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Donald Trump NEWS impeached for ‘inciting’ US Capitol riot

Thursday Edition

AIETEUR

January 14, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 02

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

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

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Exxon’s new data shows it pollutes as much as entire nation of Canada GECOM Commissioners BK given extension by p.

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pocket $450,000 Patterson for $124M sea monthly even if they defence project when walk out of meeting he was out of office p.

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Equatorial Guinea expelled supplier from oil sector for disobeying local content rules Cops nab cutlass Over 500 children tested Bus driver killed bandits who beat positive for COVID-19 since in three-vehicle accident and rob teacher March - Health Minister p.

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Local Content Panel favours regular reporting Greenidge says...

and public disclosure from all oil companies p.

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Listen how our leaders want to entrap us with this Gas-to-shore project that will

leave Guyana in massive debts today at 10:30am on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio. (Rebroadcast)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Thursday January 14, 2021

Exxon's new data shows it pollutes as much as entire nation of Canada

By Kemol King

J

ust last week, ExxonMobil released its 'Scope Three' emissions data for 2019 - the first time the company has published such data, after coming under pressure from its investors.

The numbers immediately give a very clear picture of why the company has hidden them for so long. Exxon's Scope Three emissions are higher than any other Western oil company, according to data from Bloomberg.

The emissions are more voluminous than many countries, and amounts to about the same as the entire nation of Canada.

If you are new to the terminology used when referring to emissions, there are three accepted categories of emissions for this kind of reporting by companies such as ExxonMobil: Scopes One, Two and Three.

In its report titled 'ExxonMobil 2021 Energy and Carbon Summary,' it is explained that Scope One emissions data generally covers the direct greenhouse gas emissions of ExxonMobil's operations, while Scope Two data tells investors and the public of the indirect greenhouse gas emissions from energy purchased by the company to power its operations.

Scope Three data refers to the company's indirect greenhouse gas emissions derived from use of its fuel and other products.

The sale of petroleum products by Exxon for 2019 was equivalent to 730 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Royal Dutch Shell comes in second with 694 million metric tons, with Total, Chevron, BP and ENI following behind with 416 million, 413 million, 357 million and 255 million respectively.

When those numbers are compared to countries, it

shows ExxonMobil's Scope Three emissions to be as much as a developed country.

According to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada emitted a little over 729 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2018.

Australia emitted 558 million metric tons, while France, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom emitted 452 million, 334 million, 520 million, and 465 million respectively.

ExxonMobil is beaten out by the more powerful, populous countries like Germany, Japan and the United States, which emitted 858 million, 1.24 billion and 6.68 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide respectively.

Exxon prefers to focus on Scope One and Two. It has taken the position that Scope Three emissions do not represent its efforts to protect the environment fairly.

That may be because the company has not announced any targets to reduce its

Scope Three emissions. It is of the conviction that meaningful Scope Three

emissions reductions would be driven ultimately by changes in society's energy use and the development of more affordable low-emission technologies.

Meanwhile, Exxon's rivals have set targets to reduce their Scope Three emissions, reported Bloomberg.

Shell, for example, plans to reduce its Scope Three emissions by around 30 percent by 2035 and 65 percent by 2050.

Cops nab cutlass bandits who beat, rob teacher

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uick response by Brickdam police resulted in the capture of two cutlass bandits who on Tuesday reportedly attacked, beat and robbed a 19-year-old teacher in the Stabroek Market area.

According to police, three cutlass-wielding bandits robbed Yogeshwar Seemangall of Barama Compound, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD) around 20:45 hrs.

Seemangall was at the

time heading to the route 42 bus park.

The three men approached him – one of them armed with a cutlass – and began beating him. In the process the men took away, his haversack and his Samsung smart phone valued $71,000. The men also carted off his ear pods.

Seemangall reported the matter right away and ranks responded immediately and cornered two of the bandits on Lombard Street, while the

third got away. Police found the two men with the cutlass along Seemangall's ear pods and haversack in their possession. His cellphone, however, was not found.

The suspects, Kaieteur News was told, told the ranks that the third bandit had the phone with him.

The men were arrested and placed in the lock-ups as efforts are being made to locate the third suspect, who is believed to be a resident of Leopold Street.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 14, 2021

Greenidge says...

PAGE 03

Local Content Panel favours regular reporting and public

disclosure from all oil companies

By Kiana Wilburg

I

n order for Guyana to see success with its imminent local content policy, there must be mechanisms in place to ensure regular reporting, review and disclosure of the achievements made in this regard by oil companies.

Additionally, the regulators chosen to keep an eye on these operators must be held accountable for their shortcomings in managing this critical component of the industry.

According to former Minister of Foreign Affairs

and now Advisor on Borders, Carl Greenidge, the foregoing were just a few of the perspectives which were exchanged and enjoyed consensus during engagements held with stakeholders by the Local Content Panel.

That Panel, of which Greenidge was one of the members, was established last year by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali to compile recommendations on the best provisions for Guyana's Local Content Policy. While the panel's report remains under Cabinet review, Greenidge shared with Kaieteur News that he found

the process to be a most fruitful one which demonstrated that among Guyanese, there is a strong desire to see oil and gas resources benefit all and for there to be multi-stakeholder involvement and oversight from end to end.

During his exclusive interview with Kaieteur News, Greenidge was keen to note that local content success will be hinged on collaboration and coordination among key stakeholders, such as the citizenry, the media, the oil companies and the government. “This should be

a key goal of Government and has been recognized in Article 13 of our Constitution…,” the politician articulated.

Further to this, Greenidge said that the committee discussed with stakeholders, the development of local capacity to plug recognised gaps for jobs and the supply of goods and services if implemented. Here again, Greenidge said that notable calls were made to ensure that accountability and transparency are the hallmarks of that process while adding that all actors

responsible for implementing various aspects of the local content policy must be held responsible for every action taken.

The foregoing revelations on the work of the panel would be in stark contrast to that which was executed by the APNU+AFC regime.

Kaieteur News was the first to report that the coalition had allowed an ExxonMobil affiliate, Dr. Michael Warner, to hijack the nation's policy and transform it into a document that served the interests of the oil companies.

One of the ways in which he

Advisor on borders and Member of the Local Content Panel, Carl B. Greenidge did this was to insert a confidentiality (continued on page 8)

Equatorial Guinea expelled supplier from oil sector for disobeying local content rules

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quatorial Guinea has shown a firm hand when it comes to ensuring the participation of locals in the value chain of its petroleum sector. This is evidenced by the way it dealt with one company, which it found was not adhering to its rules for local content.

When the country determined this infraction was being committed, it expelled the company from its oil industry.

Equatorial Guinea had established the 'National Content Regulation of the Hydrocarbons Law' in 2014, which mandated preference for locals in contract awards, local content clauses in all contracts with multinationals,

Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima and capacity building provisions.

A company named CHC Helicopters came into

conflict with the law. CHC is a large helicopter services company from Canada that supplies services to the oil industry. By 2018, it had been providing services to Equatorial Guinea for nearly two decades.

Equatorial Guinea, a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), found that CHC failed to implement the local content laws particularly as it relates to employment of locals.

So the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea ordered all operators, including ExxonMobil, to cancel all contracts with the Canadian helicopter services company.

The oil companies

operating there were given 60 days to rid themselves of their contractual relations with CHC and find only suppliers, which were found to be adhering to the country's local content law. In a statement, the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima said: “We expect all companies operating in here to follow the laws of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.”

“It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons to ensure strict compliance to our country's National Content Regulation of the Hydrocarbons Law.

These laws are in place to protect and promote local industry, create jobs for citizens, promote the sustainable development of our country and we are aggressively monitoring and enforcing the compliance of these requirements.”

At the time, the country's Director of National Content and legal advisors of the Ministry were conducting a compliance review of the entire sector. Their duty was to expand the notice to other companies that similar measures would be taken against them if they were found to be non-compliant.

Even the operators would be placed under the microscope to determine whether they were keeping up with their obligation to ensure compliance of all of their subcontractors.

The Minister said, “We are eager to work with international companies who partner with Equatorial Guinea in the development of our industry. But we expect all companies operating in Equatorial Guinea to follow the laws of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. As Minister, I will not hesitate to enforce the law to ensure compliance.”

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 14, 2021

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

Global Witness The unbelievable occurred earlier this week. Global Witness came out and said that it is refocusing its interests, rebalancing its energies, and reprioritizing the areas that mean more to it. In normal circumstances, that development would hardly attract a yawn, or much more than passing attention. But what happened right here in Guyana, and as recent as last year, from the minds and at the hands of Global Witness operators during Guyana’s turbulent elections season was anything but normal. What Global Witness engaged in was extraordinary, by any standards looked at or any measure employed. So, for this entity to now come out when the dust has settled for it (it alone) with this bland announcement is not only startling, but it is also eye-opening and deeply troubling.

What the UK-based Global Witness group did in its “Signed Away” report was to place the explosive in the middle of Guyana and in the middle of its divisive elections campaign season. Details about the lopsided Exxon deal negotiated and finalized by the coalition, calculations of some US$55B surrendered by Guyana, and the weakness of leading Guyanese political figures in dealing with Exxon were all put under the sharpest of microscopes. It was timely, and thought to be relevant. However, when pressed by a number of recognized local activists as to the basis for its calculations on revenues given up, Global Witness balked and hedged. In fact, it did not come clean with how it arrived at its numbers, and which has caused some agitations in opposition political ranks.

Before going any further, we at this paper wish to state something and most unambiguously: we are not revisiting or reliving the last elections tempests. Rather, we are focused on how this reputable agency could deliver the equivalent of a bomb in the middle of Guyana’s usually raw and passionate elections, and now come up with this disclaimer of sorts. For sure, the group is on record as saying that its stands by the integrity of the report, but it is withdrawing it anyway. Since there is such comfort and confidence in the integrity of its report, there is no reason for Global Witness to step out in January 2021, almost a year after that fateful March 2 elections date, to articulate that it is withdrawing the report. The report either stands or fall on its merits, thus there is no need for any withdrawal. We are trying hard not to see what occurred this way, but what Global Witness did through that “Signed Away” report was almost like the dangerous character crying fire in the crowded marketplace, only for those victimized and mocked to discover that it was all a pretense and a hoax, at their expense.

It is obvious that this is what the vanquished coalition and its supporters must be harbouring, as they absorb this shocker from Global Witness. This is said, because its ferocious political opponents made sure that they made hay with the contents of that report to register how much better it could have done and would do, and how poorly the whole oil negotiating business unfolded and came to its shabby conclusion. If there is one thing on which the now opposition coalition has some justification to be angry and concerned, it is that this “Signed Away” report with all of its damning points is now being lamely withdrawn, and under some carefully constructed wording that do not fool anyone.

For today, Global Witness is all about going back to its core and its roots, its raison d’etre, so to speak, in areas such as climate change, abuse of power, corporate capture, and so forth. Observers and commentators in this country have to be wondering, what the initial insertion and broadside (to the detriment of one political side) was all about, as in the body’s underlying agenda. The opposition itself is sure to lead a groundswell of disgust at how outsiders deliberately interfered and tampered with Guyana’s elections for ulterior motives, one of which was to unseat by any means available.

It is disappointing that Global Witness has suddenly decided to change horses in midstream. It leaves lots of questions unaddressed and hanging as to what really it’s true role was here, the purpose of that report, as well as on whose behalf it was acting and, therefore, against whose interests. The withdrawal of this report is most unexpected, and does not sit well, and this is no matter how much Global Witness says it stands by the integrity of that upheaving “Signed Away” report. Something is not adding up.

Youths of Guyana must stand up to Venezuela Dear Editor, The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela should be Guyana’s friendly, helpful neighbour. It came out of the cradle of under-development before us, and grew to be wealthy with the earth’s resources. But it also grew instincts of greed and power – and of expansionism to satisfy both.

Certainly, there are good people in Venezuela who disdain these motivations; but there are powerful cabals who cling to them, alien though they are to the spirit of pan-Latin American cooperation and respect espoused by the country’s national hero, Simon Bolivar.

For over a century and a half, Venezuela lived with its borders, including with Guyana, when they were colonial borders. Clearly, they could endure colonial borders, but not those of the true people of Guyana – our indigenous people, and the sons and daughters of imperial years of slavery, and indenture and immigrant labour, moulded into a young nation.

As we sought to exercise our right of selfdetermination in the 1960s – as colonialism collapsed world-wide – Venezuelan greed could not be contained.

Under nationalist and even ‘cold war’ flags they laid siege to almost three-quarters of Guyana - an emerging infant neighbour.

With old conquistadorial adventurism, they sought to disqualify Guyana’s birth and birth right. They failed to disable us at birth because both “mighty” Britain and “small” Guyana resisted.

Guyana would be the territory within the borders of its cradle of Independence unless, in the unlikely event, the world’s highest judicial body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), were to someday rule that Guyana’s self-determination was misplaced.

But Venezuelan imperial ambitions never liked the law.

It was too pure for their indecency of territorial theft.

And so it remains – only now magnified by the reality that “small” Guyana has the prospect of off-shore

oil resources. Venezuela’s territorial greed - like Nazi Germany’s policy of Lebensraum (grabbing territory in Eastern Europe by force) - is now heightened by criminal enrichment.

The ICJ to whom the Secretary-General of the United Nations has entrusted the resolution of this unseemly matter, has ruled that it is the right place to do so.

That affirmation of the lawful path has inflamed the forces of poaching in Caracas who now threaten, in their raves, to further defy international law, and the peace and security of the Caribbean region as they reach out in a maritime clutch against Guyana and beyond it.

The Venezuelan President’s decree of January 7, 2021 with its promulgation of a so-called ‘Atlantic Façade’ that claims sovereignty and exclusive sovereign rights for Venezuela in the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast west of the Essequibo River, is not only a violation of international law, it is also

a blatant attempt to snatch Guyana territory and maritime space.

We must not permit this to happen. In the forefront of pressing for such resistance must be the younger people of this our beloved country.

Under no circumstances should we countenance any attempt to erode the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.

The Caribbean Community has already spoken out publicly against it, and so have the United States and Canada. Having failed to silence the voice of global justice, shame should o v e r w h e l m Venezuela. Regrettably, that is unlikely. Therefore, the youth of Guyana must stand up now, and let Venezuela and the world know that we will defend the rights of our country – peacefully, and in accordance with the applicable rules of international law. We will not genuflect to threats or to unilateral, illegal declarations by any party in Venezuela.

Sincerely, Thandi R. McAllister

The gas-to-shore project must consider an optimum path to shore Dear Editor, Guyana government is increasingly considering a gas to shore project to support the growing energy needs, faced since mid-2015.

According to previous reports, ExxonMobil offered in 2018 to bring 30 million cubic feet per day (MMScfD) of gas to shore, to meet Guyana’s energy needs.

Private sector has shown interest in the project, as thermoelectric generation, domestic, and vehicle gas consumption could translate into a growing business.

Since production startup, producing gas oil ratio (GOR)

has been consistently increasing, at an average rate of 12% to 14% per month, from around 450 Scf/Stb initially, to around 1.150 Scf/ Stb more recently. Although doubtful, assuming December 120.000 BPD production estimate informed

by Exxon was correct, the equivalent gas production should be at present in the neighbourhood of 110 to 130 MMScfD from 30 to 40 MMScfD initially.

As previously mentioned in February’2020, both Liza and Payara assets [https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2020/02/03/guyanas-

offshore-facts-risks-andchallenges/] are mainly volumetric, meaning there is no natural pressure support, demanding fluid injection to compensate for the energy lost during production. But the case of Liza seems particularly complex, as it apparently was initially thermodynamically placed exactly at the saturation point, prompting segregated gas production since project inception.

Further complications could rapidly arise for the Liza production, as reservoir energy rapidly dissipates in spite of gas recycling/

injection, as fill up time, and/ or uncontained injected fluids leaked outside the reservoir, work against pressure maintenance. This is precisely the reason why the GOR has been consistently increasing, and expecting to continue to expand with time.

Liza project only includes three gas injectors. Disposed gas volume into the reservoir is limited besides by the number of injectors, by the injectivity rate, and the formation fracture pressure.

Exceeding these latest parameters could lead to complex environmental (Continued on page 6)

Thursday January 14, 2021

Trotman’s claim that Global Witness report was designed to bring down Granger administration is preposterous Dear Editor, The withdrawal of the report, “Signed Away”, by the Global Witness (GW) organization saw a swift response by Raphael Trotman in the media.

The protagonist sought to use this event as a reason that precipitated the fall of the Granger government. He also used this to downplay his role in that sordid affair that allegedly saw Guyana losing $55 billion (USD) in Exxon’s oil deal.

I contacted the Director of GW to seek clarification regarding the reasons for the withdrawal and inquired if GW had changed its premises in that “Signed Away” report (except for the overestimation (oil money) benefits to Guyana).

GW has affirmed that they stand by the integrity of the evidence presented and stand by the fiscal model produced by OpenOil that was commissioned by that environmental/human rights body.

GW is an apolitical organization whose mission is to point out ecological and human rights abuses by the exploitation of natural resources and corruption in the global political and economic system.

It is preposterous to surmise that the “Signed Away” report was orchestrated as a tool to bring down the Granger government, as alluded to by

Trotman.

Of particular interest to the Guyanese people is what Trotman said regarding the oil revenues (with Exxon). The report states that “Trotman also told Global Witness that getting maximum revenues from Exxon was not the government’s main aim and the country needed Exxon to help protect its borders from Ve n e z u e l a ” . ( H m m m – getting maximum revenue from Exxon, not a priority??)

According to the GW report, Trotman undertook “a lavish trip to the (Exxon) company’s Texas headquarters, complete with a first-class flight, a stay at an expensive hotel, and a meal at an exclusive restaurant”, and that Exxon’s internal policy prohibits gifts that may “improperly influence pending business decisions.”

The report concludes that “Trotman may have had a conflict of interest during the deal because his political ally, Nigel Hughes, was a lawyer for Exxon.

His firm has represented the company since 2009, but Hughes denies he worked on the Stabroek oil reserve deal.”

Mr. Trotman seeks to have an investigation (into his role) in the oil agreement(s) and claims that such an investigation “will receive my full and unequivocal support.”

Let the investigation commence.

Yours truly, Dr. Devanand Bhagwan

Everyone will benefit when prices are reduced Dear Editor This is a letter to our private sector. The cost of living needs to come down in Guyana.

So how are we going to make a profit when we sell cheaper I hear people ask? By selling more at a cheaper price profitability can be increased.

As an example: instead of selling 100 units of water at $100 to give an income of $10,000 we can sell 200 units of water at $75 to give an income of $15,000 thereby increasing profitability.

Everyone will benefit

when prices are reduced.

Citizens benefit in cost of living reduced; private sector benefit with increased profitability; Government coffers benefits with increased taxes paid on profits.

Yours truly, Sean Ori

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Kaieteur News

When it comes to the CXC controversy, there remains a plethora of outstanding grievances Dear Editor, Due to the intervening holiday season, there has been relative quiet on the CXC front since mid-December.

The public, however, should not confuse this with the issue being settled or appropriately resolved. There remains a plethora of outstanding grievances, made worse with each passing day as the futures of too many students continue to be held in abeyance.

Firstly, the review regime implemented by the Caribbean Examinations Council continues to be a bone of contention, with respect to both the length of the process and its substance. On Sunday, 18th October 2020, Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of CXC, at a press conference called to discuss the conclusions of the Independent Review Team, asserted that the turnaround time for the return of submitted requests for reviews would be one week.

Yet, 11 weeks later, on January, 4th 2021, CXC issued a perfunctory statement suggesting that only 80% of the requests for review had been processed, with no indication as to when the remaining 20% will be completed.

There has clearly been a significant breakdown in the review process which has yielded such a disgraceful

delay, yet there has been no acknowledgement of this fact on the part of CXC nor an explanation as to the possible reasons for this.

As it relates to the substance of the review process, with the majority of reviews returned, the data suggests that to a large extent there have been a few changes to grades, but in nearly all cases, these reviews only yielded a one grade point upward adjustment. For example, a student who, unmeritoriously, received a Grade III in a CAPE subject, and who benefited from the review, would only now see a Grade II on their grade slip, which is certainly an improvement, but in many instances, remains an unacceptable grade, when juxtaposed against the student’s capacity and actual performance in the components of the examination.

The sporadic and unreliable nature of the review process clearly demonstrates that the review regime is fatally flawed, as it has not remedied, in a substantial way, the glaring failures of the original marking process.

This is compounded by the fact that a cloud continues to linger over the review regime as important questions have remained unanswered, including who conducted the reviews.

Clearly, the individuals who took part in the original marking process should not be reused for the review process, as it is inappropriate for one to be called upon to review one’s own work. But if new persons were contracted to review scripts do these persons have an acceptable level of experience both in the secondary school system and in the correction of examinations? Without this crucial information, it is difficult for the public to accept the outputs of an almost clandestine process.

Secondly, the communication of the Council, which was an issue highlighted in the Independent Report, continues to be weak. As aforementioned, self-imposed deadlines are missed without explanation or apology, and there continues to be no recognition on the part of the members of that branch of the Caribbean education ecosystem that students have been substantially, materially affected.

In a vacuum of information, fear preponderates. As the days pass, that is the reality confronting many students and their parents as their applications to university, in many instances, continue to be delayed, while the slow process plays out, or other students, already at

university, cannot reapply for lost scholarships without the improved CAPE grades.

This tragedy is compounded for many by the uncertainty surrounding this year’s examinations, as well as the very worrisome plans in the pipeline for the same.

At a time where many students in the region cannot get back to the classroom, and so the ability to cover the same amount of content as in previous years is hindered, it is impractical to hold an examination with the same format and expectations as previous years.

It is also unthinkable to seek to do so with a delayed timetable, such that remarkable dislocation is caused to the 2021/2022 academic year.

While many would have wished that 2021 would have been a welcome change from last year, the reality is that, thus far, the midnight hour on the 1st of January ushered in little change in circumstance.

There is however still time to salvage this year.

I hope that the Ministries of Education will continue to bring pressure to bear upon the Council so that this issue may be equitably and quickly resolved. The expiry date for this iniquity has long passed.

Yours truly, Khaleel Kothdiwala Student Advocate (Barbados)

Having a stronger military presence may be preferred approach to ensuring border integrity Dear Editor, In light of the USA’s announcement that they will support the ICJ process and that they have no interest in establishing a military base near the Venezuelan border it is then up to the current Administration and Parliament to do what’s best in our national interest within our current capabilities. We must remember that the USA in recent years had rejected the authority of the ICJ, so we must proceed with caution. If they have shifted their position back to recognizing the ICJ then we hope that it is

a permanent change that does not hinge upon changing circumstances and convenience. The USA was supporting Guaidó who holds a similar position on Essequibo and our oil is a drop in the bucket when compared to the oil reserves of Venezuela.

When the battle over Ankoko Island had occurred in 1966 and 1970 the USA’s preference was to lead the mediation process with Venezuela and if it were not for the UK’s historical intervention we would not have the necessary leverage

we have today. Therefore, we must continue to explore the options before us to ensure no advance by Venezuela can be easily made to take the

remainder of Ankoko Island.

By having a stronger military presence, with or without an ally on the Island may be the (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

...The gas-to-shore project must consider an optimum From page 4 hazards. Although injection rate tends to diminish with time, for the Liza project gas injection rates could top from 8 to 14 MMScfD per well, equating into a maximum gas injection volume of 24 to 42 MMCsfD. Besides the gas that is being utilized as process feedstock, the rest is considered a “liability” and a cost centre for Exxon. If the above assumptions are correct, current Exxon gas liability from Liza asset amounts between 50 and 60 MMScfD. This is the volume of gas that Exxon actually could be forced to invest additional

unexpected funds into, to be able to reutilize it, unless the PSA allows them to fully flare it.

For the case of Liza Phase II some 15 injection wells will be considered, allowing more room to disposed produced gas through 6 gas injectors.

In the meantime, as Exxon is not willing to expose any additional unplanned capital, is looking for ways to lead Guyana into a possible dead end, where the country will be forced to finance their expenses and costs, selling the gas to shore project as a solution to Guyana, when actually is a s o l u t i o n to their own growing problems. Guyana

should patiently await, and at the same time enforce the environmental law to limit Exxon’s flaring and pollution practices.

The gas to shore project must consider an optimum path to shore, to allow for future interconnection of multiple fields through a gas ring and not a single route.

As more assets are developed, and mature, more gas volumes will be available to satisfy not only Guyana energy needs, but perhaps some of its neighbours.

Millan Arcia Einstein Senior Upstream Oil & Natural Gas Global Adviser and Subject Matter Expert.

Thursday January 14, 2021

Attention should be paid now to Venezuela’s Juan Guaidó Dear Editor, With just a few days to go before US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice Presidentelect Kamala Harris are inaugurated, US-backed “interim” or alternative Venezuela president Juan Guaidó will share his vision of the next steps for his country for 2021. It would be interesting to hear how he sees the policy of the new US Administration on Venezuela and how that policy is likely to impact him and Venezuela/ Guyana relations.

Guaido’s presentation will take place Friday morning at an event put on by the

Council for the Americas/ Americas Society. Here is the text of the invitation I received to participate: “Nicolás Maduro held fraudulent legislative elections on December 6.

Fully 60 countries have issued or joined public statements condemning those elections as neither free nor fair. On December 26, 2020, the Venezuelan National Assembly voted in favor of extending its current term beyond January 5, 2021.

At this event, Juan Guaidó, who will continue to serve as interim president beyond that date as well, will

present his vision for next steps in the new year.

Colombian Vice Foreign Minister Adriana Mejía and U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela James Story will give welcoming remarks. To close the event, a panel of Venezuelan civil society leaders, including student leaders, health workers, and dissident chavistas, will share their views on the challenges that face the country in 2021.”

I would advise that Guyana pays keen attention to what Guaidó has to say.

Yours truly, Wesley Kirton

...Having a stronger military presence may be preferred approach to ensuring From page 5 preferred approach to ensuring the integrity of the border. An invitation to the USA or the UK to conduct joint training exercises on our

half of the Island may be one of the next best steps forward, but establishing a strengthened position via improved military capabilities at the border is necessary to

aid in deterring further incursions.

We must learn from our history.

Yours truly, Mr. Jamil Changlee

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday January 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

Local Content – meaning the provision of goods and services by citizens to the oil and gas companies – is a main aspect of any oil and gas economy in a developing country.

It is the most effective way of directly integrating citizens of a country into the oil and gas economy.

Local Content should start off at a reasonable level and then continue to grow throughout the lifetime of that economy.

Without transparency on the levels of local content, however, there is no way of knowing the rate at which local content is growing, and in which sectors.

Guyanese need to demand transparency when it comes to the level and nature of local content in our oil and gas industry.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday January 14, 2021

BK given extension by Patterson for G$124M sea defence project when he was out of office J

unior Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar, has raised questions as to how Brian Tiwari's BK International Incorporated got permission for a deadline extension on the G$124 million sea defence project at Andrews on the Essequibo Coast from the previous Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, when he no longer held the post.

Minister Indar was at the time responding to comments made by BK's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brian Tiwari. In a letter, Tiwari proffered an explanation as to why works were still being conducted far past the project's completion date.

BK gave a similar account as his Chief Engineer, Ganesh Sawh, who stated that it was Patterson, who instructed the company to focus their e ff o r t s o n f i x i n g t h e breached sea defence at

Dantzig Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

The Engineer had told Kaieteur News “there were two other contractors fixing the breach at Dantzig, but they weren't doing a good job. So, Patterson and his Chief Hydraulics Officer had instructed us to move over to Dantzig to take over the repairs.”

Minister Indar in response stated that BK sought an extension of the Andrews project deadline in a letter dated August 10, 2020, due to the emergency works required at Dantzig.

“This request, according to BK International, was approved by David Patterson, former Minister of Public Infrastructure,” the J u n i o r P u b l i c Wo r k s Minister wrote.

However, Minister Indar was keen to note that BK's request was made after the Irfaan Ali-Administration took office on August 2 and after the new Ministers

Junior Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar assumed office on August 5, 2020.

“Therefore,” Minister Indar added, “I would like to ask the question of how Mr. Ganesh Sawh got permission from Mr. David Patterson, who did not have any authority.”

Added to that, the Junior

Former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson Minister noted that the request was made mere days before the initial completion date for the project.

A l t h o u g h t h e o ff i c i a l commencement date of the contract was January 21, 2020 with an August 21, 2020 completion date, the Ministry granted BK two extensions with the contract.

The contract was expected to be completed in

seven months. The Junior Public Works Minister further explained that a new date of October 9, 2020 was set by the Ministry for completion of the project based on a letter issued on August 17, 2020.

“It was also mentioned in the letter that the works should be expedited assiduously to have the project completed within the stipulated deadline and failing to satisfy the requirements of the deadline, would result in liquidated damages being instituted,” the Minister continued.

Later, on September 30, 2020, a letter of nonperformance was issued to BK by the Public Works Ministry, reminding the company of the date of completion and its responsibility outlined under Clause 17.2 of the General Conditions of Contract.

It was said that BK then asked for a further extension in a letter dated October 9, 2020, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the main

reason. The Ministry later granted a new date of completion – December 31, 2020.

Minister Indar further explained, “On December 28, 2020, BK International wrote seeking a further extension stating that the heavy rainfall was the reason for the project being incomplete and asked for another extension until January 31, 2021.”

However, that request was not facilitated, since the contractor has breached his timeline and has defaulted on the performance of the work more than once.

BK only recently came under fire from Government.

This was after a visit to the project site revealed that only 15 percent of the works was completed although 70 percent of the payments had been awarded.

Minister Indar had reported that the project was aimed at repairing 1,000 feet of riprap sea defence at the R e g i o n Tw o v i l l a g e .

However during the visit, it (continued on page 16)

Local Content Panel favours...

From page 3 provision that was never part of the original draft compiled by Trinidadian Local Content Expert, Anthony Paul.

Warner's confidentiality provision sought to hide from public scrutiny; the truth about how many Guyanese would be hired and trained for the operations of the oil companies along with how many local businesses would be given first preference for the procurement of goods and services.

To t h i s v e r y d a y, ExxonMobil continues to guard this information from the public's eye despite calls for disclosure from this newspaper and other transparency advocates since 2015. What the oil giant does opt to do, however, is feed the public with sporadic pieces of information on its local content efforts.

For example, on January 11, last, the company was proud to disclose that two local companies—Denmor Garments Manufacturers Inc. and Caribbean Clothing Company Ltd.—secured contracts to manufacture a

total of 2000 coveralls for construction workers in Singapore. The workers are supporting construction of the Prosperity, which will become the third floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel in Guyana.

What ExxonMobil is still to show Guyanese is a breakdown of the job description for all Guyanese, their salaries alongside foreign hires, and even the plans in place to increase workforce year on year.

In fact, no data has ever been provided for the public to analyze if there was any progression in the employment of Guyanese to senior positions from 2015 to now.

But ExxonMobil is not one that hides from public scrutiny. According to its Production Sharing Agreement, it is required to provide half yearly reports on its local content achievements. That document is expected to outline how appropriate adjustments would be made for betterment in the following year. From 2015 to 2020, the APNU+AFC never released a single report in

this regard, save and expect for that one time in 2018 where it disclosed the names of 300 companies ExxonMobil boasted about using as part of its local content efforts.

Upon examination of the information provided, however, it was found that ExxonMobil had padded its list with the names of places like Bourda Market, Haags Bosch Dumpsite, Royal Castle, Bounty Supermarket, Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Star Party Rentals, and Shanta's Roti Shop. It even listed utility companies such as the Guyana Power and Light and the Guyana Revenue Authority as part of its local content efforts too.

Persons were also listed as registered companies. They included Sonia Noel, Chontelle Sewett, Andron Alphonso and Mokesh Daby.

Loud condemnation from stakeholders locally and beyond these shores underscored that this does not count as local content.

Efforts to arm the country with a robust law and supporting policy to bring an end to this type of behaviour by the company are still underway.

Thursday January 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Greater restraints on Presidential powers are needed D

onald Trump may have done well in last November's Presidential Elections. But he will now go down in infamy as one of the most disgraceful and unfit Presidents of the United States.

Yesterday, the House of Representatives, one of two chambers of the Congress, voted for him to be impeached. He becomes the first President to face two such indictments. It is not likely that he will be found guilty by the Senate since his tenure ends within one week.

But the Americans may spring a surprise and still go ahead with the trial so as to make him an example.

The Americans are sending a clear signal to the internal insurrectionists and to the world that it still has institutions which can still be relied upon to uphold the values upon which their nation is founded. The institutions of government, the judiciary and now the Congress are sending a clear signal that they can stand up against dictatorship and tyranny.

A number of high-level government officials of the Trump Administration have resigned. They are refusing to have anything more to do with Trump even though his tenure only has one more

Dem

boys seh...

I

s a New Year but is de same old 'shaving cream' tekkin' place.

De Pee Pee Pee is de biggest culprit when it comes to violating social and physical distancing rules.

Dem mekkin' rule fuh everybody fuh follow, dem gat de Task Force sending letter to businesses fuh put dem demselves in order, but de Pee Pee Pee doing what dem please and setting a bad example.

A Central Executive member of de Pee Pee Pee dead from COVID-19. De Pee Pee Pee decide to organize a tribute to de man.

Dem must decide dat de best way to honour de man is fuh honour de disease wah kill de man - because dem nah

week. The New York Times reported that among the senior officials who have tendered their resignations were: Education Secretary, B e t s y D e Vo s ; Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao; Mick Mulvaney, Special Envoy of Northern Ireland; Matthew Pottinger, Deputy National Security Advisor; John Costello, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors; Stephanie Grisham, First Lady's Chief of Staff; Rickie Niceta, Social Secretary; Sarah Matthews, Deputy White House Press Secretary and Eris Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General.

These high-level resignations arose in the wake of the storming of the Capitol and represent an implosion of the Trump Administration. The White House is now said to resemble a ghost town, far more desolate than during the pandemic's lockdown.

Those who have resigned are signalling their rejection of the attempted assault on democracy. Former Attorney General Bill Carr described the conduct of Trump as a betrayal of his office and his supporters.

The American judicial system had rejected attempts to use the justice system to stymie the election results.

More than 60 lawsuits were filed in an attempt to overturn the election results.

Most of these were dismissed by brief judgements indicating there was no case to be answered.

The legal challenges hit a stone wall Despite the invasion of the Capitol, the Congress stood its ground and later confirmed the victory of Biden. Congress is now standing firm in punishing what was described as an insurrection. They will go much further than people think. They will send a strong message that the actions of Trump and his fellow instigators will not go unpunished.

Trump has already begun to face personal sanctions. His social media accounts have been deactivated, an unprecedented move against a Head of State. It shows how serious the Americans believe was the threat to freedom by Trump's words on that fateful day last week.

Trump was a creature of the media. His appearance on the reality show, The Apprentice, ignited his political stardom and coupled with his use of social media campaigning, led him to an upset win over Hilary Clinton four years ago.

But the very media

De Pee Pee Pee setting a bad example practice social distance at the function dem organize.

A whole set of Pee Pee Pee people, including Robde-Earth and Jag-de-O and de Prezzie tun up. And dem didn't even practice social distancing or physical distancing. People sitting down within touching distance of each other.

Some, including Ministers, bin standing next to other people.

It seems as if de Pee Pee Pee nah gat no sense of propriety or conscience.

What sort of example dem Pee Pee Pee leaders of de country setting. If was another country, people woulda been calling fuh all ah dem get fired immediately because dem

breaking dem own rules.

De Office of de President or somebody acting on behalf of it, does run a Facebook page showing wat de President doing.

De lead picture of de ceremony showing de President sitting next to a Mulvi who nah wearing he mask properly.

If dat sort ah thing bin happen under Burnham dat person who responsible fuh putting such an inappropriate photograph in de public domain would ah get fired immediately.

But is suh when yuh want tek any and everybody and give dem big wuk.

Talk half and wait fuh mo slackness from de Pee Pee Pee.

which made him is now prepared to break him. No legitimacy has been given to actions of those involved in storming the Capitol.

The media has not attached the label of resistance to the storming of the Capitol. Instead, they have described it as an insurrection and an assault on democracy and on freedom of expression.

Some have called it a siege and those who stormed the House as a mob or insurrectionists.

And the media has not given much credence to Trump's explanation that his

words to the protestors was appropriate. No! Many have come to Trump's defence in this regard.

And not many will want to do anything with him in the future. He will be a very lonely man for a very long time.

Trump is going to lose big financially. Already certain major party financiers are backing away from funding the party. This will hurt the Republican Party.

There is little chance now giving the push-back which is taking place for Trump to have any future

political role. Americans are showing the strength of American democracy.

Trump, however, has revealed a crack in American democracy. It is clear now that despite America repelling the attempt at overturning democracy, there is need to guard against the arising of another Trump.

And this will require greater restraints on Presidential powers so that another Trump never emerges.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday January 14, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The wrong people in the world, found in Guyana in 2020 Y

esterday I looked a t s o m e egregious and unpatriotic outputs from certain types of politicians (all of them were powerholders in the APNU+AFC outfit) in 2020. I ended with Khemraj Ramjattan. Space did not allow for me to assess the 2020 deportment of Ramjattan. So today, I begin with him.

1-Khemraj Ramjattan. I have in front of me an audio recording in which Ramjattan as Minister of Public Security addressed his senior staff during the election drama. I listened to it the night before I typed this piece. I heard it again just before I embarked o n t h i s c o l u m n . M r.

Ramjattan's words are pellucid, unambiguous and delivered with a simple style.

He told the staff he came to thank them for their service to him because there is soon to be an election declaration and it looks like the PPP has won. There is one section of that speech, which was clear as a sunny day, where you can see eternity.

He expressed doubt whether he would be welcomed in that ministry again by the new government.

On expressing that fear, he paused and said he doubt that would happen because it was from the PPP leadership he emerged and many of the PPP leaders still consider

him as a big brother. Weeks after that meeting, Ramjattan told a Trinidadian interviewer that his address was merely to goodbye since he was moving on to higher ground, that of the Prime Minister's position.

There is no mention in that 40-minute delivery of the Prime Minister's portfolio.

Ramjattan repeated that fiction in another interview with Naim Chan of Channel 6. Mr. Chan embarrassed Ramjattan immensely when he played the tape for his viewers and listeners. It is incredible in the modern world that such a person could remain the head of his party. It begs the question; what type of humans

inhabits Ramjattan's party – the Alliance For Change.

2- Moses Nagamootoo.

The former PM had the Chronicle all for himself in 2020. He regaled readers with a one-seat majority for the APNU+AFC. In one Chronicle article, he actually quoted from the statements of poll (SOPs) of APNU+AFC to prove it won the 2020 election. But strangely, APNU+AFC have not released those SOPs to be examined and did not make reference to the SOPs in its election petition.

After the long journey of election rigging ran aground and on August 2, Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President, no one has heard from Nagamootoo; no one has seen him. The man himself has not put out a word either in the print media or television or on social media. The rumour is that he is very ill. I was told that by a relative. Is he ill? Where is he? Is he in Guyana? Has he taken the loss of power badly and is not in a positive frame of mind? One thing for sure – his political career has crashed ignominiously.

Power does that to people.

3- Henry Jeffrey. Dr. Jeffrey was (still is) a columnist for the Stabroek

News during the long attempt to rig the March election.

Jeffrey contended that the results would not be a legal one because once you go into an election with a bloated list;

Frederick Kissoon the voting process will be rigged. To contest the 2020 general election, Jeffrey formed a political party with Mr. Ralph Ramkarran named, A New and United Guyana (ANUG).

It turned out that the bloated list, if it was in fact bloated, did not impinge on the turn out. In 2020, the number of people who voted was not substantially different in 2011 when APNU and AFC won a parliamentary majority and in 2015 when they jointly won a parliamentary majority. So where was the

effect of the bloated list?

Jeffrey did not have the courage after August 2020 to explain or apologize.

In fact, the graphic nonsense in Jeffrey's theory lies in the election results.

Despite the fat, fat list, the PPP won a mere one seat and the smaller parties captured a seat among themselves.

4- Bonita BoneHarris. Formerly of the WPA leadership, I saw a letter from Ms. BoneHarris last year lamenting the use of violence in Guyana.

Ms. Bone-Harris was the common-law wife of Ronald Waddell. When he was murdered, she referred to him as a non-violent person.

Ms. Bone-Harris' letter jolted me momentarily. Waddell was one of the most violent, anti-Indian actors Guyana produced. Mr. Waddell's involvement in the Buxton Troubles was sickening and demented. I would be quite happy to share with her the evidence I have of Waddell's violent activities, which no doubt former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has in his possession.

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

Thursday January 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday January 14, 2021

C. Persaud Dental Lab & Clinic Christmas Promotion...

Three winners presented with prizes

T

hree persons entered the New Year as winners after they participated in a Christmas promotion held by the C. Persaud Dental Lab and Clinic.

The Lot 14 Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara establishment conducted the promotion during the month

of December last year.

Customers were eligible to participate after spending $5,000 and over. This allowed them to receive a coupon to enter the competition.

On December 31, 2020, the curtains came down on the competition with a prize drawing exercise.

The prizes were: one flat screen television, one microwave oven and one blender. The winners were: T. Ramharath, Ronald Thomas and Godfrey Hercules.

The Christmas promotion has been an annual activity over the past 10 years.

$150,000 bail for TV producer who allegedly raped girl, 13

A

television program m e producer was on Monday released on $150,000, bail after he was charged for allegedly raping a 13year-old girl.

The defendant, Collin Venture, 39, of 'B' Field Sophia, Georgetown, made his first court appearance in the G e o r g e t o w n Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that during the month of September 2020, Venture raped a child under the age of 16.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge after it was read to him.

According to reports, Venture was a daily visitor to the child's home.

Charged: Collin Venture

It is alleged that on at least four occasions when Venture visited, he took the child to a washroom at the side of the house and raped her there.

The child's relatives later found conversations between her and Venture. It was then that the child related what had happened and a report was made to the police.

A medical examination was conducted on the child and revealed that she was sexually active.

An investigation was launched and Venture was recently arrested and charged with rape of a minor.

The Chief Magistrate granted Venture bail and the matter was adjourned to January 18, 2021.

Thursday January 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday January 14, 2021

Rice and cattle farmers clash over use of lands - Minister instructs high-level team to find solution

By Malisa Playter-Harry

A section of the rice and cattle farmers

D

ozens of rice farmers from the 52/74 Villages in Berbice were on Monday, up in arms over the withdrawal of a letter issued b y t h e Wa t e r U s e r s Association (WUA) to impound cattle that have been grazing in their rice lands and destroying their crops. This has been a burning issue for years but a permanent solution is yet to be arrived at. In the interim, it has caused friction among rice farmers and cattle

Persons listening attentively during Monday’s meeting farmers. On Monday they verbally clashed, as yet again attempts were made to resolve the predicament.

The letter that was issued by the WUA enraged cattle farmers, but it was after word reached the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar

Mustapha, that the farmers were having major issues, that a team, including the Regional Chairman, David Armogan; Regional Agriculture Coordinator, Dennis Deoroop; Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Livestock Development

Authority (GLDA), Dr. Grayson Halley; Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Board, Lionel Wordsworth; Legal Advisor within the Ministry of Agriculture, Attorney at Law, Umdat Chandan; Regional Vice

Chairman, Zamal Hussain; were sent to listen to the plight of the frustrated farmers.

Chairman of the 52/74 areas WUA, Ahmad Rajab, who was part of the meeting, told media representatives that by way of a letter, permission was granted to impound the animals found grazing on the lands. This, he said, has been happening for the past 14 years.

However, a few days ago, he revealed that the attorney attached to the Ministry of Agriculture advised Minister Mustapha that the act does not allow WUA to “pound on NDIA’s structure.’ It was reportedly after receiving the guidance from the attorney that the Minister gave instructions to withdraw the letter.

Rajab said that when that information was relayed to the rice farmers, they became enraged and demanded that the letter go through and that the animals be impounded. They all gathered at the WUA building at Number 63 Village where the team also met with them and a few cattle farmers that showed up as well. There, they argued about what was the best solution to resolve the issue.

Both sides disagreed with each other and there seemed to be no solution in sight. Arguments were centered on the cattle venturing into rice farmers lands and grazing on their crops. They stressed that the issue has been a protracted one and they are “fed up,” and want an immediate end to the issue.

Cattle farmers on the other hand, alleged that their animals are poisoned and

killed by the rice farmers.

They argued that those present could not make any decision to fix the issue and so they wanted the immediate intervention of the Minister. It was after the intervention of Wordsworth, the NDIA Chairman, that the farmers calmed down a bit.

Rice farmer Ramgoolam passionately demanded that they be provided with 200 rolls of wire and 5,000 poles to fence the area “now!” He stated that many years ago that was given by the late Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeo Sawh, and that had worked well for rice and cash crop farmers. However, due to works that were carried out by NDIA to clear drains caused by heavy flooding, the fence was destroyed and never replaced.

Another farmer suggested that NDIA clear the canals and place the debris on the ground around the canal then construct the fence. This, he said, would hold the fence stronger in place. He added that when NDIA has to execute future works in the area, the fence will not be affected, this was agreed upon by all the farmers. The NDIA Chairman lauded the young farmer for his suggestion.

Additionally, Deoroop, the Regional Agriculture Coordinator, stated that the Guyana Rice Development Board was set to conduct a survey to determine the losses incurred by the farmers.

Meanwhile, Armogan, the Regional Chairman, during an interview after the meeting, disclosed that the Minister has since instructed that the letter issued by the

WUA be withdrawn. He stated that his administration is now tasked with finding a solution to an “age old issue” and that “the time has come where we have to find a solution.” Armogan said that the Minister of Agriculture “is intent on doing so and that is why he sent us here today to look at solutions so that he can find the resources to implement those solutions.”

He added that, “one thing that was established here today was that the Water Users Association does not have the authority to issue a letter to impound animals.

So the Minister was right to say withdraw the letter. We are trying to find a solution where we can have an area for cattle so that they don’t roam around and destroy other people’s rice and cash crop.”

He said too it was suggested that an area “way down in the savannah where, once we can fence a particular area; GLDA is looking at that and I am sure G L D A w i l l c a r r y the suggestion to the Minister.

They said they will need about 200 to 300 rolls of wire and about 5,000 posts to surround the area so the cattle won’t graze in the rice lands.

Once we can locate another area for cattle and put rice and cattle separate, it can be a solution to the present problem that we have,” he said.

Additionally, President of the Rice Producers Association, Lekka Rambridge, has stated that having the fence will not permanently solve the issue but it will suffice until an area is earmarked for cattle grazing only.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 14, 2021

Major General (Ret'd) Joe Singh to Chair NAREI Board - new Board to develop progs. to guide Govt. policies on coconut development, bioethical, mangrove, etc.

A

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday officially instated members of the Board of Directors for the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

The board will be chaired by Major General (Ret'd), Joe Singh.

The new board members, according to a release issued Tuesday, will serve in this capacity for one year. They were encouraged to work together in order to lay the ground work to take the agency to the next level.

While offering remarks, Minister Mustapha said that the Board is expected to develop programmes aligned with Government's policies, as were outlined in its 20202025 manifesto.

“Some of those policies are to create a supporting environment for other crops development, promoting agriculture diversification with focus on coconut and horticulture. NAREI is also tasked with promoting an agro-energy industry; producing bioethical through palm oil, cassava and corn. I recently had a discussion with the Chairman about palm oil in Region One and I've asked him to prepare a programme for the Ministry so that we can see the kind of funding necessary for that,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Board was also tasked with developing guidelines to expand import substitution crops, as well as soya bean, corn and other crops in the Hinterland Savannahs. The subject Minister noted that, in last year's emergency budget, incentives were given in the soya bean and corn industry and that the Board should work to promote the cultivation of these two crops.

Furthermore, Minister Mustapha encouraged the Board to pay special attention to developing strategies to boost Guyana's coconut industry.

“You know for a fact that our coconut industry is about to take off and we've been putting a lot of emphasis on its success and development.

We ' v e h a d b u d g e t a r y allocation last year to develop two new coconut nurseries and this year we are proposing an additional seven nurseries for other areas around the country. We are optimistic

Major General (Ret'd), Joe Singh that we'll have those projects approved by the Ministry of Finance so that we can begin constructing these nurseries.

The coconut industry, for me, is probably the third most important crop in our country and has the potential to be a very large foreign exchange earner for Guyana. We've also made great progress with joining the International Coconut Community (ICC),” Minister Mustapha said.

Mr. Singh, the Chairman of the Board, while offering remarks stated that the Board will work together to address the areas identified by Minister Mustapha.

“The Minister has given us a very comprehensive outline of his and Cabinet's expectations of the Board and direction on what is considered priorities as it relates to NAREI's mandate. I don't expect us to only be sitting in a boardroom, but we'll also be visiting other areas across the country.

In this way we'll be able to see the results of NAREI's research as well as interact with farmers. I really would like us to think, from a national perspective, how what we're doing as a Board is not only supporting, tasking and monitoring what NAREI is doing but what it is that we can bring to the Board. I don't expect persons to just be rubber stamps,” Mr. Singh said.

The Chairman further stated that there are a number of outstanding issues that the Board will be dealing with during its statutory meetings.

The Board was also tasked with guiding NAREI on ways to expand on training and its extension service capabilities.

Minister Mustapha stressed (continued on page 16)

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

GRA tax operations to be upgraded next month WANTED Parfaite Harmonie Tuchen, farm, Eccles, Herstelling, Uivlugth, Covengarden, Zeelught and elsewhere Cash.

Call 666-2326

SERVICES

Experienced cashier, counter server, roti/ puri cook, cleaner, apply Hack's Halaal, 5 Commerce St

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: Boys & girls for the interior & 626-7040 live in domestic for Repairs,Services,Spares to Georgetown. Tel#670-1641, Washing Machine 660-9093 Refridgetor Store, Treadmill, Puri roti cooks apply Deepfryer,Cooler,Dryer,Grains @shanta's 225 camp & mill.Call:#694-9733 Newmarket Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

One 1 welder must know grill work Tel#625-5763 One female domestic cook not older than 40 yrs, Call 231-8737 between 8am - 4pm

House plan& estimate Call 216-0671/ 692-8464 or whats Driver for route #42 bus Call 649-7371 app 622-0267

Male & Female to work in factory. Apply in person to R.P'S Enterprise area "K" Le Ressouvenir. E.C.D VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Fortuner 2012 model G$11.9 Million. automatic, Low Mileage (40,000 km) Tel#660-0192, 233-5859, 6885554 VACANCY 19 seater pitbull excellent condition original seats. Call New York marketing firm 675-3093 wants to hire sales managers. paid training. serious FOR SALEFOR SALE canidates.

Email: Household items in excellent sally@jwiz.com condition owner leaving Technical Services, 18-23 Incountry. Call 640-0624 dustrial Site, Eccles. 1. MePlastic drums for sale contact chanic 2. Fitter/Machinist 3.

Welder/Fabricator. 3 Years Ex223-5273/74 or 600-0266 perience. Apply in person.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank Area. Call 6159132.

FOR RENT Fully furnished 1 & 2 bedroom house / apartment / parking, E.C.D. US$600, US$700, daily $40, whatsapp/ call 868747-4343, 648-1787 1 two bedroom apt for rent Eccles H/S E.B.D Call Shelon 648-7004, 233-2219, 659-2204

Pitmen and Hauler operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call 6182020 1 Experienced Typist Clerk and 1 Cook & Bread & Pastry Maker. Kindly email us at jacquelinepinder811@gmail.com.

1 experienced sales clerk to work in a lumberyard / hardware store.Preferably from the W.B.D or W.C.D 612-9344 / 646-1738 Experienced carpenter. Call 691 1918 Vacancy for one experience carpenter & mason.Tel#2236035,673-6210

WANTED Experienced Salesgirl with 2 yrs experience. Apply @ Christine's Variety, Lombard St.Contact:227-8529.

Thursday January 14, 2021

Security guards contact 2235273/74 or 600-0266 Experience water delivery driver and porter Tel#676-1363 / 692-6768

- to improve taxpayers' convenience and internal operational efficiencies Next month, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be replacing the current tax administration software TRIPS II with a new tax software, Optimal Revenue Management System (RMS), to improve taxpayers' convenience and internal operational efficiencies.

Optimal RMS is designed to improve taxpayers' experience with the GRA, while providing a convenient and intuitive online service.

In a press release, GRA noted that the new software “is a powerful and flexible tool that brings together taxpayers information, transactions and communications within one user-friendly system.” This overhaul of tax administration, it added, uses trustworthy

data and facilitates high quality and timely services to clients, which includes faster processing of refunds.

In addition, the GRA revealed that this highly anticipated venture is expected to deliver improved interactions on tax operational services for both staff and taxpayers, where manual processing of applications will be a relic of the past.

The online platform caters for all tax purposes, and taxpayers will be able to view their current tax status online and receive timely alerts on account events, GRA stated in its release, adding that online communication with the agency will be boosted, allowing taxpayers to correspond effortlessly and submit

Major General (Ret'd)...

From page 15 the importance of NAREI's extension officers being more responsive to the needs of the farmers. He further added that one of the major challenges in research in Guyana is getting the technology to farmers.

“Our extension officers need to be more engaged with farmers' groups to assist with the establishment of demonstration plots and place more emphasis on the dissemination of agriculture technology to these groups. There also needs to be some amount of work directed towards plant protection.

During the Ministerial visit to Suriname last year, I had discussions with Surinamese authorities and we'll have areas of corporation that NAREI will have to play a very important role.

I know we've made some progress in this regard with diseases that were detected in Suriname and Brazil and I think at the level of the Board, these issues have to be looked at very closely,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Board was also asked to pay close attention to the VACANCY Vacancy exist for the following labours, semi skill workers etc. Please contact P.S.G.C.S Tel# 621-6969, 615-7784 DRIVER/Salesman, Plant ASSISTANT, Security GUARDS. Tel# 647-4427 Searching for Labourers to work on cash crop farm paid $5,000 - $6,000 per day. telephone #695-6139/ 638-7420 Driver; Must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, Age 2545, Car/Van License. Call 6429823.

development and implementation of the mangrove development plan for 2021-2025.

Minister Mustapha urged the new Board to develop a programme to guide government's five-year strategic plan for strengthening Guyana's sea defences through the integration of mangroves, inclusive of the execution of mangrove replanting exercises in vulnerable areas across the Coast.

Apart from Singh, the new members of the NAREI Board of Directors include: Dr. Dindyal Permaul, Anjanie Narine, Andrew Forsythe, Natasha Beerjit-Deonarine, Bibi Shadick, Jainarine Narine, Suresh Amichand, Pooran Seeraj, Ricky Roopchand, Christopher Vandeyar, Dr. Garvin Cummings, Porandatt Narine, Raymond Ramsaroop and Dr. Oudho Homenauth (ex officio).

queries.

“To prepare our clients, the Information Technology department has launched a website: www.gra.gov.gy/optimal, which provides resources and information that allow all taxpayers to become acquainted with upcoming changes, new and updated returns, forms and the various due dates. The website also organizes the changes according to taxpayer type for convenient access,” the release outlined.

Persons can also visit

www.gra.gov.gy/optimal for more information about the upcoming launch, features and benefits. Taxpayers, according to GRA, are also encouraged to look at the video presentations, which cover promotional, guidance and other useful content. The site will be continuously updated with new content until the eventual launch, the tax agency noted as it assured that “The GRA is committed to reviewing our systems to ensure they are in line with best practices.”

Indian company to build...

From page 11 shipyard to integrate carbon composite superstructures with steel hulls for the construction of its third ASW Corvette for the Indian Navy, which resulted in a reduction in weight and increased stability of ships. In fact, the released added, GRSE's aggregate order book was about US$3 billion, which includes products to be manufactured and delivered.

“As of December 2018, there are firm contracts for manufacturing and delivery of 13 ships comprising of: 1 ASW Corvette, three Landing Craft Utility, five Fast Patrol

Vessels, three P17-A Class Frigates, four Survey Vessels and 28 Diesel Alternators (1 MW) worth 2,250.00 million,” it was noted.

GRSE is said to have an advantage over global shipyards in securing contracts to build vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard because it qualifies for the “Make in India” initiative. The “Make in India” initiative grants indigenous manufacturers a competitive advantage when supplying to the domestic market. More details on GRSE are available at http:/ /www.grse.in/index.php/ourcompany/about-us.html.

BK given extension by...

From page 8 was observed that a meager 150 feet, or 15 percent the of works had been completed.

BK's Chief Engineer has since insisted that 24 percent of the works have been completed.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Minister Indar cautioned contractors that government “will not sit back and

allow for mismanagement or corruption to take place at the cost of Guyanese taxpayers.”

“The Government and the Ministry of Public Works in particular is committed to ensuring that the public's purse is protected and not continuously stripped by incompetent or errant contractors,” he said.

Thursday January 14, 2021

Bus driver killed in three-vehicle smash-up A 31-year-old bus driver was killed on Tuesday following a three-vehicle smash-up along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The dead man has been identified as Uriel Reynolds also known as Orlando, a father of one, who lived at Munipur Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.

The accident, according to police, occurred around 19:15 hrs.

Investigators reported that a car heading west along the highway collided with a pickup, which was heading east. The driver of the pickup then lost control and slammed head on into the minibus Reynolds was driving at the time.

Eyewitnesses said that the pick-up had crashed into the car first and then slammed head-on into the Reynolds’ bus. They claimed too, that just moments before the smash-up, the pick-up’s driver was seen speeding along the highway and apparently lost control of the vehicle. The aftermath was horrific. The front of Reynolds’ minibus was completely smashed in.

Reynolds’ father, Elon Reynolds, posted details of the accident on Facebook and stated that persons “had to literally pull the front of the bus apart” to free his son who was pinned and bleeding.

Another occupant of the bus was also injured and had to be assisted as well.

By the time they were finished, Reynolds was unresponsive. Photos from the accident scene showed public-spirited citizens trying to keep him alive. One individual held his head up in their arms as another assisted.

They wasted no time in rushing him and the injured passenger to the Georgetown

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Public-spirited citizens doing their best to keep Reynolds alive (Photo Credit: Guyanese Critic).

The pick-up, which slammed head-on into Reynolds’ bus.

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Doctors there,

The bus Reynolds was driving at the time of the accident. (Photo Credit: Guyanese Critic)

however, pronounced Reynolds dead on arrival.

His father stated that he was present at the GPHC to view his son’s body. He detailed that Reynolds’ feet were completely crushed. He noted too that there was blood oozing from his nostrils and ears. The man said that Reynolds was his youngest son and was treated as the baby of the family. He recalled that his son had only celebrated his 31st birthday in December.

As Elon reflected on his son’s life, he noted that “he was quite young and still had a lot to live for, especially for his seven-year-old son.”

Elon also called for a thorough investigation into the accident that resulted in his son’s tragic demise.

Police have since reported that a breathalyzer test was conducted on the pick-up’s driver, but no trace of alcohol was detected in his breath.

Investigations are ongoing.

Over 500 children tested positive for COVID-19 since March - Health Minister - says Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines cannot immunize children Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has revealed that over 500 children have tested positive for COVID-19 in Guyana since Guyana recorded its first case in March 2020.

Minister Anthony made this disclosure while delivering the COVID-19 update yesterday. He stated that the majority of them were found through contact tracing.

He explained that children are generally asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms of the virus, making it harder to discover those cases. When a person tests positive, the Health Ministry usually requires everyone in the household to be tested to make sure they are not infected. This, he said, includes children who may be in the household as well.

Dr. Anthony also gave a breakdown of the discovered cases of child infections. He said that 114 children between the ages of zero and fiveyears-old tested positive for the virus; 176 between the ages of five and nine-yearsold and another 247 between the ages of 10 and 14. This gives a total of 537 cases of child infections, which accounts for approximately 7.5 percent of the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases countrywide, which is 6,696.

The Minister further stated that the Health Ministry has rarely had serious cases of infections among children, even in light of the number of confirmed cases.

This newspaper had reported two instances where a child succumbed to the virus; one in November when an 11-year-old cancer patient whose cause of death was

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. first ruled as cancer-related complications but was later reclassified as a COVID-19 fatality, and a six-day-old baby who was born with complications and tested positive for the virus.

Minister Anthony also revealed yesterday that children cannot be immunized with the Pfizer BioN-Tech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines

slated to arrive in Guyana this year.

He revealed that both vaccines only provide immunization for persons at the ages of 16 and above.

However, the Pfizer company has begun clinical trials for children 12 to 15-years-old.

Additionally, the Minister stated that the company intends to start another clinical trial soon for children between the ages of five and 12-years-old.

Meanwhile, yesterday’s COVID-19 dashboard revealed 43 new infections. It showed four persons currently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 57 in institutional isolation, 402 in home isolation and an additional 30 in institutional quarantine. The COVID-19 death toll remains at 170 and a total of 6,063 recoveries have been recorded to date.

GECOM Commissioners pocket $450K monthly, even if they walk out of meetings The six Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) get approximately $450,000 after tax, as a monthly stipend for their participation at statutory meetings.

In addition, that figure remains the very same even if the Commissioners decide to absent themselves or walkout of a meeting.

The Opposition nominated Commissioners, Charles Corbin, Vincent Alexander and Desmond Trotman withdrew participation from a statutory meeting held on Tuesday over the Chair’s, Justice Ret’d Claudette Singh, reluctance to meet with Coalition heads.

Even with that, the Commissioners would still

pocket that hefty sum.

Sources from within the Commission revealed that statutory meetings are held on average three times a month, but these meetings would increase as the Commission gears up for the Local Government Elections.

The issue of Commissioners being paid even after walking out of a meeting was raised before by Trade Unionist, Lincoln Lewis, who called for the practice to be stopped.

That was back in 2019 when then Opposition Commissioners, Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn, now Minister of Home Affairs, had a six-week run of walking out of GECOM’s weekly statutory meetings in protest of the Commission’s

decision to move ahead with its house-to-house registration exercise.

“If GECOM can’t work and the commissioners breaking up meetings and walking out, then all you will have to say ‘don’t pay those people.’ I want tell you this is serious business. You can’t get one standard for the political operatives and then another standard for the man down here,” Lewis was quoted as saying in sections of the media.

The Commissioners are required to provide oversight of the elections body. Their duties include the perusing of the reports on the works of the Commission and interviewing staff to fill vacancies, among others.

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Thursday January 14, 2021

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Donald Trump impeached for ‘inciting’ US Capitol riot WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives voted yesterday to make Donald Trump the first U.S. president ever to be impeached twice, formally charging him in his waning days in power with inciting an insurrection just a week after a violent mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol.

The vote in the Democratic-controlled House was 232-197 following a deadly assault on American democracy, with 10 Republicans joining the Democrats in backing impeachment.

But it appeared unlikely that the extraordinarily swift impeachment would lead to Trump’s ouster before the Republican president’s fouryear term ends and Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20. The Senate’s Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, rejected Democratic calls to convene the Senate in emergency session to begin an immediate impeachment trial, according to a spokesman.

The House passed a single article of impeachment - a formal charge - accusing Trump of “incitement of insurrection,” focused upon an incendiary speech he delivered to thousands of supporters shortly before the pro-Trump mob rampaged through the Capitol. The mob disrupted the formal certification of Biden’s victory over Trump in the Nov. 3 election, sent lawmakers into hiding and left five people dead, including a police officer.

During his speech, Trump repeated false claims that the election was fraudulent and exhorted supporters to march on the Capitol.

With a large presence of rifle-carrying National Guard troops inside and outside the Capitol, an emotional debate unfolded in the same House chamber where lawmakers had crouched under chairs and donned gas masks on Jan. 6 as rioters clashed with police officers outside the doors.

“The president of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said on the House floor before the vote. “He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love.”

No U.S. president ever has been removed from office through impeachment. Three - Trump in 2019, Bill Clinton in 1998 and Andrew Johnson

President Donald Trump in 1868 - previously were impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate.

The impeachment comes at a time of gaping political divisions in a pandemicweary United States near the end of a tumultuous presidency in which Trump governed with a right-wing populist message preaching “America First.”

Democratic congressman Julian Castro, a former presidential candidate, called Trump “the most dangerous man to ever occupy the Oval Office.” Congresswoman Maxine Waters accused Trump of wanting civil war and fellow Democrat Jim McGovern said the president “instigated an attempted coup.” Some Republicans argued that the impeachment drive was a rush to judgment that bypassed the customary deliberative process such as hearings and called on Democrats to abandon the effort for the sake of national unity and healing.

“Impeaching the president in such a short time frame would be a mistake,” said Kevin McCarthy, the House’s top Republican. “That doesn’t mean the president is free from fault.

The president bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters.”

Trump’s closest allies, such as Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, went further, accusing Democrats of recklessly acting out of pure political interest.

“This is about getting the president of the United States,” said Jordan, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in a private White House ceremony this week. “It’s always been about getting the president, no matter what. It’s an obsession.”

A handful of Republicans backed impeachment, including Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican.

“I am not choosing a side, I’m choosing truth,” Republican

Vice President Mike Pence

Jamie Herrera Beutler said in announcing her support for impeachment, drawing applause from Democrats.

“It’s the only way to defeat fear.”

In a break from standard procedure, Republican House leaders refrained from urging their members to vote against impeachment, calling the vote a matter of individual conscience.

Under the U.S. Constitution, impeachment in the House triggers a trial in the Senate. A two-thirds majority would be needed to convict and remove Trump, meaning at least 17 Republicans in the 100member chamber would have to join the Democrats.

McConnell has said no trial could begin until the Senate was scheduled to be back in regular session on Jan. 19, one day before Biden’s inauguration. The trial would proceed in the Senate even after Trump leaves office. McConnell said in a memo to his fellow Republicans he has not made a final decision on how he will vote on impeachment in the Senate.

The Capitol siege raised concerns about political violence in the United States once considered all but unthinkable. The FBI has warned of armed protests planned for Washington and all 50 U.S. state capitals ahead of Biden’s inauguration.

Trump yesterday urged his followers to remain peaceful, saying in a statement, “I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind. That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for.”

Impeachment is a remedy devised by America’s 18th century founders to enable Congress to remove a president who has, according

to the Constitution, committed “treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” If Trump is removed, Vice President Mike Pence would become president and serve out his term.

The House impeached Trump after he ignored calls

for his resignation and Pence rebuffed Democratic demands to invoke a constitutional provision to remove the president.

The House previously voted to impeach Trump in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his request that Ukraine investigate Biden and his son Hunter ahead of the election, as Democrats accused him of soliciting foreign interference to smear a domestic political rival. The Senate in February 2020 voted to keep Trump in office.

Wednesday’s article of impeachment accused Trump of “incitement of insurrection,” saying he provoked violence against the U.S. government in his speech to supporters. The article also cited Trump’s Jan. 2 phone call asking a Georgia official to “find” votes to overturn Biden’s victory in the state.

During his Jan. 6 speech, Trump falsely claimed he had

defeated Biden, repeated unfounded allegations of widespread fraud and irregularities in a “rigged” election, told his supporters to “stop the steal,” “show strength,” “fight much harder” and use “very different rules” and promised to go with them to the Capitol, though he did not.

“If you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore,” Trump told his supporters.

Democrats could also use a Senate impeachment trial to try to push through a vote blocking Trump from running for office again.

Lawmakers delivered speech after speech, wearing masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a moment of truth, my friends,” Democratic congressman Gerry Connolly told his colleagues ahead of the vote. “Are you on the side of chaos and the mob or are on the side of constitutional democracy and our freedom?”

20,000 guardsmen to deploy for Biden’s inauguration WASHINGTON (Reuters) - While Congress acted to impeach him, President Donald Trump yesterday urged his supporters to shun violence as the National Guard prepared to deploy at least 20,000 troops in Washington for the Jan. 20 swearing-in of his successor Joe Biden.

The city’s acting police chief Robert Contee announced the figure a week after thousands of supporters of the Republican Trump stormed Congress in a failed bid to stop the final certification of the Democrat Biden’s election victory. One police officer and four protesters died in the siege.

About 8,000 National Guard troops were on hand for Trump’s 2016 inauguration, Reuters reported at the time.

While the House of Representatives debated a formal charge of “incitement of insurrection,” Trump and the Republican National Committee called for an end to violence ahead of the Inauguration.

In a White House statement, Trump said: “In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind. That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands

President-elect Joe Biden for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers.”

Home-sharing giant Airbnb and subsidiary HotelTonight were cancelling all reservations in Greater Washington during the inauguration week.

Roads near the Capitol, which were overrun with violent protesters on Jan. 6, have been closed. The National Park Service has closed the Washington Monument to tours and Mayor Muriel Bowser has asked visitors to stay away.

Incoming troops will be responsible for securing the city before Biden’s inauguration, with new fencing engulfing the Capitol area. Two officials said some National Guard troops were deputized as Capitol Police

officers to carry out law enforcement functions if needed.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen warned against further attacks in a video released overnight and urged the public to come forward with tips about potential attacks and threats before the inauguration, including “attempts to forcefully occupy government buildings,” he said.

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said it was unclear why Rosen and other top U.S. officials had taken so long to speak publicly, or why Rosen’s video was posted overnight, raising further questions about how federal law enforcement responded to the mostly white mob’s attack last week compared with the more diverse Black Lives Matters protests last summer.

“It’s inexplicable,” McCabe told CNN yesterday.

D e m o c r a t i c Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a target of conservative media, told of fearing for her life in an Instagram Live video on Tuesday.

“I did not know if I was going to make it to the end of that day alive,” she said without providing details, citing security concerns.

Thursday January 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Indian company to build US$12.7M ferry to ply Georgetown/North-West route T

o the tune of US$12,733,403 one of India's leading ship building companies, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), will design, build and supply an ocean-going passenger and cargo vessel for the Ministry of Public Works' Transport and Harbours Department.

Described as a Government of India undertaking under its Ministry of Defence, the contract for the project was signed yesterday in the presence of Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill and High Commissioner of India, H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa at a simple signing ceremony which was held at the Ministry of Public Works, Wight's Lane, Kingston, Georgetown, office.

A release issued by the Indian High Commission revealed that the cost of the ferry vessel is being financed by the Government of India with a grant of US$8 million and a Line of Credit of US$10 million. The ferry is to be used in the North Western region as well as South Western region of the country up to Kwakwani in the Berbice River. It will be used as a coastal as well as river service vessel.

The Government of Guyana proposes to utilize the balance amount of US$18 million for upgrade of the marine stellings that will serve this vessel. The proposal in this regard is being examined by the Government of India, the release noted.

According to Minister Edghill, the Ferry is expected to be delivered within 18 months and will provide larger cargo carrying capacity, shorter travel times and a safer and more comfortable service to commuters travelling between Georgetown and the Northwest District.

Minister Edghill also highlighted the payment breakdown for the contract which will be done at different instalments; an advance payment of 20 percent will be disbursed this month in the sum of US$2,253,601.

Another 40 percent of the contract value will be disbursed this year at various construction milestone dates totalling US$5,239,901.07.

The final 40 percent of the contract value totalling US$5,239,901.07 will be

disbursed next year after the installation of the main engines and steering systems and upon receipt and acceptance of the vessel.

GRSE is a prominent shipbuilding company in India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, primarily catering to the shipbuilding requirements of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.

In addition to its ship and warship building capabilities, the company is also engaged in engine production and other engineering activities.

The engineering division manufactures deck machinery items, prefabricated portable steel bridges and marine pumps.

Over the years, GRSE has developed capabilities for in-house design and shipbuilding and has made considerable contributions to the indigenous warship construction programme in India.

The shipbuilding product line spans technologically sophisticated Frigates and Corvettes to Fast Patrol Vessels. “In the last five decades, GRSE has built and delivered ships ranging from small to large and advanced vessels, including frigates, anti-submarine warfare corvettes, missile corvettes, landing ship tanks, landing craft utilities, survey vessels, fleet replenishment tankers, fast patrol vessels, offshore patrol vessels, inshore patrol vessels, WJ-FAC, hover crafts and fast interceptor boats for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, MHA and governments of other countries,� the release added.

It was also revealed that GRSE has built and supplied more than 750 vessels to carry men and material for the surveillance of the coastline. Over the years, the company has responded to the varied shipbuilding requirements of the Indian Defence Services and has evolved from building simpler vessels to building larger and technically advanced warships.

Presently, GRSE has three separate facilities for shipbuilding, all of which are located in close proximity to each other in Kolkata, India.

GRSE is the first Indian (continued on page 16)

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill; High Commissioner, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, and others during the signing ceremony

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Thursday January 14, 2021

Thursday January 14, 2021

CWI pays tribute to Vivalyn Latty-Scott - pioneer of women’s cricket ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has paid tribute to Vivalyn Latty-Scott, the outstanding West Indies allrounder and pioneer for women’s cricket in the Caribbean, who sadly passed away on Saturday.

She was a member of the first West Indies team to play a women’s Test match in 1976 against Australia and also served as an inspirational leader in the game in Jamaica.

After retirement she was as a coach at all levels and also an umpire.

During her career as an off-spinner and right-handed batter, Latty-Scott played 10 Test matches and six OneDay Internationals. She was the first West Indian woman

to take five wickets in a Test innings – 5 for 48 off 41 overs on debut against the Australians in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Ann Browne-John, CWI’s Lead Selector for women’s cricket and a former international player noted: “It is with great sadness we heard of the passing of Vivalyn Latty-Scott. She was always a fierce competitor and took her cricket very seriously. She taught us how to put our all into the game and paved the way for what we see today.

She was an excellent cricketer.

She was truly one of the stalwarts of women’s cricket in the Caribbean.”

Dorothy Hobson, who played alongside Latty-Scott

for Jamaica and West Indies described her as a “dedicated and committed cricketer and lifelong fan of the game”.

Louise Browne, the first West Indies women’s Test captain hailed Latty-Scott as a “passionate player with amazing knowledge of the game”.

“When I started as captain, ‘Latty’ was one of the senior members of that first West Indies women’s team and she excelled with bat and ball. Whenever I put the ball in her hand I had the confidence she would produce good figures and she never disappointed. She was passionate about the game and was always aware of the statistics and what the team required. When the history of women’s cricket is updated,

Vivalyn must be mentioned among the outstanding players,” Browne said.

Hobson said: “She was a great captain for Jamaica and a great player for the West Indies. She was a complete player with bat and ball, equally adept at both skills.

Cricket was ‘her game’, she was a dedicated and committed cricketer and she always had a dream of doing great things for the West Indies. Her legacy is that she contributed to the game at all levels — boys, girls, men and women — she made a great impact at all levels.”

Stafanie Taylor, the current women’s captain and most successful women’s player in West Indies history also paid tribute to LattyScott.

...Blistering Josh Philippe Thursday January 14, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a great day to start a partnership of any kind, as it will prove cooperative, rewarding, and stable. Any legal papers executed today should definitely work for you TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Work you do today, whether related to your job or something you do on your own, could lead to a temporary boost in income, which is going to elevate your mood.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might toy with the idea of getting some kind of project or enterprise going with a close friend or love partner. If you're serious about it, Gemini, this is definitely the day to start.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Work that you're doing either at home or on your home is likely to go well today and bring you the results you're hoping for.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you're likely to feel especially communicative, Leo. You might want to get on the phone and run ideas for new projects by colleagues or perhaps make arrangements to complete current projects.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Business transacted today either in your home or concerning your home is likely to be successful and bring some extra money your way.

You probably feel especially optimistic about this.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today your intuition should be sharper than usual, Libra.

You might get a few calls involving possible business opportunities.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you should feel especially optimistic and enthusiastic, Scorpio, although you may not know why, at least at first. Later in the day some good news could come your way, possibly involving business and money.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new sense of closeness to those around you might have you feeling especially happy today. Your business and financial life should be going very well, your future seems bright, and now this puts the icing on the cake.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Intuition plays a large part in your work. You're apt to sense what others want or need and foresee the consequences of one course of action over another.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Information that you receive from far away could make doing business with a group you're affiliated with that much easier, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This could prove to be a gratifying day. Recent success in business might now be making a positive difference in your financial situation. This is apt to boost your mood quite a bit .

From page 23 the space of five balls gave the Thunder some hope and when Jordan Silk fell to the first delivery of the Power Surge - which was limited to one over - as he spliced Sams into the leg side the Sixers needed 32 off 23 balls. Two balls later, Dan Christian skied his first delivery into the off side but Ross could not hold over his shoulder as he ran back from inside the ring. In the next over from Nathan McAndrew, Christian launched two sixes and the game was done.

Hales starts, Sams finishes It had all looked so promising for the Thunder early on as Hales showed his destructive power by taking 21 off the third over against former England team-mate Jake Ball which included two leg-side sixes. After briefly consolidating following the loss of Usman Khawaja and Callum Ferguson, another six, a skimming sweep off Lloyd Pope, took him to a 29-ball fifty. After the stuffing had been knocked out of the middle order, Sams nursed the innings to a stage where they could push hard in the final few overs although 24 from the last two - which were the Power Surge - was manageable for the Sixers. Sams’ resurgent batting form continued with his second fifty of the season, brought up with a boundary off the final ball after Carlos Braithwaite had managed three consecutive dots in the last over.

Scores: Sydney Sixers 5 for 132 (Philippe 64, Sams 225) beat Sydney Thunder 6 for 166 (Hales 54, Sams 50*, O’Keefe 3-15) by five wickets (DLS method).

...Egotistic Administrators continue to hamper the future From page 22 ease to our athletes. There is absolutely no doubt that this nation is endowed with naturally talented athletes but our continued lack of facilities to develop the talent has always been one of our main challenges. It is the fervent wish of all right thinking Guyanese that our administrators begin displaying the correct vision to really transform the fortunes of our athletes.

It is also the wish of Guyanese that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is established in short order following the Act of 1993 and that the Commissioners who are appointed are all solid and work towards taking our sports to new positive heights.

Sports Administrators need to stop the foolishness of playing cheap politics;

reach out to each other and come up with innovative ways of maximising the uses of national facilities. We all love to see our politicians working together for the common good of the nation; similarly, let’s see our Sports Administrators do the same in the interest and development of our athletes.

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) also has a major role to play in ensuring that its members show the will to collaborate and work with each other. The future will only be bright if we endeavour to set aside pettiness and embrace the big picture of the nation really and truly attaining the heights we know it can.

With history being the ultimate judge, how would you like to be remembered?

Yours in sport, Colin Aaron

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 14, 2021

Letter to the Sports Editor GCB responds to Minister Egotistic Administrators Charles Ramson Jr continue to hamper the future

of our sportswomen and men

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has responded to comments made by Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr. yesterday following a visit to the National Stadium at Providence as a result of complaints made in articles in the media of damage done to the cricket pitches at the venue due to football being played there on New Year’s night.

Here is the full text of the release put out by the GCB. ‘The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has a mandate to organize, promote and manage the development and operations of cricket in Guyana. This includes ensuring that proper facilities are used in accordance with prescribed standards for regional and international cricket. These standards also guide our decisions in selecting facilities for domestic matches, as well as for directing the construct of our facility upgrade initiatives.

This direction is evident by the enormous investment in time and money spent at the LBI facility. Such degree of investment serves to reiterate the significance of stipulated standards for the hosting of professional cricket activities and the use of pathway exercises that are required by players to attain levels of professionalism.

Therefore, it would be error to underscore the significance of obtaining and/or mandating that required standards of facilities be upheld.

I t m u s t b e acknowledged, that the GCB has consistently objected to various aspects of the Cricket Administration Act based on strong and valid arguments. As a consequence, the GCB finds it disheartening that there once again appears to be political interference in the

administration of cricket in Guyana, all be it that this time the interference seems to be ignited by Minister Charles Ramson Jr. Nevertheless, it must be recognized that the GCB’s challenge to the Cricket Administration Act remains to be heard. The GCB vehemently believes that once the same challenge is heard, the GCB presented arguments will be unabatedly upheld. This apart, the GCB does not wish to comment at this time on particulars relating to the court matters, since such matters are sub judice.

Further, with relevance to the current nature of the pitch square at the National Stadium, Providence, the GCB wrote to the management of the facility seeking the use of the ground for the preparation of the Guyana Jaguars squad, for the Regional Super 50tournament which is scheduled for February 2021. The request for its use for preparation activities for this facility was geared at match simulations, and having been familiar with the type of surfaces offered therein, it was felt that the pitch square at the National Stadium, Providence would provide the Guyana Jaguars with adequate preparation for their regional encounter.

However, The GCB was informed by the management of the Stadium of damage to the pitch square, and subsequently visited the same facility to observe the informed damages. As a consequence, the GCB is in possession of a video depicting the severity of the damage to aspects of the pitch square on the day of our visit.

Additionally, it must be noted that at No time did the GCB issue a press release, as stated by Minister Ramson,

on the nature of the pitch square subsequent to the football matches that were recently played at the Guyana National Stadium.

In fact, the secretary of the GCB in an invited comment from media sources stated a position that is universally recognized with reference to international facility maintenance and management, and in this case with its applicability to the pitch square.

It must also be stated, that when Minister Charles Ramson Jr. took office, he summons the GCB to a meeting of which all the executive members attended with the exception of three such members. The meeting appeared to have projected the necessity for camaraderie and a unified trust in delivering the cricket goals and objectives for the country.

However, noticeably the Minister sought to utilize his office to facilitate approval of cricket in Guyana, a role and function normally undertaken by the GCB in fulfilling its mandate to organize, develop, promote and manage cricket in Guyana.

Consequentially, the GCB objected to this approach which apparently sought to subdue the power and authority that is conferred on the GCB. Here again, the GCB reiterate its position that the Cricket Administration Act needs to be revisited to clearly avoid government interference and other controversial clauses.

As a result, due to the unavailability of the Stadium, the GCB will now be forced to play their three (3) pre-tournament practice matches at the LBI facility on Monday 18 January 2021, Thursday 21 January 2021 and Saturday 23 January 2021.’

Dear Sports Editor, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jnr. ought to be complimented for his stance on the shameless allegation that football was responsible for damaging the Guyana National Stadium, Providence pitch.

Stories highlighting this untruth were carried in three of the daily newspapers earlier this week. Minister Ramson was swift in calling out the authors of this malevolent act as he visited the facility to further expose the wickedness of the authors.

The photograph that was published purporting to be the damaged pitch at the Providence facility was false. Additionally the outfield as well as the real pitch is both in near perfect shape as was seen in yesterday’s newspapers and electronic media.

For too long egotistic administrators have been playing selfish games with our sportswomen and men’s futures. There shouldn’t be an issue with either cricket, football or any other sport utilising the Providence facility. As a matter of fact, rugby was also played at this facility.

Let me also remind you that the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation which cocoordinated the Bounce

Back Football Fiesta along with the Guyana Football Federation and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport would have held many a football tournaments at this facility and never was it damaged.

International football matches were also played there including the now famous 11.11.11 when Guyana downed Trinidad and Tobago to make it to the third stage of FIFA World Cup Qualifying with His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo present among other government Ministers on this historic day.

So, how now, the world’s greatest sport is being accused of damaging this revered facility? Shame on the authors of this misleading and mischievous article and photo.

Like Minister Ramson said, each request for use of the Stadium must be looked at on its merit and the custodian of the facility (Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport) would then decide on approval taking into account the nature of the request and its importance.

This facility in question is huge enough to be used by multiple sports bodies and based again on Minister R a m s o n ’s w o r d s ; H i s Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali has already given the thumbs up

for maximum usage.

The large tarmac is already being used by various groups for softball cricket and small sided football. Cycling at some juncture had made an approach to the previous administration for the uses of the internal roads given the multiple deaths by accident of many of its members and even other civilians.

With adequate facilities still a challenge in this land, associations and federations must be wise enough to put up their plans and approach the MCYS to be able to gain access to its facilities including the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, National Gymnasium, Cultural Center Tarmac, and National Park Tarmac and the Carifesta Sports Complex among others.

The other Ministries which also own facilities must make a consorted effort to upkeep them and make it accessible to their employees and even sports associations and federations which so desire, subjected to following a prescribed procedure.

It is welcome news that the government is forging ahead with the construction of three multi-purpose facilities in Linden, Berbice and Essequibo which would no doubt bring tremendous (Continued on page 19)

Sabalenka clinches third straight title with Abu Dhabi win (Reuters) - Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka made a strong start to her 2021 season with a comfortable 62 6-2 victory over Veronika Kudermetova of Russia to clinch the WTA 500 event in Abu Dhabi yesterday and extend her winning streak to 15 matches.

After finishing 2020 with trophies at Ostrava and Linz, the strongly built Sabalenka started her new campaign in the same vein in Abu Dhabi and will rise three spots to a career-best world number seven when the WTA rankings are updated on Monday.

“I am really proud of the fact that I was fighting no matter what,” the 22-yearold told reporters.

“Some matches I did not feel my serve, some matches backhand, forehand.

But I was like ‘just keep fighting’. That’s why I am really proud of and happy with this title.”

It was the ninth title overall for the fourth-seeded Sabalenka, who now heads to Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of the year at the Australian Open next month.

She will now head to Melbourne for a mandatory 14-day quarantine before the warmup events start from Jan. 31 ahead of the Australian Open.

Wi t h h e r p o w e r f u l groundstrokes and all-round game, Sabalenka will be considered a dark horse at

the Feb. 8-21 Grand Slam at Melbourne Park.

“I will keep improving my game, keep working on some things,” Sabalenka said.

“It’s not about just staying in shape, there’s always something to work on and to improve. As soon as you stop working on improving your game, you will start losing.”

Sabalenka broke her opponent’s serve six times during yesterday’s final and was particularly pleased with her return game during the tournament.

“My biggest dream is to win a Grand Slam. I think we all have the same dream, so nothing really special,” Sabalenka said with a smile.

Thursday January 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Clive Lloyd to West Indies: ‘A perfect opportunity to prove you’re not second-class cricketers’

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SPNcricinfo - In 1966, 22-year-old G u y a n e s e youngster Clive Lloyd made his international debut in the first Test of the India tour, played in what was then Bombay. Lloyd, the tall and bespectacled lefthander, was told he was playing the match less than an hour before the start due to the finger injury to Seymour Nurse.

Lloyd scored 82 and an unbeaten 78 to help the visitors take the series lead.

West Indies won the threematch Test series 2-0 with Lloyd finishing among the top five run-makers. Lloyd utilised that fortuitous break to grow into a solid batsman and one of the most successful and dominant captains in cricket.

Now, at 76, Lloyd wants to use the story of his debut to motivate the inexperienced West Indies squads in Bangladesh.

Several of West Indies’ firstteam players in both the Test and white-ball teams opted out of the Bangladesh tour which comprises three ODIs followed by two Tests.

In a heartfelt letter addressed to the contingent,

In the absence of Jason Holder, opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the West Indies Test side. (Randy Brooks/AFP/Getty Images) Lloyd told the players that although they might feel they have “thrown in the deep” in what will be a “daunting” assignment, it is not “insurmountable.” The letter was distributed to the West Indies players at the behest of Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt.

Following is Lloyd’s letter in full.

Dear Guys, I thought that I would send you this message as I’m aware that you’re embarking

Blistering Josh Philippe keeps Sydney Sixers at top after Steve O’Keefe hauls in Sydney Thunder ESPNcricinfo - Sydney Sixers stayed top of the table with a convincing victory in the first derby of the season against Sydney Thunder as Josh Philippe’s 24-ball halfcentury ensured they were always ahead in a rainadjusted chase.

Alex Hales provided the Thunder with a flying start as he made a 29-ball halfcentury, but they lost their way against Steve O’ Keefe, who claimed career-best figures for the second time this season, and it needed a measured half-century from Daniel Sams to ensure the innings did not completely fall away. After a heavy shower at the change of innings, the Sixers were left with a 14-over chase and Philippe put them on course by taking 23 off the second over from Jono Cook.

During his innings, he

on a Tour which you probably weren’t prepared for and perhaps you feel like you’ve been thrown in the deep end and that people expect you to stand and deliver. What you should understand is that you have a chance of cementing a permanent place in the West Indies Team and not merely filling a gap. You have been chosen on merit. This is your d e s t i n y. I t i s y o u r opportunity to fulfill it. This is a perfect opportunity to

demonstrate your talents and skills to the world and prove to all and sundry that you’re not second-class cricketers.

You can step up to the plate.

In 1966 I was not selected in the original Test Te a m . F o r t u i t o u s l y, Seymour Nurse got injured and 45 minutes before the 1st Test I was informed that I was playing and I played 35 s t r a i g h t Te s t M a t c h e s because I performed well.

We won the series. You see I recognized there was an opportunity to demonstrate my talent and capabilities and I seized it with both hands. Moreover, playing for the West Indies is one of the highest honors a citizen of the region can achieve. I believed it then and I believe it now.

Yo u h a v e f o u n d yourselves in exactly the same position; therefore, the world is your oyster. This is your opportunity to prove yourself worthy of your selection and you should be proud to wear that West Indies blazer and cap. You are representing one of the best cricketing nations which possesses an enviable record of which we are very proud. Remember, we’re a

nation of just over five million people.

Our records include: 29 Test matches without losing.

11 straight wins. For 17 years straight we never lost a test match.

This is just a snapshot of our exploits and achievements in the past. It took hard work, commitment and a sense of purpose to realise them.

Above all I would advise that you pay close attention to your levels of fitness and seek at all times whether as a batsman or a bowler to refine your techniques and skills.

My team did it and I am confident you can too.

Yo u n o w h a v e t h e opportunity to improve our Test match rating and instill some pride again in the standard of our Cricket. This is not just my expectation but that also of the entire Caribbean region. Your victory would be theirs also.

Your trip to Bangladesh might look daunting but this task is not insurmountable. It is the ideal opportunity. With your determination, professionalism, youth and tenacity you can begin the dawn of a new era under the (Test) captaincy of the very

astute Kraigg Brathwaite.

Again, what I am saying to you is not idle speculation. It is based on my own experience. When I took over the West Indies cricket team we had lost more than twenty Test matches on a trot and there was a clear need for rebuilding and a repurposing of the team. I also had a number of untried players, as many of you might be. But my team did not flinch from the challenge and we eventually emerged on top. I am confident you can begin the necessary rebuilding of the West Indies team. We did it because we believed in ourselves. You can too. Self belief is the first step to success.

I would like you to remember this adage: ‘in order to gain altitude, you must have the right attitude’.

A positive mental attitude will see you through many tight situations which I’m sure you will encounter during this Tour.

Lastly, success comes before work only in the dictionary. I wish you the best of luck. Please remember most people are judged by the obstacles they overcome.

Josh Philippe sets himself for a big shot © Getty Images

Steve O’Keefe made huge inroads, Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers, BBL, Canberra, January 13, 2021 © Getty Images

became the leading scorer for the season, a tag that changed hands twice during the evening with Hales briefly in pole position.

O’Keefe’s best Although things had slowed after a Halesinspired charge, the Thunder were well placed at 2 for 85 in the tenth over. That changed in the space of three balls as Sam Billings picked

out long-on and Hales clubbed to deep midwicket against O’Keefe. It meant there were two new batsmen in at the midway point, forcing the Thunder into a period of consolidation and they would end up holding back the Power Surge for the final two overs. O’Keefe then added Alex Ross, lbw missing a sweep, and finished with 3 for 15 from a

spell that conceded just one boundary and included 12 dot balls.

Jackson Bird’s role was also noteworthy; he picked up 1 for 23 in his four overs which meant the eight between him and O’Keefe went for just 38.

Philippe looks ready After a couple of singlefigure scores, it was normal service resumed for Philippe

as he launched the Sixers’ chase by tucking into Cook with four fours and six in five deliveries. By the end of the reduced three-over powerplay, he had 31 off 11 balls and the Sixers were 0 for 41. After the six-over mark, he started to lose some of the strike as the chase got a bit tighter but was able to bring up a 24-ball fifty - the fastest of his BBL career.

There are a lot of people wanting to bat at the top of the order for Australia in T20Is but it’s becoming difficult to see how much Philippe can be denied his chance. Perhaps the series against New Zealand in late February?

Last chance dropped The wickets of James Vince and Daniel Hughes in (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Thursday January 14, 2021

Sir Andy Roberts deems Roger Harper’s - Says Holder is as a Captain utterances ‘unbelievable’ ‘lost’

By Sean Devers

S

ir Anderson Montgomery Everton Roberts said he does not like the make of the West Indies team sent to Bangladesh for the two-Test and three ODIs series which starts with the first ODI next Wednesday.

“I don’t like the like the make-up of the team. Over the last week or so I have been hearing some things and I just cannot believe those words were uttered by the Chairman of the selectors (Roger Harper) saying they are picking horses for courses.

Can you tell me which of those horses have ran before and how have they placed?

I think that’s because they are taking three spinners and a batsman who can bowl spin,” said the Antiguan who turns 70 on January 29, while speaking on the Mason & Guest Radio programme in Barbados.

“I cannot just say the fast bowlers will not do well in Bangladesh because the last time West Indies toured Bangladesh we won the Test match with pace.

Pace beats anything despite where you are because the ball does not come off the pitch quicker than it is delivered.

If we look back to days of West Indies cricket and the days of Wes Hall, he got 30 wickets in India.

I got 32 wickets in India and 12 in Pakistan and the last time I went to India Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding both took over 30 wickets, so fast bowlers could do well in the sub-continent.

I am very disappointed that we left young (Chemar) Holder out of the Test squad.

We could have taken Holder and leave home veteran (Kemar) Roach,’’ said Roberts who became a West Indies selector in July 2006.

Roberts who took 202 wickets from 47 Tests including 11-five-wicket hauls and twice captured 10 wickets in a match, still thinks Roach is the best pacer in the West Indies but reasoned that if you are picking horses for courses and you need to make space for the 22-year-old Holder then he would pick the fresher horse.

Asked to make a prediction and the result of the series, the father figure in the fearsome quartet which included Holding, Garner and Croft said he won’t say West Indies will win or lose because cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty but believed if the guys play to the best of their ability they stand a chance.

“I won’t be surprised if they lose nor I won’t be surprised if they win.

Maybe, just maybe… one or two of these guys might play above expectations,” said

Roberts who played 56 ODIs and captured 889 wickets from 228 First-Class matches between 1970 and 1984.

Roberts, who along with Richie Richardson and Curtly Ambrose were knighted on February 28, 2014, said he is disappointed with the state of West Indies cricket.

Asked if he thinks that we can do better, Roberts said that the players will have to work harder for us to do better and that is where our problem lies.

“Everybody keeps saying about this abundance of talent that we have in the Region and has been the saying from 1995 up to today.

We have an abundance of talent but the rest of the world talent has moved upwards, while our talent has remained stagnant.

There must be something the rest of the world is doing that we in the Caribbean are not doing,” continued Roberts, who became the first Antiguan to play Test when he made his debut against England in March 1974 in Barbados.

Roberts, who played for West Indies, Combined Islands, Hampshire, Leeward Islands, Leicestershire and New South Wales, was very harsh in his assessment of Jason Holder’s Captaincy.

“First I would like to

Roberts bringing the fury at the Oval in 1976. © PA Photos know how we judge a Captain. Is it his win/loss record; is it his performance on the field or how good he is at interviews? Well I think Jason Holder on the field is lost. I don’t think he is aware of what’s happening on the field.

You win the toss on a green top pitch and before Lunch I have a man on the point boundary …then I am lost. His field placement has a lot to be desired and I believe the time should come when he takes instructions from the Coach who is outside and can see the game better than he can,” posited Roberts.

“I am very disappointed i n t h i s c u r r e n t Administration as far as the cricket is concerned. I don’t think they are doing enough to help the cricket to develop; they are not focused enough on the development of the cricket.

It takes a lot for players to develop their cricket themselves and you need

guidance from the top.

We have a director of cricket who we don’t hear from and I think that is where we should be looking for him to come with plans and say this is where we need to go.

I think at the beginning of their programme they went ahead to develop Governance while leaving the cricket and the Territories to their own development.

I don’t think the Territories have monies to develop the cricket and that is where the CWI chip in and help with the development of the cricket,” continued the former quickie.

“I am not in favour of the professional set up…everything seems to be focused on the 15 players that these Franchises employ. What happens to the rest of the cricket?

The money is going to these 15 players and there is nothing going to the hundreds or the thousands of cricketers around the Region. We have to be fair

and try to develop everybody and not just 15 players.

I am very disappointed that we don’t see we have two or three players coming out of the Franchise that could go straight into the West Indies team and perform well on the International circuit… I can’t see that.

I think what they should do is employ four, five, six or seven of your top players and the rest of the money go into a pool to help the remainder but not just 15 players.

And what you do is still turn around and pay others to play and some prefer the pay to play than to be in the Franchise set-up. This needs to be looked at from a holistic point of view where everybody is going to be involved with the cricket and not just 15,” concluded Roberts who worked with Bangladesh’s fast bowlers in 2001 and again in 2005 and also helped coach India’s seam bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan in 2006.

Rollins supports Wiltshire dominoes tourney Andy Roberts helps Shahadat Hossain with his action at the Stanford Cricket Ground, Antigua, March 28, 2007.

(Tiger Cricket.com)

Lloyd Rollins from the Ministry of Public Works Special Project Unit has supported the Mark Wiltshire birth anniversary dominoes competition which is set to commence on January 16 at Turning Point Sports bar.

Rollins presented one of the trophies to Wiltshire and said he is pleased to be associated with the competition. Wiltshire thanked him for the support and said an exciting competition is anticipated since some of the top teams are set to take part.

Entrance fee is $15,000 and the winning

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

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

The competition will conclude on January 17 and among the teams set to take part are All Season’s, Mix Up, Gold is Money, C7, Providence, Turning Point, West Side and Transport SC. Action gets underway at 14:00hrs. Interested teams can contact Wiltshire on 659-8672.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 14, 2021

PAGE 25

Providence SC claim Halendino Sports to host Trials Sean Davis dominoes title

P

rovidence Sports Club emerged champions of the Sean Davis foursitting dominoes competition which was contested on Sunday last at Lil Hole bar, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara.

Providence SC took an early lead scoring 11 games in the first sitting, while Mix Up got nine and F and H eight.

Providence SC continued to dominate as they managed eight games to take their tally to 19 in the second sitting.

Mix Up and F and H made seven games each taking their total games to 16 and 15 respectively.

Providence SC established a sizeable lead in the third sitting as they chalked up 12 games, taking their total to 31, while Mix Up and F and H made four apiece to be on 20 and 19 in that order.

In the fourth sitting Providence managed nine

MVP Shawn Beaton accepts his prize form Zehira Beaton.

games totaling 40 games to take the title comfortably.

Mix Up took second place with 29 games, while F and H placed third on 24.

Shawn Beaton made 10 and Sean Davis nine for the winners, while John Chance marked 10 and Mark Wiltshire nine for Mix Up. Mark Rodrigues and Kevin

Boston scored nine and eight respectively for F and H. Beaton was named MVP, while Providence SC pocketed a trophy and $150,000, Mix Up received a trophy and $75,000, F and H took home a trophy and $35,000 and fourth place C7 $20,000.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

The Halendino Sports Company in collaboration with West Indies Sports Complex, Phillips Boxes, Sparta, Jaf’s Enterprise, Queen’s Kitchen, Tobin’s A u t o Wo r k s , B l a d e s Bodywork, Ray’s Electrical, Fabulous Homes, Jamrock Café, Jamal, Hotspot boys, Cream Team, MS Embroidery, Demerara Mutal Life Insurance, Boujee Boutique, KMPA Sports, Diamond Hotel & Sports Bar and Noami Grocies will host their first set of trials next Saturday and Sunday.

The trials are being held at various grounds including the Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) ground, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, South Ruimveldt ground, Agricola Community Playfield, Sophia Exhibition Center, Camptown ground, East Ruimveldt Nursery and Girls Guide.

The trials are being held by the Halendino Sports Company in collaboration with the above companies who will sponsor the

Khalifa Hale promising athletes and the trials will begin at 09:00hrs sharp each day.

The sports disciplines that the athletes will be on trial for sponsorships are Basketball, Cricket and Football and there will be no fee for any sportsperson that is desirous of trying out.

The best athletes will be determined based on a points system. For example, basketball players will undergo five tests. The first test will be a sprint, followed

by Free throws ability, threepoint and half court.

Successful/sponsored athletes will be paid a minimum of $3500 per game

henceforth, while some athletes will be able to secure bigger packages.

In an invited comment with this publication, Khalifa Hale, the founder of the Halendino Sports Company noted that the areas for trials will pay strict attention to covid-19 regulations. One person will undergo their trial at a time in a controlled environment and each participant will have a specific time they will have to be present at the ground for their trial run.

For more information, persons can make contact on telephone number 592-6654828.

The Halendino sports initiative has been supported by the Government of Guyana through several ministries and agencies including the Ministries of Health; Culture, Youth & Sports, Amerindian Affairs, Home Affairs, Human Services & Social Security; Education and Tourism & Commerce. In addition, the initiative is backed by the GDF and the Guyana Police Force.

Clive Lloyd’s letter was distributed to the West Indies players in Bangladesh. (Associated Press)

rt Spo

Clive Lloyd to West Indies:

‘A perfect opportunity to prove you’re not second-class cricketers’ Sir Andy Roberts deems Roger Harper’s utterances ‘unbelievable’ - Says Holder is ‘lost’ as a Captain

Andy Roberts leads Richie Richardson and Curtly Ambrose in a parade after they were knighted, West Indies v England, 1st ODI, North Sound, February 28, 2014. (Getty Images)

Blistering Josh Philippe keeps Sydney Sixers at top after Steve O’Keefe hauls in Sydney Thunder

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus serves the ball against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on day four of the 2020 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

Sabalenka clinches third straight title with Abu Dhabi win GCB responds to Minister Charles Ramson Jr

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