think of is how to steal, or fix their people, or make bigger fools of themselves. One who likes to make big speeches insisted: “we will reopen”. Somebody, help us please!

Don’t give up the fight DEAR EDITOR, It is literally a crying shame what our political leaders have allowed and continue to allow the oil companies and other foreign companies to do to Guyanese for generations to come while they enrich themselves with the wealth from our natural resources laughing all the way to their banks.

The oil companies just love it when our political leaders, the PPP/C and the PNC(R) are at odds with each other. Instead of fighting

each other over crumbs, the time has come for both parties to put aside their differences and fight our common enemies who are here only to rob and plunder us of our natural resources leaving our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with just the clothes on their backs when they should be enjoying the results of their God-given wealth.

My fellow Guyanese there is strength in numbers.

Let us tell our party leaders the time has come for us to

band together as one people, one nation, and fight the common enemy for what is rightfully ours so that our children and grandchildren will not have to endured the hardships we endured to put food on the table for our children, but will enjoy a better life than we did.

The prices for everything these days just keeps going up and up and up, even Banks (DIH) bread has increased by $30-$50 more depending on where you buy it.

As Bob Marley famously

sang: Cost of living get so high, the rich and poor they start to cry, Oh! what a situation. Them belly full, but we hungry. A hungry man is an angry man.

The rain a faal, but the dutty tough.

A pat a cook but the food nah nuff.

My fellow Guyanese let us: Get up, stand up, stand up for your right, don’t give up the fight, don’t give up the fight.

Yours truly, Gloria Holder

Why keep blaming the Foreign Businesses?

DEAR EDITOR, It is convenient to use the word “Foreigners”, as written in the editorial, “Foreigners are having fun at Guyanese expense”, as written in KN 6th of Jan. Add to that; another article “Omai boasts of US$3B gold find”, with its contract with Guyana shrouded in secrecy. Let’s be blunt and say what we actually mean. Foreigners means white people.

The fact is this -Whites collectively have a better business acumen approach than non-whites outside of the US/ Europe and Australia. Honestly, do the average Guyanese believe in quality of service, accountability, efficiency, attention to detail, being able to read the fine print within these 100 page contract documents or putting in the long hours at work as the white people do? The answer is No. We talk a lot, but we fall short here of having the same priorities and qualities which make these

multinationals in Guyana successful. Look no further than the Republic of Congo; exploited by multinational corporations with their vast amount of earth minerals, including cobalt which is used in smartphones and laptops.

Yet, is one of the poorest countries in the world, as a result of sheer greed and managerial incompetency in managing its wealth.

At what point do we realise that the problem might just be with the inability or shortcomings of the local workforce at the operational level and higher and not with the foreigners. There comes a point at which we have to look within ourselves, and at our workforce and honestly admit that we are not capable of doing many simple things.

This is a country where there is no such thing as project management, only on paper.

University degree holders still give permits to businesses to build buildings with no thought of adequate parking

space. Degree holders not realising that in a place like Guyana, carving out space for vendors, so they all assemble in a designated space is necessary. Degree holders not realising that multipurpose roads need to be built that can accommodate construction vehicles, massive 18 wheel trucks and small cars as seen abroad, all traversing the same road. The list is endless.

And let’s not forget a fire station, situated for years in the worst location possible Stabroek Market.

These areas may seem trivial to the average Guyanese, but the international business community has taken all of these things into consideration, when they want to draw conclusions on our thought process and our abilities.

So when they are able to get the people in high positions (regardless of party affiliation) to sign these unbalanced contracts much to their benefit - we should not be

surprised.

In fairness, we can only blame the foreigners to a certain point. They are doing what they are expected to do in a global world, with their first priority being to maximise their profits; and getting the upper hand. If the local workforce in Guyana is submissive to them, unable to speak confidently and have a firm understanding of the subject matter being discussed or too ignorant or stubborn to hire consultants that have the experience in conducting business with seasoned multinationals then it’s our fault.

We have to start looking at our shortcomings. Either we have the well rounded capable skills to go head to head with the multinationals or we don’t.

They are expected and paid to outwit and outsmart us, and get bonuses for doing so. For the “Foreigners” it is strictly business.

Chi Kansi

Return to online classes and limit in-person teaching DEAR EDITOR, I was disheartened after reading the following statement from President Ali on January 6, 2022 regarding the closure of schools given the critical surge of the COVID19 omicron variant in Guyana.

The President remarked, “In terms of school we have seen all the cases so far and in most countries, almost all the countries are saying we cannot close the schools.

We cannot close the education system. They are keeping the schools open.” Surely the President understands that access to information is very easy for almost all Guyanese.

Similarly, he knows how to manipulate words for the purpose of influencing public persuasion and actions.

While many schools are remaining open, many have reduced in-person teaching for varying periods of time.

Some for 21 days, 90 days and so forth. In Europe, some Governments are advising schools to remain closed and continue with online learning... ...When making such general statements that literally could result in the death, impairment and long-term care needs of children, teachers and relatives, the President should be cautioned to provide the data and to be precise. Schools’ remaining open does and should not mean the full measure of inperson teaching.

I want to ask the President and other Cabinet members where their children attend school.

Are they in private or public school and are they attending school full time inperson, online or a blended approach? ...Finally, could President Ali state what measures in-

cluding financial support have been provided to schools and teachers to? (i) support random and mandatory COVID-19 testing of teachers, administrators and students, (ii) effective sanitation measures, adherence to social distancing guidelines in schools, (iii) the protection of children using public transportation and taxis to attend school and (iv) safeguarding the exposure of children from food vendors who often ply their trade inside and outside the school compound?

Addressing, scaling up and implementing these and similar concerns would go a long way in strengthening the confidence of parents, teachers and school administrators.

In closing, the Government through the Minister of Health is on record as promot-

ing herd immunity through infections and vaccines.

The theory goes that we can better develop stronger immune responses to COVID-19 through more infections and vaccines.

The public should be aware that this policy is an underlying factor of the emphasis on keeping in-person schooling open at current rates.

I would like to caution the Government by way of two statements made by the Israeli Senior Health Advisor, “The price of herd immunity is very infectious, and that may end up happening.

The numbers need to be high to reach herd immunity, it’s possible…But we don’t want to reach it through infections, we want it to happen as a result of many people vaccinated, he added.”

Regards, C. Singh

Friday January 07, 2022

Schools need to remain open for the sake of our future DEAR EDITOR, Keeping schools opened should be Guyana’s top priority. In December 2021, just last month, a report published by the World Bank titled “The State of the Global Education Crisis: A Path to Recovery” estimated that globally this generation of students risk losing $17 trillion of collective lifetime earnings due to the closure of schools because of COVID-19.

This is a serious projection that must be curbed by all means necessary especially for developing countries such as Guyana. The report says that each school year that a child benefits from translates to 10 percent higher income in many countries.

Similarly, more years of schooling translates to higher employment prospects and it is already accepted that individual earnings have an impact on national earnings

and the performance of a country’s economy. There is a direct link between the educational attainments of citizens and a country’s economic growth.

It is also widely accepted that education is the one sure way that a person can remove themselves from a life of poverty to live a comfortable life at least.

As stated in a recent letter I wrote, schools globally have been closed for over 18 months. Already, there are students in Guyana who will be earning 10 percent less than they would have if they were in school during those 18 months. This is in addition to the over 1000 students who dropped out of school at the primary level along with a significant drop out rate at the secondary school level as reported by the Ministry of Education September last.

I believe that this will have an impact on Guyana’s economy years down the line

when these students become adults and find themselves in a state of poverty. It will have an impact on our social services and will regrettably lead to an increased crime rate.

I hope at this juncture that we see the importance of keeping our school doors opened. We need to keep schools opened.

How else are we to ensure that the nation’s children can comfortably earn an income to support themselves and families?

How else are we to reduce crime? How else are we to fill the workforce with skilled and competent Guyanese to be a part of our local content for the oil and gas industry? We need to keep schools opened.

Schools need to remain open for the sake of our children’s future and the future of our country. All that we do now should be done with keeping our children safe and in school. That should be our priority.

Maureen Matthews

We need to work collaboratively if we are going to beat COVID-19 DEAR EDITOR, Amid rising cases of COVID-19, the Ministry of Education has reopened schools for face to face interaction at all levels with Grade Seven students returning to the classroom next week.

Many people are against this decision and some have even gone so far as calling the Government, Minister of Education and staff of the Ministry heartless and uncaring.

But looking at the bigger picture, how can a decision which will have a positive long-term impact be such a bad thing?

Yes, we know cases are rising, on Wednesday alone over 700 positive cases were recorded in a 24-hour period.

We should look at why this number is so high.

What I can say with certainty is that this is not a result of schools being reopened last Monday.

During the Christmas season, despite several advisories to take precautionary measures and avoid social gatherings, there were a lot of parties across the country.

When I say a lot, I mean every day in the month of

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December there was a celebration somewhere.

It was as though COVID19 had gone on vacation and it was business, well in this case, partying as normal.

Now, it was not just the bars I am referring to, but there were also family gatherings.

I am sure that children were present at these gatherings and I am also sure that no one was wearing a mask or social distancing.

Also, during the holidays, Main Street was packed with people visiting the many booths at the Christmas Village or just taking a casual stroll to look at the pretty lights strung along the boulevard.

It was a COVID-19 hotspot and like I mentioned earlier, no one seemed to care about the pandemic.

Now that schools have reopened their doors to face to face learning, persons are against the decision.

It makes me wonder, why are parents so uncomfortable

with sending their children to school with masks on and COVID-19 measures in place but seemed to have no problem with taking their children out to crowded places during the holiday season.

Do parents think that if they are present, their children wouldn’t contract the COVID-19?

Do they think that if sent to school, teachers will go rogue and allow students to walk around without masks and congregate?

If anything, teachers will ensure the students are protected and adhere to the measures.

Parents need to work along with teachers to ensure children receive an education in a safe learning environment.

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to work collaboratively if we are going to beat it.

Anna Maria Perriera

Ogunseye’s call for dialogue is commendable DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to respond to Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye’s letter in KN of 14-22. Mr Ogunseye is announcing a rethinking of a previous policy whereby he was an avid Africanist and now is calling for a new dialogue whereby we can “commit to a new national engagement where one speaks for all and all for one”. It looks like Mr. Ogunseye has had a Kafkaesque metamorphosis of sorts.

Mr. Ogunseye credits his changeover to the way the electorate voted in the 1992 and 1997 elections where the PPP/C received more than 51

percent of the votes cast. Mr. Ogunseye credits this to all Indians voting for that party but ignores the fact that Indians are only 39 percent of the population.

He fails to take into account that the swing votes which put the PPP/C over 51 percent had to have come from mixed, indigenous and African voters in both 1992 and 1997.

Let’s concede Mr. Ogunseye’s makeover to a “new African man” for all intents and purposes is sincere.

Let’s concede his call for a dialogue is genuine therefore most commendable, doesn’t he first need to sell himself to

his fellow Africanists to toe the line that he now proposes? Mr. Ogunseye singularly taking on such a herculean task for “a new national engagement where one speaks for all and all for one” is likened to a modern day Don Quixote on a hairy mission.

Present day WPA for all intentions is a rabid Africanist haven with the likes of Dr. David Hinds on displaying the very policy that Mr. Ogunseye would like to be rid of. Mr. Ogunseye should first clean house and in this endeavour I wish him the best of luck.

Sultan Mohamed

Murder at Leonora not worthy of reporting?

DEAR EDITOR, Newsflash may be deemed to be something that happened instantly and is worthy to bring to the attention of the public immediately.

This may manifest via the medium of the media, whether that be the newspapers, radios, TV’s and/or FB and all the other social media.

A gruesome murder occurred Tuesday morning opposite the Leonora Hindu Temple.

A vagrant who was resting on a vendor’s stall on the Leonora market road which also is the entrance to the Leonora Hindu Temple,

was brutally chopped all over the body and subsequently died.

Another vagrant who usually illegally domicile in the old, empty, dilapidated building next door to the Leonora Mandir (the former Leonora Maha Sabha Secondary School), is the primary suspect for this devious act. It must be noted that, reports were filed with the police about these dangerous characters lurking around the Mandir’s compound where children and females usually visit.

Also, the Mandir was recently burglarised and expensive equipment were

removed.

To date, this worrisome news was not reported by any media.

There is nothing in the news to alert the public about this dangerous character at large, still running amok and seen in the neighbourhood.

There is no “wanted” picture posted anywhere.

How can the news media miss this worrisome incident?

Yet, a picketing exercise at the Leonora NIS office on Wednesday morning made the news in the newspapers.

Something is definitely missing in communication.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Misinformation is a slap in the face to our health workers DEAR EDITOR, A report from the PNC/R chastises the Government for management of the COVID crisis. Compared to what the APNU party was doing during the COVID crisis the current government has been exemplary in educating the public, providing important information, maintaining an active dashboard, vaccinating and encouraging vaccinations of our people and also encouraging the opposition to add in a mutual manner to the importance of vaccinating

all, especially our children and elderly.

Misinformation and confusion abounds all over the world. Fear is generated by the disunity of persons who add to the fear of persons.

The points made by the report by the PNC/R are incorrect. The Government is not responsible for the increase in the cases as this increase is occurring world wide. The truth is that while there is an increase in numbers, the fatality rate is low from the omicron. It seems that the omi-

cron may actually prove to be protective functioning to improve the immunity of those vaccinated. The concern about children going to school is not rightly made. It says that the Government was in a rush. The Hon Minister of Education has deliberated over many months and has had consultations including with the medical fraternity, for guidance. I say to our people, do not listen to misinformation. Dr. Carpen, a very busy cardiologist, has spearheaded (Continued on page 6)

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Lone company bids $24M to design, supervise school project The North Ruimveldt Secondary School which was destroyed by a fire.

During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office on Thursday, it was revealed that Marcel Gaskin Associates was the only company to put in a bid to design and provide supervision services for the reconstruction of the section of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School that was destroyed by fire last year. The company submitted a financial proposal of

Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

$24,512,016 to NPTAB to design and supervise the rebuilding of the section of the school. The section of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School was on June 19, 2021 destroyed by a fire. The entire upper flat of the section of the school was demolished by the blaze.

After an investigation, the cause of the fire was determined to be that of a defective electrical point. Following the fire, the Education

Ministry had released public bids inviting companies to design and supervise the reconstruction of the school and the contractors to demolish the building. During the opening of tenders on December 28, 2021, six companies had applied to execute the works of demolishing the section of the school. The engineer’s estimate pegged the cost to demolish the school building at $14,990,625.

The Mask of ‘Unity’ DEAR EDITOR, The year 2022 has opened with forebodings, of which the health of large proportions of populations around the world are threatened, while the prospect of a long life may well be curtailed.

It is against such a background and that of other predictabilities, that Guyanese are being reduced to being supplicants for promises to be fulfilled of: transparency, accountability, ‘inclusivity’, even ‘unity’ – albeit formulated by one overriding group who contradicts itself by claiming to manage a ‘demockracy’.

Citizens, parents, their children are being exposed to a pattern of behaviours that make them wonder why they are being treated as the ‘Opposition’.

There is also the frightening implication of inevitability of a so-called leadership being in situ for the rest of theirs and our lives – the climactic height of ‘unity’.

In the milieu there are those who ask themselves whether the current pontificators would commend the ‘Opposition’ for behaving the same way? T he answer is self-evident.

In the process however, there is detected the perpe-

tration of the ‘theory of relativity’. For quite apart from ‘grants’ to ‘contractors’, rumours proliferate about how ‘friends and relatives’ are accommodated even in respect of publicly articulated issues.

It is as if we are not all ‘human beings’ – like teachers for example. Why are they not included in the practice of ‘relativity’?

Why are they not regarded as equals who set the foundation for the growth of everyone of us – in the public and ‘non-public’ sectors?

The latter descriptor obviously includes the formal private grouping that benefits from the practised version of ‘relativity’, remindful of a time in our history when ‘self-help’ held a more positive connotation.

Young adults being educated – in classrooms and virtually – exposed, as they are, to a wide range of truths and untruths; information and disinformation; must pause and reflect on wherein their fathers’/mothers’ enuncia-

tions would slip and fall.

In this context they must ask one another who to believe, what examples to follow, which exemplars to emulate; what is the likelihood of their aspiring to positions of professional decisionmaking without having to commit to ‘parties’, without ‘unifying’ non-transparencies’, ‘non-accountabilities’?

How can we aspire to, and achieve our independence of thought, morality, consistency? How can we best manage to raise ourselves (and all others) – before, now, and later – to be respected ‘human beings’.

Even at this juncture, it is in the context of professed ‘unity’ that we must inquire about the exorcising of Region 4 – partitioning one purported ethnic voting capacity; while consolidating one counter-whole Region 6.

‘Unity’ divided?

Just ask the resident foreign witnesses to give their vote.

The disillusionment is palpable.

Elijah Bijay

Misinformation is...

From page 5 an excellent programme of providing evidence based facts by radio, TV and he consults with a wide group of doctors including myself through a group set up by the Hon Minister of Health.

This group includes senior doctors in Guyana and overseas, many like Dr. Moti Ramgopal who is in Florida, are involved in research and tracking the course of the virus. We continue to maintain safety measures. I applaud our Government for the work it has done and also wish to commend our President for his advice to the nation to avoid panic, practice safe behaviours and take the vaccines including the booster.

Yours respectfully, Dr. Davendra Sharma

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Kaieteur News

Guyanese should be thankful that there is a Supreme Being who has our best interest at heart.

Were our lives dependent on those elected to govern us today, we, without a doubt, would have been doomed.

But thankfully the Creator doesn't sleep! As such, we at this publication are of the firm belief that the people of this nation will not remain in slumber while foreigners plunder our wealth aided by our leaders.

With the life we have in our being, let's fight for our rightful place as citizens of this dear land.

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Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Mayor says motion to remove City Engineer justifiable ...Points to years of failure to accomplish scope of works C

ity Mayor, Ubraj Narine has once again expressed frustration at City Engineering Department and blamed the head Colvern Venture for failing to execute his duties.

During a press conference held at City Hall on Wednesday, Mayor Narine delved into some of the issues he said the council has been having with the City Engineer. He noted that w h i l e Ve n t u r e i s complaining to the press about the Council's attempts to remove him from his post, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is justified in its actions.

According to the Mayor,

Venture has been the subject of numerous complaints reaching his office.

“My office has received numerous complains about Mr. Venture not meeting his obligation… a simple house plan that is supposed to take one day to approve is taking months and sometimes years. I am tired of having to address these things…”, the Mayor said pointing to a pile of files which he says is evidence of the negligible operations of the engineer's office.

The Mayor also refuted claims made by Venture that a lack of adequate equipment and support from the council have hampered the department from carrying

Head of City Engineer Department, Colvern Venture.

out its duties. “Mr. Venture's problem is not having the equipment or staffing. It is being a good manager of

those under him… So, I cannot see why Mr. Venture would go to the public and say that he couldn't achieve

City Mayor, Ubraj Narine

much in 2021 when he didn't achieve [anything in] 2019 and 2020.” “If you claim that you are understaffed of building inspectors, the current building inspectors the Engineering Department has, what are they doing? Let him tell us?” …If you leave here now and you go down to stone depot, there's a brandnew mini excavator Mr. Venture said he needed badly. We bought that new excavator, $14M, it sits in stone depot. When we asked why it is not being utilised, next thing you know, the engineer say to us the trailer bought to move this excavator need some kind of wood. How you put the cart before the horse?

The Mayor claimed too that on countless occasions, he would visit the department to find the workers simply doing nothing productive. “And, if you go right now, you will find the workers playing cards and dominoes! Many times, I turn up there, they doing that. I complained many times, nothing is being done,” the Georgetown Mayor argued.

He continued, “The dirty Health Centre on South Road was given a grant by an organisation, I believe is $1.8M to be spent to paint that building. To date we don't know the status of that building. All I'm aware of is that some windows put on.

The money is there, but you have to ask whether the

requisition was sent down.

We made a decision at the Council to mark the vendor spots, Mr. Venture never objected to marking of the spot.

The cheque was prepared twice. The paint was bought. It sits in the stores. Work hasn't started yet.”

Additionally, the Mayor noted with regard to city abattoir that has been down for the past two years, the department should have ensured the facility was functioning by now but it is nowhere close to achieving that.

Alluding to the motion which is before the Council to terminate the services of Venture for his continuous poor performance over the years, the Mayor said that he has no choice but to hear it.

“As chair of the Council it is my duty to hear that motion… I have nothing p e r s o n a l a g a i n s t M r.

Venture. This is an item on the Council's agenda,” Narine said.

He told this newspaper too that the motion is based on a recommendation to have Venture removed by the Local Government Commission as City Engineer. “ So the council is not acting on its own… it will be forwarding the recommendation to the Local Government Commission for a final decision on Mr Venture's employment,” he said.

Friday January 07, 2022

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Kaieteur News

America is in no position to preach to anyone about democracy Yesterday marked the 1st anniversary of the insurrection at the Capitol in the United States, an event widely seen as representing a threat to American democracy.

That insurrection has also smeared America’s reputation as a model of western democracy.

Instead of President Biden using the opportunity since assuming office to restore America’s democratic credentials, he has instead sought democracy as a means of isolating America’s new enemies: China, Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Biden recently organised a Democracy Summit, the focus of which ended up being more about isolating these three states than about restoring credibility in democracy.

Many observers have pointed to the real rationale behind that Summit: to isolate Russia and China and to muster support for US distancing itself from governments of Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba.

Charity begins at home.

Biden should have used the Summit as a prelude to restoring confidence in America’s democracy.

Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, illadvisedly attended that summit.

He may have done so out of a sense of obligation for the role which America played in ending the attempt to rig Guyana’s 2020 elections. The Donald Trump administration imposed travel sanctions on unnamed government officials of the

APNU+AFC. No doubt the PPP/C feels a sense of gratitude for the strong defence which the Americans played in rebuffing the attempts to reimpose political dictatorship in Guyana.

But the Summit, the first of many, is likely to become part of a larger US foreign policy aimed at isolating states which America views as undemocratic, particularly China, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba.

Biden has not reversed Trump or Obama’s polices in regard to Venezuela.

He has followed Trump in terms of relations with Cuba and the aggression against Nicaragua is less about democracy than ideology.

While America is trying to showcase itself as a bastion of democracy, the fact is, American democracy is in bad shape.

This sentiment was echoed yesterday by former President Barack Obama who noted that American democracy is at greater risk today than it was one year ago. He observed that leading figures in America’s two main political parties were undermining democracy at home.

Former President Jimmy Carter was quick to point out that the idea of winning at all costs – an idea which should be familiar to the APNU+AFC – is taking root in America and that democracy has become very fragile in America.

It is against the backdrop of such criticism that America and its sidekick the Organization of American States (OAS) are attempting

to hoodwink the people of the western hemisphere into condemning elections in Venezuela and Nicaragua.

America has gone as far as recognising an Opposition personality, whose support is waning rapidly, as the country’s President.

Both America and the OAS have successfully isolated the regime in Nicaragua claiming that Opposition figures were jailed and therefore prevented from contesting the recent elections, without providing a shred of evidence that the persons concerned were even going to contest those elections.

And Guyana bought that narrative hook, line and sinker.

America’s opposition to Cuba is based on the hegemonic idea that the world is to follow its model to become a democracy.

It has refused to accept that each sovereign state has a right to determine its own path and that Cuba had chosen its path.

It has never dawned on America that, had it not tried to topple the Castro regime, and restrained itself from imposing sanctions, the political trajectory of that country may not have been a one-party state.

America is in no position to preach to anyone at this stage about democracy.

American democracy is in crisis.

America should focus on fixing its own system which has now been overrun by nationalism and political fanaticism.

Instead of trying to assert

Dem boys seh...

Guyana does mek yuh laugh till yuh cry!

Dis country gat laugh but is no joke or fun.

Imagine Uncle Frank telling people who get infected with COVID-19 to stay home. But he guvament nat allowing non-essential workers fuh stay home so as to reduce de possibility of getting infected.

Everybody know dat de fastest way fuh a virus fuh spread is fuh leh it get in de school system.

Dem nah gat a flu wah pass through Guyana wah never spread to dem school children. Yet, we gat a COVID surge like we never had before.

De infection numbers

going through de roof. And de Prezzie seh he can Ct close de school. Ah wonder whether he can close dem watering holes weh people gathering from afternoon till midnight.

We suppose to get speed radar soon. But wat dem gan do bout dem vehicle wah can Ct drive in a straight line.

Yesterday alone two vehicles run off de road and hit other vehicles.

De Georgetown Hospital get a new Board and it look like if dem gan get a new CEO. But nuff ah dem staff gat de COVID. It mek dem boys wonder

wat changes yuh gan see fuh allow de hospital to return to normalcy, if yuh call what use to happen before normalcy.

OHMY gan be back in operation.

Dem boys wan know whether dem gan enjoy de same duty free concessions as before and de same five percent royalty as in de past.

Oh! Dem boys fuhget. Dem gan create jobs!

Exxon find two more wells. De total reserves is now 10 billion barrels.

But nobody asking fuh wan increase in de signing bonus.

Talk half. Leff half.

itself as the enforcer of democracy around the world, it would be better advised to repair its own tattered and fragile democracy at home.

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

Kaieteur News

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Friday January 07, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

2021 review - Part 2: Do as I say, I'm superior It is such a loss not only to Guyana but the world when academics who work at a country's only university cannot attempt to theorise about social and moral behaviour in their country so the world can have access to those interpretations that may be used in textbooks for younger minds to learn from.

It doesn't matter what earth shattering negativity occurs in this land, the UG academics do not seem to have mental strength to put pen to paper. When the intention of certain classes, cultural organisations and political actors became clear that the no-confidence motion (NCV) must be rejected because power was at stake, I can remember only one UG lecturer, Dr. Thomas Singh, publicly rejected the folly that the majority of 65 is 34.

I can remember at that time in 2018, the head of G u y a n a Tr a n s p a r e n c y Institute was UG lecturer, Dr. Troy Thomas of the Department of Mathematics.

Guyanese since the NCV are yet to hear Dr. Thomas' take on what is the mathematical majority of 65.

2021 is gone, and we have seen no theoretical arguments from independent academic minds on what took place in the realm of political behaviour in Guyana. It was one of the most terrible years in pre and post-Independence Guyana.

What occurred last year was a rejection of rational dialogue by antigovernment forces and government critics using an anthropological premise that though was invisible and not directly stated was the fulcrum on which their attitude toward the PPP government and Indian Guyanese stood.

In 2021, theoretically there was no complex psychological separation between the following antigovernment actors; mainstream opposition political parties, certain civil society entities, certain personalities that appear

independent but for reasons of class and race resent the PPP's control of state power; individuals both inside and outside of Guyana who because of ego see their mental refreshment as being guaranteed by being antigovernment, and finally sections of the independent media whose attitude to religion, eugenics, anthropology, culture, class and colour in general determines how they see politics in this land.

I don't believe for a moment these sectors are racist against Indian people in Guyana. What has played out in Guyana in 2021 was the invocation of the Lionel Luckhoo/Rupert Roopnaraine syndrome whereby the loss of Christian, Western Creole middle class power in 2020 was psychically shattering giving the psychological comfort in 2015 that finally, the domination of rural Indian presence in government was over.

There is a caveat

however, that must figure in my theoretical formulation.

Although there was never ever any historical hatred for and any ongoing sentiments against Indian Guyanese, these sectors mentioned above may open themselves to the charge of racism when you deconstruct the meaning of the term.

If you feel that Western values and Creole class breeding is better suited for administering the governments of the postcolonial West Indies then isn't that racist thinking?

How did the Freudian mind of these strata named about express itself in 2021?

The caption of this column says it all. What happened last year in Guyana was the open manifestation of cultural and moral superiority. All the strata named above took the position that the political leadership of the Guyana Government must shape its behaviour the way these sections of Guyana think it should. The various

personalities in these strata feel but they do not have any moral obligation to governmental leaders to shape their Frederick Kissoon politics and moral v io l a t i o n s values.

Let me put it in ordinary elsewhere but only picks on l a n g u a g e w i t h o u t a n y the government; don't tell us grammatical sophistication. we live outside where we You must dialogue with us enjoy the good life; don't tell on: Exxon investment, local us we are just a one-man content, gas to shore, show; don't tell us who and election reform, how the what to report on. I could go EPA must operate, climate on but the list is long.

I believe that every change, cash grants, etc. But don't tell us how we must parliamentary bill must face scrutiny from various approach national issues.

Don't tell us we didn't sections of the society.

T h i s i s w h a t raise our voice on the election rigging; don't tell us governments must do. But I that we didn't chastise also believe that there has to Granger and Harmon for be the display at all times in their inciting words in society of moral obligations September 2020 in Region on everyone's part. The Five; don't tell us that we government has a right to were silent when GECOM d e m a n d s u c h m o r a l c h a i r p e r s o n p r o p e r l y obligation from its critics.

(The views expressed in selected Vishnu Persaud for the post of chief election this article are those of the officer; don't tell us our a u t h o r a n d d o n o t organisations conveniently necessarily reflect the i g n o r e h u m a n r i g h t s opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Timehri man found dead in home

Geeta Chandan-Edmond appointed General-Secretary of PNCR

T

he Leader of the People's National Congress Reform, Mr. Aubrey C. Norton has appointed Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond to serve as General Secretary of the party with effect from the 3rd January 2022.

In a press release the PNCR said Ms. Chandan-Edmond is a Member of Parliament and enjoys the support of the membership of the PNCR as manifest in her election to the

Central Executive Committee of the Party.

“Ms. Chandan-Edmond is a lawyer by profession and possesses management skills and good human relations skills that make her suitable to be General Secretary of the PNCR. The PNCR wishes her the best and has confidence in her abilities and will work with her as she strengthens and reorganizes the administration of the PNCR,” the statement concluded.

Friday January 07, 2022

New General Secretary of the PNCR, Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond

The decomposed body of 26-year-old Ron Loncke Jr., was discovered in his Circuitville, Timehri home around midday on Wednesday, police have said.

Loncke's decomposed body was found lying face down on his bed, by a 53year-old carpenter, Decius Mundo, of Circuitville, Timehri.

According to police, the deceased resides alone in a small shack, measuring about 10 feet in width by 10 feet in length.

The deceased's father 51year-old Ron Loncke Sr. stated that his son suffered from epilepsy and was last seen alive on Monday.

On Wednesday, Mundo who is known to the deceased was passing the area and observed that the door was opened.

He stopped to check on him since he had not seen him for several days and upon doing so, he got a foul scent which was emanating from the house. He peered inside and observed Loncke's bloated body lying on his bed, in a state of decomposition.

Dead, Ron Loncke He immediately contacted the police who subsequently responded and visited the scene.

Subsequently the body was escorted by undertakers of the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was formally pronounced dead after which it was taken to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary, where it was placed into cold storage, awaiting post mortem examination.

Kaieteur News

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Guyana still in the dark about - Int'l suspected oil spill Lawyer I

nternational Lawyer, Melinda Janki who h a s b e e n championing environmental issues locally, is seeking answers from the government as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the oily substance that was found offshore Guyana late last year.

The issue was first reported by fishermen plying their trade in various points of Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat had dismissed claims about a week after the reports surfaced, saying that he was confident the substance was not oil, even though no analysis was done.

It is in this regard that Janki is questioning the dismissal of claims by the fishermen. She is adamant that such serious matters must not be easily shoved aside. In fact, she argued that

the minister ought to keep quiet rather than share information with the public, unsupported by evidence.

The lawyer reasoned, “Where are the samples that were taken of the substance?

Who analysed those samples and what were the results?”

“I think ministers should stop talking nonsense about oil and stop giving people reassurance completely in the face of facts and completely without evidence and the Minister should stop defending the oil sector.

They have to serve the people of Guyana,” she contended. Janki made those statements during an interview with an online media entity.

Last year when Bharrat was cornered by reporters on the suspected spill, he explained that the substance could not have been oil, since its operators, ExxonMobil-in the Stabroek Block-and CGX Energy Inc-operating in the Corentyne Block, have “no

such” reports. Furthermore, he noted that the substance is suspected to have leaked from a vessel.

According to the minister, “I think we know that offshore we do not produce, or you do not extract gasoline or diesel offshore, you extract crude so what we would have seen is maybe diesel or gasoline that was probably deposited or leaked from transporting cargo, a fishing vessel”.

Even though a source at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) had related that the matter was being probed by the National Oil Spill Committee, no information on the substance has been forthcoming. In fact, the Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram related to this paper that the agency also is not in receipt of any samples.

He, however, pointed out that Skytruth assisted by examining satellite imagery for the areas near a current

drilling activity, and general areas 45 nanometers offshore Guyana but “they were unable to turn up any image of oil spill event for the period November 30 to December 4, 2021”.

SkyTruth uses satellite imagery to study and document environmental impacts on earth, according to the company's website.

This newspaper spoke with a fisherman that had reported the incident and who explained that the EPA had promised to contact him for information with regard to the substance, but never made efforts to visit the site.

According to the reports, the black oily substance could be seen close to the coast in the vicinity of the

Anna Regina koker in Region Two. This publication also spoke with some fishermen from the Berbice area, who reported sightings similar to those reports emanating from the Essequibo Coast.

This newspaper has since been provided with a number of video footage captured by different individuals from various points in Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where the fishermen would ply their trade.

The videos depict a dark, sometimes foamy film floating on the ocean surface.

In a number of the videos, sailors could be overheard shouting, words to the effect of “oil, this is oil; this got to be from an oil spill.”

The reports come at a

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki time when local fishers have already been complaining of a shortage of fish which they believe is attributed to the operations of Exxon.

This however is nothing but a fantasy according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who recently told an online personality that since he was a child, the seasons would change and fish would be scarce.

Reg. 10 Chairman blasts COVID-19 Task Force over double standard ...as region records 82 active cases With Region 10 seeing a rapid increase in COVID19 cases, Regional Chairman Deron Adams, has flayed the COVID-19 task force for displaying double standard when it comes to approval of social events in the region.

Adams was directly referencing several parties that attracted thousands of people in Linden over the weekend, particularly the Cooler Fete. This party was held at the residence of Kashif Mohammed, Chairman of the Sports Commission.

The party had thousands of persons in attendance and went beyond the curfew hours without intervention from the police.

"I'm concerned with the Task Force turning a blind eye to these big events and shutting down others. We had one event that was allowed that placed the entire region at risk," Adams said.

Adams is also urging young people to think of their family when

Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Regional Chairman Deron Adams socialising."It may not affect you who are young and asymptomatic but what about your grandmother at home...I am pleading with our residents to not burden our healthcare system."

Meanwhile, with the region recording 82 cases as of Wednesday, Regional Health Officer Dr. Gregory Harris, said that the region saw a rapid increase in cases following the holiday season. Prior to that, he said

active cases were below 20.

While acknowledging that super-spreader social activities could have resulted in the spike, he said those activities should not be seen as the only factor but the general reckless behaviour of the populace.

"We need to consider the reckless behaviour of the general public. We also had persons attending activities out of the region as well as a lot of persons visiting the region for the holidays," he reasoned.

With it being suspected that the Omicron variant may be in Guyana, Dr. Harris is urging persons to exercise caution and adhere to the COVID-19 measures.

"We are not sure if it is here but the omicron variant spreads very fast and easily...we however have been anticipating it and we have put systems in place at the health institutions to deal with the spike. Currently, there are five persons hospitalised at the Upper Demerara Hospital.

Wanted man in hinterland killings turns self in

T

homas Kyte aka “Taco”, one of the suspects who was wanted in connection with the killing of two men last Christmas Eve night in the North West District, turned himself in at the Matthews Ridge Police Station yesterday.

Detectives are currently grilling him about the murders of two miners: Sherwin Goddette and Shawn France, who were stabbed to death sometime after 23:30Hrs on December 24, 2021 at Nassano Backdam, North West District, Region One. They were reportedly ambushed, by two men, while walking along a trail leading to their camps.

Police believe that Kyte and another man, Kurtland

Thomas Kyte turns himself in to police yesterday.

Kurtland Damon, one of the suspects who remains at large.

Damon also known as “Carto”, who remains at large, might have been the ones who stabbed the miners to death and had issued a wanted bulletin for them.

Detectives are working with a theory that the killing of France and Goddette was

an act of revenge.

Both of the victims are friends and were reportedly involved in a brawl at a bar located on the Nassano Backdam landing just minutes before they met their (Continued on page 22)

Vagrant chopped to death at Leonora A homeless man is currently hiding from police after he allegedly chopped another vagrant causing his death, last Sunday.

Police stated that the chopping incident took place at the Leonora Market around 07:10hrs.

According to a resident who wrote a letter to this newspaper on Thursday, the victim was resting on the stall at the market when the suspect approached and chopped him about his body. Investigators in their report said that another resident of Leonora told them that he was informed of the chopping by his handyman. That resident claimed that the handyman called out for him and said that a street dweller was chopped up

in the market.

He headed there and reportedly saw the suspect walking away from the scene with a cutlass in his hand.

The victim was still alive at the time and was picked up and rushed to Leonora Cottage Hospital but died while receiving treatment.

Residents reported the matter to the police but according to detectives they are yet to locate the suspect. However, Leonora residents are concerned that the suspect could harm someone else.

According to the letter written to Kaieteur News, the suspect at large was since seen in the neighbourhood.

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Friday January 07, 2022

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Dilapidated house collapses, kills mother, child 6

The collapsed house in which Chandra and her six-year-old daughter lived at Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River.

A

mother and her six-year-old daughter were pinned to death when their Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River home collapsed Wednesday afternoon.

The victims have been identified as: 35-year-old, Seematie Chandra, a farmer, and her six-year-old daughter Christine Sookdeo.

Police in a release said enquiries disclosed that Chandra called 'Nanda', and her daughter called 'Pretty' lost their lives after the house they lived in collapsed, pinning them to the ground in the process. Reports are that

the mother and daughter were under the house feeding puppies when the house collapsed.

The deceased resided at the said address with two other children and her 45year-old husband, Tulsieram Sookdeo, who is also a farmer.

According to the grieving husband, Tulsieram, he left home on about 15:50hrs Wednesday to burn bushes on another plot of land two lots away.

At the time, his wife and children were at home.

Shortly after he received information from a neighbour that his house had

collapsed and that his wife and daughter, who were under the house feeding the puppies, were pinned under the house beams.

As a result, he hurriedly went home, where he found his wife and daughter pinned beneath the collapsed house. With assistance from villagers, the bodies were removed and transported via boat to Parika Hubu Stelling, where they were checked by the Police for marks of violence.

Blood was seen coming from the mouth and nose of both the deceased.

The bodies were further

transported to Leonora Cottage Hospital, where they were pronounced dead

on arrival by a doctor on duty. On completion, the bodies were then escorted to

Ezekiel funeral home, where they await Post Mortem Examination.

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Republic Group wins Corporate Governance Award

F

or a second year, the Republic Group has been named the Best Corporate Governance 'Financial Services' Institution in the Caribbean by Ethical Boardroom.

Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) received this award for the first time in 2019, demonstrating that the Group continues to set the tone of good governance by adopting measures that raise

the level of awareness and practices in the organization which drive value creation and long-term growth.

According to a press release from the bank, Ethical Boardroom, a London-based magazine and website, known for their critically acclaimed analysis of global governance issues, published the award in their December 2021 magazine.

This honour recognizes that RFHL is an industry leader in the adoption and

execution of corporate governance best practices.

Commenting on the award, President and Chief Executive Officer of RFHL, Nigel Baptiste said, "This award recognizes our dedication to excellence, accountability, fairness and transparency in all interactions with our stakeholders. It also demonstrates the Group's professionalism, ethical behaviour and adherence to global best practices and

standards, all of which can be attributed to management and staff collaboration."

This award comes on the heels of an outstanding year for the Group, which has been heavily involved in climate financing while also being a driving force for a sustainable future in the region.

The Republic Group signed on to the Principles of Responsible Banking (PRB) in 2020; the first (Continued on page 22)

Friday January 07, 2022

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Friday January 07, 2022

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Oil companies apply to reclaim US$20M from GRA - AG Report T

here has been a plethora of commercial activities directly and indirectly related to the nascent Oil and Gas industry in Guyana and as with any other business that attracts the use of the Value Added Tax (VAT) system, this would also apply to operations in the industry.

To this end, the Auditor General, in his most recent audit of government's

financial records found that applications for VAT refunds by companies in the Oil and Gas Sector, to the Guyana Revenue Authority, for the year 2020 amounted to $3.757 billion.

This, the Auditor General said represented claims from 61 companies in the industry.

At 31 December 2020, VAT r e f u n d s t o t a l l i n g $673.517 million were paid, VAT Returns totalling $8.018 million were rejected, VAT

Three years later …Ex-con charged for allegedly killing former cell-mate

Three years after being on the run, 39-year-old Junior Allen was arrested and subsequently charged for allegedly killing a former cell mate back in 2018.

Allen was arrested on December 31, 2021 at the Plaisance Market on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) then was escorted to the Cove and John Police Station where, during a video interview he was told of the allegation, cautioned, and he admitted to committing the offence.

He appeared before Magistrate Ms. A George, during a virtual session of the Cove and John Magistrate's Court during which the charge was read to him. He was not required to plea and was remanded to prison. The accused was charged with the offence of Manslaughter, Contrary to Section 95 of the Criminal (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01.

Charged with manslaughter, Junior Allen This publication previously reported that Allen allegedly stabbed, Leon Delph to the neck following a brawl at Buxton East Coast Demerara and was on the run since. Delph, at the time was a 34-year-old vendor of Lot 182 Quamina Street, Georgetown. Police said that the killing stemmed from an old grievance, which occurred some seven years ago while Delph and the suspect were incarcerated.

It was reported that at around 07:00 hrs on 11th-03-2018, the suspect saw Delph sitting (Continued on page 22)

credits totalling $66.215 million were disallowed and $773.925 million in VAT Refunds were being processed by the Authority.

This would mean that in addition to the $137B in tax waivers and concessions handed to the industry for the period 2019 to 2020—for the latter year alone - 61 companies made a request to reclaim an additional $4B.

Reporting on the very report produced by Auditor General, Deodat Sharma—released late last year—it was noted that tax exemptions for 2020 alone totalled $137B (US$700M) in foregone revenues, representing 62.75 percent of total collections by the authority. This means the $137B forgone by government through tax exemptions for that period, amounts to 62.75 percent of what was actually collected by the revenue authority.

Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, in the report, was keen to note that the award of tax exemptions is

not under the control of that agency. He said, the tax exemption regime is a matter of policy, and therefore only administered by the a u t h o r i t y .

In fact, the Commissioner General reiterated that he is on record, as stating his preference for the removal of the concession regime and having it replaced with a system of tax credits, as practised in the developed nations, thereby allowing for improved compliance with the tax laws and the terms of Investment Development Agreements (IDAs).

Statia said, it should be noted that IDAs and conditional and unconditional exemptions are granted under Item 11 of the First Schedule, Part III B (ii) of the Customs Act. He said the GRA from 2016 onwards, under new strategic directions from the Commissioner General, has undertaken several interventions that saw a significant reduction in the number and value of exemptions granted. Statia id

caution that, “significant increase in exemptions is expected in the coming years, owing to the burgeoning Oil and Gas sector, and unless policy changes are effected, exemptions are expected to grow exponentially as the industry develops and matures, and in particular, if the Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) for other blocks have similar provisions for exemptions.”

GRA was established under Chapter 79:04 of the Laws of Guyana and came into operation on the 27 January 2000 resulting in the transfer of the functions and powers of two departments.

The Customs and Excise Department and the Inland Revenue Department and later, the addition of the VAT The Value-Added Tax Act of 2005 (subsequently renamed 'The Value-Added Tax Act, Chapter 81:05) came into operation on January 1, 2007,

by Order №. 1 of 2006 signed by the Minister of Finance on January 16, 2006 and amended by Act №. 6 of 2007

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma signed by the President on January 25, 2007.

The Act provides for the imposition and collection of VAT on goods and services and was levied at the rate of 16 percent on the value of every taxable supply by a taxable person in Guyana and every taxable import of goods or import of services, other than an exempt import.

The rate was reduced to 14 percent by Amendment №. 08 of 2016 to the Principal Regulations made under the Act and came into

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Friday January 07, 2022

Ramsammy new chairman of GPHC

Former Health Minister and now adviser, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

In a press release the Ministry of Health said that the new Board of Directors has been appointed with effect from January 1st, 2022 to December 31st, 2022. The Board, held its first meeting on Wednesday January 5th, 2022 at the GPHC Boardroom. The other members of the Board are: Mr. Harryram Parmessar, Chartered Accountant, Parmesar Accountants; Malcolm

Watkins, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, Head of Neurosurgery at GPHC, representing the Guyana Medical Association; Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey, Director of Medical and Professional Services, GPHC (ex-officio member); Mr. Robbie Rambarran, Chief Executive Officer, GPHC (ex-officio member); Dr. Emanuel Cummings, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Engagement, University of Guyana, representing UG; Ms. Cleopatra Barkoye, representing the Guyana Nurses Association; Ms. Dawn Gardener, representing the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and Ms. Verna Adrian, representing the Ministry of Finance.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony attended the first meeting of the new Board of Directors of the GPHC.

Friday January 07, 2022

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Friday January 07, 2022

Life benefits of Guyanese staff at Suriname Embassy in jeopardy - AG finds

T

he benefitshealth and otherwise- due to Guyanese staffers employed at the Guyana Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname are in jeopardy as a result of the

manner in which insurance and other payments are made, a situation flagged by Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his most recent report on government accounts.In his report for the

period concluding December 31, 2020, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, found that the Embassy ceased deductions from salaries for employees' pension and medical

insurance contributions from May 2020, due to changes in Paramaribo's banking system.

As a result, employees commenced providing their contributions in cash to the Embassy.

The Embassy pays over the pension contributions monthly to the relevant agencies.

It was found, however, that the medical insurance contributions are kept by the Embassy for six months then paid over to the relevant

from the pension and medical schemes.”

It was noted that the Head of Budget Agency explained that the agencies have since provided banking information which allows for the direct transfer of these contributions. In addition, the Embassy has reverted to deducting the contributions from the employees' gross salary and payments are made using the online banking platform.

Compounding the situation, the AG in his

the end of each fiscal year.

The Auditor General noted too, that this obtains since unspent balances from the 2020 allocations totalling $39.064M from twenty Embassies/Missions were paid over to the Consolidated Fund during the period January to March, 2021.

As a result, he said the Appropriation Account of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Programme II, Foreign Policy Promotion, was overstated by

The Guyanese Embassy located in Paramaribo, Suriname.

agency, since, the insurance company requested payments bi-annually.

As such, the Auditor General concluded that, “this situation poses a security risk whereby, the Embassy has to secure the cash for one to six months, before making the payments.

Further, should employees renege to pay over their contributions to the Embassy on time, complications could arise, which include benefits

report found too, that in addition to the questionable financial transactions made by the Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—with responsibility for that Embassy--continued to breach Section 43 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003.

This is so, since the law requires all unexpended balance of public moneys out of the Consolidated Fund to be returned to the Fund at

$ 3 9 . 0 6 4 M . S i m i l a r l y, balances from the 2020 allocations amounting to $54.759M were paid to the Consolidated Fund during the period January to March 2020.

It was noted that the balance which had to be paid over in 2021, contrary to the FMA, was in relation to 20 overseas missions with the biggest defaulters being the Surinamese, Cuban and Canadian Embassies.

Kaieteur News

Friday Friday January October 07, 29, 2022 2021

PAGE 21

‘Map out a path to tackle spike in COVID-19 cases' ...former health minister tells Govt.

T

he sharp increase in the infection rate of deadly Corona Virus in Guyana has caught the attention of the Opposition's Shadow Health M i n i s t e r, D r. K a r e n Cummings, who is of the view that the ministers of health and education must map out plans to tackle the pandemic.

D r. C u m m i n g s o n Thursday hosted a news conference where she explained to reporters that steps must be taken to better prepare health workers and even teachers in the field, now that school has reopened after several months. According to her, “The frontline workers are at severe risk not only from the Delta variants which we know is already present in our society but also the more transmissible Omicron which I know is already here”.

In this regard she urged, “The Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, should move to provide adequate personal protective equipment such as the N95 or KN95 mask to the healthcare workers because

of its effectiveness”.

The former health and foreign affairs minister contended that attention must be paid to the “at-risk workers” inclusive of nurses, doctors and even law enforcement officers, to ensure that they are not impacted because of the hybrid situation created by the delta and omicron occurring simultaneously.

In light of the outbreak of cases at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Cummings warned that a huge burden can be put on the healthcare system and possibility of absenteeism among healthcare workers may increase.

With regard to the opening of schools, the former minister acknowledged that the closure of schools indeed had a detrimental impact on the school communityacademically, socially, and mentally. “However, one would have thought that the Minister of Education, the Hon. Priya Manichand, would have consulted and crafted a plan that would have allowed for the safe reentry of our students and

teachers, given the magnitude of such an undertaking,” she said.

Against this backdrop, Dr. Cummings noted, “The APNU+AFC Coalition recommends that the Ministries of Health and Education map out a clear path to avoid confusion among teachers and students who would have been evaluated positive for the

virus”.

She explained that such testing samples should be given high priority for genomic sequencing at a sister CARICOM laboratory, where the testing for the Omicron or the Delta virus are done in order to ascertain whether the teacher could return to school five days after symptoms, as in the (Continued on page 22)

Shadow Health Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings

PAGE 22 WANTED

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

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs and servicing, refridgerator, treadmill, washing machine, stove, pressure pump, filtration system dryer, deepfryer etc 694-9733

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

Houselot for sale in Culvert City Lethem,2.5M Neg near Airport & ball field.Tel:6583303.

PENPAL 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.

WANTED FOR SALE 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 Sale pure breed german shepherd.Call:648-0111.

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

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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.

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

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

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

Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

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

VACANCY

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

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

One female domestic worker.

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

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

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1 Kitchen assistant to work in Mazaruni River.Whatsapp 677-0869 or call:662-7718.

Three years later...

From page 17 inside a minibus at Buxton Line Top and approached him.

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‘Map out a path to tackle...

From page 11 case of the Omicron Virus, or ten days after symptoms, as for the Delta Virus.

“The various education players should be able to understand clear protocols and pathways to avoid confusion among staff and confrontation among policy makers,” Cummings said. She was adamant that one death is one too many, given that over 1000 Guyanese have already lost the battle due to the contagious virus.

“One of the disturbing features of this phenomenon is the mishandling and the mismanagement of the COVID-19 situation by the current regime. It is well documented that the abandonment of the effective Coalition's COVID-19 comprehensive plan, the deviation from a consultative democracy, and the high cost of the bi-partisan approach have led to dire consequences,” Cummings argued.

She told reporters that Guyana has seen not only a diagnostic gap, owing to inadequate testing sites for the virus detection, but also a sequencing gap as the vari-

ants of the COVID virus cannot be determined in this oil rich country.

“No one knows how many testing sites are there, the locations, and what is really the intention of the current Regime as it relates to testing for the virus? Hence, it is evident that there will continue to be levels of inequities,” the former Minister reasoned.

She continued, “There is little or no access to the analysis of clinical data. The Guyanese public continues to be disinformed, misinformed, and illinformed about COVID, its variant, and now the omicron variant which has overtaken the delta variant in terms of transmissibility”. She said that the public deserves to know if Guyana will be able to achieve herd immunity soon, with 70 percent of the nation being vaccinated, and what approach has been taken by the Ministry for people with co- morbidities.

Cummings also questioned whether the Ministry of Health would indeed be prepared for a surge of the delta or the hybrid virus.

Wanted Republic Group wins.. man in...

From page 14 demise.

During the bar fight, France had stabbed Kurtland Damon's (one of the suspect) son to his abdomen with a pair of scissors.

The man's son was critically injured and had to be rushed to the Port Kaituma Hospital located miles away from Nassano.

Police believe that this could be a reason why the suspect would want to attack the miners while they were heading back to the camp from the bar.

From page 16 signatory in the Englishspeaking Caribbean. Notable projects that the Group was involved in include: The Entrepreneurs Business Builder (EBB) Programme for Women, and partnering with the Ministry of Education and Pennacool.com for the "Adopt-A-School” Programme where tablets and laptops were distributed to schools/children to facilitate online learning.

Subsequently, the Group joined the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), a global agreement in which financial institutions commit to having zero net carbon emissions by

2050. As part of the NZBA, the Group has also pledged US$200 million to climate financing initiatives.

In November 2021, the Republic Group and New Energy hosted the first Caribbean ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and Climate Financing Summit with the aim of bringing together Caribbean borrowers, lenders and investors and acting as a catalyst in the creation of a new financing ecosystem. The Republic Group is honoured to be bestowed with such a prestigious award and will continue in all our efforts towards a better tomorrow.

Kaieteur News

Friday January 07, 2022

PAGE 23

Guyana records 967 new COVID-19 cases in 24hrs

By Allyiah Allicock Wi t h t h e O m i c r o n variant likely in Guyana, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony on Thursday reported that the country has recorded 967 new COVID19 cases.

While announcing that the new cases derived from 3,226 tests, Minister Anthony during his daily COVID-19 update said the new figure now pushes the country's active cases to 3,481. Since the start of the New Year, the country continues to see a surge in new cases. From January 1 to date, approximately 2,816 persons have tested positive for the virus. On January 1, it was reported that a total of 206 cases were recorded, on January 2 a total of 281 were recorded, on January 3, 98cases were reported, on January 4, a total of 485 were recorded, and on January 5, the Ministry recorded 779 new cases. Out of the new and active cases in the country, the majority has been detected in Region Four.

A breakdown of the active cases in the country shows that there are 2,289 cases in Region Four, 374 in Region Six, 285 in Region Three, 160 in Region Nine, 110 in Region Seven, 107 in Region 10, 83 in Region Five, 58 in Region Two, 14 in Region One, and one in

Region Eight.

The minister had attributed the spike in cases to the new easily transmissible variant in circulation right now, Omicron.

During an emergency press briefing on this state of affair, Minister Anthony on Wednesday revealed that “Based on the current epidemiology, what we are seeing, we believe strongly that there is omicron here.

From the 28 of December right onto now, we have seen a doubling of the cases, so on the 28 of December we had about 40 cases and as of today (Wednesday) we have had 788 cases within the last 24 hours. These numbers are going to go up. Fortunately, most of the people that tested positive have mild symptoms, some of them are asymptomatic and we have not seen an explosion of hospitalisation.”

President Irfaan Ali who was also part of the press briefing urged Guyanese not to panic but that the situation was under control. The President had revealed that the Government has all the capacity and capability to deal with the situation as it emerges and encourages those unvaccinated to get vaccinated.

“What we learn so far from the science and experiences is that vaccination with booster

minimises the impact of this new variant… We don't have control over the new variant and how it will operate but we have control over our own actions,” the President explained.

In terms of their response to deal with the surge, Minister Anthony stated that the Ocean View and other Regional hospitals have been built to deal with COVID-19 infections emerging. “So we have the capability and in our

hospitals we have prepared just in case we have to hospitalise people that we have the capacity to hospitalize. At the Ocean View Hospital we have the capabilities of hosting a total 195 patients, and in all our regional hospitals we have built capacity to be able to manage COVID-19 patients,” Dr. Anthony commented.

Noting that there is capacity to handle the COVID-19 situation, it was

revealed at the briefing that a total of 200 health care workers had tested positive for the virus.

According to President Ali, 75 nurses, 50 doctors and 41 technicians across the health sector have contracted COVID-19. He added that 50 percent of the nurses and 70 percent of the doctors are from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). It was noted that the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN) and the Paediatric departments at the GPHC were where the cases emerged.

The Head of State assured however, that it has not affected the service delivery at the GPHC. “While most countries moving in a direction of cutting off service delivery from the public health care system we are not heading into that direction because we believe that the system can manage and operate even with the challenge we have now,” he added.

Addressing the rise in cases, Medical Director at the GPHC, Dr. Jeffery Fawcett said that meetings were held with the Minister where a contingency plan was established to deal with the issue arising. Some of the decisions made are the change in the type of masks the staffs would be wearing; implementing a more stern screening process at the gate

and the tightening of the visitation protocol at the hospital. Despite the rise in new cases, it was announced by the President that schools will not be closed.

Opposition concerned The main Opposition on Thursday during a news conference expressed their disappointment with the Government's call to keep school open. Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, said that not enough consultation was done regarding the reopening of schools.

Meanwhile, in its COVID19 daily update, the Health Ministry reported that four more persons who tested positive for COVID-19 have died. According to the Ministry, the latest fatalities are that of three men, a 62year-old from Region Two, a 47-year-old from Region Six, and a 42-year-old from Region Four and also from that region was a 48-year-old woman who passed away.

Their deaths now take the country's COVID-19 death toll to 1,064.

The ministry's dashboard data shows that six persons are admitted in the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 75 in institutional isolation, 3,374 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 37,866 persons have recovered from the virus.

COVID-19 hits Anna Regina Multilateral School

T

he Ministry of Education has confirmed that a student of the Anna Regina Multilateral School in Region Two tested positive for Covid-19.

The ministry made the confirmation in clarifying that contrary to claims that multiple students were tested positive, it was only one.

The ministry said too that the school has adequate space to accommodate all of its students.

“Presently, the school has approximately 650 students attending classes daily. Since the reopening of the school, only one assembly session was held. When students enter the school, they enter their classrooms and remain there, only leaving to use the washroom or canteen during recess,” the ministry stated.

Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson had reportedly made the claims about multiple students being tested positive.

Additionally, the ministry said all of the cleaners

...MoE confirms one student test positive

attached to the school have all of the necessary Personal Protective Equipment and cleaning detergents to ensure a clean environment.

The school is sanitised in the morning and the afternoon. All through and washroom facilities are functional.

“Students are monitored regularly to avoid gathering and adequate masks are available for students. A supervisory visit conducted

on January 5th, 2021 by Officers of the Department revealed that all students and teachers were engaged in the teaching-learning process,” the statement read.

The Ministry of Education said too, that it accepts readily that these are challenging times for the education sector across the world and for the delivery of education to Guyana's children.

The Guyana Teachers'

Union said some 65 teachers and 44 students have tested positive for COVID-19 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.

Government on Monday reopened schools countrywide and has since hailed the move as critical given lack of educational

engagement among students.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) 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 sixty-five (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 such, 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.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Friday January 07, 2022

Friday January 07, 2022

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

GCA to hold U-15 Camp for Inter-Association tourney The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) is extending an invitation to all male youth cricketers born after September 1, 2007 and resides in the geographic location of the city of Georgetown or are registered to Cricket Clubs affiliated to the GCA. These players will partici-

pate in a cricket camp in preparation for the upcoming Demerara Cricket Board Under15 Inter-Association cricket competition which is scheduled to commence in February 2022.

Eligible persons can submit their names to the following persons by Saturday 15 January 2022:

- Mark Harper Chairperson of the GCA Cricket Development Committee - Cellular # 678 9973 - Shaun Massiah Chairperson of the GCA Competition Committee - Cellular # 616 7240 - Roderick Lovell Chairperson of the Junior Selectors panel – Cellular # 683 7004

Gordon, Powell lead Jamaica...

From page 30 the opening seven overs, but recovered to cruise to the target with over 11 overs to spare.

The 28-year-old Powell, batting at five, thrashed halfa-dozen sixes and four bound-

Friday January 7, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Right now you might be in the process of moving from one job to another, Aries.

This might even be a total change in career. Your hard work is paying off, though it may not show up in your bank account for a while yet.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Taurus, right now you could be overwhelmed by conflicts among your own needs, the needs of your family, and your responsibilities toward your job.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A close relative may be ill or otherwise troubled, Gemini, and you might worry a bit too much today because of a lack of communication from this person.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) This is not the day to make financial investments of any kind, Cancer, although someone may present you with some possible opportunities.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You should be looking especially attractive today, Leo, but you may feel that it's wasted because your beloved isn't around to appreciate it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your ingenuity and imagination may seem to have deserted you today, Virgo, and this isn't making it easy for you to produce the high level of quality you're used to at work.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Money matters might require your attention today, Libra. Unusual expenses may have depleted your reserves, so you might have to cut a few corners. Your income, however, is probably the same if not slightly higher.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A lack of contact with a romantic partner could have you feeling a little down right now, Scorpio.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Excesses in food and drink yesterday may force you to cancel a social engagement today, Sagittarius. You probably aren't feeling up to it.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Tension between a married couple who are both your friends could have you situated in the most uncomfortable place of all, Capricorn: right smack in the middle.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Gloom over the absence of a family member or romantic partner could come upon you today, Aquarius, and your usually exuberant nature could be far more subdued than is normal for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Too much food and drink could have you feeling a little out of sorts today, Pisces.

Some friends might have taken you out and exposed you to the most tempting of food and drink.

aries in his 63-ball 82. The bighitting batsman, who reached the 50 landmark off 48 deliveries, upped the tempo thereafter with a flurry of attacking strokes as the Jamaicans romped to victory. Andre McCarthy, who made 48 from

52 balls, Brandon King (36), and Paul Palmer (33) all gave meaningful support.

Ireland’s left-arm pacer Joshua Little did his very best to derail the Jamaicans’ run chase with 3-21 from seven overs.

The Irishmen are scheduled for three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and a one-off Twenty20 (T20) contest against West Indies at Sabina Park.

The opening ODI is set to be played on Saturday, followed by the second and third matches on January 11 and 14, respectively.

The T20 International is slated for January 16.

Djokovic in limbo in hotel...

From page 30 His family held an emotional news conference at Djokovic’s restaurant in Belgrade, with his nine previous Australian Open trophies on display, before protesting in front of parliament.

“They are keeping him in captivity. They are stomping all over Novak to stomp all over Serbia,” said his father, who earlier described his son to local media as “the Spartacus of the new world”.

There was also support on the streets of the Serbian capital.

“He is the best in the history of that sport and they cannot break him in any other way but this one. But they are not going to break him,” said Belgrade resident Zdravko Cukic.

Pestano joins Persaud with... rom page 31 the score. Adams, who played an excellent supporting role to Pestano, was left unbeaten on nine from 71 balls and just short of two hours at the crease.

Skipper Paul (2-20), Tyndall (2-27) and Permaul (267) were the wicket takers.

Today is the third day of the four game.

PAGE 26

Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Nets win in Kyrie Irving’s season debut Reuters - Kyrie Irving scored 10 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter as the Brooklyn Nets made his season debut a successful one by overcoming a 19-point deficit for a 129-121 victory over the host Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

Irving returned as a parttime player due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19 and the vaccine mandate in New York City, which prevents him from playing in home games. He was dominant in the fourth quarter as the Nets snapped a seasonhigh three-game losing streak.

With his father, Drederick, sitting courtside, Irving shot 9 of 17 from the field in 31:59 of play. It was his first action since Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in Mil-

waukee when he injured his ankle.

Kevin Durant led the Nets with 39 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as Brooklyn shot 56.3 percent and made 13 of 19 shots in the fourth. James Harden added 18 while LaMarcus Aldridge chipped in 13.

The Pacers dropped their sixth straight and blew a double-digit lead to the Nets for the second time this season despite getting big games from Domantas Sabonis and Lance Stephenson.

76ers 116, Magic 106 Joel Embiid scored 31 points and Seth Curry had 20 points and 12 assists, helping Philadelphia rally past host Orlando in head coach Doc Rivers’ return to the bench.

After being named the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December on Tuesday, Embiid made 12-of-22 field goals and 7-of-10 free throws as Philadelphia extended its winning streak to five games.

Cole Anthony (right ankle sprain), who had not played since Dec. 23 and has missed 14 games this season due to injury, had 26 points and seven assists for the Magic despite leaving briefly in the third quarter with an injury to his left ankle. Wendell Carter Jr. (non-COVID illness) had 12 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth straight double-double.

Jazz 115, Nuggets 109 Bojan Bogdanovic had a season-high 36 points and a career-best 13 rebounds, Rudy Gay scored 18 points and visiting Utah beat Denver.

Donovan Mitchell scored 17 points, Royce O’Neale had

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) defend against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Justin Holiday (8) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports) 13 points and 11 rebounds, Jordan Clarkson also scored 13 and Mike Conley scored 10 for Utah, which has won 10 straight road games.

Nikola Jokic notched his 64th career triple-double with 26 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists, Monte Morris and Will Barton scored 20 points each and Aaron Gordon had 17 points for Denver.

Heat 115, Trail Blazers 109 Max Strus shot 7-of-13 from 3-point range and scored a team-high 25 points in his return, and Miami used an 184 run in the fourth quarter to hold off host Portland.

Behind the shooting of Strus and Duncan Robinson, both of whom made their return from health and safety protocols, Miami hit 19-of-41

from 3-point range. Robinson scored all 12 of his points off the bench on 4-of-6 shooting from deep. Portland trailed almost the entire night, and by as many as 19 points in the second quarter. But behind Anfernee Simons, who scored a game-high 28 points, the Blazers chipped away at the deficit.

Mavericks 99, Warriors 82 Luka Doncic went for a gamehigh 26 points and Dallas dominated visiting Golden State from both the 3-point and free-throw lines in a victory on a night when the hosts retired Dirk Nowitzki’s number.

Dorian Finney-Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr. combined for 31 points and six 3-pointers in the Mavericks’ fourth

straight win. Finney-Smith totaled 17 points on 4-of-7 shooting from long range, while Jalen Brunson had 15 points and Hardaway 14 for the Mavericks, who had been 1-11 this season when getting held under 100 points.

The Dallas defense shackled Stephen Curry into 1-for9 shooting on 3-pointers and Golden State to 5-for-28 overall from beyond the arc, outscoring the visitors 36-15 on threes.

In other results: Raptors 117, Bucks 111 Spurs 99, Celtics 97 Hornets 140, Pistons 111 Rockets 114, Wizards 111 Timberwolves 98, Thunder 90 Hawks 108, Kings 102 (Field Level Media)

Messi tests negative for Covid, baack in Paris

AFP - Lionel Messi has tested negative for Covid-19 and is now back in France and will resume training “in the coming days”, Paris Saint-Germain announced on Wednesday.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner tested positive for the virus while in his native Argentina last week but flew back to Paris on Wednesday. He missed PSG’s 4-0 French Cup win against Vannes on Monday. The club did not say if Messi would be available for their first Ligue 1 match since the winter break, at Lyon on Sunday. “The test carried out by Leo Messi was negative for Covid-19. He has arrived in Paris and he will resume with the group in the coming days,” PSG said in a statement.

Messi has endured a difficult start to life in the French capital since an emotional exit from Barcelona last summer. He has scored only one goal in 11 league appearances for PSG, although he has netted five times in the Champions League.

The French capital giants also said that full-back Layvin Kurzawa had tested positive for Covid on Wednesday and was in self-isolation. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, defender Juan Bernat, back-up keeper Sergio Rico, midfielder Danilo Pereira and teenager Nathan Bitumazala have all also returned positive Covid test results in the past week.

Lionel Messi flew back to Paris from Rosario on Wednesday. (AFP/STR)

Friday January 07, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Rafael Nadal wins opening match; Naomi Osaka also advances Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a backhand during their singles match against Maryna Zanevska of Belgium at Summer Set tennis tournament ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.

(AP Photo/Hamish Blair)

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Rafael Nadal began fine-tuning his quest for a 21st Grand Slam singles title with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Ricardas Berankis yesterday in a warm-up tournament ahead of the Australian Open.

Nadal, recovering from the

coronavirus, showed no signs of sluggishness on Rod Laver Arena, although he was broken early in the second set and again when he served for the match.

“It’s only the first match after a while. Honestly, I have been going through some dif-

ficult, challenging moments the past year-and-a-half,” Nadal said, “but in general terms I am super happy to be back in competition.

“Of course it’s important to start with a victory, (which) gives me the chance to play another time tomorrow, and

that’s the main thing at this moment because I didn’t play for such a long time.”

In the women’s event at Melbourne Park, defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka beat Maryna Zanevska 6-1, 6-1, and second-seeded Simona Halep defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Nadal said COVID-19 left him in bed for several days “shaking and tired” and with a fever he said was worse than any other similar illness he had experienced. “My days had been tough; I was very sick with fever (but) that’s the better way mentally and physically to be ready (to arrive as early as possible) and adapt to the conditions,” he said. “I felt myself good enough and I always wanted to be back on tour and be here.”

Earlier, former French Open champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the Adelaide International quarterfinals with a 6-1, 6-2 win over U.S. Open

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts to winning his singles match against Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania at Summer Set tennis tournament ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)

runner-up Leylah Fernandez.

The fifth-seeded Swiatek joined top-ranked Ash Barty in the last eight and will play two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who beat Priscilla Hon 6-3, 75. “I felt really confident,” Swiatek said.

“And I’m pretty happy that I could finish it really quickly and I didn’t let go of

focus.” Seventh-seeded Elina Rybakina and Shelby Rogers, who beat thirdseeded Maria Sakkari, will meet in another quarterfinal match. The Adelaide and Melbourne tournaments are two of six tune-up events being staged in Australia this week ahead of the seasonopening major at Melbourne Park, which starts on Jan. 17.

RHTYSC surpasses target of 715 activities, completes most successful...

From page 31 the Rose Hall Town Mayor and Town Council.

The club sponsored the 51st anniversary celebration of the township which included at least twelve activities and made numerous donations during the year including a small financial bonus for staff.

The Basil Butcher Trust Fund assisted youths across the country as far as Linden, Essequibo, Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara with cycles and educational materials, while over twenty senior citizens received medical assistance in the form of doctors’ fees. The club also assisted over thirty persons with funds to improve their lives including the construction of a septic tank for an elderly male.

As part of its Say No to Crime, programme the cricket teams installed over forty solar lights in the township and surrounding villages but sadly at least a dozen of them were stolen by unknown persons.

Among the numerous other projects/programmes hosted by the vibrant club during the year were Jessica Sandian Mothers Day Hampers, DTV-8 Mother of the Year, Walter Nero Fathers Day Hampers, David Rambarran Father of the Year, Denise Leow Trust Fund, Tribute to Law Enforcement, Tribute to Medical Workers, Tribute to Postal Workers, Tribute to Municipality Workers, Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence Outstanding CSEC Students awards, Grade Six Awards, Dave Imports Region Six Awards, Tribute to Nursery School Teachers, Tribute to Secondary School

Tribute to Medical Workers awardees Teachers, Dolphin Award of Excellence, Zenith Award of Excellence, Tribute to Heroes, Terry Holder Tribute Award, Ananda E.T Dharry Trust Fund, Evening of Music, Feeding programmes, medical clinics, television programmes, youth information booklet, annual youth magazine, covid 19 posters, covid 19 stickers, Tribute to Umpires, Players Welfare Fund and Assistance to Fire victims.

The club also organised a surprise celebration for its Secretary/ CEO who became the first Cricket West Indies Director from the Ancient County.

During the year, the cricket teams were involve in the distribution of over $9M worth of food hampers including a three million dollars flood relief, $3.5M

Christmas Hampers and $2M covid 19 hampers programme.

The club also shared out $1.5M worth of items to its members under a Members Welfare Programme.

Items distributed included cycles, clothing, educational materials, school bags, footwear, medical supplies and household utilities.

The RHTYSC closed off the year by hosting a multi-million charity project which included the distribution of 1000 food hampers, 7000 toys, 1000 breakfast, feeding of the poor, Christmas Concert, one thousand special packages and close to seven hundred thousand dollars worth of educational materials and twenty cycles. The teams also hosted the seventh edition of the annual Christmas Village in the compound

of the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The village was attended by thousands of eager kids and their parents during the 22nd to 24th of December.Foster disclosed that two projects were special to the management of the club during the year and they were the repair of the home of a ninety six years old rape victim and honoring eighty one years old Jaikissoon Sookdeo of Tain for decades of community service. The club also employed a full time coach in Delbert Hicks to coach its membership of hundreds of youth players at all levels.

Dozens of outstanding Guyanese were also honored by the club and the teams during the year including Ministers Susan Rodrigues, Charles Ramson and

Colin Croal. Others included Esuan Crandon, Leila Ramson and Anasha Ally.

The RHTYSC would like to express thanks to all of its numerous sponsors, donors and volunteers.

Special thanks are also extended to the Berbice Cricket Board, Rose Hall Town Council, Government of Guyana, members of the media and the National Task Force.

The contribution of the club official cricket sponsors - Poonai Drugs Store, Farfan and Mendes ltd, Bakewell, Pepsi, Metro Office Supplies, Vitality Inc, and Namilco Thunderbolt Flour were also acknowledged by the management of the club.

The club has set itself a target of seven hundred and thirty activities for 2022.

PAGE 28

Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

Khawaja back to haunt England with Sydney ton

as Australia dominate

Stuart Broad celebrates after completing his five-wicket haul • Jan 05, 2022 © CA/ Cricket Australia/Getty Images Usman Khawaja celebrates his comeback hundred • Jan 05, 2022 © AFP/Getty Images AFP - Usman Khawaja returned to haunt England with a stylish century yesterday — four years after plundering another big Ashes hundred at the same ground — as Australia took a firm grip of the fourth Test in Sydney.

The Pakistan-born Khawaja, playing his first Test since the 2019 Ashes series in England in place of Covid-isolated Travis Head, was at his unflappable best in compiling 137 off 260 balls to put Australia in charge after a declaration at 416 for eight.

Nathan Lyon smoked Stuart Broad for six over midwicket to prompt captain Pat Cummins to end the innings

and give Australia’s pace attack five overs at the weary Englishmen, who had toiled for 134 overs in the field.

Mitchell Starc was 34 not out at the declaration, then England just about survived unscathed to the close at 13 without loss, with Haseeb Hameed and Zak Crawley both on two.

But Crawley enjoyed a massive reprieve before he had scored when he was caught by David Warner at slip, only for Starc to be noballed for over-stepping.

England are now playing only for their Ashes pride after going down by an innings and 14 runs inside three days in the third Test at Melbourne

to give Australia a 3-0 lead with two Tests to complete.‘Special hundred’ - Khawaja, dropped by England captain Joe Root on 28, made the most of his recall and was finally dismissed late in the day, giving Broad his fifth wicket.

Khawaja looked set to be there at the end but an inside edge off Broad cannoned on to his stumps to end his mighty knock. He left the field to a rousing reception.

“It’s special scoring my first Test hundred as a father.

I was trying to look for my wife and daughter in the stands,” Khawaja said.

“I am really blessed. I am humbled. Every time I play for Australia is special. The only

thing to make it better will be to get a victory, and that’s the next thing to go for.”

His ninth Test century came four years after his 171 against England at the same Sydney Cricket Ground, but it may not be enough to keep his spot for the final Hobart Test later this month with Brisbane centurion Head expected to be available for selection.

The elegant 35-year-old left-hander looked in the groove and was patient with his shot selection to deny the tourists after Broad had made a double breakthrough after lunch.

Khawaja, who brought up his century in the over before tea, had a let-off on 28 before lunch when Root fumbled a good chance at slip off Jack Leach and then made the

tourists pay dearly. Khawaja’s patient knock stabilised the Australian first innings after Broad had dismissed Steve Smith for 67 and Cameron Green five in a double breakthrough. - Broad makes a point - Broad, following up on his 13th Test dismissal of ‘bunny’ Warner on the opening day, got Smith for the ninth time in the Ashes.

Smith was annoyed as he looked in good nick to score a 28th Test century, 12th in the Ashes and fourth at the SCG. During his knock Smith became Australia’s seventhhighest Test run-scorer, passing current team coach Justin Langer’s 7,696 runs.

He now has scored 7,734 runs at 60.89.

Broad, who has not played as much as he would have liked at these Ashes, fin-

ished the day with 5-101 off 29 overs.

“I was disappointed to miss out at Brisbane and Melbourne on pitches that any wobble-seam bowler would have been pretty excited about,” said the recalled Broad.

“But when you do miss out your mentality has to be about get yourself ready for the next opportunity, and I really feel like I did that.”

In another blow for England, Ben Stokes pulled up bowling his 14th over, clutching his left side and immediately left the field for treatment. He later returned to the field but was unable to bowl.

Scores: England 0 for 13 (Hameed 2*, Crawley 2*) trail Australia 8 for 416 dec (Khawaja 137, Smith 67, Broad 5-101) by 403 runs.

Surujpaul retained as Wakenaam CC Chairman Khemraj Surujpaul was retained as Chairman of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee when the body held its annual general meeting and election on Tuesday last at the Wakenaam NDC. Former Guyana U15 fast bowler Oyono Sampson returned as the Vice President, while Nazeer Mohamed was retained as Secretary.

Afridi Mohamed was reelected as the Treasurer and Kevin Hemraj will serve as the Assistant Secretary Trea-

surer.

Vickram Ramnarine will continue as the Public Relations Officer.

Wakenaam Cricket Committee comprises of seven clubs; Good Success, Sans Souci, Sans Souci Jaguars, G Square Cavaliers, Noitgedacht, Maria’s Pleasure and Zeelandia.

Surujpaul thanked the members for their support and urged his fellow executive to work collectively for the development of the game there.

Khemraj Surujpaul

Friday January 07, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Fresh off a successful Lankan ‘I don’t understand why it’s so difficult’ - Guyana coach reveals Hetmyer among Premier League, Seales ready those to improve scores on latest fitness test for Windies white-ball debut SportsMax - With the West Indies One Day International (ODI) series beginning on Saturday, pacer Jayden Seales is feeling relaxed ahead of his maiden stint in the West Indies whiteball set up. The 20-year-old Trinidadian pacer has already represented the region at the highest level, so far taking 16 wickets in four Test matches, with his debut coming against South Africa as a 19-year-old last year in St. Lucia.

His talents were first put on display for the world to see in the 2020 ICC Men’s Under19 World Cup where he spearheaded the West Indies attack and was one of the most impressive bowlers in the tournament, finishing with 10 wickets in six matches at an average of 18.30.

Speaking at a press conference today, ahead of the start of the Ireland series, Seales spoke about coping with pressure as well as how staying away from negative comments and focusing on Cricket has been the key to his early success.

“I think I’ll be under pressure most of my career seeing that I’m the youngster in the team. If I don’t perform then the media and everybody will

Jayden Seales

Shimron Hetmyer was one who failed the fitness test.

say I’m too young, so I tend to just not focus on that stuff.

I don’t really go to social media during series or during a game. I tend to stay off social media and stay away from comments. I just talk to my parents and to my family back home and keep my mind away from all the negatives and focus on the cricket. I just go out and enjoy my cricket and play to the best of my ability and if on the day I happen to perform well for the team then

I’ll be very pleased,” Seales added.

Fresh off a successful stint in the recently concluded Lankan Premier League T20 where he took 15 wickets in seven matches to help his Jaffna Kings defend their title, Seales will be hoping to make his ODI debut for the West Indies when they take on the Irish (tomorrow) on Saturday, January 8 at 9:30 am Jamaica time at Sabina Park.

SportsMax - Head coach of the Guyana Eagles, Esuan Crandon, has reported that the majority of the players retaking the Yo-Yo fitness test earlier this week improved their scores but remains perplexed at the reason fitness have become such an issue for some players.

A group consisting of Shimron Hetmyer, Chandrapaul Hemraj, and Keemo Paul were reportedly among those present for the drills, which took place on Monday at the Leonora Stadium.

Hetmyer sent tongues around the region wagging earlier this week after it was

revealed that the player was left out of the West Indies squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England, after failing another fitness test. The situation left head coach Phil Simmons notably frustrated. According to Crandon, some members of the team have received higher scores this time around, but it seems clear that many of the players were still not at the required fitness levels.

“I think what we have seen today is some improvement from the guys, probably not what we were looking for but at the end of the day, most of them, about 97-98 percent would have improved on their

previous scores (in the yo-yo test) so that is a good sign for us, and it also tells the entire group that once you put in the work, you will improve,” Crandon told the Guyana Times. “It is simple as that. I do not understand why it is difficult for some of these players to understand.

You are professionals and they have to put in the work to get to the level of fitness we are looking at.” The coach revealed that there could be another test in a few days for players who were still not at the required level. The team is currently in preparation for the regional Regional 4-Day Tournament next month.

Elgar steers South Africa to victory over India in second Test Dr. Desmond Haynes appointed AFP - South Africa captain Dean Elgar hit a superb 96 not out to guide South Africa to an emphatic seven wicket win in the second Test against India at the Wanderers yesterday which levels the three-match series at 1-1.

What had been expected to be a tense chase on the fourth day became a comfortable win for the home side after rain delayed the start of play by almost six hours.

When play did get under way after tea it was under heavily overcast skies with the floodlights on.

Resuming at 118 for two in pursuit of a target of 240, Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen added 57 runs in the first hour before Van der Dussen was caught behind off Mohammed Shami for 40. The pair had put on 82 for the third wicket.

Temba Bavuma gave a caught and bowled chance to Shardul Thakur before he had scored but then batted solidly to make 23 not out and stay with Elgar until the end.

The captain was not quite

by Cricket West Indies as new lead selector

South Africa captain Dean Elgar scored 96 not out as the Proteas beat India by seven wickets at the Wanderers (AFP/PHILL MAGAKOE) able to complete his century but hit the winning runs with a flick for four off Ravichandran Ashwin.

The decider in the threematch series will start at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Scores: South Africa 229

(Petersen 62, Bavuma 51, Thakur 7-61) and 243 for 3 (Elgar 96*, van der Dussen 40, Ashwin 1-26) beat India 202 (Rahul 50, Ashwin 46, Jansen 4-31, Rabada 3-64, Olivier 364) and 266 (Rahane 58, Ngidi 3-43, Jansen 3-67) by seven wickets.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of legendary former West Indies opening batter, the Most Hon. Dr. Desmond Haynes, as the Lead Selector of the West Indies Senior Men’s Team.

Along with his most outstanding cricket credentials, Dr. Haynes was recently honored by the University of the West Indies with an Honorary Doctorate Degree and is a former Senator in the Parliament of Barbados. He was confirmed as the new Men’s Team Lead Selector during a meeting of the CWI Board of Directors earlier yesterday.

CWI President, Ricky Skerritt, said: “I am delighted to confirm that the Most Hon. Dr. Desmond Haynes has agreed to re-join the CWI cricket system as the Lead Selector. His cricket knowledge and experience are second to none, and I am confi-

dent that Desmond is the right man for the right job, at the right time.” President Skerritt added: “On behalf of our Board of Directors and all stakeholders, I wish Desmond every success as he commences his important Lead role, which starts immediately. I want to also take this opportunity to thank Roger Harper and Miles Bascombe for their commitment and integrity whilst they served on the Panel over the past two years.” The Most Hon. Dr. Desmond Haynes stated: “I would like to thank President Skerritt and the CWI Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to serve West Indies cricket once again. Being a Selector is a thankless task, but a critical role in our cricket system and I am honoured to be appointed. I have always indicated that I would assist West Indies cricket in any way possible and I see this as an opportu-

nity to do just that. I pledge to carry out my duties in a fair and professional manner.” The Most Hon. Dr Haynes will lead the West Indies Men’s Selection Panel until June 30, 2024, a period that includes four ICC Global Events, two T20 World Cups (2022 & 2024), the Cricket World Cup (2023) and the World Test Championship Final (2023).

Dr. Desmond Haynes played 116 Test matches and 238 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies between 1978 and 1994.

He scored 7487 runs in Tests, including 18 centuries and 8648 runs in ODIs, including 17 centuries. He captained the West Indies in four Test matches. He was a member of the West Indies team which won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1979. He was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in June, 2021.

PAGE 30

Gordon, Powell lead Jamaica past Ireland in warm-up contest Jamaica Observer - Pace bowler Nicholson Gordon snatched five wickets and allrounder Rovman Powell belted an unbeaten half-century as Jamaica beat Ireland by five wickets in a 50-over practice match at Sabina Park in Kingston on Wednesday.

Scores: Ireland 234 (48.3 overs); Jamaica XI 235-5 (38.4 overs).

While the encounter gave players on the Jamaica team — a few of whom are inexperienced — much-needed international exposure, it offered Ireland valuable practice ahead of the white-ball series against West Indies.

Jamaica’s chief selector Junior Bennett was encouraged by the collective effort from the local side.

“It was an excellent team effort from Jamaica — they played some good cricket against Ireland,” he told the Jamaica Observer after the match.“Rovman had a good all-round game to lead the team. He batted extremely well and batted responsibly to see it right through. He was also very good while bowling and Nicholson bowled with good control and pace and did an excellent job for the team,” Bennett, a former Jamaica head coach, said.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Jamaicans restricted the Irishmen to 69-5 in the 17th over before the visitors mounted a comeback which

Friday January 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

lifted them to 234 all out.

George Dockrell, who batted at number seven, topscored for Ireland with 82 from 107 balls. He hit six fours and two sixes. Simi Singh made 29, while Mark Adair added 25.

The 30-year-old Gordon, who claimed the first four wickets of the innings, led the

way for the Jamaican bowlers with figures of 5-34 from nine overs and three balls. Allrounder and skipper Powell, who bowls handy medium pace, chipped in with 3-32.

In reply, the home team was two down for 23 runs inside (Continued on page 25)

Staging regular tournaments among priorities of ECB presidential hopeful Fredricks Former Essequibo opener Royan Norwayne Fredericks will be vying for the presidency of the Essequibo Cricket Board when the body hosts its election on Sunday.

The thirty-two year old Fredericks pledged to work towards improving the game in the county, and staging regular tournaments is high on his agenda. Fredericks along with his elder brother Norman, represented Essequibo for a number of years and they have both been among the runs on a consistent basis.

Born at Bartica on October 11, 1989 to Raniedai Nankoo of Wakenaam and Dennis Fredericks of Pomeroon, Royan is the cousin of former West Indies cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan.

He was raised at Skull Point along the Cayuni/Mazaruni river in Region Seven and attained Nursery and Primary Education before migrating to the coastland in the early 2000s. There he pursued Secondary Education at Aurora Secondary School and developed a love for cricket. He was able to balance Sports with Education in his early days in secondary school and went on to represent his school, county, country.

Fredericks stated that he has gained a lot of experience during his playing days and he will also target Region One

Royan Fredricks for development.

Once elected, Fredericks plans to start off with an inter area round robin U15 tournament so as to give the youths better opportunities to showcase their talent and this pilot competition will set the tone for all competitions to follow.

He also plans to have a constitution reform with respect to the cricket bill so as to make way for area committee empowerment, true proper consultation with all eight cricket committees of the county of Essequibo.

Among his plans are: To have an inclusive governance of cricket. To have under15, 17, 19, male and female and senior cricket competitions played across the county of Essequibo, while complying with COVID 19 guidelines.

To have grass root academies set up during the August holidays for our aspiring cricketers. Ensure all teams leaving these shores are properly prepared.

To develop good relationship with the business community. To enhance the cricket board’s hostel where they will be able host teams for tournaments.

To have Constitution reform within the first four months in order to empower the eight cricket committees.

To have coaches visiting all area committees once every month in order to keep the future generation in check with their cricketing obligations.

To provide proper representation for players across the county.

Djokovic in limbo in hotel for detained asylum seekers as lawyers fight Australia ban MELBOURNE, (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic faced at least 72 hours holed up in a Melbourne hotel for immigration detainees after he was denied entry into Australia yesterday amid a political firestorm over hismedical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

The tennis star, who is chasing a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open, remained in the country after his lawyers launched an appeal seeking to overturn the federal government decision. A court agreed not to deport him before a full hearing scheduled for Monday.

The saga, fuelled by domestic political point-scoring about the country’s handling of a record surge in new COVID-19 infections, has led to an international row, with Serbia’s president claiming his nation’s most celebrated sportsman was being ha-

rassed.

Djokovic’s family yesterday held a rally in front of Serbia’s parliament building in Belgrade, with around 300 fans, some draped in Serbian flags, chanting slogans in support of their idol. His father told the crowd the protests would be held every day until his son was released.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defended the decision to deny Djokovic entry at a televised news briefing.

“There are no special cases, rules are rules,” he said. “We will continue to make the right decisions when it comes to securing Australian borders in relation to this pandemic.”

Spanish champion Rafael Nadal told reporters in Melbourne that he felt sorry for his rival “but at the same time, he knew the conditions since a lot of months ago.”

Djokovic, who has consis-

tently refused to disclose his vaccination status while publicly criticising mandatory vaccines, kicked off the furore when he said on Instagram on Tuesday he had received a medical exemption to compete in the Open starting Jan. 17.

The announcement prompted an outcry in Australia, particularly in the tournament host city of Melbourne, which has endured the world’s longest cumulative lockdown to ward off the coronavirus.

COURT BATTLE At a hearing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on Thursday evening, lawyers for Djokovic and the government agreed the player could remain in the country until at least Monday.

Djokovic’s fate is tied to a political fight in Australia, characterised by fingerpointing between Morrison’s conservative administration and the left-lean-

ing Victoria state government.

The squabbles rumbled on as Australia’s daily COVID-19 infections hit a record high for the fourth consecutive day, overwhelming hospitals and causing labour shortages.

Under Australia’s federal system, states and territories can issue exemptions from vaccination requirements to enter their jurisdictions. However, the federal government controls international borders and can challenge such exemptions.

Djokovic received his exemption from the Victorian government - for reasons that are not known - which supported his federal government-issued visa.

On his arrival, however, Federal Border Force officials at the airport said Djokovic was unable to justify the grounds for his exemption.

The Australian task force that sets the exemption parameters lists the risk of seri-

ous cardiac illness from inoculation and a COVID-19 infection in the past six months as qualifiers. But Morrison said Tennis Australia had been advised weeks ago that a recent infection did not meet the criteria for exemption.

Tennis Australia and Victoria government officials said Djokovic had received no preferential treatment.

With the Open to start on Jan. 17, Nick Wood, a lawyer for Djokovic, earlier told Judge Anthony Kelly that Tennis Australia had advised they needed to know about his participation in the tournament by Tuesday.

In response, Kelly, who had asked when Djokovic was scheduled to play his first match, said: “If I can say with the respect necessary, the tail won’t be wagging the dog here.”

‘NOT HUMAN AND NOT FAIR’ The move by the Australian government to block Djokovic’s entry has caused

ructions between Canberra and Belgrade. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Twitter he had spoken with Djokovic and accused the Australian government of harassment.

“This persecution is unfair, starting with the Australian prime minister,” he later told Serbian media. “They are acting as if the same set of rules apply to everyone, but they’ve let in others on the same grounds that Novak had applied to.”

Morrison said he was aware “representations have been made” by the Serbian embassy in Canberra but denied accusations of harassment.

Djokovic’s father Srdjan told media in Serbia that his son was ushered into an isolation room under police guard when he arrived at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport late on Wednesday after a 14-hour flight from Dubai.

(Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Friday January 07, 2022

PAGE 31

RHTYSC surpasses target of 715 activities, completes most successful year in its history - Construction of homes and Sinclair debut highlights of the year

The RHT Namilco under 21 team - Berbice Under21 Champions.

Awardees of Region Six Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers.

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS since its formation in 1990 has always prided itself of not only been one of Guyana leading cricket club but also of making a positive difference in the lives of others. The club, which is the only youth and sports organisation to ever receive a national award, is celebrating another successful year after successfully completing 746 activities in 2021 despite the ongoing covid 19 pandemic and lack of activities on the cricket field.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster in an end of the year report stated that management of the club was able to stay focused by expanding the club Say Yes/Say No campaign which encourages youths to say yes to education, sports, life, culture, religion and No to drugs, crime, suicide, premartial sex and alcohol.

The highlight of 2021 was the spearheading of the construction of three homes for three families. It was the first time that the club was involved in the construction of homes for families.

Among the persons who benefitted were the club Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu and sixty four year old Chunilall Sonaroo.

The international debut of Kevin Sinclair was another highlight for the club as he became the 11th RHTYSC Member to play at the international level while Dominic Rikhi, a product of the club later in the year played for the USA. Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi represented the region at the international level, while the promising Jonathan Rampersaud was invited to the CWI Training Camp for the under19 players. Kevlon Anderson also earned a

Official handing over of home to Chunilall Sonaroo and family.

central contract with the Guyana Cricket Board. With only one GCB inter county tournament been played in 2020, three club membersRampersaud, Chanderpaul Govindan and Tyreese Sealey represented Berbice.

All three of the female cricketers from the club also received contracts with Cricket West Indies.

On the cricket field, the club won the Elizabeth Styles Under21, Lets Bet County wide 20/20, Rose Hall Town 51st Anniversary Cup and Nand Persaud females 20/20 tournaments and has reached to date the semifinals of the Tenelec Under15 and NBS Second Division tournament. The outstanding members of the club were recognised and honoured during the hosting of the 31st annual awards ceremony. Kevin Sinclair and Kelvon Anderson won the top awards, while Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jnr was inducted as the club sixth Honorary Patron.

The RHTYSC,MS in 2021 assisted their fellow cricket clubs with over two million dollars worth of cricket balls, cricket gears, scorebooks, educational materials, trophies and medals among other items, while hundreds of youths also benefitted from donations of school bags and bicycles in an effort to assist them in their educational career.

Several public institutions benefitted from the hard work of the club with special emphasis been placed on the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost, Port Mourant Public Hospital and (Continued on page 27)

Namilco renews cricket sponsorship of RHTYSC First Division team.

Guyana Harpy Eagles trial match (day 2)

Pestano joins Persaud with fifties for Johnson’s X1 - Hetymer hits unbeaten 69 for Paul’s X1 Kemo Paul’s X1 were 154-2 in reply to Leon Johnson’s X1 254 at the end of the second day of the first trial of a possible three games, yesterday at the Albion ground in Berbice.

Kevlon Anderson, asked to open the batting, was the lone wicket to fall by Tea, when he was bowled by Keon Joseph for five at 6-1.

Tevin Imlach (15) joined Marvin Dindyal (24) and saw their team to 44-1 by Tea. In the last session, Dindyal fell LBW to Kevin Umroa for 29 from 79 balls and 105 minutes at 56-2.

Shimron Hetymer, not selected by West Indies for the ODI series against Ireland and England, joined Imlach and left-hander who celebrated his 25th birthday last Boxing day, batted confidently.

Although not reaching 40 in the GCB’s yo-yo test on both occasions, Hetymer, with 16 Test matches and 35 First Class matches under his belt, soon reached his 50.

Shimron Hetmyer finished unbeaten on 69 yesterday at Albion.

He finished unbeaten 69 from 110 balls and 101 minutes with three fours and has so far featured in an unfinished 98-run third wicket stand with Imlach, who has hit three boundaries in his 45 not out from 134 balls and 195 minutes.

Earlier, Leon Johnson’s X1 resumed the second day on 188-7 with Akshaya Persaud on 54 and Clinton Pestano on 24 and the pair extended their partnership to 51 before Sylus Tyndall removed Persaud for 61 at 196-8.

Anthony Adams joined Pestano and added another 58 runs for the ninth wicket with the upper Corentyne fast bowling all-rounder Pestano dominating the partnership with on 69 from 137 balls, 177 minutes decorarted with four fours and two sixes on the large ground. Paul got rid of the pugnacious Pestano at 254-9 before West Indies left-arm s p i n n e r Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul trapped Kevin Umroa LBW for an eightball duck without addition to (Continued on page )