Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR Ramon Multibillion Tuesday Edition NEWS Gaskin says... gas-to-shore p.8 January 19, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 03

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

project is “all craziness”

Online readership yesterday, 119,909

New oil contracts should be subject to review on a regular basis - Oil Expert p. 12

aware Guyana CJ throws out election Bestay focused! petition case over failure to serve Granger on time p.

14

- orders GECOM to hand over SOPs in 2nd matter

Fmr. Minister Patterson 13p. Despite possible side effects… was gifted $500K in gold Local Emergency Medicine p. jewellery from taxpayers’ Specialist makes strong 2 dollars - document shows case for COVID-19 vaccines Inmate stabs Pensioner Amerindian Ministry murder convict dies in 13p. failed to balance APF for ‘grabbing’15p. Cummings bank account sincep. his buttocks Lodge fire 2009 - AG Report 15

Liza-Two will release 3 times more toxic water than Liza-One- EIAs

p.

3

We learn that one of the Fortune 500 powerhouses, Schlumberger Corp, is relocating its headquarters to Guyana.

Companies at this level only do so when the prospects for profits are very high and assured; many more will come.

We are in favour of such presence that are about production and development of the economy and society. Yet, as we share this with our readers, we point to other things and call upon our Guyanese brothers and sisters to pay attention, to focus continuously on what is going on with this oil of ours.

This oil belongs to us, and not to PPP politicians or opposition politicians, and their respective cliques and circles of friends and families. Every square inch of this land and water is owned by the citizens of this country, all of them.

It is their assets, their property, their blessings, which should be organised and maximised for the benefit of all Guyanese citizens first and foremost.

To repeat: this wealth is not the plaything of Guyanese political leaders. It is not theirs to do as they feel like, for whatever purpose they have in mind, which they refuse to share with a hopeful, trusting nation.

Fellow Guyanese: the politicians are doing the things that are against our interests, that will not benefit us as it should. Fellow Guyanese: we have to stand up for what is ours, what is our right, what is fair and just.

We must hold our political leaders, both PPP government and coalition opposition, to the strictest accounting.

They do not want that, and shy away from such fires, to which, we at this paper, hold t h e i r f e e t . We m u s t m a k e t h e m uncomfortable, unsettled and unhappy. We must speak up and keep the pressure on them to get the most out of this oil for us, and to share the whole story of it with us.

Fellow citizens: if we do not speak and take a stand, we will pay a high price based on bad choices and decisions. They will deceive us and cheat us as they did in the past.

Listen to a discussion with Glenn Lall and Chris Ram on this Gas-to-Shore project our leaders are talking about @ 11:00AM on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio. (Rebroadcast)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Despite possible side effects…

Local Emergency Medicine Specialist makes strong case for COVID-19 vaccines V

accines are being touted as the primary method to rein in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, at least 80 percent of the population will have to be vaccinated in order for this goal to be achieved. At least this is the theory being pushed by local Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr. Zulfikar Bux. But even as Guyana awaits the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines, there are some who are convinced that the vaccine can cause more harm than good. Dr. Bux is however urging that persons give the vaccines, once they arrive, a fighting chance.

“There are many that are forming negative opinions on being vaccinated against the COVID-19 infection because of myths that are being circulated. In the meantime, the virus keeps mutating and is spreading rapidly than before causing more deaths worldwide,” Dr. Bux observed. He is, however, optimistic that by sharing as much information as possible, persons will “hopefully be convinced of the need to be vaccinated when your turn comes.”

At the moment, there are

several vaccines that are in clinical trials and, according to Dr. Bux, once these trials are completed, they are presented to a panel of experts who review them and decide whether they are ready for use.

In his most recent column in this newspaper, he explained that, “each country or union of countries has its own group of experts that will review the data and approve or reject the use of a particular vaccine.”

Currently, there are three vaccines that have been granted emergency authorisation for use by numerous countries worldwide. These are the Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines.

As it relates to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, Dr. Bux said that data has shown that the vaccine starts working soon after the first dose and has an efficacy rate of 95 percent seven days after the second dose. This, he explained, means that about 95 percent of people who get the vaccine are protected from becoming seriously ill with the virus.

However, this vaccine is for people age 16 and older and it requires two injections given at least 21 days apart.

Data for the Moderna vaccine on the other hand, he noted, has shown that the vaccine has an efficacy rate of 94.1 percent and is intended for people aged 18 and older. This vaccine, he said, requires two injections given at least 28 days apart.

With an average efficacy rate that can vary from 62 to 90 percent depending on age, dose and time between d o s e s , t h e Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine requires two doses, which can be given between four to 12 weeks after the initial dose.

According to Dr. Bux, “Clinical vaccine trials showed some protection seven days after the shot.

Seven days is when the body starts showing replicated antibodies.” However, he

asserted, that the vaccine's full protection needs at least 28 days and two shots with the Pfizer vaccine, and 35 days and two shots with the Moderna.

This therefore suggests, the doctor noted, that receiving the shots of vaccines “does not mean you are protected right away.”

Added to this, Dr. Bux underscored that like other vaccines, “there is a possibility of some side effects from taking the COVID-19 vaccine.”

These, he revealed, could include: tenderness, swelling and/or redness at the injection site, headache, muscle ache, tiredness and fever (temperature of 37.8°C or greater).

A less common side effect, he mentioned, is that of swelling of the glands which could start a few days after the vaccine and may last for up to two weeks.

“This usually indicates that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Like any other vaccine and medication, there is a very rare risk that some may be allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine. It may lead to allergic reactions that can be reversed with treatment once given prompt attention,” Dr. Bux noted.

He, however, noted that “the more vaccines are approved for use, the better are our chances of getting at least 80 percent of the world vaccinated by the end of 2021.”

To further support his vaccination argument, Dr. Bux noted that since “COVID-19 is deadly in some and can be mild in others…it can also cause devastating long-term effects that may debilitate you if you get infected.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body

Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr. Zulfikar Bux without you having to become sick with COVID19.”

He noted that, “in the rare instance that you do become sick, the vaccine might keep you from becoming seriously ill or from developing serious complications.” Added to this, Dr. Bux is convinced that “getting vaccinated might also help protect people around you from COVID-19, particularly people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID19.”

CORRECTION

K

aieteur News in its Monday, 18th January, 2021, edition published an article under the caption “Applicant's name was used without permission to file case against Haitian deportation”. In that article,

it was erroneously stated that Allandres Archer, the man allegedly behind the matter, had joined forces with Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall S.C to have the matter, which is scheduled to continue on January 27, 2021, struck out.

H o w e v e r, t h e A G chambers in a statement yesterday claimed that the Notice of Application was filed by the Chambers after a video was circulated in both private and public media of Archer making allegations against Darren Wade denying that he authorised the institution of proceedings for and on behalf of himself or anyone else.

The Chambers noted allegations that the AG Chambers have 'joined forces' with Mr. Archer imputes a serious ethical offence against the entire professional staff of the Attorney General's Chambers.

As such, Kaieteur News retracts the statement and apologises for any embarrassment caused.

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Liza-Two will release 3 times more toxic water than Liza-One - EIAs E

By Kemol King

xxon's Liza Phase Two development operation has been approved to dump produced water at three times the discharge rate of the currently producing Liza Phase One operation.

According to the Liza Phase Two Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approved by the former D a v i d G r a n g e r administration, the company will be dumping up to 300,000 barrels of produced water into the ocean every day.

This is three times the discharge rate of 100,000 barrels per day listed in the EIA of the current Liza Phase One producing operation, where ExxonMobil has polluted Guyana's ocean for 13 months so far.

As Guyanese companies and citizens move with growing global efforts to protect the natural environment, this aspect of ExxonMobil's offshore operations sees Guyana moving in the opposite direction. This issue could prove perilous for the ecosystems of marine life and the fishing industry, but no one knows just how detrimental the impact is.

The former government had approved the two development projects which allow ExxonMobil to dump a combined total of 400,000 barrels of produced water into the ocean every day, with no requirement for the company to study the effects of such dumping.

In an August 2020 engagement with the press,

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, had posited that the oil giant wants to continue with its mode of operations which, according to him, includes treating the produced water to international standards and dumping it into the ocean. He had claimed it has no effect on the environment. Despite his claim, the company has never actually reported doing a study.

Former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, had said during a November 2020 interview that Guyana erred when it allowed ExxonMobil to dump produced water into the ocean.

On the Kaieteur Radio s h o w, G o v e r n a n c e , Corruption and Justice, Dr. Adams told Senior Journalist, Kiana Wilburg that the produced water is high brine content which could have several times the salinity of seawater, and has many kinds of minerals in it, for which the effect on the marine environment is unknown. He added that the produced water is very hot and that it raises the water temperature near the Liza Destiny by 38 degrees centigrade.

“So you can't tell me that that's not gonna impact the environment…” Dr. Adams had said. Dr. Adams had been leading the charge for ExxonMobil to have in place, the relevant technology to reinject any and all toxic water extracted during the oil production process.

However, he was fired by the Irfaan Ali administration

Excerpt from Liza Two EIA, showing details on produced water discharge

Excerpt from Liza One EIA, showing details on produced water discharge before he could see this and other environmental issues regarding the Payara project to fruition.

In its last September approval of the Payara project, the current administration did not prohibit the dumping of produced water, but it required ExxonMobil to

include tie-in points and space for produced water injection equipment, in the base design for the Prosperity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

According to the Payara production licence, the government is to oversee a study to be conducted by

ExxonMobil by the first quarter of 2021 to examine the safe and efficient reinjection of the produced water, and to determine the effects of the reinjection on the reservoir. The licence states that the study will also seek to determine how the effects of dumping produced water in the ocean can be

minimized.

It has been nearly four months since this approval, and the deadline is fast approaching. Kaieteur News sent questions yesterday to ExxonMobil Guyana and the EPA regarding the status of the study. Up to press time, neither of the two responded to this newspaper's inquiries.

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Vaccine does not change much in the short term There are numerous expectations along with much excitement over the arrival of a vaccine to combat the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic. It is comforting to learn, almost on a daily basis, that more and more places and companies are unveiling their versions of a vaccine for this super-heavyweight and frightening virus. Yet, the word is coming down from authoritative places that we need to manage ourselves carefully, and to understand fully that vaccine or no vaccine, some things are still the same, and will have to remain that way, out of sheer necessity, for the foreseeable future.

The BBC in an article in its online edition pointed this out under the caption, “OECD: Lockdowns here to stay, even with vaccine plan” (BBC, January 8). The outlook is for ‘more lockdowns and social distancing, even with a global vaccine rollout in place.’ As excerpted from the BBC coverage, that was the sobering forecast for 2021 from Laurence Boone, the chief economist of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. The projection of the chief economist is that “we probably have another six to nine or 12 months of this ahead of us.” Whether half a year or all of 2021 that looks like an eternity. A lot of people can become infected in that lengthy interval, and a lot more people than already did could die from this virus. It is now displaying more fearsome characteristics, through the detection of mutant strains, which are promising to be even more destructive this time around.

So, although there is the comfort that comes from knowing that a vaccine is around, and may be available, there still remain those essential aspects of our changed lives, which must be complied with, if we are to give ourselves and our families a good chance of surviving whatever the virus throws our way. As Chief Economist Boone stated, “we must keep going both with the nonpharmaceutical measures, the government support and deploy the vaccine, as long and efficiently” and “as fast…and securely as possible.”

In Guyana, the government, through its health authorities, has given notice that the first batch of COVID19 vaccines are scheduled to arrive in the second quarter of this year. That is certainly encouraging to hear, but it is still a little distance from today just past mid-January. A lot of things can happen between now and then, with a great deal of human and economic damage inflicted on this struggling society. A point to note is that whatever the quantity of vaccines that comes to Guyana, it would only go so far, and touches a small fraction of this nation’s population. We would hope that there is some order and integrity, as well as decency, to whatever process is employed in the distribution of the vaccines that arrive here. Let us not have more of the same ugly disputes and unending controversies of who received a shot, who should have, and who didn’t because of either selfish gaming of the system, or worse.

Regarding the possible economic fallouts that are feared, the OECD economics head articulated that governments should be aggressive in incurring more debt to assist with keeping their national economies going in the face of this unprecedented crisis. Specifically, she said that “These measures that we have strongly advocated do make sense because this crisis is temporary. So we’re talking about temporary measures and a temporary increase in debt to GDP ratio.” As we look at what has been happening here, it is obvious that the present Guyana government has been way ahead of the OECD chief economist, since a borrowing binge to the tune of many billions has been a regular feature of its strategies and activities. Some of those billions have been said to be for COVID-19 relief, which citizens are experiencing. While, on the other hand, quite a bit of the billions borrowed, or slated to be borrowed, are for highprofile and high-cost projects.

As we observe all of this, we think that there is some overstretch in the borrowing department, which could come

Tuesday January 19, 2021

We, Guyanese people are a work in progress, emerging from fragments of the six races Dear Editor, I refer to a number of letters recently in our various newspapers: “Let Sam Hinds show this Nation what he has done for the African community”, In Kaieteur News of January 7, 2021 by Mr. Lincoln Lewis, and “Mr. Hinds should say what he really did to lift up AfroGuyanese” in Stabroek News of January 9, 2021 by Mr. Hamilton Green. This letter responds to those topical questions.

Firstly, I refer (as Dr. Vishnu Bisram has also) to the tremendous material improvement our PPP/C Administration, with myself as a valued and valuable member, brought to our people and country over 1992 to 2015. Through our sequence of thoughtful budgets and programmes, we

Guyanese of all races, of all religions and from all regions of our country, were enabled to increase our average GDP tenfold; from an average of US$ 300 per person in 1992 to about US$ 3,000 in 2015, even in the presence of a long period of persistent attempts aimed at fomenting ethnic strife amongst us.

All our peoples and communities were much better off in 2015 than they were in 1992. Household vehicle ownership is often taken as a rough indicator of improvements in general material standard of living and uplift. There were large increases in vehicle ownership all across our Guyana in which communities with majority Afro-Guyanese shared – South Georgetown, all of Georgetown, Linden and

wherever else.

Recall the extensive squatting that was ongoing around and within Georgetown, by families that were overwhelmingly AfroGuyanese and on whom that outgoing PNC regime had set policemen with their dogs (the PNC leadership had had in mind high level housing developments for better off persons, for those “Sophia” areas). We PPP/C got our “Sophia” squatters (largely Afro-Guyanese) going quickly, granting them their house lots, bringing them within the law quickly – motivating them to make savings, to utilise their free time gainfully, to gain experience in choosing and contracting with those amongst them who were carpenters, masons, plumbers, furniture makers –

everyone gaining and learning from some new experience: this was/is the substance of growing/ developing/empowering people, largely AfroGuyanese.

I led in improving our country’s electricity supply from about 75,000 households receiving electricity an uncontrolled average of about 40% of the time to 175,000 households in 2015 receiving electricity about 95% of the time.

About 70,000 AfroGuyanese, households would have benefitted. And similarly, I led in the arrangements that saw the tremendous growth in our telephone services, in which Afro-Guyanese benefitted.

Our minibus runs to Mahdia and Lethem emerged on our (Continued on page 6)

There is a staggering amount of hubris and ignorance on display from the PPP Dear Editor, It is becoming more and more obvious that the PPP powers have no use for local interest, local concerns, local insights, local counsel, and anything from locals that goes against the party leaders settled schools of thought.

Though there is much that could be helpful, and willingly made available, the PPP is bent on going its own way and going alone with this oil treasure that has made it mad.

For certainty, there is a staggering amount of hubris and ignorance involved and on display, but there is more.

There is a careful and quiet weeding out of those who either will see too much, learn too much, and know too much with what it is really doing with the nation’s oil, and how it is going about related matters; it marginalizes or gets rid of outright those who speak a contrarian language. For all intents, this oil has become a personal possession of PPP leaders to do with as they please, and to jettison all the guidance offered by concerned and patriotic Guyanese. It is: damn them, they talk too much. And to

hell with them, they know nothing. And ignore them, for we know what we are doing, what we have in mind, how we wish to go about things, and we have no time for these so-called ‘experts.’ It should be noticed that I have deliberately enclosed experts in parentheses, for it is representative of the scornful and dismissive manner in which the PPP leaders (and we all should know which one) behold those who dare to say: this is being approached in the wrong manner; let us huddle and recalibrate and restart. But the PPP government will have none of it, as that will interfere with whatever sinister and secret dealings it has in its oil portfolio of tricks. “Runnins” is what streetwise Guyanese label such.

Interestingly, all the Guyanese who were so stirring, zealous, and knowledgeable about electoral democracy and the constitution and contributed to the rise and return of the PPP are now so dumb that they cannot even serve as doornails in the deliberations over this country’s oil wealth.

I ask myself what is it that has

back and bite us where it hurts with the overall costs. In the short to medium term, like the people said and this is despite the presence of a vaccine, we have to continue with the regulations and precautions that are in place, if only to give a chance to make it through these testing times. As a necessary public service reminder: wear masks, adhere to social distancing requirements, wash hands, participate on a limited basis in limited gatherings, and engage in essential activities only.

to be protected, why is there this steely resistance over and over again, and where is the PPP really heading (and taking us along with it) on this oil of ours? In fact, it is not heading somewhere, but barreling and hurtling along with a set script and strategy that does not brook well for citizens of this society.

Party leaders are stubborn and sturdy, like well-mixed reinforced concrete, on disclosures and the release of underlying documents, be they for Payara or now Wales.

This is the 21st century, it is not the Dark Ages of medieval Europe; or to put a Guyanese flavour to it, not when there were no light and no literacy.

Guyana is not the old Soviet Union or the supposedly new Russia. Many people made a lot of noise for nineteen months and they were warmly embraced and encouraged by the PPP brass. Yet today, they are despised by the party for daring to open their mouths or raise their pens, and interfering with the oil festivities. If there is nothing to hide, then there should be nothing to fear. If there is the interest of Guyanese at heart, then every iota of correction, of assistance, of wisdom - all locally bred and generated ought to be met with the most hospitable reception but it has not been so in the least.

And this is what condemns the PPP and its cunning leaders for immersing themselves in the deceptive and what is dangerous with this oil asset

of the nation. If it can be given a pass for not having the totally criminal in mind and at work, then it cannot be spared the blanket of crookedness that shrouds it, and which entombs it in the untrustworthy. Leaders’ words, postures, and actions judge them and sentence them to the worst possible punishments in the minds of clear-thinking, conscientious, and ethical Guyanese. No amount of skillful PR or heavy-duty propaganda by party leaders is diminishing in any way their farces and follies practised with this oil, their highly suspicious behaviours.

The AG announced the other day something about constitutional reform, and the first thing I picked up was that it was saturated with politicians, which is who have injured us and are not capable of curing us. I think that, even though we have hardly started with this oil gift, we already need comprehensive oil reform in every aspect of political approaches and actions with this wealth.

Blocking Guyanese thinking will eventually blow up in the face of the PPP. Locking Guyanese out is a road best not traveled. Feeling smart and invincible, because of present American sponsorship, can blowback in upheaving ways. It doesn’t have to be so; the PPP should be warned and guided accordingly.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

Tuesday January 19, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Remembering Llewelyn John’s politics Dear Editor, We are often told not to say bad things about the dead. I remember Llewelyn John as playing a constructive role in restoration of democracy as well as being involved in skullduggery in electoral rigging. He was also an administrator of several properties of persons who migrated and even served as executor of some. They did not paint him in a positive light and would rebuff some of the tributes of the Bar Association.

John played a positive role in restoration of democracy in Guyana, but we must not remember him only in that context. I remember his name in the late 1960s and 1970s growing up as a little boy. He played a key role in election rigging and the establishment of the Burnham dictatorship.

Perhaps he was helpless and had to execute Burnham’s instructions to rig elections.

He made up the election register for the 1968 rigging assuring the opposition it would not be final and that it would be corrected of nonexistent names, the dead, foreigners, etc. It was not corrected as we discovered for the 1968 rigging that horses, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, etc were found to have registered in foreign addresses and did cast ballots, off course for the PNC. Llewelyn was viewed as a “right wing” and because he was too close with and cultured in the life of Colored people; he was never trusted

by Burnham who had contempt for the Coloreds.

Burnham used him to downsize agriculture and to

enforce the ban on (Indian) foods. And after he served his purpose to help emaciate the Coloreds and Portuguese and weakening the hold of Indians in agriculture, Burnham got rid of him. After he fell out with Burnham, he exposed rigging, similar to the late Foreign Minister Fred Willis who also was silent on rigging while a beneficiary and who only exposed rigging after his fall out with Burnham.

I had known Llewelyn, as I called him, quite well as I also know Fred Wills. I met both separately in New York and had several interactions. I also interacted with Llewelyn in Guyana and encountered him a few times in Georgetown walking alone with his marquee brief case.

When I was President of the Graduate Student government at CCNY, I approved funding for Fred Willis lectures on campus.

Both Willis and Llewelyn were scathing in their condemnations of Burnham but only after the dictator’s death in August 1985. And they both called Burnham an election rigger, a dictator, a racist, and a murderer. They implicated Burnham in the murder of several political opponents, including Walter Rodney and Father Bernard Darke and other WPA activists.

They told separate public gatherings in NY that they opposed Burnham’s banning of basic foods – I can’t say whether they were appeasing the Indians in the crowd since most banned foods (like flour, channa, dal, alou, onions, garlic, etc.) affected Indians much more than other ethnic groups.

Llewelyn visited NY a few times and stayed in Brooklyn at

Anyone involved in half a million dollar scandal should recuse himself from parliamentary oversight committee Dear Editor, How can one be the çhairman of a parliamentary oversight committee and be embroiled in an alleged halfa-million scandal? It would

behoove that person to recuse himself from the committee until the matter and name are cleared.

Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed

some relative. He was impressed with the activism of a group of us in NY and requested to meet.

Almost all of the anti-dictatorial groups in NY were Indians. We met for the first time in the late 1980s with my colleagues Baytoram Ramharack, Vassan Ramracha, and others, discussing strategies for the struggle against the dictatorship and the restoration of democracy. We also organized a lecture for him in Jamaica, Queens around 1990. By this time, Llewelyn’s PDM had joined the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD). He, like Eusi Kwayana, Cheddi, Paul Tennassee, Manzoor Nadir, etc. would give updates of the PCD’s work and the struggle against the Hoyte dictatorship whenever each visited NY. I would help to organize and or promote the meetings since I was deeply immersed in the Guyanese and Caribbean media. Llewelyn spoke with a soft tone but he gave a powerful message that democracy must be returned to Guyana. He laughed off and apologized for his role in election rigging.

Llewelyn was a member of the middle class League of Colored Peoples that would merge with Burnham’s PNC. He became a member of parliament in December 1964 and served as a Minister of government including at different times at Agriculture, Local, and Home Affairs. He helped planned and organized the 1968 rigging. I remember as a little boy running errands to various homes in Ankerville reminding those who did not cast ballot to come out

and vote only to have the election stolen. Llewelyn was given Ministry of Home Affairs.

I do not recall if he was on the electoral list for the 1973 elections. I believed he was ‘shacked out” by Burnham. That Ministry was critical in the instructions to the armed forces and police to seize the ballot boxes during the evening of the July 1973 elections, facilitating the change in the ballots that handed Burnham a landslide victory. I was only 13 and helped to round up voters to cast ballots in Ankerville, home of Cheddi.

My effort was in vain. Days later, ballots marked PPP and or Liberator Party were found strewn over cane fields and the Atlantic Ocean washing up on the shore. The PNC had 42% support in 1964 that would have declined to about 40% by 1968 because of corruption, racism, and bad governance while the Indian population was growing in composition. By 1973, PNC support would have declined to around 35% because the composition of the Indian population had grown to around 55%. TheAfrican population was decreasing while the Amerindians was increasing in composition.

The Portuguese, Chinese, and Coloreds (Mixed) had commenced migration to greener pastures by 1973. Yet Burnham claimed 68% victory. Llewelyn formed the PDM; he had also linked up with Brindley Benn and Jainarine Singh who had a falling out with Jagan. It was never really determined how much support he commanded

because elections were rigged.

Llewelyn was not comfortable talking about rigging. But he apologized for his role in the rigging and for helping to build Burnham and creating Burnhamism. Fred Wills also apologized for his role in the rise of Burnhamism and for his silence while serving his master.

It is not clear why Llewelyn fell out with Burnham. But I was told Llewelyn wanted to empower local government and was not too enthusiastic about Burnham’s plan to enact legislation that would enable his stay in power. There was also personality conflict as there was between Fred Wills and Burnham. Llewelyn said PNC rigged elections because the Africans would have had no chance of winning a free and fair election.

Llewelyn formed the PDM and it became a member of the PCD after some time. He was a founder of Vanguard for Liberation and Democracy that included Brindley Benn and Jainarine Singh. When Paul Tennassee, founder of DLM who also became a member of PCD, was kidnapped by Burnham’s goons in 1984, Llewelyn filed the writ of habeaus corpus.

The VLD gave solidarity to Tennasse when he was fired from UG. Lawyers were afraid of Burnham and did not want to take up cases. Jainarine Singh and Llewelyn defended Tennassee. In a judicial matter before Judge Sabola,

Tennasse was charged for imported G$40 dollars without permission. Custom officer Bahadur approved of Tennassee going outside and getting the $40 to pay duties on tires rather than pay with Canadian currency. The case was laughable.

Llewelyn was on record condemning the Hoyte rigging of December 1985; Hamilton Green was the chief architect of that rigging. Llewelyn joined a PCD delegation with Cheddi, Nanda Gopaul, Eusi Kwayana, and others traveling to Barbados where they met Rickey Singh, Aubrey Armstrong, and other reputable Guyanese residents on the island. They presented their case for the restoration of democratic governance in Guyana then Prime Minister Bernard St. John. That and other meetings with Caribbean leaders of other islands would help to pressure Hoyte to agree to electoral reforms paving the way for the country’s first free and fair elections in October 1992. For that role, the nation expresses its gratitude.

Regrettably, Llewelyn would return to the PNC and like Hammie Green was rehabilitated by David Granger. Llewelyn was silently critical of the terrible governance of theAPNU+AFC coalition, but I do not know if he supported the attempted rigging of March 2020. The mouth is silenced by those who feed it.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

This is not the time for hypocritical silence Dear Editor, I have been ruminating on something that needs to be spoken about more. We saw when the Black Lives Matter (BLM) mural was unveiled and during the protests for the Henry boys, the blatant inherent racism by primarily brown persons with foul emanations like “All Lives Matter” and “Indians experience racism too”. Of course they do. This country has a racial divide running deep. Anti- Indian violence IS a thing. One just has to look at the Lusignan massacre, 2001 Post election violence and the same beating and robbing of Indians in the

aftermath of the Henry slayings. So where on Earth are these “ brown lives advocates” calling for justice?

Cat got their tongue?

These so called hypocrites who tried denigrating BLM, where were and where are their voices as anti-Indian racism occurs?

Where were the peaceful protests for Haresh Singh by Indians so concerned about racism and violence meted out to them? Your mouths have fallen off? As new leads are pursued in the Henry case, there is not a single one in the Haresh case. So where are these “Indian activists” now?

Aren’t you going to protest

peacefully for your fallen son?

Oh wait...I remember...you’re too busy trying to invalidate Anti-African racism.

When incidences of racism occur , be it Indian, be it African, we HAVE to speak out. WE HAVE to put in the work for healing and reconciliation if we even want to TRY and weaken the existing racial divide. Indians MUST speak out on AntiIndian racism like how our African brethren have been.

When acts of hate are meted out, WE HAVE to demand justice. WE MUST be the generation of change. THIS IS NOT the time for hypocritical silence. We all , black or brown, have to

put in the work to dismantle the ideologies peddled by the imperialists to prevent us from moving forward as a nation.

Yours truly, Nikhil Sankar.

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Government is engaging in acts to skirt its legal responsibility under the guise that BCGI is closed Dear Editor, The eleven-year-old impasse is still active between the Bauxite Company Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) and the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU) based on law and the principles and practices of industrial relations. Note is being taken that the Government is seeking to present a position to the contrary. The BCGI impasse is not closed because the Minister of Labour feels or says so.

Industrial relations is not governed by gut-feelings but a body of rules. In the practice, no minister or Chief Labour Officer can determine the closure on any grievance. That prerogative is vested in the aggrieved as to whether the aggrieved considers the matter closed or an arbitrator has handed down a decision. The arbitrator’s decision is final and

binding on the parties that are involved in a grievance or difference. The minister is not an arbitrator but chief conciliator according to industrial relations practices and Labour Law. In the specific case between BCGI and GB&GWU, there are two issues before the Ministry of Labour to be conciliated:- 1) The continued negotiating of the new Collective Labour Agreement which includes wages/salaries and conditions of employment; and 2) Computation of terminal benefits paid to workers in 2019 and 2020.

BCGI is a registered company existing in Guyana and has legal responsibility to meet all its liabilities under the law. The company is jointly owned by the Government of Guyana and RUSAL (Russia Aluminum) and has refused to negotiate wages/salaries

and working conditions over a number of years.

The Grievance Procedureensconced in the Collective Labour Agreement which is a legal document-clearly states that in pursuit of settling any grievance when the parties (union and management) fail at bilateral negotiations either party can request Conciliation through the Ministry of Labour. If the parties fail to arrive at an agreement at Conciliation either can request arbitration. In industrial relations, this is referred to as Voluntary Arbitration.

Any act by the Minister or Chief Labour Officer to refuse in declaring deadlock after Conciliation failed is a breach of the Grievance Procedure which is legal and binding on both parties (union and management). The Union and BCGI did not

arrive at an agreement during Conciliation but the Minster is refusing to uphold what is a legal and just industrial relations process by declaring a deadlock in order that the parties can move to arbitration to settle the impasse.

The Government is engaging in acts to skirt its legal responsibility under the guise that BCGI is closed. The negotiation not only addresses the future but also the past. Even if RUSAL intends to terminate its operations in Guyana BCGI is still legally obligated to honour all its financial and legal responsibilities for the period when active. This is what the government is not getting or deliberately choosing to ignore.

With regards to terminal benefits (at #2), in the Union’s calculations, it was found

several persons were not paid what was due to them based on their rate of pay at the time of termination. The Ministry has been asked to address this issue. In the Union’s first meeting with the Ministry, which was chaired by Gillian Burton-Persaud, advisor to the Minister, she claimed that she was unaware of the identified issues and as such, needed to seek advice and return.

There was a second meeting, held on 28th December 2020, which lasted less than 10 minutes.

Ms. Burton-Persaud communicated to the Union that BCGI is closed and the identified outstanding issues are also closed. She thereafter exited the meeting.

Clearly, the extant issues are not outside the scope of law or anything illegal the Union is requesting to be

addressed. The apparent problem is the failure by the Ministry to uphold the Laws of Guyana. It is opened for speculation whether the government is doing this to spite bauxite workers and/ or Union leaders or has become beholden to foreign capital to the extent where they are prepared to ignore the laws and allow these businesses to trample the rights of Guyanese labour. We must ask the question because successive governments and ministers are talking the talk and not prepared to walk the walk.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has not presented any law or precedent that precludes him from executing his responsibility as requested by the Union.

Yours truly, Lincoln Lewis

...We, Guyanese people are a work in progress, emerging from From page 4 completion of nearly allweather roads, to the benefit of many Afro-Guyanese and Guyanese of all ancestries: lifting the spirits of all Guyanese in seeing long held aspirations realised. We, Guyanese, could and were getting things done. 24x7 electricity services were established in Lethem, Mahdia and Port Kaituma, which had hitherto, more than likely given more votes to the PNC/R – that did not deter us.

Secondly, I have heard at times in those questionings– What would you Sam Hinds as an African have demanded and gotten for AfroGuyanese, exclusively? AfroGuyanese and all other Guyanese of our various ancestries should guard against the view that they should not count as boons, any benefits and opportunities that were available to others also.

Thirdly, notwithstanding (2) above, a very large area of our work and attention which could have, did attract some comment as particularly, if not exclusively, benefitting AfroGuyanese. I refer to our collapsed bauxite industry, almost synonymous with Region 10 and Linden.

According to the Covenant, which the outgoing PNC Administration had entered into with the financing Institutions and Governments supporting the Economic Recovery Programme, when in 1994

Minproc proclaimed that they could not see any way to make Linmine profitable, we, PPP/ C, ought to have shut down Linmine forthwith. But, we did not. We kept Linmine going, finding monies from wherever to resume subsidizing Linmine and also to fund the liabilities - outstanding amounts for the ‘workers saving scheme’, the company’s pension scheme, NIS and PAYE/GRA, prompt payment of employment termination benefits and also the steadily increasing costs of the ongoing 90% subsidization of the electricity consumed by the whole of the growing Linden community.

Billions of dollars for workers and a community that for us were firstly Guyanese and only secondly, Afro. We blew no trumpets.

Recall that when about 2005 the then privatized Bauxite Company, suddenly announced a two month suspension, our PPP/C Administration with Dr. Bharat Jagdeo then President, without any hesitation offered to provide a minimum 40 hr. per week pay for all employees, on the condition that everyone spend one day a week attending some computer class.

We could not escape the obvious criticism that whilst we were pointing bauxite workers (overwhelmingly Afro-Guyanese) to the modern, digital future we seemed to be bent on trying to keep the largely Indo-

Guyanese sugar workers tied to a dying industry. We let that ride – our collective conscience was clear.

It is with such a clear conscience that, we proposed in 2012, a reform of integrating the electricity supply of Region 10, into the National Electricity Company, GPL. (Then Prime Minister Burnham had stated that that integration was to be implemented since 1976) The tariff subsidy would have been phased out over about five years and the reductions in subsidies would have been available for special development projects in Linden/Region 10.

It would have been obvious from the context of our Administration’s budget review with the then main Opposition Party, APNU, my public review in Parliament of my draft announcement with the then Leader of The Opposition, David Granger MP together with Dr. Rupert Roopnarine MP sitting beside him, and there being no dissent when I read the announcement that there was concurrence. The leadership of APNU should have found more responsible ways to withdraw their initial concurrence and avoid the regretted events, which followed.

Fourthly, the question, “What has Sam Hinds done for Afro-Guyanese and AfroGuyanese communities” is purposely put to propagate and perpetuate the view that

Afro-Guyanese must put “proppa” Afro-Guyanese in Office for Afro-Guyanese to be protected and to receive things from the Government largesse – a mindset which has disposed too many of us, Afro-Guyanese, to live with exploitation and abuse from a number of our AfroGuyanese leaders. Such leaders find every excuse to harp continually about the dehumanizing and brutal horror that was the slavery of Africans, to keep present-day Africans enslaved to them.

African slavery in all its brutal horror certainly happened.

However, that slavery ended over 150 years ago.

We must turn the page and go forward taking our place alongside all the peoples of our country and of the World.

Fifthly, allow me to address the related, frequent referrals to me and other AfroGuyanese leaders in the PPP and PPP/C as “window dressing”, “can’t do nothing”.

We, Guyanese people and country, Guyana, are a work in early progress; emerging from fragments of the six populations from around the world Europeans, Portuguese islanders, Chinese, Amerindians, Africans and Indians - thrown together by fate in this land.

Cheddi, early recognised us as a microcosm of the world.

The task of growing, developing and knitting together our people of our various ancestries is a

challenging task, which demands a long-haul commitment.

When one recalls the individuals of the founding members and soon emerging leadership of the PAC (1946) and subsequently the PPP (1950), one can see conscious and conscientious striving and contriving to have a broad representation and involvement of Guyanese of all races and religions and from all parts of Guyana. The then young lawyer, recently returned from England, an Afro-Guyanese, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, was brought into the founding membership of the PPP as Chairman, the even younger Afro-Guyanese, Ashton Chase, standing aside.

And after the split of 1955, our troubled period of the early 60s, the unfair treatment of Cheddi and the PPP on the outcome of our 1964 elections; and our insulting, rigged referendum and elections over 68 to 85; and when it appeared in the late 1980s that a fair and free elections was likely, and that the hitherto abandoned and spurned PPP could win on its own, Cheddi nonetheless persisting in his commitment to the knitting of our people together reached out once again, inviting any, who was not at the time hostile to the PPP, to join the PPP’s Civic Group, in an embrace of which I have been the greatest

beneficiary.

Don’t think windowdressing, but think necessary and essential affirmative action.

Sixthly, allow me to address directly the concomitant insinuation that the PPP together with its PPP/C is not the political party that AfroGuyanese should join, not a party that wants them in.

Since about ten years ago, our then President and now General Secretary and Vice President, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, has been regularly asserting that we must attract more AfroGuyanese to our party.

Furthermore, in every election, at every level, since 1992, we have called on our party members to reach out and find citizens of worth, many of them Afro-Guyanese, with whom we could work, to fill onethird to one-half of our slate.

Words of Assurance. We, the PPP and PPP/C, remain hopeful in spite of our troubles over the last century (inclusive of the recent events of Dec 2018 to Aug 2020), and the evident remaining gaps between our peoples: rather we are heartened by the progress, which we have made closing the distances between us and developing our land.

Yours truly, Samuel A. A. Hinds Former President and Former Prime Minister.

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N T B .

U .

L .

L T B .

N .

U .

N U T L N B .

U .

T .

L N T U N B .

N U .

L U L LUNT. B .

T . .

T T N N B U B .

U .

L .

L T B .

B . .

N . . .

T U T L N N T U U L N L B U .

B . .

L . . .

T B T . .

N .

N T U L N LU B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . .

B .

U . .

T L .

N T B . .

U N .

L N T B U N . .

L .

U T L B . .

N B . . .

T U .

L N T B U . .

L .

UN T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L B U UN .BLUNT. . .

L .

T B . .

N .

T U .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . .

L N .

T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU .

T .

N .

N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B .

L .

N .

B T . . .

N T U N N N L U U U B L .

L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday January 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guyana lacks capacity to monitor local content, to audit claims of billions of dollars in oil developments, and to properly negotiate and enforce oil contracts.

Yet, it has approved three oil developments for ExxonMobil to produce over a billion barrels of oil.

Now, it wants to move forward recklessly with the lifting of gas. “It is clear that we are moving too fast,� Christopher Ram has said of the proposed gas project.

Do we want to become like every other oil-producing country that is rich in reserves, but poor nevertheless?

Have we not heard enough about the likelihood of a gas-to-shore disaster if Guyana does not step on the brakes?

Guyana, it is time that we take control of our wealth and fast!

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Multibillion gas-to-shore project is “all craziness”- Ramon Gaskin W

hen asked by Kaieteur News during an interview to share his thoughts on the multibillion gas-to-shore project set to land at Wales, transparency advocate and economist, Ramon Gaskin, vehemently said that the entire development is “all craziness!”

During the interview yesterday, Gaskin premised his stance on his belief that the project is simply “not economically feasible.”

Gaskin observed too that the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government is yet to publicize the analysis it had conducted to support the viability of the project.

Notably, preliminary reports that were done by the previous administration on the feasibility of bringing gas to shore from the Liza Phase One Project reveal that an offshore pipeline is estimated to cost between US$165 million and US$270

million to build, depending on the size and landing site location.

As for the onshore compression and separation of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), this is estimated to cost between US$43 million and US$114 million.

Also, distributing the natural gas to the various electricity generation locations is estimated to cost between US$95 million and US$127 million depending on the landing site selected.

“So the cost to land the pipeline and build the infrastructure is roughly about US$400M. That is a hefty sum of money. And when you invest all of it how much power are you going to receive, and most importantly, what are you going to do with all that power once it has been produced?” Gaskin questioned.

Guyana is expected to handle the costs for the infrastructure of onshore

facilities while ExxonMobil would take care of the offshore aspect of the project but all costs based on the terms of the Stabroek block PSA would be recoverable.

Guyana would also have to pay ExxonMobil for the transportation of the gas, but that price is still being worked out between the oil giant and the PPP/C Government.

Specifically, in October last year, the government had said that it is negotiating the price for the gas that would power a 300MW power plant.

It has said too that its appointed task force on the matter “will decide whether we will do a private/public partnership (PPP) or build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) arrangement, or whether government will fund it totally.”

Once the price is settled, ExxonMobil will not only be able to recover all costs incurred on realizing the

project, but it will have another cash cow on its hands.

Gaskin also challenged the decision to land the project at Wales on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) and questioned what prompted the selection of that site.

Rather than funnelling money into this project, the economist believes that the government should instead invest in renewable energy, which has been proven to be cleaner and cheaper.

Notably, International Environmental Lawyer,

Melinda Janki, has since challenged President Irfaan Ali to provide the nation with evidence that the venture is economically sound.

According to Janki in a January 13, 2021 letter to the Head of State, it is critical that this justification be provided to the citizenry in the interests of transparency, accountability and good governance.

Towards this end, she has asked President Ali to provide a series of plans which span the economic spectrum of this major

Transparency advocate and economist, Ramon Gaskin project that could cost almost US$400M.

Gary Best's lawyers want court to dismiss DUI charge

T

he attorneys of former Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Rear Admiral (ret'd), Gary Best, are asking the court to dismiss the driving under the influence charge against him. This request comes more than a month after Best walked free of causing the death of national cyclist, Jude Bentley, by dangerous driving.

The DUI matter is being heard in the Georgetown Magistrates Court before Senior Magistrate, Clive Nurse, in the traffic court.

Best is being represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Ronald Daniels and Sophia Findlay. In their nocase submission to the court, the lawyers contended that the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence to prove the elements of the charge their client is charged for.

The matter will be called on Wednesday January 20, 2021, when the prosecution is expected to reply to the lawyers' no-case submission.

Best had denied the charge which stated that on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Georgetown, he drove motor vehicle PRR 8182 while his blood alcohol level was at 0.85 micrograms.

He was granted self-bail on that charge.

Best is an executive member of the People's National Congress (PNC) and lives at Pradoville Two (Sparendaam), East Coast Demerara. In a previous hearing of the matter, the court learnt that Best served his

Former Chief-of-Staff, of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Gary Best

Dead, national cyclist, Jude Bentley country for nearly 35 years and that he also served as a presidential advisor, a member of the Legal Aid Clinic and is the recipient of a Medal of Service.

Kaieteur News had reported that the accident occurred at around 05:00 hrs. on February 8, 2020. Bentley was allegedly struck down by

a black Toyota Land Cruiser which was being driven by Best. Reports indicate that Best and Bentley were heading in the eastern direction when the former slammed into the cyclist, taking down a utility pole located on a median at the same time.

On December 3, 2020, Magistrate, Rondell Weever, in the Georgetown Magistrates Court, upheld a no-case submission that was made by Best's attorneys to have the causing death by dangerous driving charge dismissed.

In that no-case submission, the lawyers asked the court to dismiss the charge against their client based on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove the key elements of the offence.

Magistrate Weever upheld the no case submission and ruled that the prosecution failed to establish that Best was driving dangerously, therefore the charge was dismissed.

Moments after Magistrate Weever's ruling, Best stated during a brief interview outside of the courthouse that, “I would like to express that I'm happy that the matter is dismissed and what played out in court is exactly what happened.”

However, days after, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) filed a notice of appeal for the Magistrate's ruling. The notice of appeal was filed in the Court of Appeal. Based on the court document seen by this publication, the DPP (continued on page 12)

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Capacity can be acquired once the price is right T

hree criticisms have been levelled against the PPPC's planned gas-toshore (GTS) project. The first is that Guyana does not have the capacity for such a project; the second is that the project is in contradiction with the country's international environmental commitments; and the third is that the project lacks transparency.

The first criticism essentially argues that the GTS plans are too ambitious.

Guyana can hardly manage its oil sector much less to take on the additional responsibility, at this stage, of a GTS project.

The APNU+AFC is principally responsible for the country's limited capacity to manage its oil and gas sector. The Coalition Government had five years to ready the country for oil and gas, and specifically to develop the institutional capacity for oil and to decide what it was going to do with the gas, which is produced during oil production.

ExxonMobil had indicated that it would have needed to initially flare some of the gas but that some of it

would have to be re-injected into the seabed in order to raise the pressure of the wells. The remaining gas would be available for commercial development.

The Coalition had five years to determine what it would do with the unused gas. The logical choice would have been to develop a GTS project. The Coalition agreed to this but took close to five years to pussyfoot over where the GTS project would be located. Not being able to get pass the hurdle of deciding on a location, oil production commenced and there was no plant to process and utilise the unused natural gas.

Institutional capacity to manage the oil and gas sector is seriously lacking. But the absence of institutional capacity needs not become a humbug. Guyana does not necessarily need to build capacity. It can acquire the “know-how” from elsewhere.

It has done this before.

The Green State Development Strategy was outsourced to an international organisation.

When the APNU+AFC had to value the assets of the

Guyana Sugar Corporation, it contracted an international accounting firm. When it had to market the country's oil, it brought in an international firm. Capacity can be acquired.

Vice President Jagdeo continues to harp about building the capacity to audit the pre-contract and production costs. But why try to build this capacity when there are reputable and independent firms which specialise in undertaking such audits?

Guyana has wasted billions of dollars in trying to build local capacity with very little returns in other sectors. The process of building capacity usually involves hiring some overseas-based Guyanese consultant. These consultants receive fat salaries. And by the time they leave, there is a need for another round of institutional capacitybuilding.

Whatever skills Guyana needs for the management of the oil and gas sector can be acquired on the international market once the country is prepared to pay. Instead of doing this, the Coalition

Guyana gan tun boys seh... richer dan Kuwait Dem

A

Guyanese and a Kuwaiti, both worked for their governments, meet each other at a conference. They soon became good friends.

"If you ever come to Kuwait, call me and we can hang out!" says the Kuwait official.

“If you ever come to Guyana, call me and we can hang out!" says the Guyanese official.

Six months later, the Guyanese went to Kuwait and he immediately called his Kuwait official friend.

"Hey, I'm in Kuwait, want to hang out today?" he asks.

The Kuwaiti official pulls up to the hotel with the latest model BMW. The Guyanese gets in and they drive along a long freeway to the home of the Kuwaiti o ff i c i a l . O n c e a t t h e

condominium, the Guyanese is impressed at how big the condo is: five rooms, three bathrooms, and much more.

The Guyanese asks the Kuwait, "You are just a Kuwaiti official, how can you afford this?

The Kuwaiti takes him to the window and asks, “What do you see outside?"

"A freeway!” replies the Guyanese" "Yeah” says the Kuwaiti, “Yeah, I took 10%".

Three months later, the Kuwaiti comes to Guyana.

He called his Guyanese friend and said "Hey, I just got to Guyana, want to go grab food later?"

"The Guyanese official pulls up to the hotel with a Lamborghini. The Kuwait gets in and they drive about 25 miles. Suddenly, the road turns into a muddy unpaved road, with lots of craters.

Shacks are all around.

The Kuwaiti is shocked by the level of poverty he is witnessing. But at the end of the mud road, he sees a mansion – the home of the Guyanese official.

The mansion is fantastic 20 bedrooms, a swimming pool and two helicopters in a hangar at the back of the compound. The Kuwaiti goes into the master room and to his disbelief, sees a toilet seat made out of gold.

He then asks his friend, "You are just a Guyanese official. How do you have all of this?”

The Guyanese official takes him to the window and asks, "What do you see outside?"

"Huts, poverty, and a dirt road," replied the Kuwaiti.

The Guyanese said, "You see that dirt road? I took 100%."

hired an environmentalist to manage the oil and gas sector and a petroleum specialist to manage the environmental sector.

Another pitfall of trying to build local capacity rather than acquire skills has to do with the retaining of such skills. We train people and then they migrate, which results in a loss.

There is however always a need to develop some indigenous institutional capacity. You cannot run a country simply by

outsourcing all your needs.

But there is no need to assume that because you do not have the skills presently available locally that this should constrain the plans which you have.

While Guyana remains unprepared for oil and gas, this need not constrain the development of the GTS project, which is necessary to ensure that Guyana utilises the gas which is produced during oil production and which is not being injected back into the

wells. Guyana can acquire the skills that it needs to manage the oil and gas sector but it has to be wary of employing political acolytes and favoured friends in the task of building such capacity.

In tomorrow's column, I will discuss the other two criticisms of the gas-to-shore project.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday January 19, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

I interrupt my analysis of 2020 because of these stories T

he material on which to build one's analyses of the year 2020 is literally mountainous. There is so much to assess and reflect on in 2020 that I feel I will do an injustice to my readers if I leave some angles untouched. For example, I am yet to highlight the racially charged things Barrington Braithwaite wrote in 2020 as a columnist in the Chronicle.

Braithwaite is a

commissioner of the Ethnic Relation Commission (ERC).

He wasn't called to account by the ERC for his d e r o g a t i o n o f M a j o rGeneral, Joe Singh. These and other stories, including a look at the ERC in 2020 I will pursue very shortly. For now, my analysis centers on one news item and a published letter.

It has been announced that a new civil society group has been formed titled Civil

Society Forum (CSF).

Something is not right here.

After the vote counting ran into trouble on March 4 in the general election last year, it dragged on for five months. It is within this period one would have expected a proliferation of civil society entities to perform four tasks.

These are: 1 - Ensure that the integrity of the election process where one's right to vote is guaranteed. 2 Ensure that the election

commission adheres to its constitutional and legal mandate and offer the nation professional behaviour. 3 Demand that all political stakeholders fulfill their obligations to the nation by being transparent and accountable. 4 - Hold all civil and political holders to civilized conduct that avoids ethnic and political incitement.

The emergence of new civil society grouping failed to materialize during the five-month period. Now we have the birth of CSF. When you examine its members, alarm bells should start ringing.

Except for the Catholic Church that did express a concerned sentiment about the election impasse, the others who make up the grouping did not utter one word of criticism on five months of election rigging which in the annals of Guyanese history constitute one of Guyana's most dangerous moments.

The constituents of the CSF include the Trade Union Congress. Its president is an A P N U + A F C parliamentarian. Its General Secretary supported the election rigging. Next is Transparency Institute Guyana chapter.

This is one of the most shamelessly opportunistic organizations to emerge in society. There is Heal Guyana. I don't know who or what is that entity.

There is Election Reform Guyana. I suggest that Election Reform Guyana tell us where it was when our right to fight was being

deformed. Finally, there is the Inter-Religious Organization. My advice to young minds interested in saving Guyana is to be careful whose message you listen to and to avoid people with a very opportunistic agenda.

Now for the letter. In

Frederick Kissoon yesterday's Stabroek News, the usual suspects – Danuta and Vanda Radzik, Dr. Allisa Trotz and Karen de Souza were at it again.

These four folks would compose a letter each month then call up personalities they are familiar with and ask them to add their signatures. Then they send it to the newspapers.

All Guyanese in and out of the land who read the dailies are familiar with this theatre club.

So the latest one is a request to the Chancellor of the Judiciary seeking justice for Walter and Donald Rodney. This columnist is a fervent admirer of Walter Rodney and is a friend of his brother Donald to whom I will forever be grateful for his commitment to me and my wife when all three of us

were caught up in my home when the American invasion of Grenada began in 1983.

This columnist endorses every word in that letter.

But there is a huge strangeness on the face of that missive.

It is signed by 25 persons many of whom were close to Walter Rodney; some knew him very well and many of them belong to an organization named Overseas Friends of the WPA. But the omissions are worrying and you feel that there are underlying currents.

Why would the Radzik sisters, Dr. Trotz and de Souza choose to include close friends of Rodney and omit the intimate comrades of Rodney?

In the book, Walter Rodney: A Promise of Revolution, it was revealed that the three most trusted lieutenants of Rodney were Rupert Roopnaraine, Eusi Kwayana and Clive Thomas.

Edited by Clairmont Chung, the book records Roopnaraine and Thomas describing their strategic relationship with Rodney.

Roopnaraine tells readers that Rodney only told him, Kwayana and Rodney's wife when he was leaving Guyana illegally to be in Zimbabwe where he, Rodney, knew President Burnham would be.

I always found the WPA to be strange people who would self-destruct one day.

They have.

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

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday January 19, 2021

New oil contracts should be subject to review on a regular basis - Oil Expert U

niversity of H o u s t o n instructor, Tom Mitro is of the view that future petroleum agreements should include features which allow a periodic review of the contract terms.

This, Mitro gave, among several recommendations when beckoned for advice on the revision of the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks contracts, in the event that commercial discoveries are made there.

This particular recommendation regards a strict provision of the

Stabroek Block production sharing agreement (PSA) signed by former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, called the stability clause.

In advocating against such a strict stability clause, Mitro said, “The world changes dramatically in four or five years and the contract may not still be relevant or equitable in 2025/2026.”

The stability clause has been so bitterly condemned that Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram said it gives the distinct impression that ExxonMobil went above

and beyond to strangle Guyana's Parliament and future governments.

The Stability Clause of the oil contract, at Article 32, states that, “Except as may be expressly provided herein, the government shall not amend, modify, rescind, terminate, declare invalid or unenforceable, require renegotiation of, compel replacement or substitution or otherwise seek to avoid alter, or limit this agreement without the prior written consent of the contractor.”

This is the basis of the clause, which binds Guyana

to one set of terms for decades.

The other terms serve to reinforce it. For instance, another term of the stability clause dictates that if Guyana were to amend any of its laws or its tax code, which would affect the economic benefits of the contractor under the agreement, the Government would have to foot the bill to restore any lost economic benefits. Alternatively, it would require that Exxon and its partners, Hess and CNOOC, be exempt from any such new or updated

University of Houston instructor, Tom Mitro laws.

Over the years,

widespread condemnation of the Stabroek PSA and calls for its revision have met up with this rigid stability clause.

Guyana has been placed in such a position that, due to ExxonMobil's suffering financial position, the company needs Guyana more than Guyana needs it, according to one energy expert, Gerard Kreeft. Yet, Guyana has not demanded better fiscal terms, despite years of sustained calls for a renegotiation.

“It's basically a case right now of the tail wagging the dog,” Kreeft had said of the Guyana-Exxon relationship.

Labourer chopped to death by intoxicated neighbour

P

olice are currently investigating the murder of a man in Berbice. The suspect, who is currently in custody, is said to be the dead man's neighbour.

Dead is 40-year-old Mark Griffith, a labourer of Smithfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Reports suggest that the murder occurred at around 17:10hrs Sunday last. Based on information provided by police, Griffith was consuming alcohol throughout the day with his neighbour.

The victim's sister, Samanda David, who is a businesswoman, told police that she and her brother shared the same home and it was a norm for him to consume alcohol daily. She stated that when her brother imbibes, he would usually get into arguments with her and a neighbour who answers to the name “Smokey”.

On the day in question, she disclosed that her brother was drinking all day at home by himself and about

15:00hrs, she heard him and "Smokey" arguing over alcohol and food. Upon observing that "Smokey" had a cutlass in his hands, the sister said that she told them to stop the argument and they did.

However, around 17:10hrs, David stated that she was in the house when one of her friends, Imran, started to repeatedly call out to her. When she responded, David said that the friend's anxious response was “come quick”. The woman said that she complied and when she ventured outside, she saw her brother lying in a trench.

Blood, she recalled, appeared to be flowing from a wound to his chest.

It was Imran, she added, who used his bus to rush her brother to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was treated. He later died.

He is said to have suffered severe injuries that caused internal bleeding.

His body is presently at the New Amsterdam mortuary awaiting a post mortem.

(Malisa Playter-Harry)

Gary Best's lawyers want...

From page 8 asked for the Magistrate's ruling for that case to be set aside or upturned and Best was also ordered to pay the cost of the appeal.

The document stated, “Take notice that this Court will be moved on a day and at an hour of which you shall be informed by the Registrar by Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC,

Director of Public Prosecutions, Counsel on behalf of the Appellant, that the decision given in the above matter by Her Worship, Magistrate Rondell Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates Court on the 3rd December 2020, be set aside and/or reversed and the respondent be made to pay the costs of this appeal.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 19, 2021

PAGE 13

Patterson gifted $500K in gold jewellery from taxpayers' dollars - document shows

F

ormer Minister of P u b l i c Infrastructure, David Patterson, had received a birthday gift totalling some $500,000, a document from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) and the Garden of Eden Asphalt Plant shows.

According to the document, on May 2, 2017 a “Requisition to Purchase” was placed with King's Jewellery World to acquire “one hand band (movable)” at the cost of $424,000 and “one tie pin” at $76,000.

These items, the document reveals, were purchased as birthday gifts for Patterson, but it is unclear whether he ever received the same.

Yesterday Kaieteur News made attempts to reach out to Patterson, who is now the Chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), to confirm these new d e t a i l s . T h o s e e ff o r t s proved futile.

Notably, this is the second case of a jewellery purchase uncovered under the DHBC and the Asphalt Plant. In fact, Kaieteur News has reported in late December that General Manager of the DHBC, Rawlston Adams, had honoured himself in a rather unique fashion for International Men's Day 2019 with a bracelet worth a whopping $897,000 using funds from the company.

Former Minister of Public Works, David Patterson That discovery only came to light after a special team had been appointed by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, to investigate an alleged racket at the Garden of Eden Asphalt Plant.

Head of the team, Chateram Ramdihal, had stated during the handing over ceremony that “we found that the Harbour Bridge went about buying gifts for their staff during International Men's Day November of 2019.

It was the Board's request that any gifts purchased must be approved by the Board.”

However, those purchases were not given a stamp of approval by the Board, Ramdihal had said,

Pensioner dies in Cummings Lodge fire

A

pensioner was yesterday afternoon killed in a fire after the house that he was renting at Lot 570 10th Field, Cummings Lodge, G e o r g e t o w n (Demerara/Mahaica) went up in flames. The pensioner has been identified as 68-year-old Lionel Kyte who lived alone.

According to a police report, the incident occurred at around 16:20 hrs. At the time of the fire Kyte was reportedly ill. The report stated that Kyte's landlord observed smoke emanating from the house. Checks were then made and the landlord discovered the main door to the house was locked.

The landlord raised an

alarm and neighbours formed a bucket brigade in an effort to quell the fire. Sometime after, a fire truck from the Campbellville Fire Station arrived and went into action and the fire was extinguished shortly after.

While checking through the aftermath of the fire, Kyte's badly burnt body was discovered lying in the kitchen. His body was picked up and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

His body has since been transported to the Lyken Funeral Home. The investigation into the origin of the fire is ongoing.

while adding that, “we came across an alarming gift to the value of $897,000, a bracelet that was purchased for the General Manager and approved by the General Manager.” He had explained t h a t i n n o r m a l circumstances, approval for such a large purchase comes directly from the Board.

If no Board is present, the matter is escalated to the Public Infrastructure Minister who was David Patterson at the time.

But Adams apparently bypassed all these levels and presented himself with the high-priced gift. Gifts were also said to have been purchased for other members of staff to commemorate the day but no details were given to outline what those were and the costs.

A copy of the “Requisition to Purchase” the jewellery

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday January 19, 2021

CJ throws out election petition case over failure to serve Granger on time - orders GECOM to hand over SOPs in 2nd matter F

ailure to comply with a fundamental principle in legal procedure has led to one of the election petition cases being thrown out of the High Court. Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, yesterday dismissed election petition (99/P) for procedural noncompliance of service on leader of the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) party and former President, David Granger.

The Chief Justice (CJ) nonetheless agreed to continue hearing the other election's petition case (88/P) which was filed on behalf of Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick to challenge the legitimacy of the elections report which allowed for Dr. Irfaan Ali to

be sworn in as President.

In this case, the CJ ordered the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to hand over its Statements of Poll and Statements of Recount to the High Court for safe-keeping pending the hearing and determination of the election petition case scheduled to continue in April 7, 2021.

The orders were issued at the request of Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes, the lawyer of the People's Progressive Party Civics' leader, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Attorney-at-Law Kashir Khan who is representing The Change Guyana party.

Mendes had requested an order be made that the Chief Election Officer produces all of the election documents and put them into the custody of the Registrar of the Court for possible

inspection by the Court at a later date.

The CJ granted the request to allow for safe keeping of the documents.

She noted the Statements of Recounts (SORs) will also be retrieved and kept in the possession of the Registrar.

Meanwhile, in her ruling to dismiss petition 99/P, Chief Justice George-Wiltshire, said that non-adherence of service in a specific timeline would make the petition a non-starter. She noted that because Granger was not served within the required five-day timeline, and he has been found to be a necessary party in the proceedings, the petition was declared a nullity and dismissed.

“From the time it was served out of time on the necessary party, it was a nonstarter,” Justice GeorgeWiltshire said, adding that the

Republic of Guinea takes over G77 + China Chairmanship from Guyana

Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire rules of filing an elections petition must be strictly complied with.

Elections Petition (99/P) filed by Monica Thomas and Brenan Nurse who sought to challenge the outcome of the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections.

In dismissing that case, the CJ rejected supplementary affidavits filed by the petitioners which sought to explain that Granger made a mistake when he signed September 25, insisting that he had signed on September 18.

Alluding to their explanations, the CJ in her

decision described the arguments as no less than “preposterous” and “absurd.”

She therefore noted that Court had no other choice than to discard the matter.

At the last hearing, Senior Counsel John Jeremie, one of the lead attorneys arguing in the election's petition case, had asked the High Court to ignore the purported late service of documents on Granger.

Jeremie, who represented applicants in both petitions (88/P) and (99/P), was at the time responding to claims contained in a preliminary

application by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, to strike out the election's petitions based on the faulty service.

In his submissions before the Court, Jeremie said that the issue of late or defective service upon which Nandlall based his application to strike out the petition should be interpreted as nothing more than a careless blunder on the part of the petitioners.

However, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, lawyer for PPP/C Leader, argued strongly that the evidence in the date of service to Granger and the date of Granger's acknowledgement was contradictory and unreliable.

The evidence, which included a signed document

by Granger himself, acknowledging receipt, shows that the documents were not served within the legally prescribed period.

“The petitioner is arguing that the document was prepared on September 15 but all the other documents including one which Granger himself signed shows that it was served on September 25,” the lawyer had pointed out.

'Menace' shot during exchange of gunfire with police

A

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, delivering his address during the virtual ceremony. (Photo Credits: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)

G

uyana handed o v e r i t s Chairmanship of the Group of 77 (G77) + China to the Republic of Guinea yesterday during a handing over ceremony that was conducted virtually due to the restrictions the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed.

Handing over the Chairmanship was Guyana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. It was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Guineans Living Abroad of the Republic of Guinea, Mamadi Touré, who received the Chairmanship

on behalf of his country; Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres; President of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, and many other representatives.

Minister Todd had met with United Nations (continued on page 16)

man who is said to be a 'menace' was reportedly shot yesterday during a shootout with ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The incident occurred at Church Road, Bachelor's Adventure, East Coast Demerara.

According to police, the 24-year-old suspect was hit but managed to escape.

Kaieteur News understands that police ranks arrested a man who lives nearby. The man reportedly denied knowledge of the suspect's whereabouts.

A police report stated that ranks on mobile patrol duties received information about a suspect who is wanted in connection with several robberies committed between Vigilance and Mahaica, East

Coast Demerara. Reports suggest that the suspect was in motor car PPP 7762 along with several other males, all reportedly armed.

Upon approaching the motor car that was proceeding on Church Road, one of the ranks signalled the driver to stop. However, the driver was the only occupant of the motor car. In an attempt to evade the police the suspect crashed into the police vehicle and opened the driver side door of the car and immediately discharged a round in the direction of the police.

According to police, the ranks returned fire and the suspect exited the motor car and discharged another round towards the ranks and ran up the road. The ranks, it was

revealed, then opened fire on the suspect and he was reportedly shot.

The suspect then ran into an unoccupied yard and escaped into the dense vegetation at the back of the yard. The ranks conducted a search of the yard and the nearby houses. A red haversack and a hat with suspected blood stains were discovered in the yard that the suspect reportedly escaped from. After some time of searching the surrounding area, the ranks turned up empty handed.

The man who was questioned by the police about the suspect was taken into custody and the motor car was taken to the Cove and John Police Station and lodged for analysis.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 19, 2021

PAGE 15

Annandale man freed of Inmate stabs murder convict murder on no case submission for 'grabbing' his buttocks

M

F

ormer murder accused, Shafeek Mohammed, was freed by the High Court yesterday after Justice Navindra Singh upheld a nocase submission presented by his attorney Latchmie Rahamat.

Mohammed was on trial for the murder of 33-yearold Ramkarran Mohanlall, a relative, on February 3, 2016, at Marshall Street, Annandale South, East Coast Demerara.

In upholding the no case submission Justice Singh agreed that the case was one of self defence.

He noted too that it is the Court's view that at that stage any degree of force used by Mohammed to get out and defend himself would be lawful. As such, he directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty, freeing the man.

Just last week, Latchmini Singh, the wife of the deceased, told the Court that she witnessed the stabbing incident which led to her husband's demise.

The woman was among several witnesses called to take the stand by State Counsel Teriq Mohammed.

In her testimony, Singh recalled that she got a phone call and heard loud noises coming from the other end of

Dead: Ramkarran Mohanlall the phone.

As a result, the woman said that she went to investigate what the racket was about and found her husband and brother-in-law in a standoff at her Annandale East Coast Demerara residence. She explained that her husband was trying to get into the yard and the accused had blocked the entrance.

The witness recalled that during the standoff, the accused went to his car and pulled out a hockey stick and tried to lash her husband with it. She said that her husband retreated to his car, which was parked on the road but they continued to quarrel and threaten each other. The woman recalled

Freed: Shafeek Mohammed that not long after, a fight broke out between the two men and as they engaged in the scuffle, the accused pulled out a dagger from his waist and dealt her husband several stabs about his body.

She said that soon after the accused went to his car and drove away, she and some of her neighbours hired a car to take her husband to the hospital.

While on the way to the hospital, the car was involved in an accident, hitting a rail and skidding off the road. The witness noted that the car was nonetheless used to transport them to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where her husband was pronounced dead.

Amerindian Ministry failed to balance APF bank account since 2009 - AG Report

T

he bank account of the Amerindian Purpose Fund (APF) which falls under the Ministry of Indigenous P e o p l e s ' A ff a i r s , n o w Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, has n o t b e e n reconciled since November 2009 and despite commitments to balance the account, this is yet to materialize.

This was revealed in the 2019 Auditor General's (AG) Report.

The reconciliation of a bank account is an accounting process that seeks to compare two sets of records to check and ensure they are correct and in synchronization.

It also confirms that the general ledger (which is a bookkeeping method to store accounting data transferred from all sub-ledgers like accounts payable, accounts

receivable, cash management, fixed assets, purchasing and projects) are accurate, consistent and complete.

In the Ministry's case, officials there maintained a cash book and the balance of that cash book was never reconciled with the APF's bank statement balance.

In the AG report, it was stated that the APF was established in 2000 in keeping with Section 28 of the Amerindian Act Chapter 09:01 but it was later repealed

by Section 84 of the Amerindian Act of 2006, which itself had not provided for the operation of the APF. “Nonetheless, the Original Act, at Section 29, required the preparation of Financial Statements and an audit by the Auditor,” the report outlined.

The report further stated

that even though they were not provided for in the current Act, there are “best practices in any accounting process” and those best practices were never satisfied since the establishment of the fund.

The AG report also noted that over the years observations have been made concerning significant sums of money which were received and expended from the APF and the Ministry's continued poor financial management.

Adding to that it said that even though the current Act has no provisions for the APF, the Ministry has failed to put measures in place for proper use, record keeping and management of the fund.

In the Ministry's response to the AG, the Head of the B u d g e t A g e n c y acknowledged the findings (continued on page 16)

urder convict, Alvin Jones, popularly known as “Hot Skull” was yesterday stabbed to his neck at the Camp Street Prison for a l legedly grabbing an inmate's buttocks.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, Acting Director of Prisons, Niclon Elliot, said that Jones was stabbed by the inmate in the morning hours.

He was immediately rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted under police guard.

According to Elliot, his condition at the moment is regarded as stable.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the stabbing

Stabbed murder convict, Alvin Jones aka “Hot Skull.” stemmed from a “buttocks touching incident” which occurred Sunday evening.

Jones had allegedly grabbed the inmate's buttocks without his permission. The man became annoyed and reportedly confronted Jones.

Yesterday, however, the inmate attacked and stabbed Jones after he reportedly awoke to taunts from other prisoners about the said incident. Jones is currently serving a 43-and-half-year sentence for the murder of Albouystown footballer, Paul Daniels.

According to reports, Jones, a fish cleaner, of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, fatally shot Daniels during a robbery at Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown on February 2, 2017.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Region Four records 10 of 23 new COVID-19 cases CAR RENTAL

WANTED

AIDAN'S CAR RENTAL & TOW TRUCK SERVICE:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE#698-7807.

One female domestic cook not older than 40 yrs, Call 231-8737 between 8am - 4pm Wanted: Weekend maid saturday's and sunday's 9:30 to 11:30 Call 633-8353

Ten of the country's 23 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) yesterday. This is according to the Ministry of Health's daily dashboard update which showed that the remaining cases distributed among Re-

gions One, Three, Five and 10.

The dashboard also notes that the total number of confirmed cases has increased to 6,931.

Further, the dashboard shows there are four persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 33 in institutional

isolation, 551 in home isolation and 19 in institutional quarantine.

The COVID-19 death toll remains at 170 deaths, while eight new recoveries were recorded. This has brought the total number of recoveries to 6,173.

Male & Female to work in factory. Apply in person to R.P'S Enterprise area "K" Le Ressouvenir. E.C.D SERVICES

1 salesgirl to work in Visa Application: U.S.A, snackette, stabroek market call Canada & UK; Graphics anytime after 10am 226-5793, design, advertisements, 617-0508 Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs,Services,Spares to Washing Machine Refridgetor Store, Treadmill, Deepfryer,Cooler,Dryer,Grains mill.Call:#694-9733 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

VACANCY

Vacancy exist for the followHouse plan& estimate Call ing positions: 1 civil engineer, 216-0671/ 692-8464 or whats 1 secretary. Call 608 2114 app 622-0267 Driver; Must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, Age 2545, Car/Van License. Call 6429823.

FOR SALEFOR SALE

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

Pitmen and Hauler operator for Plastic drums for sale contact interior location. Applicants 223-5273/74 or 600-0266 must be experienced. Call 618Leyland daf truck 6.5 Mil 2020 Yamaha motocycle 700k 6876072/ 661-4307

Experienced carpenter. Call 691 1918

Yamaha outboard motor 115hp 150hp 9.9hp 50hp all Workers for P.S.G.C.S foreigh use and amplifiers Call Labourers, Cleaner, Maintenance worker, Semi- skilled 670-4795 labourer. Contact number 6157784, Mon- Fri 8am- 3pm TO LET Appartment in Eccles rooms in Albertown Tel#225-3234/ 698-7807 FOR RENT

Technical Services, 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. 1. Mechanic 2. Fitter/Machinist 3.

Welder/Fabricator. 3 Years Experience. Apply in person.

1 two bedroom apt for rent Security guards contact 223Eccles H/S E.B.D Call Shelon 5273/74 or 600-0266 648-7004, 233-2219, 659-2204 1 body workman. Call 6682 bedroom apartment inside 7033 toilet & bath E.B.D Prospect 1 experienced sales clerk to No#673-3509 work in a lumberyard / hardTelehandler (fork lift) long or ware store.Preferably from the short term rental 687-6072/ W.B.D or W.C.D 612-9344 / 646-1738 661-4307 VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Fortuner 2012 model G$11.9 Million. automatic, Low Mileage (40,000 km) Tel#660-0192, 233-5859, 6885554 Toyota rush- PRR series year:2006 excellent condition price: $2.3million please call 628-4029

1 officer worker with 3 years experience and have knowlege of payroll Contact # 621-6969/ 615-7784 New York marketting firm wants to hire sales managers.

Paid Training. Serious Candidates. Email: sally@jwiz.com Bus driver, hire car driver Tel#225-3234, 698-7807

Kitty man charged for allegedly sharing nude photos of girl, 16 A Kitty man was yesterday placed on $300,000 bail after he appeared in court for allegedly sharing nude photographs of a 16-year-old girl who refused to be in a relationship with him.

The defendant, Ryan Seecharran, 33, made his first appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates Court before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

Seecharran pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on January 10, 2021, at Kitty, Georgetown, he used a computer system to publish obscene/explicit photographs of a 16-year-old girl via WhatsApp status to humiliate her, causing her substantial emotional distress.

Principal Magistrate, Marcus, granted Seecharran bail in the sum of $300,000 and the matter was adjourned to February 15, 2021.

According to the facts of the charge, Seecharran and the teen are known to each other since they once shared a friendship.

On the day in question, Seecharran asked the teen to be in a relationship with her and she turned down his request. This reportedly made him angry and he posted the photographs of her on his WhatsApp status.

The girl had reportedly sent the photographs to one of her female friends who shared the photographs with Seecharran. The court was informed that more charges are expected to be brought against Seecharran.

Republic of Guinea takes over G77...

From page 14 Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative, Jairo Valverde, last Friday before the handing over ceremony where Valverde congratulated Guyana for successfully chairing the group throughout 2020.

All this was detailed in a press release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry in which it was noted that Guyana was thanked for collaborating with the UNDP during the chairmanship, despite the challenges associated with the novel coronavirus.

Minister Todd also said that the technical support provided through Guyana's partnership with the local UNDP office proved instrumental in

the success of Guyana's Chairmanship for 2020.

Further, he commended that the commitment and efforts of the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, her team, and the staff of his Min-

istry.

It was also stated in the release that Valverde lauded the efforts of the staff at the Ministry to organize and produce the virtual flagship event on climate change which was under the theme “Maintaining a Low Carbon Development

Path towards the 2030 Agenda in the Era of COVID-19.”

Additionally, financing for small states in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was discussed as well as the reclassification of Caribbean economies, among mutual areas of interest.

From page 15 and explained that a reconciliation process was started in November 2017, but it was halted in 2018 after the Special Organized Crime Unit demanded all documents associated with the account prior to 2015.

It was also highlighted in

the 2018 AG Report that the Ministry said that it was in the process of seeking advice from the Ministry of the Presidency's Department of Public Services for a team from the Ministry to conduct the reconciliation exercise.

“The exercise will be done beyond regular working hours and according to the work

programme, the reconciliation is expected to be completed

by December 2019,” it was noted.

Nevertheless, the AG has recommended that the Head of the Budget Agency ensures systems are implemented urgently so that the fund could be better managed.

Amerindian Ministry failed to...

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Tuesday January 19, 2021

US team vows to continue after America’s Cup capsize (AP) - American Magic will miss the next round of racing in the America’s Cup challenger series after its dramatic capsize but the team is determined to be ready for the series semifinals in 11 days. The New York Yacht Club-backed team faces a huge repair job after a highspeed crash while leading Sunday’s race against Italy’s Luna Rossa left its racing yacht Patriot with a gaping hole in its hull.

Skipper Terry Hutchinson yesterday said the yacht sustained internal and external structural damage, and would need to replace the complex system which

controls its foils and almost all of its electronics. The work is likely to take 8 to 10 days, leaving American Magic on a tight deadline to have any race time before the semifinals begin.

Hutchinson feared Patriot might sink but a lengthy salvage effort involving fire officers, Coast Guard and rival teams saved the high-tech 75foot yacht which was towed back to its base in Auckland, New Zealand late Sunday night.

“Fortunately we didn’t sink this one and we’ll live to fight another day,” Hutchinson said.

“While the boat has a bit of damage to her, the crew is safe and at the end of the day that’s

really all you can ask for.

“If I insisted we race over the (coming) weekend I’d have to manage the mutiny! In seriousness, it will be a big effort to have the boat go sailing for the semis.”

Hutchinson said American Magic’s rivals, notably the defender Team New Zealand, have offered personnel and facilities to help rebuilt Patriot.

“We’ve had great support from all the teams and everybody has offered up their services to get Patriot back on the water,” he said.

“As competitors we sit here and argue with each other about little things about racing sailboats.

Tuesday January 19, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Initiate a deep, meaningful conversation with someone you've lost touch with, Aries.

It could be that a long and ugly point of contention is on the brink of resolution.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You will find strength in your inner reserves today, Libra. Don't hesitate to let your deepest thoughts shine through. Keep your antenna up.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your transmission may be stuck in reverse today, Taurus. This doesn't mean you can't be productive. You may need to change your approach.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may feel a bit sluggish today, Scorpio.

Your warrior spirit would rather stay home on the couch than get up and fight.

This is fine. You may simply need a break from your quest for world domination.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Things should go well for you today. There's an added serenity in the air that will help calm your nerves. There's no need to make things more complicated than necessary.

CANCER(June21–July22) It might seem like someone has dumped a bucket of water on your head today. It seems like your fire is out. Keep in mind that this is only temporary and that your internal flame will be rekindled soon.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Tension may run high today as things come to a great emotional climax. It might seem as if everyone is out to get you, Leo, but more than likely this paranoia is a figment of your imagination.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) More than likely you will be caught up in a wildly intense emotional drama if you aren't careful, Virgo. Try to stay calm and collected. Find a quiet, solitary place where you can relax. Your energy is there, but it may be more reserved and subtle on a day like this.

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your sensitivity is strong today, Sagittarius. You will find that your perception of situations is right on target with the truth of the matter.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You may feel a bit confused today. It might seem as if the wind has suddenly been taken out of your sails. Don't get discouraged by the slow weightiness of the day. Take the opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today is an excellent day for you, Aquarius. You will be a welcome addition to any crowd. Your delightful nature is at its most active.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The world probably isn't going to revolve around you today, Pisces, so get used to it. Even though this may not be the news you want to hear, it's probably the news you most need to hear. Use your incredible passion to nurture others.

...Chiefs survive ...Johnson’s X1 beat Hetymer’s From page 22 out before Shepherd loss of QB From page 19 NFL’s concussion protocol in the week ahead.

The top-seeded Chiefs led 19-10 when Mahomes went down and then, with the help of backup quarterback Chad Henne, held on to secure a 22-17 win and keep alive their hopes of a second consecutive trip to the Super Bowl.

In the closing minutes, Henne made a pair of big plays to secure the win.

Henne broke free for a 13yard run to set up a fourthand-one and then connected with receiver Tyreek Hill on a five-yard pass for a first down before they ran out the clock.

Mahomes was paying close attention and saluted his backup as he tweeted “#HenneThingIsPossible” moments after Henne secured the win.

After the game, Cleveland’s Wilson also tweeted that he hoped Mahomes will be able to return next week, to which the Chiefs quarterback replied “All good brother!” along with a flexed bicep emoji.

...Darren Sammy wants you smelling From page 21 to partner with Asgharali to create this amazing fragrance. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people through my playing and in the stadiums,” said S a m m y, w h o i n 2 0 1 9 launched his brand 88, Daren Sammy in St Lucia.

“I’m already very happy with the new signature scents for men and women that Asgarali has created and the exquisite packaging design. I can’t wait to share it with you all this year.”

Meanwhile, Asghar Ali, CEO of Asgharagli said the company felt privileged to be working with the two-time World Cup-winning captain.

“We are honoured to collaborate with Darren Sammy, creating a signature fragrance for him.

Asgharali has always strived for excellence with a long heritage in the fragrance market that continues to gain its customer satisfaction and fulfil their desires,” he said.

LBW to Jamaican off-spinner Ramal Lewis at 53-4, while Smith sent back Kemol Savory (9) at 81-5 before Gudakesh Motie removed Baskar Yadram for a duck two runs later as Hetymer’s X1 slipped 83-6.

Persaud and the destructive Adams, who dumped West Indies leggie Devendra Bishoo for four sixes; two of them in the same over, repaired the damage before Shepherd induced Adams to slice a catch to Bishoo at third man at 147-7.

Kevin Sinclair (1) was run

mopped up the tail.

When Johnson’s X1 began their reply Sinclair had Assad Fudadin (4) caught behind before Sankar took the next four wickets, removing Griffith, who played an injudicious reverse sweep, Johnson (9), Chris Barnwell (0) and Anthony Bramble (7). However, Foo, Imlach and Shepherd contributed with the bat before Lewis (7) and Motie (4) saw their team to victory.

The next match is set for tomorrow at the same venue.

(Sean Devers at LBI)

...Messi facing lengthy suspension From page 20 play in the final because of an unspecified fitness issue that had caused coach Ronald Koeman to leave him out of the semifinal against Real Sociedad on

Wednesday, when Barcelona prevailed in a penalty shootout.

Barcelona’s next match is on Thursday at Cornella in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Sri Lanka vs England: Tourists win first Test by seven wickets

B

BC Sport E n g l a n d wrapped up a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of a two-match series in Galle.

Resuming on 38-3, needing another 36 for victory, Jonny Bairstow and debutant Dan Lawrence carried England to their target inside 35 minutes on the final morning of an enthralling encounter.

Bairstow ended unbeaten on 35 and Lawrence 21, although the latter survived an lbw review against Dilruwan Perera and Sri Lanka did not refer another shout that replays suggested would have been overturned.

After England slipped to 14-3 during a frantic end to day four, Bairstow and Lawrence’s unbroken 62-run stand guided them to an ultimately comfortable win.

The second Test starts at 04:30 GMT on Friday at the

same ground.

England are now unbeaten in nine Tests under Joe Root’s captaincy, they have won four consecutive overseas Tests for the first time since 1957, and boast five successive wins in Sri Lanka.

Vi c t o r y i m p r o v e d E n g l a n d ’s c h a n c e s o f reaching the inaugural World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June. They remain fourth in the standings, with the two top sides playing in the final.

England out of the blocks quickly Root’s side have been slow starters in series in recent years - they lost the o p e n i n g Te s t a g a i n s t Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in 2019, and against West Indies last summer.

However, Sunday’s toporder wobble aside, they were rarely troubled in the first of six successive Tests

on the subcontinent - an achievement made all the more impressive given they had one day of match practice before this game.

Root scored a magnificent 226 in the first innings, and off-spinner Dom Bess and slow leftarmer Jack Leach, who returned match figures of 8130 and 6-177 respectively, found more rhythm as the game progressed, which bodes well for the sterner four-Test series in India that follows this tour.

Lawrence can take considerable credit for his first-innings 73 and the manner in which he helped negate England’s secondinnings nerves alongside the efficient Bairstow, while wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was tidy behind the stumps throughout on a dry, turning pitch.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, were left wondering what if.

Their collapse to 135 all out

on the first day was described as “one of the worse we’ve ever seen”, and even an extra 50 runs could have changed the course of this game.

‘Very impressive’ - what they said England captain and player of the match Joe Root: ”To come here with the little preparation we have had and play in the manner we have is very impressive.

“We worked extremely hard and for the spinners to come out of the game with two five-fors is a great effort. Without the preparation, it is testament to their characters.

“It is a good start to the tour. We know we have to keep getting better but I am really pleased with the start we have had.”

England bowler Stuart Broad on BBC Test Match Special: ”It looked like we could lose a wicket every ball last night. We were

pretty happy when play finished last night.

“It felt calm here this morning. We had a job to do and felt we had enough in tank to chase 30-odd. To do it without losing a wicket is awesome.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan: ”When I think about the preparation England have had, in Loughborough in a tent, one day in the middle in Sri Lanka and then rain, to put in this kind of performance is a great effort.

“I can’t think Sri Lanka will gift England two poor days in the next Test - that match will be really tough.

“I am happy England have played in difficult conditions and won the game.”

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal: ”We were outplayed in first innings with bat and ball. As a batting unit, especially playing at home, you have to

get a big total in the first innings. It cost us the game.

“Everyone did their bit in the second innings. We played outstanding knocks in the second innings. We have to take the positives out of this.”

Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur: ”The first innings was very poor - it was an unacceptable batting performance.

“Even if we get 220 in the first innings we keep ourselves massively in the game, so that’s where it was lost. We did put it right in the second innings. But it was too late.”

Scores: Sri Lanka 135 (Bess 5-30) & 359 (Thirimanne 111, Leach 5122) England 421 (Root 228; D Perera 4-109) & 76-3 (Bairstow 35*, Embuldeniya 2-29) Result: England won by seven wickets; take 1-0 series lead

Chiefs survive loss of QB Messi facing lengthy suspension for hitting opponent Mahomes, reach AFC C/ship MADRID (AP) — After losing the Spanish Super Cup final, Barcelona is also in danger of losing Lionel Messi for an extended period after he hit an opponent toward the end of the match.

Messi could be suspended for up to 12 games for the red card he received in the final minutes of his team’s 3-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao in Seville on Sunday.

After passing the ball out to the left flank, Messi swung his right arm toward the head of Athletic forward Asier Villalibre as they ran forward toward the box. Villalibre immediately fell to the ground and Messi was given his first red card in 753 appearances for Barcelona.

Referee Gil Manzano said in his match report that Messi hit his opponent with ‘’excessive force’’ while the ball was not near him.

The Spanish soccer federation’s competitions committee will decide on the charges against Messi, and the player’s eventual suspension could range from one to three matches or from four to 12 matches, depending on how severe the federation considers the incident.

Barcelona was already preparing its defense regardless of the charges that would be presented by the federation against its player.

If found guilty, Messi will be suspended for matches in the Spanish league or the Copa del Rey. Barcelona is in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey and trails Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the league.

Messi was visibly frustrated as the match went on and Barcelona struggled to recover from its deficit against Athletic. The Catalan club twice relinquished leads, including conceding a 90th-minute equalizer scored by Villalibre. Antoine Griezmann scored both Barcelona goals, with Messi assisting in the first one.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi during the Spanish Supercopa final soccer match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021.

(AP Photo/Miguel Morenatti) The defeat cost Barcelona a chance to end a title drought that has lingered from last season, the club’s first without a title since 2007-08.

While it was Messi’s first red card for his club, he has been sent off twice while playing for Argentina’s national team, including a few seconds into his debut in a friendly against Hungary in 2005. The other time was in the 2019 Copa America in a match against Chile.

He was also sent off once while playing for Barcelona’s ‘’B’’ team.

Messi, who asked to leave the club in the offseason but had his request denied, is having an average season compared to previous years, having scored 14 goals in 22 matches with Barcelona. He was far from his best on Sunday despite helping set up the team’s first goal. Messi had been doubtful to (Continued on page 19)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is brought down by Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Mack Wilson (51) during the second half in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff-USA Today Sports) (Reuters) - The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday to reach the AFC Championship, but it may have come at a cost as Patrick Mahomes was knocked out of the game during the third quarter due to a concussion.

With the winner of next week’s game between the Chiefs and visiting Buffalo Bills moving onto the Feb. 7 Super Bowl, all eyes will

turn to Kansas City to see if quarterback Mahomes will be healthy enough to compete.

Mahomes, who was named the Most Valuable Player of last year’s Super Bowl, appeared dazed after he got up from a hit midway through the third quarter before eventually jogging to the Chiefs’ locker room where he was further evaluated.

On the play, with the Chiefs facing a third-and-

one, Mahomes went for the first down but was denied by Browns linebacker Mack Wilson and the front of his helmet slammed into the ground.

Prior to leaving the game, Mahomes had completed 21-of-30 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown.

T h e q u a r t e r b a c k ’s availability for the AFC Championship will depend on his progress through the (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 19, 2021

PAGE 21

Emotional Siraj stars as India go into 5th day of 4th test

Australia’s David Warner ducks to avoid bouncer from India’s Shardul Thakur during play on day four of the fourth cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, Australia, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

B

RISBANE, Australia (AP) — Mohammed Siraj didn’t go home in November when his father died, deciding instead to stay in Australia and try to fulfill a dream for his late dad.

In a matter of weeks, he’s been elevated from backup bowler — picked for the tour as cover following some injuries to veteran pacemen — to leading India’s injurydepleted attack in the seriesdeciding test match at the Gabba.

He snared his maiden five-wicket haul yesterday, helping to dismiss Australia for 294 late on the penultimate day of the fourth and final test, leaving India a target of 328 to win.

“If he was alive, he would’ve been so happy,””Siraj said. “But I had his blessings and that’s why I took five wickets today.

I’m speechless today, about this performance. I don’t have many words.”

Siraj said he recalled a

conversation with his mother, who encouraged him to stay our tour in Australia and to do his father proud.

“I spoke with my people at home. I felt strong after talking to my family, talking to my mother, and I was also strong mentally about this.

My focus was that to accomplish my dad’s wish for me.

Thank God, it got accomplished today. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.”

The highest successful run chase at the Gabba was in 1951, when Australia finished 236-7 against the West Indies. The Australians haven’t lost at the Gabba since 1988, but nobody is counting India out.

And it’s because of the way the likes of Siraj and the other players drafted in to fill voids left by the absence of regular starters have taken on the game that makes the tourists so much confidence.

The openers faced 1.5

India’s Mohammed Siraj, centre, celebrates with teammate Mayank Agarwal, left, after taking his fifth wicket during play on day four of the fourth cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, Australia, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard) overs before rain stopped play and India was four without loss — one scoring stroke from Rohit Sharma.

Stumps was called shortly after 5 p.m. local time, giving India three sessions, weatherpermitting, to try to get 324 more runs.

Siraj put down two catches before picking up the key wicket of Steve Smith for 55 in the middle session.

Australia was 243-7 at tea on day four — a rain shower forcing an early break — with an overall lead of 276 and a declaration seemingly imminent.

But the hosts continued batting when play resumed in gloomy conditions in the evening session, adding a further 51 runs for three wickets.

Pat Cummins finished unbeaten on 28. Nathan Lyon, in his 100th test, took Australia’s lead past 300 when he hooked a six off Siraj but was out soon after for 13, giving Thakur his fourth wicket of the innings

and seventh of the match.

Thakur took the catch off Siraj’s bowling to dismiss last man Josh Hazlewood (9). Siraj, leading the India attack in just his third test in the injury-enforced absence of Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, returned 5-73 for his career-best figures.

Smith said the match was well-poised, and typical of a series that as “ebbed and flowed” throughout. Australia won the first test by eight wickets in Adelaide, India responded with an eightwicket win in Melbourne —where Siraj made his debut — and then get the emotional better for a draw in the third test in Sydney, where the tourists batted through the last four sessions to salvage a draw.

“The game is in a nice place for us,” Smith said.

“The wicket started to play a few tricks today, a couple of balls shot up, so tomorrow is going to be (about) letting the natural variation of a day

five wicket do its work, and hopefully we can hold onto our chances.”

Smith said there was a lot more happening with the wicket at the Gabba and it was different to the Sydney Cricket Ground, where India batted for 130 overs to save the match.

Australia started Monday on 21 without loss and cruised to 89-0 before losing four wickets in six overs to slip to 123-4.

Smith then combined with Cameron Green to boost the total to 196 before a sharply-rising ball from Siraj hit him on the glove and deflected away to Ajinkya Rahane in the gully.

Smith, who got a reprieve on 42 when he advanced to off-spinner Washington Sundar and Siraj put down a chance in the deep, reviewed the decision, thinking his hand wasn’t on the bat at the time.

But replays clearly confirmed the dismissal — a big one for Siraj.

Green (37) had a reprieve

when Siraj put down a sharp return catch, but his 90-ball innings ended when he edged Thakur to Rohit Sharma at second slip to make Australia 227-6.

Australia captain Tim Paine scored a quick 27 before he attempted to hook Thakur and was caught behind.

Thakur got things rolling on day four for India when Marcus Harris (38) gloved a catch to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant in the 25th over.

Sundar, on test debut, trapped David Warner (48) in the next over before Siraj got among the wickets by removing Marnus Labuschagne (25) and Matthew Wade (0) in the same over to keep India in contention.

While the series is level at 1-1, India needs only a draw to ensure it retains the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

Scores: India 4 for 0 and 336 need another 324 runs to beat Australia 369 and 294 (Smith 55, Warner 48, Siraj 5-73, Thakur 4-61).

Pollard to lead powerful Red Force Darren Sammy wants you smelling great squad in 2021 CG Insurance Super 50 this summer with his signature fragrance SportsMax - Kieron Pollard will lead a powerful TT Red Force squad when the CG Insurance Super50 Cup bowls off in Antigua and Barbuda from February 7-27.

Pollard heads a seasoned squad of players that include the likes of Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons and the hard-hitting Nicholas Pooran. Darren Bravo, who will form part of the strong squad will also serve as vicecaptain for the team that were semi-finalists last time out.

The T&T selectors have also picked the experienced

Kieron Pollard Jason Mohammed, who is on West Indies duty in Bangladesh as well as f o r m e r We s t I n d i e s representatives Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin and Ravi Rampaul.

Imran Khan, Akeal Hosein, opener Kjorn Ottley,

Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales are also in line to represent the team from the twin-island republic that on paper should start as favourites to win the shortened version of the competition in 2021.

The full squad reads: Kieron Pollard (captain), Darren Bravo (vicecaptain), Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Imran Khan, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Kjorn Ottley, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre.

SportsMax - Darren Sammy is looking to enjoy the sweet smell of success in the near future following the signing of a new licensing agreement with Asgharali, a Bahrain-based fragrance company that has been in operation for more than 100 years.

According to Barbados Today, under the agreement, Asgharali will create signature fragrance – for men and women - under the Darren Sammy trademark and he is expected to launch the new fragrances by the summer. “I am super excited (Continued on page 19)

Darren Sammy

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Tuesday January 19, 2021

Problems mount for Australian Open as four more participants infected

M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) More players were forced into hard quarantine ahead of the Australian Open with officials confirming yesterday that four additional participants, including an athlete, tested positive for COVID-19 among those arriving in Melbourne.

Health authorities in Victoria state have now reported nine infections among passengers who arrived on charter flights for the Feb. 8-21 Australian Open and officials said more cases may come to light as testing continues.

“All four are associated with the tennis, and they’re all tucked away safely in hotel quarantine,” Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters of the new cases.

Passengers on three Australian Open charter flights were sent into hard quarantine, including over 70 players who will be unable to train for 14 days

ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam.

Players have come up with unique ways to pass time and stay fit in isolation with some hitting balls against a mattress and running sprints in corridors.

Others are allowed five hours outside their hotel rooms each day for preparation, in line with arrangements made by organisers Tennis Australia with health authorities.

But several among those, including Australia’s topranked player Alex de Minaur, were unable to train on courts on Monday due to logistics issues with transport.

De Minaur, who returned home after winning an ATP title in Turkey last week, posted a video on Instagram of himself sitting at the front door of his hotel room dressed fully in his practice attire.

“It’s been a challenging few days as we’ve worked with the relevant authorities managing the logistics to ensure everyone is safe as

practice begins,” TA said in a statement, adding that transport issues were later sorted out.

“Our team is continuing to work with the authorities to help in any way we can.

We understand this has been frustrating for the players and apologise.”

‘CALL OFF’ The growing infection count has sparked calls from pundits to cancel the Grand Slam.

“It’s time to be selfish, time for Victoria to put ourselves first,” 3AW radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell said.

“Call off the Australian Open. It’s not worth the risk.”

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said on Sunday the tournament would start as scheduled.

Many Australians have questioned the decision to host the tournament with organisers flying in 1,200 tennis players and their entourages Down Under when thousands of citizens are stranded overseas due to

the pandemic.

Andrews said the government still supported holding the Grand Slam and backed health officials to deliver it safely.

“We think we’ve struck the appropriate balance,” he said.

“If there was a sense from the public health team that that balance could not be struck, that it was too high a risk, well then we wouldn’t have had the event.”

S o m e p l a y e r s complained about quarantine conditions and said they had not been advised that they would not be allowed to train if there were cases on their flights.

Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, however, apologised after social media users hit out at her for criticising the strict health protocols.

Tw o - t i m e m e n ’s wheelchair Grand Slam champion Gordon Reid said those “kicking up a fuss” are in a minority.

DJOKOVIC LETTER A Spanish tennis website reported that world number

A ball-kid holds a ball during Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz and Australia’s John Millman match last year.

(REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)

one Novak Djokovic had written to Tiley asking that quarantine restrictions be eased for players, including reducing the mandatory 14 days of isolation and having players moved to “private houses with tennis courts” so they could train.

The report drew a backlash from Australians on social media, with Djokovic and players told to check their “privilege”.

Andrews said the biosecurity protocols would not be changed.

“It doesn’t mean that everyone likes them, but that’s not the world we’re in,” he said. “This is a wildly

infectious pandemic. There are rules that need to be followed.”

Tennis Australia and Djokovic’s team did not respond to request for comment.

A u s t r a l i a ’s b i g g e s t outbreak of COVID-19 started from returned travellers infecting staff at quarantine hotels in Melbourne last year but border closures and speedy tracking systems helped keep numbers relatively low.

The country has reported a total of more than 28,600 cases and some 909 deaths since the pandemic began.

Johnson’s X1 beat Hetymer’s X1 by two wickets - Persaud hits fifty, Shepherd & Sankar take 4 wickets each

Steven Sankar spun webs around the batsmen and took 4-32.

Ricardo Adams made 47 and added 64 with Persaud for the 7th wicket.

Leon Johnson’s X1 beat Shimron Hetymer’s X1 by two wickets yesterday in the first of three practice matches at the GGI’s LBI facility as the Guyana Jaguars intensified preparations for next month’s Regional Super50 in Antigua.

A 64-run seventh wicket stand between Akshaya Persaud, who reached the ropes twice and cleared it thrice in a carefully constructed unbeaten 51 and Ricardo Adams who clobbered five sixes a four in a robust 47, carried their team to 152 in 33.3 overs after a late start and another

stoppage due to rain reduced the game to a 35-over contest.

In the game which started as a 45-over clash, Vishaul Singh was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 15 as Romario Shepherd, back to full health after covid-19 caused him to miss the Bangladesh tour, finished with 4-22.

The West Indies pacer, who plays for Tucber Park in Berbice cricket, got support from his Berbice club mate Nial Smith who grabbed 322.

Set a revised total of 143 to win from 35 overs at a

venue slightly larger than the smallest International ground in the West Indies, the Warner Park ground in St Kitts, Johnson’s X1 reached 145-8 in 33 overs with Jonathon Foo hitting four sixes in 35, while Tevin Imlach (28), Trevon Griffith (19) and Shepherd (15) helped their team to victory despite the good work from leg-spinner Steven Sankar who captured 4-32.

After a delay 145 minutes due to overnight and early morning rain on the East Coast of Demerara, Johnson won the toss and opted to on a slow track and a heavy outfield which is still a

work in progress.

Shepherd, had Chanderpaul Hemraj (4) caught at slip as Johnson, who held the first of his three catches in that position at 51.

Smith shattered the stumps of Kevlon Anderson (7) at 22-2 before the bulky Hetymer, who faced eight balls, edged a slash at Smith to Johnson at slip to leave his team on 27-3. Singh was (Continued on page 19)

Persaud square drives during his unbeaten 51.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 19, 2021

PAGE 23

Nexgen Global set to Bring Golf Course to West Coast Demerara Aleem Hussain

Ronald Sami The Guyana Golf Association (GGA) in collaboration with the Nexgen Golf Academy has acquired land to establish the first of their planned five uniquely designed golf facilities on West Coast Demerara, just near the Vr e e d - e n - h o o p a r e a , according to Aleem Hussain, President of the GGA. “As part of the long term partnership with Mr. and Ms. Ronald Sami, we can see the facility begin construction immediately, with hopes for completion in a few months,” said Hussain.

This is in response to the request by many persons who are interested in Golf

The land acquired by GGA for the construction of a golf course at West Demerara. but due to distance and affordability, couldn’t have access,” added Hussain. He stated that based on the innovative model they created, it will cost less than G$2,000 per month for children to learn and play the sport at least two to three times per month.

“The Guyana Golf Association has accomplished the greatest growth of the sport in the country’s history, with support only from sponsors and a few dedicated golfers,” noted Hussain.

The opening of a Golf Academy and Driving Range on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown allows the GGA to attract and teach several hundred new players in six months, and with the support of the Allied Arts department of the Ministry of Education, introduced the sport to the school system so that over 100,000 children ages 6-18 will have access to participate in golfing.

“Currently the need for at least 10 Golf facilities are in demand, so the GGA is calling on as many persons

Victoria Scorpions FC gifted uniforms by UK based AFC Wimbledon Academy and Roger Isaacs

Mr. Roger Isaacs (extreme left) with players and executive members of the Victoria Scorpions FC following the presentation of gear.

T

h e Vi c t o r i a Scorpions Football Club (VSFC), which was formed back in 2015, received a huge boost when a set of uniforms was gifted to the c l u b b y M r. M i c h a e l Hamilton of AFC Wimbledon Academy of the United Kingdom and Mr. Roger Isaacs.

Wi t h a c o m b i n e d membership of around forty (40) players (senior &

junior), the club has welcomed the donation which was made recently and has informed the donors that it would be utilised for the development of the players.

Isaacs himself was on hand to hand over the items in the presence of players and club executives.

Club Captain and PRO Ahmad Parks conveyed the gratitude of executive and players for the largesse of

Mr. Isaacs and Hamilton.

The full list of executive is as follows: Marlon King (President), Anthony S a m u e l s ( F i r s t Vi c e President), Bernard John (Second Vice President), Gavin Huntley (Secretary), Jonell Mercurius (Treasurer/Assistant Secretary), Owen Mercurius (Manager), Ray Williams (Equipment Manager), Ahmad Parks (Public Relations Officer).

as possible to build and equip golf facilities around the country so they can provide training for as many as 6,000 new players,” he posited.

“The long term goal is to field an Olympic team and to enhance the interest in the sport, the GGA plans to create weekly tournaments and activities for these new players, all with the intention of building a national team that will represent Guyana

internationally.”

The GGA is capitalizing on the fact that golf is one of the few covid compliant sports in the world to grow the game and bring worldwide attention to the country by accelerating the interest and number of Golf courses to increase sports tourism.

This will benefit hotels, restaurants, taxis, airlines, eco-tourism, car rentals and

souvenir sales nationwide.

The Copa Airlines Holein -One Contest is scheduled to kick off the Nexgen Golf Academy 2021 season in two weeks and it is expected that major prizes will be up for grabs.

For more information on the sport or to learn the game, visit the Academy and Driving Range located on Woolford Avenue or call 645-0944.

Successful Endurance testing & tuning day at Timehri track Photos and story

by Calvin Chapman On Sunday, the South Dakota Circuit at Timehri was buzzing with activity as Endurance competitors were granted permission to test their machines ahead of the first round of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) / Secure Innovations & Concepts (SIC) Endurance Championship on January 31.

The fair amount of vehicles that were tested with a couple newcomers to the Endurance scene was an indication that a full grid should be expected when competition returns to

Aaron Bethune

Timehri race track after 11 months of inactivity due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Shan Seejattan’s Toyota Levin appeared to be the fastest machine on the track on Sunday with some roaring sprints across the straightaway.

T h e To p P o w e r Racing/Special Auto sponsored car will be a force to be reckoned with once it can sustain its performance for the full three-hours come race day.

Balram Auto Mechanics did testing on the BM SOAT sponsored Integra that holds the Endurance lap record time. Principal of the servicing center, Balram Ramdeo, noted that the day

was fairly good despite encountering a problem with the gear box at the end of the practice session.

Ramdeo revealed that he isn’t too worried because this is what practice sessions are for, to weed out all the annoying problems and with two weeks to go, he is positive that the Rameez Mohamed driven Honda Integra will be running faster than before with key focus on in durability for the threehour clash.

Among the competitors present at the Endurance testing and tuning on Sunday last also included Aaron Bethune, Nyron Maraj, Roshan Ali, Adrian & his brother Richard Hamid and they will be joined by at least a dozen more come race day.

The GMR&SC has explained that special covid19 rules and protocols will be provided in the coming week to ensure the safety of drivers, mechanics, officials and everyone involved at the event.

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

Balram Ramdeo and the Honda Integra.

t r o Sp

Successful Endurance testing & tuning day at Timehri track Richard Hamid and Adrian Hamid.

Johnson’s X1 beat Hetymer’s X1 by two wickets - Persaud hits fifty, Shepherd & Sankar take 4 wickets each

Kevin Sinclair is beaten by Shepherd who took 4-24.

Emotional Siraj stars as India go into 5th day of 4th test

Sri Lanka vs England:

Tourists win first Test by seven wickets

Pollard to lead powerful Red Force squad in 2021 CG Insurance Super 50 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.