Kaieteur News

K

Bolsonaro abruptly NEWS ends Guyana visit after death of mother AIETEUR

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

Satuday Edition January 22, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 04 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 82,110

Historic challenge to Stabroek Block PSA…

If successful, Hess & CNOOC would pay over $4B in taxes for 2020 alone- Ram - subjected to 40% tax on future profits

More than 30 companies bid to procure ration for Prison Service

Teen hospitalised with gunshot wounds - suspect in custody

Budget 2022 to be presented next Wednesday es u n i t n o c t s The prote o for change t ct. ra t n o c ’s l i b o ExxonM

Opposition urges Govt. to implement measures to curb inflation rate

Liza 1 we were robbed, Liza 2 we were ripped off, Payara @11:00hrs on Kaieteur we were raped. What will happen to the 4th? Radio 99.1/99.5FM

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 22, 2022

Power of Attorney, Deeds Registry Act on Parliamentary agenda - Teixeira Government Chief Whip and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, during the interview on NCN.

The amendments to the Power of Attorney and the Deeds Registry Act are on the parliamentary agenda for Monday when the National Assembly is slated to resume.

This is according to Government Chief Whip and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

During a recent interview on the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister Teixeira stated that for the month of J a n u a r y, t h e N a t i o n a l Assembly has the issue of discipline to deal with, in relation to the behaviour of some Opposition Member of Parliaments (MP) that occurred last month along with the tabling of three bills.

Those three bills are: the Power of Attorney Act, Deeds Registry Act and the Organ Transplant Bill.

Kaieteur News reported that the amendments to the Deeds Registry Act propose changes to include stiffer penalties to guard against fraud using a Power of Attorney.

“We have the Power of Attorney Bill, which has been on the agenda since December 13, and then you have the Deeds Registry Bill as well,” Teixeira said. She then highlighted that the amendments to the Acts will ensure that citizens do not abuse the Power of Attorney, as has been happening over the years.

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, had promised to strengthen legislation to protect property owners from fraud. The amendments, in this regard, have already been completed and published in the Official Gazette.

Once passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by the President, the law will also allow for anyone who certifies or propounds any false statement or document, or who fraudulently with intent to deceive, conceals or withholds or perverts any fact or document pertaining to a power of attorney, commits an offence, can be fined $5 million and imprisoned for five years.

Fraudsters in recent years have been forging documents

and selling the properties of others, unbeknownst to them.

As a result, the government wants to make it harder to grant a Power of Attorney, a document that is often used in the transfer of properties.

The new law will require both parties to appear before a Notary Public either here, or overseas, and they will have to provide several types of identification information.

The amendment will require the donor and the donee to each provide two photograph identification documents – identification card, valid passport or driver's licence – that establish their identity.

The law would also now require certified and sealed or stamped copies of the photograph identification documents, and a separate witness statement where the donor executed the power outside of Guyana. These must be attached to the Power of Attorney and filed with the Deeds Registry. This would now be accepted as evidence in any suit, action or other proceeding, states the explanatory memorandum.

Moreover, Teixeira stated that the Human Tissue and Transplant Bill will also be dealt with this month in the National Assembly.

In fact she said that with the Human Tissue and Transplant Bill being passed into law, it will catapult Guyana into a new era of medicine. “We don't have an organ donation culture and this will help to develop a culture first; where someone can go to the donor registry and register to donate their eye, heart or whatever it is when they die,” she further stated.

It should be noted that Guyana's legislation on organ transplant, particularly from cadaveric or brain dead patients, has been in draft format for close to a decade, with no serious steps taken towards implementation.

Dr. Kishore Persaud, the Head of Department, MultiO r g a n Tr a n s p l a n t a n d Vascular Access Surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), has been among the group of local medical professionals lobbying for implementation of the legislation, given the benefits (Continued on page 6)

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Historic challenge to Stabroek Block PSA…

If successful, Hess and CNOOC would pay over $4B in taxes for 2020 alone - Ram -subjected to 40% tax on future profits

U

pon noting and analysing the historic case filed last week against the onerous tax provisions of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall through his lawyer, Mohamed Ali, Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram says if the matter is successful, there would be significant fiscal benefits for the country.

In his widely read and revered column, Every Man, Woman and Child Must Become Oil-Minded, Ram said perhaps the most significant fiscal effect of the legal challenge will be the taxes to be paid by the Stabroek Block partners, being Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited, on their share of Profit Oil. Ram in his column said, “This is hugely consequential

both for the oil companies and the Government. In 2020, Esso reported a loss while its two partners Hess and CNOOC reported total profits of $16,175 million.

At the standard applicable rate of Corporation Tax, and without any tax adjustments for timing differences or losses, those two companies alone would have to pay approximately $4,000 million and a further 20 percent on branch withholding tax on their after-tax profit, less any amount re-invested.”

The Chartered Accountant added, “To put it another way, if instead of having the Government pay its taxes, the oil companies now have to pay taxes like the average taxpayer, they would be paying tax at the combined rate of as much as 40 percent of taxable income. Contrast this with the current regime under which the Government pays the taxes for the oil companies but issues to them

a certificate that they have paid taxes in Guyana.”

Ram, in conclusion, believes the case in its entirety is significant for the nation while noting that it will be interesting to see how the nation's leaders would react to same.

The case filed by Lall via his Attorney-at-Law Mohamed R. Ali, is set to be heard on March 10, 2022 at 10:30hrs before the Honourable Justice Nareshwar Harnanan.

REASON FOR LEGAL CHALLENGE Asked about the reason for his court challenge to the contract, Lall had said that when one takes into consideration, the extent to which the provisions of the contract create oppressive circumstances that hinder locals as well as the extent to which it breaches the laws, there is no way he could sit back and not take action.

What also incensed the KN publisher is how costly these provisions are to the

nation. Lall said, “When you take into account the cost of these provisions to the country, the enormous revenue Guyana is giving away and the impact it can have, and it will have, on the country and its citizens, it is unimaginable.

It must therefore be challenged. For example, we gave away US$720M in 2020 alone in taxes to the oil companies and that was a figure from the Auditor General's Report.”

The publisher continued, “But even that is not entirely accurate, if we are to take into account what is being given away, when we look at the oil production figures.

But let me give an example of what that US$720M could do for us.

Had Guyana collected that, it could have increased the public service salary 10 times. It could have given us a bridge across the Demerara and Berbice Rivers and another from Parika to Leguan half way. And I don't

Chartered Accountant and Lawyer, Chris Ram want to talk about the number of roads that US$720M could have repaired. These are the things that have been eating away at my soul that forced me into moving to the courts.”

Lall said he moved to the courts not just as the publisher of the newspaper who is passionate about his duty to the people but as a citizen, who refuses to sit idly by while the lion's share of the oil wealth is given to

foreign companies and Guyanese are relegated to eating the crumbs that fall from the table.

Lall, who said that the case was in the making for just over nine months, categorically stated that he reposes the absolute confidence in the judiciary here to determine the case but noted, nonetheless, that he is prepared to go all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the matter.

Budget 2022 to be presented next Wednesday Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, D r. A s h n i S i n g h h a s announced that Budget 2022 will be presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

In a statement to the press, the Ministry of Finance related that over the past few months, the Minister had been consulting with various stakeholders, including Government Ministries, the private sector and other agencies to prepare for the new Budget.

It must be noted that this year's Budget is likely to be the largest one ever recorded

in the history of the country, given that the ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP) has approved the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, which will permit the government to spend monies garnered from the oil and gas sector.

While the Ministry of Finance was sure not to divulge too much information on the much anticipated Budget, it hinted that it will comprise a number of critical developmental programmes and projects, which would catapult Government's agenda.

“It will also be a continuation of the fast-

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

paced development path which served to be of benefit to citizens all across the

country since the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) entered office on

August 2, 2020,” the Ministry informed.

This year's Budget 2022 will be the third Budget to be presented by the PPP/C administration and the second for Dr. Singh who has been serving as Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance since November 2020. The first Budget was an Emergency Budget presented back in August 2020.

The $330 billion Budget included $51 billion for Health, $52 billion for Education, $34 billion for Public Works and $38 billion for National Security.

Meanwhile, last year's

Budget, the largest ever presented, was a whopping $383.1 billion.

The Budgets presented so far by the PPP, according to the Ministry of Finance, saw the immediate reversal of a number of punitive taxes instituted by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, among other significant measures.

The Ministry pointed out that last year's Budget comprised developmental projects in a number of sectors. “The 2021 Budget presented in February 2021, under the theme, 'A Path to (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 22, 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

PPP/C agents on the attack

A

ny conscientious citizen of this country who dares to utilise his Constitutional right to freedom of speech in fair expression runs terrible personal risks. Any group that takes it upon itself to speak to truth and call out the PPP/C Government on its leadership failures, its countless corruptions, and its poor governance record is sure to attract the oppressive attention of agents of the PPP/C Government lying low to ambush and tear apart with artful falsehoods and outright obscenities. One of the believed leaders of a fairly new group calling itself Article 13 (after a specific area in Guyana’s Constitution) found himself the object of this viciousness and vindictiveness just a few days ago.

It has been said before, but it is worth repeating again.

In this country, viciousness and vindictiveness, as both are wrapped in unspeakable vileness, are what have come to be among the primary features of governance and leadership.

It is reflective of a mindset that will tolerate no dissent, will allow no room for principled disagreement and objection, and one that filters down from the heights of government through to its vigilant Palace Guard that is only too ready to spring into action and go after those Guyanese, who are unwise enough to want to tangle with the perverse programmes of the PPP/C Government, and the still worse manipulations and monstrosities of its deceptive leaders.

In the well-oiled and smoothly humming machinery that is the PPP/C organisation, there are men ready to run at the slightest signal and run over those who stand in the way of what the leaders in the Government say they are about, what is a far cry from reality. They have the backing of leaders who talk a good game about the people and consultation and the rights of citizens. Yet, it is those same leaders who unleash these dogs of war and set them free to attack and maul the stubborn, the protesting, the worrying.

Such citizens, those few in number and lacking in much potency, are worrying because they speak of what is wrong, and how important things are gone about in the wrong way in this country that is supposedly democratic and free.

Because if they are allowed the freest rein to articulate their thoughts and positions, there is no telling how many will take note, and where matters could lead.

It could be about questionable and suspicious oil management by the PPP/C Government in general. Or it could be about the Natural Resource Fund 2021 Law specifically. In both of these very vital areas, the leaders in the current government have no patience, no capacity, and no willingness to listen to what thoughtful and principled citizens, truly concerned Guyanese, are saying about their husbandry of this newfound oil wealth. It is just one area where principled governance, and ethical leadership, have failed one and all (other than the cabals of insiders and elites) with one tricky maneuver, one dubious practice, one dangerous cover-up, following on the heels of each other.

Other areas include an Environmental Protection Agency put to work for what are the best interests of not Guyanese, but foreign bandits who come here and pillage our wealth at will, while leaders secretly applaud their rapacious handiwork. The same can be said of the Guyana Police Force, sections of it, and sections of the media, that are aimed at and let loose on those Guyanese who are reckless enough to take a stand against an increasingly dictatorial government, and not just tyrannical leaders, but maniacal ones.

So, the rogues employed by PPP/C leaders take to the protective environment of social media to denounce and damage those who raise a hand in protest, and a voice in resistance. The objectives are to intimidate into silence, and to suppress any sounds from anyone that is considered to be too aggressive, and thus hostile to the welfare of the PPP/C Government, and interfering with the criminal visions of its leaders. Men commit crimes against citizens on social media, because they know they will be protected, and nothing will come of their chronic lawlessness. We know that at this publication, because we have experienced it, and live with it daily.

A need for proper decentralisation of GRA operations across regions DEAR EDITOR Citizens from all over Guyana are suffering to get a simple licence. During these times where COVID is still rampant and crime is rising exponentially having to travel to Georgetown is a truly dangerous endeavour.

If the government wanted to truly help its people, they would ensure that all regions have a working GRA that provides all the services that Georgetown provides so that no one has to go on an adventure for a simple licence.

Funds are not easy to come by as goods are scarce and cash flow is quite slow, and the government doesn’t seem to care. The amount of money and effort it takes for someone to travel to Georgetown from other regions is not doable and the URP has received multiple complaints of this issue from

Corentyne and Essequibo Coast. Another issue is Covid-19, the government has enforced so many social distancing and curfews but yet create a breeding ground for Covid-19 in a crowded GRA. Just imagine the crowd that this creates, Guyanese travelling from all regions, crowded up on transportation only to reach a crowded Georgetown and an even more packed GRA. There is a simple solution to all of this, allow all regional GRA to operate the same as Georgetown. We have received reports of lack of social-distancing, crowded tents, and a packed GRA building, how can the government claim to care about its people with that being the scene.

We elected our Minister to be a leader of the people;

he should be smart, so we, the URP, refuse to believe that he has not thought of such a solution. Could it be that he doesn’t care about the Guyanese people? Our poor communities have stated that they don’t have faith in our government to help them in their struggles such as cost of living, food, and other simple services simply because no one will be getting a drawback from doing so. Is that really the reason why there has not been much attention on this issue? Is the goal to eventually create a large economic disparity between our citizens or as they say, ‘the rich shall get richer and the poor shall get poorer.’

Will they only continue to build massive infrastructures, houses, schools, roads, bridges, material projects, etc. that give huge drawbacks?

Will our ministers con-

tinue to show that they do not care for our poor people?

Their salary exceeds a million a month plus perks and their job is to deal with these issues of the public. We pay taxes and the government exists because of us, regardless of poor or rich. If it was any other employee in any other industry doing such a job, they would be fired. The people of Guyana deserve to renew their licence and not worry about all of the dangers that a trip to Georgetown could cause. The URP appeals to the government to show some empathy and concern for the public who are in far-flung locations. Please decentralise services like getting licences, passports, and permits to reduce consumer costs and the risk of Covid.

Yours truly Dr. Vishnu Bandhu Leader of the URP

Reflections on the life of Dr. Yesu Persaud DEAR EDITOR, The news that Mr. Yesu Persaud has died stirred the emotions and triggered the recollection of many. The letter columns and pages of mainstream media reflect praises, condolences and happy moments by persons spent with Yesu.

This is quite understandable for the loss of a man of Mr. Persaud’s stature, short in height, yet with a towering and outstanding contribution to his country and the wider Caribbean. Much has been said about Mr. Persaud’s contribution to the productive and services sector in Guyana but not so much about his political activism and degree of involvement therein.

My relationship with Yesu goes back a few years before the PPP/C won the election in October 1992. By that time, he was openly involved in domestic politics, though he was not known to belong to any political party. Suffice it to say, that though I had never met him personally before, I knew of him making headline news when he fell out with the Hoyte administration over the handling of the Seals and Packaging Industry Limited ( SAPIL) now Caribbean Containers Inc. As the struggle intensified, and as the Hoyte administration began more and more to alienate professionals at the managerial level at state enterprises, others including Pat Thompson, the then CEO of Guyana Bauxite Company (Guybau), David Yankana as CEO of Guyana State Corporation (Guystac) and the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) as

well as other important members of the business community and functionaries of state enterprises became more vocal in their opposition to the aging rudiments of the Burnham dictatorship.

With the loosening up of the long-reach and dreaded tentacles that characterised the Burnham era, and concomitant with his successor’s staggered and reluctant opening up of a democracy once surrounded by ramparts built with clay, many individuals who considered getting politically involved would be tantamount to committing hari kari, boldly freed themselves of mental slavery and stepped out from their ‘caves.’

At that particular conjuncture of our country’s political history, the time had come for many to stand up and be counted. The political polarisation in the country ran so deep, it even manifested itself in the religious and cultural life of the country.

In the circumstances, Yesu found himself at the centre of an impending controversy that had to be averted in order to save a major event of historic significance that was to be celebrated in Guyana from failing. Yesu visited Freedom House, headquarters of the PPP on two occasions. First, was to broker an agreement between government and opposition with regard to their respective roles in celebrating the 150th anniversary of East Indian Arrival in Guyana in 1988.

After successfully brokering an agreement, Yesu visited once again, to introduce to Dr.

Jagan to the Chief Guest, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the 8th Vice President of India and some members of his delegation who had arrived in Guyana to join in the celebrations. I recall Dr. Jagan as Party General Secretary briefing members of the executive committee about the difficulties in arriving at an agreement with President Hoyte who felt there was no role for Dr. Jagan nor the PPP save to be an appendage to government’s programme.

Yesu was of a different view and saw to it that Dr. Jagan and the PPP played a prominent role during the celebrations. Caught up in the whirlwind of local politics, Yesu stepped forward to play his part in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. He recognised the inextricable link between economics and politics that once workers in field and factory were dissatisfied with their living conditions in the towns and villages where basic social services were severely lacking, the working people would not be motivated to perform at their optimum at their place of work.

It was precisely because of preoccupations of this nature that Yesu Persaud and many others became fed up with the way things were in Guyana. It was therefore no mystery about why and how they got caught up in the realm of domestic politics.

Mounting the political platform as one of the prominent speaker at Guyanese Action for Reform and Democracy (GUARD) rallies, Yesu signalled his support for other members of civil society and

the business community who had come out in demanding free and fair elections. This catapulted him to the forefront of the struggle for political change in Guyana.

When differences emerged within GUARD with respect to the choice for a Consensus Candidate to face the election in 1990, Yesu disassociated himself from the internal wrangling and supported Jagan for president and Sam Hinds as the prime ministerial candidate.

Yesu together with a small team skillfully negotiated with others who had expressed reservations but could not offer an acceptable alternative to the Jagan/Hinds combination. When the cynics and critics introduced race, ideology and historical antecedents to oppose what was clearly a winning ticket, Yesu pressed on and at a historic meeting held with key players at the then Park Hotel, all hands in a show of unanimity were raised in favour of the Jagan/Hinds ticket.

Promotion at home and abroad of the agreed combination took on a momentous character with Yesu as one of the standard bearers of what was soon to become the dawn of a new era. With the PPP/C’s victory in October of 1992, Yesu continued to play a supportive role for the new Jagan administration. It was Yesu who encouraged President Jagan to visit Malaysia and Singapore in 1994.

He accompanied President Jagan at some CARICOM Heads of Government conferences to lobby support for the Caribbean (Continued on page 6)

Saturday January 22, 2022

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

It is not the PPP that is killing We came in different ships, but this struggle, it is we ourselves we are now in the same boat DEAR EDITOR I am not deliberately quiet lately on political issues and social problems plaguing Guyana.

Many of us who spent decades in the fight against the PPP regime have become comfortable with the struggle of exposing the ills year in and year out.

It has become a sort of career for many activists, opposition social commentators and political personalities.

Those of us who are in the political fight, want to see a better Guyana; further, we do not want be identified in a life long struggle to free Guyana from a wicked and racist cabal unless some of us enjoy the perks of popularity and relevance at the expense of the continued travails that beleaguer us.

It is my view that the strengthening of our country’s main opposition party and the forging of genu-

ine unity with other political parties and groups will better prepare us to finding a lasting solution to the political and other crises facing our beloved nation. Anywhere in this world where we have democracy being practied, strong opposition parties with strong leadership have always triumphed over governments with dictatorial tendencies.

It breaks my heart to see some of our very own brothers and sisters in the struggle against oppression hypocritically working to undermine the strengthening of Guyana’s main political party and its new leadership; one that is capable of bringing an immediate halt to the excesses of a wicked regime that continues to feed off our hypocrisy, ignorance, divisions and disunity to become stronger.

It breaks my heart that some of our very own in leadership would rather under-

mine the solution to the struggle just to satisfy their own selfish desires. It is not the PPP that is killing this struggle, it is we ourselves. I am witnessing this with my own eyes.

We tout unity and people’s power. When it is upon us, we move to kill it by our own doing. It breaks my heart because many who I have watched and admired in the struggle as a youngster growing up have today turned out be silent enemies to change, progress and the liberation of Black people and Guyana as a whole.

I shall therefore continue this vigorous fight to see the PNC that our supporters and members want. I now know why slavery was allowed to exist for hundreds of years. I cannot blame the slave masters alone.

Regards Norman Browne Political Activist

Those who can’t take the heat should get out of the kitchen DEAR EDITOR, There is this new development that is gaining some degree of traction here. It is where men wait to pounce at what is purposely blown up to self-inflicted piercings, calculatingly elevated as being great personal disgrace. Because of the saintly claiming the heroic wounds of martyrdom, things threaten to go into untravelled territory, if allowed to go unmentioned.

Citizens are crying about humiliation and loss of reputational standing for the most frivolous things, developments that are childish, so petulant and pathetic they are. It is to ward off candid Guyanese, who are quick to categorise foes with less than lovable names, long part of local culture. It is almost automatic; and in the past, it was the easiest exercise to pin a name, not always flattering, on objects of distaste or scorn. Guyanese were made of tough stuff back then, could take it, roll with the blows. They bided their time, and came back swinging at the slightest opening. This is why I question what we have today in Guyana. For when I look around for real men and real women, I am floored that there are so many simpering creatures around,

full-fledged wimps; where we had the bulletproof before, we now have powder puffs. We are taking political correctness and exaggerated pain too far, in martyr’s syndrome lacking foundation. Racist, malicious, homophobic, and general hate speech, which I am completely against, while today’s artificial anxieties are detested. Editor, I can understand someone objecting and retaliating with suit over being called a ‘pimp’, but not a wimp. This is taking pretense too far, hypocrisy too thick.

As for those who shed tears over being hurt badly by letters asserting incompetence, insipidity, and the like, I find that so deliciously precious, as to qualify to be lingerie tears. Where does this appalling and utter nonsense stop? Surely, there must be a limit. Otherwise, we could be comporting ourselves like North Koreans and Red Chinese -not a thought in our heads, other than the agreeable. If anybody is offended, read again. Because this is how agents of the state are

recruited to bend the obstinate, where all speak alike, sound alike, almost look alike, in true imitation of the uniforms once worn by the Viet Cong, which were cone hats, and black pajamas. I wait for objections.

Stop abusing and misusing the court system for what is nothing but frivolous and infantile. But I think there are larger objectives embedded in these proceedings involving so much so-called pain, angst, and desecration of the spirit.

It is to curb dissent, to stifle free expression, to intimidate adversaries, to violate Constitutional rights, and to diminish democratic norms. This is beyond fair comment. It is about frank expression. It is of public figures subject to sharper glares. It is of speaking to truth. It is time we shed this growing stupidity and get real. Those who can’t take the heat should get out of the kitchen. Collect baseball cards. Compose chutney/rap songs.

Sincerely GHK Lall

DEAR EDITOR, In the beginning of the fantastic words in the Book titled, “Not for Sale,” by the Ghanian Koranteng Pipim, Ph.D, it begins, “ You believed that it’s possible to change the world - by being changed.

You challenged the status quo - by putting quo in the status. You inspired a generation of youth - by your excellence, sacrifice and commitment. You still believe. You still challenge. And you still inspire! To God be the Glory.”

I pen this letter on the holiday in the USA in honour of Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King (Jnr) who noted - “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Privately and publicly, I was critical of the Coalition Government I support, PNC/ APNU in their handling of new discoveries of massive gas and oil resources. In one of the series of talks held in my compound in Lodge, I reminded young and old that unless our political leaders on both sides of the political divide exercise prudence, purity and nationalistic fervour, this bounty of oil could turn out to be a burden and bane to be endured by my children and their children’s children, and that I was very concerned that so many of our citizens seem unable, unwilling or afraid to speak up for wherever reason.

My mantra was and remains to educate by sharing information and knowledge.

This will allow us to agitate against wrongs and therefore, as a people, be truly liberated.

A vibrant democracy is where citizens are free to examine issues and express their views within the boundaries of propriety.

This allows those who

govern to listen and not ignore the views of concerned citizens and patriots. Last Thursday, January 13, 2022, Mr. Glenn Lall moved to the Courts to seek justice for Guyanese populace in what appears to be a lopsided arrangement put in place by the pre-2020 Governments and this march of folly continued by a post August 2, 2020 Government.

The details of the case brought by Glenn Lall thru his Attorney is a step in the right direction to emancipate a democracy, which is now threatened. Set apart, the clumsy pernicious Natural Resources Bill, a few weeks ago, citizens of Guyana are being offered a raw deal and we face a reworked system of imperialist re-colonisation being imposed on the descendants of our earliest inhabitants, the Amerindians, descendants of slaves and the descendants of immigrants.

We urge all of our political leaders to be true to the wisdom of a united front in dealing with the mighty conglomerates. Guyanese of every walk of life, I urge you, whatever your political and religious beliefs, to read the petition published in Friday’s Kaieteur News, dealing with the above stated matter and share it with family and friends. Over the past several generations, the ideas and courage of citizens made a difference and we must never underestimate the power and influence of the voices of the people. The examples abound in alphabetical order “-Afghanistan 1979-2001, America 1776, China 1911-1949, England 1642-9, France 1789, Germany 1933, Iran 1978-9, The Netherlands 1585, and Russia 1917.”

To those of you and I

know there are quite a few, who feel oppressed, weak, and that we can’t make a difference, hold on to the hope that a pen is mightier than the sword, and that the major changes in the world emerge from the power of the populace exercising their rights to speak up for justice and decency. Guyanese need to be reminded that we must be grateful to Exxon and others for bringing oil and gas out of the bowels of the ocean within our economic zone. As a youngster, in the political arena, we heard and believed that we had oil, but before and after Independence, for a number of complex reasons, this hope for oil wealth was never realised. As a member of the Cabinet, we were shown samples of Crude Oil taken from the Takutu area by Home Oil. The reason given for not pursuing further extraction and piping it to the Coast was that the oil produced was too heavy and therefore not feasible.

End of story, and I emphasize story. We must however, as we say thanks, not allow what appears to be naked exploitation, to go without Guyana demanding a better deal. It is here that we should likewise give thanks to the likes of Glenn Lall whose courage and patriotism is helping to open our eyes to what appears to be a lopsided arrangement. Too many of our political leaders seem to possess no form of ancestral piety disregarding sacrifices and humiliation of our noble forebearers and lack the vision to ensure that the Guyanese receive optimum benefit from this God-given natural resource.

Some friends are afraid to speak up because we have (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

11 more COVID-19 deaths, 892 new cases The Ministry of Health yesterday reported that 11 more individuals, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,122.

The country’s latest fatalities are that of four men – an 86-year-old from Region One, an 87-year-old from Region Four, a 79-year-old from Region 10 and a 47-year-old from Region Three – and seven women – a 79-year-old, a 59year-old, 93-year-old, an 84year-old, a 74-year-old, a 55year-old and a 54-year-old from Region Four.

According to the Ministry, the persons died over a three-day period (January 19 to 21) while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 892 new infections in a 24 hour period, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 55,628.

A breakdown of the new cases per region shows that Region Four leads with 487 cases, Region Three with 146 cases, Region Six with 117, Region Nine with 35 cases, Region Five with 33 cases, Region 10 with 28 cases, Region Seven with 26 cases, Region Two with 12 cases

and Region One with eight cases.

The dashboard data shows that 19 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 160 people are in

institutional isolation, 12,314 in home isolation and 15 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 42,013 persons have recovered from the virus.

DEAR EDITOR: I don’t agree with all that Prime Minister Mia Mottley did, have done, presently is doing, or will do in Barbados, however, I am convinced that she has shown the Caribbean that she is a leader who could ‘work it’ in the midst of many crises (not so in Guyana).

If you are a parliamentary leader, a business leader, an NGO or a spiritual leader read the ‘tea leaves’ on what the Honourable Mia Mottley did.

Here are a few critical moments when managing during

Congratulations to the pair on their achievement in their respective field of endeavour.

The road, they both travelled to get to this point was not without its trials and

tribulations, but they persevered and today can stand proud as they reap their rewards. Theirs is a story worthy of emulation.

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

pitality sector, the construction of a number of new roads and other infrastructure. Further, a number of cash grants to citizens that assisted them after the destruction of crops and livestock during the devastating flood of June 2021, a seven percent increase to the public sector and cash grants throughout the year, which allowed for the stimulation of the economy,” the Ministry

boasted.

It added that large injections were made into the country's health sector with assistance being offered to frontline workers.

The Ministry was keen to note that the developmental programmes included in the Budgets represent the fulfillment of promises made by the PPP/C administration in its 2020 Manifesto.

Power of Attorney, Deeds Registry...

From page 2 which can be had given the increasing number of patients in need of urgent transplant surgeries.

The Attorney General's Chambers last year stated that Guyana is currently bereft of legislation governing,

rice is paramount, leaves much to be desired. On one occasion, shoddy work was done by a selected contractor to a bridge on the road, which became almost impassable after the worst rainy season.Recently, some work was done to a small portion of the road but with such substandard input, that a similar fate looms. This road was traversed several times by Gov-

ernment Ministers and on many occasions, promises were made to the residents that repairs to the road would be prioritised. To date however, those hollow promises were “swept under the carpet”. The previous writer has alluded that we may have to wait until the next election.

Regards Jailall Panchu No. 10 Mahaica Creek

a crisis.

The Prime Minister dropped several clues in past speeches about future plans.

She announced a snap election during the Christmas holidays, announcing elections in the middle of a pandemic, announcing elections in the midst of an economic downturn, while facing the threat of low voter turnout, and political opposition and public cries on every side regarding the timing of a snap election.

She (let me say it again-she) demolished the opposition –

again. What can we learn from Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s experience as leaders (present or aspiring).

Here are a few suggestions: 1. Put the vision before the people 2. Take ownership 3. Be a person of character 4. Stay focused – never mind the criticism 5. Catch the Opposition with their pants down– unprepared Cordially Denise Murray

Reflections on the life of Dr. Yesu...

Budget 2022 to be presented on Wednesday...

From page 3 Recovery, Economic Dynamism, and Resilience' included funding for the construction of various housing schemes and expansion of existing ones, investment in the revitalisation of the country's sugar industry, programmes in partnership with the private sector and other stakeholders for investment in the tourism and hos-

DEAR EDITOR Articles have appeared in the press denouncing the deplorable condition of the roads in various parts of our country. One such recently appeared in Kaieteur News regarding the Parika to Hubu Road.Residents of MAHAICA CREEK have a similar complaint as the horrible condition of the road in this farming community where

Leadership in a crisis

Classic example of what can be achieved DEAR EDITOR The mother and daughter who are set to ‘walk’ UG’s virtual graduation stage (GT Jan 21) is a classic example of what can be achieved where there’s a will.

Deplorable road in Mahaica Creek

authorising and regulating the donation of tissue and organs to persons who meet the criteria of either being a donor or recipient.

It was noted that in order to protect the citizens of Guyana from being victims of trafficking

in human organs and tissue, the legislation will propose to address the prohibition of trade in human tissue, organs and blood and as a result will create offences and penalties to monitor such dire incidents.

From page 4 rum industry and to press Caricom Heads to support key demands of the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA).

Yesu distanced himself from unfounded allegations about the role of the private sector in advancing the development of the national economy under the Jagan administration.

In a ‘Caribbean Voice’ article published in 1994, headlined ‘PPP’s Second Year in Government,’ Mr. Persaud pointed out; ‘One of the healthiest and most salutary trends in all of this is that local entrepreneurs are now investing in the country.’

A concrete example of local entrepreneurship invest-

ment was demonstrated with the launch of Demerara Bank in 1994. Giving the keynote address for the occasion, President Jagan declared; “My congratulations must go also to Mr. Yesu Persaud, a dynamic businessman who has a knack of turning into gold everything he puts his hands on.”

In 1992, Yesu established the ‘Independent Television’ (ITV) and hosted the popular and hugely informative weekly Sunday evening ‘Eye On The Issues’ talk show programme where many topical political, economic, social and foreign policy issues were discussed. He was strongly in favour of constitutional reform and made it a constant topic for his

programme.

Yesu Persaud and Cheddi Jagan were very close friends; one a consummate businessman, the other, a consummate politician.

They shared common views albeit from different perspectives, on issues such as national democracy, pathways to economic and social development as well as ways and means of tackling global poverty and underdevelopment. Both giants have gone, one before the other, but the challenges they once discussed and confronted in their interdependent yet interrelated roles remain, albeit in new, complex and challenging times.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

We came in different ships...

From page 5 sections of our Police Force, behaving like a typical State Police holding the sword of Damocles over the heads of people, whose only crime is to analyse a situation and speak the truth.

A complete contradiction of freedom of speech and a breach of what we are taught to be a democracy - this is the challenge facing us today.

To those I say, “Fear is man’s worst enemy and a hindrance to progress. Fear is met and destroyed with courage.”

James Belle noted, “Again and again when the struggle seems hopeless and all opportunity lost, some man or woman with a little more courage, a little more effort brings victory.” I look

forward to the day when from Pakariama’ s peak of power to Corentyne’s lust sands, from the North West to the source of our rivers, children of Amerindian, African, East Indian, Chinese, Portuguese descent and those delightful mixed races can share equally in the bounty of our forest, marine resources and minerals or agricultural lands and together raise their heads as the roses raise their crowns to greet the dawn of a new day.

A Guyana blessed with brilliant sunshine, rainfall with no snow, no sleet, no storms.

That we thank the Creator, for his bounteous gifts and when the gap between the haves and have nots is no

longer. A country where benefits accrue to those who study, work hard and are diligent. A country where people are judged only by their morals and spirituality, children and our people, based on their hard work, and they are judged only by their morals and spirituality.

Glenn Lall and others deserve the highest award in bringing light and hope where darkness and gloom existed.

I can do no better than to remind us of the words of the Late Dr. Yesu Persaud, who passed away a few days ago, who said, “We came in different ships, but we are now in the same boat.”

Regards Hamilton Green

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N B T .

U .

L .

L T B . .

N .

U N U T L N B .

U T . .

L N N U T B .

U .

N L U BL BLUNT. B . .

T .

T T N N U .

U L . .

L B .

T B . . . .

N .

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

L B . . . .

B .

T . .

T .

N N T U N L LU U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B .

T L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B .

T .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . . .

LU ...BLUN B T . . .

N T U N L U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T .

U B . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

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

L . .

B .

T . .

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

N .

B .

T . .

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

BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyanese, again we appeal to you to not take COVID-19 for granted.

We have to protect ourselves and teach our family members, especially our children, some of whom have returned to school, how to properly wear a mask.

Wearing a mask, we have been advised, is not an option. It is mandatory if you choose safety over being infected.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

Opposition urges Govt. to implement measures to curb inflation rate Even though he has already aired his suggestions to the governing People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for Budget 2022, the Leader of the People's National Congress Reform ( P N C / R ) , M r. A u b r e y Norton, has reiterated his call for the administration to take steps to curb the infla ion rate.

During his weekly press conference, Norton told the media that it is urgent for measures to be implemented to tackle the increase of food costs, which he believes could be addressed with more focus on the agriculture sector.

He said, “If you look at the question of inflation and the measures that need to be taken to deal with it, we raised this question of food security which is a real important question because if you follow the history behind the oil and gas industry there is the tendency for resources to go in the direction of the oil and gas sector and a reduction in the agriculture sector.”

Therefore, Norton explained that the

government must not only acknowledge the spike in market prices, but also take action to improve the situation, while it may still be in its budding stage.

“What we are doing is saying to the government prices are going up and you need to take action at this stage to ensure there are incentives for people to stay in agriculture, and to expand agriculture so that we have food security, and do not run into the problems that many other societies run into.

Because of the lucrative nature of oil and gas, people in other sectors go in another direction,” the PNC/R Leader pointed out.

Already in Guyana, Norton noted that many waterfront businesses, which formerly accommodated the fishing industry, among others, have been converted to aid the oil and gas sector.

In this regard, the party leader urged that this development requires urgent attention by the government, which he expects to implement measures to address such matters in

Leader of the PNC/R: Aubrey Norton

Budget 2022.

He said, “If they (government) don't address it, then it would be obvious to the Guyanese people that they have no interest in prejudging what is happening and to take the (necessary) actions to ensure that we don't face the risks that are likely to come from not addressing the matter.”

Norton added that while it is “worrying” that the Opposition was not included in the consultations for the preparation of Budget 2022, he is hopeful that his suggested measures would be implemented to improve the lives of Guyanese.

In expressing his disappointment, he said that the Budget is being prepared

with only a “select” group being invited to present their views while the main Opposition Coalition, which represents over 49 percent of the Guyanese people, has been systematically excluded t from these consultations.

During the party's press conference last week, Norton listed several measures he feels would bring a measure of relief to citizens, amidst escalating inflation rate.

Among the party's suggestions were; the introduction of a COVID-19 risk allowance for frontline workers on a six months basis of $50,000, until the pandemic has been officially declared over by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O / WHO), an interim wages and salaries increase for public servants of 10 percent, pending the start and f i n a l i s a t i o n o f Government/Union talks,

which the party said should end in workers receiving at least a 25 percent increase and an increase to the Old Age Pension of $10,000.

To bring further relief, he suggested an overhaul of the income tax threshold.

In fact, he recommended that the income tax threshold be increased to $1.5 million or one third of gross earnings, “whichever is higher, from the present $780,000” and that changes be made in the Income Tax Law to ensure that the minimum wage is never taxed. Norton also said that the income tax rate should be restructured to “the first $3 million of chargeable income 15 percent, the next $3 million 20 percent and the balance 25 percent.”

Teen hospitalised with gunshot

wounds A 17-year-old is currently hospitalised in a serious condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital with a gunshot wound to the mouth and one to his left side buttocks.

Regional Commander, Bhudnarine Persaud, told Kaieteur News that a 39year-old suspect was arrested and has since denied shooting the teen. Persaud also confirmed that three shots were fired, two of which hit the teen.

Police are currently conducting

- suspect in custody

further investigations and a search for the firearm used in the shooting is currently ongoing.

Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the suspect was hauled before the court in October 2021 and slapped with three counts of rape committed on the victim and two other teenage boys. He had appeared at the Whim Magistrate Court before Magistrate Renita Singh then and upon his second court appearance before Magistrate Alex Moore, he was granted bail.

Saturday January 22, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The pipe dream Guyana is pursuing a pipe dream.

The agreement, which was signed last Thursday in Suriname, between the presidents of Guyana, Suriname and Brazil to promote an energy corridor, represents a form of political daydreaming.

The plan is too ambitious for Guyana’s government.

And both Suriname and Brazil are not likely going to tie their energy security to a plan which involves high interconnection costs and trading in energy.

Brazil does not need to buy any energy from Guyana.

It has the means to meet the demand of its northern states of Amapá and Roraima.

The energy needs of these two states are indispensable towards any possibility of trading energy.

But why would the northern states of Brazil buy energy from Guyana when the cost of that energy will be super expensive given the high cost of projected future generation and the great distance between where Guyana’s energy is expected to be generated and those northern states?

Brazil is already making plans to satisfy the energy needs of these two northern states.

Amapá States stands to benefit from major investments in the energy sector.

About US$36M is likely to be invested this year in Amapá in transmission lines. Brazil is therefore progressing with its plans to meet the energy needs of this state and is not likely to want to buy or to see any energy from or to Guyana and Suriname. While Amapá was plagued with blackouts in 2020, that situation is going to be resolved later this year with the holding of two

major investment auctions aimed, in part, at ensuring energy security in that state.

Last September, the Brazilian government greenlighted plans to connect the remote Roraima State to the national grid.

This means that the State will soon be able to receive power from the national grid.

In the case of Suriname, it faces a deep economic crisis which will require greater attention from the government.

Already it is looking towards a debt management plan to help offset its debt crisis. Fixing its debt problems may require having to defer the sort of investments needed to realise this energy corridor.

Had Guyana been following these developments, all this talk about an energy alliance and an energy corridor with Brazil and Surinamese would have been scrapped.

Guyana hopes to generate energy from its gas reserves.

It needs to sell this energy which will exceed local demands.

As such it has latched on to a 2016 study, which has now become outdated, which speaks about creating a ArcoNorte Interconnected System linking Guyana, Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana.

This idea was the brainchild of the Inter-American Development Bank which funded a study in 2016. This study was done in collaboration with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Ironically, no representative of the GEA was pictured in Guyana’s delegation during the talks between the President of Guyana and the presidents of Suriname and Brazil.

Although the visit was cancelled, the Brazilian President was scheduled to pay a

one-day official visit to Guyana yesterday and he was likely to have addressed the plans which were discussed in Suriname on Thursday.

But afterwards what was expected? This year is an election year in Brazil and when the Brazilian President returns home, he will have more important priorities than dealing with the Arco Norte energy system.

Brazil is already far ahead of both Guyana and Suriname in terms of using renewables.

In fact, in both Roraima and Amapá, the sources of energy include biomass and hydro.

Guyana’s main energy source remains fossil fuel.

Guyana is looking to tap its abundant gas reserves and to secure markets for the energy generated from natural gas.

However, the Arco Norte baseline study had highlighted Guyana’s hydroelectric potential as a source of energy to be traded.

The development of Guyana’s hydroelectric potential requires massive investment.

And as was evident with the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project, political considerations are equally important.

The one-seat majority of the government will not lend itself to providing the required comfort for investors who will be fearful that should there be a change in administration, as there was in 2015, the new government will balk at the projects.

Arco Norte is all a pipe dream.

Nothing will come of it.

Guyana has a better chance of getting a road to Brazil and a bridge link to Suriname than it does about an energy corri-

Dem boys seh...

De popo behaving like magistrate and judge De City Council does pick up garbage in nuff areas one day a week. But dem residents nah know always wah time de garbage truck gan come. So dem ah roll put dem barrel and put it on de side of de road so dat when de truck pass, de garbage collectors can pick up dem rubbish.

Deh gat some people, on de day when de garbage truck passing, does bring out dem stuff in bags and put in near other people rubbish bin so dat it can also be collected. But things like it bout to change. Ever since de clean-up campaign by de

guvament and de private sector, deh gat people videoing whenever dem see yuh with a bag ah garbage. Nobody asking if dis is de day when de garbage does collect. But once dem see yuh put down a bag with rubbish, dem seh yuh littering.

Deh gat nuff litterbugs.

And dem getting ketch. But dem gat some people wah bring out dem rubbish in bags also fuh get pick up and dem being accused of littering.

De police tekking action against dem litterbugs. But de popo gat to realise dat dem is not magistrate and judge.

While de police can charge, is fuh de courts fuh adminis-

ter de punishment. But dem gat popo wah want to arrest, charge plus be judge, jury and executioner. Dem ketch some men dumping rubbish in one area. And dem tek dem to another area fuh clean up.

Now dat is de popo executing dem own punishment – a role dat is reserved fuh de courts.

It remind dem boys of dem days when de popo ketch yuh riding bicycle without lights. Dem used to loose down the air in yuh tyre. It did wrang den and it still wrang now fuh de police fuh believe dem is de court.

Talk half. Leff half.

dor.

Arco Norte is too big for a country like Guyana. And it is much too ambitious for Suriname.

And the Brazilians know

this all too well.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday January 22, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

A letter on Bolsonaro that actually carried signatures

I

t is literally impossible for any normal human to see anything positive about current Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro. Billions of people in this world think that Donald Trump may have a serious mental problem.

Those billions think Bolsonaro is a worst case scenario than Trump.

One can never disagree with any criticism of Bolsonaro. The man is far more dangerous than Trump.

My feeling is that he will lose the next presidential election and will end up in jail. I hope they jail him for life. So yesterday, there was a very strong denunciation of the visit to Guyana by Bolsonaro in the form of a letter in the newspapers. The content of the letter is not only perfect

but politically impeccable.

We must not confuse the message with the messenger.

But context is everything in life. Human action will not be understood unless context is r e c o g n i s e d . To d a y i n Guyana, there are messengers that compose messages and when you apply context, you don't want to be associated with the messages they publicise.

If that letter on Bolsanaro was submitted to me for my signature, the first thing I would have done is invoke context.

I would not have signed because I would not have been happy sharing a platform with those messengers given their silence on the near destruction of Guyana.

A human must at all times

have an obligation to him/herself about their own moral make-up. Each time I receive an invitation to be on a pubic panel discussion, I would ask who the other panelists are.

No matter how prestigious an international organization is, I will not participate in any forum with certain people in this country based on their behaviour in the context of race and freedom if that organisation chooses me.

If you advocate harm against people because of their sexual orientation or race or religion, you are a threat to the social foundation of the world.

For me, the two most racist statements ever made in this country was by Ronald Waddel and a certain trade

unionist. I want nothing to do with that trade unionist and I will forever paint Waddel as a racist.

I saw with my own two eyes, Waddell advocating violence against Indians on channel 9 in 1997 because they voted for the PPP. That was an advocacy that invokes memory of Rwanda. No one should have any appreciation ever for Waddell.

The most racist xenophobic statement in the world about foreigners who are coming to Guyana was made by that trade unionist.

Read it and you cannot find a more descriptive account of racist xenophobia anywhere in the world including Brazil under Bolsonaro.

Please email me at fredkissoon@yahoo.com and I will send the statement to you. Where were those signatories who have now denounced Bolsonaro?

Where were those signatories when Guyana was facing literal implosion and subsequent destruction from March to July?

Where were they when the racial riots of the 1960s almost repeated themselves when in September last year

David Granger and Joseph Harmon went to Region 5 and the words they used in Frederick Kissoon an address to African t hat we are accustomed to Guyanese resulted in seeing, are there. widespread violence.

The usual suspects The denunciation of Bolsonaro is an act for all c o m p o s e d t h e l e t t e r humans to make but some of denouncing Bolsonaro for those signatories must be his anti-African insanities and sent it to others for exposed.

Let's name some of them. approval of their signatures.

Dr. Nigel Westmaas was a There are 72 names.

Only nine names are friend for decades. I have an email from him in which he Indians of which eight are declined to comment on the part of the usual suspects. Are attempted rigging of the G u y a n e s e I n d i a n s n o t election. I can forward his philosophically equipped to denounce Bolsonaro for his response to you.

Dr. Alissa Trotz edits the racist policies against Afro“In The Diaspora Column” of Brazilians?

I could list literally 50 Stabroek News which did not comment on the election prominent Indians and Indian rigging and what Granger organisations in Guyana and and Harmon did in Region 5. the diaspora that would have David Hinds is a signatory so signed that missive if it was is the man who penned that sent to them.

Those names should not racist xenophobia.

The WPA is a signatory. have been overlooked. They Please go through the lists d e l i b e r a t e l y w e r e . and you will see that if you Remember that saying – believe in the equality of show me your company, and races, you would not want I will tell who you are.

(The views expressed in your signature alongside this article are those of the their own.

The usual suspects were a u t h o r a n d d o n o t at work; those jaded, faded necessarily reflect the publicity seeking mandarins opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Bolsonaro abruptly ends Guyana visit after death of mother Plans for the one-day visit by President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency Jair Bolsonaro did not materialise yesterday owing to the passing of his mother, Olinda Bolsonaro.

The announcement was made on Friday, a few hours before the President was expected to arrive.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the President's visit was postponed due to the unfortunate and sudden passing of his mother.

Guyana's Head of State, Mohamed Irfaan Ali has extended his sympathies to his colleague.

A new date for a possible rendezvous between the two Presidents has not yet been announced.

On Thursday, President Ali returned to Guyana following a one-day visit to neighbouring Suriname, where he, along with the leader of that country and Brazil discussed a range of

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency Jair Bolsonaro

issues.

Ahead of the meeting, the Office of the President had revealed that the three leaders were expected to discuss the formation of an energy corridor, oil and gas and other natural resources opportunities, among areas of common interest.

“Discussions will centre on improving economic relations, energy and food s e c u r i t y , telecommunications, agriculture, infrastructure integration and the development of a deep water

harbour in Guyana.”

According to the government, since Guyana offers the shortest and quickest access to the Atlantic for significant parts of northern Brazil, a road connection linked to the deep-water port could also serve the interest of both countries.

When the two leaders spoke last Monday via teleconference, they discussed enhancing the partial scope agreement between their nations with (Continued on page 16)

Auto dealer wanted for carjacking A

By Shervin Belgrave

s the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), headed by Senior Superintendent of Police Fazil Karimbaskh, continues its efforts to bring down a carjacking gang, a wanted bulletin has been issued for its suspected leader, a wellknown auto dealer and businessman called Andrew Archibald Samaroo.

The wanted bulletin for 25-year-old Samaroo was issued by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday.

According to the GPF, Samaroo is wanted

by SOCU for questioning in connection with a series of carjacking, conspiracy to commit robbery, receiving stolen articles and other offences committed in Guyana.

His last known addresses are Lot 320 Fifth Street, South East, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara and Lot 20-22 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Samaroo is asked to contact SOCU on telephone numbers 225-3079, 2253084 or the nearest police station.

Sources told Kaieteur News that Samaroo is suspected to be the mastermind behind the carjacking gang that has been operating across Region Four for some time now.

So far, six persons have been arrested, and due to the magnitude of the case, SOCU has been granted an extension by the court to keep them in custody until the investigations are completed.

Wanted auto dealer, Andrew Archibald Samaroo.

The gang, according to reports, specialises mainly in car thefts and hijackings.

This publication was informed that it would legally purchase “crashed cars” and then steal similar ones. Functioning parts from the crashed vehicles would then be used to replace parts on the stolen cars.

The gang would also remove the engine numbers from the crashed vehicles and weld them on to the stolen cars to make them completely undetectable to law enforcement authorities.

The stolen vehicles would then be sold to (Continued on page 18)

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 22, 2022

PAGE 13

GNIC not convinced Laparkan fire was act of arson The Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC) is not convinced that the recent Laparkan fire that destroyed millions worth of imported vehicles and goods was an act of arson.

This is according to a release the company issued yesterday, one day after Acting Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham, revealed that his investigators at the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) had found that the blaze was a “malicious act.”

GNIC stated that it is deeply grateful for the collaborative efforts of the

GFS and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for their quick response to the fire that destroyed the Laparkan bond on Sunday last.

However, as it relates to reports that the fire was an act of arson, GNIC noted that there has been no conclusive evidence to support this theory determined by the GFS' findings.

Moreover, the company stated, “in the absence of an official report from the Guyana Fire Service and/or Guyana Police Force, GNIC is now forced to refute these erroneous allegations” that have been circulating in the

Repeat offender who allegedly robbed woman, remanded Remanded, Joy Hilliman

A

repeat offender, Denise Hilliman also called 'Joy Hilliman', was remanded to prison yesterday when she appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts for allegedly stealing over $600,000 in cash.

Hilliman allegedly stole US$3,070 and G$70,000 which totals some G$684,000 from the victim, Maylin Oritz Rodriguez.

The court heard that on Monday, Rodriguez was in a store along Robb Street, Georgetown doing some shopping when she realised that her purse was missing.

Upon making this discovery, she immediately took action and reported the matter to the police.

The police, while investigating the matter, had reviewed Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the said store where Rodriguez was, where the accused, Hilliman, was seen removing the victim's purse.

She was later arrested, told of the allegations and cautioned, but denied any involvement.

In fact, she had admitting to being around the area but

insisted that she did not steal a n y m o n e y. A s e a r c h conducted on Hilliman revealed a sum of $56,700 was found in her shoulder bag. These were lodged after she was arrested and placed in custody.

Hilliman is also currently before the court for an attempt murder charge, where she allegedly stabbed a woman, Otley White, during a gambling fight.

This publication had previously reported that the brother of the victim and Hillman's son were gambling.

The young men reportedly got into a misunderstanding and a fight erupted. White had rushed over to assist her brother by attempting to pull him from the fight.

Upon seeing this, Hilliman, who was some distance away, allegedly armed herself with a pitchfork and approached White, stabbing her to the right side chest.

An injured White fell and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where she was admitted in a serious condition.

press.

According to GNIC, it operates a Close Circuit Te l e v i s i o n M o n i t o r i n g System (CCTV) on a 24-hour basis.

“Central to this system is the positioning of a wide range of cameras in a number of strategic areas on the Wharf and Bond among others,” continued the release.

Footage recovered from these cameras, stated GNIC, “were reviewed jointly by investigators from its security department, GFS and GPF and there was no (Continued on page 16)

Fire fighters extinguishing the flames at the Laparkan bond earlier this week.

PAGE 14

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

CH&PA extends application deadline for core homes and home improvement subsidy Wi t h t h e h o p e o f capturing more of its intended target audience and giving deserving families a chance, the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has extended the deadline for applications under its Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP).

According to a CH&PA release, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the closing date is now Friday, February 25, 2022.

The initial deadline for applications was set for February 7, 2022, however the executing agency with the consent from the funding agency – the Inter-American Development Bank – has agreed to the extension.

“To date we have been receiving positive response from the communities but the majority has been from the West Bank of Demerara, so we want to give persons along the East Coast of Demerara who fall within the project boundary an

A recently constructed core home on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three. (Photo Credit: MoHW)

opportunity to apply,” Minister Croal said.

Under the Core Home Support initiative some 150 low-income families will receive a new 20x20 feet move-in ready two-bedroom concrete house, which is equipped with basic utilities such as water and electricity and can be expanded over time.

The home is built through the Ministry and beneficiaries are only required to make a contribution of $100,000.

All applicants are required to

possess ownership of the land, and it must be a land issued by the Ministry.

While under the Home Improvement Subsidy initiative, low-income families who are living in poor structures can benefit from $500,000 worth in building materials to carry out repairs or expansion to an existing property.

This is not a loan and no repayment is necessary.

Some 2,000 Home Improvement Subsidies have been earmarked under the programme, with 236

persons already approved.

Also, in a move to raise awareness and invite applications, the Ministry through the Community Development Department will be hosting a series of community outreaches over the coming days to the targeted communities.

The first outreach will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the Mon Repos Market Tarmac, Lusignan Market Tarmac and Good Hope Secondary School.

Interested persons can apply for the programme

online at www.chpa.gov.gy.

Application forms are also available free of cost at the CH&PA Headquarters, 41 Brickdam and United Nations Place, Stabroek, Georgetown; sub-office 237 Camp Street, Georgetown (next to St. Margaret's Primary School); Regional Housing Offices at Vreeden-Hoop, Region Three and all local authorities within the project boundaries.

All applications, along with the relevant documents, can only be returned to the sub-office 237 Camp Street,

Georgetown.

The target area encompasses Westminster, Onderneeming, RechtDoor-Zee, Lust en Rust, and Parfaite Harmonie Phase II on the West Bank of Demerara, Region Three.

In Region Four, it includes communities from Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara; from Georgetown to La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara and the following 19 communities: Bladen Hall South Squatting Area, Block 7 Pln. Mon Repos (D'Jango Town), Elizabeth Hall known as Pln. Enterprise, Lusignan Block XXI, Lusignan Parcel 99 (Binkey Ally), Lusignan Tract 'A' (Lusignan Pasture), Strathspey South 14B, Vigilance/Bladen Hall, Vigilance 14A/14B, Area B Lusignan (Grassfield), Enmore - (Haslington Block 20), Good Hope Area X, Good Hope Tract A (Phase 1), Haslington Block 18, Hope Area A, Mon Repos Block 8, Non Pareil Block 12, Non Pareil Section B and Vigilance Area X.

GTT Fibre now in Mahaica - promises to continue network expansion throughout 2022

G

TT in a release said that it is continuing to fulfill its promise to reliably connect customers as it is set to roll out its GTT Fibre to the community of Mahaica on the East Coast of Demerara.

The telecoms provider has completed its build out of fibre in Mahaica and is scheduled to begin installations for both residential and business customers on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

In an invited comment, Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Home Solutions and Fixed Networks, Eshwar Thakurdin said, “Last year was only the beginning of our fibre expansion to different communities across Guyana. This year, we will continue to deliver this 21st century, reliable, high speed, internet connectivity to more homes within our country.”

He added, “We know how important broadband service is in these times, and it is our promise to you, our valued customers, to reliably connect you to school, work, entertainment, family and friends; the things that matter most to you.”

Additionally, the COO said, “It's January and we're already delivering on our promise to reliably connect our customers. We will continue to expand our fibre network so that even more customers can experience GTT Fibre in their homes.”

With the new residential plans of Fibre50, Fibre100, and Fibre150, customers in Mahaica could apply for the service at $8,999, $10,999, and $12,999 respectively.

Each service also comes with a fixed voice

GTT Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Home Solutions and Fixed Networks, Eshwar Thakurdin.

line included.

Thakurdin noted that the company would continue its free installation offer until March 2022 for any customer signing up for Fibre. “We also have special offers for DSL customers switching to GTT Fibre, where they get upgraded to Fibre at no additional cost,” he said.

In recent months, GTT said that it has beefed up its efforts to deliver Fibre to unserved communities including Linden, New Amsterdam, Non Pariel, Vreed-enHoop and now Mahaica.

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

More than 30 companies bid to procure ration for Prison Service During the opening of tenders on Thursday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, over 30 companies applied for the contract to procure dry and fresh ration for the Guyana Prison Service.This is a Ministry of Home Affairs Procurement of dry and fresh ration for Lot 1 to 5 for the Guyana Prison Service.

project being undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs.Bids were also opened for pre-qualification for firms interested in the Gas-to-Energy project to design and construct the Natural Gas Fired Power Plant and the Natural Ministry of Home Affairs Pre-qualification for extermination and sanitation services.

Ministry of Natural Resources Pre-qualification proposals for firms interested in Gas-to-Energy Project, (i) Natural Gas Fired Power Plant and (ii) Natural Gas Liquids Plant.

Pre-qualification for repairs/servicing to vehicles and equipment

Pre-qualification for security services.

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Design and supervision of construction of a new GRA Headquarters building at Plantation, Patterson, East Coast Demerara.

Gas Liquids (NGL) plant. This project which falls under the Ministry of Natural Resources saw 12 firms showing interest in the project.

Below are the companies and their bids: Provision of electrical/air conditioner repair services

PAGE 16 VACANCY

PM Shift Supermarket cashiers,math & eng required. To HR dept Survival Shopping Complex,173 Sheriff St.Tel:609-2995.

WANTED

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.

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.

One plane operator & one woodmizer operator. Tel: 2642524/624-7088.

Wanted Bus Driver. Contact:698-6205.

One (1) male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029/616-5954.

Accounts Clerk.Quickbooks knowledge & accounting experience. To HR dept Survival Shopping Complex,173 Sheriff St.Tel:609-2995.

Porters/Bond Clerks.Basic reading and writing skills.To HR dept Survival Shopping Complex,173 Sheriff St. Tel: 609-2995.

Western Union CSRS. Experience will be a plus.To HR dept Survival Shopping Complex,173 Sheriff St. Tel:6092995.

Vacancy for porters.Apply in person at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St,Bourda.

1 hauler driver needed.

Tel:611-7088.

FOR RENT

Live in waitress 18-25 years, salary $22,000 weekly.

Tel:610-3974.

1 bedroom apartment,self contain fully grilled in Grove E.B.D preferable couple.

Tel:618-8878.

2 bedroom apartment, Betterhope E.C.D $55,000 between 8am-5pm. Tel:6173001.

Bobby’s Reality,for Sale or rent, good for business– 4.018 acres of prime land in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Reduce Price.Call 679-2497.

Bobby’s Reality,Large Property with Huge Concrete Bond, Prime Location Cumberland, Canje. Ideal for Business. Sale or rent. Reduce Price.Call 679-2497.

Fully 3 bedroom furnish apartment located in UG & Supermarkets to rent $100, 000 per month. Tel:685-9127.

FOR SALE Pure breed German Shepherd Pups black & tan and whiteline,vaccinated and dewormed.Contact:665-9140.

LEGAL NOTICE

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.

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:2250198.

Taxi & Minibus drivers, work and keep.Tel:628-1183/2253234.

Vacancy exists for Counter Attendant @Dian's Deli opposite Kitty market.Tel:2253700/621-7862.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Sale! South Central Hotel.218 South Road Georgetown 6,710 feet first,second floor.Tel:697-6572,686-0444.

Houselot for sale in Culvert City Lethem,2M Neg near Airport & ball field.Tel:658-3303.

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

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 exists for one Operations Manager to work at a hotel on the Essequibo Coast.Contact:653-6750.

2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1468 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.: FD-1468 BETWEEN:SINCLAIR (VANESSA) nee GEORGE Petitioner/ Applicant-VSINCLAIR(QUINCY ANTHONY) Respondent TO: QUINCY ANTHONY SINCLAIR (Last Known Address) Lot 67 Section C, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 28" day of October, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by VANESSA SINCLAIR nee GEORGE, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 20th day of December, 2021 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-atLaw at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with

Missing boy, 10, found by police at Crabwood Creek

The 10-year-old who went missing on Sunday last is safely back home with his mother, Anita Gomes, and his step-father. Kaieteur News was told by the mother that police in Springlands, Upper Corentyne, Berbice found the lad, Andrew Gomes, walking along the Crabwood Creek public road. After stopping and inquiring from the boy of his address and who his parents are, they took him into their custody and made contact with the mother Thursday night.

The mother said she picked LEGAL NOTICE related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the Second and· final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 18th day of March, 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious at the High Court at Georgetown via Zoom Meeting ID:648 772 9256 and Password:5hRiHF. IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Divsion of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 om Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 22nd day of December,2021.

up her son at the station yesterday morning. She said the lad told police that he had left home because his uncle told him to run away. According to the child, he was staying with a woman he knew while he lived with his great-grandparents, who are now deceased. According to the mother, her son promised to never leave home again and added that she was happy that he was alive and well.

A missing person report was filed at the Whim Police Station on Monday by Gomes after her son, a pupil of Tain Primary School, left his Port Mourant home for the nearby shop on Sunday morning.

Gomes said the boy is her only child and he was living with his great-grandparents in

Skeldon for a period. However when they died, a year ago, he moved back with her at Port Mourant. On Sunday morning, Gomes said her son told her that his uncle had sent him to the shop to return two bottles.

Since it was raining, the woman said that she told him not to go. ”Me tell he not to go and me go to the washroom, when me come out back the washroom he take a $1,000 from me purse and the two bottle and he leff and never come back home,” Gomes said.

She said later that day after she did not see her son return home, she inquired from her brother if he had seen him but he responded in the negative.

A visit to the shop where the lad said he was returning the bottles revealed that he had never showed up there.

GNIC not convinced...

From page 13 conclusive evidence of the alleged arson which seems to be now circulating in the press by certain Media Houses.” The company went on to describe the GFS findings as an “unsubstantiated claim” and added that it is in the process of obtaining a report backed by evidence highlighting the cause of the fire.

When contacted yesterday, Fire Chief (ag), Wickham said that he stands by the findings of the GFS investigators. He said that while he is not aware that the GNIC is conducting its own investigation, there is only one body mandated by law to determine the cause of the fire and that is the GFS. Wickham told this newspaper that his investigators were able to come up the findings by thorough investigations which included the reviewing of CCTV footage.

Part of the investigations conducted by the GFS entailed intelligence work and interviews.

The findings, Wickham related, has been handed over to police investigators to continue the investigations.

“Our duty is to find out the cause of the fire, catching suspects and bringing them to justice will be the responsibility of the Guyana Police Force,” Wickham stated. An-

other “erroneous reports” that the GNIC refuted yesterday is that it did not have a proper fire prevention mechanism in place and that “the fire might have been caused by improper storage of chemicals.” “GNIC wishes to state categorically that its fire prevention system meets the basic requirements of the statutory safety and fire requirements inclusive of a fire plan and response mechanisms,” the company stated in its release.

It added that fire extinguishers are installed in all of its departments that are monitored and controlled via a Health and Safety Officer identified as an ex-employee of the GFS. As it relates to reports that the fire might have been “caused by improper storage of chemicals,” GNIC called these “misleading, without substance and totally false.” It should be noted, however, that Kaieteur News had reported that eyewitnesses of the blaze had related that fire had erupted where chemicals belonging to an oil company operating in Guyana were stored and not that it had caused the fire.

Wickham had also told this newspaper that this was related to his investigators by eyewitnesses during the initial stage of the investigations.

Bolsonaro abruptly...

From page 12 the hope of bolstering trade.

They also deliberated on topics for further engagements at the Ministerial level.

Yesterday, Guyana was well-prepared for President Bolsonaro along with his team of officials who were expected to travel to Georgetown for a special oneday official visit with President Ali and his Cabinet Ministers.

Ali had listed energy, food security, telecommunication, infrastructure integration and trade as some of the issues he would like to discuss with his Brazilian counterpart. President Ali also intended to discuss the possibility of Brazil assisting with the development of Guyana's bauxite industry and increasing the quota for rice exports under a partial scope agreement.

Saturday January 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Auto dealer wanted for carjacking...

From page 12 unsuspecting buyers with a legal paper trail.

Left over parts would then be sold as spares.

Kaieteur News understands that sometimes these

parts would end up at spare parts stores across the country.

The racket has reportedly been ongoing for years now.

However, with the re-

cent discovery of two stolen cars at a workshop located at Montrose on the East Coast of Demerara, SOCU investigators are one step closer in dismantling the gang.

Saturday January 22, 2022

Saturday January 22, 2022

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

BMC-GUYANA plans restart of Banks Beer/Maximum Vodka BMC T25 tournament

A release from the organisers has stated that, “We are pleased to announce that the Big Man Cricket Guyana has now obtained approval from the COVID 19 Task Force to resume the Banks Beer/Maximum Vodka T25 tournament.

This tournament had come to a screeching halt last April due to the spike in the COVID 19 situation in Guyana which was further exasperated by the inclement weather and the new COVID variant OMICRON.” It further informed, “At the

end of the last round of play in the Banks Beer/Maximum Vodka BMC T25 tournament, Jai Hind Jaguars were leading the points table with a whopping 139 points from 4 matches followed by West Bank Warriors on 91 points from their 3 matches played.

Essequibo Eagles also played 3 matches and had racked up 78 points followed

by GT Royal Rangers on 69 points from their 4 matches.

BMC is urging all teams and players to get themselves ready and recommence training for their next fixture which

Naomi Osaka upset...

From page 20 Schedule No. 2 Daniil Medvedev and No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas benefited from an upset in their sections and face unseeded players in the third round — Medvedev gets Botic van de Zandschulp and Tsitsipas faces Benoit Paire. Taylor Fritz, the highest-seeded U.S. man at No. 20,

Friday January 22, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might attend more than one group activity or social event involving spiritual or metaphysical matters.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today, Libra, you might find yourself picking up uncanny telepathic messages from a friend who lives some distance from you.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Intellectual or artistic work could take up a lot of your time today, Taurus. Your level of inspiration is high, and you're apt to be full of ideas that others would find beneficial.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Creative inspiration flows freely today, Scorpio, enabling you to channel it in more than one way.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Study of religion and spiritual matters could well be of particular interest for you today, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today communication with others is more likely to be on a subtle rather than verbal level, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Inspiration drawn from recent religious or spiritual occurrences could have you writing down accounts of your experiences, Leo, perhaps with the idea of someday publishing them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You should be feeling especially strong and healthy today, Virgo. The drive to exercise, particularly if you do it alone and outdoors, is likely to get the endorphins going and thus give you a natural high, which could lead to an increased level of inspiration and intuition.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Usually you prefer to approach events with a practical and scientific attitude, Sagittarius, but today you're feeling especially intuitive and more aware of the other worlds, so it might be difficult to hang on to your usual mindset.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you've been thinking about taking up the study of astrology, numerology, alchemy, or any other occult science, this is the day to get started, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Some rather intense and vivid dreams could inspire you to embark on some indepth study of a subject that specifically interests you, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Romantic relationships take on a fairytale aura, Pisces, bringing up the kind of desire, passion, and sense of unity associated with Lancelot and Guinevere.

should produce a more competitive match with No. 15 Roberto Bautista Agut.

No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka needed three sets to win her first two matches with some horrible serving. She might not have that margin for error against her third-round opponent, No. 31 Marketa Vondrousova.

will be released shortly.”

The release pointed out that, “The BMC Committee is currently in negotiations with the major sponsors on whether we should continue the competition from where we left off or just squash the 2021 version and start afresh with a brand-new competition since several matches were seriously affected by the weather in the 2021 version of the BMC Banks Beer/Maximum Vodka tournament.”

The full points table so far:

Nadal repels...

From page 21 Khachanov had no answer to Nadal’s intensity and managed to win only one point on Nadal’s serve in the opening set. Nadal broke serve at the start of the second set but Khachanov won an incredible point in the fourth game, picking himself off the floor to crunch a backhand winner and then winning another incredible rally to earn a break point.

He could not convert that and Nadal immediately broke in the next game on his way to a two-set lead. Khachanov began to hit closer to the lines and with more menace in the third set, which he took after breaking the Nadal’s serve for the first time for a 3-1 lead.

Nadal simply found another gear though, firing a stunning backhand winner to break Khachanov’s serve, and spirit, in the second game of the fourth set.

Underperforming...

From page 22 Flames succeeding despite a dramatic recent improvement under a new coach, Romanian Mario Marinica. Ivory Coast v Egypt Two-time champions Ivory Coast outclassed Algeria and will be favourites to win the match of the round despite having succeeded only once in 10 previous Cup of Nations clashes against Egypt.

But Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz remains hopeful, saying “we have been concentrating on our finishing.

Sometimes we try too hard to score and complicate matters.” Mali v Equatorial Guinea Cameroon has been a happy hunting ground for Mali — they achieved their highest Cup of Nations finish of second place 50 years ago and were 2020 African Nations Championship runners-up there. They won Group F thanks largely to the penalty-taking of top forward Ibrahima Kone while the well organised Equatoguineans exceeded expectations by finishing second in Group E.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 22, 2022

Windies U19s fail to advance to World Cup Super League stage Bishop, who got 45 after 3-wicket loss to Sri Lanka Teddy each.

SportsMax - The West Indies Under-19s have failed to advance to the Super League stage of the 2022 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup after suffering a hard-fought three-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka Under-19s at the Conaree Cricket Ground

in St. Kitts yesterday.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first, and despite the continued absence of regular captain Ackeem Auguste, who made 57 in the first match against Australia U-19s, West Indies Under-19s got their highest

total of the tournament with 250-9 off their 50 overs.

In the must-win encounter, Kevin Wickham, playing his first game of the World Cup, top-scored with 56.

He was well supported by Jordan Johnson, who got 47, as well as Rivaldo Clarke and

Sri Lankan captain Dunith Wellalage, who has so far taken two five-wicket hauls in the tournament, was again the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers with 3-39 off his 10 overs. Despite a valiant effort from the West Indies Under19s bowlers, Sri Lanka were able to get to their target, finishing on 251-9 with 10 balls remaining.

Opener Sadisha Rajapaksa top-scored for the Sri Lankans with 76 and he got support from Anjala Bandara (40) and Shevon Daniel (34). McKenny Clarke led the West Indies bowlers

Sri Lanka recorded a hard-fought three-wicket win over the West Indies. with 2-38 off his 9.2 overs while Isai Thorne took 2-41 off 10 overs. Sri Lanka Under-19s and Australia Under-19s will now advance to the Super League stage as the top two

finishers in Group D. The tournament hasn’t ended for the West Indies Under-19s, however, as they will now compete in the plate quarterfinals.

Naomi Osaka upset by Amanda Anisimova NBC Sports - American Amanda Anisimova ended Naomi Osaka‘s title defense at the Australian Open, pulling off a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) upset in the third round yesterday.

Anisimova, a 2019 French Open semifinalist at age 17, is back on the rise after a challenging two years that included the unexpected death of her father one week before the 2019 U.S. Open.

Osaka broke her in the opening game, but Anisimova faced just seven break points the rest of the match and saved all of them, including two match points.

Last season, Anisimova tested positive for the coronavirus shortly before the Australian Open and missed the tournament while

isolating in Abu Dhabi.

She then rolled an ankle later that winter and ended up playing just one match in a four-month stretch. She went nearly eight months between winning multiple matches in a tournament and finished 2021 ranked 78th, down 48 spots from 2020.

Anisimova started working with respected Australian coach Darren Cahill going into this season. She won an Australian Open lead-in tournament in Melbourne, her second WTA title and first since April 2019.

Now she’s into the fourth round of a major for the first time since that 2019 French Open breakthrough.

She gets top-ranked Ash Barty, who dropped just eight

games in her first three matches.

Barty, looking to be the first Aussie singles player to win the Australian Open since Chris O’Neil in 1978, rolled No. 30 Camila Giorgi of Italy 6-2, 6-3 yesterday.

Other high seeds had a much tougher time advancing into the round of 16 yesterday.

No. 4 Barbora Krejèíková, No. 8 Paula Badosa and No. 7 men’s seed Matteo Berrettini were also pushed to deciding sets. Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up, needed 4 hours, 10 minutes to dispatch 18-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 2-6, 7-6 (5).

Australian Open Day 6 (Continued on page 19)

Saturday January 22, 2022

Faulkner, Hetmyer, Wood test Covid positive ahead of PSL GCB unaware of Hetmyer PSL plans

By Sean Devers India Today reported on Thursday that three foreign players of the Quetta Gladiators franchise, including Australian James Faulkner, West Indian Shimron Hetmyer and Luke Wood, had tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of their departure for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022.

Guyanese trio of Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd and Shimron Hetmyer have been selected for the PSL. According to sources who spoke to Kaiteur sports on Thursday night, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) was unaware of Hetymer’s planned departure for Pakistan and added that up to yesterday he had not asked the GCB for any No Objections Contract (NOC).

The source said that while Rutherford had requested and gotten an NOC for the PSL, nobody in the GCB was unaware of Hetymer’s PSC plans including the selectors or that the left hander from Cumberland in Canje had

tested positive for Covid.

The source added that is very serious breach and the GCB Executives would have planned a meeting on the matter yesterday.

It is also understood that Shepherd, the lone Guyanese in the West Indies T20 side to face England has also been selected for the PSL. When contacted on Thursday night, Shepherd confirmed that he was also selected to play in the PSL but had not made a decision.

“I am committed to West Indies cricket but if I am not needed I might be available to play the last two matches in the PSL,” said the Tucber Park all-rounder.

The trio tested positive before reaching Pakistan and their arrival has been delayed as they have been placed in quarantine. In view of the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country, Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday announced that only 25 percent of spectators will be allowed to attend the Pakistan Super League matches in Karachi

starting from January 27 and the tournament is set to climax with the final on February 27.

All three players will miss the first match for Quetta Gladiators in the seventh edition of the tournament against Peshawar Zalmi on January 28.

PCB Chief Operating Officer and PSL Tournament Director Salman Naseer said that he is expecting to see at least 15 per cent of fans for the PSL games in Karachi.

“As a responsible organisation, we completely understand our obligations in relation to health and safety of the fans and will leave no stone unturned in strictly implementing the NCOC guidelines. However, we will also require complete and unconditional support from the spectators so that they and others can continue to enjoy the matches in a safe and secure environment. This is something they can do by simply following the guidelines,” PSL Director Salman Naseer said.

Lusignan Golf Club tourney set for today

The Lusignan Golf Club will be hosting its second tournament for the year with several top players set to battle for supremacy today.

The tournament will Tee off between 07:00hrs and 12:30 hrs with the format being 18 holes medal play game in groups of not more than four or less than two players.

Players can form their own group but if a player is not in a group the club’s manager will assist. Prizes will be in the form of cash vouchers and will be distributed to 1st, 2nd and 3rd, best overall net score, Longest Drive hole, nearest to the Flag hole and best gross overall. According to LGC VP Peyton George the tournament will see players choosing their own partners.

“Normally that is a random arrangement, so from week to week you have different players, different strategies and competitions and it’s usually random. But this club tournament, we are going to have partners, it’s a lot more fun but there is still competition.

We are still going to be competing, you’re still going to be marking your partners score card and your honour is always important in golf,” George said.

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

South Africa wins 2nd ODI and series against India PAARL, South Africa (AP) — South Africa won the second one-day international against India and the series yesterday by chasing down a target of 288 with ease.

South Africa finished on 288-3 for a seven-wicket victory with 11 balls remaining.

South Africa leads the ODI contest 2-0 and clinched the series ahead of a final game in Cape Town tomorrow.

India slumped from a promising start to its tour and a big victory in the first test to lose that series 2-1, and now has also gone down in the ODIs. An opening partnership of 132 between Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock set up South Africa’s victory on Friday on a scorching hot day in the wine-producing city of Paarl near Cape Town, where temperatures went past 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). De Kock made 78 and Malan went on to score 91 before he was denied a century by India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

India also got South Africa captain Temba Bavuma for 35 but Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram saw the Proteas home, even if Markram had to scramble and dive for the crease for the match and series-winning single. India chose to bat first and had half-centuries from captain KL Rahul (55) and Rishabh Pant, who produced another sparkling innings with for his 85 from 71 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.

Rahul and Pant combined for a 115-run stand for the third wicket but India didn’t build

Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock laid the foundation for South Africa’s chase • Jan 20, 2022 © AFP/Getty Images

Sportsperson’s spirit: Tabraiz Shamsi pats Rishabh Pant after dismissing him for a well-made 85 • Jan 20, 2022 © AFP/Getty Images on that momentum on a good batting strip.

Virat Kohli had already gone for a duck when he mistimed a drive off spinner Keshav Maharaj and it went straight to Bavuma.

The tail did its best with 40 not out from Shardul

Thakur and 25 not out from Ravichandran Ashwin but India needed much more on the batter-friendly surface.

Scores: South Africa 288 for 3 (Malan 91, de Kock 78) beat India 287 for 6 (Pant Pant 85, Rahul 55, Shamsi 2-57) by seven wickets.

Nadal repels Khachanov to reach last-16 in Melbourne

LGC VP Paton George The LGC Vice President noted that while the game may be different, all of the rules still apply and he is urging everyone to continue to abide by the Covid 19 guidelines.

George stated that players should expect great conditions as the greens are in excellent condition. “The fairways are in very good condi-

tion and the rough is cut so golf is the usual on Saturday.

We expect a good turnout and the golfers called for the tournament even though we didn’t have a sponsor scheduled tournament for this week the golfers want the tournament and the competition, so we’ll have great competition on Saturday (today),” he explained.

MELBOURNE, (Reuters) Sixth seed Rafa Nadal dropped his first set at this year’s Australian Open but still powered through to the fourth round with a 6-3 6-2 36 6-1 defeat of Karen Khachanov yesterday.

The Spaniard, seeking to claim a record 21st Grand Slam title in the absence of great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, was sensational as he took a two-set lead.

But Khachanov, seeded 28th, threw caution to the wind in the third set, stalling Nadal’s charge with some ferocious hitting.

Olympic runner-up Khachanov had lost all seven previous meetings with 2009 Australian Open champion Nadal but briefly looked ca-

pable of mounting a comeback.

Nadal seized back control with a break of serve at the start of the fourth, however, and with the clock having ticked past midnight on Rod Laver Arena he finished it off in a hurry.

Nadal, who has reached the last-16 in Melbourne for the 15th time in 17 appearances, will face another Russian, 18th seed Aslan Karatsev, or Frenchman Adrian Mannarino next.

“I played a great player tonight and happy that this was my best match since coming back,” the 35-year-old Nadal, who missed the second half of 2021 with a foot injury, said on court.

“I’ve been going through some tough times in the last

year but night’s like tonight mean everything.”

With Federer still injured and nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic deported after a visa row, Nadal has a chance to edge ahead of that duo with whom he shares the record for most men’s Grand Slam titles.

After routine wins against 66th-ranked American Marcos Giron and German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in rounds one and two, Khachanov represented a step up in class for Nadal despite the Russian having only ever won one set off the Mallorcan.

Nadal was primed though and won 12 of the first 13 points to stamp his authority all over the court.

(Continued on page 19)

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 22, 2022

BCB to host Annual Brian Ramphal Underperforming Egypt and Senegal Awards Ceremony on April 24th look to Salah and Mane for goals AFP - Underperforming - CWI President to give feature address Egypt and Senegal hope

The Berbice Cricket board would be hosting its annual Brian Ramphal awards ceremony on the 24th of April.

The ceremony is scheduled to be held at the St Francis Community Centre Hall in Rose Hall Town and President of Cricket West Indies Ricky Skerritt has accepted an invitation from the BCB to be the Guest Speaker. Skerritt on Wednesday last accepted the invitation via an email to BCB President Hilbert Foster and disclosed that he looks forward to visiting the Ancient County. Foster stated that overseas based Guyanese Brian Ramphal has renewed his sponsorship of the programme for 2022 and in addition to the annual awards, the pro active board would also be launching its Hall of Fame for Umpires and make inductions to the BCB Hall of Fame for Administrators. The BCB would also be presenting its highest award to several persons including the CWI President, while several outstanding cricket officials in the county would also be

CWI President Ricky Skerritt honored for their contribution to the game. Among the awards expected to be handed over would be Junior Cricketer of the Year - Male, Junior Cricketer of the Year - Female, Senior Male Cricketer, Senior Female Cricketer, International Player of the year, Club of the Year, Umpire of the Year, Disciplined Player of the Year and

BCB Worker of the Year.

Foster would also present a comprehensive review of the BCB over the last year and unveil plans for the rest of the year. The visit of Skerritt would be historic as it would be the first time that a sitting President of West Indies cricket would be visiting the Ancient County.

‘Poor pitches hurting players’ - Windies legend Richards believes poorly prepared surfaces stunting player development SportsMax - Legendary West Indies batsman, Viv Richards, has once again decried what he believes to be the role of poorly prepared playing surfaces in the underdevelopment of both the region’s batsman and bowlers.

The regional team is in the grips of a particularly bad spell, after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ireland in the most recent One Day International series.

The series was the first the Irish have won again them and sent shockwaves around the region.

T h e t e a m ’s b a t s m e n were in particularly woeful form with only Sharmarh Brooks, Shai Hope, and Odean Smith managing to average over 30. Albeit on a pitch that held moisture early on, and losing the toss three times, the West Indies only managed to make over 250 runs in the first match, well short of the total typically required for a good innings in modern ODI cricket.

With many of the batsmen continuing to look out of sorts, despite often putting in strong spells in regional cricket, Richards believes substandard pitches are partially to blame for the situa-

Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane can recapture their Premier League form when the Africa Cup of Nations enters the last-16 stage in Cameroon.

Salah and Mane netted once each in three group matches while receiving close attention and some rough treatment from opponents aware of their scoring potential.

Record seven-time champions Egypt face the Ivory Coast in the highlight of an eight-match schedule spanning four days from Sunday having managed only solitary-goal wins over GuineaBissau and Sudan. An Ivory Coast side including Sebastien Haller from Ajax and Nicolas Pepe from Arsenal were among the most impressive qualifiers from the six groups and eliminated holders Algeria with a 3-1 triumph.

Senegal face dogged Cape Verde, whose forward Garry Rodrigues scored one the best of the 68 goals in the first round with an exquisite back-heel past Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Here, AFP Sport looks ahead to the round of 16 with Gabon, Nigeria, Gambia, Cameroon, Senegal, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Mali the possible winners. Burkina Faso v Gabon Gabon, often flops at the finals, impressed when holding Morocco despite the absence of stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina and Denis Bouanga due to the coronavirus. Jim Allevinah is a clinical finisher and he could give the Gabonese the edge over a Burkina Faso team that needs to improve with a heavy burden on the shoulders of Aston Villa forward

Bertrand Traore.

Nigeria v Tunisia Form and tradition suggest Nigeria, the only nation to win all three group matches, will be too strong for opponents who fell to Mali and minnows Gambia in the first round. Nigeria have never lost to Tunisia at the Cup of Nations and remain in Garoua while their rivals spent Friday relocating from Limbe at the other end of Cameroon, leaving them little time to prepare. Guinea v Gambia Guinea are under severe pressure with junta leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya telling the squad they will have to repay the cost of state-funded preparations if they do not bring the trophy back to Conakry.

The absence of suspended captain, Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita, will weaken Guinea and offer hope to Musa Barrow-inspired Gambia, whose performances have mocked being ranked 150th in the world.

Cameroon v Comoros After a stunning victory that eliminated four-time champions Ghana, Comoros tackle hosts Cameroon, who boast the

leading scorer after the group stage in five-goal Vincent Aboubakar.

“Nothing is impossible in football,” says Comoros coach Amir Abdou, and his team have clinical forwards in Ahmed Mogni from the French third division and Serbia-based El Fardou Ben Mohamed. Senegal v Cape Verde Unpredictable Cape Verde battled to overcome Ethiopia, lost to Burkina Faso and held star-studded Cameroon while coach Bubista remains at home in the island nation due to Covid-19. Kalidou Koulibalycaptained Senegal have disappointed, needing 97 minutes to beat Zimbabwe through a Mane penalty then held to goalless draws by Guinea and Malawi. Morocco v Malawi It is 46 years since Morocco won their only Cup of Nations title and hopes are high that the Vahid Halilhodzic-coached class of ’22 can go all the way.

Malawi have an impressive forward in Frank Mhango and run relentlessly, but it is hard to imagine the (Continued on page 19)

SportsMax - West Indies white ball captain, Kieron Pollard, says the team will be starting from scratch in their Betway T20 International series against England beginning today in Barbados. The last outing for the regional team in the format came in January with a 3-0 defeat in an away series against Pakistan. The majority of that squad will get another opportunity to represent the region and Pollard, speaking in a prematch press conference today, says the team is eager to get started. “For us, it’s like starting from scratch. These guys got a run out in Pakistan in the three T20Is and

I’m sure they’re looking to build on their own personal performances and that, in extension, will help us get victories,” he said. If the West Indies are to come out victorious in the five-match series, Pollard says execution in all three phases of the game will be critical. “We have to execute in all three facets of the game. It’s been mentioned over the last week or so, batting has definitely been a problem for us but a good thing about it is that we have some new faces in the group again. Guys are looking to make a name for themselves on the international scene and so we just need to be able to

do the basics and play according to the situation of the game,” Pollard added. With the team coming off a disappointing ODI series loss to Ireland, Pollard says it will be important to leave that in the past and focus on what they can do going forward. “It’s a new series. We can’t take the disappointment from that series into this one. There’s a different sort of mindset and approach that is needed to come into this series,” Pollard said. The first match of the T20I series between the West Indies and England bowls off at the Kensington Oval in Barbados at 3:00 pm Jamaica time.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah feels the pain after being tackled during an Africa Cup of Nations Group D match against Sudan (AFP/Kenzo Tribouillard)

Pollard sees England series as fresh start for West Indies

Legendary West Indies batsman, Viv Richards tion.

“I don’t think there is enough preparation being put into wickets, and wickets play a huge part because sometimes you get some individuals who would be selected because of some good performances on some dodgy tracks,” Richards told Antigua’s Good Morning Jojo Radio programme.

“So, when you get to

the bigger picture or they take a step up, then you find individuals are found wanting because these wickets are rather inferior on either sides of the coin, w h e t h e r i t ’s b a t t i n g o r bowling.

We need to pay a little more attention to having proper wickets that can be quite competitive for bat and ball,” he added.

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 22, 2022

PAGE 23

GCA calls off today's practice match, but tomorrow's game on at DCC Massiah pleased with preparations for U-15s so far Roger Harper with the youths at MYO on Thursday.

The Harper siblings (right) Neil Barry and Nedd at MYO.

Neil Barry with a young keeper.

G

eorgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Executive Shawn Massiah expressed pleasure and satisfaction with the first week of preparations of the U-15 players in training for Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Inter-Association U15 tournament.

The camp which commenced on Monday at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) included physical training and skillsets development in batting, bowling, wicket-keeping and fielding drills.

Among the facilitators were former West Indies off-spinners Roger Harper and batsman Travis Dowlin along with ex-Guyana

Suriname Masters football team collects the trophy after winning the return game in Guyana.

players.

According to Massiah, while

there was rain on Thursday resulting in the pitch not being

available for practice the group of youngsters who were all fully

vaccinated, they were able to do some work on the ground.

Roger Harper had the spinners doing drills, Mark Harper did batting drills, GCA President and former National batsman Neil Barry, who began as a keeper for Malteenoes, carried the youths through wicket-keeping drills, while former Guyana U-19 pacer Quasen Nedd took the fast bowlers through the fast bowling drills.

Today's scheduled game that was due to start at 09:30AM at the DCC ground in Queenstown has been called off due to the weather, however, the 50-over trial game set for tomorrow at the same time and venue, will be held. (Sean Devers)

Suriname Masters Football team to face locals, preparations start - Practice game set for tomorrow at GFC from 9:00am

A

practice football match has been fixed for tomorrow, Sunday, 23rd January 2022, GFC Ground from 9:00am. The teams involved are North Georgetown Masters facing off against South Georgetown Masters and this encounter is the start of preparations for a return visit by a neighbouring Suriname Rito Masters team scheduled for March.

This Game would be used to select a 20 man squad for the return and final game

of the best of 3 series for the Modern Optical Trophy.

Gordon 'Ultimate Warrior' Braithwaite would be in charge of Guyana Masters team.The series stands at 1-1 after Guyana won the opening fixture and Suriname claimed the second with this third match being the decider.

Tomorrow's practice game to select the 20-man squad will see the South Georgetown Team coming from: Anthony Stanton, Frank Parris, Shawn O'Neal, Linden Bacchus, Dwayne

Ali, Terrence Mueza, Patrice Ram, Dexter Cort, Andre Trotz, Lionel Grimes, Rolex Scott, Marlon Cole, Chris Williams, Malcolm Dalson, Optic Graham and Troy Hermanstine.

North Georgetown Team will be: Dion Barnwell, Chris Barnwell (snr), Ola Pedro, Errol Solomon, Omaly Nassy, Anthony Abrams, Gerald Gritten, Gerald Wittington, Norris Carter, Andrew Bright, Andrew Gad, Rawl Jones, James Rodney, Wayne Pollis and Chris King.

Faulkner, Hetmyer, Wood test GCB unaware of COVID-19 ahead of PSL Hetmyer PSL plans Shimron Hetmyer

Sherfane Rutherford

Romario Shepherd

Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his third round match against Russia’s Karen Khachanov. (REUTERS/ Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

t r o Sp Nadal repels Khachanov to reach last-16 in Melbourne Pollard sees England series as fresh start for West Indies

Naomi Osaka upset by Amanda Anisimova American Amanda Anisimova ended Naomi Osaka‘s title defence.

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