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Kaieteur News
Thursday January 20, 2022
Kaieteur News
Thursday January 20, 2022
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Guyanese up ante against ‘oppressive’ Exxon contract - Protesters demand change, call on leaders to fight for a better deal
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protester who took to the streets yesterday demanding changes in the oil contracts, which Guyana signed with some of the foreign oil companies was moved to tears as he called on the government and leaders of Guyana to secure more wealth for households so that their children can be properly fed. Rawle Austin, who hails from Section ‘C’ Sophia, Georgetown shared that he makes concrete blocks for a living and was robbed recently; hence, he is unable to provide for his family. The man said, “There is so much of poverty in Sophia right now and because of that people are coming out and violate people. I am a blocks maker and my own neighbour child thief my
blocks mould, all two, and he put me out of business. You know why they thieving because the children cannot eat. The family cannot provide for them and if I de take de law into my own hands, I wouldn’t have been here protesting, but is children and I leave it to God but we need to do something about this thing”. Austin said he believes an administration that cares for its people would renegotiate the contract the Guyana Government signed with ExxonMobil. He also urged that Guyanese support the protest action. “This is not politics or religion or race, this is about fighting for what is for Guyanese. I have been listening to Mr. Glenn Lall for about a year now on his radio station. I didn’t know about a lot of them things but I hear his voice
crying out and I know that he didn’t have to do what he’s doing but he’s doing it cause he is a Guyanese and we all are Guyanese,” Austin posited as he called on citizens to participate in the ‘fight’. Kaieteur News spoke with another protester, Simosha Lawrence from Georgetown who said she was out to protest to get more for her children. According to her, “I am a single mother and I would like to see a better environment for them (my children) at school and hospitals and so on. I am here to support Glenn Lall because I believe we should get a better contract. It got nuff single parents and some children aint’t going to school and all of that because the parents cannot afford it”. Lall Persaud another protester said, “We think, we
Moblissa man missing after leaving home for Georgetown 3 weeks later…
Relatives of Joseph Bacchus, a taxi driver of Lot 504 Moblissa New Housing Scheme, Soesdyke-Linden Highway are currently seeking the assistance of the public to locate him after he has not been heard from or seen for about three weeks now. Speaking with Kaieteur News on Wednesday, the man’s ex-wife Valentina DaSilva said that Bacchus has not been seen since December 29, last after informing her that he was going out. The woman related that on that day, she learned that the 61-year-old man was at a shop in the area sometime around 11:00hrs for a brief moment before he departed for the city. Kaieteur News was told that the man had informed the shopkeeper that he was on his way to the city. He was last seen wearing a blue and white checkered shirt with a pair of blue jeans. DaSilva said she is unaware if he might have left to go to the hospital in city since he was not feeling well for some
Missing, Joseph Bacchus. days. According to the woman she does not know what kind of sickness Bacchus suffered from but all she is aware of is that he was ill. She explained that after noticing he was not returning home that day, she decided to send him a text message to which he did not reply. The woman added that she later found his phone in his bedroom and it was turned off. The following day, she was informed by one of her relatives who resides in Georgetown that he had
stopped by them on the afternoon of December 29, but was unaware where he was headed. According to DaSilva, Bacchus’ family lives overseas and to her knowledge there is no friend of his that lives in Georgetown that he could have visited that day. The woman related that she filed a missing person’s report with the Madewini Police Station since his disappearance. In addition, she along with their neighbour had made checks with different hospitals around the city and at the Memorial Funeral Home, but there are no records of him there. When this publication contacted the Police in Division ‘4’ B, they disclosed that checks were made at several areas but no sign of the man. Anyone who might have seen Joseph Bacchus or knows about his whereabouts is asked to call telephone numbers: 6874475, 628-0508 or the nearest police station.
need our fair share because two percent cannot cut the ice and everybody, a lot of people are complaining”. Persaud, a Guyanese who resides in the United States said he is not against the production of oil, but rather the unfair deal that Guyanese are being forced to accept. “I don’t think that the government is doing a good job. We need some changes and we deserve 50/50. The whole of Guyana knows that the leaders are benefitting more from this deal rather than the ordinary citizens, and we need to end the silence. We need to stand up for what is ours,” Persaud added. Meanwhile, Malika Clementson, another resident from Georgetown said it is quite clear that the oil companies are taking advantage of Guyanese. She said, “They are robbing not only us, but our children and our children’s children in the future generations cause I think we need to inherit more than what we are getting here, not only for us, but for everybody’s children”. “A fair share” KN Publisher, Glenn Lall was among the protesters yesterday shouting “demand your fair share” and “stand up for your children” on the Houston, East Bank Demerara Public Road. In an interview he said, “I came out here to fight for my own share. The reason for that is because the leaders will not stand up and they will not fight for our share. They have sold this country out and I, as a Guyanese, will never sit back idle knowing what has happened in many oilproducing countries all across this World”. Lall made specific reference to the extreme poverty the people are faced
with in oil-producing nations such as Angola, which he said, he is determined not to let occur in Guyana. Other than protesting, Lall has already filed a historic lawsuit against oil giant ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited in light of the most repressive tax provisions of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). The case, which was prepared and filed by his Attorney-at-Law, Mohamed R. Ali, outlines that many of the provisions listed under Article 15.1 of the Petroleum Agreement, dated June 27, 2016, between the Guyana Government and the oil companies, grants exemptions to persons other than licensees, which violate the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, the Financial Administration (and Audit) Act, the P r e v e n t i o n o f Discrimination Act, and the Constitution. The newspaper Publisher is confident that Guyana would be able to retain billions of American dollars, should his case be won. In the meantime, he told this newspaper that he is prepared to protest everyday in different parts of the country, so as to bring about greater awareness about what is at stake. According to him, “Every Guyanese home should have been getting one million dollars per month right now but the million dollars a month for our households and our housewives are going to every foreigner in this land…we are rated the second fastest growing economy in the World, yet our salary increase is seven percent”.
As a consequence, Glenn said he is prepared to protest until the contract changes. “It has to change. This contract has to change. It must change. It will change and if nobody else is gonna do it, we are gonna do it,” he insisted. Guyana’s oil deal Kaieteur News would have exposed that Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Stabroek Block is one of the world’s worst provisions when compared to 130 other deals in the world. For example, the PSA sees the government paying the contractor’s income tax out of the country’s share of the profits. However, none of the 130 PSAs examined shows this arrangement. Further, Guyana’s PSA is the only one out of 130, which has very moderate work obligations for contractors who are vested with offshore licences. Additionally, the Guyana-ExxonMobil PSA is the only one out of 130 contracts, which has no ringfencing provisions to prevent costs of unsuccessful wells being carried over to that of successful wells. There is also no sliding scale for royalty to increase as production improves. And that is not all. Guyana’s PSA is the only one out of 130 in the world that allows insurance premiums to be fully recovered as well as interest on loans and financing costs that are incurred by the contractors. The newspaper publisher has been adamant that the two percent royalty deal for which oil giant ExxonMobil has inked with local politicians is not carved in stone and as such can be changed in favour of the citizens of Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday January 20, 2022
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
No say in spending “Guyanese will have no say on how oil money will be sent -Patterson (KN January 13). We could have saved him the trouble, for that is precisely what we have been telling the world from day one. Guyanese having no say in spending is part of the devilish objectives of the scheming PPPC Government leaders, who study and plot, and come up with new ways on how to bleed Guyana dry and the many ways to steal the wealth of this country so as to bring it to the point of insolvency. Guyanese have to get one thing in their heads. The only time they have value, have any standing that calls for recognition by political leaders is during elections seasons. This is when they are courted and wooed, and the one time when they represent something. All other times, they are nothing but doormats to be used for wiping the feet of leaders and ministers. The quicker citizens of this country get used to that reality, the better off they will be, the more they will be able to cushion their disappointments, when their hopes are dashed. For here it is that this country is poised to cash in on its biggest oil paydays, and the PPPC Government has moved with cunning and determination to set up a mechanism to rob the people of their inheritance. The President has the power, or so we are led to believe, but he is just the puppet on a string that is responding to the tugs and pulls of the man in the shadows who is calling the shots. That would be none other than the crafty Vice President. He has a certain history where big money, in fact, any kind of taxpayer money, is concerned, and he has been slick enough in the swirl of oil developments to make the Headof-State the front man, with all these powers, when he doesn’t have any other than to sign and carry out orders at the behest of the real power behind the throne. What the Vice President desires all Guyana to believe is that he has no say, and is along for the ride in all of these fast-rushing oil issues. This is the perfect cover for his rapacious purposes. But regardless of where the power to make decisions of enduring significance with this oil resides, the President or the Vice President or the subject Minister, the end result is still the same. It is what the Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, Mr. David Patterson, has said, Guyanese have no say. We encourage our fellow citizens to look around carefully, and absorb what has been going on, and then ask them to decide for themselves whether they have any say in anything related to this oil, since its discovery. Guyanese have opened their mouths and said that they want to know about the Payara Project review, and their word have so much weight that they PPPC Government hastened to deliver what they said they wanted. Guyanese are still waiting for some scrap of information on that, and it doesn’t involve actual money being overseen and withdrawn, which the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Law now makes possible. It is the same dismal and secretive story with the very costly gas-to-shore project slated for Wales, where Guyanese have their say, but are completely ignored by arrogant leaders in a rampaging government. In addition, more and more people have come out and said that they want more for this oil, that the contract should be renegotiated (which the PPPC itself said during the campaigns for elections), but today, nobody listens to what Guyanese have to say about this oil or have the time of day for them. Since this NRF currently has over a half billion American dollars in it, it is past the point of speculation as to whether the leaders in the PPPC Government will listen to what Guyanese have to say about how any money withdrawn from the fund is to be spent. They will not, and that is as good a guarantee as there could be about how things work in Guyana, especially as they relate to oil monies.
Are our leaders paying attention? DEAR EDITOR, I wonder if some “leaders” ever read the letters column to have an idea how citizens think. I recall when I wrote critically about sugar under the coalition, the CEO called me in to discuss. But even though President Granger asked for ideas with reference to sugar, my friend and I created a 12-page document and presented it to him and the Minister, we were never called for discussion. When I wrote a reasonable letter on sugar, three General Managers responded attacking me. Many felt the letter was not written by them. The letter however did not deal with the issues I raised. I wrote a letter on education and, among other things, suggested ways of responding to the bad CXC results in Mathematics and English, no response. I have not seen in the press any pronouncement, by the Minister or the Education Ministry, of any strategy to deal with the poor performances over the years. I also questioned the need for 14 subjects in Grade 7 and that the best teachers should be in the lower forms so by the end of the third year, student should be able to self study. I will however keep writing on the little issues that affect the ordinary people that goes unnoticed by the relevant authorities. One is our roads. I know the ‘big ones’ do not travel in their own vehicles. If something goes wrong, the State repairs them. Maybe this is why they do not pay much
attention. Recently, I saw on Facebook videos of a car involved in an accident and the driver injured. It hit a pothole in the road. There were other videos of cars hitting potholes on the public road. Some had their tyres damaged and also had their rims broken. A friend of mine said he hit a pothole and his tyre was damaged. I hit one on the East Coast Embankment road recently and I had to replace the tyre. It happened to me before also. I am certain others have suffered. I want to point out that such potholes can cause vehicles to crash leading to the loss of lives. Another issue is the humps. Sometime ago, a car went into the embankment from a street and it was hit. Some smart government leader decided the way forward was to place humps at the approach to the embankment and since then we have graduated to be a humping nation. So instead of stop signs, we put humps and then we commenced to put humps all over apparently to slow traffic. I know these leaders travel overseas and would or should know what a speed bump looks like but somehow when they arrive in Guyana, they forget so we have a situation where one reaches the hump, stops, proceeds cautiously, scrapes the bottom of the vehicle and then proceeds. Now at the street head, they would put not one but two so one stops, proceed to graze the bottom of the vehicle, then stop again and
graze the bottom of the vehicle a second time, then proceeds. You can imagine how often one has to change one’s brakes liners. The other matter in relation to humps is that when one turns into a street, you hit a hump then you hit another. Even if these humps for some reason unknown to me are so necessary, why place them so close to the end of the street. Now humps have been placed at various points on busy roads and streets. So many are not painted so one sometimes does not see them until you are near. It is even more difficult to see them at night especially when cars are coming at you from the other direction with their lights blinding you. These humps can cause serious accidents. Now if one travels to neighbouring Suriname. They have humps, “Drumpel” and there are adequate signs alerting drivers, none in Guyana. Well enough of humps. Rumble Strips. I saw a couple of rumble strips some time ago and called the PS of Public Infrastructure of the previous government and he suggested I speak to the road officer. I was told that the strips are to slow traffic. Well, we know it is better to drive fast over these strips. I could be corrected but I am of the opinion that these strips are to alert one of changing conditions and to caution drivers. They are usually placed before turns and when there is a change of speed limits as in Suriname. In addition, there are
adequate signs alerting drivers that they are approaching these strips. We need some of these strips on the Rosignol to Georgetown public road. Driving at night is a veritable nightmare. In addition, while in some places, there are a number of signs indicating turns in most places there are none. It is important for these signs to be put in place. And please Minister of Public Works, please work with the Traffic Department and ensure the roads are properly lined. The absence of guidelines is making the road a very dangerous place. While I am talking about lines, let me recommend some collaboration between the Traffic Department and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure so we could have lines and signs that make sense and some logic. I will say some more about lines and signs later. I am calling on the government to remember that it is not illegal to put traffic lights in places other than Georgetown. For starters, on the West Bank Demerara at the bridge/public road intersection. Also, at the Canje road where it intersects with the NA Corentyne public road. These are required urgently. It is ok to develop the country and have growth but vital to do things to make the lives of the ordinary people more comfortable. You need their votes. The people would eventually unite and tie their votes to the day-today improvement of their lives. Rajendra Bisessar, LLB BSc
The Mayor should be working out a plan to maintain the cleanliness of the city DEAR EDITOR, As a citizen of Georgetown and more so as a Guyanese patriot, I must express my profound disappointment and deep concern regarding the positions taken and the sentiments expressed by the current Mayor of the capital city and a former Mayor of Georgetown regarding ‘Operation Clean-Up’, the massive sanitisation exercise that is currently underway. In fact, I was just gobsmacked. I cannot understand how the Chief Citizen could condemn such an exercise and try to dissuade persons from supporting such an activity. Just in case the Mayor hasn’t noticed as he drives around in his fancy sports utility vehicle, the city is in a complete mess, with heaps of rubbish everywhere, with clogged drains, chock-full garbage with litter strewn on parapets
that are all way overgrown in all the wards. Let me just remind the Mayor that his Solid Waste Department has failed miserably, that he and his City Council have let the citizens down completely. Let us stop the blame game; the responsibility of maintaining the city rests squarely on the shoulders of the City Council, not the central government. I hope the Mayor has observed that rather than heeding his call for a boycott of the exercise, persons in their numbers turned out, from foreign diplomats to corporate leaders to youth and civic groups to senior officers of the joint services to the rank and file. And that is because everyone is just sick and tired of the filthy state of the city. What would the Mayor have preferred? That the central government, the private sec-
tor and civil society show up at City Hall with bags of cash, hand it over to them and wait on them to clean the place up? I heard the Mayor singing a song sung by some of his predecessors that the Council is cash strapped, that Council is without the requisite manpower and machines, that the city has extended its boundaries beyond its capacity, that central government is starving it of resources. This is all poppycock! The city is where it is because of gross mismanagement, financial and other. In trying to pull wool over the eyes of the citizens, the Mayor is hoping that persons have forgotten the times when Georgetown was the Garden City. There were no private Garbage contractors costing hundreds of millions of dollars, but rather the Municipal Cleansing Services Section
which was extremely well managed, and was responsible for the collection and disposal of all garbage in the city using their own equipment, residential and commercial and the city was the cleanest in the Caribbean. This very same Cleansing Section was also responsible for the weeding of all parapets and city reserves, which were all well manicured. And I don’t understand this spirit of mendicancy which has taken over City Hall where they are just sitting and awaiting subventions, donations and financial grants from Central Government. What is the city doing with all of the property rates, fines, fees and other revenue it sources on a daily basis? Does it just go to a top heavy and bloated payroll, to contractors and to other lavish (Continued on page 6)
Thursday January 20, 2022
“De Trade Union man compare ‘Badheart’ to Joseph de Goat and tek de full blame fuh Harmon failure as Loo” DEAR EDITOR, “I glad suh much dat dem young people in Guyana does find the dotishness wuh does come out some old people mouth as amusing wen it comes to political pronouncements. Is suh, I been laughing whole night last night when a trade union man nearly turn a hindsight into a blindsight but is a good ting dat de docta wuh is de host ain’t stupidy. De docta host ask de trade union man if he tink de current PNC/R leader should get a safe passage into de National Assembly fuh properly represent de people. De trade union man start talk bout everything else why de PNC/R leader should remain in he current position but he trying hard fuh not answer de direct question. He start talk bout wuh YOU can’t do and YOU should do and YOU caan try fuh push people out and get rid of people wuh dem members and supporters done wid and ain’t waan see no more near de party. De docta host ask he who is de YOU he talking bout, Aubrey? Is suh de trade union man start geh vex. He seh yes and he seh no, den he seh is dem wuh publicly calling fuh Harmon to go he talking bout. Wen de docta host ask he again fuh answa de direct question, he get mo vex. He
start cuss and tell de docta nah fuh put words in he mouth. Den he start fuh justify why Harmon should stay even tho de ppl already calling Harmon, Harm-dem. He seh is jus suh people been calling fuh Corbin to go but Corbin put together de coalition and de PNC win but he ain’t saying dat Corbin still went. Den he get suh desperate defending Harmon fuh stay cause he real intention is fuh see Norton not become LOO, he tek de full blame fuh Harmon failure as LOO. He seh Harmon fail because he de trade union man didn’t put together presentations and suh and give Harmon to raise dem in Parliament. He seh he used to do duh fuh Hoyte and Corbin but wen he try fuh do it with Granger as LOO, Granger chase he and seh he trying fuh undermine he. By den, de docta host done give up trying fuh mek de trade union man answer de direct question. Suh he ask he a mo easy question fuh lighten tings and mek he save face. De docta ask he bout de sudden death of he friend Badheart from Linden. Ole people seh yuh shouldn’t speak ill bout de dead and I think he wasn’t trying fuh deliberately do duh but he mouth does wuk before he brain properly process tings. He tell de docta that Badheart
was a hustler, he used to force he fuh drink rum though he didn’t want to and den he compare Badheart to a popular goat from Wismar wuh used to drink rum in dem rum shop in Linden, geh drunk and push he horns and head under dem ladies skirt (true story). He seh Badheart was a one-man institution and popular like Joseph de goat. De docta host was trying fuh mek de trade union man save face but had to try fuh save he own face. So he seh wen dem police din shoot dem people at de bridge in Linden, he de docta been right deh and is Badheart who de pull he out de crowd, put he in a safe house and save he life. Den he remind de trade union man dat is he, Badheart and de trade union man beat out to town de next day. Is suh de docta save he own show. He call Badheart a saviour when de trade union man seh he was like Joseph de goat. Dem young people seh dem admire de trade union man in other ways wen it comes to de struggle bout dem doan listen nothing he gaffa seh bout Aubrey because dem realise he carrying nuff old feelings against de Leadah.” Norman Browne, Political Activist
Guyana Police Force should be more respectful of the public’s time DEAR EDITOR, On Tuesday, January 18, I went to purchase a learner’s driver package at the Brickdam Police Station as publicly advertised by the Guyana Police Force. This notice made no mention of which police stations were authorised to sell the packages nor was there any mention of a specific limit of customers, which they were going to deal with per day. This was my second attempt to purchase same since I had made an attempt the previous day at the Turkeyen Police Station where I was told that only Brickdam and Police Headquarters are selling the package and that it was only
done between the period of 08:00 hrs – 10:00 hrs. At 07:30, I arrived at Brickdam Police Station where there was already a long line. With a resigned sigh, I joined the line and waited. Approximately 15 minutes later I was informed that the police were only going to deal with the first 50 customers and the others have to return another day. If I arrived at 07:30 and there were already over 50 people, what guarantee is there that if I return tomorrow that I will be within the first 50? Do I now need to arrive at Brickdam Police Station at 6am? What then happens to my children whom I have to prepare for and drop off at
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school? With a frustrated sigh, I left the police station and wondered if the Police Force and those who sit in the hierarchy of the Force have any idea how much sacrifice is made by members of the public to ensure that we adhere to law and order of this country only to be stymied by archaic and unsympathetic regulations within organisations like the Police Force? I am certain that the Guyana Police Force, after decades of selling learners package, must have known that there would be a rush to buy those packages. What (Continued on page 6)
Guyana’s Vice President – the case of a man on the run DEAR EDITOR, I have been scouting around unsuccessfully for Guyana’s Vice President in mainstream media. For the leader that counts, one with an impressive record of being everywhere simultaneously, a man not given to retreat or silence, he has perfected this new norm of hiding at crucial intervals. Here is a man, who has anointed himself the chief oil sage in this country, someone who supposedly knows more about oil than all Guyanese combined but who is missing in action when pressures mount. He, who has neither regard nor use for international experts, save for cooperating ones, fades away like a beaten boxer hiding from the bell, when hard blows fly, and Guyanese clamour for a standing, some clean, convincing defending. The Vice President, being the honourable man that he is, has no issues with any defending of any kind; but calls for genuine ones are what sends him scurrying for
friendly corners. Thus, at hints of storms, he jumps on his broomstick and heads for some outer space media dive and sanctuary. He says he has all the answers on oil, be it gas-toshore or Payara or billiondollar bills from Exxon, among others. But he is smartly keeping the wisdom of his knowledge to himself or before audiences that are sure to fall over themselves in ecstasy. If he were to tell them that there is no more an honest man in a country than he is on oil, or anything. Whether right or wrong, one thing has become clear about Guyana’s Vice President: he is a study in the slippery. I still find it a source of amazement that the big man, the main one, employ these childish escape tactics to engage (and be engaged) by even more childish pranksters pretending at some sincerity and professionalism. Vice Presidents do not comport themselves in these slinky manners; soon, all he
will need is the attire to mask what are ostensibly truth sharing exercises. Anybody who falls for that kind of jive talk, should keep on falling and be helped along the way, with a quick kick. Better make that push, before the thought, or police may rear up into action to protect the virtue of the nation, as well as the sacred standing of the Vice President. Some people may think I neither like nor have any use for the great leader. Nothing could be more insulting to my standards, beliefs, and practices. What I do have is a deep appreciation for the fevered wisdoms of a man bent on bending reality to suit the artistry of his whims and visions, and getting others to bow down in homage. The problem arises when there is the expectation that people like me would do similarly. Like I say, everybody is entitled to mistakes, just not of this bizarre nature. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Passing of a Guyanese Statesman, Dr. Balwant Singh Rai DEAR EDITOR, I wish to share the passing of a great gentleman of Guyanese birth, Dr. Balram Singh Rai. Dr. Balram Singh Rai passed a few days ago in Oxford on the outskirts of London, England. Mr. Rai was a great Statesman par excellence in Guyanese politics of astute political mind, a very brave and an ardent Arya Samajist who upheld the principles of Arya Samaj. I wish to send our deepest condolences to Dr. Balram Singh Rai’s family and he would have been 101 years on the 21st February. We salute and bid you farewell, Dr. Balram Singh Rai and we thank you for your principled and outstanding service to public life in British
Guiana and Guyana. Dr. Balram Singh Rai served with distinction as British Guiana’s Home Affairs Minister and his record stands unblemished. Dr. Rai was denied a public parliamentary pension by the Government of Guyana to that which he is entitled. His leadership and presentation skills were unmatched; Dr. Rai has two sons both
or one of whom are medical doctors. In his last days, he was under the care of his son who is a medical doctor. British Guiana and Guyana was blessed to have such a distinguished Son in its service. He upheld the highest and impeccable standards and this stands to his overwhelming credit. Kris Kooblall
Poor compromise DEAR EDITOR, It is difficult to comprehend the replacing of an established and recognised economist with a former personal, assistant to a former minister on a serious commission as the PPC. In my opinion, it is a poor compromise as the economist was a far more suitable pick. Shamshun Mohamed
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Yesu Persaud’s life was a fine blended aroma which will be everlasting DEAR EDITOR, A visionary brain, caring heart and bold mind are now permanently at rest with the passing of Guyana born, internationally acclaimed business leader Yesu Persaud. His was a life of service to humanity founded on entrepreneurship, philanthropy and bold leadership. I first met Yesu Persaud in 1975 when I served as a young reporter among the media corps assigned to cover the nationalisation ne-
gotiations between the Guyana Government and Jessel Holdings in Guyana, which included Sandbach Parker, sugar estates at Diamond and Leonora and Diamond Liquors Limited. I will forever remember, among other of his transformational initiatives, his untiring efforts having sugar workers moved from the squalor of the logies at Rajpur and C-yard on the Leonora estate, to humane housing conditions at Anna Catherina.
Ever since then, in and out of his employ, he has been a mentor, a friend and a motivating influence in my life. I am indebted to him for his invaluable contribution to my life’s journey thus far. Thank you Dr. Yesu Persaud. Your life was a fine blend whose aroma will be everlasting. Sleep in Peace, Sir. My deepest sympathy to his wife, children and all his loved ones on this great loss. Sincerely, Wesley Kirton
Dr. Yesu Persaud, Condolences DEAR EDITOR, Guyana, Caribbean and the Global Community is poorer for the loss of an Outstanding Visionary with plans executed with successes. During 1975-1979, I served with Yesu as Founding Directors at Guyana Co-Operative
Insurance Services, Main Street, Georgetown, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Harold Wilkinson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance. Since my departure from Guyana in 1979, I stayed connected with Yesu, and met him at Pegasus Hotel on my trips to Guyana.
Yesu, is/was a “Man for All Seasons” with his Private, Public and Philanthropic activities, who never lost the common touch. Our condolences to his family and Guyana, with God, Bhagwan, and Allah’s graces, will and blessings. Dr. Shamir Ally, North Carolina, USA
Thursday January 20, 2022
There is hope that at least from Berbice, cricket has a bright future DEAR EDITOR, I write in commendation of the President of the Berbice Cricket, Mr. Hilbert Foster. Under his leadership, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), has risen to standards that make the Guyana Cricket Board and even the West Indies Cricket Board look woefully lacking in both leadership and vision. Thank you, Mr. Foster for all that you have done and are doing. What is most outstanding and exemplary is that he has extended his interest and largesse beyond the cricket ground when he in assisting in the education of the youths and help toward the betterment of the entire Berbice community. (BCB /RHTYSC/Vitality
Inc hands over home to Ruthel Henry – Kaieteur News(kaieteurnewsonline.com) Investing in the education of our Youths will make them empowered cricketers. I pray that he instills in them the need for fitness. Having Sri Curtly Ambrose come is a great move. Reading about the recent fitness fiasco with some of our cricketers and looking at what Virat Kohli has influenced fitness wise with his own team mates, there is utmost need to instill the discipline of fitness into our players. The West Indies Cricket team under the direction of Dennis Waight, was the fittest of teams in International Cricket and this in the days when fitness was not even
fashionable! Who can forget the days when the W.I. used to annihilate all the other teams? Maybe Mr. Foster can bring Mr. Waight for a fitness camp sometime in the near future too. Words are not enough to commend Mr. Hilbert Foster, a giant of a leader. I also wish to commend all those who have given and continued to extend financial assistance to the BCB/Mr. Foster as without their support, many of these projects will not be achieved. I pray that Mr. Foster and his team continue their tremendous work. There is hope that at least from Berbice, cricket has a bright future. Yours sincerely, N. Sahadeo
He will restore PNC/APNU into a credible force DEAR EDITOR, On 11/1/22, I came across Dr. David Hinds’ programme on the internet. His programme, like those of Burke, Duncan and other PNC/APNU presenters are all very predictable and say the same thing all the time. That is, “PPP is racist, anti-Black and discriminates against Black People”. There is just emptiness which leaves viewers as uninformed as when they started viewing. On the programme of 11/1/22, however, Dr. Hinds had Mr. Mayo Robertson, a lawyer who practised for many years in the USA but has now returned and practices locally. Mr. Robertson’s discourse was out of the ordinary; it was informative and logical and showed a grasp of reality which is very rarely found among PNC/APNU proponents. And the viewer is hit all
the time when the interviewer asks Mr. Robertson, the usual anti-PPP questions expecting the usual routine replies of “PPP racist, etc.” Mr. Robertson gave rational answers. For example, he pointed out that many models of NRF’s are floating around the world and PNC and PPP took up two similar ones, a main difference being that the PPP’s model does not make enough provision for future generations. And he
opens the way for rational debate. The PNC should recruit this gentleman to guide them and train them in rationality and analysis and the use of intellect so that they will be able to contribute to national life and break the monopoly of the PPP/C of being at the moment, the only creative and constructive force. Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan
Guyana Police Force... From page 5 did they put in place to deal with these large crowds - especially in COVID times? Couldn’t the sale of packages be decentralised and be done at every police outpost rather than at just a few locations? Or how about having multiple officers dealing with the public simultaneously? Or could you order online and just turn up to pay and uplift? In this age of technology, do we even need to go to a police station to purchase a learner’s package? So many simple solutions seem available to alleviate this abuse of
the public’s time yet nothing is being done. Hon. Minister Benn, Commissioner of Police and other senior officers of the Guyana Police Force, I am certain that your organisation can do better - much better! Please treat us with the respect, which we deserve just as you expect us to respect you. You can start by being respectful to the time, sacrifice and effort that we put in to get the requisite official documents to ensure we are always law-abiding citizens. M. Abraham
The Mayor should be.. From page 4 spending? One would have imagined that the Mayor would have welcomed any assistance it could get like this clean up. Rather than moaning about it, the Mayor should be working out a plan of how his
enervated and apathetic Solid Waste Department will maintain the cleanliness of the city when ‘operation CleanUp’ is over and not leave it to become as disgusting as it was. Sincerely, Sean Moniz
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 . The time has passed . L N . T B U . . L N . U L NT LUNT...Bfor silentNprotest. N B . . U . L T B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . Guyanese, your wealth . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U is being taken away in T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T front of your very eyes. B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . Get Up and Stand Up T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNTFor. your rights . . L . today. T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . It is only cowards T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . who choose to hide T B U . . L N . B . . L LU ...BLUNTbehind Lsilence. . T B . . N . T U N T B U . . 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 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 Thursday January 20, 2022
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Thursday January 20, 2022
PAHO calls for countries to prioritise rapid tests for those with COVID-19 symptoms Washington D.C. 19 January 2022 (PAHO) – With COVID-19 surging throughout the Americas and demand for diagnostics higher than ever, the Pan American Health Organization Director, Carissa F. Etienne has called on countries to prioritise
rapid antigen tests for those with symptoms - who are most at risk of spreading the disease. With 7.2 million new COVID cases reported in the region over the past week, countries must “expand testing at the community level to relieve pressure on
hospitals, which are working overtime,” she said during a media briefing on Wednesday. Rapid antigen tests, which offer a diagnosis in just minutes, do not require specialized equipment or training so, “can be deployed to primary health centers, where they
can reach more people closer t o h o m e , ” t h e PA H O Director added. Given the current shortage of tests – a problem that is expected to continue for some time as Omicron spreads rapidly throughout the region – Dr. Etienne also urged countries to advise those without symptoms who have been exposed to COVID-19 to quarantine where possible and follow public health measures. “Slowing the spread of COVID will require every tool in our arsenal – vaccines, social distancing, mask wearing, avoiding l a rg e g a t h e r i n g s , a n d testing,” Dr. Etienne said. The Director highlighted PAHO’s work to improve the region’s laboratory capacity to respond to emerging pathogens, even before the pandemic arrived in the region. “Every country had the training, the supplies, and the ability to perform COVID-19 diagnostic tests,” the PAHO Director added. PAHO now leads a network of more than 32 laboratories across the Americas, which enable
countries to track the virus and detect new variants “so that our region is prepared.” This network was key to detecting the arrival of Omicron in countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, helping governments to adapt their responses to this latest wave. Since the start of the pandemic, PAHO has acquired more than 42 million molecular RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests for 36 countries, with its own funds and through the PAHO Strategic Fund, a pooled procurement mechanism that offers countries qualityassured medicines and medical devices at affordable prices. The organization has also deployed 10 million
PAHO Director, Dr Carissa F. Etienne
PCR diagnostics and 2.8 million rapid antigen tests from its stockpile to countries in need and has established long-term agreements with two WHOapproved manufacturers of COVID-19 tests to secure these tools for the region at a fraction of the price. “Countries can and should take advantage of these agreements by purchasing diagnostic tests through our Strategic Fund,” the PAHO Director said. Turning to the COVID19 situation in the region, Dr. Etienne said that the United States and Canada continue to experience a surge in hospitalizations. In South A m e r i c a , P a r a g u a y, Uruguay and Argentina are (Continued on page 16)
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Keep your children at home! Two social media platforms recently asked their followers whether, in light of the spike in COVID-19 cases, schools should not be closed for a short period. Nine out of every 10 respondents said “yes”. When it comes to schools and children, the overwhelming majority of Guyanese want schools to be closed. Ironically, if you asked the wider population whether there should be a two-week lockdown of non-essential businesses to curb the rising tide of coronavirus infections, those persons would answer in the negative. The government is adamant that schools will not be closed. This reluctance, to temporary close the schools, comes in spite of the fact that it is being reported that more than 350 teachers have been affected by COVID-19. The health sector is already being badly affected by COVID-19 infections. It was reported not so long ago that the large number of medical personnel affected by COVID-19 is creating havoc with the delivery of healthcare. The fact of the matter is, there should be at least a twoweek lockdown of non-essential services in Guyana. This is the only way we can ensure a shorter peaking of infections. But the majority of Guyanese do not want a lockdown. They want to make money and so long as they can make money, they are prepared to not support calls for temporary lockdown of nonessential businesses. The country is now paying a huge price for this attitude. From a low of 636 active
cases on December 28th last year, COVID-19 infections have skyrocketed to more than 12,000 as of 18th January, 2022. In less than 3 weeks, the total number of active cases has multiplied 17-fold. That is enough for the country to go on lockdown. But after the five-month suffering between March and August 2020, Guyanese are in no mood to go into any lockdown. And the Opposition has not yet seen it fit to call for a temporary lockdown so as to help stabilise the situation. Parents want a lockdown but the government is resistant. But parents have an option: they should refuse to send their children to school because they cannot be exposing their children to the risk of the virus simply because the Ministry of Education cannot yet see the wisdom of closing schools until this surge abates. In California, schools are being forced to close their doors because there are simply not enough teachers available. Teachers are falling ill and the teaching profession is being badly affected. In Islamabad, Pakistan, there is a flexible system. In areas where the positivity rate is more than 10 percent, children below the age of 12 will attend schools on a staggered basis. But if the positivity rate is below 10 percent, schools will continue as normal. In Guyana, the positivity rate over the past two weeks has been in excess of 20 percent. This alone is reason to close all schools for a short period until the positivity rate declines. Lockdowns have a price.
But that price is going to be less than the cost of infections. It is estimated that more than G$6 B has already been spent on testing. And it costs at least G$1M to treat every seriously ill COVID-19 patient when you factor in employment costs of medical personnel. And thousands of patients have already been hospitalised. This has already cost the Treasury billions of dollars. So while there will be a cost to the economy for a twoweek lockdown that cost is likely to be less than the medical costs of a rapid rise in infections. There is equally a serious public health crisis emerging. As is evident now, many of the persons who are dying are younger. Children are falling victim to the virus both in terms of infections and deaths. Persons in their 40s are dying from the COVID-19 related causes. And still there is stubbornness to close schools and non-essential businesses for a brief period. Parents who desire to see schools closed temporarily do not need to go on any protest in the streets. They can register their objections to the continued opening of schools by keeping their children at home. If thousands of parents keep their children at home, the government will get the message. Teachers are in a more difficult position. If they stay away, they will not be paid and could lose their jobs. So it is all up to the parents to take action, and for the simple reason of protecting their children. It is better to have learn-
Dem boys seh...
De Traffic Chief talk De traffic chief seh dat de popo must have a certifying officer before dem can advise anybody fuh tek off dem tint. Yet, deh gat some popo wah nah gazetted rank, want fuh stop yuh pon de road and tell yuh fuh tek off yuh tint even though dem nah gat no tint metre nor certifying officer present. One man get pull over last week for de dark tint pon he windscreen. De man tell de popo dat
he din’t know why de dark tint pon he windscreen was a problem until de popo pull he over. Only den it was clear to he. Another man drive all de way from Berbice to see whether de popo gan pull he over near de bridge. He had de tint laws in he back pocket. He was looking forward fuh de confrontation since he know de law more dan de lawmen. After driving fuh three
hours, he reach de bridge weh de popo does be pulling over vehicle. But he fuhget de popo don’t wuk when de sun hot. So he get disappoint and had to turn back. Another man went and get he windscreen tint up darker dan charcoal. He wife tun to he and de and seh, “I wouldn’t be seen dead in dat thing!” De man replied, “dat’s de point.” Talk half. Leff half!
ing loss than the loss of lives. You can always reverse learning loss. But you can’t reverse deaths. As a Guyanese proverb says, “post mortem can’t
bring back de dead.” (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Thursday January 20, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Deadly parallel between Guyana and the US in 2022 Every Guyanese and every journalist for different reason should read the just released autobiography – Chasing History – of one of the world’s famous journalists who has been famous for more than 50 years and is still a household name in the world – Carl Bernstein. It was Bernstein who with his Washington Post colleague, Bob Woodward, teamed up to expose the political conspiracy of President Nixon that brought him down. Nixon resigned before he was impeached. Below, I will look at Bernstein’s criticism of today’s journalists because I believe deep down in my heart, this country’s journalism is exceedingly incompetent and maybe is the world’s poorest place for acceptable journalism. But more importantly are the wise words of Bernstein about the danger that currently faces American democracy. When you read his observations, the parallel with Guyana is frightening. I ask you to read twice or maybe thrice the remarks of Bernstein then think of who supported rigged elections for
five months and who are the class forces and groups that want to change the PPP government. Here is what Bernstein observed: “The idea that the Trump base is some narrow group of white men with guns? Bullshit. This is a huge movement including misogynistic women, including racists of every kind, but also including all kinds of educated people in cities and suburbs”. I have sleepless nights when I see the kinds of people that are overtly sabotaging democracy since March 3, 2020. When I read Bernstein’s words of educated people, misogynistic women and racists of all kinds, I knew I have had my polemics right since March 3, 2020. Once more, I am warning Guyanese not to keep carping on the PNC and their surrogates. The PNC and PPP have been fighting each other for decades. The PNC wants power. The people that Bernstein describes want more than power. They want apartheid in which rural people, dark-skinned Indians and Africans must give way. They want eugenics. They
want anthropological restructuring of Guyana. Bernstein’s selections are very relevant to Guyana. I never had respect for the women rights groups in this country. Their agenda is class and colour snobbery. Most women rights groups in Guyana are misogynistic and they are not happy with an Indian government. I believe the LGBT group in Guyana – SASOD – is anti-PPP. Bernstein’s assessments must have opened your eyes when you see the instincts of groups in Guyana like the Guyana Human Rights Association, Transparency International Guyana Chapter, Election Reform Group, Stabroek News, Moray House, many Christian churches, many nonIndian intellectuals, the non-Indian middle class, the Indian Christians and a few recently formed entities calling themselves civil society. The point needs belabouring. It is not the PNC and AFC alone that are endangering democracy. The danger lies in many diverse groups. Bernstein referred to racists of all types. This country has racists that you would never believe had Freudian minds until the 2020
election exposed them, and they were mentally brave to acknowledge who they were and what they are now. They are not only in Guyana but in the diaspora. The cacophonous hullabaloo over the National Resource Fund Act is a smokescreen for rejection of Indian government. Guyana’s problem is not Sherod Duncan, Rickford Burke, David Hinds and Mark Benschop armed with a smart phone. In fact, they are seen as part of the lunatic fringe with no seriousness being paid to them. Bernstein says the threat to American democracy does not come only from Trump and some white men with guns. He speaks of educated people in the cities. Space has run out for any detailed discussion of the ugly presence of incompetent journalism in Guyana. Bernstein laments the state of investigative journalism in the US. Well imagine what it is like in Guyana. Bernstein says that journalists in today’s world spend their time Googling at their desk rather than pounding the streets and knocking on doors. Do you know how many persons in Guyana and abroad have
Frederick Kissoon asked me who the woman is that in May 2015, the AFC leadership called on the phone and offered her the post of Minister of the Environment. That is six years ago. Yet, since that time, the AFC must have held over a hundred press conferences and no journalist has the commonsense to ask the AFCs leadership who is the woman and why the post was proposed to her. There has been a spate of resignations from the AFC’s leadership yet none of those whose exit was made public were ever interviewed. Trevor Williams resigned on Thursday last. We have planned an interview so history could be recorded. Bernstein says some journalists spend their time at their desk Googling. In Guyana, I know in which other place they spend time Googling. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
CANU intercepts $14M ganja shipment at GNIC Wharf
T
he Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) said its officers on Wednesday morning seized some $14M worth of marijuana during an operation at the GNIC Wharf, located on Lombard Street, Georgetown. According to a CANU press release, the ranks conducted a narcotics operation at the wharf during which officers from the Special Operations section conducted a search on a vessel that was scheduled to leave Port
Georgetown Wednesday morning with a quantity of cement. Several parcels suspected to be cannabis were discovered throughout the vessel during this search. The vessel is foreignregistered, with a crew of 19 foreign nationals. The parcels, along with the vessel’s crew, were taken to the CANU headquarters for further processing, where the narcotic was tested and confirmed to be marijuana - a foreign type known as “creepy”
with a total weight of 16.046 kgs (36 lbs.), the street value is approximately GY$14,000,000.00 ($68,293.00 US). If this narcotic had reached its intended destination, its street value would have been much higher, CANU said. The operation is part of an ongoing multi-agency and multinational investigation aimed at dismantling a regional network involved in the movement of narcotics from Guyana using cargo vessels.
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PSC opens book of condolence for Yesu Persaud President Irfaan Ali signs the book of condolence
Opposition, Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul
T
he Private Sector Commission (PSC) has opened a Book of Condolence in memory of the late Philanthropist and Business Icon, Dr. Yesu Persaud at its Waterloo Street, Georgetown Secretariat. President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali was among scores of private sector executives, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the political opposition, who signed the book in honour of a man known for his good deeds, business acumen and struggle for a democratic nation, the PSC said in a release. The attendees at the signing event included PSC Chairman, Mr. Paul Cheong, former PSC Chairmen: Mr. Edward Boyer, Mr. Ramesh Persaud, Captain Gerald Gouveia, Mr. Manniram P r a s h a d , M r. N o r m a n McLean, Mr. Desmond Sears and Mr. Nicholas Deygoo. Also signing were: Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong
Elizabeth Harper, Opposition Parliamentarians Mr. Lennox Shuman and Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul and Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram. Others in attendance include U.S Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Sarah-Ann Ly n c h , B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Jane Miller, High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mr. Mark Berman and High Commissioner to India, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa along with President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Timothy Tucker, Chief Investment Officer and CEO at Guyana Office for Foreign and Local Investments, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Mr. Godfrey Statia, and Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Egbert Field. Dr. Persaud who died on Monday at his East Bank Demerara home, served as founding Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited, Chairman of the Consultative Association of
Guyanese Industry (CAGI), President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Chairman of the West Indies Spirits Producers Association, founder of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Executive Chairman of Diamond Liquors Limited and Managing Director of Demerara Sugar Company. The late Dr. Persaud was also the recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement, Cacique Crown of Honour, Gandhi Organization Plaque, Indo Male Lifetime Award, Glory o f I n d i a Aw a r d a n d Certificate of Excellence and Pepsi Cola InternationalSlice. The PSC will be hosting a “Night of Reflections” on Thursday via Zoom in his honour. The event is slated for 17:30 hours to 20:00hours and will be broadcast live via the P r i v a t e S e c t o r Commission’s Facebook page - “The Private Sector Commission – Guyana Limited”.
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ExxonMobil contractor invites EoIs for locals to supply equipment for offshore operations
Nandlall goes to CCJ in election petition case
A French-American multinational firm, TechnipFMC which recently landed a multi-million dollar contract to supply the subsea e q u i p m e n t f o r ExxonMobil’s fourth project in the Stabroek Block at the Yellowtail Development area is inviting Expressions of Interests (EoIs) from local companies to supply materials for its planned operations, offshore Guyana. In an advertisement published on the Centre for L o c a l B u s i n e s s Development-Guyana social media pages, it informed “For ongoing Projects in Guyana, TechnipFMC will
deepwater trees and 12 manifolds, together with associated controls and tie-in equipment. The international consultancy group reminded that TechnipFMC defines the Yellowtail contract as large, meaning that it is worth between US$500 million and US$1 billion. Rystad was keen to note that the latest subsea job is set to eclipse work on previous Stabroek phases, which include the Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Tw o , a n d t h e P a y a r a projects. Expounding on this m a t t e r, Ry s t a d s a i d , “ Te c h n i p F M C ’s g i a n t
be providing Enhanced Vertical Deepwater Trees ( E V D Ts ) , To o l i n g , Manifolds, Controls and Tiein-Equipment”. It added, “As a result of our commitment to the development of the people and utilisation of the resources in the countries where we operate and to support our current and future operations in-country, we are inviting companies to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the upcoming opportunities in the area(s), as listed below”. According to the company, it is looking for local firms to supply personal protective equipment (PPE), safety related equipment such as absorbent pads and even workshop tools or equipment. Additionally, TechnipFMC is seeking Guyanese to supply maintenance, repair and operations supplies as well as companies to provide laundry or cleaning services. Based on its analysis of the contract TechnipFMC copped, alongside its record of others in the industry over the years, Rystad Energy recently noted that it ranks among the top 10 global awards for the century. In one of its latest pieces, Rystad noted that the scope of works for the subsea contract includes as much as 51 enhanced vertical
Payara win, last fall, landed the company a contract to supply 41 enhanced vertical deepwater trees to ExxonMobil’s third phase of the Stabroek development off Guyana. The 41-tree deal was – at that time – the largest subsea tree contract handed out since Aker Solutions landed Kaombo in 2014.” The consultancy group said, too, that TechnipFMC’s contract partly saved the subsea market from awarding fewer than 100 trees in 2020 – something it said was seen only once this century in 2016. Rystad, an independent energy research and business intelligence company headquartered in Oslo, Norway, further noted that TechnipFMC has a strong bond with ExxonMobil in Guyana, having secured all previous phases of the Stabroek development. It said the company’s subsea adventure started back in 2017 when the 17 subsea trees for Liza’s Phase One were handed out and followed up with an additional 30 subsea trees for Liza Phase Two in 2018. “If Yellowtail formally moves ahead, TechnipFMC would have secured almost 140 subsea trees for the Stabroek development alone. This is significant for a subsea market that saw around 140 subsea trees awarded globally last year,” Rystad explained.
Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, was on Tuesday given the green light to approach the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to appeal the decision of Guyana’s Court of Appeal (CAO) to hear an appeal for an elections petitions case that was thrown out. This publication had reported that on January 18, 2021, Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, had thrown out an election petition case (99/P) –the case was thrown out on the grounds of procedural noncompliance of service on leader of the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) party and former President, David Granger. However, the matter was later appealed and Guyana’s Appellate Court on December 21, 2021, in a majority decision, ruled that it has jurisdiction to entertain the appeal which challenged the decision of the acting Chief Justice. On that date, a stay on the decision was granted by the Court after the Attorney General and others made a request since they have intentions on moving to the CCJ over the Court’s ruling. Following through with his intentions, on Monday January 10, 2022, Nandlall filed a Notice of Motion at the Appellate Court’s office
- Court of Appeal extends, grants leave to appeal located in Kingston, Georgetown. According to the Notice of Motion that was seen by this publication, the Attorney General asked the COA to grant an order to leave to move to CCJ to appeal the Court’s decision, and to grant a further stay on its December 21, 2021, decision pending the appeal to the CCJ. On Tuesday morning when the matter was heard, both the stay and leave was granted by Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards. While the former Attorney General (AG), Basil Williams, SC who is representing the interest of former President, David Granger stated during his address to the court that he will abide by the court’s decision – Roysdale Forde, SC who is the lead attorney representing the appellants, Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse, made objections to the Attorney General’s application. In fact, Forde said, “I would like to bring to the c o u r t ’s a t t e n t i o n , a n important consideration which is the state of this matter. Your honour I know of no case which would have been brought to the CCJ in similar circumstances where a substantive appeal is pending before the court of appeal in anyone of the signatory countries.” Forde highlighted that
Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC. the CCJ has indicated that these matters must first be heard and completed in their respective Appellate Court in that jurisdiction before the matter is brought before the CCJ. To this end he stated that it is with proper consideration that he ought to bring to the Court’s attention that the resolution has not been pointed out in any specific case by the CCJ, as to what happens in such circumstances. Forde then noted that if the Appellate Court has delivered its decision on the issue of whether the type of order being sought ought to be granted, he relies on the Court’s position. However, Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General, challenged Forde’s objection in a brief argument.
After listening to the lawyers address to the court, the acting Chancellor stated that it is desirable that the appeal be heard and that the interlocutory decision await the results of the substantive matter. “This is a matter of great public importance and given the nature of the application and the fact that the application is brought under the respective sections of the CCJ Act this court sees no reason it should not grant the leave and the stay in this matter,” she added. To this end, the acting Chancellor ordered that the intended appellants lodge the sum of $750,000, with the Registrar as security for costs within 90 days. Kaieteur News had reported according to the document that Nandlall filed, “The intended appeal is a matter of public interest, which touches and concerns national, general and regional elections and as such, are proceedings of great general and public importance.” It was pointed out that the intended appeal is an arguable one with a realistic prospect of success on the issue of whether the Appellate Court has jurisdiction to hear the civil appeal. Moreover, the first election petition #99 challenging the outcome of (Continued on page 16)
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Thursday January 20, 2022
Opposition knocks Govt’s decision to restrict public testing for COVID-19 WANTED Urgently Needed! Agriculturist, Planters,Growers & Cultivators.Contact Marshal Farming Corp 665-0921. SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs at affordable prices: Fridge,Air conditioner, Washing machines, Dryers, TV, Microwaves & Freezer. Call: 6105846 or 661-8158.
FOR RENT 2 bedroom apartment, Betterhope E.C.D $55,000 between 8am-5pm. Tel:6173001. Fully 3 bedroom furnish apartment located in UG & Supermarkets to rent $100, 000 per month. Tel:685-9127.
PROPERTY FOR SALE F & L Hardware Depo,no Agent.Tel:642-6056/6649701.
FOR SALE Pure breed German Shepherd Pups black & tan and whiteline,vaccinated and dewormed.Contact:665-9140.
Wanted Bus Driver. Contact:698-6205. One (1) male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029/616-5954. 1 hauler driver needed. Tel:611-7088. Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel:627-1835/ 626-4691.
VACANCY One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132. Time Clerk,Cleaner,Office Assistant,Labours,Maintenance Workers to work with P.S.G.C.S.Call:621-6969/6157784. Kitchen assistant & counter attendants,salary $15,000 wkly.Drop application to German's Restaurant lot 8 New Market St North Cummingsburg G/Town. Teachers for Grade 4 & 5.Submit email educationgy 3@gmail.com. Maintenance guy,Laundry Attendant & Receptionist,30-45 yrs old.233 South Road Lacytown.Tel:225-0198. Taxi & Minibus drivers, work and keep.Tel:628-1183/2253234. Vacancy exists for Sales Woman,Counter Attendant @Dian's Deli Bar St Kitty.Tel:225-3700.
WANTED Porters & Salesgirls.Apply at Best Buy Food Supplies with written application at 1E Dennis C Middleton St Camp bellville Georgetown. Wanted experience taxi driver at Princess Hotel. Contact:616-5419,265-7075,2657076. 1 maid,1 cook.Contact name Pansy.Contact number:2264948. One plane operator & one woodmizer operator. Tel: 2642524/624-7088.
Vacancy exist for experienced Water Delivery Driver and Porter E.C.D.Tel:692-6768/ 676-1363. Experienced Sales Girl. Apply in person at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda. One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village. Vacancy for porters.Apply in person at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St,Bourda.
Government’s decision to restrict persons from getting the PCR COVID-19 test at public health facilities has been criticised as backward by the opposition, even as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has called on countries to ramp up testing, especially now that there has been a surge in the virus. The Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that it will only provide COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for persons who have been hospitalised, and those who have been in environments susceptible to COVID-19 infection. This was revealed Tuesday by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, M.P, during his daily COVID-19 update. Dr Anthony explained that the ministry, however, will instead be offering rapid antigen tests to persons who have symptoms. “With symptoms and doing the rapid test…the test results would generally be that you’re positive if you have COVID…so we want those persons with symptoms, they can do their rapid tests and we’ll determine their status,” he explained. With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, persons have been flocking testing sites across the country, over the last few weeks. Dr Anthony stated, this was because persons were not observing the window period before testing. “If you have been exposed, you can’t come right away to be tested…there’s a window period that you have to wait and most people are not observing that. So, what is happening, is people are coming and flocking to the site and when they get back their results, obviously it’s going to be negative because you are within that window period when the test is not going to work,” the minister highlighted. According to the ministry’s most recent guidelines, an individual who has come into contact with a person infected with COVID-19 “should be placed on selfquarantine and testing done five days from the date he/she was in contact with the con-
Minister of Health. Dr Frank Anthony firmed case.” Dr Anthony reiterated that if persons properly observe these guidelines, there would no longer be large crowds gathered to be tested on a daily basis. As a result, the minister disclosed that certain criteria must be met for persons to get a PCR test. “The ministry is now going to do PCR only for people who are hospitalised or persons who would come to one of the A&E or outpatient clinics and the clinicians there decide that this person would need a PCR…or if somebody is working in a high-risk setting and requires a PCR, then we will do [that test],” he noted. Recent studies have shown that rapid antigen tests have proven to be 78 per cent effective when confirming cases of COVID-19, and 98.7 per cent effective in ruling out infection in persons who did not have COVID-19. Backward step However, the main opposition, APNU+AFC Coalition has knocked the decision, saying it confirms what they have been saying all along, that “the PPP administration has no plan in place to effectively tackle and reduce the spread of COVID-19.” According to the opposition this move by the Government is two- fold; one to allow for the reduction in reporting of the number of positive cases we have seen daily. The coalition said the public will no longer be in receipt of the true spread of COVID- 19 in the nation.
PAHO calls for countries... From page 8 also experiencing an increase in hospitalization, and a spike in infections in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. In Central America, cases have more than doubled, in Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras over the past week. The Caribbean islands have also seen a sharp increase in infections, with cases doubling in more than
17 countries and territories. Over 60% of people in Latin America and the Caribbean are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “Vaccines shield us from the worst COVID-19 symptoms and reduce our chances of needing hospitalized care,” the PAHO Director said, calling for those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
Secondly the decision will force persons away from public facilities to private centers where they will have to pay to be tested. “The current rapid spread of the Coronavirus is a direct result of the Government’s incompetence and total disregard for the health and safety of citizens by those in office. Upon learning that the Omicron variant was in Brazil and the Caribbean, no efforts were made to prevent its entry into Guyana. The Brazil to Guyana crossing remains open with little to no COVID-19 measures in place. No efforts were made to reduce or stop flights from countries that were recording high numbers of positive cases due to the Omicron variant. Instead what we heard from the Health Minister was that systems will be put in place to send samples for testing as numbers increase, a clear indication that no plan was in place to deal with the expected. We do not know if and when samples were sent for testing to confirm which variants are in Guyana. This is the level of crassness the people of Guyana have to endure from this careless administration,” the Coalition stated. According to the Coalition, the COVID-19 numbers are drastically out of control and further exposes the PPP’s incompetence. “Their only strategy now is to attempt to show a reduction in the numbers by testing less and hiding the real numbers from the public. This is not how a Government manages a health crisis. The people of Guyana, in accordance with ARTICLE 24 of the Constitution of Guyana which states: “Every citizen has the right to free medical attention and also to social care in the case of old age and disability”, should have unhindered access to PCR testing. At this juncture the Government should be boosting its capacity to do more daily testing so that it can be aware of the COVID-19 situation and make informed decisions to positively impact the health and safety of the people of Guyana. Instead, what we are made to endure is a Government
Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon that is shying away from its responsibility and placing more and more of our citizens at risk.” Meanwhile, Director of PAHO, Dr Carissa F. Etienne said with COVID-19 surging throughout the Americas and demand for diagnostics higher than ever, countries must prioritise rapid antigen tests for those with symptoms - who are most at risk of spreading the disease. With 7.2 million new COVID cases reported in the region over the past week, countries must “expand testing at the community level to relieve pressure on hospitals, which are working overtime,” she said during a media briefing on Wednesday. Rapid antigen tests, which offer a diagnosis in just minutes, do not require specialized equipment or training so, “can be deployed to primary health centers, where they can reach more people closer to home,” the PAHO Director added. Given the current shortage of tests – a problem that is expected to continue for some time as Omicron spreads rapidly throughout the region – Dr. Etienne also urged countries to advise those without symptoms who have been exposed to COVID-19 to quarantine where possible and follow public health measures. “Slowing the spread of COVID will require every tool in our arsenal – vaccines, social distancing, mask wearing, avoiding large gatherings, and testing,” Dr. Etienne said.
Nandlall goes to CCJ in... From page 15 the March 2, 2020 elections was dismissed by the acting Chief Justice, on January 18, last, while the remaining election petition #88 was thrown out on April 26, 2021, by the acting Chief Justice. As such,
the matters were appealed by the appellants on behalf of the A Partnership for Nation Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition who are seeking to challenge the validity of the March 02, 2020, national elections.
Thursday January 20, 2022
Chris Jones steps aside for Jordan to become new PNCR Vice-Chair Following a tie between two senior executive members of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) at the Party’s 21st Biennial Delegates Congress, held December last year, Christopher Jones has stepped aside to allow for a “fresh leader” in the being of Mr. Vinceroy Jordan who scored an equal 381 votes for the position of Second Vice Chairman. Jones who is also the Party’s Chief Whip made the announcement yesterday in a statement. According to him, the tie in votes for the position “was an unprecedented development for the party” however, after lengthy discussions with the leadership he has decided to step aside. He said: “The Membership, at the last Congress, expressed their confidence in both of our abilities to serve the party in said position, but in view of the current circumstances, I see it fit to make way for young, fresh and vibrant lead-
Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones
PNCR’s Second Vice Chair, Vinceroy Jordan
ers, like Mr. Jordan, to take the PNCR into the future”. Jones explained that he has already signaled his intent to the PNCR leaders as he is confident in Jordan’s ability to “further advance the party’s development agenda”. “I am confident of Mr. Jordan’s ability to serve the Party well in this position and to bring fresh ideas and perspective to the Leadership. I look forward to working with
him and by extension the full complement of the Executive, as we move towards the development, advancement and upliftment of our Party’s base and the Guyanese people,” Jones posited. He said he will however remain a member of the Party’s Central Executive Committee having won the second highest votes and will continue to function as an executive member of the PNCR.
Four-month-old baby among seven COVID-19 deaths A four-month-old baby girl from Region Six is among the country’s seven latest COVID-19 fatalities, the Ministry of Health has reported. On Wednesday, the Ministry reported that the seven persons died between January 14 and 18, while receiving treatment at a medical facility. This is now the fifth child to succumb to COVID-19 for the year thus far. During the week, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony revealed that since the pandemic started, 15 children who contracted COVID19 have died. During his COVID-19 on Monday, he explained that most of children had a number of co-morbidities (underlining conditions). “For some of those children that would have been hospitalised, we know some of the co-morbidities that they have had and the challenges, because some of them, the prognosis was poor with their underlying diseases and then they got COVID, so that complicated the problem,” the Minister said. He added that the Ministry has launched an investigation into their deaths, and that they are currently monitoring the situation. All the children who passed away from the virus for the year so far are below the age of seven and are still not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The other fatalities reported by the Ministry yesterday are that of three men, a 60-year-old from Region 10, a 63-year-old and a 66-year-old from Region Four and that of three women, a 63-year-old, a
62-year-old and a 68-year-old from Region Four. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,108. Meanwhile, in its latest COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 743 new COVID-19 infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 53,921. A breakdown of new cases per region shows that Region Four leads with 323 new cases, Region 10 with 129 cases, Region Nine with 63 cases, Region Five with 54
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cases, Region Three with 49 cases, Region Six with 40 cases, Region One with 34 cases, Region Seven with 30 cases and Region Two with 21 cases. The dashboard shows that 18 patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 162 persons in institutional isolation, 11,639 in home isolation and 27 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 40,994 persons have recovered from the virus.
Man killed by boat propeller after changing seat A decision made by a 23year-old man to exchange seats with another passenger on a speedboat bound for Port Kaituma Region One, proved to be a fatal one, after he was killed by a propeller on Tuesday last. He was identified as Chive Persaud also known as ‘Santana’, ‘Putagee’ and ‘Boyo’ of Jacklow, Upper Pomeroon River, Region Two. Persaud reportedly perished during the early evening hours in what is being labeled as a “freak accident” while the boat powered by a 200HP outboard engine was travelling along the Port Kaituma River. Kaieteur News was told that boat belonged to a relative of Persaud and was hired by passengers at Mabaruma for a trip to Port Kaituma. One individual (name provided) related that before the vessel took off, Persaud decided to change seats with another passenger. That passenger was seated reportedly at the rear end of the boat close to the engine, the captain and the fuel tank. How-
Killed by a boat propeller, Chive Persaud. ever, the person was a bit “too fat” and could not sit properly. In order to make the passenger comfortable, Persaud decided to exchange seats with the person. Moments later while the boat was in route to Port Kaituma, tragedy struck. Reports are that while traveling closely along the riverbank, the engine foot struck a piece of wood and it catapulted into the air. As a result, the spin-
ning propeller attached to the end chopped Persaud several times to his head killing him instantly. Photos seen by this media house painted a gruesome scene. There was splattered blood all over the boat and a dead Persaud was seen lying on top of the fuel tanks bleeding from gaping wounds to his face and head. A piece of the youth’s face was also completed severed off. Meanwhile, Persaud’s friends and relatives flooded the various social media platforms with posts expressing their shock and grief after learning of his tragic demise. One friend wrote, “Boyo (Persaud) this breaks my heart. You were such a friendly and mannerly young man. Always with a smile. You will forever be remembered”. Another post on Facebook read, “This was unexpected when i got the news. You were a very kind boy. I remember the other day when we were together, messaging, making joke and fun out of each other.”
Guyana leads region in CAPE, CSEC
Samuel Haynes and Zaynab Shaffie of Queen’s College were on Wednesday named by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) as the Region’s top Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations performers respectively at the 2021 examinations. This is according to a release issued by the Ministry of Education, which stated that Haynes received the CAPE Overall Outstanding Achievement award, while Shaffie received the CSEC
Overall Outstanding Achievement award. Kaieteur News had reported in November that Haynes had secured nine Grade Ones at CAPE, while Shaffie secured 18 Grade Ones, and two Grade Twos. This is not the first time that Guyanese students would have topped the Caribbean at these exams. In fact, back in 2020, Zane Ramotar and Bhedesh Persaud also of Queen’s College were the region’s top performers for both CAPE and CSEC. When the country hosted the opening ceremony of the
2021 CAPE and CSEC result in October, CXC Director, Dr. Nicole Manning had mentioned that Guyana recorded higher pass rates than the Regional average at both the CSEC and CAPE levels. Dr. Manning disclosed too that, much like the performance for CSEC, 88 percent of the CAPE candidates from Guyana obtained acceptable Grades One to Five Passes, as opposed to the Caribbean’s 87 percent pass rate. Additionally, she said that the 33 subjects offered by CXC at the CSEC level, Guyanese (Continued on page 18)
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Guyana leads region... From page 17 candidates would have topped 20 subjects. Not only Haynes and Shaffie copped regional awards but there were others students from various secondary schools in the country who received awards. According to the Ministry, Crystal Benjamin of The Bishops’ High School copped third place in the 2021 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) CAPE Accounting Awards while
Abdul Subhan of the St. Stanislaus College won the top prize in 2021 CAPE History. At the CSEC level, Roshni Samaroo of Queen’s College won the top Humanities award, Naresh Jagnanan of the Essequibo Islands Secondary School won the top Business award, and Sarena Razak of Queen’s College won the top Technical Vocational Education award. The Ministry added that Riley Nurse of Queen’s Col-
lege and Saalih Rahim of the I.S.A Islamic School were among awardees with other Caribbean students for the 2021 ACCA CSEC Accounting Awards. “The Ministry of Education regard these students’ achievements as significant, particularly because they were able to perform exceptionally well despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We wish them the best in their future endeavours,” the release noted.
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Thursday January 20, 2022
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Eco-Atlantic grabs more shares in suspiciously awarded Canje Block Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd., one of the smallest oil players in Guyana’s offshore basin, has moved to grab more shares in the highly prospective Canje Block. Yesterday, Eco disclosed that it moved to secure an additional 800,000 common shares in JHI Associates Inc. in return for 1,200,000 new common shares in Eco. The purchase of the 800,000 common shares in JHI is expected to be completed on January 21, 2022, increasing the total number of shares currently held by Eco in JHI to 5,800,000 shares. Eco also retains a warrant to subscribe for a further 9,155,471 new common shares in JHI at an exercise price of US$2.0 per share for a period of 18 months. It should be noted that JHI is a Guyana pure-play deepwater exploration company that was only founded in 2011. In 2014, JHI teamed up with Guyana-based Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc. (“MOGI”) which was awarded the Canje Block in 2015, just a few months before General and Regional Elections were held. Both companies are industry unknowns, had no wherewithal, and zero experience in deepwater drilling. In spite of no track record, JHI and its partner were awarded the block with no signing bonus to the country. In 2016, JHI and Mid-Atlantic
sold the major parts of their interest to ExxonMobil which allowed the American company to become the Operator. In 2018, Total Energies farmed into the Block. Five years of extensive technical and seismic data analysis led to the Canje partners identifying multiple drillable prospects and successfully applying for a multi-well drilling permit. As announced on June 28, 2021, Eco acquired 5 million common shares representing a 6.4% interest in JHI Associates Inc., a private Canadian company, which holds a 17.5% working interest in the Canje Block. Kaieteur News understands the Operator of the Canje block, ExxonMobil and block partners are working to technically define additional drilling prospects in the cretaceous and deeper in the Santonian, where the Sapote-1 well recorded hydrocarbon shows. Eco said this latest investment is consistent with its strategy to create shareholder value through advanced exploration programmes on the offshore Atlantic margins for advantaged barrels as developing nations bridge the essential reserve requirements through the stages of the energy transition. Following the share purchase, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of Eco, Gil Holzman said, “We are committed to creating
material value for our shareholders through a multi catalyst, high impact, exploration portfolio. As such, we are pleased to increase our exposure in the Canje Block by building our equity holding in JHI. This also marks another step in the broader consolidation amongst smaller exploration players, in which we want to lead.” He added, “Following the work undertaken on Canje in 2021, which ExxonMobil and partners in the block continue to review, and after the recent highly positive drilling results on the nearby Stabroek block, we believe this to be another exciting opportunity in our portfolio.” ABOUT ECO ATLANTIC Offshore Guyana in the proven SurinameGuyana Basin, Eco Atlantic holds a 15% Working Interest in the 1,800 km2 Orinduik Block Operated by Tullow Oil, and also indirectly through a soon to be 7.3% shareholding in JHI Associates Inc. a private company which holds a 17.5% working interest in the 4,800km2 Canje Block Operated
Map showing the location of the Canje Block
by ExxonMobil. In Namibia, the Company holds Operatorship and 85% Working Interests in four offshore Petroleum Licences: PEL’s: 97, 98, 99 and 100 totalling 28,593 km2 in the Walvis Basin. Offshore South Africa, Eco holds Operatorship and 50% working interest of Block 2B, and
20% Working Interest of Blocks 3B/4B and Nearshore 3B/4B, totalling some 21,603 km2. Eco Atlantic is also a 100% shareholder in Solear Ltd. Solear is an independent private clean energy investment company focused on low cost, high yield solar development projects in southern Europe.
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Thursday January 20, 2022
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Australian Open: Rafael Nadal beats Yannick Hanfmann
to ease into third round BBC Sport - Rafael Nadal eased past qualifier Yannick Hanfmann to reach the third round of the Australian Open. Sixth seed Nadal, bidding for a men’s record 21st Grand Slam title, beat Germany’s Hanfmann 6-2 6-3 6-4. Hanfmann saved four match points, including two on the Spaniard’s serve, before the 2009 champion secured victory on Rod Laver Arena. Alexander Zverev also reached the third round after beating Australia’s John Millman in straight sets. Despite a spirited performance from the Australian, the German third seed won 6-4 64 6-0 to set up a meeting with Moldovan qualifier Radu
Albot, who beat wildcard Aleksandar Vukic 6-4 7-6 (74) 6-4. “I feel good, I won, I could really feel you guys have been in lockdown for two years,” said Zverev. “It was an amazing atmosphere, and hopefully it will stay the same and get even louder for the next matches.” The 24-year-old says he was prepared to be the villain when facing a home favourite, but is enjoying having fans present in Melbourne. “I am prepared everyone will hate me after the match,” he added. “I have always said in the past two years since Covid started, sport needs the atmosphere and the people.
whether you are for me or against me - I enjoy the noise, enjoy being on court, spectators bring the emotion.” Nadal will face 28th seed Karen Khachanov next after the Russian beat France’s Benjamin Bonzi 6-4 6-0 7-5. Nadal, a five-time finalist in Melbourne, is the only former champion remaining in the men’s draw. He cut short his 2021 season because of a foot injury but has made a strong return, winning his first tournament back in the build-up to the Australian Open. When asked about staying fit, Nadal joked: “I play some golf - I have never been a gym guy.” He created 16 break point
Thursday January 20, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your level of imagination and inspiration should be operating at a very high level today, Aries, so if you've been planning to start a new artistic project, this is the day to do it. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A group with which you're affiliated could ask you to take care of a few tasks. This might involve making phone calls, running errands, or both. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Important projects, either job related or personal, might need to be completed today in order to meet a deadline or fulfill a promise. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A long-awaited vacation may be coming up soon for you, Cancer. The study of travel books might be on your agenda for today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This could prove to be a very busy day, Leo. Someone close to you might come to you for advice on how to manage their resources, perhaps because of successes you've had in the past. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Social events, probably family related, could take up a lot of your time today, Virgo. They might involve outings, perhaps to parks or other recreational areas.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your home today could be like Grand Central Station, with lots of people coming and going and a lot of activity taking place within the house itself. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is probably going to shape up to be a busy and rather chaotic day. You might find yourself spending a lot of time out and about, Scorpio. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you should be feeling very energetic, Sagittarius, both physically and mentally, and you're likely to feel rather anxious for some physical activity. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A lot of physical and mental energy could be channeled today into artistic projects of some kind, Capricorn. Your intuition is running rather high, so you might know instinctively what friends, lovers, and children are feeling before they tell you. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Some boring paperwork regarding money, which you may have been putting off, might need to be executed today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your level of physical and mental energy should be very high today, Pisces, and so you could feel restless throughout the morning.
Rafael Nadal has reached the final five times in Melbourne and won the title in 2009. (Getty Images)
chances against the German, converting four of them, and hit 30 winners on his way to victory. Nadal said he did not have “big pressure on my shoulders” as he attempts to surpass Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic’s record of 20 Slam titles. “I’m excited about the fact
that I’m going to be playing in a third round for one more time here after all the things I am going through,” he said. “The pressure is only to stay healthy and to enjoy the fact that I am competing again, then give my best as I did during all my tennis career.” Tenth seed Hubert Hurkacz was stunned in
straight sets by veteran Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. Mannarino, entering his 15th year on the ATP Tour, beat the 24-year-old Pole 6-4 6-2 6-3. France’s Gael Monfils, the 17th seed, eased through in straight sets, seeing off Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik 6-1 6-0 6-4. American Sebastian Korda, who ousted British number one Cameron Norrie in the first round, battled past France’s Corentin Moutet to reach the third round. Korda prevailed 3-6 6-4 67 (2-7) 7-5 7-6 (10-6), despite Moutet saving two match points to force a tie-break. Moutet stopped to take a selfie with a spectator before the fifth-set tie-break on the outer courts at Melbourne Park. Korda will play Spain’s 19th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, who beat Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-3 6-7 (68) 7-6 (7-3) 3-6 6-4, while teenage compatriot Carlos Alcaraz beat Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 6-2 6-1 7-5. Alcaraz will play Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini after the Italian overcame American Stefan Kozlov 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-1. Canadian 14th seed Denis Shapovalov had to fight for over four hours to beat Soonwoo Kwon 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (6-8) 7-5 6-2. Big-serving American Reilly Opelka also advanced with a 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-4) win over Dominik Koepfer of Germany.
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Osaka stays on track in title defence and potential Barty clash MELBOURNE, (Reuters) Defending champion Naomi Osaka was pleased that she found a way out of a secondset blip to beat American Madison Brengle 6-0 6-4 and reach the Australian Open third round, staying on course for a potential fourthround clash with top-ranked Ash Barty. The Japanese 24-yearold, who also won the Melbourne Park title in 2019, will next meet 60th-ranked American Amanda Anisimova with a mouthwatering clash against Australian Barty potentially waiting in the round of 16. Barty was equally ruthless in her 6-1 6-1 secondround win over qualifier Lucia Bronzetti earlier on the Rod Laver Arena and will next take
on Italian Camila Giorgi. Brengle won just nine points in the first set as an aggressive Osaka served superbly, facing no breakpoints, and returned strong to breeze through the set in just 20 minutes. Osaka hit 13 winners to zero managed by Brengle in the set. Her dominant performance drew praise from Andy Murray, with the former world number one quipping on Twitter: “Anyone hit the ball cleaner from the baseline than @naomiosaka?” “It’s a little bit shocking, because when you’re playing, you never really think the TV is broadcasting it and other people are watching,” said Osaka. “So, yeah, definitely really surreal. It was really cool just to have someone like him talking
about my game.” Osaka said she was watching quite a few matches on television herself, including the ones of Australian Nick Kyrgios and Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz. The 54th-ranked Brengle, 31, was also mostly a spectator as she helplessly watched Osaka dominate from the baseline. The American had a big smile and raised both her arms in mock celebration as the crowd cheered her first service game win at the start of the second set with Osaka’s game suffering a sudden dip. The unforced errors — just nine in the opening set — kept climbing as Osaka shrieked in frustration trying to get her game back on track. Brengle soon broke Osaka’s seemingly impregnable serve
to go up 4-3. But the service break seemed to wake Osaka up as the two-time U.S. Open winner regained control and won a flurry of points to seal the victory after 65 minutes with a second break of serve in the set. “These are the type of matches that I need to play in Grand Slams, to get broken and to figure out a way to fight back in really crucial times,” said Osaka, adding that she was “really disappointed” when she suffered the break of serve. “I kind of rushed a lot in that specific service game, and you could kind of tell I was a bit shaky. I made a double fault where I really shouldn’t have. “But I tried to shake that off in the return game right after, and I think I did pretty well there.”
Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her second round match against Madison Brengle of the U.S. (REUTERS/James Gourley)
Rawle Toney 3x3... From page 24 with reference to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) that hosted three tournaments with the same “fully vaccinated tournament, and the launch of the 2022 Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic last December followed similar guidelines with all the players, officials and litter of fans at the event’s mini-tourney being fully vaccinated. He assured that the tournament will be not be a repeat of what happened at the GFF Futsal Final, “I think that (final) put a spoke in the wheel of some persons and associations that would try to organise tournaments during this pandemic, and I think that the Ministry of Health and the Covid-19 Task Force has been lenient to the Basketball Federation and myself in granting approval to host this
Rawle Toney organizer of the Rawle Toney Classic 3X3 basketball tournament. (Newsroom photo)
event, understanding that its of national interest with endorsement coming from the World Governing body for Basketball (FIBA), and the investment and support from Corporate Guyana.” The organiser stressed the importance of safety, which he explained, influenced the change of venue from the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) to the Burnham Hard Court which is scheduled to undergo some major transformation soon. Ideally, 3X3 basketball is to be played outdoors and that would be best in terms of having more space and open air. Several other announcements are to be made in the lead up to the second edition of this tournament that is promised to be a spectacular event.
Thursday January 20, 2022
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GSA U-15 preparations off to good start... Ex Windies Butts, Harper, Dowlin among Coaches involved By Sean Devers The GCA U-15 Cricket Clinic/ Drills and Trial Matches got off to a good start with 20 youths showing up for group A. Before the sessions started, club President Neil Barry took the time to welcome all and briefed the participants and their parents of the importance of the vaccine and the government protocols and guidelines as all of the necessary Covid-19 Protocols and Guidelines were met by all involved. Coaches Kervin Ross took the youngsters through the warm up sessions, while Ex West Indies off-spinner Clyde Butts and former National Youth pacer Qusen Nedd took them through batting and bowling session in groups of five. GCA President and former Guyana batsman Neil Barry and Vice President former West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper took the youths through fielding and catching drills in groups of five. GCA’s Technical Director former Guyana batsman Mark
Three of the participants all masked up. Harper, Ex National medium pacer Roderick Lovell and First Division player Shaun Massiah, who is the Manager, ensured registration was done, safety measures were followed as well as ensuring the lads that attended were meaningful occupied. Shaun Massiah pointed
Clyde Butts shows how a leg break is bowled.
out, “On the second day we had 21 attendees along with Coaches former West Indies Travis Dowlin, Darren Best along with Physiotherapist Neil Barry jr. and his assistants took the participants through some fun exercise drills at the end of Tuesday. Yesterday, the group ‘A’
returned for similar sessions while tomorrow would see the return of group ‘B’ for more sessions. “On Saturdayand Sunday we will have two 50-overs practice matches which are scheduled to commence at 9:30 AM each day at a venue to be announced.
Coaches Roger and Mark Harper and Shawn Massiah at MYO. We will continue this trend into the new week where special attention would be on batting, wicketkeeping bowling and fielding among other things. On January 29 & 29, We will have two Trial matches before the GCA selectors and Coaches who are involved
here would be assessing and evaluating each participants so as to arrive at a squad that would be capable to represent Georgetown Cricket Association in the Demerara U15 Inter Association matches which should be held sometime in early February 2022,” Massiah concluded.
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Thursday January 20, 2022
Kaieteur News
Rawle Toney 3x3 bounces off at Burnham Court on Feb 19 & 20
Action during the launch of the second Rawle Toney Classic at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall last December. (Newsroom photo) By Calvin Chapman Organiser of the Rawle Toney 3X3 Basketball Classic; Rawle Toney, during an interview with Kaieteur Sport during this week, revealed that, “The tournament will go ahead as scheduled on February 19th and 20th”, although the organiser had contemplated a postponement. However, following consultations with sponsors and other stakeholders, with the amount of investment al-
ready made, it would be difficult to push back the tournament. In addition, the Rawle Toney 3X3 will see teams from at least five countries and players would’ve already booked their tickets and accommodations. The long-serving journalist revealed the fact that, “Covid-19 is not going anywhere but we all have a part to play to fight it, and we (the organising committee) will
ensure that the tournament is played in a safe environment.” Toney revealed that one of the mandatory requirements is vaccination. “We will have players from all over the region participating in this tournament and generally that (vaccination) is the requirement for most of the major sports leagues in the world that has seen the safe return to play”, Toney posited. He continued (Continued on page 22)
Kaieteur News
Thursday January 20, 2022
RHTYSC, MS and Farfan and Mendes Ltd renews long term sponsorship for 25th - Foster hails company as a successive year foundation of club success
PAGE 25
The victorious Invaders Masters with their prizes.
RHTYSC Executive member Tyrone Pottaya receives sponsorship cheque from Nick Singh of Farfan and Mendes Ltd in the presence of other club members and company staff.
Khan century pilots Invaders Masters to victory A fine century from Fazeer Khan handed Invaders Masters a 47-run victory over Trophy Stall Masters when the teams collided in an invitational over-40 T20 match on Sunday at Reliance Ground, Essequibo Coast. Invaders Masters were asked to bat first and set up a formidable 199-7 off the 20overs, while Trophy Stall Masters reached 152 for eight in reply. The right-handed Khan slammed three fours and 11 sixes in scoring 102, while former Essequibo inter-county player Ramesh Narine supported with 36 and 25 from ex-Guyana youth player Beesham Seepersaud. Off-spinner Lloyd Rooplall grabbed three wickets for 33 runs off his allotted four overs. When Trophy Stall Masters batted, Hardat Singh made 33, while there were two wickets each for Narine, Seepersaud and
“You are one of the main reasons why the club has not only survived but after only thirty two years of existence is widely considered Guyana most dynamic youth and sports organisation with an unmatched list of achievements and activities. You have stood by our sides in good and bad times. To have a sponsorship deal for twenty five successive years is no mean feat and we salute you for your trust and confidence in all of us,” the words of Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Hilbert Foster during a simple presentation ceremony to launch the 25th edition of Farfan and Mendes Ltd sponsorship of the club under15 team. The presentation was held last Friday at the company Providence, East Bank Demerara Head Office. Foster noted that, the company started sponsoring the team in 1997 and over the years the team has won over eight major titles including five Berbice Championships and produced eighteen players for Guyana and close to seventy for Berbice. Among the players produced under the sponsorship are: Assad Fusadin, Royston Crandon,
Dominic Rikhi, Delbert Hicks, Shevon Marks, Murphy LaRose, Jeremy Sandia, Mahendra Gopilall, Kevelon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneeta Grimmond, Shakiba Gajnabi and Matthew Pottaya. Anderson, Crandon, Fudadin, Campbelle, Gajnabi and Grimmond have gone on to play for the West Indies at different levels, while Rikhi played for the United States at the international level. Foster, stated that the company first assisted the RHTYSC in April, 1995 with a grass cutter towards the upkeep of the Area H Ground, but officially started to sponsor the team in 1997. The support, the long standing club official stated, had allowed the team to focus on achieving success without any concerns about financing its operation. The team over the years has undertaken over one thousand community projects under the name of the sponsorship as part of their personal development programme. These have included feeding programmes, clean up campaign, senior citizen breakfast, youth information
booklet, distribution of food hampers, solar lights project, educational scholarships, distribution of cycles, street signs, award ceremonies and hosting of the popular Christmas Village in Rose Hall Town. The team also invests heavily into the off the field development of its own cricketers especially under the Sat Yes to Education project. The company apart from sponsoring the under 15 team also co-sponsors the club’s annual Christmas Charity programme, annual award ceremony, annual youth magazine and cricket academy among other projects. Special mention was made of Chairperson June Mendes, General Manager Andrew Mendes and Marketing Manager Onai Vasconcellos for their support over the years. Vasconcellos in brief remarks stated that his company was delighted to be associated with the RHTYSC and described it as a n o u t s t a n d i n g representative of its brands. He hailed the leadership of the club for its hard work over the years and pledged Farfan and Mendes Ltd support in the future.
skipper Linden Daniels. Khan was named player-of-the-match and he received a trophy, compliments of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and City Mall. And in a five-over softball encounter between the two teams, Invaders Masters won by 41 runs. Invaders Masters tallied 991, while Trophy Stall Masters responded with 59-4. Leading the way for the Invaders was Narine with 73 not out that included two fours and eight towering sixes, while Lakmikant Narine (unrelated) scored 25. In Trophy Stall Masters’ innings, Sunil Hardat scored 25 and 21 not out from Ravendra Madholall. Both teams collected a trophy each, while Ramesh Narine was chosen as the player-of-the-match. Trophies were donated by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and City Mall.