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AIETEUR “Patterson’s comments

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- Environmentalist Annette Arjoon

Online readership yesterday, 82,199

Exxon had offered more gas per day than Guyana needs - Ghana losing hundreds of millions

- Patterson admits

$$$ per year in similar arrangement Taxi driver Bandit drops Car thief killed after slamming into gun, scales fence found dead parked truck after cops roll up in prison cell

Legislative reform for oil and gas sector won’t be done in isolation - Attorney General

BK Int’l received 70% in payments, but only 15% of works completed for Region 2 sea defence Listen how the PPP/C,APNU/AFC running this country to benefit themselves, friends, family and cronies tonight at 7:20pm on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio.

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Monday January 11, 2021

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

Tourism Post-COVID

I

n 2014, this country’s tourism stakeholders launched what was supposed to be the country’s new tourism theme, “Guyana – South America Undiscovered.”

Then Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali was adamant about focusing on the sector, stating that “The opportunity to confirm Guyana’s commitment to the development of tourism in Guyana must be fully exploited.”

Six years later, while the theme remains the country’s official tourism branding, some things have changed. For one, then Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali is now Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana and one presumes that as he gets into the groove of designing an architecture for the future, his commitment to development of tourism remains as strong as it was over half a decade ago.

In a country defined by undeveloped potential, the tourism sector remains – like, and in conjunction with, the creative arts – an area of perennially undeveloped potential.

For decades, despite the country possessing a richness of options, particularly in nature tourism, this potentially lucrative sector failed to launch, with no overarching plan being developed and implemented over the long term.

Of course, the other more impactful thing that has changed since 2014 is COVID-19 which has not only been a public health crisis, but which has spawned a global economic crisis, and one of the hardest hit areas has been the global tourism industry.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has noted that for 2020: “The decline in the first ten months of the year represents 900 million fewer international tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2019, and translates into a loss of US$ 935 billion in export revenues from international tourism, more than 10 times the loss in 2009 under the impact of the global economic crisis.”

Perhaps the most symbolic incident in how COVID-19 has impacted Guyana’s tourism sector was the fact that last year, the newly-appointed Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Oneidge Walrond-Allicock tested

positive for the virus shortly after taking up the portfolio.

While in her maiden speech to Parliament, she expressed the administration’s intention that, “We want to ensure that when we exit the pandemic, we would’ve built our local tourism infrastructure, especially our niche eco-tourism infrastructure to such a level that we preserve this local market and Guyana will be the first choice for Guyanese,” we have not yet heard from the Minister on precisely how she, as effectively the first COVID-era Tourism Minister, plans to manage this.

As the UNWTO has noted, even with some recovery, global tourism figures have been pushed back to their levels of 50 years ago.

The oft-repeated theme of crisis and opportunity is one that applies here but it’s critical that we move

beyond rhetoric of commitment to development when it comes to developing the tourism industry in Guyana – the opportunity here of course being that COVID-19 has served as a sort of leveller, pushing more established destinations down to where Guyana was and perhaps lower considering the level of debt many properties have found themselves in the world over.

It’s still unknown in what policy directions the

government intends to take the industry in this year, and what budgetary allocation will be given to support those directions, but the attitude on this has to go beyond returning us to the perpetually pupal stage, which we’ve been stuck at for decades.

The UNWTO presents a two to three-year timeline for recovery of the global tourism industry, which means that whatever Guyana has to do to transform our national industry has a specific and relatively brief timeframe attached to it.

If we don’t act urgently and with intelligence, that slogan is going to prove more of a label than an enticement – we are going to remain undiscovered, something that arguably works counter to the growth and sustainability of a tourism sector.

Granger’s New Year’s message was nauseating, and as hollow as it was illusory DEAR EDITOR, I read Former President David Granger’s exhaustive and exhausting New Year’s message.

It chronicles a compendium of alleged achievements made by the Coalition Government.

It proffered explanations, nay justifications, for the rapacious violations of the Constitution, the unprecedented abrogation of the rule of law and the relentless attempts to alter the results of the 2020 elections in order to steal government, committed by him and his Coalition Government.

I was very much present in Guyana during the fiveyear coalition rule.

I was involved at every level, in the social, political and economic tribulations which occurred.

To me, Mr. Granger’s speech read like a fairy-tale from a far-off land. If the accomplishments boastfully expressed, did actually take place, no doubt Mr. Granger would have been the President today.

The proof of the pudding lies in eating. Mr. Granger is not the President.

The electorate voted solidly against him and his Coalition Government.

That reality collides violently with the factual foundation of his discourse, rendering same as hollow, as it is illusory.

Such unhinged maundering must never be left on the public record without an appropriate rejoinder.

From beginning to end, Mr. Granger insults the collective intelligence of everyone familiar with realities of life in

Guyana from 2015 to 2020.

The audacity and arrogance were unnerving but remain a stark reminder of how distanced he was and still is from the majority of the population.

Indeed, it was a cerebral feature of his Presidency.

Nowhere in the democratic world would a political Head of State be returned to government by the electorate, who failed to host a dedicated engagement with his nation’s press corps for over three years. Such hubris is the antithesis of democracy.

The portion of the speech dedicated to the prelude to the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, and its aftermath, is perhaps the most nauseating. Mr. Granger perseveres to paint a narrative radically different from that which was seen and experienced by Guyana and the world, and for which Mr. Granger and his rigging cabal were condemned and reprimanded by every local stakeholder organisation, the entire diplomatic community, every major international organisation in the Caribbean and the Americas, as well as one hundred governments across the globe.

This unsophisticated stunt is reason enough for Mr. Granger and the Coalition Government never to come close to the reins of power in the foreseeable future.

He argues that the delay in holding the elections after the passage of the No Confidence Motion of the 21st of December 2018, “was due to the Elections Commission unpreparedness.” He could not have forgotten that the very Elections Commission, on

December 27, 2018, announced its readiness to hold those elections.

Mr. Granger believes that Guyanese are so ignorant that they did not recognise that it was the Chairman, that he installed unconstitutionally, who was executing his master’s diktat as the Commission’s subsequent claim of lack of preparedness.

Indeed, had the Caribbean Court of Justice not declared that Chairman to have been illegally appointed, Mr. Granger may have succeeded in his fraudulent design.

Mr. Granger spends nearly a page and a half, detailing the litigation instituted after those elections.

He conveys the impression that there were obstructionist to the democratic process.

He omitted to reveal that it was those litigation that protected the will of the electorate and saved democracy.

He writes not a single word about Clairmont Mingo’s vulgar attempts to use a fraudulent spreadsheet, instead of Statement of Polls, to tabulate the results of Region 4, as required by law.

He neglects to inform that it was this fraudulent act perpetrated by Mingo in the presence of party officials, electoral observers, and the diplomatic community, which triggered the first court proceedings.

Neither did he disclose that despite orders made by the Chief Justice, Mingo completed a fraudulent tabulation of the results, which gave Granger electoral victory.

He omitted from his narrative that he agreed to a na-

tional recount, but then vehemently attempted to repudiate that agreement; and even when the recount came and was observed by a CARICOM Team, whom he described as the most “legitimate interlocutors” and who upheld its accuracy, legitimacy and credibility, he assailed that Team’s report and disavowed the recount results.

Mr. Granger also refused to write about the powers which the Chief Election Officer unlawfully arrogated onto himself to prepare a report, not of the ballots cast by the electorate, but ballots which he, the CEO, determined to be valid.

This latter travesty led to even more litigation.

The Caribbean Court of Justice was forced to admonish the CEO and to remind that he is not a “lone ranger” but a subordinate officer of the Commission, subject and subservient to the Commission’s authority and directions.

Mr. Granger describes this horrendous period between March 2 and August 2 “as necessary to ensure the functioning of the Constitution…

We believe that the measures we took fortified democracy...”

Alas, these words can only emanate from a delusional mind cushioned in its own authoritarian cocoon. Fortunately, the world saw and experienced a different reality. It is for this simple reason, without more, that Mr. Granger is where he is today, and where he and those of his ilk should remain, for a long time in the future – out of Government.

Yours truly, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC

Granger, like Trump, is living in a delusional dream that he won an election he clearly lost DEAR EDITOR The APNU+AFC are of the ludicrous belief that with the installment of the Biden Administration, this means that there will be an ouster of the PPP/C Government from office.

It is a widely circulated nonsense that has gripped the opposition forces by storm that they are literally praying for that day to come when they will be put back into office.

This latest fantasy of theirs took a hold on them after they would have realised that their attempt at regaining power through the rigging route shamefully failed, even though there is a pending elec-

tion petition.

However, a fictitious imagery still exists that somehow, somewhere, things can work out for them.

Now, that being said, there are few questions, which I would like to ask before that dream world of theirs dissipates. In the first place, if America is to barely consider their request then it logically means that they would have to overturn all election results and endorse rigging as a solution to the electoral process.

It means that the number of votes cast in favour of the winner - in this case Biden would have to be thrown out and victory be ascribed to Trump, exactly the theory the

PNC has embarked on here in Guyana. Granger, like his compatriot Trump, is living in a delusional dream that he has won the election when clearly he has lost.

So, in that dream world he is looking every which way he can eke out a win for himself.

Sorry, but that is not going to happen!Trump was even more dramatic about it, when he demanded of the Georgia Governor to find 11,400 votes so that he could rig his way through.

When that didn’t work, he violently stormed Capitol Hill.

The situation in Guyana was a carbon copy of Trump’s insanity, where Mingo began his assault on the figures fol-

lowed by Lowenfield, if this is not living in a delusional world of rigging then tell me what is? This is the PNC’s logic that has energised them up until now and a strategy they want us to accept.

So if America is to buy into that foolishness, it means that the entire democratic process as it pertains to elections have to be done away with and rigging would become the order of the day. The USA would be shooting itself in the foot if that rigging nonsense succeeds. I am saying that is not going to happen, so it is useless toying around with the idea.

Yours truly, Neil Adams

Monday January 11, 2021

Every sitting PPP/C president, save Hinds, had a taste of the Venezuelan bitter cup DEAR EDITOR, Like the two-headed eborsisk, the Guyana/Venezuela controversy has raised its head once again, this time in a more aggressive and bellicose fashion on the Venezuelan side.

This is a marked departure from the Chavista philosophy.

Hugo Chavez at a public forum held at the Pegasus Hotel during his visit to Guyana in February 2004, referring to Guyana-Venezuela relations declared, “Through a process of positive dialogue and mutual understanding differences can be narrowed.”

And one of the country’s daily newspapers reflecting on Chavez’s visit had this to say; ‘The Chavez administration has in fact ushered in a new era of relations between Venezuela and Guyana.

The Venezuelan Government has not been aggressive towards Guyana but it has been a friendly partner in developing closer hemispheric relations.’

Clearly, Chavez’s call for ‘positive dialogue and mutual understanding’ has been jettisoned and replaced by Maduro’s exhortation to his countrymen and women to “fight against the dispossession of a territory that always belonged to Venezuela.”

Maduro’s foreign policy has evolved from one characterised by ambivalence to a more aggressive relationship with Guyana.

History has demonstrated that when a regime is isolated internally and externally, the need to have an external enemy and to whip up jingoistic exultations among its populace is to be expected. In the case of Venezuela’s policy towards Guyana was only a matter of time.

Let’s be clear every sitting PPP/C president, save that of President Samuel Hinds, has had a taste of the Venezuelan bitter cup. With Cheddi Jagan, it was a request by President Carlos Andres Perez that Venezuela be granted a sliver of Guyana’s national territory to facilitate Venezuela’s access to the Atlantic.

A request that was rejected by Jagan as Opposition Leader and later, as President of Guyana.

With President Janet Jagan, it was the move to entrap Guyana in the ‘Globality’ proposal intended to shift the controversy away from the multilateral to the bilateral level.

This move was rejected by Guyana resulting in Venezuelan’s spurious claim that ‘Guyana was ignoring its obligations under the Geneva Agreement’ and culminating with the declaration by President Rafael Caldera in November 1998 that “Venezuela would not renounce its rightful claim to the Essequibo.”

President Bharat Jagdeo’s loss of the multi-million dollar Beal Aerospace satellite launch investment in October 2000 and as a consequence, the scuttling of a major Chinese investment in the forestry sector, because of Venezuela’s aggressive foreign policy initiatives resulted in the investors abandoning the much-needed investments at that time and the souring of relations between the two countries.

Now that both Maduro and Guido are at one in respect to their country’s spurious claim, the question now, is what will be the position of the US administration since it backs Guido and has handed him almost all of Venezuela’s foreign missions, save its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, virtually clipping Maduro’s external Affairs wings.

Calling out the PPP/C administration to ‘get its act together and committed to a major programme backed by all political parties and groups (I would add, individuals who are not in a party or group but who nevertheless could make a contribution) ‘to counter the pernicious and ignorant propaganda that has been pro-

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Kaieteur News

moted by Caracas for decades’ is to be welcomed notwithstanding the justification that all of this should have been a work in progress over the years, however in the circumstances, ‘Better late than never’.

Further, the call for a number of steps to be taken including a ‘multi-level response, use of social media, creation of a framework for educating the population and the need for a group to visit work places, the need for a commission - or at least- a group to organise all of this’ and finally, for the ‘allocation of resources to such a large scale exercise’ should be categorised as no recommendation should be left behind.

It is a pity however that all of this is coming now like a knee jerk response to a matter that has for past decades been hanging over the nation’s head like an ominous cloud ready to burst.

Among the many weakness in our democracy is the casting aside, because of political differences, of persons who are knowledgeable on matters of strategic and national importance. Our paucity of human capital makes such an approach ill-advised and unaffordable.

I recall inviting foreign Minister Jackson to join me in helping to formulate a political and diplomatic response to Suriname’s expulsion of CGX from an area Guyana considered to be within its maritime boundaries.

During my tenure as Foreign Minister, I secured the permission of the Ministry of Education to visit high schools to give talks on the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy.

The students and teachers welcomed the initiative.

I tabled and got the approval of the National Assembly of a motion calling for the establishment of the first ever a Select Parliamentary Borders Committee in December 1994.

The Committee comprising of both government and opposition, was established to monitor, analyze, and inform parliament on matters pertaining to the integrity of Guyana’s frontiers; the Committee was empowered to invite individuals and persons from other organizations and institutions; and to receive information and expert advice and to assist it in its deliberations and activities. In circumstances, possibilities should explore to establish a parliamentary committee of a similar nature.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Group established in November 1999 at the 16th CHOGM comprising five commonwealth nations to monitor developments in respect to the existing Guyana/ Venezuela controversy should be briefed about recent developments.

The same should apply to CARICOM and the Permanent Council of the OAS. The inexorable move by Guyana away from the United Nations Good Offices Process to the World Court in the search for a juridical settlement brought the curtains down on the prospects for continued functional cooperation between the two countries, which did bring some benefits to Guyana.

But what is done is done.

Guyana has permanent interests and one of its permanent interests is to always consolidate and protect its territorial integrity and national sovereignty and to keep moving forward for the betterment of (Continued on page 6)

I support the Govt. on matters of territorial integrity DEAR EDITOR, I wish to state that while I may disagree with the government on many matters pertaining to its governance ap-

proach, one matter which I stand in full support of the government on is the representation and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our 83,000 square miles, 215,000 square kilometres, which includes the counties of Essequibo, Berbice and

Demerara.

I stand in full support the government’s position, that the ‘1899 Award was a “full,

perfect and final settlement’ of the territorial issue between Guyana (formerly British Guiana) and Venezuela.

President Ali must be assured, that we support his government on this matter.

Yours truly, Audreyanna Thomas

Everyone will benefit when we work together DEAR EDITOR In these trying times of COVID-19, many people do not have anything to do so they are creating problems and arguments with each other. Why can’t we just accept that we all want peace and prosperity for all? Everyone will benefit when we work together for mutual benefits as opposed to exhausting our energies fighting each other.

Yours faithfully Sean Ori

Why did it take so long for government commitment to restore City Hall?

DEAR EDITOR At long last, the government has indicated it will re-

store City Hall building.

But why did it have to take so long for a gov-

ernment to commit to this undertaking?

In an unrelated matter, it has been observed the opposition, whose

former minister is leading Guyana’s fight, has made no response to Madu ro’s decree.

Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed Editor’s Note.

The Leader of the Opposition yesterday released a statement condemning Maduro.

PAGE 6

Maduro has made it clear where he stands

DEAR EDITOR, It is with considerable interest and alarm I read the headline only of the article captioned, “Venezuelan Maduro vows to “reconquer” Essequibo; makes new decree” (KN January 9). My alarm at this latest neighbourhood jarring should be that of all Guyanese; it is a wakeup call, definitely a timely and most needed one.

First, I must give it to the Venezuelan strongman, who has more political lives than a cat. Say whatever it is that has to be said about him, but this campesino cum hidalgo cum Bolivarian is a survivor: he has outfoxed domestic opponents and outlasted everything that the still mighty United States has thrown at him.

That alone makes him extremely dangerous to this country, where most are oblivious to the existential threat to Guyana’s well-being that he and his country represent. For here was a man who was down and out, but one who has now bounced back and dancing on his toes, and is already launching verbal salvos and decrees against this country.

That means me and mine, and I don’t take kindly to Senior Maduro at all on this.

Clearly, the wily and resourceful political leader bided (no pun) his time, and is now resurgent.

Interestingly, he seized the chaotic interregnum in Washington, D.C., compliments of his unthinking archenemy over there and on the way out, and wedged himself into the proceedings again.

For the time being, I settle for ‘proceedings’ which is a euphemism that covers a lot of territory, none of them posi-

Monday January 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

tive for Guyana.

Also clearly, those agreements and maritime developments had to have made the man and his people smart and simmer over there.

So, here he is flexing his newfound lease on life, and making threats about “reconquest”.

I would hope that Guyanese all the way to the top-the president, vice president, Opposition Leader et al.

- have paused from whatever they are doing and straightened up with one thought in mind: this bears paying the closest attention to, if only to determine where this leads eventually and by what mechanisms. In terms of the latter, I am not talking about decrees.

At present, we are extremely busy over here with things primarily oil. We are so busy that we have gotten a shade too full of ourselves, which is evident from the swagger and Lone Ranger mentality that prevails in ruling political circles.

It is time for the PPP government to rethink, regroup, and rebuild some solid plank of communication immediately with the opposition leadership. Our neighbour is talking (boasting openly) about “reconquest”, therefore it is time that we in this country start talking about reconciling.

By that, I mean togetherness, oneness, sameness at every level in this society, if only to appreciate where we are and what we are up against.

I have said time and again, the Venezuelan menace is not going to go away.

It will outlive Mr. Maduro and his political offspring.

But that country’s spurious claims to large parts of

Guyana is never going away.

That much is guaranteed.

Yes, we have the American powerhouse Exxon and its 2% contract reality; this is where the rubber hits the road and all those percentages surrendered must be earned by the Americans. The Americans have to show their mettle and where they stand.

This much I have said until blue in the face during the coalition’s reign.

Now, the insurance premium lodged must be honoured by those who came and signed agreements, and stuffed numerous things down the throats of one government after another, especially the present one.

Mr. Maduro has rattled his first saber; that is enough for the unwritten and unspoken standby ‘trigger’ clauses in those joint maritime agreements (and 2% contract) to come alive.

The Venezuelan jefe has made it clear where he stands; and now the Americans who benefit so much have to demonstrate where they stand, too.

Simultaneously, the first order of business for us here is for Guyanese political leaders to close ranks publicly to signal that this country is united in standing against whatever comes, whatever “reconquest” signifies, and whatever else Mr. Maduro may have in mind.

I am not speaking about sound bites, photo ops, and rhetoric only.

For the first and last time: togetherness is key, togetherness is paramount, togetherness is everything. And as a cautionary note, not merely for the expedient of this current Venezuelan bellicosity (which I think applies), but going forward.

Many may not like to hear any of this last part, but then I leave them with this: the choice of poisons is theirs to pick and swallow.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

When will pensioners start getting their free water?

DEAR EDITOR, I do hope the government reads this letter and acts on it.

I would like to have some answers to the following questions: (1) When will pensioners start getting the 10 cubic meter free water?

(2) Will pensioners get a credit or subsidy on their electric bill? If so, from when?

(3) The newspapers say a phone number will be provided for people whose home was missed for the $25k cash

grant, so they can call in to say their home was missed – when will that number be published?

(4) An online news outlet says that government to use a portion of a US $30.4 M IDB loan to give pensioners an additional pension book, when will that happen?

Finally, when we work, taxes are taken out from our wages, if we save a little and put it in a savings account in a bank and we get some interest from our savings, the

on the interest of our savings, seeing that we already pay tax on our wages, that is double taxation and this country can afford to stop taking withholding tax, I am suggesting that this matter come up for discussion and approval in budget 2021.

Yours truly, Mohamed Azad

It is because of the rule of law that Trump now faces possible impeachment DEAR EDITOR, Trump and his anarchist supporters have literally and figuratively thrown everything at the American electoral system with the objective of derailing the will of the people and hopefully stealing an election. They failed because of the enduring features of the American ethos and constitutional principles. They did not succeed because of the following, namely: • The real independence and autonomy of the electoral bodies in each state. Trump tried to influence his fellow Republican Governors that were in charge of the battleground states to declare false statements of polls in his favor after he had lost.

They all unequivocally refused to do so because for them, upholding the constitution and the rule of law is paramount to party loyalty. Just imagine if we were in a similar electoral position and Granger had called Governors Mingo or Lowenfield to declare him the winner, you definitely know what would have been the outcome. Fake spreadsheet galore.

• The independence of the Judiciary.

Trump’s legal team tried every legal trick to have the statement of polls overturned and failed at each and every attempt.

This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court is now more conservative leaning due to Trump’s nominations.

The same Judges appointed by Trump voted against his frivolous legal actions because for them, upholding the constitution and laws of America is above any charlatan or megalomaniac.

This is akin to our Chief Justice (ag) Madam Roxane George Wilshire being the bulwark of defining the independence of our jurisprudence in her flawless judgments during our elections fiasco. Nothing like the two Court of Appeal Judges that ruled thirty-four is the majority of sixty-five.

• Integrity, intelligence and independence of the legislature. Republican Senator Ted Cruz tried to have the Senate replace the Democratic Electoral College members in the battleground states with Re-

Exxon had offered more gas per day...

From page 2 Recovery Program (ESRP) to find uses for all the extra gas and work on ensuring fairer agreements in the future.

An additional concern is the fact that a common denominator in the oil and gas affairs of Guyana and Ghana is the World Bank.

The Bretton Woods Project, a British watchdog formed to challenge the effectiveness of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised questions about the World Bank’s role in Ghana’s gas development. The Bank had made a sizeable investment in the Sankofa gas project. It is also

banks usually deduct 20% of our interest which is known as Withholding Tax, is that fair for us to pay withholding tax

assisting Guyana with a loan packed with conditions, so that Guyana can develop its oil and gas sector.

This has not gone unnoticed. In an August 14 letter, three good governance advocates wrote to the World Bank expressing their concerns.

The signatories were International Lawyer, Melinda Janki; Guyana’s former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran and co-founder of the Oil & Gas Governance Network, Darshanand Khusial.

They pointed to former President David Granger’s Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040, which states that “Natural gas asso-

ciated with the Stabroek Block’s oil production is projected to be sufficient to fuel 200-300MW in generation capacity, more than current Guyanese electricity production.”

The Bank is now challenged to prove that Guyana will not fall to the same fate as Ghana.

publican nominees in order to have Trump declared the winner. Over ninety percent of the Republicans Senators voted against Cruz motion. The legislatures in both the House and Senate of America demonstrated that when it comes to upholding the constitution of America, it supersedes any party line or party loyalty. Just imagine if a similar vote of a similar nature were in front of PNC/AFC parliamentarians. It would have all been downhill with party line supreme.

• Maintaining law and order. The Capitol police of Washington, DC did not initially respond promptly and proactively to Trump’s protesters causing the invasion of the Capitol. Some of the ranks operated in a partisan manner taking selfies and allowing access to restricted areas to protesters.

Immediately, there is now a full investigation and resignations will be shortly forthcoming.

This is to establish that at all times, the law protecting agencies should be impartial and nonpartisan. Lastly, one of the enduring features of the of the American Constitution is that the founding fathers made sure that laws were in place to guard against Executive Lawlessness. It is because of the rule of law that Trump now faces calls for removal and possible impeachment.

This is the way a democratic society should operate when faced with deranged and autocratic presidents.

Yours truly, Reggie Bhagwandin

Every sitting PPP/C...

From page 5 its people and future generations.

A great opportunity has presented itself for the country to be put before party. As a united people under the banner ‘Not a blade of Grass’, we certainly have our work cut out for us.

Yours truly, Clement J. Rohee

Monday January 11, 2021

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Kaieteur News

OIL AND FISH DON’T MIX Every morning, there are hundreds of persons assembled for work – formal and informal – at the Meadow Bank wharf. The ice plant workers provide cold-chain services for the dozens of fishing boats, which dock at that wharf daily.

When the fishing boats berth, their catch is offloaded by dozens of porters, pushing makeshift carts. Fish is sold on the wharf in wholesale and retail quantities. Each morning, there are more than 100 persons assembled there selling and cleaning fish and a few hundred more who come to buy to resell in the markets or for fish-shops and restaurants.

The fishing industry supports a number of industries, including those who trade in fuel and lubricants and fishing gear. It provides employment for boat-builders and other craftsmen. But the largest employer in the fishing industry are fishing processing plants which employ hundreds of workers, most of whom are women.

Fish exports bring in more money than sugar. It directly employs just as many persons as sugar but brings in almost three times the amount of export earnings as sugar.

A great many families depend on the fishing industry for their daily bread. And when it comes to our diets, fish is the main source of consumed protein.

When therefore Vice President Jagdeo declares that his support for bringing up as much of our oil in the shortest possible time, he cannot afford to be myopic in his assess-

ment of the costs and benefits associated with this rapid exploitation of our oil.

His Depletion Policy has far ranging implications, especially for the fishing industry.

Fisheries can become a causality of the oil sector. Oil operations in the Stabroek and Canje blocks are fraught with the danger of chasing fishing stocks to cooler waters as a result of seismic studies, the dumping of ballast water and the disposal of effluent from oil production.

A controversy is raging at the moment over the Trump’s administration relaxing of the use of deep-penetration seismic blasts to search for oil deposits in the Gulf of Mexico.

The use of air-guns for deep penetration below the seabed has evoked concerns over its possible effect on aquatic life.

Critics claim that the sound blasts disorient and chase fish away from the area and uproot the vegetation necessary for their survival.

So far, no debate has taken place as to whether the oil companies operating in Guyana’s Stabroek or Canje Blocks are using air-guns similar or comparable to that which are expected to be deployed in the Gulf of Mexico. What is known is that local mariners are often warned to stay clear of areas in which seismic studies are being done.

This is indicative of a possible threat to the marine stocks.

Oil vessels dispose of ballast water into the sea. Ballast water is used to balance the stability of the vessel. It is stored in hull and provides stability. The oil vessels op-

erating in Guyana would take in ballast water from other parts of the world.

This ballast water contains organisms, which may be foreign and harmful to our marine stocks.

According to Bikram Singh, writing in Marine Insight, ballast water is a major source for the introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens into the sea and estuaries but the problem does not end there.

During the drilling process, a chemical is used to get through the subterranean layers.

This chemical can seep into the water and find its way into the marine waters. When the oil is brought up, it comes up with mud, liquid effluent and gas.

The mud and liquid effluent may contain traces of chemicals which can be harmful to fish and all of this is dumped into the sea.

The water that is dumped into the sea is at a very high temperature, above boiling point and this can increase the temperature of the sea and make it unsuitable for the habitation of fish.

Also, if the fish take in the poisons contained within the effluent, then this can find its way into the food chain. Once this happens and people get sick, this is the end of people buying local fish.

Jagdeo is said to like fish.

But he will not want to eat fish which are sourced from chemically-laced fishing grounds.

The debate about the country’s Depletion Policy cannot therefore be only about the rate at which our oil

Dem Boys Seh…

Mo people gan dead dis week De PPP lose one of its Central Committee members to COVID-19.

A few weeks ago, one of dem Minister lose one of he siblings to complications caused by de virus. Dem boys express dem heartfelt sympathies to de families.

But dem Boys nah believe dat gan change de approach of de government to de pandemic. Dem gan carry on with dem merry ways.

Right now dem trying to spin de statistics to mek de country look good. Dem sehing how 93 percent of de confirmed infected popu-

lation done recover. But dem nah talk dat 2.5 percent of those who get infected dead.

Dat is a higher proportion of deaths than in de United States and matches de same death rate per infected cases as Brazil, a country with one of de highest death rates in de region.

One of de persons who died recently was not even 60 years old.

De man used to look in tiptop shape.

So it shows how deadly is this virus and why people and de government should tek it more seriously.

Some people did get excited when dem see dem single digit figures of new cases over de Christmas holidays.

But dat was because of low testing. De numbers have surged over de past week. A total of 216 persons alone were confirmed with de virus this past week. Dat mean dat mo people gan dead this week.

And to think dat de vaccine nah coming till de second quarter of de year.

Talk half and tell Frank frankly dat is time fuh slow down de country.

is extracted. It has to factor in other variables including the health and, environmental risks associated with the seismic exploration, the dumping of ballast water and the waste products of oil production, which are dumped into the

sea and which can end up finding its way into our shallow fishing grounds.

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

Monday January 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 11, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 11, 2021

Monday January 11, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Two more fatalities added to COVID-19 death toll SERVICES

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Two more persons succumbed to the novel coronavirus yesterday, increasing Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll to 169 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

In its press release, the Ministry said that the deceased persons were listed as; a 58-yearold male from Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica) and a 39year-old male from Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni). The Ministry stated that they both died while receiving treatment at their respective medical facilities.

Additionally, 33 new infections were recorded yesterday.

This was presented in the Ministry’s daily dashboard update, which shows that the COVID-19 case toll increased to 6,574.It further stated that 314 patients are in home isolation, 50 are in institutional isolation and five are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

An additional 33 persons are in institutional quarantine and 17 more persons have recovered from the virus. The total number of recoveries to date, according to the Ministry, is 6036.

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BK received 70% in payments, but only...

From page 11 completion dates as January 21, 2020, and August 21, 2020, respectively.

However, during his visit to the project site yesterday, the minister observed that a meager 150 feet of works had been completed by BK International, despite the contractor collecting almost $90M in payments.

Minister Indar recalled that BK’s disregard for contract commitments at Plantation Andrews is akin to what was displayed by the same contractor for a $352M sea defence project at Dantzig, Region Five. There, BK had been advanced $105M for “emergency” sea defence works in June 2019. This fol-

lowed after the powerful tides of October 2019 had devastated vulnerable parts of coastal Guyana, with thousands of families living near the shoreline struggling to keep their belongings, livestock and farmlands from being damaged by saltwater that had breached the coastland.

But even after receiving $105M from the former government, BK had initiated zero mobilisation works on the project claimed to be of urgency.

As a consequence, when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic took office in August of last year, one of its first actions was to terminate the $352M contract with BK. It was later handed to two

other local contractors.

“BK International again has been performing defaults on works and I am saying to you that we cannot continue to have this anymore.

We cannot use taxpayer’s money for vulnerable areas to see that it is not being completed on time and lack of due care,” Minister Indar expressed, while emphasizing that “stern actions” will be taken against this contractor.

Attempts were made by Kaieteur News yesterday to contact Brian Tiwari, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BK International, with aims of ascertaining an explanation for his breach of contract agreement. Those attempts, however, proved futile.

Mayor threatens to fire City Engineer...

From page 8 Market after an area underwent flooding due to clogged drainage systems and a broken valve that is responsible for regulating water flow in the area.

The broken valve resulted in the water that was supposed to be regulated backing up, thereby inconveniencing the vendors.

Furthermore, vendors in the area had complained about the flooding, and have been calling for the City Coun-

cil to fix the systems. Official communiqué from the Public Works Ministry stated that vendors were “complaining bitterly about the flooding.

The statement also noted that the Public Works Ministry will not habitually be picking up on abandoned projects that fall under the Council since it is their responsibility.

Added to that, Edghill had said that the City Council is collecting revenue yet it is unable to carry out functions,

as it should, especially in the markets.

“What are they doing with tax payers’ money?

We are doing Albouystown and other projects already on their behalf presently,” Edghill had said.

In response, Mayor Narine said that while he is grateful that the valve has been fixed, the City Engineer’s Department must take the blame for procrastinating on the issue.

PAGE 20

Monday January 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Cops arrest labourer found Taxi driver killed after slamming with bag of cannabis, other into parked truck articles suspected to be stolen

The deceased, Lester Williams

The suspected marijuana found in the labourer’s home A labourer, 23, found himself in hot water on Saturday last after he allowed the cops to search his home.

According to police, a group of ranks turned up at the man’s home located at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD), around 12:30hrs. They told him that they wanted to search his home for drugs, guns, ammunition and stolen articles.

The labourer reportedly complied with the

The Xbox game system along with the Blu cellphone and binoculars suspected to have been stolen. ranks’ request.During the search, the ranks reportedly found a bag with suspected cannabis, one Xbox game system along with eight discs, a Blu cellphone and a pair of binoculars.The ranks reported that they questioned the labourer about the items, which they found but he could give no reasonable explanation for same, hence his subsequent arrest. Police also arrested seven other persons who were in the said building as well.

Youth gets 3 years for gun possession An Agricola youth was on Friday sentenced to three years imprisonment after he was found guilty of being in possession of an illegal firearm and matching ammunitions.

Esan Gibson, 20, of Second Street, Agricola, Georgetown, was on trial in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

Gibson had denied the charge which stated that on November 21, 2019 at Brutus Street, Agricola, he had in his possession one .38 pistol and three live matching rounds while he was not the holder of a firearm

licence.

Magistrate Bess on Friday ruled that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence and Gibson was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the firearm charge, and one year imprisonment for the ammunition charge.

Kaieteur News had reported that on the day in question, the police were carrying out a raid in Agricola. Upon seeing the officers, Gibson ran but was subsequently apprehended. A search was conducted and a firearm was discovered on Gibson. He was arrested, taken into custody and later charged for the offence.

PM DR KEITH ROWLEY OUT OF HOSPITAL Trinidad Guardian - The Prime Minister has been discharged from West Shore Medical Hospital and is now at home resting comfortably.

Dr Keith Rowley was admitted to the hospital around 5pm on Friday after suffering chest pains. He was kept there for two nights and was discharged just after 9am yesterday.

Dr Rowley underwent a series of medical tests including an angiogram and angioplasty procedure which “went well”, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister Saturday evening.The Prime Minister waved at members of the me-

dia as his security detail escorted him out of the hospital in a black Prado SUV. A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister says Dr Rowley was assessed by his doctors and given the all clear to return home.

OPM also thanked those who sent messages of well wishes and kept the Prime Minister in their prayers.

Meanwhile, yesterday morning the private facility issued a press release condemning an affiliated technician, who allegedly inappropriately leaked information on Rowley’s condition.

An investigation has been launched.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

A taxi driver, 47, was killed on the spot yesterday after he slammed into a parked truck along the Soesdyke Public Road.

The man has been identified as Lester Williams of Kuru kururu, Linden Soesdyke Highway.

Kaieteur News was told that Williams met his demise around 02:00hrs.

Graphic scene from the accident He was reportedly driving his car at a fast rate along the western side of the road when he lost control and crashed into a truck that was parked on the same side of the road.

Persons living close by were awaken by the loud sound of the impact and ventured out to investigate what it was. They recalled that the scene was horrifying; the car

was mangled and its driver was left protruding through the window.

Public-spirited citizens rushed to assist him while efforts were made to contact the police. He man was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was officially pronounced dead.

Blood donation reduced twenty-five percent in 2020 due to pandemic

– NBTS Director In 2020, blood donation by the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) was reduced by 25 percent.

This is according to an annual report prepared by Director of the NBTS, Dr. Pedro Lewis. Dr. Lewis noted in his presentation that from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBTS commonly referred to as the blood bank has been faced with difficulty in the collection of the life saving bodily fluid.

According to the NBTS Director, with the introduction of stay home orders, social distancing rules and other guidelines due to COVID -19, the blood bank was posed with a challenge for stable/ sufficient supply due to measures to prevent spread of epidemic and the fear of contagium by donors.

As a result, he said the agency expended more on the COVID-19, tele-recruitment, radio/TV, social media, and “community sensitization” programmes.

According to Dr. Lewis, community sensitization increased from 10 in 2019 to 67 in 2020. He said that the improvement of sensitization at the community level was conducted primarily through health centres. Due to the growth in the sensitization campaign, the NBTS moved from spending US $65 on Radio/TV programmes in 2019 to spending US $1600 in 2020.

The report also pointed to statistics of the countrywide collection. In this regard, Dr. Lewis noted that there was a “sharp reduction” between

March to August, a “recovery starting” in September, and on an average 35 percent reduction between April to August.

He said that, “actual figures show that 391 units were collected in March 2020, the same month that Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 death, compared with 582 for March 2019.”

Alluding to the statistics, the NBTS Director noted that in April 2020, 369 units were collected compared to 1,060 in April 2019; 517 in May 2020 and 896 in May 2019; 641 in June 2020 and 685 in June 2020; 488 in July 2020 and 772 in July 2019, and 425 in August 2020 and 723 in August 2019.

Regarding the blood collection recovery period, Dr Lewis noted 641 units were collected in September compared to 616 for the same period last year, and 810 in October, 2020 compared to 725 in October 2019.

The NBTS Director noted however that the blood bank collected 850 units in December and ended the year with a 20% to 25% overall reduction.

He noted too that emphasis was placed in blood collection out of Region Four since 80 percent of the blood supply come from that region which is also the largest region to be affected by COVID19.

According to Dr. Lewis, in Region Four, there was 350 external blood collections for 2019 in 2020 there was 165.

Explaining the process of distribution, Dr. Lewis said in

his report that the blood bank managed to deliver from its central location in Georgetown to all six collection sites.

Owing to the pandemic, Dr. Lewis noted that there were multiple postponements of elective surgical procedure and restrictive transfusion strategies.

“At the main referral hospital, in 2019 from January to August, there were a total of 4700 units, which were requested and 72% of those were satisfied. Similar time, in 2020, there were a total of 4100 requests and 59% of those were satisfied,” Dr. Lewis said.

He noted nonetheless that no hospital reported that they were out of stock or that a patient died from an acute blood shortage.

With reference to the screening process, Dr. Lewis noted that no blood collected had traces of the coronavirus as “all donors so far are not healthy, without symptoms, nor with contact history and to date, there are no reports of post-donation.”

Additionally, the NBTS Head said that no staff was suspected of COVID-19 symptoms since the agency operated under the guidelines including having body temperature checks before entering the blood bank or wearing of personal protective equipment.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Monday January 11, 2021

Crowd abuse delays play; India 98-2 chasing 407 to win (Associated Press) - A day after making a formal complaint about racial abuse from the Sydney Cricket Ground crowd, India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj heard more of the same yesterday and didn’t wait another moment to get it stopped.

The fourth day of the third test match between Australia and India was largely overshadowed by an eight-minute stoppage shortly before the end of Australia’s second innings.

Siraj, who had been fielding near the fine leg boundary and had just conceded 17 runs in an over as the Australian batsmen chased quick runs, complained to the umpires and pointed to a section of the crowd. He had the full support of his captain and teammates, just as he had the previous night when - after the conclusion of play - he made similar complaints that were reported to the International Cricket Council.

On Saturday, he was advised to let the umpires know immediately when it happened. Yesterday, he did just that.

Umpires Paul Reiffel and Paul Wilson halted the game while police and security questioned people in the crowd. Police later escorted a group of men away from their seats. They were questioned by stadium authorities and police and ejected from the ground.

Police and Cricket Australia are continuing investigations. The game’s international governing body said six men were ejected. ‘’There is no place for

discrimination in our sport and we are incredibly disappointed that a small minority of fans may think that this abhorrent behavior is acceptable,’’ ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said in a statement. ‘’We have a comprehensive AntiDiscrimination Policy in place ... and we welcome the action taken by ground authorities and Cricket Australia today.’’

Minutes after play resumed, Australia declared its second innings closed on 312-6 when Cameron Green was dismissed for 84 on the last ball before the tea interval, setting India a victory target of 407. At stumps, India was 98-2, still needing 309 on Monday to pull off an unlikely win and retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Australia needs eight wickets on the last day to take a 2-1 series lead.

Pat Cummins dismissed Rohit Sharma for 52 just before the close on day four to give Australia a strong advantage.

This is only 26-year-old Siraj’s second match in test cricket, the oldest and most elite form of the game. India spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has toured Australia four times since 2011 and has seen it before. He’s happy something is finally being done about a problem he’s experienced before at the Sydney Cricket Ground. ‘’In Sydney we have had a few experiences even in the past,’’ Ashwin said. ‘’The way the crowd have been speaking ... they have been quite nasty and hurling abuse as well. ‘’There is a time where they have gone one step ahead and used racial

Police escort spectators from the stands during play on day four of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

India’s Navdeep Saini, left, celebrates the dismissal of Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, right, during play on day four of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021.

(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

abuses.’’

Ashwin confirmed India h a d m a d e a n o ff i c i a l complaint on Saturday, prompting the more immediate reaction on Sunday. ‘’There was an official complaint lodged yesterday and the umpires said we must bring it to their notice as it happens on the field,’’ Ashwin said. ‘’It is definitely not acceptable. This must definitely be dealt with an iron fist.’’

Cricket Australia issued a statement thanking the India team ‘’for their vigilance in reporting today’s incident.’’ ‘’As series hosts, we unreservedly apologize to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent,’’ Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s head of integrity and security, said. ‘’It is most

regrettable that a ... match contested in tremendous spirit by two friendly rivals has been tarnished by the actions of a small number of spectators over the past two days.’’

Stadium management said CCTV footage was being used to help the investigation. ‘’It’s upsetting and it’s disappointing,’’ Australia coach Justin Langer said of the crowd abuse. ‘’It’s one of my greatest pet hates in life, that people can think they can come to a sporting event, pay their money and think they can abuse or say whatever they like - I’ve hated it as a player. I hate as a coach.’’

The crowd abuse soured a largely successful day for the Australian team, including half centuries to Marnus Labuschagne (73), Steve Smith (81) and a (Continued on page 21)

Holness hails ‘agent of change’ Williams - young sprinter donates printers to pandemic-impacted schools SportsMax - A season of giving continued for double World U20 Champion and rising track star, Briana Williams, after a recent visit to the Office of the Prime Minister where she gifted Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness with printers for distribution to schools, as the country continues to navigate distance learning during the pandemic.

The effort was the latest in a series of philanthropic acts undertaken by the athlete, who also recently donated tablets to studentathletes and printing

machinery to the Jamaica Cancer Society who produces large volumes of readouts of pap smears, mammograms, and testicular cancer screenings on a daily basis. Williams also conducted a Christmas treat, in Montego Bay, in December.

The 18-year-old, who is also a patron of the Caribbean’s largest charity event, the Sigma Sagicor Run 2021, was lauded by the Prime Minister for her charitable efforts.

“I am happy that our young people are being agents of change and are

willing to help build our great nation through service.

Keep up the good work, Briana,” he wrote on his social media pages.

For Williams, it was inspirational to meet the Prime Minister once again.

She was awarded the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in sports, in 2018, following her outstanding performances at t h e Wo r l d U n d e r - 2 0 Championships and CARIFTA Games, where she won the coveted Austin Sealy award.

“It was an honour to sit (Continued on page 21)

Briana Williams and Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Monday January 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

NBA roundup: LaMelo Ball youngest with triple-double in Hornets’ win Rookie LaMelo Ball had a triple-double, the youngest player in NBA history to do so, as the host Charlotte Hornets stretched their winning streak to three games by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 113-105 on Saturday night.

Terry Rozier scored 23 points and P.J. Washington added 22 points for Charlotte, which also defeated the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old Ball, the third pick overall in the NBA draft in November, finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.

Cam Reddish scored 21 points to lead the Hawks, followed by De’Andre Hunter’s 20 and 15 from Trae Young. John Collins had 12 points and Kevin Huerter supplied 11.

Phoenix Suns 125 Indiana Pacers 117 Mikal Bridges scored 34 points and Devin Booker added 25 to lift Phoenix to a victory over Indiana in Indianapolis.

Cameron Johnson sank four shots from beyond the arc to highlight his 16-point performance for Phoenix, which posted its first victory

at Bankers Life Fieldhouse since Nov. 18, 2016.

Chris Paul had 15 points and 10 assists, and Jevon Carter added 10 points.

Indiana’s Domantas Sabonis scored 20 of his 28 points in the third quarter and added 22 rebounds to notch his ninth consecutive doubledouble to start the season.

Denver Nuggets 115 Philadelphia 76ers 103 Gary Harris scored 21 points and Nikola Jokic added 15 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds as visiting Denver pulled away from shorthanded Philadelphia.

Jamal Murray and Will Barton added 14 points each as Denver outscored Philadelphia 35-21 in the third quarter.

Rookie Tyrese Maxey scored a career-high 39 points on 18-of-33 shooting in a losing effort.

Philadelphia, which played only seven players, had won 20 consecutive home games in Wells Fargo Center dating to Dec. 20, 2019.

Miami Heat 128 Washington Wizards 124 Tyler Herro scored a season- and game-high 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Miami to a

Sheriff Medical Center sponsors team for SIC Endurance C/Ship

J

ust under two weeks remain before round one of the 2021 Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Endurance Championship shifts into gear at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, and high on the agenda is safety for everyone that will be part of the event.

To this end, Sheriff Medical Center, located 1213 Sheriff Street Subraynville, has joined principal sponsor Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc. (SIC) with support in the form an ambulance and medical team for the day.

Ameir Ahmad, speaking on behalf of Sheriff Medical, noted that his company is happy to be part of the return of competition for motorsport locally and that this is just the beginning of his support for the year.

Meanwhile, over 20 drivers have already signaled their intention to push their machines to the limit three-hour race including defending champion, Adrian Fernandes, lap record holder; Mohamed, Motilall Deodass, and ‘Afo’ Harper who has been very outspoken in the media of late.

The GMR&SC revealed to potential competitors special covid19 rules and protocols will be provided in the coming week to ensure the safety off drivers, mechanics, officials and everyone involved at the event.

Prospective competitors are reminded that helmets and gloves are required and those interested in competing are asked to make contact with the GMR&SC via the Albert Street office.

win over host Washington.

Jimmy Butler posted 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, Goran Dragic added 21 points and five assists and Kelly Olynyk posted 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.Miami beat Washington for the seventh time in the past nine meetings dating back to the start of the 2018 season.

Dallas Mavericks 112 Orlando Magic 98 Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a season-best 36 points and Trey Burke added a seasonhigh 29 to lead Dallas to a victory over visiting Orlando.Hardaway made 8 (Continued on page 21)

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) drives down court during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at the Spectrum Center. (Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports)

Brathwaite’s 4 for 18 helps Sydney Sixers to win and top of BBL table SportsMax - Carlos Brathwaite took four wickets which helped Sydney Sixers pull off Brisbane Heat by three wickets at Carrara on Saturday to move to the top of the standings in Australia’s Big Bash League.

Brathwaite returned figures of 4 for 18 that included the wickets of Chris Lynn, who top-scored with 56, the dangerous Joe Burns for 7, James Bazley for a duck and Mark Steketee for 2 as Brisbane were restricted to 148 all out.

Jake Ball took 3 for 25 from his too over to provide support to the giant Barbadian. Jackson Bird also weighed in with the ball taking 2 for 22.

Chasing 149 for victory,

the Sixers were struggling at 54 for 4 before Captain Daniel Hughes’ 51 helped steady the ship. Hughes’s dismissal in the 17th created jitters for the Sixers.

Brathwaite lost his wicket six balls later for just 2 as Sydney slipped to 130 for 6, which opened the door for Brisbane.

However, Daniel Christian’s unbeaten 38-ball 61 took the Sixers home, hitting the winning boundary off the final ball of the match with his side closing on 152 for 7.

The win put the Sixers on 25 points, two points clear of second-placed Sydney Thunder while the Hobart Hurricanes are third on 19 points.

Carlos Brathwaite

NFL roundup: Bills earn first postseason win since 1995 Josh Allen passed for 324 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another and the second-seeded Bills recorded its first playoff victory since 1995 with a 27-24 win over the visiting and seventh-seeded Colts in an AFC wild-card game in Orchard Park, N.Y. Stefon Diggs caught six passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, Dawson Knox also had a scoring reception and Tyler Bass kicked two field goals as Buffalo snapped a sixgame postseason skid. The Bills’ opponent in the divisional round was to be determined yesterday.

Philip Rivers completed 27 of 46 passes for 309 yards and two (Continued on page 21)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs from Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kemoko Turay (57) in the second quarter at Bills Stadium. (Mark Konezny-USA Today Sports)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Monday January 11, 2021

Windies batsmen will struggle against spin Says Ex-Windies Pacer Tony Gray

By Sean Devers ormer Trinidad & Tobago and West Indies pacer Anthony Gray joined former West Indies Captains Clive Lloyd and Ramnaresh Sarwan in expressing surprise at the non-selection of 22-yearold Bajan pacer Chemar Holder in the Windies Test squad for tour of Bangladesh which begins on January 20 with the first ODI. Gray, the head of the T&T National Selection panel before being replaced last year, gave his thoughts and the selections of left-arm spinner Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , t h e unavailability of 12 of the Region’s best players due to the pandemic and feels the Windies batsmen will struggle against spin on the sub-continent pitches.

The 53-year-old who claimed 22 wickets from five Tests and 44 wickets in 25 ODIs between 1985 and 1991, was speaking on the Sean Devers Sports Watch on Kaieteur Radio last Wednesday.

“I think that when you look a Chemar Holder who performed very well in the truncated Regional season last year taking 36 wickets at just 19 runs per wicket from eight games, we saw in his first Test match in New Zealand he performed efficiently well and has a record of doing well in Bangladesh.

In the under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, when he replaced Obed McCoy, he bowled very fast and has history of doing well against teams from the sub-continent.

He had a five-wicket haul not so long ago at the Queen’s Park Oval against the Indian ‘A’ team which can compete with a lot of Test teams. So I am surprised that he was not selected for the Test series and that the selectors have not gone away from being fixated on conditions.

You have to look at the overall picture and you are coming up against batsmen who are more comfortable against spin,” posited the pacer whose promising Test career was affected by injury.

Permaul has 18 wickets from six Tests but his last Test match was in November 2015.

During his period of non-selection he has not taken less than 40 wickets and reached 50 on three occasions. In the last five seasons, Permaul has taken 223 wickets from 45 First-Class games.

“It’s nice that Permaul has been given another opportunity since he has been highly productive in Regional cricket which is not always a great standard to measure a player to play international cricket.

Our Regional standard is very low and it sometimes difficult for the players to make a successful transition when they make the West Indies team.

But it’s good to see him back after taking 50 wickets last season from just eight games and bowled 310 overs… which says a lot for him.

It shows he has got endurance and

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experience since he is now 31 years old and hopefully he will perform well,” added Gray whose best ODI figures is 6-50 against Australia in Port-of-Spain.

Gray feels it’s going to be testing because of foreign conditions.

“In Bangladesh the pitches will be dry and abrasive most of the time, not just in the ODIs but in the Test matches also. I am looking at the skills factors, if we are efficient in skill factors, especially the batsmen then our players will be confident but Bangladesh has a very good side in home conditions.

These young players will be tested because I don’t think they have the skills to cope with the moving ball…the ball that is spinning… in those conditions where you will get

Veerasammy Permaul (flickr.com) prodigious swing and spin because of the abrasive nature of the pitch.

Our batsmen don’t use their feet to get the pitch of the ball to push back the spinners, while they are generally unable to sweep which are combative shots against spin.

I see a testing time for our young players,” lamented Gray who played three Test against Pakistan and two against New Zealand.

Grey feels the West Indies will find the going very difficult in Bangladesh since we they toured there a few years ago with their strongest available team and we struggled.

“I don’t see us having the consistent concentration as batsmen to do well on those pitches which I expect to be abrasive on the last two days of the Test match, so I expect the batsmen to struggle,” Gray opined.

“I think it will be left on our bowlers to be aggressive on the Bangladesh pitches and get early wickets but it gives the youngsters an opportunity to show their worth and hopefully we can see some stars coming out of this tour.

The mind-set of the fast bowlers will be important, that’s why I think Chemar should have been in the Test team.

The fast bowlers have to learn to adapt and adjust on the Bangladesh pitches.

Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph

bowl generally short and back of a length but in Bangladesh they will have to pitch up the ball more.

When I started my career in Pakistan I got 14 wickets in three Test matches and had learnt to bowl further up to bat to get it to swing around.

But as a Trinidadian fast bowler the pitches here are slow so you are accustomed to bowling those lengths and the same can be said for the Guyanese fast bowlers.

You don’t want to put it in the minds of the young pacers that you can only perform well in certain conditions.

I want to see them attack the batsmen more. In England and New Zealand, they were bowling too wide of off stump and not attacking the bat,” Gray stressed.

Grey said predicting the outcome of the Test series depends a lot on how Bangladesh perform.

“We know that Shakib Al Hasan is back from a one-year ban and that Bangladesh has not played much cricket lately. They might be rusty and we don’t know how fit they are.

We have to wait and see how they perform.

We have young players with talent but talent for me is not enough. There are other things that come along with talent; self-belief, the ability to concentrate for long periods, the ability to watch the ball onto the bat, opening face to the spinners and you must have clarity of mind,” noted Gray “A lot of our young players don’t have clarity of mind and struggle under pressure.

Hopefully they can get into the fifth day and if they can do that, who knows what can happen.

It’s a great opportunity for the young players to put their hands up and if I were in that position I would seize the opportunity and show some bravado and confidence,” continued the former T&T Coach.

“You look at Blackwood who does not have the great technique of a Gordon Greenidge or Desmond Haynes but what he does have is that inner quality of not being intimidated by anyone and we need more players like that… but they must have the skill too,” said Gray.

Giving his views on the opting out of the tour due to safety and personal reasons by the most senior players, said that it was very disappointing.

“Obviously it’s not a novelty issue again (anymore) we went to England and subsequently to New Zealand so I was very disappointed that 10 of our best players opted out of the due to safety concerns and two decided not to go for personal reasons.

So that’s 12 of our main players not being available and we want to climb the ladder in all formats.

Without our best team it’s very difficult for us to do,” concluded Gray, who played for Surry in English County Cricket between 1985 and 1990 and Western Providence in South Africa between 1993 and 1994.

Tony Gray © Getty Images

Chemar Holder

Kaieteur News

Monday January 11, 2021

PAGE 25

Lenders Jewellery and Pawn Veteran Media man hosts Shop supports Wiltshire ‘Joe’s Sports Dose Reloaded’ on 104.3 Power fm radio in Linden Dominoes tourney

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enders Jewellery and Pawn Shop has thrown their support behind the Mark Wiltshire Birth Anniversary dominoes competition which is set to commence on January 16 at Turning Point Sports bar.

T h e e n t i t y ’ s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e Tr i c i l l a Beaton presented one of the trophies to Mark Wiltshire last week. Beaton said they are happy to be part of the competition, while Wiltshire expressed gratitude to the sponsor and said all covid rules will be observed.

Entrance fee is $15,000 and all GNDA rules will be in effect.

The winning team will take home a trophy and $175,000, the runner up a trophy and $75,000, third place a trophy and $35,000 and fourth place a trophy and $20,000.

The MVP will receive $5,000 while the best female player will pocket $10,000.

The competition will conclude on January 17.

Mark Wiltshire accepts the trophy from Tricilla Beaton.

Among the teams set to take part are All Season’s, Mix Up, Gold is Money, C7, Providence, Turning Point,

West Side and Transport SC. Action gets underway at 14:00hrs. Teams can contact Wiltshire on 659-8672.

Perhaps two decades after hosting the first ‘Joe’s Sports Dose’ television show on the Guyana Television Network, Linden, now renamed National Communications Network (NCN) in the 1990s, experienced sports journalist, Joseph Chapman, will roll out for the first time on radio ‘Joe’s Sports Dose Reloaded’ in Linden on 104.3Power FM radio starting Thursday.

His guests on Thursday’s premiere airing will be representatives of the oldest sports institution in Linden, the Mackenzie Sports Club.

Chapman indicated that this is being made possible through talks he had with Chief Executive Officer of 104.3Power FM Radio Mr. Haslyn Graham recently.

Of note, Chapman informed is that while major sponsorship is being sought, Graham has given his blessings for the addition of a sports programme as this is seen as an opportune time in

Joseph Chapman this year of the shifted 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

It is felt it would help widen the listenership to the lone Linden radio network, which is entering its eight year in operation; and not only youths, but also the many sports fans cutting across all ages, gender and religious persuasions, will be engaged.

The one hour sports programme will, for starters, be aired every Thursday for one hour starting at 19.00 hrs

or 7.00pm according to Chapman.

The sports show will have many features and like when it was presented on television in the 1990s, focus will be on having officials of the various sports associations and federations at the regional and national levels have a chance to explain their functions and development programmes for the different sport discipline.

In the ‘brass tacks’ segment of the show, sports organisations will get a chance to interact with the public and answer lingering questions they may have, but could not get answers for in the past.

Listeners will be given sports history and major emphasis will be given to those Linden and Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice) athletes who would have impacted the sports scene over the years; while also contemporary athletes will even be featured.

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Indian players talk with the umpires after an issue with the crowd during play on day four of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Crowd abuse delays play; India 98-2 chasing 407 to win Sheriff Medical Center sponsors team for SIC Endurance C/Ship Sheriff Medical Center joins sponsorship team for GMR&SC/SIC Endurance Championship.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.