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Tuesday Edition January 11, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 02

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Guyana should have a seat at the table in all future oil contracts

- Former Suriname Oil Boss

Guyana wants Brazil to be “a very strong strategic partner” - President Ali - discusses agenda for visit with Brazilian President

The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

Policewoman dies in La Penitence accident Suspect on remand for hinterland killings - tells court he is innocent

Civil society group calls on Govt. to hold LGE

Auditors unable to verify over $70M spent on D’Urban Park 4 years later, report reveals…

Our leaders are collaborating with the foreign financial slave masters to enslave the citizens of this country while they loot our treasure trove. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

4 years later, report reveals…

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Auditors unable to verify over $70M spent on D’Urban Park The $1B D’Urban Park project is currently in a dilapidated state and is slated to be the location for the new Central Fire Station.

The Audit Office of Guyana undertook a special audit in accordance with Section 26 of the Audit Act 2004, on the construction of the D’Urban Park Jubilee Stadium. An interim report was issued on December 7, 2018 and the findings have been reflected in the 2020 Auditor General’s report, some four years.

The report outlined that the construction of the D’Urban Park project commenced in 2015 in preparation for the Cooperative Republic of G u y a n a ’ s 5 0 t h Independence Anniversary which was to be celebrated the following year.

A private company named Homestretch Development Inc. (HDI) was created to implement this Project. As at December 31, 2017, amounts totalling $1.150 billion were expended. However payment vouchers to support

expenditure incurred by the Ministry totalling $70.610M were not produced for audit examination.

As such, auditors noted completeness, accuracy, and validity of this amount could not be determined.

Moreover, the Audit Office h a s o n c e a g a i n recommended that the Head of Budget Agency submit the outstanding payment vouchers for audit.

In addition, the amount of $500M was paid to HDI in 2017 by the Ministry to enable HDI to meet its obligation to its creditors.

However, there was no documentation attached to the payment vouchers to indicate the works done, supervisory checks carried out on the works, as well as certification that the works were satisfactorily completed.

Only the list of HDI creditors and Government’s proposed payment

allocation to each creditor was attached to the payment vouchers.

In the circumstances, the correctness, accuracy and validity of the payments made could not be determined.

Based on the report, Kaieteur News understands that the Audit Office had written the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on July 19, 2018, requesting documentation detailing the works done, supervisory checks of the said works, as well as certification that works were satisfactorily completed.

The Head of Budget Agency explained that the Ministry was not involved in the operations of HDI, hence, it did not have any information detailing supervisory checks or their methodology of determining that works were satisfactorily completed.

According to the report, on March 11, 2019, the Audit Office also made a request to the Ministry for additional documentation for the poject. Some documents have since been submitted to the Audit Office, which was being perused.

Back in 2018, auditors dug into the D’Urban Park project, one of the signature projects undertaken by the coalition Government shortly after the May 2015 elections. Several questions lingered about the more than

$1B spent on the project, as auditors pursued critical information relating to the initial stages of the project.

Back then, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) turned over some documents that auditors had sought for months, but more information is still required as auditors zero-in on payments made to HDI, a special purpose company that started initial works on the project.

HDI was dissolved and MPI took control of the

project. During the time of HDI’s stint on the project, the Ministry of the Presidency was in control of the project, with Larry London as coordinator.

Toward the end of the examination of the project in 2018, the Audit Office once again recommended that the Head of Budget Agency engage the Guyana Police Force to conduct a c o m p r e h e n s i v e investigation into this issue, and a report submitted for audit.

CAL promises new customer-friendly products, services in coming months

Caribbean Airlines is celebrating its 15th Anniversary and the roll out of its marketing campaign for 2022, aptly named REset Expectations.

“REset Expectations”, the airline said in a release, is the overarching theme that will underpin everything that is done at Caribbean Airlines - reflecting its signature service and reinforcing the authenticity of the Caribbean brand.

Caribbean Airlines CEO, Garvin Medera commented: “Surviving the past two years was testimony of our resilience and we are now ree n e rg i s e d . T h e R E s e t Expectations campaign is

the result of feedback from our customers and employees, and validated by sound data. We’ve listened closely to the sentiments, which enabled us to re-focus on enhancing the customer experience. In the coming months our customers can look forward to new products and services, all crafted with their needs in mind. We’re really excited about the planned improvements, and everyone can stay informed via our social media channels and follow us on #RE-calibrate as we Reset Expectations in 2022.”

One of the most anticipated features of the new campaign, is the renewal

of the airline’s jet fleet; and the entry into service of the Boeing 737-8 - the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world. The new aircraft has lower fuel and maintenance costs and is outfitted with room for 160 passengers. The 737-8 is quieter, more sustainable and environmentally friendly and will be integral to the a i r l i n e ’s l o n g - t e r m competitiveness.

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Caribbean Airlines will also reward customers with additional air miles, chances to win free travel and a 15 percent, 24hour sale on all destinations, carded for January 15.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 11, 2022

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Guyana urged to Guyana should have a follow comprehensive path to seat at the table in all transform nat’l food systems future oil contracts As food prices continue to rise…

F

ood prices are continuing to rise, and not just in Guyana. This state of affairs was recently underscored by Dr. Gillian Smith, the Food and Agriculture Organization Representative in Guyana, who pointed out that a report published on January 6, 2022 on the FAO Food Price Index confirms “what many of us already feel in our pockets.”

Moreover, the FAO Representative noted that “Guyana’s food system will have to continue providing safe, healthy affordable food for all, as well as to provide livelihood opportunities for our farming communities, it is more critical than ever to follow the comprehensive path to national food systems transformation that Guyana outlined at the UN Food Systems Summit – social protection for the most vulnerable; continuous improvement in production and food distribution efficiency, to keep prices competitive; embracing diversification of agriculture with technology and digital innovation; streamlining the current and emerging value chains; pursuing trade with shorter supply chains and reducing the risk in agriculture. There are few short term solutions that will be sustainable. The answers lie in the longer haul.”

In 2021, Dr. Smith noted in a statement, the FAO Food Price Index continued to trend upwards, reaching a 10-year high, despite a few months which registered small reductions, including December. In fact the 2021 FAO Food Price Index was just over 28 percent higher than 2020.

The FAO Food Price Index is a well-recognised tool that tracks monthly changes in commonly traded international food commodities – cereals (including rice), vegetable oils, sugar, meat and dairy.

Roughly, it indicates how much countries may expect to pay for these types of commodities in global markets (import), but also what prices countries might expect to receive for their food exports.

The factors contributing to the rise in individual commodity prices are numerous and interact in complex ways, Dr. Smith noted. Food production levels (supply), particularly among leading producers,

By Kiana Wilburg

Dr. Gillian Smith, FAO Representative in Guyana are of course important. In December 2021, Dr. Smith pointed out for instance, global poultry prices declined somewhat, primarily due to increased global exportable supplies.

However, also important to price changes are the levels of stocks on hand that are available to the market. This is often seen with cereals such as wheat and maize, she explained.

Demand also plays a role in food prices. “Seasonal demand for Christmas drove temporary increases in the price of some types of meat on global markets, Dr. Smith underscored even as she noted that speculation also plays a part in food price fluctuations.

“Market speculation on expected demand and on the potential impact of weather and environmental conditions on projected production can drive up or depress prices,” she explained. The COVID-19 pandemic has further introduced significant cost increases in freight and logistics.

For example, “maize and wheat prices were 44.1 and 31.3 percent higher than their respective 2020 averages, mostly on strong demand and tighter supplies, especially among major wheat exporters.”

For a country such as Guyana, the situation of the global food commodities will have mixed impact. As an exporter, Dr. Smith noted that Guyana is affected by global prices it will receive for exports of rice and sugar.

“It is welcomed news that rice production is progressing well. In the cereal price index, rice registered a slight decline (4 percent) in price in 2021, compared to 2020 levels but importantly, it continues to be higher than pre-COVID1 9 l e v e l s , ” t h e FA O Representative noted. In this case, she added, the small price decline is

reported to be a result of ample global supplies and increased competition among suppliers. For its part, Guyana continues to have stable markets for its rice and remains the number one rice producing country in the CARICOM. As with other countries, Guyana is also feeling the impact of higher prices for imported food (processed and raw materials), feedstock and farming input supplies.

For 2021 as a whole, the FAO Cereal Price Index increased by just over 27 percent from 2020 and the Index stands at the highest annual average registered since 2012. Both wheat and corn, significant components imported for food manufacture in Guyana, are included here.

“For 2022, we can likely expect that global and national food systems will continue to grapple with conditions that will impact food prices. In addition to seasonal fluctuations in production and demand, it is expected that backlog and interruptions in global shipping and logistics, uncertain labour availability, the pandemic and impacts of climate and weather events will all continue to have their effect on food prices,” Dr. Smith added.

T h e G u y a n a Government has indicated that it intends to pursue the country’s first oil blocks auction in the third quarter of 2022. When it does this however, there are regional and international stakeholders who strongly recommend that it would be in the country’s interest for the administration to secure the right to participate in the contract governing the oil block being sold.

Specifically, former Head of Staatsolie, Suriname’s National Oil Company (NOC), Rudolf Elias says the right to participation would allow Guyana a seat at the table to examine all costs associated with the offshore concession thereby making the auditing process less problematic.

As he provided advice on how Guyana can make the best of its first oil blocks auction, Elias said, “I would say to Guyana’s authorities to have this process well advertised and very transparent and open.

Everybody who bets should be able to see who else is b i d d i n g i n t h e process…transparency brings the best results.

And I would say also to be sure that Guyana has, you know, a good part of the pie.

I’m not talking about money and I’m not talking about the oil. I’m talking about participation right, because participation gives you so much more knowledge than just normal education about the sector.”

Elias, who has 30 years

- Former Suriname Oil Boss

Former Staatsolie Boss, Rudolf Elias

experience in the industry, also advised Guyana to have an independent seismic survey conducted before the auction.

Though this can be costly, he noted that this allows the country to better understand the prospectivity of its block, thereby increasing the bets made by the international companies.

Essentially, countries would know what their assets are worth and avoid being lowballed.

Vice President and local oil czar, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed that the auction will require that the government aggressively enforces the relinquishment provisions in the contracts it has with companies such as ExxonMobil, Tullow, and Repsol.

To go to an auction however, Jagdeo said the government would have to make several policy decisions.

He said, “We will have to

get someone who has done this before. We have to get technical help. Secondly, we have to also make a decision like some countries are doing, whether we want to invest, like Suriname is doing, to shoot 3D seismic and then auction the block with seismic data which gives us a higher price.”

A n o t h e r k e y consideration, he said, is whether government should preclude existing companies such as ExxonMobil to be part of the bidding round. It should be noted that ExxonMobil is the only company which has a hold on the largest acreage in the Guyana basin. If it acquires more, it would only serve to increase its monopoly.

“So we have to make that policy decision…,” the Vice President noted, while adding that if there is need to amend laws in the future to allow for this auction to take place, then it would certainly occur.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 11, 2022

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

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

EDITORIAL

Developing in an environmentally friendly manner

Trust politicians to talk a good game. We always knew this, but now confirmation came from an unlikely source (“Pres Ali, Jagdeo directed Stabroek partners to accelerate oil development -Hess Boss says” -KN January 10).

In fairness, both President and Vice-President were very clear at international forums where they stood in terms of development of resources. We will give them that, and it is not a matter of whether we agree with them or not.

The word from both of them was always full speed ahead to capitalise on our wealth in the ground. It is our right and our due, and we should not be asked to carry the burdens of others that have existed long before oil was found in Guyana.

The problem starts when the public postures attach “environmentally-responsible manner” next to development of its resources. The first thing to be said about that, it is that it is a crock of whatever could fill it. Guyana’s President and Vice President cannot begin to speak of the environment, be it in terms of protection or friendly or any of those buzzwords or coached words that they have become so good at mouthing whenever they get an opportunity.

They should be embarrassed to speak of the environment relative to prudent development of this country’s natural resources, when the nation’s primary environmental watchdog has been reduced to a mouse.

The record is there, and it is of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is more than muzzled. It is one that has been gutted and deboned and whatever else Guyanese leaders have seen fit to do with it.

The people at the EPA from top to bottom cannot do their job, and are coming up with these bizarre conclusions that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are not necessary in most instances involving foreign businesses that come before it, and is left to stutter and dodge all over, while making a fool of its people and its mandate.

When a nation’s EPA hears no evil, sees no evil, and knows no evil (where the environment is concerned, or protecting the citizens depending on it to take a stand for them), then that is what suffices for “environmentally friendly manner” now and under the careful management of a PPP/C Government that watches its every move. There will be no rocking of any boat, by anybody at the EPA. This is why, there is another expression for what “environmentally friendly manner” embodies, according to the likes of Guyana’s leaders, when they smirk over these frauds called public consultations, and in which ExxonMobil itself was only too delighted to come to the party and dance its own jigs. The public consultations were so shallow as not even to qualify to be shams, but outright crimes against the people of this country. This is what developing and producing in an “environmentally friendly manner” means.

What could be more environmentally friendly than that is the question? And the next is for whom? Certainly not Guyana, which leaves Exxon, Hess, and CNOOC. Moreover, we are so driven to do oil business in this country with Exxon as a fairytale partner that we are comfortable as to the friendliness of its environmental practices for Guyana’s waters and coastline and people, that those same two leaders have not made it a big, bad priority (a drop dead one) to get oil spill insurance.

If that is not friendly to Exxon and Hess, then nothing else is. Currently, the best Guyana’s powerful Vice President can share is the lameness of waiting hat in hand for an “acknowledgment” about insurance of some mysterious sort.

We suppose they have worked that out in Houston during earlier visits. Now, they bring this man of renown and the highest corporate regard, complete with Harvard Business School emblem and all. Professor Michael Porter is a brilliant man, but not for Guyana’s side of the formula.

Porter’s entire professional life has been in the corner of high-powered corporations. He is the Angelo Dundee of corporate corner men. And this is the man they bring to “support” this country. It is the equivalent of bringing the devil to guide Guyana on how to get to heaven.

Now more than ever our students need consistency, sustenance, and connection DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me space in your letters’ column to share my opinion on the GTU call to its members to stay away from schools from this Monday.

Sections of the media have reported that the Guyana Teachers Union has advised its members to take “isolation day” from Monday.

Is the GTU acting to further a political interest or are they trying to protect the safety of its members? If it is a question of safety, then the data do not support the GTU actions.

According to the New York Times (2021), several peer reviewed studies confirm

that when safety protocols are in place, students and staff are safer in schools.

When school infection rates are compared to the infection rates in communities where students live the infection rate is higher in the communities.

There is no scientific evidence that supports a contrary position.

The students who are at a greater disadvantage when schools go remote are lower income families. Numerous studies which include the American Psychological Association (2020) confirm that lower income families suffer the most when learning is remote. Another study that was published in the Journal,

Educational Researcher (2021) concludes “Social, emotional, and academic wellbeing is higher for students attending school in person versus remotely.” There is a preponderance of evidence that supports keeping children in school.

So the question comes back to what is motivating the GTU to call for teachers to stay away from schools? Can the GTU tell the Guyanese people who their public health advisers are? Can they point to scientific studies that support their call for teachers to stay away from schools?

Can they please tell us if parents support this call?

I offer this advice to the

GTU. Encourage your members to get vaccinated.

Ensure staff and students to wear masks. Have teachers do morning screening before students enter the school.

Students who exhibit symptoms should be asked to return home and only come back after they are free of symptoms.

Encourage students to social distance during lunch and breaks. Encourage staff and students to get tested regularly.

Do the right thing, GTU. Now more than ever our students need consistency, sustenance, and connection.

Sincerely, Sherlock Depoo

Liberal democracy revisited DEAR EDITOR, In an editorial published in its September 12, 2021 edition, Stabroek News challenged the PPP/C’s commitment or non-commitment to the fundamentals of a liberal democracy.

The lengthy editorial was rather weighty on contemporary ideological issues something that is rare for S/N. The thrust of the editorial was to juxtapose authoritarian rule versus liberal democracy.

Subliminally, the editorial suggested that given its ‘structure and penchant for control’ the PPP is more inclined to ‘autocratic rule’ ...but that ‘it is constrained to do so because the ‘social circumstances do not provide fertile ground for anything encompassing.’

Some examples were given to justify its observations claiming that globally, liberal democracy had trumped authoritarianism and that the PPP/C’s actions are at variance with liberal democracy.

Anyone acquainted with the lessons of world history, would not have any difficulty recognising the similarities in language, in some sections of the editorial, that is reminiscent of the Cold War era.

That aside, historical experience shows that the ‘social circumstances’ referred to never existed in British Guiana nor Guyana for the establishment of a ‘communist’ or sustained autocratic rule of any kind. And if it did, it was just the figment of imagination of those who plotted and planned to keep the PPP out of government.

Political developments over the past year or two in the bastions of liberal democracy, as well as experiments with liberal democracy in a number of developing countries demand that the issues raised in the S/N editorial be revisited. Contrary to the notion that it is the PPP/C’s failure to commit to a liberal de-

mocracy that is a cause for concern; it was the emergence of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement in the US, and the assault at the Capitol in Washington DC, that should be a cause for concern as regards the real meaning and efficacy of liberal democracy in today’s world.

Thirty years ago, the PPP/ C came to power against the backdrop of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the socialist countries in Eastern Europe. Those epochal developments were followed by regime change in a number of countries including Guyana.

At that time, liberal democracy and neo-liberalism were viewed by many as panacea and models to be followed, save and except by governments in some countries who chose a different path consistent with their right to selfdetermination. For its part, the new PPP/C administration, and successive ones thereafter, supported by friendly and successive administrations in the US, Canada, the UK and the EU, declared in favour of, and embarked on, a path of national democracy.

The PPP/C’s model of democracy for Guyana envisaged the establishment of a National Democratic State.

S/N’s editorial claimed that ‘Rohee ...does not flesh out exactly what he means by National Democratic’ nor do the ‘old hands see this (Guyana) as an open society reflecting liberal values and that ‘it is uncertain what exactly they intend...’

The editorial further declared that; ‘The social policy referred to by Messrs Ramotar and Rohee is important, but that is a content issue and does not in and of itself says anything about formal provisions which go to make up the framework of the state.’

For the avoidance of doubt, and since the editorial seemed concerned more

about form than content, it is important to point out that the National Democratic State’s mission envisaged representation of the interests of all classes, groups and social strata. Further, it envisaged ‘an inclusive state with a multi-ethnic, multi-class and plural government whose task is to prevent foreign domination of any kind and to preserve the full democratic rights of all Guyanese’.

The PPP/C’s model of national democracy, save for a few mild and passing turbulences, was never viewed by successive friendly governments in the US, Canada, the UK nor the EU as antagonistic, nor contradictory to liberal democracy practiced in those countries.

Suffice it to say, at the domestic level, there will always be Gordian knots between democracy and good governance just as there will be with politics and economics. Incidentally, not all Gordian knots can be untied in the same way.

The editorial went on to state that ‘One might have hoped that the PPP/C ... would be proceeding more deliberately towards a society reflecting the character of a liberal democracy with its associated values.’

With that in mind, it is important to point out that liberal democratic tenets including; representative democracy, a recognition of civil and human rights, freedom of speech, the press and religion an independent judiciary, a market economy and the need for the rule of law, are not at variance with nor in contradiction to the principles of national democracy that includes; good governance, democracy in all its aspects political, economic, industrial, social and cultural; empowerment of people at all levels; the fullest exercise of human rights - civil and political as well as economic, social and

cultural in keeping with the UN Covenant on Human Rights; economic growth with social and ecological justice; a mixed economy; balanced agricultural/industrial and rural development and multi-culturalism - unity in diversity.

Throughout the 1992 to 2015 period, questions as to whether liberal democracy was being practiced in Guyana never arose. Now, after twenty three years in office, and its return to government, S/N editorial put the matter on the agenda. The editorial claimed that the PPP/ C’s commitment to liberal democracy would have been clear had it implemented the following sprawling measures: dismantled its party structure; loosened its penchant for control; met with the opposition; relinquished its dominance of local government bodies; discussed constitutional reform and appointed a permanent Chief Justice and Chancellor.

There is no gainsaying that these are topical issues indeed, however, bold and quick actions on these matters will not see the APNU/ AFC backing off from confrontation politics nor will they bring about a resolution of bigger economic and political questions facing the nation. Practical elements associated with a liberal democracy, should not confuse larger questions, the answers to which would, cumulatively, lay the basis for a new social order in which the threat for electoral subversion and profound internal divisions could be removed or reduced significantly.

Big ticket issues such as; implementation of the mechanism for the use of the country’s oil wealth; the preservation and consolidation of the fragile democracy we live in, pursued within the meaning of ‘One Guyana’ with a (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday January 11, 2022

The ultimate challenge for the PNCR is to provide Harmon with a face-saving exit strategy DEAR EDITOR The sudden resignation of Simona Broomes from the PNCR party because of what she claims to be, the absence of “systems, and consultation” within the party, came at a testing time for the new PNCR leadership.

This resignation would not help to alleviate the power struggle within the PNCR for control of the party’s apparatus.

Mr. Aubrey Norton was elected the new leader of the PNCR to replace former President Mr. David Granger and he wants to replace Mr. Joseph Harmon as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

But Mr. Harmon, invoking constitutional principles, would not give up his position as Leader of the Opposition, and his recalcitrance is subtly supported by the AFC Leader Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan.

This is an untenable situation where a Leader of the Opposition is not a member of the PNCR Executive, and he would therefore not necessarily have access to executive decisions (unless Mr. Harmon is co-opted to the executive), and this ugly situation could undermine the PNCR’s drive for responsive and responsible governance. Mr. Norton has inherited a problem that he did not create.

It is perplexing that a Leader of a major political party, for example, has no real power over his party’s deliberations in Parliament.

The PNCR has entangled itself in a web that they have spun. The existing leadership crisis is a victim of coalition politics!

Mr. Harmon says that he was elected by Opposition MPs to the position of Leader of the Opposition for the duration of the 12th Parliament, and further states that he is satisfied with his stewardship as well as with the performance of Opposition MPs. There are rules and procedures in place to remove members of Parliament. For example, the Opposition MPs could, through a vote of no confidence, remove Mr. Harmon from that leadership position.

Alternatively, Mr. Harmon could be recalled by the Representative of the List, Mr. David Granger.

As the Opposition Leader who was elected by APNU+AFC MPs, any attempt to remove Mr. Harmon therefore must be made by the

APNU+AFFC executive and not by the PNCR. The inter-relationships among the PNCR, AFC and smaller parties that constitute the APNU+AFC coalition are governed by the protocols of the Cummingsburg Accord (with subsequent modifications).

And the Leader of the APNU+AFC coalition is Mr. David Granger while the General Secretary is Mr. Joe Harmon.

It is therefore the APNU+AFC executive that must determine if Mr. Harmon should step down as Opposition Leader and not the PNCR executive. This situation is very tricky.

There are indications that if Mr. Norton becomes Opposition Leader as well as the Representative of the APNU+AFC List that he may recall a few AFC MPs because he is not happy that Mr. Granger allocated eight Parliamentary seats to AFC when their numerical voting strength at the 2020 polls plummeted to the equivalent of one seat.

In making those AFC appointments to Parliament, Mr. Granger has simultaneously ignored several PNCR members, like Mr. Aubrey Norton, Mr. James Bond, Ms. Volda Lawrence, Mr. Basil Williams, Ms. Simona Broomes, Mr. Ronald Bulkan and others for that position. They all played significant role in the 2020 elections.

The AFC does not feel secure that Mr. Norton would honour the arrangements (Cummingsburg Accord) made between the smaller parties and Mr. Granger’s APNU. They fear that under pressure from the new PNCR executive, Mr. Norton would try to remove a few AFC MPs. For this reason, the AFC Leader Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan says that any decision cannot be unilateral as there are legal and constitutional constraints involved in any move to replace Mr. Harmon with Mr. Norton.

Mr. Ramjattan states that he is not taking sides but is just guided by the law and the constitution in this matter. He insists that any approval to replace Mr. Harmon must be given by the APNU+AFC body and not by the PNCR executive.

If approval is given by APNU+AFC, then certain conditions are likely to be set in motion.

The AFC will ensure that their MPs are protected; that the Cummingsburg Accord

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Kaieteur News

arrangements are observed; and that Mr. Harmon gets a face-saving path out.

There are strong feelings among many coalition members and supporters that while Mr. Harmon’s leadership as Minister in the Office of the Presidency has not been inspiring, he had nevertheless worked assiduously, particularly during the 5-month postelection fiasco, to hold onto power tenaciously; not to mention his huge fundraising efforts for the party.

The party should not throw him to the curb.

Another amazing point relates to the Representative of the APNU+AFC List.

Mr. Granger, although he is not part of the PNCR executive, is the Representative of the APNU+AFC List and Mr. Ramjattan is the Deputy.

If Mr. Granger steps aside, then it logically follows that Mr. Ramjattan takes this position, unless he agrees to make way for Mr. Norton. In that case, Mr. Norton must get the blessings of the APNU+AFC coalition. But there is another constitutional issue.

The Representative and Deputy are designated before an election and whether a replacement could happen after an election is not clear from RoPA. There is no clear succession plan for Representative of the List, apart from clinging to convention that the Representative should be replaced by the Deputy.

Also related is this: “who will be the opposition chief scrutineer to replace Amna Ally?”

Under the present arrangement, that person should be nominated by the APNU+AFC executive, or by the Leader or Deputy Leader of the List, and not by the PNCR Leader.

The ultimate challenge for the PNCR leadership is to provide Mr. Joseph Harmon with a face-saving exit strategy.

Regards Dr. Tara Singh

LICENCED TO TEACH

DEAR EDITOR 1.0 It is difficult not to expect the Guyana Teachers Union to react most assertively to the perceived superficiality of manning the Teaching Service totally with ‘trained and licenced’ teachers, albeit from an unspecified effective date.

Logic and morality would dictate that such a policy would have to be productively negotiated between the Ministry of Education and the Union.

As a precursor however, the Union must conduct as comprehensive a survey as possible of its membership’s views of the proposed modification of a profound colonial job structure, as reproduced at the end of this submission. 2.0 Laudable as is the aspiration may be to employ better qualified teachers, it should be quite obvi-

ous (from any distance) that it will be necessary to: a)reconstruct the current 29 Job Grade arrangements b)the relationship of the above to the grading of schools; complemented by c)the reduction and simultaneous expansion of the narrowest salary scales existing in any other public agency in Guyana d)take opportunity to agree with the GTU on an effective Performance Appraisal System (which would of course include scores for respective examination results of students). e)review related criteria for promotion. f)increase the lowest pensionable age in the Caribbean, of 55 years to at least 60 years. g)ensure that the text of the ‘Licence’ intended does not deny teachers their constitutional and human rights; and that it is in no way punitive.

3.0 Hopefully teachers will see the announced initiative in a positive light and as a morale and spiritual upgrade from the substantive state of demotivation in which they have too long worked – without public recognition, despite their productivity.

3.1 Arguably, they will be able to enjoy the advantage of greater mobility in the competitive world of work.

4.0 It becomes critical for the abovementioned parties, peers, parents, and other interested witnesses to pay attention to the following samples of Job Grades – established since the colonial days: TS1(A)Teacher Aide (B) Acting Teacher (C) Pupil Teacher I (D) Pupil Teacher II TS2 (A) Temporary Unqualified Teacher (B)Temporary Qualified Master III (C)Temporary Qualified Master II

Umbrella subsumed by majority party DEAR EDITOR It seems the umbrella is just a shell or paper organisation like some in it and the one wielding the power is the majority party, which comprises it. So the majority party can invite those parties which left the

umbrella to rejoin it.

(Demerara Waves Jan 9).

How can this be? The umbrella has a structure, and it should be the one issuing the invitation, but it seems it has been subsumed and its authority usurped by the majority party. It has now come

full circle the majority party by any other name is still the same. One of the parties which left the umbrella though, never really did so. It just stood aside and will be back in the fold.

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

Liberal democracy revisited From page 4 view to facilitating the rapid and balanced agricultural and industrial development of our country’s huge potential is where our focus should be.

The domestic considerations apart, what the editorial failed to recognize is that the very survival of liberal democracy is now an issue in the light of political developments in the US and elsewhere. The threat to liberal democracy is so grave that President Biden recently declared that; ‘Those

who stormed this Capitol and those who called on them to do so held a dagger at the throat of America and American democracy.’ Compounding the situation is ravages of the COVID 19 pandemic that has brought the efficacy of liberal democracy into bolder relief as manifested in many European countries where their citizenries have responded hugely and angrily against lock-downs and tougher measures.

The call to uphold the val-

ues of liberal democracy at a time when, on the one hand, liberal democracy itself is on trial globally, and, on the other, failure to recognize the efforts being made on the domestic front by the PPP/C to create a more meaningful and vibrant national democracy with its complex tapestry and imperfections is to throttle the Guyanese people’s ability to shape their own future.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

PAGE 6

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

Education Ministry reports 74% teacher turnout …despite calls to stay away

Students of the West Demerara Secondary School being engaged in face to face classes Students being taught at the La Bonne Intention Secondary School

438 new COVID-19 cases - over 6,000 in isolation

With the reopening of schools on January 3, 2022, the Ministry of Education has constantly been monitoring the situation in public schools to give the necessary support and guidance to teachers, parents and the school administration.

Yesterday, the Ministry in a release noted that the second week of the new school term began with 74 percent of teachers in schools actively teaching despite calls to stay away from classes by observing an ‘Isolation Day’. This figure, according to the Ministry, represents 84 percent of

schools for which the Ministry received.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the release noted, has said that this generation of children and youth cannot afford any more disruptions to their education. The Ministry of Education, according to the release, believes the same and has arranged for the return to face to face classes at all levels although in different proportions as “we have recognised too that school closures have harmed the education and development of our pupils.”

The Ministry, it was noted, is extremely grateful to those teachers who continue to support and facilitate this process, especially after school doors were closed for 18 months.

“We understand the difficult time we are living in and appreciate their continued and unwavering service. The Ministry of Education stands ready to provide any assistance schools may need to ensure they can remain open and continue to function effectively for the benefit of the children of Guyana,” the released added.

Classes in session at the Westminster Secondary School

Another 438 people have tested positive for COVID-19 as the number of infections continue to climb.

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), in addition to the new cases over 6,000 people, who earlier tested positive for the deadly virus, are in isolation.

At present, the country’s number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 45,340 with the majority being recorded in

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). A total of 22,061 infections were recorded in Region Four since March, 2020.

Of the 438 new infections, Region Four has 304 cases , Region Two has six, Region Three has 50, Region Five has 13, Region Six has 38, Region Seven has two, Region Eight has two, Region Nine has 17 and Region 10 has six.

According to the Minis-

try of Health, Guyana still has a total of 1,070 COVID-19 deaths.

No deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours. As at yesterday there were eight patients receiving critical care in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 107 are in institutional isolation, 11 in institutional quarantine and 6,006 in home isolation. Meanwhile, a total of 38,149 people have recovered.

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday January 11, 2022

Robust immune system needed to combat Omicron

S

ince “our immune system protects us by being both offensive and defensive against any invading pathogen including the coronavirus,” Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, is advocating for persons to ensure, as far as possible, that their immune system is in “tip top shape and ready to battle.”

Dr. Bux’s viewpoint was forthcoming in his most recent column, on Sunday, in which he noted that a strong immune system can help an individual to overcome the very contagious COVID-19

v a r i a n t , Omicron, before it can multiply and wreak havoc.

To achieve a robust immune system, Dr. Bux, who heads the fast-pace Emergency Room at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, recommended some tactical measures that “have been proven by science to be beneficial to our body against COVID19.”

He listed eating healthy, getting sufficient rest, minimising stress levels, optimal exercise and daily intake of Vitamins C, D and

– Emergency Medicine Specialist

Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr. Zulfikar Bux Zinc.

These measures, however, should not take away from adherence to other safeguards including vaccination and subsequent booster shots.

Stressing the importance of booster shots, he said, “Evidence has emerged which shows persons who have taken their booster being 40 times less likely to have symptoms if they get exposed to Omicron.”

The booster vaccine, he went on to explain, is a way to prime the immune system so that it has antibodies that are efficient in detecting the virus and eradicating it before it can spread and cause more severe disease.

Those who were recently vaccinated with two doses, according to Dr. Bux, will get similar effects in about three months following their second dose.

However, the protection from Omicron, he related, drops below 50 percent for those who had a two-dose vaccine, with their last dose being more than six months ago. But, according to the doctor, they will still have sufficient protection that will decrease the likelihood of getting a severe infection from Omicron.

As such, he said, “the unvaccinated are the persons who are at higher risk of getting severely infected or dying from Omicron.”

Omicron, he noted, is airborne and remains in the air longer than any previous variant of the coronavirus and is said to be the most infectious form thus far. But there is no need to panic, as Dr. Bux is convinced that “we can decrease our chance of being exposed to it by interacting in the

environments where science has shown that the coronavirus will dissipate quickly and not linger around for us to come in contact with it.”

He was at the time alluding to spaces with good draft/airflow that will quickly dissipate the virus, open spaces that will ensure the virus cannot concentrate in large amounts, spaces where there is the smallest amount of persons being together and being in a closed space with others for the shortest duration possible.

Another crucial safeguard that has long been endorsed by Dr. Bux is the wearing of masks. “I think we all know by now how important masks are against the spread of the coronavirus…given the

large concentrations of Omicron circulating, masks are even more important than previously to ensure you are either not exposed or you are exposed to the least possible dose of Omicron,” said the Emergency Medicine Specialist.

But, according to him, cloth masks alone may not offer sufficient enough protection against Omicron.

He suggested, moreover, that a cloth mask be used along with a surgical mask.

“Surgical masks do offer some protection but the protection levels are higher when everyone around you also has one on. N95 masks remain the gold standard for protection but they are difficult to have on all day especially if you are not trained to use them,” Dr. Bux added.

Civil society group calls on Govt. to hold LGE Article 13, the new civil society group which sets out to achieve the noble goals and aspirations set out in the constitution of Guyana, is once again calling on President Irfaan Ali to use his immense powers to see that the organs of the Constitution are established in the shortest possible time.

In this regard, the group is lobbying the government to ensure that steps are taken for the Local Government Elections (LGE) to be held in the shortest possible time.

The group noted in a recently released statement that: “With the new Chief Election Officer in place, we look forward to Local Government Elections in 2022 and to reforms that will strengthen our democracy, improve our Constitution and make our elections something of which we can all be proud.”

At this critical time, Article 13 said it will continue to challenge the Government to demonstrate accountability and to ensure that the voices and concerns of the Guyanese people are heard, just as the Constitution requires.

Last December, the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE) was officially postponed by the Minister of

Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

According to a Gazetted Order, Dharamlall noted that the decision to gazette the postponement of the LGE is in keeping with the Local Authorities Elections Act. The information outlined that, although the law stipulates the holding of the LGE between specified periods last year, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has advised against it.

In respect to the Local Authorities Elections, the order detailed that the LGE is prescribed to be held during the period of November 1 and December 7, 2021.

However, the information specified that the Minister, being satisfied on the advice of the elections commission, was of the position that it is impracticable to comply with the provisions of the Local Authorities Elections Act. This is relative to the date for the holding of an election to elect members of a local democratic organ and, hence, ordered that Local Government Elections for 2021 be postponed until a date to be specified in a subsequent order.

In this regard, the order stipulates that “Every person who is a councillor

including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the Chairman or Deputy Chairman during this prescribed period for the holding of elections shall continue in and discharge the functions of his office until his successor enters on the duties of this office.”

The order further stipulates that all acts, done or purported to be done by such local democratic organ and the members including “the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman thereof who continue in office in consequence of provisions of this order shall be deemed to be lawfully and validly done and every such local democratic organ and members thereof, including the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, the Chairman and Deputy Chairman shall be discharged and indemnified against all persons from all legal proceedings in respect of or consequent on such acts.”

That order came as GECOM continues its search for top electoral officials and makes key preparations to get the process underway. When contacted yesterday, an official attached to the Commission noted that although GECOM has since filled the vacancy of CEO, there is no word on the holding of the LGE.

Tuesday January 11, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

A super-sport has arrived The bourgeoisie class or the political elite in Guyana do not understand grassroots football, including what is known as FUTSAL. Had there been this understanding, the sold-out crowd during the recent Kashif and Shangai FUTSAL final, then blame would not have been cast in the direction of the government and greater understanding would have been shown for the plight in which the organisers found themselves.

FUTSAL is a football game which is played on hard courts.

The number of players is less than in a normal football pitch and the size of the pitch is far smaller, thereby emphasising speed and skill during the matches.

The COVID-19 Task Force which granted approval for the hosting of the recent event, cannot be held responsible for what has been described as a super-spreader event on account of the total absence of social distancing.

As was explained by the Hon. Prime Minister, permission was granted for the hosting of the event, as was all previous rounds of the tournament, on the basis that the COVID-19 regulations would have been strictly observed.

It is for the organisers to do so, not the government.

But as I said, you have to understand the popularity of grassroots football and especially FUTSAL tournaments before passing judgment.

Before the pandemic, FUTSAL tournaments used to be held at the National Cultural Centre tarmac, the National Gymnasium or the National Sports Hall.

None of these venues could ever be large enough for the massive crowds which usually descend on these

events.

So what were the organisers of the recent FUTSAL finals supposed to do? Allow a small number of patrons to enter and tell the thousands of others that COVID-19 regulations meant that they could not see the finals.

There would have been a riot. The venue would have been overrun regardless of what the organisers did.

There was no way that the majority of those inside were going to be left outside.

I would like to see the person who would have told football fans that only a limited number of persons would be allowed in because of COVID-19 regulations.

This does not justify what happened.

The permission granted to the organisers was based on less than full capacity being admitted and social distancing being implemented.

The early rounds of the competition were played to empty venues.

And had the political elite understand the sort of following that grassroots football attracts, they would have insisted that no spectators be allowed for the entire duration of the tournament.

The organisers do not need the proceeds from the gates to make a profit.

The Kashif and Shangai brand is well-known for being able to attract corporate sponsorship.

It was, for a long time, the most successful privately branded sports tournament in the country.

In fact this brand help to popularise football until the PNC/R with their vindictive politics destroyed that brand simply because one of the principals of the brand had exercised his democratic franchise in a way which did not

find favour with them.

It may appear that the brand was the victim of a corporate war between two major beverage companies but the reality was that it was the victim of a political vendetta by the PNC/R which succeeded in the disappearance of the annual Kashif and Shangai football tournament.

This was a great loss to football in Guyana.

And while the PNC/R is on solid grounds in criticising the organisers of the recent FUTSAL finals, their attacks cannot be divorced from their actions in the past when they were opposed to the principals of the Kashif and Shangai group on the basis of their perceived political affiliation.

It is no coincidence that since the politically inspired boycott of the annual Kashif and Shangai football tournament, the standard of local football has steadily declined.

Crowd support for football also suffered.

But football fans are by no means innocent bystanders.

Many of them were part and parcel of the attempt to destroy the most successful football tournament.

They followed the bidding of politicians who had no sustainable alternative to offer.

FUTSAL however, became popularised during this period of decline.

It generated sponsorship and attracted huge crowds.

But that support was mainly grassroots.

Street football took off.

You no longer needed to be part of the top football teams or leagues in order to showcase your wares in front of a national audience.

New talent came to the fore.

The recent FUTSAL finals may rightly be deemed a super-spreader event.

But it also confirms that

Dem Boys Seh…

Road building nah transformative Yesterday a female cyclist get kill. She was involve in wan accident with a truck. From de video image circulating on social media, de woman was riding she cycle in de corner when she encounter first another rider using de lane and riding on de wrong side of de road and den a park car in de lane. While she was swerving out from de park car, de accident with de truck happen.

Dem boys bin say before dat infrastructure cannot bring about transformation or prosperity. We building four-lane highways but we allowing businesses to set up alongside dese highways and de cycling lane turning into parking space

and reducing dese four lanes to two lanes.

Dis is wat de billions of dollars being spent on: to provide commercial parking.

Dem boys hear bout all dem new bypasses wah building.

And dem boys know dat de lands at de side of dese roads gan be eyed up by people fuh open business.

And housing schemes also expanding weh dem bypasses gan deh. And once dis happen, it gan be de tail chasing de cat because mo road gan

gat fuh be built fuh tek off de increase in traffic cause by businesses and housing schemes. We nah learn nothing.

Trinidad spend nuff ah dem oil money on overpass and highways. Just like we planning fuh do. But unless we control developing alongside dese roads and unless we cater fuh a light rail to move people, infrastructure gan always be chasing development.

Talk half and watch and see wah gan happen!

street-styled football has become highly popular and is now a super-sport.

(The views expressed in

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday January 11, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Aubrey Norton gets a taste of his own medicine Twice, Robert Corbin, about six years ago, told me that he was writing his memoir. I don’t know what stage it is at but if it hits the bookstores shortly, I hope it will not be 63 American d o l l a r s a s R o h e e ’s autobiography is.

Corbin’s book no doubt will perhaps carry more than one chapter on his tenure as leader of the opposition.

This columnist knows from very confidential sources in the PNC that the clash between Corbin and Vincent Alexander was inevitable because Norton and Alexander did not accept Corbin’s ascent to PNC leader.

Alexander challenged Corbin for the position, lost and subsequently withdrew from the PNC’s anatomy and physiology. From the date of that withdrawal, Alexander told me years after, he did not review his party

membership. The quarrel between Corbin and Norton was bitter and the drama ended up in the High Court.

It is Norton’s turn to taste the poison of those who think he should not be leader.

Both Joe Harmon and David Granger, out of deep conviction, did not accept the eligibility of Norton being leader. Granger thought it would have been a natural process for Harmon.

He was wrong because that thought was based in his head and not from socialisation with the world of the PNC. Granger had no idea of how disapproving the PNC world has been of him and Harmon. One of the reason Basil Williams dropped out of the race is because he feared that he would have cut Norton’s quota thus creating the possibility of a Harmon victory. Williams felt that he w o u l d b e m o r e

accommodated under Norton than Harmon. Of course, Williams is naïve to think Norton wants him in the PNC leadership again.

The PNC has arrived at history repeating itself. Two big PNC figures – Norton and Alexander – did not embrace Corbin when he w o n . Tw o b i g P N C personalities – Granger and Harmon – will not accept Norton as leader. It is doubtful that Harmon will be persuaded by the argument that the bifurcation will hurt the PNC and thus Harmon should allow Norton to seat as parliamentary opposition leader.

Harmon is going to argue that Norton is the last person to be selected to fertilise the field of unity. Norton fought two leaders – Hoyte and Corbin – and must have been told at the time that his confrontation did not help party unity. Harmon will ask

why he must carry thoughts of reconciliation and healing when Norton did not think like that when he was fighting down party leaders.

What is happening now and will drag on is the bifurcation will continue until the next election when both Harmon and Norton will step down. Norton will lose the 2025 poll. That is a foregone conclusion. The PNC will lose seats. At that time there will be calls for a brand new, young leader.

Norton will be 68 plus in 2025.

Harmon will not contest in 2025 and because of advanced age, will follow Granger in riding away forever. Guyana’s academia will be poorer because all three men in writing about their time in politics and in power will not admit that the PNC lost a genuine, golden, glorious opportunity in 2020 to win the election.

They will write no doubt as they get older but the next generation will not be given some valuable facts of history. It will be the same with Raphael Trotman and

K h e m r a j Ramjattan. As age catches up with them, the next generation will not receive any account from them as to why APNU+AFC lost Frederick Kissoon the election.

This is a random occurrence that over scholarly tragedy.

Perhaps the only person who 6 0 p e r c e n t o f P N C will do it is Carl Greenidge. congressional delegates on He can write history and December 18, did not vote. sociology with scholarly Surely, if it was just a 10 competence. His book, percent occurrence you “Empowering a peasantry: could have argued that such The Case of Land Settlement a p e r c e n t a g e w a s in Guyana, 1865-1985,” is insignificant. But 60 percent fine stuff. See my December is too substantial and it has 1 2 , 2 0 1 9 c o l u m n o n crushed the credibility of Norton.

Greenidge’s book.

The analysis points in the The current state of affairs within the PNC will direction that these people play on. There will be further chose to be selected as resignations as we see from delegates but they really Simona Broomes. Volda showed no interest in the Lawrence says she will still faces and names vying for be around but she admits she administration of their party. is tired. All of these (The views expressed in developments can be traced this article are those of the back to March 2020.

The March 2020 election a u t h o r a n d d o n o t has devastated the nervous necessarily reflect the system of the PNC. It is no opinions of this newspaper.)

Suspect on remand for hinterland killings One of the suspects in the hinterland killings that took place last Christmas Eve, through his lawyer, told the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday that he had nothing to do with murders.

The suspect identified as Kurtland Damon, 42, also known as “Cartoe”, was charged with the murder of Sherwin Goddette and Shawn France, two miners who were brutally stabbed to death along a trail heading to their camps located in the Nassano Backdam, North West District, Region One. Kaieteur News had incorrectly reported on Monday that Damon was still at large and the suspect to be charged would have been Thomas Kyte, aka “Taco”, who had turned himself into police last Wednesday after a wanted bulletin was issued for both of them.

This newspaper was able to confirm that detectives arrested Damon sometime later. Both Damon and Kyte were interrogated but the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali Hack, SC, had advised that only one of them be charged with murder and that suspect was Damon.

- tells court he is innocent

Remanded for two hinterland killings, Kurtland Damon

Released on bail, Thomas Kyte, also known as “Taco”

Kyte was released on bail while Damon was placed before the court to face the murder charge.

During his appearance, his attorney told the court that his client was innocent.

According Damon’s version of the events, he was knocked unconscious during a bar fight and had recovered from that state lying next to his injured son, Devor Sthol, who was allegedly stabbed to his abdomen by Shawn France.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison until a later date.

According to reports, France and Goddette are friends and had gone to the Nassano Landing on Christmas Eve, during the day, to party at a bar. At the bar, France allegedly started an argument with the bartender over a bottle of champagne.

The argument turned into Continued on page 17

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday January 11, 2022

Tuesday January 11, 2022

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Guyana wants Brazil to be “a very strong strategic partner” - Pres. Ali - discusses agenda for visit with Brazilian President

President Irfaan Ali and his team during the teleconference.

P

resident Irfaan Ali yesterday told the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, H.E Jair Bolsonaro, that Guyana wants to have a very strong strategic partnership with its Portuguese-speaking neighbours.

According to a government release, the two

leaders, who communicated via teleconference, also discussed the agenda for the expected visit of President Bolsonaro to Georgetown later this month.

“We have a number of important issues and opportunities for both Guyana and Brazil that I wanted to highlight even before our meeting, so our

technical teams can start some work.”

President Ali listed several areas that are critical for both countries to move their relationship forward, including energy and food s e c u r i t y , telecommunication, infrastructure integration and trade.

He also pointed out that

due to their geographical locations, the nations must make strong statements in linking their territories.

The Guyanese Head of State said that in addition to oil and gas, expanding opportunities in the other non-oil natural resources sector such as bauxite will create an opportunity for a direct link to northern Brazil

Forestry Sector made a turnaround in 2021

From a grossly mismanaged sector that was on the verge of collapse, the forestry sector under the PPP/C Government which took office in August 2020, has made a turnaround.

The government channelled $350 million into the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to cover operational costs and wages for staff for the remainder of 2020.

Minister of Natural R e s o u r c e s , Vi c k r a m Bharrat, M.P., had held a meeting with staff and other stakeholders to look at strategies that could boost the financial performance and management capabilities of the GFC. Following that engagement, in 2021, the forestry sector was able to make a positive turnover and manage on its own. One achievement of the sector in 2021 include getting stakeholders, particularly small-scale loggers back into the business which resulted in the construction boom, and an increase in log production, with over 400,000 cubic feet declared.

Minister Bharrat said that his

ministry intends to hold more consultations with the larger companies in order for them to reach their targets.

“Their production was very low when compared to the small loggers. This is an area we will address in 2022. We can’t have people holding up state land.

There is so much room for increased production.

That is not a question that stakeholders should be worried about,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, the GFC’s monthly revenue collection was increased from $70 million in 2019 to over $90 million in 2021 while over 100 new concessions were issued to small loggers.

Additionally, monitoring capabilities were advanced with the procurement of more offterrain vehicles to venture into the hinterland for exercises.

Roads crucial to the development of the forestry sector were rehabilitated and new hinterland roads were constructed in Regions One, Two, Eight, Nine and Ten to the tune of over $3 billion.

(DPI)

and the Atlantic that can “create an excellent platform for us to develop an integrated project.”

As it relates to trade, currently, there is an existing partial scope agreement that aims to foster bilateral trade flows by the exchange of tariff preferences between the two countries, cooperation

on trade matters and increased participation of the private sector.

This, President Ali said, is currently under negotiation to be expanded since Guyana wants to increase its quota, especially as it relates to rice being exported to Brazil.

President Bolsonaro, via an interpreter, said that the agenda for discussion looks “very promising” and that he will ensure that technical staff from the relevant ministries in Brazil travel for the state visit.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robert Persaud and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper were also at the Office of the President for the teleconference.

Lumbering operations.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday January 11, 2022

Policewoman dies in La Penitence accident The truck that ran over Dawn Booker resulting in her demise.

The covered, lifeless remains of Special Corporal, Dawn Booker. assisting with an investigation.

An eyewitness, who vends opposite the area where the accident occurred, told Kaieteur News that she was outside of her stall packing mangoes when she saw the elderly woman fall to the ground. The vendor

said that she immediately ran to give assistance, noting that she recognised Booker as one of her customers.

She stated that at the time, she implored several taxi drivers to take Booker to the hospital, as she was still breathing just after the accident. The drivers,

however, refused to do so since they had passengers in their vehicles.

Police revealed yesterday that its Welfare Officer and a team paid a visit to Booker’s relatives to express regret over the passing of “a talented and hardworking rank whose

efforts have come to be recognised by her colleagues and all others she may have come into contact with.”

Booker, who enlisted in the GPF on June 1, 1990, was also a member of the Joint Services Mixed Voice Choir up to the time of her death.

Private sector joins Govt. in city clean-up campaign Dead woman, Special Corporal, Dawn Booker

By Tassia Dickenson A 57-year-old Special Corporal (SC), Dawn Booker, was killed yesterday after a truck ran over her around 08:15hrs in the vicinity of the East La Penitence Market, Georgetown.

According to reports, Booker was attached to the Small Business Bureau situated at Lot 1 Penitence Street, Georgetown, a short distance away from where she was killed. At the time of her demise, it is believed that the woman, who was fully garbed in her uniform, was headed to work.

In a video of the accident seen by this publication, she is seen proceeding south on the eastern parapet of the La Penitence public road. A male pedal cyclist is seen approaching from the opposite direction on the said parapet. When the two cyclists were about to cross paths, SC Booker, it would appear, made a judgment call and swerved to the right, seemingly to prevent a collision. As a result, she lost control of her cycle and fell to the road surface. Within

moments a truck heading in the same direction, appears in the frame and runs over the upper portion of Booker’s body.

According to police, Booker sustained severe injuries to her head and other parts of her body as a result of the impact.

Shortly after the accident, Emergency Medical Technicians arrived on the scene and proceeded t o e x a m i n e B o o k e r.

According to police, she was eventually pronounced dead by a doctor.

When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, undertakers were seen removing the deceased’s belongings, before placing her in the vehicle and transporting her to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Parlour. A post mortem examination is expected to be conducted soon.

Meanwhile, a breathalyser test, which was conducted on the 26-yearold man who was the driver of the truck, revealed a reading of .000 micrograms of alcohol. The driver is presently in custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station

Unauthorised garbage dumpsite is a common feature in Georgetown.

T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it will be partnering with the Government of Guyana in a clean-up exercise of Georgetown.

The activity is planned for January 14-15, 2022, the commission said in a press release on Monday.

The Joint Services, the Ministry of Public Works, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority and the Solid

Waste Management Unit are among the entities supporting the exercise, the PSC said in its release.

The exercise will include the desilting of main canals and clearing of garbage in several areas, including West Front Road, Cemetery Road, Sheriff, Hadfield, D’Urban, Saffon, Church and Sussex Streets.

The PSC expressed thanks to all those businesses which have already

donated items towards the clean-up exercise and encourages others to support the initiative.

Chairman of the PSC, Paul Cheong, said the Commission recognises the importance of public-private partnership and is pleased to support the clean-up exercise so that Guyanese and tourists alike can transact their business in a cleaner and more comfortable environment.

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

Agri. Minister discusses positive impacts of abattoir on export markets for Guyana’s pork - says GFSA to play a role in monitoring traceability VEHICLES FOR SALE 2001 Toyota Mark 2 in excellent condition,low mileage & clean interior. Call:617-8424.

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Guyana to be able to export pork and other byproducts of swine to external markets.

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GSPA’s Chairman, Forrest Smartt attoir. “Last year we awarded a contract to commence internal works such as utilities, roads, and fencing for $30 million. We have an estimated amount for this year’s budget that was submitted to the Ministry of Finance. Once those funds are approved, we’ll be able to move forward with the project,” Minister Mustapha said.

Alluding to the fact that the abattoir will allow Guyanese swine producers the ability to access additional markets outside of

Guyana, Minister Mustapha said the government is exploring the possibility of a Private Public Partnership (PPP) agreement in place to manage the facility.

The ministry is currently carrying out preliminary works in Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara, after which a modular facility with international standards will be set up. Additionally, the government will be looking to have the facility ISO certified, thus clearing the way for export to other parts of the world. As it relates to issues concerning traceability, Minister Mustapha said that the Guyana Food Safety Authority will be tasked with ensuring such products are safe for human consumption adding that legislations are currently being drafted to further enhance those areas. “We’ve been working on implementing traceability through the Guyana Food Safety Authority. This authority was formed but this is the first year that it will come into operation. One of the main functions of the authority is to ensure the food we eat is considered safe for human consumption. We are now looking at areas like traceability for all the sectors because it is important that such systems are put in place.

We also have a number of legislations that are currently being drafted that seek to enhance food safety and traceability in our country,” Minister Mustapha said.

Recently appointed Chairman of the GSPA’s, Forest Smartt told the minister that one of their challenges is access to affordable feed from local rice mills. He said that, in addition to varying costs of feed amongst suppliers, farmers are often under strain to feed their animals, more so due to the impacts of the global pandemic, COVID-19.

In this regard, Minister

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha Mustapha said, prior to yesterday’s meeting, the ministry sought to engage the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association on the issue.

“I’ve asked the GLDA to get the approximate quota of the Association so that we’ll be able to further engage the Guyana Rice Millers’ Association. I’ve already discussed this matter with them and they are prepared to help.

In the long term, we are looking to be self-sufficient in producing proteins for our feed industry. We’ve started a project with the corn and soya bean. By the end of this year, we should be able to start cultivating between 7,000 to 10,000 acres. Next year, we hope to go straight on to 30,000 acres. As a government, we are also looking to address the concerns in the region by being able to export and supply other Caribbean markets with these proteins,” Minister Mustapha said.

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

Port Kaituma man crushed to death by ATV A 28-year-old man was on Sunday evening crushed to death by an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) along the Nassano Backdam Main Access Road, North West District, Region One. He has been identified as Steve Ashby of Canal Bank, Port Kaituma and was travelling as a pillion rider on the ATV when he met his demise. Ashby, and the rider of the ATV, a Brazilian national called Ahoo, were reportedly heading into the Nassano Backdam when tragedy struck around 18:40hrs that day.

According to police, Ahoo reportedly lost control of the ATV and it crashed into a baranca (a mud wall) located on the western side of the road. The bike toppled and crushed Ashby, leaving him pinned underneath. Ahoo reportedly ran away from the scene.

Other individuals travelling along the roadway stopped to offer assistance but when they removed the ATV off of Ashby, he was unresponsive.

Nevertheless, they took him to the Port

Crushed to death by an ATV, Steve Ashby Kaituma Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The matter was related to police who are now trying to find the Brazilian national who ran away.

Suspect on remand for...

From page 10 a fight and involved other patrons who tried to defend the bar tender.

France had allegedly armed himself with a pair of scissors to fend them off and eventually stabbed one to his abdomen. A gunshot in the air ended the fight around 22:30hrs and the stabbed patron, Devor Sthol, fell to the floor severely injured. Sthol was picked up and rushed to the Port Kaituma Hospital for emergency medical attention.

He was eventually airlifted to the city for a surgery.

According to information police received, his father Kurtland Damon, was told about the incident which left his son critically injured.

Witnesses reportedly told cops that Damon and Kyte decided to ambush Damon son’s attackers that same night, fatally stabbing them on a trail leading to their camp.

By time police got to the scene, their bodies had already started to decompose. As a result, police decided to bury them in marked graves with the intention of exhuming the corpses at a later date for the autopsies.

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Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday January 11, 2022

Pranksters hijack Djokovic’s virtual court hearing to stream music and porn SYDNEY, (Reuters) Australia’s efforts to let the media and public watch tennis superstar Novak Djokovic’s court appeal against his visa cancellation descended into farce yesterday as pranksters hijacked the internet links to stream loud music and porn. Due to coronavirus restrictions, the hearing was conducted virtually, through audio visual links between the judge’s chambers and lawyers for the government and Djokovic.

Minutes before proceedings were due to begin, journalists clicked on a just-expired Microsoft Teams link supplied by the court, unaware that the court had replaced the link. Expecting to see proceedings in real time, they were instead confronted

with pornographic images.

News Corp’s head of digital sport, Emily Benammar, observed wryly that the online intruders had at least supplied a missing ingredient in what had become one of Australia’s biggest court room dramas of recent years.

“Porn: the one thing this whole Djokovic saga had been missing,” Benammar said in a tweet. Australian journalist Sarah Dankert described the ensuing chaos, including some joker groaning “Nole”, a diminutive for Novak.

“While there’s a public broadcast, there’s an old teams link that is still working for the Djokovic case and the court official is gone after having trouble with mute all.

“We’ve had techno blasting,

Supporters of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic rally outside the Federal Court of Australia, January 10, 2022. giggling, shouting and someone is just saying Nole repeatedly in a pained voice.”

That link, which had been shared widely on social media in the days prior, had been

Tuesday Junuary 11, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Reflections on your recent success and good fortune with regard to career matters are likely to have you feeling strong, optimistic, and enthusiastic for the future, Aries.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Relations with those closest to you should be warm and rewarding, Libra. Financial matters are going so well for you right now that you're apt to be feeling that everything will be perfect from here on out.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Good news from a distant state or foreign country could make your day, Taurus. You could well spend the rest of the day basking in the glow of what you've heard.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You've been working very hard for a long time, Scorpio, and now you might be thinking of ways to reward yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An increase in money could bring a lot of happiness and good feeling into your home. You might be a bit concerned as to how to keep the energy going, but don't worry about it, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) The prospect of future business opportunities could have you spending a lot of time on the phone today in discussion with friends or acquaintances who might have information you need, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A rosy glow over your recent career successes could cause you to congratulate yourself over your growing bank account.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Recent successes in your career might inspire you to throw a celebration of some kind with a few close friends, Virgo.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Sagittarius, visitors in your home might include partners in business activities, members of a group with which you're affiliated, or creative people with great ideas.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Get-togethers in your neighborhood should prove enjoyable right now, Capricorn. Communication with others, particularly about possible new business interests, should bring a lot of positive information .

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This is a good day for meditation or spiritual studies of some kind, Aquarius. Your intuition should be operating at a very high level and thus it's going to be easier for you to tune in to the thoughts.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A goal that you may have been working toward for a long time might still seem very distant right now, Pisces.

replaced by a new link, which the court sent around to media.

And when the hearing was scheduled to begin, at 10 a.m., the new link led to a website which had crashed due to over-visitation. The trouble didn’t end there. Once the link was back up and running, the court proceedings were accidentally interrupted by a member of the public, who joined the live stream but was not on mute. “We’re in,” the person said, prompting a

rebuke from Judge Anthony Kelly. “Can I ask whoever is on screen to mute themselves... the only people who should be online with their microphones are those who are making submissions to the court,” Judge Kelly said.

Though some outlets could watch the federal court hearing online, most had to rely on a re-broadcast by a tennis podcast which supplied commentary over the voices of lawyers.

A spokesperson told Reuters the court had adapted quickly to electronic hearings during the pandemic but the Djokovic matter generated “unprecedented public interest” which “expanded beyond the media and subsequently received enormous global public attention”.

“As a result ... problems arose with the streaming services that were provided by a third party supplier,” the spokesperson said, adding the court took the rare step of publishing a full transcript of proceedings “to ensure access to open justice”.

Four hours into the hear-

ing, the court sent around a third link - to its own YouTube channel - just in time for a belated lunch break. After stop-start adjournments lasting three hours, at 5:12 p.m., the link worked, just in time for the final ruling: Djokovic should be free to enter the country.

Mane gives Senegal... from page 23 and Edouard Mendy, because of Covid, the Senegalese had earlier missed a host of chances.

The best fell to midfielder Gana Gueye shortly before half-time but the Paris StGermain star could not control an easy pass from Mane with the goal beckoning.

Mane himself had been denied earlier in the half when shooting straight at impressive Zimbabwe goalkeeper Petros Mhari after wriggling into space in the box.

Depleted Senegal fail to impress Senegal came into this tournament seeking a first Nations Cup crown after losing the 2019 final to Algeria, but were far from their best after only being able to name 17 players, out of a squad of 28, through a mix of Covid cases and injuries. Bayern Munich defender Bouna Sarr struck a low shot inches wide for the first chance before Keita Balde also failed to hit the target. At the other end, Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona let fly from 20 yards only to see his fine strike whistle past the post as his side, looking to reach the knock-out stages for the first time, went close. Shortly after half-time, Pape Cisse spurned a glorious chance to break the deadlock but could only steer his free header from a corner powerfully past the post with Mhari stranded. Ultimately, Senegal - Africa’s top-ranked side for the last three years - failed to impress against a well-organised Zimbabwe side who showed no ill effect from the uncertainty surrounding their participation at the finals. In the runup to the tournament, the threat of a ban by football’s world governing body had loomed after a governmentmandated body had taken control of the local FA, which goes against Fifa regulations.

They were seconds away from keeping their first clean sheet at the Nations Cup, at the 13th attempt, only to be undone when referee Mario Escobar pointed to the spot, with the video assistant referee backing his on-field decision. In two other results: Guinea 1 – Malawi 0Morocco 1 – Ghana 0

Tuesday January 11, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Virat Kohli returns as India resume hunt for history in South Africa ESPNcricinfo - Big picture After India’s dominance in Centurion to South Africa’s fightback in Johannesburg, this series is now set for a decider in Cape Town. It could not be more perfectly scripted, or perhaps more unexpected.

Despite South Africa’s strong record against India at home, they came into this series on the back of two years of turmoil (which started when they last visited India in 2019) and there were predictions of the visitors not only winning a first series in this country but sweeping it 3-0.

India still have the opportunity to achieve the former; South African resolve has ensured the latter is off the table.

India will still go into this contest as slight favourites, having stormed through fortresses in Australia, England and most recently, at the SuperSport Park.

They couldn’t protect their unbeaten record in Johannesburg but may see this as a time for breaking new ground.

Newlands is the place for it. India haven’t ever won at this venue but this is a side that thrives on challenging history and have already rewritten some narratives on this tour.

Even with Mohammed Siraj unfit for the third Test,

they have plenty in reserve.

That means it won’t get any less intense for South Africa’s line-up, which remains very much a work-in-progress.

Aiden Markram, especially, is due some runs while the middle order needs to build consistency ahead of two more Test series this season.

India’s soft spot is also the middle-order, although they carry bigger reputations.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were both under pressure but shared in a 111-run third-wicket stand in the second innings in Johannesburg and each brought up a half-century to dim the spotlight on their performances.

South Africa’s attack has demonstrated good plans, especially against Pujara, and know that winning those contests can precipitate a collapse.

That responsibility may fall to Kagiso Rabada, who was on the receiving end of stern words from his captain Dean Elgar earlier in the series.

Rabada remains South Africa’s highest-profile bowler (and after Quinton de Kock’s Test retirement, their highest-profile player) and he will want to be at his best in what will be his 50th Test.

Of course, there’s always the danger that South Africa have already played their fi-

Keshav Maharaj rolls his arm over © AFP via Getty Images nal after achieving their highest successful chase in Johannesburg and they will do themselves a disservice if that’s the case.

The Wanderers should be a turning point for them, especially if their cricket is to move beyond the foundation phase of its rebuild.

In the spotlight

At times an animated figure on the sidelines in Johannesburg, Virat Kohli will be eager to get back to leading the side, especially as they chase history.

Though KL Rahul led relatively well in his absence and was even involved in some heated exchanges on the field with Rassie van der Dussen,

he lacked Kohli’s killer instinct.

How the returning skipper does with the bat also needs to be seen.

Kohli last scored a Test hundred 15 Tests ago, in November 2019, and although his overall Test average remains over 50, it has been 26.08 since that hundred.

Keshav Maharaj has bowled only 20 overs in the series so far, and only two in the last Test, and his most significant role in the series has been as a nightwatchman in the second innings at Centurion.

That has resulted in questions over whether South Africa understand how to pick teams for their own conditions.

They could have lengthened the batting line-up or added a fifth seamer in Maharaj’s place but neither is likely to come into contention at the most spinner-friendly of this series’ venues.

With the threat of R Ashwin in the opposition camp, Newlands is unlikely to be too dry but this venue historically takes turn as the match goes on.

Maharaj isn’t the biggest spinner of the ball but given the right opportunity, he can cash in as he did in the West Indies.

Team news South Africa are unlikely to make any changes to the XI that won at the Wanderers.

Virat Kohli missed the second Test due to back spasm.

(Associated Press) That will mean there won’t be a debut for top-order batters Sarel Erwee and Ryan Rickelton, while seamers Glenton Stuurman and Sisanda Magala also have to wait their turn.

After missing the Johannesburg Test because of upper back spasms, Kohli comes back in, with Hanuma Vihari most likely sitting out.

Kohli also confirmed that Siraj, who picked up a hamstring concern at the Wanderers, isn’t fit to play.

Either Ishant Sharma or Umesh Yadav could take his place.

NBA roundup: Warriors win in Klay Thompson’s long-anticipated return Reuters - Klay Thompson returned from a 2 1/2-year absence with 17 points in 20 minutes of play, and Stephen Curry scored a game-high 28 points Sunday night as the Golden State Warriors snapped a two-game losing streak with a 96-82 win over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers in San Francisco.

Playing for the first time since tearing the ACL in his left knee in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Thompson needed just 40 seconds to record his first basket of the season and less than a half to throw down his first dunk and splash his first 3-pointer.

The five-time All-Star finished 3-for-8 on 3-pointers and 7-for-18 overall from the field.

He also had three rebounds, one assist and one block following a 941-day absence that included a ruptured right Achilles in a comeback attempt before the 2020-21 season.

Curry shot 4-for-11 on 3pointers on a night when he and Thompson combined for seven of Golden State’s 10

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrates his 1800th career threepoint basket during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center.

(D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports) threes in the team’s 42 at- points, 12 rebounds and six James, 37, is the oldest NBA blocks for the Grizzlies, and player to accomplish that feat. tempts.

Nets 121, Spurs 119 (OT) Lamar Stevens had 17 Ja Morant finished with 16 Rookie Cam Thomas hit points to pace Cleveland, points and seven assists afwhich was making its second ter he sat out Saturday’s win the tiebreaking basket with stop on a six-game Western over the Los Angeles Clippers 1.7 seconds left in overtime with a sore left thigh. as Brooklyn ended a fiveswing.

LeBron James had 35 game home losing streak by Grizzlies 127, Lakers 119 Desmond Bane shot 5-for- points, nine rebounds and outlasting San Antonio in 8 from 3-point distance and seven assists for the Lakers, New York.

The Nets won their first scored 23 points as visiting who came in riding a seasonMemphis beat Los Angeles to long four-game winning home game since beating the earn its franchise-record ninth streak. It was the 11th con- Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 16 secutive game that James and survived blowing a 12straight victory.

Jaren Jackson Jr. added 21 scored at least 25 points; point lead in the final five min-

utes of regulation.

Kevin Durant led the Nets with 28 points but also missed a potential game-winning 3pointer with 3.8 seconds remaining in regulation, and the game reached overtime when an alley-oop layup by Kenta Bates-Diop was short at the buzzer.

Clippers 106, Hawks 93 Amir Coffey matched his career high of 21 points and helped Los Angeles end its three-game losing streak with a win over visiting Atlanta.

Coffey, playing on a twoway contract, was 8-for-12 from the field and tied another career high with five 3-pointers. He added five rebounds and three assists.

Six other Clippers players scored in double figures, including veteran Serge Ibaka with 16 points off the bench.

Atlanta’s Trae Young scored 19 points and saw his franchise-record streak of 25plus-point games end at 17.

Young was 8-for-21 from the floor and only 1-for-6 from distance, with seven assists.

Bogdan Bogdanovic also scored 19 points, one shy of

his season high.

Wizards 102, Magic 100 Kyle Kuzma had 27 points and a career-high 22 rebounds, Bradley Beal scored 20 points and Washington sent host Orlando to its ninth consecutive defeat.

Kentavious CaldwellPope contributed 14 points for Washington and Daniel Gafford had 12 points on 6for-7 shooting.

Spencer Dinwiddie also had eight points and 10 assists. Washington overcame a terrific performance by Orlando’s Terrence Ross, who scored 16 of his 32 points in the third quarter.

Ross continued his strong play since clearing COVID-19 protocol, making 13-of-20 shots in 31 minutes off the bench.

In other results: Nuggets 99, Thunder 95 Timberwolves 141, Rockets 123 Raptors 105, Pelicans 101 Mavericks 113, Bulls 99 Trail Blazers 103, Kings 88 (Field Level Media)

PAGE 22

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

Australian judge says Djokovic can stay but saga not over MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic returned to the tennis court yesterday for training, having won a legal battle to stay in Australia and play in the Australian Open after his exemption from strict coronavirus vaccine rules was questioned.

But the government is still threatening to cancel his visa and deport him.

Federal Circuit Court Judge Anthony Kelly reinstated Djokovic’s visa, which was pulled after his arrival last week because officials said he didn’t qualify for an exemption to a rule that all non-citizens be fully vaccinated.

Djokovic’s lawyers say that since he recently recovered from COVID-19, he didn’t need to be inoculated, and court documents say he is not.The judge ruled the No. 1 player had not been given enough time to speak to his lawyers before the decision was made and ordered the government to release him from a Melbourne quarantine hotel where he has spent the last four nights.But government lawyer Christopher Tran told the judge that the immigration minister “will consider whether to exercise a personal power of cancellation.” That would mean that the nine-time Australian Open winner and defending champion could again face deportation and could miss the tournament, which starts on Jan. 17. It could also bar him from the country for three years.

Late last night, Djokovic tweeted out a photo that showed him and his team standing on one of the main

show courts of the tournament. He was already back to training, his brother told reporters in Serbia.

“I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened, I want to stay and try to compete @AustralianOpen,” Djokovic said in the post.

The back and forth has gripped the world and caused a furor in Australia, where many initially decried the news that Djokovic, who has been a vocal skeptic of vaccines, had received an exemption to strict rules to compete in Melbourne. Many felt the star was being given special treatment since Australians who aren’t vaccinated face tough travel and quarantine restrictions. Melbourne, in particular, has faced severe restrictions and is one of the world’s most locked down cities.But when border police then blocked the 34-year-old on arrival, others cried foul, saying he was being scapegoated by an Australian government facing criticism for its recent handling of the pandemic. The tennis star’s brother, Djordje Djokovic, told television network Prva in Belgrade, Serbia: “This is definitely politics, all this was politics.” Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal called the controversy “a circus” and said he supported the decision allowing his rival to play in Melbourne.

“Beyond me agreeing or not with Djokovic on certain things, there’s no question that justice has spoken and has said that he has the right

to take part in the Australian Open,” Nadal said yesterday during an interview with Spain’s Onda Cero radio.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s conservative government is seeking re-election for a fourth term in polls due by May. While his government was widely praised for containing the nation’s COVID19 death toll at the start of the pandemic, he has recently loosened some rules, just as omicron cases have been rapidly surging. He has been criticized for that strategy as well as for shortages of rapid antigen tests and for refusing to make the tests available to all for free.

At yesterday’s court hearing, Djokovic’s lawyers argued their client did not need proof of vaccination because he had evidence that he had been infected with the coronavirus last month.

Australian medical authorities have ruled that people who have been infected with COVID-19 within six months can receive a temporary exemption to the vaccination rule. Judge Kelly noted that Djokovic had provided officials at Melbourne’s airport with a medical exemption given him by Tennis Australia and two medical panels.

“The point I’m somewhat agitated about is what more could this man have done?”

Kelly asked Djokovic’s lawyer, Nick Wood. Wood agreed that his client could not have done more, noting that transcripts of Djokovic’s interview with Border Force officials and his own affidavit revealed that he repeatedly told officers he had done everything he thought was re-

Police clear fans of Serbian Novak Djokovic as a car leaves the offices of lawyers following his court win ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

(AP Photo/Mark Baker) quired of him.

Djokovic’s lawyers described the cancellation as “seriously illogical.”

But lawyers for Home Affairs Minister Andrews said in their submission that the vaccination exemption could only be granted for travelers who had recovered from a serious bout of COVID-19.

“There is no suggestion that the applicant (Djokovic) had ‘acute major medical illness’ in December” when he tested positive, the written submission said. But in the end, the government lawyers conceded that the decision to proceed with interviewing Djokovic in the early hours of Thursday and cancel his visa before he could contact Tennis Australia or his lawyers

was unreasonable.

Djokovic was told at 5:20 a.m. on Thursday that he had until 8:30 a.m. to respond to a notice of intention to cancel his visa. His comments were sought instead at 6:14 a.m.

The decision to cancel his visa was made just over an hour later.

Minister Andrews did not immediately responded to a request for comment. But a spokesperson for Alex Hawke, minister for immigration, citizenship, migrant services and multicultural affairs, acknowledged the court’s decision, adding the minister’s personal discretion remains in play.

“The minister is currently considering the matter and the process remains ongo-

ing,” the spokesman said.

Still, at a news conference in Belgrade, Serbia, Djokovic’s family declared victory.

“This is his greatest victory, greater than all the Grand Slams that he has won,” his mother, Dijana Djokovic, said.

The virtual hearing crashed several times because of an overwhelming number of people from around the world trying to watch the proceedings.

At one point, an expired court link was apparently hacked and broadcast pornography, The New Daily News website reported.

Djokovic has 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a men’s record he shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

NFL roundup: Raiders, 49ers win in OT to clinch playoff berths Reuters - Derek Carr threw a pair of touchdown passes to Hunter Renfrow and Daniel Carlson kicked the last of his five field goals as time expired in overtime as the Las Vegas Raiders clinched a spot in the NFL playoff field by holding on for a 35-32 victory Sunday night over the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.

Carr went 20-of-36 passing for 186 yards as Las Vegas (10-7) won its last four games to earn a trip to Cincinnati for a wild-card game Saturday.

Adding to the drama was that a tie game would have put both teams in the playoffs.

Instead, the Raiders’ victory eliminated the Chargers and allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to make the playoff field.

Carlson kicked a 40-yard field goal on the first posses-

sion of OT to give the Raiders a 32-29 lead, with the Chargers tying the game 32all on a 41-yard kick from Dustin Hopkins with 4:30 remaining in the extra period.

Carlson won it on a 47yarder on the final play of OT as the Raiders (10-7) advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 34 of 64 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns with one interception.

Austin Ekeler had a rushing and receiving TD for the Chargers (9-8), while Mike Williams had nine catches for 119 yards.

49ers 27, Rams 24 (OT) Robbie Gould kicked a 24yard field goal with 2:48 remaining in overtime, allowing San Francisco to earn a wild-card spot in the NFC

playoffs with a come-frombehind victory over host Los Angeles.

Rookie cornerback Ambry Thomas intercepted a Matthew Stafford pass six plays later, assuring the 49ers (107) the No. 6 seed in the West and a meeting with the thirdseeded Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs.

San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, playing 17 days after tearing a ligament in his right thumb, completed 23 of 32 passes for 316 yards and one touchdown.

After blowing a 17-0 lead and seeing a five-game winning streak come to an end, the Rams (12-5) fell to the No. 4 seed in the NFC and will host the fifth-seeded Arizona Cardinals next week.

Steelers 16, Ravens 13 (OT) Chris Boswell booted a

36-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in overtime to give Pittsburgh a victory over host Baltimore.

The victory, combined with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ upset of the Indianapolis Colts and the Raiders’ win over the Chargers later Sunday night, earned Pittsburgh the No. 7 spot in the postseason.

The Steelers (9-7-1) will visit the No. 2 seed Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.

Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger completed 30 of 44 passes for 244 yards, one touchdown and one interception in what could have been his final regular-season appearance.

Steelers star T.J. Watt had one sack to match the NFL record of 22.5 set by Michael Strahan of the New York Gi-

ants in 2001.

Baltimore (8-9) was eliminated with the loss, which was its sixth straight setback.

Latavius Murray rushed for a season-high 150 yards on 16 carries and scored Baltimore’s lone touchdown.

Titans 28, Texans 25 Ryan Tannehill tossed four touchdown passes and Tennessee held off host Houston to lock up the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC. The Titans (12-5), who squandered most of a 21-0 halftime lead, finished the regular season tied with the Kansas City Chiefs atop the conference.

Tennessee earned the top seed — which means a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs — by vir-

tue of a head-to-head win over the Chiefs.

T h e Te x a n s ( 4 - 1 3 ) wrapped up David Culley’s first year as head coach with a loss despite Davis Mills’ 301 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Danny Amendola caught two scoring passes in the fourth quarter and finished with 113 yards on seven receptions.

In other results: Jaguars 26, Colts 11 Browns 21, Bengals 16 Bills 27, Jets 10 Dolphins 33, Patriots 24 Seahawks 38, Cardinals 30 Saints 30, Falcons 20 Buccaneers 41, Panthers 17Lions 37, Packers 30 Vikings 31, Bears 17 Football Team 22, Giants 7(Field Level Media)

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Cricket West Indies and Cricket Ireland agree to postpone 2nd CG Insurance ODI KINGSTON, Jamaica – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Cricket Ireland (CI) issued a joint statement after two further positive COVID-19 cases were reported in the Ireland camp following recent testing, and two players being ruled out due to injury, resulting in Ireland having a severely depleted squad.

The second CG Insurance One-Day International scheduled for Sabina Park today, January 11 has therefore been postponed.

CWI and CI are in discus-

sions to review the match schedule and are working to explore all possibilities for the series to be completed.

The five members of the Ireland team who have re-

turned positive COVID-19 results remain in isolation under the care and supervision of the medical teams.

Further updates will be provided as soon as possible.

Dads enjoy ‘son-day’ at warm-up match

Matthew Nandu celebrates his half-century for the West Indies.

A pair of proud fathers was among the first fans watching action in the ICC Under19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium. Albeit a warmup match, Wayne Auguste and Arjune Nandu were riveted to the activity in the middle as their sons – Ackeem Auguste and Matthew Nandu respectively – were in the thick of battle for the West Indies versus India at the Providence venue.

Both fathers have been following their son’s progress for years and are hoping this campaign on home turf will be successful. For Saint Lucia’s Auguste it would be particularly pleasing if the Rising Stars could win the tournament. “My son is the captain of West Indies Under19s. I’m happy and proud that he is learning and growing in the sport. He started a very long time ago and just to see him progress makes me feel good,” said Auguste.

“I always travel whenever he plays. I follow him around. Ackeem has been playing cricket

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Kaieteur News

since he was about two-and-a-half years old – so we’ve been at it a long time.

He definitely wants to go all the way in cricket, and we give him all the support possible.”

Meanwhile, Nandu – who played FirstClass cricket for Guyana (1988–1992) and two Youth Tests for West Indies Under-19 (1990) – left the talking to his other son, Marcus Nandu, also a talented cricketer who was in Canada’s squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2018.

“It’s a nice feeling to see him playing for the West Indies. Normally we play together so to see him out there is cool,” said 21-yearold Marcus of his 18-year-old brother who scored a half-century in a losing cause.

Regarding the family’s plan for the tournament, which starts on Friday with the West Indies opposing Australia at the same venue, Marcus revealed he and his dad will “watch the matches in Guyana and then we may go to St. Kitts”.

Auguste – whose son suffered a first-ball duck – is hoping his travels will take him all the way to Antigua and Barbuda – to watch the West Indies in the business end of the event.

Joycelyn Dias was also among the smattering of fans absorbing today’s duel, and she was playing teacher. “I’m a cricket fanatic.

That’s why I’m here. There’s hardly anybody but it doesn’t matter –I’m here and I have my friend. I’m introducing her to cricket properly!” she declared, accompanied by her gal pal, Ayanna Greene. “There ain’t a Guyanese who will tell you that they don’t know anything about cricket.

She’s not a fanatic but, if she didn’t like cricket, she wouldn’t be here with me. My company is not that good.” Both women – clearly good friends – dissolved into laughter. Asked if she intends to attend the tournament, Dias replied emphatically. “Absolutely – all the matches! I have my season ticket already!”

Other spectators, including some club players, enjoyed a relaxing afternoon assessing the young men on the held, applauding shots and wickets alike. Most plan to heed the tournament tagline for the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 and ‘Be There’ for matches at GNS and Everest Cricket Club (ECC). Before that though, warm-up fixtures continue today at ECC and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in Guyana and, in St. Kitts and Nevis, at Warner Park and Conaree.

Windies U-19s suffer heavy defeat to India in World Cup warm-up

West Indies U19s did not have the best showing ahead of the start of the ICC Under-19 50-over World Cup with a big loss to India.

SportsMax - The West Indies U19s did not have the best showing ahead of the start of the ICC Under-19 50over World Cup after suffering a heavy 108 loss to India U19 team in their first official warm-up match on Sunday.

After being set a challenging target of 279 to win, the young Windies struggled to 170 all out in just 43 overs.

The team got off to a solid enough start when openers Matthew Nandu and Shaqkere Parris put on 30 in the opening overs. Parris was, however, the first to go after being dismissed by fast bowler Garv Sangwan. The other batters, unfortunately, followed in quick succession, with Teddy Bishop being dismissed ten balls later, and Sangwan going lbw with the score on 35.

Nandu managed another 30 with Jordan Johnson (10)

before falling to the spin of Manav Parakh in the 18th over, with the total at 65 for three. Windies skipper Akeem Auguste went for a duck after also being bowled by Parakh, Rivaldo Clarke (11), and vice-captain Giovonte Depeiza (10) were also gone midway through the innings.

Nandu eventually departed in the 33rd over with a top-score of 52 off 101 balls, after being a victim of left-arm spinner Aneeshwar Gautam, caught by Kaushal Tambe.

Off-spinner Tambe then wrapped up the innings with the wickets of Carlon BowenTuckett (20), Anderson Mahase (1), and an attacking Johann Layne.

Earlier in the innings, the team set a furious pace after skipper Yash Dhull won the toss. Things did not start well, however, as the team found themselves at 18 for

two in the seventh after excellent work from Layne got rid of openers Harnoor Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Dhull, however, led a strong revival with 52 off 67 balls and put on 85 for the third wicket with Shaik Rasheed. Aradhya Yadav attacked the bowling and added 82 for the fifth wicket with top-scorer Nishant Sindhu, who lashed seven fours and three sixes in an unbeaten 78 off 76 balls, effectively putting the match out of reach.

Scores: India U-19s 278-6, 50 overs (Nishant Sindhu 78 n.o., Yash Dhull 52, Aradhya Yadav 42; Johann Layne 3/ 51).

WI U-19s 170 all out, 43 overs (Matthew Nandu 52; Kaushal Tambe 3/30, Manav Parakh 3/34, Garv Sangwan 2/ 18, Aneeshwar Gautam 2/37).

—India U-19s won by 108 runs.

Mane gives Senegal win over Zimbabwe

Sadio Mane saw a first-half effort saved, but made no mistake from the penalty spot late on. (Getty Images)

BBC Sport - A Sadio Mane penalty seven minutes into added time enabled lacklustre Senegal to beat Zimbabwe 10 in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener. Defeat was harsh on Zimbabwe, who

made one of the tournament favourites look distinctly ordinary in Bafoussam. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Kelvin Madzongwe was adjudged to have handled as he turned his back on a strike

from Pape Gueye. Liverpool forward Mane rifled home to give Senegal the perfect start.

Featuring a side shorn of several players, including captain Kalidou Koulibaly (Continued on page 20)

PAGE 24

Tuesday January 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

GBA treats Terrence ‘Alli’ GFF opens mid-season

- Ninvalle commits to supporting former Guyanese champion President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, yesterday met with former Guyanese Welterweight Champion; Terrence Halley, popularly known as ‘Terrence Alli’, where he made a presentation of hampers, cellphone and cash.

Ninvalle stated that the GBA took a decision to help the former prized fighter following reports of his needs.

According to Ninvalle, the GBA is currently working on improving other areas of Alli’s life and will make a formal announcement when it is materialized.

Alli never won a world title, but for many, more so the ‘old school’ boxing fans, his name will forever be etched in their memories as the fighter who carried the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ around the world, one ‘back flip’ after another.

Alli started his professional career in 1979, and at the end in 1997, he finished with 52

wins (the most by any Guyanese fighter), 15 losses and two draws but will be forever remembered as one of the best fighters Guyana has ever produced – to never win a world title.

His first shot at a world title was in 1985 against Harry Arroyo for the IBF World Lightweight Title but, he was knocked out by the American.

Mexican great Jose Luis Ramirez and Alli fought in 1987 for the vacant WBC World Lightweight Title, his second title fight, but the Lindener lost the fight by Unanimous Decision.

Ramirez would later surrender that title to Julio Cesar Chavez – Alli’s final shot at a world title.Guyanese at home and abroad were glued to their television screens to witness the classic showdown, hoping that Alli could take down the man who at the time had defended his title against the likes of Hector Camacho, An-

gel Hernandez and Meldrick Taylor. However, Chavez was too good throughout the fight before putting the prized Guyanese fighter down 42 seconds into the sixth round of their 12-round encounter.

The now 62-year-old is a former two-time United States Champion, two-time North American champion and rated number one in the world.

The life and career of Terrence Alli embodies both the glory and the tragedy that often lurk not far from one another in the world of boxing.

He was an exciting, eccentric and socially-conscious fighter who became the world’s top super lightweight contender.

Perhaps sadder still, by all accounts he feels he has been forsaken by the country that he always proudly represented with such patriotic vigour, even when he had to go abroad to advance his career.

transfer window

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Sunday reminded its members, clubs and players that the mid-season transfer window has opened to enable the transfer of players between clubs.

During this transfer period, which runs from January 1 up to and including January 31, the GFF would like to encourage clubs to process any desired transfers in a timely manner to avoid last minute transactions, which seem to have become the norm.

General Secretary of the GFF, Ian Alves, said this is a great opportunity for clubs to bolster their squad capacity and increase their chances of success in forthcoming competitions this year.

“Coming out of the recently concluded year-end tournaments contested across the GFF’s regional associations, clubs and teams have had a good chance to take note of their deficiencies on the pitch, if any, or to see

what possible projected adjustments might be needed in order to improve the team’s performance going forward,” Alves said. “The mid-season transfer window provides those clubs and teams with an excellent opportunity to fix whatever needs fixing in terms of their composition and cohesion on the field of play. It is therefore anticipated that

maximum use would be made of this opportunity accordingly.”

A domestic transfer, in order to be considered procedurally correct, must involve the former club, the player, the former regional association (RA), the new club, and the new RA (in the case of a transfer out of the former regional association).

“The GFF will treat a player transfer as complete only if all of these entities are informed and involved, and provided that none of them raise any legitimate concerns about the attempted transfer and, as a result, refuse to concur or approve the transfer,” Alves added.

The new club has the recourse to seek the intervention of the relevant RA, or subsequently the GFF, if it is of the view that the transfer is being unjustly hindered by the former club or the relevant RA. The GFF acts as the RA for Elite League clubs.

Dear Sports Editor, Over the pass weeks, the Rickey Skerritt lead West Indies (WI) has been making some bold moves in the right direction. Life has its way of coming full circle. I recall as a school boy in 1988, Pakistan lead by the indomitable Imran Khan, now Prime Minister, came to the Caribbean, Desmond Leo Haynes was at his brilliant best for the Caribbean side. Starting with the five (5) ODI’S that the Windies swept, Desi’s unbeaten hundred in the final match was threatened by Salim Malik’s brilliance, the home side prevailed in the end. Pakistan’s greatest batsman, Javed Miandad got his only two hundreds against the West Indies, one in the first test at Bourda and the other, courtesy of Courtney Walsh at Sabina Park in that series. The Master Blaster, I.V.A. Richards had already indicated his time as leader will come to an end. In my opinion Desmond Haynes should have been the automatic successor to Viv, only to be overlooked for another great R.B. Richardson, who eventually quit due to Acute Fatigue Syndrome (AFS). This decision at that time has

haunted Caribbean cricket since, there would have been no campaigning for the captaincy and the constant infighting that lead to low team morale and a team disrespected worldwide, as Australia called them ‘PRETENDERS’ in a Boxing Day Test Match. It should have been a smooth transition from Richards to Haynes, Richardson, Lara, Gayle or Sarwan in that order.

It proves time and again, blunders by self-centered and short-sighted administrators in any system can have far reaching consequences, both for a specific individual and to a wider extent an entire institution. Grenada’s Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister, made a valiant effort to soothe things, for cricket couldn’t die under his watch as CARICOM Chairman. Hillary Beckles went further,’ for cricket remains the only single institution that unites us as a people’. I am absolutely delighted to see Des Haynes named Chairman of Selectors, one of the best moves in years, Sarwan will now be groomed as a future Chairman of this panel.

Heartiest congratulations to you both, with outstanding careers to their credit, among

the best to play for the Caribbean. You are now tasked with transferring your on-field exploits to Administrative work, there will be no need to stifle any young player because he achieved more financial success than you, you are both wealthy people, only the best for the Caribbean can come from this brave move.

It’s been a troubling question for the years, why some of the BIGGEST UNDERACHIEVERS internationally are rewarded with selection duties? The West Indies is guilty of that and they have paid a heavy price for this. When you look around the world, Desi and Sars will be in illustrious company, shaping the future of this game we love so much.Andrew Strauss England Sourav Ganguly and the wall from Rajasthan, Rahul Dravid – India Graeme Smith – South Africa Michael Slater- Australia Sanath Jayasuriya – Sri Lanka Ramiz Raja – Pakistan. We now look forward the best eleven representing the Caribbean in any of the formats going forward. Caribbean cricket is breathing better.

Regards, Ronald Shepherd

General Secretary of the GFF, Ian Alves

Stirling, Getkate to join Ireland Letter to the Sports Editor squad in Jamaica after testing Finally…WI board negative for Covid-19 seems to get it right…

ESPNcricinfo - Ireland allrounders Paul Stirling and Shane Getkate are set to travel to Jamaica and link up with the rest of the squad after returning negative Covid-19 tests.

The duo had to stay back in Florida and self-isolate at a hotel after having tested positive for the virus, days after the cancellation of their ODI series against USA. Simi Singh and Ben White, who had missed the first ODI against West Indies on Saturday after testing positive via a routine antigen test, are still awaiting the results of their RT-PCR tests after a service delay. According to a Cricket Ireland release, both players could miss the entire series.

Meanwhile Andy McBrine, who had to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet while batting on 34 in the first ODI, will have followup assessments over the next 48 hours for a “mild concussive episode”.

The release said that his symptoms were “very minor” and that he would be in line for selection for the second ODI if he passes his assessment on Monday.

A string of Ireland players had tested positive before the T20Is against USA last

Paul Stirling earlier had to self-isolate at a Florida hotel after testing positive for Covid-19.

(Getty Images/Sportsfile) month, following which the ODI series was cancelled.

Andy Balbirnie and McBrine also had to then isolate as they were deemed close contacts of Stirling and Getkate and were allowed to join the

squad in Jamaica after returning negative tests.

The last two ODIs are scheduled to be played on January 11 and 14, with a solitary T20I to follow on January 16.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 11, 2022

PAGE 25

Athletics Guyana’s season begins this weekend Athletics Guyana’s (AG) season is set to run off this weekend at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC), Leonora with the first Development Meet according to the head of the body, Aubrey Hutson.

The season was scheduled to get underway since last month but the unavailability of venues due to football, cricket and other activities forced the delayed start, the administrator, Hutson, shared with Kaieteur Sport.

The Developmental Meets usually serve as warm-up for the season as athletes transition out of conditioning training and it features races in odd distances like 60m dash, 150m, 300m, 600 etc.

This meet is the first of four that was initially set for December 26, 2021 but Athletics Guyana has confirmed that following this meet, the other three development meets will run off in the subsequent weeks.

The AG is yet to determine the date for the ‘Strength & Conditioning Camp’ at the Guyana Defence Force Camp Seweyo.

Additionally, the tentative list also includes Athletics Guyana’s Award Ceremony which will be held shortly after the ‘Strength & Conditioning Camp’. Everyone will expect Chantoba Bright to cop a couple of top awards at the event.

Olympian Emmanuel Archibald (right) during the first development meet last year at the NTFC.

Deleep Singh is new ECB President We l l - k n o w n E s s e q u i b o businessman, Mr. Deleep Singh, was elected president of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) at their Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, January 09, 2022 at the Imam Bacchus Library Hall, Affiance. The elections were conducted by Cricket Ombudsman Malcolm Peters and were held in accordance with the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014 with a high-powered team of Guyana Cricket Board officials including President Bissoondyal Singh as observers.

Mr. Deleep Singh, who is the proprietor of the popular WD’s Hotel and Mall at Charity and also a miner, was elected unanimously to the position. A former president of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and also a former chairman of the Board of Directors of the Essequibo Technical Institute, Mr. Singh previously served as ViceChairman of the Pomeroon Sports Committee for over ten (10) years and also served as the VicePresident of the Essequibo Cricket Board.

The new ECB President played competitive cricket in Essequibo for a number of years during which time he captained his club, the Enterprise Cricket Club, before retiring as a player at the age of forty-eight (48) years.

Elroy Stephney was elected Vice-President, while Trevis Simon is the new Secretary with Mustapha Zaman as his assistant.

The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer are Shazim Nasrudeen and Adjhodia Lall respectively.

Kumar Dass secured the position of Chairman of the Competitions Committee, Sheman Austin the position of Marketing Manager and Miss Wazeeda Bacchus the

The New ECB Executives - Standing from left to right: Khemraj Surejpaul (Trustee), Mustapha Zaman (Assistant Secretary), Sheman Austin (Marketing Manager), ShazimNasrudeen (Treasurer), Kumar Dass (Chairman-Competitions Committee) and Ernesto De Matlos (Trustee). Sitting from left to right: Miss Wazeeda Bacchus (Public Relations Officer), Elroy Stephney (Vice President), Deleep Singh (President), Trevis Simon (Secretary) and Adjhodia Lall (Assistant Treasurer). position of Public Relations Officer. The Trustees of the ECB are Khemraj Surejpaul and Ernesto De Matlos. Excellent Business Consultants will serve as Auditors.

The Area Committees of the ECB were clearly delighted at having free, fair and transparent elections after a number of years and expressed their appreciation by voting unanimously for all positions, an outcome that demonstrated their resolve to ensure a long-overdue change in the administration of cricket in Essequibo.

The positions of Chairman of the Senior Selection Panel and Chairman of the Junior Selection panel will be filled by the new Executive Committee.

In his acceptance speech, President Deleep Singh thanked the delegates for their overwhelming

support and pledged to serve the interests of Essequibo Cricket in a responsible and committed manner. He also thanked the Ombudsman and the Returning Officer for the efficient and transparent conduct of the elections, the GCB team for their attendance and the delegates for their attention and discipline during the elections.

The ECB President disclosed to the meeting that some time ago he had considered running for the ECB presidency but was preoccupied with business. Now that he has the requisite time, he added that he is ready and excited to serve the game he loves so dearly and acknowledged that cricket in Essequibo was at an all-time low.

The challenge, he continued, would be to reverse the decline and to develop the game so that especially

the youths can have the opportunity to showcase their talent towards selection at the national and regional levels.

The president concluded his presentation by calling for unity and hard work for the good of Essequibo’s Cricket and added that he was pleased there was now an all-inclusive Board in place. He advised that he will soon engage in meetings with the Area Committees of the ECB. Guyana Cricket Board President Bissoondyal Singh, in an invited comment, congratulated the new Executive Committee of the ECB and promised the full support of the GCB as the ECB begins its task to revive the fortunes of cricket in the Cinderella County. The GCB president said he was pleased to see former national female cricketer Wa z e e d a B a c c h u s o n t h e

committee as female cricket is a priority of the GCB and females are encouraged to be involved in cricket administration.

President Bissoondyal Singh added that the GCB will pay special interest in Essequibo cricket. He lamented the deplorable condition of the cricket hostel at Anna Regina. He then announced that the GCB will remit a subvention of 2.5 million dollars to the ECB; that a quantity of cricket gear will be donated to each Area Committee of the ECB and that financial assistance will be provided for the renovation of the Anna Regina Hostel.

President Singh expressed his delight at being part of the very important elections of the Essequibo Cricket Board and wished the new Executive Committee the very best.

GBA treats Terrence ‘Alli’ t r - Ninvalle commits to supporting Spo Cricket Windies & Cricket Ireland agree to postpone 2nd CG Insurance ODI

former Guyanese champion

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Cricket Ireland (CI) have decided to postpone today’s match due to Covid19 issues. (CWI)

Former boxer Terrence Alli (left) and GBA President Steve Ninvalle.

Dads enjoy ‘son-day’ at warm-up match

Arjune Nandu (left), Marcus Nandu (centre) and Wayne Auguste at the Guyana National Stadium.

Australian judge says Djokovic can stay but saga not over

Fans dance and sing outside an immigration detention hotel where Serbian Novak Djokovic is confined in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Windies U-19s suffer heavy defeat to India in World Cup warm-up 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.