Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR Exxon had offered Saturday Edition more gas than NEWS needed. Now, it's offering Guyana even more January 23, 2020 - Vol. 15 No.03

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday

ExxonMobil’s prime contractor touts aggressive local content plan - but side steps key questions on targets and achievements

Coalition Govt. overpaid $8M for fence Calls for reopening of bars, night clubs rejected

by Govt.

Minister has too much power over oil fund- US Analyst

Banks DIH’s profit soars to $5.2B in 2020 despite COVID

Go to diaspora and stop hiring foreign oil experts Dr. Vincent Adams says ....

Listen to Glenn Lall and Attorney Christopher Ram discuss the rampant corruption in Guyana @ 11:00AM on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio (Rebroadcast)

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

PAGE 03

Go to Diaspora; stop hiring foreign experts - Dr. Vincent Adams T

he former Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, believes that if the integrity of the country is to remain protected, Guyana should stop the hiring of foreign experts and instead seek all needed consultants from its large Diaspora.

Dr. Adams made these and other comments at a Moray House Trust virtual discussion titled Guyana's Oil: Priorities for 2021.

There, the former EPA Director reminded listeners of the urgent need for a National Strategic Plan, which would map out what plans and goals the government hopes to achieve from the anticipated inflow of oil revenue. And one of those plans, Dr. Adams added, should include the utilization of the Guyanese Diaspora.

“We have this so-called brain drain. But we should use this opportunity as a brain gain. I know we've got probably more Guyanese in the Diaspora than we have in Guyana,” Dr. Adams said while adding, “but you can find every single position needed in Guyana, advisory et cetera, [which could be filled by a] Guyanese in the Diaspora who can do it better than the other foreigners.”

He went on to add, “You know we still, and it's sad to say, have this colonial mentality, where we believe that anything that comes from aboard, as long as it isn't our people, then that's what we need to go with,” while weighing in the need for this mindset to change.

Dr. Adams reminded that these consultants are merely “hired guns” here to capitalize on an opportunity, “make a few bucks” and then leave. “They don't care about Guyana.”

He believes, however, that Guyanese in the Diaspora still have their country at heart and have the potential to contribute “overwhelming” value to Guyana.

T h e f o r m e r E PA admonished the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, and now the current People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration for

Former Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Vincent Adams failing to implement a Diaspora plan of action. He recalled that there was a plan in development some years ago, but this never saw the light of day.

“We have got to start taking Diaspora involvement very seriously.

They can add a lot of value, overwhelming value to Guyana's development,” he concluded.

Controversial hires D r. A d a m s ' w e l l intended advice comes on the heels of a slew of controversial hires made by both the past and current governments.

In fact, Kaieteur News reported on controversial Canadian consultant, Alison Redford, who had headed a team for the review of the US$9B Payara Field Development Plan (FDP).

She was expected to review the work already done by the consultant hired by the former David Granger administration on the project, Bayphase Oil & Gas Consultants. That company is a client of ExxonMobil and some of its subcontractors have raised concerns about a conflict of interest.

Scandal plagued Redford's former political career. As Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta, she drew widespread public controversy in Canada when it was discovered that during her attendance of the funeral of Nelson Mandela, the State footed the CAD$45,000 cost of her trip, including about CAD$10,000 for a privately

chartered return flight from South Africa.

Redford reportedly refused several calls to repay the money spent for the South Africa trip, but eventually bowed to pressure in 2014 and returned the funds to the public purse, along with an apology.

Redford had announced her resignation in March 2014 as Alberta Premier, and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in August, a day before an Attorney General (AG) report on her spending practices was scheduled for release.

The AG report found that she and her office had “used public resources inappropriately;” “used public assets (aircraft) for personal and partisan purposes” and that Redford “was involved in a plan to convert public space in a

public building into personal living space.”

The AG determined, in short, that Redford abused her power and fostered a culture of entitlement. A month after the Government's approval of the Payara project, reviewed

by Redford, Kaieteur News discovered that she, like Bayphase, appeared to have had a conflict of interest in the execution of her review.

Furthermore, Elections Alberta, an independent, non-partisan office of the Legislative Assembly in Canada, keeps records of donations made to political parties.

According to its data, Redford's party, Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (PCA), received donations from an Exxon subsidiary called Imperial Oil over many years, while she was a member.

In the period during

which the donations were received, Redford quickly moved up in the PCA, eventually becoming its leader and Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta.

The donations to the party, since Redford became active in the party, up to the months after her departure from politics, amounted to nearly CAD$70,000.

Before Redford was handpicked to review the Payara FDP, the Coalition had awarded the contract to UK-based firm, Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants.

Kaieteur News had reported, however, that the company was not only a client of ExxonMobil, but even a number of its primary contractors working in Guyana. In fact, Bayphase is contracted by NEXEN, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based China National Offshore Oil Corporation

(CNOOC) and also works for Exxon's subcontractors which include Schlumberger and Technip FMC. Not only that. This paper had showed too, that Bayphase never gave any unflattering report on its clients.

Furthermore, the coalition had hired US Law firm, Hunton Andrew Kurth, to revise Guyana's antique petroleum legislation. But that firm shared a solid relationship with ExxonMobil spanning 40 years.

The US$1.2 million bill was set to be financed by the World Bank – the very financial institution, which pledged not to fund activities related to the oil and gas industry.

An article from The Guardian revealed that Hunton Andrews Kurth has acted for ExxonMobil for 40 years, while noting that it has (continued on page 14)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

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

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

EDITORIAL

Exxon cannot survive without Guyana It may sound farfetched, but it is not. Exxon cannot survive without Guyana; at the very least, its hard road in the struggle for a persuasively profitable standing on a consistent basis would be made supremely more difficult.

As we have stated and restated at this publication, without Guyana, many of this American oil powerhouse’s prospects become speckled and strained.

Though we have said it before, and numerous times, we will say it again: Exxon’s profitability and its top tier viability depend on its investments in Guyana’s oil sector, with its many oil-rich oil blocks still remaining to be explored and discovered.

Of recent, there are some schools of thought from people who should know that there is the potential for what is called a ‘supergiant’ in some of the areas below those waters of ours. In the simplest terms, and to give our fellow citizens an idea of what a supergiant field could mean for this country, such a field would hold the equivalent of many billions of barrels of oil and for several decades to come. There is the example of the Saudi Arabians with its fabulous Ghawar supergiant, which is the stuff of legends.

The Ghawar field was discovered in 1948, which is 72 years ago, and it is still producing several million barrels of oil a day.

At one time, for a half-century, this field was responsible for almost two-thirds of all Saudi Arabian oil output. As of 10 years ago, the Ghawar supergiant field had produced over 65 billion barrels of oil. Now, with that in mind, there is some talk of a possible supergiant somewhere in the folds of our seabed.

This is what could make Guyanese people that go down in history as specially blessed, and of those fabled ones read about and dreamed about, but that always seem to elude most. This is what would, with absolute certainty, make ExxonMobil rise again and resume its place at the top of the oil world.

The discoveries here have been breathtaking, with many more believed still to come, and one of which may just be a sleeping supergiant of an oil field. As we consider all of this, supergiant present or otherwise, it should become more obvious to Guyanese observers and citizens that Exxon needs Guyana more than Guyana needs Exxon.

To be sure, we need the company and its expertise, technology, and cash investments to explore for and exploit what is there, not only for its benefit but ours also. But we cannot be ignorant or indifferent to the unsettled and shaky position - financial position - in which the company finds itself. It is struggling to maintain payment of its rich dividend to impatient, watchful, and concerned investors. By this, we speak not of mom-and-pop investors holding a hundred shares of the company’s stock, but of the money managers, who are sharp and sophisticated regarding the company’s opportunities, possibilities, and its likelihood of reaping returns on its investments. Most of the bigger investment companies would, of routine, hold millions of shares of Exxon.

So, they want results that power their yields for them to display as to their skills and competence, as well as compete with their professional peers in the investment world in what is the securities game.

Those savvy investment managers look at Exxon for returns, and when they do so, their eyes are all fixed on Guyana this new oil frontier, where so much of Exxon’s money, and its hopes, are vested.

The company has placed a lot of its eggs in the Guyana basket, and it cannot fail.

It is also determined not to flinch or budge from the strong contractual position that gives it an abundance of cheap oil. That cheap oil enables Exxon to keep its investors happy and quiet for the time being. But instead of looking upon Exxon’s position as a stranglehold for this country, it should be the other way around.

Production has to continue and without interruption. The company can neither risk that nor afford that, despite its prior bluster and hard-line stances.

The leaders of this country have to recognize the strong hand that they hold and play hardball. Any appeal by Exxon

Former Minister Patterson – how do we build anything with stewards like these?

DEAR EDITOR, I am following closely the developments involving former Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson, over that specific gift of jewellery. The more I read and absorb, the more I am sickened and incensed. I am also deeply embarrassed, given my previous identification with the coalition group.

The way that he responded to the first revelations of that half million jewellery item, conveys so much of what is wrong here, and what has become the abiding characteristic of the way the people’s business is conducted in this society.

Mr. Patterson said things to the effect that he didn’t know anything of such; he didn’t receive anything; and he didn’t have any inkling of the underpinnings of such a personally degrading allegation.

The next subterfuges from the fertile mind of Mr. Patterson were first to retreat behind a fence of silence, and then to put some distance between himself and what was being hurled at him. Perhaps, his hope was that, like so many other material matters in Guyana, this would also fade away in the rush of other competing public issues. But apparently, he miscalculated, for matters only got worse with every passing day.

For although no one at the Demerara Harbour Bridge was saying anything, the newspapers were awash with invoice and description and associated cost, compliments of a damning audit report.

Interestingly enough, that same audit report came in for sharp criticism from Mr. Patterson himself, as being ‘selective.’ Regardless of the former minister’s words and prior actions, he now stands condemned, and this time by his own words, which stands as a belated, but a still somewhat hedged confession of sorts. I say, ‘somewhat hedged’ and ‘confession of sorts’ because the embattled and now exposed former minister is still engaged in protective rearguard action, even as he retreats with the disgraceful accompanying him.

I tender this because Mr. Patterson is on record with the defiant: he ‘assumed’ and rules were followed and whatever else persuades him that he has a leg on which to stand.

As I listen to all this, my position is simple and straight. Should someone - a staff member, a constituent, even a friend - turn up with a gift for a half million dollars (even for a twentieth of that amount), of taxpayers’ money, I would recoil. I would recoil in sharp anger, I would cringe in disbelief, I would shudder

in fear. Fear because I would want to know who is trying to set me up, or dares to entertain such an intent. I would lash out at the courier delivering such a gift with the following unambiguous positions and questions.

What is this for (birthday not plausible, given cost)?

Why is this believed to be necessary?

Who is responsible for this? And are you really bringing this to me?

I would summon all responsible for such a brainwave, assuming that it originated at their level, and give them a verbal tongue lashing that they would remember for the rest of their sorry existences.

And then, not satisfied with that, I would send a few people home, if only to send the strongest message. To send a message of the standards that are personally observed, the values cherished, and the kind of man that I am. This is what honourable public servants entrusted with the welfare of the people do. They do not jump all over the place, as Mr. Patterson is doing with one unpersuasive defense after another. They do not add insult to injury; through laughable attempts at damage control that only make them look even more foolish, and still more contaminated.

Having said all of this, there is one more thing I have

left to say. The first is that former minister Patterson is not a fit and proper person to be either in parliament or heading any Public Accounts Committee. He should not be there at all. Therefore, he has one way out of this mess that gives him an opportunity to save some face and regroup for whatever comes later. He has to fall on his sword and resign from that responsibility, and he must do so without further delay. And if Mr. Patterson, for some strange reason appealing to only him, decides that he must stay and that he will, then the burden shifts to former president David Granger, and current Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Joseph Harmon, to do the only thing that can be done in the circumstances. Either or both must influence Mr. Patterson to step down right now, and if he fails to do so, then they must be rid of him, and most unceremoniously, too.

Citizens of Guyana deserve the confidencebuilding boost that would assuredly come from such corrective and timely action.

Supporters of the coalition would feel that their trust will not be further misused and mangled. And I would believe that there is still some sliver of dignity and honour that is still left in this country.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Politicians must be held accountable for their criminal behaviour and be prosecuted DEAR EDITOR, I have read carefully what was printed in a news article that appeared in the Kaieteur News, Friday, January 22, 2021, edition “Magistrate yet to decide mode of trial for electoral fraud cases”, on page 11, which illustrated 4 photos beside that caption, those of 3 of the 7 Accused, Clairmont Mingo, Volda Lawrence and Keith Lowenfield, and one of the Special Counsels appointed by the Chambers of the

Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney-atlaw Glenn Hanoman. I appreciate your thorough style of news reporting on those fraud cases.

Editor, I welcome the exposure that these cases are now receiving in the media in January 2021, and as I am from the Guyanese diaspora, I keenly pay attention from abroad to these cases in the news as they are unfolding.

However, I am left wondering why the Chambers

to the courts to uphold the sanctity of its contract will take time, even with expedited hearings. But disruption will create uncertainty in the minds of its financial investors. And investors and Wall Street money function on perception, and abhor even the slightest of wrinkles in what was taken for granted, but interferes.

It is why we agree with Dr. Vincent Adams, former head of Guyana’s EPA. Guyanese leaders must call Exxon’s bluff in a hardnosed and bare-knuckled fashion. We want more for our oil. We demand more for it.

We must get more for this oil of ours, and there are many ways in which this can be made to happen, spanning from possible contract renegotiation to severe cost-cutting responsibilities in a host of areas.

The bottom line is this: the company is vulnerable currently.

Our leaders must find the strength and will to confront Exxon, and say: it has to be this way, and no other way. Let us start over.

of the Director of Public Prosections, learned as those Chambers are, did not see it fit to jointly charge Karen Cummings with, at least, the offence of conspiracy to commit Fraud, which I strongly believe the evidence will come out at the trial of those facing the music that she was in violation of the criminal laws of Guyana. No one is above the law.

As a lawyer and one who has also prosecuted cases, whenever a file is being taken over from a private prosecution, the duty of the assessor is to determine whether others who broke the law can also be charged jointly or otherwise.

I therefore urge the team leader of the prosecutorial team to reassess the evidence and decide whether that former government official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be joined in the indictment.

Politicians must be held accountable for their criminal behaviour and be prosecuted. Short of that justice sector policy, the

populace at large will take cognisant of the fact that a new precedent of such behaviour will be set, that whenever one gets into government positions, one can behave in similar fashion as Karen Cummings, that is to say, flout the criminal laws of Guyana, conspire to commit fraud, but due to a high official rank, a Minister cannot be indicted with your alleged accomplices. Let us not forget this individual behaved rather unforgivable when she abused many Diplomats and Foreign Observers at the venue, so set up by GECOM, and I feel strongly she ought to be tried for her alleged crime(s), as GECOM is not her domain, and her behaviour was in my humble view, criminalistic.

This individual’s action, in my view, which appeared to have been done when she was conspiring with others (some of whom had indeed been charged by the State) to commit fraud, and if such an appearance is indeed the facts, and the truth that lay (Continued on page 6)

Saturday January 23, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Will Biden’s administration residency feel like Which political party ninth-year presidency on certain issues? can claim superior Obama’s or whether or not they have Biden is expected to elimi- to protect health care providDEAR EDITOR, As Joe Biden took the health insurance — has ac- nate the moral and religious ers from being required to moral value? oath of office as the 46th Presi- cess to basic, preventive re- exemptions that made that re- perform abortions or gender DEAR EDITOR, Over the last 20 years, I used to give blind support to the PPP/C. Over the last 20 years, what I have learnt is that no political party can claim superior moral values in Guyana.

But instead of losing all hope and giving up, I choose to work to change the PPP into a political party every Guyanese can be proud of.

How will this be accomplished? By not giving them blind support; by holding them ACCOUNTABLE so that they practice Good Governance, are transparent and accountable to Guyanese.

Guyanese should be more engaged in holding their Governments ACCOUNTABLE. Not just for their words but

also for their deeds.

For starters, we need to get the PPP/C GOVERNMENT to renegotiate that lopsided ExxonMobil/Guyana oil contract.

We need to get the PPP/ C GOVERNMENT to do FEASIBILITY STUDIES on their planned projects like the gas to shore pipeline and associated 400 MWATT natural gas power plant as well as on every major project, which they plan to undertake.

You can support any political party but work to change them into ethical parties so that they can claim superior moral values.

Don’t just give them your blind support anymore.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

DO THE FEASIBILITY STUDIES DEAR EDITOR, With reference to project/ s undertaken by the PPP/C Government, feasibility studies are needed so that these projects do not become another White Elephant costing Guyanese billions of dollars while the poor struggle to put bread on their tables.

Feasibility Studies are needed as until then they are just plans of “if you build it, they will come”, which is ba-

sically the blind leading the blind.

A Feasibility Study will prove that the project/s is/are financially sound and not this “wishy-washy” approach that is being adopted by the Government.

It is okay to have plans, but you need to have realistic plans or you will just lead us into a debt trap.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

PUZZLING DEAR EDITOR, It is somewhat puzzling not to know before that the West Demerara Regional Hospital was unsuitable for the Qatar Field Hospital given the limited medical personnel at that location.

How could this deficiency not be known before?

Shamshun Mohamed

dent of the United States, the ongoing debate over the validity of the election itself obscured any discussion of what is to be expected during his administration. Former president Donald J. Trump spent significant time subverting executive actions by President Barack Obama, and as such, we should expect from Joe Biden a return to the Obama administration policies. Based on statements made during the Biden campaign, here are some of what the new administration should be expected to do.

Following the passage of Obamacare, officially known as the Affordable Care Act, there has been a displayed reluctance by Congress to make significant reforms in health policy.

Major changes have come about as a result of court decisions, and smaller changes largely have been the work of executive action by presidents.

It is predicted by policy experts that President Biden will restore federal funding to abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit health care provider, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world.

A Trump administration rule preventing abortion centers from obtaining Federal Title X funding, which helps to ensure that every person — regardless of where they live, their background, the amount of money they make

productive health c a r e h t t p s : / / www.dailysignal.com/2019/ 08/19/planned-parenthoodsided-with-abortion-overtitle-x-funds-heres-what-itmeans/ is also expected to be reversed.

The Biden administration is expected to return to the policies of the Obama administration and push local schools to permit access to restrooms and locker rooms depending on a student’s gender identity rather than sex.

The former administration allowed schools to make their own rules regarding use of school facilities, permitting policies that limit private areas to biological boys or biological girls.

President Barack Obama quashed the Mexico City Policy originally created by President Ronald Reagan and reinstated by President Trump.

This policy disallows U. S. tax dollars from being used to pay for abortions overseas.

According to Biden’s “agenda for women”, the new president will rescind the policy so that U.S. taxpayers once again fund abortion groups that promote abortion overseas.

During the Trump administration, individuals and employers were provided with relief from the Obamacare mandate requiring health plans to pay for contraceptives and abortion-causing drugs.

lief possible.

This would result in tens of millions of dollars in fines on charities such as the world’s most tenacious nuns – Little Sisters of the Poor, who took the government all the way to the Supreme Court and won in their fight for religious liberty. https:// www.heritage.org/religiousliberty/commentary/little-sisters-poor-win-big-supremecourt-fight-isnt-over.

Banned from military service were those who identify as transgender, on the grounds that their unique challenges interfered with the goals of military readiness.

Biden likely will overturn this policy so that the military will pay for gender reassignments for service members and keep those going through a sex change on active duty.

The Trump administration prohibited the U.S. government from discriminating against grant applicants because of their religious beliefs.

As a result, religious foster care agencies, adoption agencies, and homeless shelters could compete for federal grants on equal footing with others. However, this current administration is expected to create rules that will disqualify any entity that believes marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman, that sex cannot change, or that children do best with both a mother and father in their lives.

Previous administration policies enforced federal law

reassignment surgeries, or to dispense drugs in violation of their conscience or best medical judgment.

The Biden administration likely will revoke these protections that help medical providers to offer services according to their conscience.

As the Biden presidency continues, the first year may feel like the ninth year of the Obama administration, with some apparent key differences. Another significant change in the past four years has been Trump’s appointment of three new justices Neil Gorsuch, Bret Kavanagh, and Amy ComeyBarrett to the Supreme Court.

For those who are concerned about the implications of Biden’s executive orders and narrow Democrat majorities in Congress, the Supreme Court may represent the best defence against two years of one-party control.

The first few months of the Biden administration will be focused on COVID-19 and the economy. But Harris is certain to face scrutiny — and pressure — from advocates to ensure the perspectives of Black and brown Americans are reflected in those policies and the Biden White House’s priorities.

The current administration must chart its own course, proceeding with care to avert any similarity to Obama’s ninth year.

Y. Sam

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

The Caribbean region looks forward to heightened and more meaningful engagement with the new US administration DEAR EDITOR, As the Biden/Harris team takes office at the helm of the world’s most powerful democracy, the new Administration’s proposed foreign policy gives new hope to a turbulent world which over the past four years was confronted with American policy that was unpredictable, if not bizarre and which was often seemingly formulated and conducted by tweet and not tradition.

Perhaps nowhere is this new hope more pronounced at this time than in the Americas - the Caribbean and Latin America. Often neglected in the past by the United States, unless a threat is posed to American interests especially

by Russia and China, the Caribbean region looks forward to heightened and more meaningful engagement with the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Both are no strangers to the Caribbean region especially the integration arrangement known as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) - a string of nations from Suriname and Guyana, which is geographically South American but culturally Caribbean through the islands of the Caribbean Sea that include Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas.

In fact, Vice President Harris will be a cultural icon in the new administration having the distinct honour of being the daughter of immigrant parents from Jamaica and India and the wife of a Jew. Added to that, the honour of being the first woman to hold the office of Vice President, not only the Caribbean but the world at large expects that with these attributes, she would bring a better sense of understanding, caring and compassion to the realities of the people of the Third World.

No longer will these countries be considered ‘shithole’ countries.

The new administration, according to a senior advisor to its transition team, will be placing tremendous emphasis on global health, democracy and human rights, climate change and emerging technology, all of which are key concerns for the Caribbean region and its economies. With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) still “ wreaking havoc” throughout the world, it is no surprise that global health is a top priority of the new administration, from both the perspective of curbing the spread of the virus and the high rate of deaths, as well as the economic hardships which was brought on populations globally.

As a first step having ar-

rived in Washington, DC on Wednesday, one day ahead of his inauguration, Presidentelect Biden paid tribute to the 400,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19. This is indisputable testimony to the recognition of the pain and suffering the virus has brought to bear and the compassionate urgency, which must occasion effective measures to deal with this pandemic.

“With the impending change in administration in the USA, Guyana looks forward to improved political and economic relations with the USA in addition to that between the Caribbean, CARICOM and the USA. The entire region needs more predictable and mutually beneficial policies on the part of USA,” says Carl Greenidge, former Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister of Guyana. He is also currently his nation’s co-agent in a case now before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based on a spurious Venezuela claim that the international award which legally established the boundaries between the two countries back in 1899, is not valid.

A Biden administration comes to office having to immediately confront a number of unprecedented domestic and foreign policy challenges many of which have critical impact on the Caribbean.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the economy of the Caribbean which is based to a very large extent on tourism. More than any other sector, it is true to say that the travel, hospitality and tourism sectors have been the most affected by the pandemic. This situation has helped to pin-point a structural weakness in the economic structure of the Caribbean, and must have policy makers and governments thinking about how the region’s economy could be diversified,” says Komal Samaroo, executive chairman of Guyana’s top manufacturing company, Demerara Distillers Limited, blenders and bottlers of the internationally award winning El Dorado brand of rums.

Samaroo, who is also head of the Barbados based West Indies Rum and Spirit Producers Association (WIRSPA) argues that the ongoing Venezuela claim further aggravates the Caribbean situation since it threatens Guyana’s supply chain for agriculture and other food products to the region, and even further afield.

On January 7, a mere 10 days ago, there was the issuance of a decree by the Presi-

dent of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, with the support of Venezuela’s National Assembly, which seeks to reinforce Venezuela’s baseless claim to Guyana’s Essequibo Region and its attendant maritime space.

Record oil and gas discoveries have been made by American oil giant, Exxon, offshore Guyana, the development of which Venezuela has continually tried to frustrate since these discoveries were announced in 2015.

In addition to the decree, Capt. Gerry Gouveia, Guyana’s National Security Advisor to President Irfaan Ali recently reported the presence of Venezuelan warships in Guyana’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which he points out poses a serious threat to the peace and stability of the Caribbean. He has also reported the presence of members of the infamous Venezuelan Sindicata gang in Guyana’s border communities, committing crimes on Guyanese in these areas who are mainly the Indigenous population.

Speaking at a recent virtual briefing for Caribbean community leaders in the diaspora as well as for diplomats and US Congressional staff, hosted by the Washington, D.C. based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), Gouveia said Guyanese are depending on the support of the United States, Canada, Britain and its sister CARICOM countries, among others, to help ensure that Venezuela desists from its provocative actions and respects international agreements and the rule of law.

CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the US and Canada have all issued public statements rejecting the recent Venezuelan decree.

“I could say that the proclamation of this new decree shows that Venezuela is up to its usual tricks. Whenever Venezuelan public interest wanes in the latter government’s struggle with the USA, they pass another decree purporting to annex the territories of their neighbours, and Guyana in particular, in a bid to raise local enthusiasm. There have been four such decrees since May 2015 and they have had the same effect, merely demonstrate vividly that the Government of Venezuela has no legitimate claim to Guyana’s territory, territory they did not inherit, they have never won nor have they ever governed,” Greenidge pointed out in an interview.

“This most recent decree seeks to use the fig leaf of an

imaginary economic construct called The Development of an Atlantic façade.

This pretext is new, but the objective certainly is not. The new Decree No. 4415 of 7th January seeks like its predecessors to do what Venezuela cannot achieve legitimately. Venezuela has not been able to persuade any appropriate legal forum that a treaty it entered into voluntarily, willingly signed and honoured for 61 years could be unilaterally abandoned and by being repudiated would entitle them to an additional 130,000 sq km of territory.

“They have resorted to trying to use their military might to enforce domestic legislation. That domestic legislation, in addition to annexing the territory of smaller Caribbean neighbours, seeks to give Venezuela rights to the sea and maritime spaces below the surface which are outlawed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Treaty of 1982 which entered into force in 1994. Venezuela neither signed nor ratified the Convention of 1982 nor the Agreement of 1994 but seeks to claim sovereignty and rights not permitted by the international community,” the Advisor on Borders explained.

The Biden Administration’s policy on Venezuela is not expected to change drastically, if at all.

Several US sources have said that Biden’s approach will be different but that US objectives will remain the same. The Biden transition team has had at least one meeting with the Trump Administration’s point man on Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, who has told the media that he is confident that the US will maintain its support for Interim President Juan Guaido. However, many countries in the Caribbean hope that Biden’s policy could pave the way for a political solution to the crisis in Venezuela.

Guyana for its part, says Greenidge, “calls on its allies to continue to condemn these illegal steps by Venezuela and the actions following from it.

Our allies should always condemn the transparent attempt to bully Guyana into abandoning its case at the ICJ, continue to call on the Government of Venezuela to participate in the ICJ hearings and to accept and honour the decision of the Court. In the interim, Venezuela must respect Guyana’s sovereignty and desist from trying to seize Guyana’s territory and assets and that of its neighbours.”

The United States is

widely expected to continue to support Guyana’s position on the controversy with Venezuela. But former US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway advised during the recent ICS virtual briefing that “Guyana should start preparing a template for engaging the United States should Venezuela get a government in the future that is friendly to the US.” From the Caribbean private sector perspective, Samaroo is advocating for continued US support for Guyana regarding the baseless Venezuela claim and its actions, coupled with a more realistic economic agenda towards the region.

“Many of the major US corporations have been outsourcing production of a wide range consumer products to China and other Asian countries taking advantage of lower employment costs.

However, in today’s world, production systems are driven by digital, robotic and information technology. I am making a case for the Biden/ Harris Administration to establish a new Initiative, very much like that the Reagan Administration did with the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) in the early 1980’s, to assist the region with a programme to embark on a massive retraining of the people of the Caribbean, at both the technician and professional levels. In addition, the US corporations should be encouraged to invest in new manufacturing capacity in the region and re-orient part of their supply chain to the

Caribbean, Samaroo urged.

“Apart from providing reduced shipping lead time resulting in a much smaller carbon footprint, this will also provide the US corporations greater protection of their intellectual properties, the abuse of which is presently a source of much controversy.

At the same time, the people of the Caribbean region will enjoy a better quality of life with greater employment opportunities while the region’s economy is diversified. Such a situation enhances the national security in the US as its third border becomes more economically stable. A relatively small portion of US outsourced business channelled to the Caribbean will phenomenally transform the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life of the region’s people while at the same time bringing the region fully into the digital age,” Samaroo argues.

Indeed, the Caribbean is brimful of new hope as the Biden Administration takes office with an enlightened approach to the relations with the countries of its Third Border.

Wesley Kirton (Wesley Kirton is a journalist, business executive and former Guyanese diplomat resident in Miami Florida. He is currently President of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) and Chair of the Private Sector Council at the Washington, DC based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS).)

Former Minister...

From page 4 therein in the actions of those charged for their alleged deeds done on those days in March 2020 is totally reprehensible. It is an alleged crime that was perpetrated on Foreign Diplomats and other Dignitaries, including and not forgetting Stephen Hiscock Former British High Commissioner and the late Sir Arthur Owen former Barbados P.M., as well as the Guyanese people.

In my humble opinion, such an omission in the Criminal Indictment could lead to other weakness(es) in the prosecution’s case, if they aren’t to be seen at the trials, because were I to be a Defence Attorney, I would wish to get an answer as to why Karen Cummings was not also charged when the evidence seems to indicate that she had on a certain, convenient date in March, 2020, just at the precise juncture when the Nation was

awaiting the results, committed electoral fraud by stopping that process, and deliberately rejecting the credentials of the already invited Caricom Observer Team, thus furthering the alleged fraud, which was being allegedly perpetrated by her alleged accomplices, Volda Lawrence, Clairmont Mingo, Keith Lowenfield, Enrique Livan Sheffern February and Roxanne Myers.

As a lawyer with a political science major from undergraduate degree years, it is my strong belief that in a direct democracy where the rule of law is intact, no one should be above the law, and that should include a person who does acts while he or she is the Foreign Minister in such a democracy.

Faithfully yours, ”M. Shabeer Zafar” Barrister, Solicitor, Notary (Ontario)

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N T B .

U .

L .

L T B .

N .

U .

N U T L N B .

U .

T .

L N T U N B .

N U .

L U L LUNT. B .

T . .

T T N N B U B .

U .

L .

L T B .

B . .

N . . .

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

B . .

L . . .

T B T . .

N .

N T U L N LU B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

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

B .

U . .

T L .

N T B . .

U N .

L N T B U N . .

L .

U T L B . .

N B . . .

T U .

L N T B U . .

L .

UN T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L B U UN .BLUNT. . .

L .

T B . .

N .

T U .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

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

L N .

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

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

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

T .

N .

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

L .

N .

B T . . .

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

L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

When Raphael Trotman found that a fire would be lit under him for the poorly negotiated Stabroek Block contract, he hired a big shot law firm called Clyde & Co. to prepare a report to clear his name, but he never officially published the report.

What is contained in it vindicates calls for a renegotiation, and demonstrates why Trotman did not release a report he himself commissioned.

Luckily, the media managed to get its hands on the report, and made a key finding - demanding a better deal for the Stabroek Block was not a priority for the government.

PAGE 07

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Sophia man shot in thigh after Coalition Govt. overpaid behaving disorderly during arrest $8.3M on fence contract

A

Sophia man is now nursing a gunshot wound to his left thigh from a police corporal after he reportedly behaved in a disorderly manner while being arrested.

According to a police report, the victim is a 28-yearold man who lives at Plum Park Dam, Sophia. The incident occurred yesterday in the same area around 11:00 hrs.

The report stated that four ranks were on patrol duties in

the Plum Park area, when they observed four males at a shop on the roadside acting suspiciously.

The ranks stopped to question the men but noticed that the 28-year-old man threw a ziploc plastic bag on the ground and made good his escape. The bag allegedly contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The ranks went in pursuit of the man and subsequently found him

returning to the same shop.

After he was approached, the police officers informed him of what they observed and proceeded to arrest him.

During this, Kaieteur News understands that the man attempted to hit one of the ranks with a glass bottle.

The rank moved away to avoid being hit, but the suspect continued to make advances with the glass bottle, while using a series of obscene language.

This prompted the ranks to warn the suspect to desist from his actions, but he continued.

One of the officers then discharged a round which hit the suspect in his upper left thigh.

The ranks immediately escorted the suspect to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to receive treatment. He remains a patient at the hospital as investigations into the incident continue.

I

t has been highlighted in the 2019 Auditor General's (AG) report that the Ministry of Social Protection, under the former coalition government, overpaid a sum of $8.330 million to a contractor for works under a fence contract.

The contract for the construction of a fence at the New Opportunity Corp., Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, was awarded in the sum of $69.536M by the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration in 2018, to the lowest responsive of twenty-eight bidders.

This is the second time that overpayment has been flagged in an AG report, the first instance was noted in the 2018 report which stated that as at 31 December 2018, the sum of $69.216M was paid to the contractor and the works have since been completed.

However, based on a physical verification conducted by the Audit Office on August 11, 2019, where measurements and calculations were taken, it was found that the contractor

was overpaid the $8.330 million.

A table in the report noted that the contractor was tasked with supplying and placing crusher run to the surface of the facility's access road but physical inspections revealed that no crusher run was ever supplied. It was for that set of works under the contract that the contractor was overpaid.

The Audit Office had recommended that the Head of Budget Agency recover the overpayment and reconcile the final payment for works executed; ensure that the completed works are accurately measured and quantified before payments are made to contractors.

But up to the final reporting last year, the overpaid sum had not been collected.

In the 2019 report, in the Ministry's response to the obtaining of the overpayments, it was said that they are currently following up on the matter. The audit office has once again recommended that the Ministry makes every effort

to recover the overpayments and also put proper systems in place to avoid future recurrences.

Other findings had also revealed that the engineer had estimated the project to be $81.614M, which is over the cost. Further, it was stated that the advertising details including the date on which the contract was signed, start date, completion date and defects liability period could not be determined from the documents presented for audit examination.

However, the Ministry responded with the relevant information saying, “that in accordance to Form 3: contract Agreement and page 34: special conditions of contracts (SCC) the contract was signed: 13 August 2018, Start Date: seven days after signing of contract (20 August 2018), duration of contract: six months (19 February 2019), defects liability Period: six months (20 August 2019) and that variation order was done for Item 2.3 of the Bill of Quantities.�

Guyana records 76 new COVID-19 infections

G

uyana recorded 76 new COVID1 9 i n f e c t i o n s y e s t e r d a y, increasing the case toll to 7,143.

This is according to the Ministry of Health's daily dashboard update.

The dashboard also shows that seven patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care

Unit, 604 in home isolation, 34 in institutional isolation and 11 in institutional quarantine.

Additionally, a total of 6,328 persons have recovered from the virus with 51 new recoveries recorded yesterday.

The COVID-19 death toll remains at 170.

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Slap on the wrist or will the hammer fall?

I

t is now becoming increasingly obvious why David Granger lost the Presidency. The litany of improper conduct, r e n e g a d e b e h a v i o u r, mismanagement, incompetence and personal aggrandizement, which was being practised within his government, conspired to alienate large sections of the population and detracted from the work of serving the people.

It now appears that many of those in senior political positions were more interested in serving themselves first, rather than giving priority to those who elected them. Instead of concentrating on delivering the promises made to the people, some Ministers were busy doing their own thing.

The gifts' scandal show just how rotten things were from the very inception. This is not simply an issue of government departments lavishing their superiors with expensive gifts. This is malfeasance in public office for which there should be sanctions.

All of this abuse of power was taking place while the government was pussyfooting with development. But at least it explains why the APNU+AFC government could not get a proper grip on the affairs of government.

Some of its personnel were busy feathering their own

Dem

boys seh...

D

e traffic cops out in dem numbers.

But like dem blind. Dem gat some vehicles does be double parking on Church Street near de junction with Camp Street. Dem wicked driver does park alongside another car on de same side of de road.

It does mek de two-lane road a one-lane and cause nuff confusion. And deh does gat traffic cops nearby and dem nah notice. But if yuh stap one inch pon de zebra, dem does pounce pon yuh.

Dem drivers, however, does try fuh help one

nests.

Not a single major infrastructure project was conceived under the APNU+AFC. Five years elapsed and the Coalition government had nothing to show in the area of major infrastructure projects; all that was done was to complete the projects, which were inherited.

The construction sector was in shambles. It is only now being made public as to how many large contractors were receiving hundreds of millions of dollars who it is now being alleged were delinquent in their work.

Secretive land deals were being made. Prime lands were being given out and in some instances even before full payment had been made and without the consent of the beneficiaries.

Now, the bombshell revelations have emerged that Ministers were being given expensive gifts, i n c l u d i n g j e w e l l e r y, electronic items and home furnishings. It is even being alleged that there were demands for certain gifts to be sent on a particular date.

The charges are scandalous. There is nothing wrong with people giving or receiving gifts. But if I am the Director of a company and I receive superexpensive gifts from my staff, I would want to know that it is not the company's money which was being

used. I would never find myself having anyone request any gift on my behalf much less to dictate what that gift should be and when it should be delivered.

Staffers like to show their appreciation. They would usually buy gifts for the boss's birthday. Nothing wrong with a handbag, a tie or a box of handkerchiefs with the boss's initials engraved on the hankies. But a cricket band, bed sets and home furnishings, laptops and tablets? If the staff is spending their own money, that is okay. But not the company's funds!

If any of my staff ever gives me a gold bracelet, I would want to know where the money came from to procure same. You cannot take the company's money for such extravagance.

Perhaps a bouquet of flowers or a pen may pass muster but not expensive jewellery and definitely not beds and other household appliances.

The charges of abuse of public funds, which are now being levelled against the Granger administration, are scandalous. They represent a stain on Granger's presidency. He is known as an upright man. But these charges are not as contemptible as the AFC's disgraceful attempt to defend what was taking place.

Certain conduct is indefensible. Leaders have

Police also gat secret code another.

Dem does flash light pon wan another fuh forewarn dem dat Babylon up ahead.

Dat is dem secret code.

One taxi driver however nah gat luck with de police.

He does get stap pon one street and before he meet de next street, he get stap again and he does gat fuh stump-up twice and sometimes even three times.

One day he ask one a dem cops, “What ah gat fuh do if another cop catches me? I can't deh stumping up to every cop wah stop me.”

De cop tell he how dem does gat a secret code fuh such a situation. He tell de

man, “If after you leave here another police stop you, just say 'Coca-Cola'.”

Sure enough, a few rods away, another cop stap de taxi driver. He say “CocaCola" and the cop nod and leh he pass.

A few days later, de man fuhget he driver's licence home.

But this time, he didn't worried. As he is pulled over, he look at de cop and confidently tell he, "CocaCola".

De cop look at he and say, "nice try, but today's code is 'Pepsi'..."

Talk half and drive safely.

to put distance between themselves and those involved. If the acceptance of expensive gifts does not impugn the integrity of the receiver, then what is to stop a contractor from being extremely generous with government officials, including paying for medical attention in New York?

David Granger was let down by his government.

They failed him and are primarily responsible for him becoming a one-term President. He has been betrayed by many of those around him, including those who went jetting to the far

corners of the world with powerful business interests; those who were the masterminds behind land giveaways and those who would have signed contracts in violation of the procurements laws unknown to him.

A good leader always should have persons who have an ear to the ground, not to feed him gossip but to let him know what is occurring within his administration. A leader cannot know everything but there are some things, which cannot be kept secret. A strong leader will hold those

responsible, including afterthe-fact.

David Granger is no longer Leader of the Opposition. But he remains Head of the APNU+AFC's list. He has the authority under the Constitution to recall or remove persons from that List.

He now has a better idea of who were the vagabonds who led to his downfall as President. He knows also what is now expected of him.

(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 23, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The entire country should do what the NIS has done

I

t was never meant for bureaucratic laws to be cast in cement.

Context is everything in life.

There are times when regulations within certain contexts have to be approached with reason.

I don't believe there was ever a time in the history of this country when presidents Forbes Burnham, Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Desmond Hoyte, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar stepped out from the president's compound and

went back in half an hour later and the security detail at the gate frisked them and asked for ID. I was behind then Vice Chancellor, James Rose, when he entered the UG library. Everybody entering the library has to show their UG Identification.

The guard didn't ask me o r D r. R o s e f o r o u r identification. It was extremely foolish to do so because the guard knew Dr. Rose was the head of the university and knew who I

was. That is called flexible bureaucracy.

The Registrar of UG and I were personal friends when we did our first degree in history. It has been over 40 years that we have known each other. Why can't I contact the Registrar, then the Registrar sends a slip to the accounts department verifying that I could be paid my pension because I am alive? The same for Vincent A l e x a n d e r. F o r f i v e consecutive months Alexander has been all over

the news from March to August. Why can't he make a call to the Registrar for his pension to be verified?

Do you know only seven categories of persons can sign a UG pension form? Do you know UG was born since 1963? Here are the seven categories – notary public; commissioner of oaths; medical practitioner; head teacher, minister of religion, superintendent of police and bank manager.

Vincent Alexander was the UG Registrar for 20 years and never saw the need to get rid of that colonial relic even though I brought it to his attention.

This is the same Alexander who is Guyana's second greatest admirer of Guyana's first anti-colonial president - Forbes Burnham.

Do you know only those seven categories can sign an NIS pension form? To think we have been an independent country since 1966.

Here is a vivid example where something inexplicable has taken over the collective psyche of this nation and has destroyed its people maybe, permanently.

I always had a very cordial relation with Bernard De Santos even when he was Attorney General. One night at UG in 2008 we had a big quarrel in which I made a painful accusation against him.

When UG was founded in 1963, the statues

recognized the trade union but excluded the trade union from sending an academic to represent academic staff at the Appointments Committee. Only a clerk or a typist could do so. I brought up this madness at one of the

Frederick Kissoon statutory meetings of the Council requesting it be removed.

Only Bernard opposed it saying that the university's founders knew what they were doing. They didn't and the Council amended that particular statue there and then.

So after hundreds of years of being a backward country, the NIS has saved Guyana. It has discovered modern civilization. But we have to praise the NIS even though it came late.

The NIS has introduced a simple, technological and modern way of submitting the pension form. You can now do so through a video call. There are six cell numbers you can call, and the NIS person will see you,

take your data and do the necessary input.

So who in Guyana doesn't know Adam Harris?

So Adam can make the video call and bingo - his data is put into the system. It is now up to UG to do the same. But strange enough, it wasn't UG that offered this modern f a c i l i t y. U G a s m o s t Guyanese would know has a technology faculty and o ff e r s a d e g r e e i n computer science.

For sure, more of this thinking, like the one that NIS gave Guyana, will come. The question is when? Do not rely on the commercial banks to do it. And why? Because leadership is the problem in this country. This is where Dr. Irfaan Ali comes in. He has 10 years to change this country for the better. I know from a brief conversation with him he was not satisfied with the un-modern ways the commercial banks treat customers.

I am not sure the banks, insurance companies and NBS will change the anachronistic way of doing business. They have to be pressured by the leadership of the country. I do not admire Burnham but there is no way Burnham would have allowed his government's regulations to be ignored by the commercial banks.

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

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Banks DIH profit soars to $5.2B in 2020 despite COVID-19 N otwithstanding the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the contentious March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections, Banks DIH Group of Companies managed to rake in $5.271 billion in profits after tax for the financial year which ended on September 30, 2020.

Chairman of the Group, Clifford Reis, in the company's annual report outlined that the profit before tax for the company was $7.329 billion compared to $6.167 billion achieved in 2019, an increase of $1.162 billion or 18.8% whereas the profit after tax increased by $4.524 billion to $5.271 billion by $747.0 million or 16.5%.

According to Reis, the company faced several challenges, chief among them were the post elections uncertainty and the nationwide mitigation measures which were implemented to counter the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“I can report that the Group, having experienced those challenges, by virtue of team work and commitment, was able to surmount the obstacles presented, utilizing the combined strengths of work-force, the market acceptance of our Brands, our effective selling and distribution network, and our loyal customer base,” he said.

The report outlined that revenue generated by the company last year was $30.468 billion compared to $29.597 billion in 2019, representing an increase of $871.0 million or 2.9%. Added to that, the Group's third party revenue was recorded at $34.222 billion compared to $32.917 billion in 2019 representing an increase of $1.305 billion or 4.0%.

The trading profit from operations went up by was 17.6% with $8.851 billion recorded for 2020 compared to $7.529 billion achieved in 2019. Reis revealed too that the company's profit after tax attributable to the shareholders of the parent company was $5.666 billion compared $4.897 billion in 2019.

The Group's net asset value per share also increased from $45.25 to $50.89 by 12.5%.

In addition to that, during the review period, Reis noted capital investments projects were undertaken without production and related facilities which led to the more

Chairman of the Group, Clifford Reis efficient conversion of raw materials into finished products.

Several capital projects were also undertaken during the 2020 financial year and are expected to be completed in the coming months.

“These include the Beer Bottling and Soft Drink Plants' upgrade, the installation of the new CIP System for the Rum Factory and the Winery, the installation of additional Records' Storage Facilities, the completion of a New Motorized Truck Washing Facility and the continuing construction of the multi-level parking facility and headquarters for the new Banks Automotive and Services Inc.,” Reis explained.

Also for the year 2020, the Group's shareholder Citizens Bank Guyana which holds a 51 percent stake, recorded a profit of $982.2 million, an increase of $26.9 million or 2.8% compared to $955.3 million in 2019.

The Bank's revenue was recorded at $3.749 billion compared with $3.422 billion generated in 2019, an increase of $327.0 million or 9.6% with the net income recorded at $2.835 billion.

According to the report, the earnings per share were recorded at $16.51 while the total asset base was $63.8 billion. Loan Assets were increased from $29.8 billion to $31.7 billion reflecting an increase of 6.4% or $1.9 billion.

Armed bandit robs Sales Rep of $8M, cellphone and car

A

s a l e s representative employed with Beepats located at Sophia is now counting his losses after he was robbed of his motorcar, $8M, and a cellphone by a lone gun man on Thursday.

The police have identified the man as Kevin Gildharie, 26, of La Bonne Intention Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

The robbery according to

reports occurred around 16:30hrs in front of M and A Express, Mon Repos Pasture.

Information surrounding the incident revealed that the 26-year-old was at time uplifting payment from the business. He was standing near his car that was parked on the side of the road when an unidentified man wearing a face mask approached him.

Gildharie reportedly told police that the man held onto

to him, pulled out a gun, and lashed him to the right side of his neck. Following this, Gildharie said the suspect got into the car which had the cash that belongs to the company and one Samsung A20 cellular phone valued $40,000, and drove off.

Kaieteur News understands that no video footage was retrieved by the police as yet. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

PAGE 13

Finance Minister has too much power over oil fund - US Analyst O

ne red flag in the framework for ensuring the transparent management of Guyana's natural resources revenue is the fact that the Minister of Finance holds too much power over the oil funds, says Arthur Deakin, an Analyst at Americas Market Intelligence (AMI).

AMI, a management consultant firm, has been providing insights that unlock opportunities in Latin America via market intelligence, research and analysis.

During his appearance last week on the Kaieteur Radio programme, Guyana's Oil & You with Senior Journalist, Kiana Wilburg, Deakin commented on the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) legislation, which was established via a bill passed in January 2019 by the David Granger administration. Deakin said that the current structure of the NRF allows the Minister

US Analyst, Arthur Deakin of Finance – a position that is currently being held by Dr. Ashni Singh – to have the final say on how the monies are spent from the fund.

This is in spite of the fact that it has to receive parliamentary approval.

Deakin was keen to point out that this gives too much

control to the current administration and not enough independent oversight.

“I think what it comes down to is a proper regulatory and fiscal framework and oversight.

That's essential to avoid disastrous consequences,” he said while adding that to ensure transparency and to avoid any political coercion, it is vital for ministries to have a certain level of independence from the Cabinet.

When asked whether Guyana needs to change its current regulatory framework model to remove the strong oversight of the Minister of Finance, Deakin responded in the affirmative.

“I think that there is room for improvement,” he said.

“I wouldn't say that all of the laws are bad.

There are definitely some parts that are positive and there's definitely control that is in place to ensure the

proper spending of that money. But right now, it's too tied to the politics and right now that's not a good sign for future development.”

The US Analyst had also weighed in that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) also appoints those members critical committees that are, according to the law, responsible for ensuring the moneys spent, receive proper oversight.

One of these bodies includes the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee.

The absence of these committees poses as a red flag and does not go hand in hand with transparency and accountability, Deakin said.

While in Opposition, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had contended that the Granger administration had delayed the passing of the Natural Resource Fund Act for so long that it was passed during a period when the People's Progressive

Party/ Civic (PPP/C) considered the Government to be illegal.

The Act was passed after the December 21, 2018 no confidence motion.

Jagdeo had said that the PPP/C would repeal and replace the act quickly upon assumption of office “with another model that reflects some of the principles that

we'll outline in our manifesto, [namely] Santiago Principles on Tr a n s p a r e n c y, a n d Norwegian type management, which places the management of the fund a distance from the politicians.”

But almost five months since its swearing in, this is yet to be done.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Saturday January 23, 2021

Guyana is open for business “Guyana is open for business” was the invitation given to Latin American investors by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh as he outlined the significant transformation the country will undergo due to its booming oil sector.

Dr. Ashni Singh made this statement on Wednesday

during a virtual roundtable discussion on Guyana's finance and investment opportunities with LatinFinance, a source of financial markets intelligence for Latin America and the Caribbean.

With the publication readership boasting a host of small and large scale entrepreneurs who would

- Finance Minister tells Latin American investors love to invest in Guyana, Dr. Singh explained that the governing regime is currently establishing a policy environment that is investment friendly.

But while the foundation is being laid for

Go to Diaspora; stop hiring...

From page 3 worked on multiple cases for the oil giant, some of which were in relation to climate impacts.

It was only after Kaieteur News made this exposure, that the firm disclosed it dropped the contract to

rewrite Guyana's outdated laws.

Lastly, there was the hire of UK Consultant, Dr. Michael Warner, who was selected to complete the current draft Local Content Policy.

This newspaper would

have exposed, on several occasions, Dr. Warner's ties to ExxonMobil, as well as the fact that he has never independently produced a policy for any country. He had also removed key provisions that put Guyanese first.

developments on the oil and gas front, Dr. Singh stated that there is an urgent need for infrastructural investment, a critical factor to accommodate that rapid transformation.

Further on, he relayed that Guyana is working hard to avoid the dreaded Dutch disease, a phenomenon that plagues many oil-rich countries.

“We want to make sure that we avoid the pitfalls that we've seen other countries that have gone this route before in culture, and here I mean excessive dependence on or excessive exposure to a single sector. While we

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

recognize our oil and gas will drive a dramatic expansion, we recognize also that we need to ensure that we put in place all of the macro structures that are necessary to avoid for example, Dutch disease,” Dr. Singh highlighted.

Further to this, Dr. Singh said Guyana's petroleum sector would boost its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) however; the Government would be managing the economic inflow to ensure it addresses the country's immediate developmental needs, as well as plans for sustainability.

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Contraband found during Camp Street prison exercise

The items that were seized

A

number of items were yesterday discovered during a joint exercise by members of the Guyana Prison Service and ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

According to a police report, between 06:00 hrs. and 10:10 hrs., a search was conducted on several

prisoners' belongings as well as their cells at the Camp Street prison.

The ranks discovered 76 parcels of suspected marijuana, six grams of a crystal substance suspected to be “molly� (ecstasy), seven improvised weapons, 10 cell phones, 10 cell phone batteries, one Digicel sim card, and two nail clips.

Other items found include one pair of scissors, three USB cables, one earpiece, five razor blades, one metal grater, one bottle containing homemade wine and a quantity of small Ziploc bags.

The ranks seized the items, photographed them, and then ensured they were lodged.

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

Health Minister rejects lobbies for opening of nightclubs and bars - says authorities to clamp down on house/private parties

T

he Minister of Health, Dr. Frank A n t h o n y, h a s rejected lobbies for clubs and bars to be opened in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. During his COVID-19 update on Thursday, he stated that there have been lobbies in various ways on behalf of business owners for the reopening of nightclubs and bars. In spite of these appeals, the Minister is adamant that they are to remain closed.

His reasoning is rooted in the fact that the current Official Gazette of COVID19 measures strictly prohibit same even though several amendments have been made to allow other businesses to reopen under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

Minister Anthony further lamented that the restriction has been in place since the publishing of the first gazette of COVID-19 measures in March when Guyana recorded its first case.

Kaieteur News understands that despite the restrictions, several bars and nightclubs have been found to be noncompliant. Some were even given orders to close over the past months.

Further to this, Anthony maintained that those found to be in breach will face the consequences. “Bars are not permitted to be open. Many people have been lobbying for us to open bars but this is prohibited by the order that was issued. I hope people can abide by the law because if you don't, you will suffer the consequences�, he

dining with a 40% capacity.

The Authority has been permitted to shut down restaurants once they are found to be in breach.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony warned.

Notably, as a part of the COVICURB- a campaign set to adhere compliance with measures, bars and nightclubs found to be opened can be shut down. This was announced by the Prime Minister, Mark Phillips last year during a press conference where he cautioned that businesses found to be non-compliant can be shut down by the National COVID-19 Task Force.

During the update, Dr. Anthony also noted that increased efforts to track down house parties and other private parties being held at secret locations will be made.

The Health Minister also used the opportunity to highlight that the Guyana Tourism Authority has been fulfilling its mandate to monitor local restaurants following the most recent amendment to the gazette which allows for indoor

Man placed on $25,000 bail for allegedly assaulting Linden Town Council worker

A

man was yesterday placed on $25,000 bail after he denied assaulting an employee of the Linden Mayor and Town Council.

The defendant, Lindsay Parkes, appeared in the Linden Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune. He denied the charge which alleged that on January 21, 2021, at Linden, he assaulted Nieve McAlmont to cause him actual bodily harm.

According to information,

McAlmont went to Parkes' yard to do demolishing work.

While in the process of doing his job, Parkes allegedly armed himself with a cutlass which he used and 'broadsided' McAlmont. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched.

Parkes was later arrested and subsequently charged.

Magistrate Fortune granted Parkes bail and the matter was adjourned to January 26, 2021, for disclosure of statements.

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Saturday January 23, 2021

The design for Schlumberger's regional headquarters

Exxon's prime contractor touts aggressive local content plan - But sidesteps key questions on targets and achievements

O

n the heels of a decision to move its regional headquarters to Guyana, ExxonMobil's prime contractor, Schlumberger, has touted an “aggressive” local content plan to identify and utilize local talent in its value chain. It pledged to support Guyana for many years to come.

However, in an invited comment, Managing Director of Schlumberger's Guyana, Trinidad & Caribbean GeoUnit (GTC), Ernesto Cuadros did not provide any of the requested information on the company's definitive local content targets and achievements thus far.

“On the supply chain side, our intent is to localize our supplier base where possible and to facilitate local supplier development.”

Cuadros stated. “For our people, our talent identification process is robust and value proposition for Guyanese very clear. As a company, we recruit where we work, provide continuous learning with training both locally and internationally, offer 'borderless' opportunities for career development, and promote from within. Our recruiting efforts local content strategy for Guyana is simple—find and develop local talent to be the next generation of leaders.”

Managing Director of Schlumberger's Guyana, Trinidad & Caribbean GeoUnit (GTC), Ernesto Cuadros

He also pointed to the Schlumberger Excellence in Education Development (SEED) program, which encourages youth education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “ To f a c i l i t a t e t h i s objective, we will establish partnerships to provide insights on local needs, resources and systems to further support local efforts and use STEM activities to build capacity of local educators, young people and communities.” Cuadros said.

Further to this, the Manager Director noted that he sees Schlumberger as a pioneer in Guyana.

“We were the first

service company to have a large-scale physical presence in country,” he said, “first to fully localize our r e c r u i t i n g e ff o r t s a n d provide direct access to recruiters via local career fairs, and the first to contribute to oil and gas educational activities, donating a computer lab to the University of Guyana.”

C u a d r o s s a i d Schlumberger's ambition is to support the company's growth from Guyana.

The new regional

headquarters, Cuadros calls the company's flagship facility, is at Lot 1 Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Expected to operational by June, the building is designed to keep Schlumberger's carbon footprint reduced, Cuadros said.

Schlumberger and ExxonMobil's other contractors will face increased scrutiny as the local oil industry grows.

Many have announced (continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

Man remanded for allegedly robbing solider at gunpoint

A

3 3 - y e a r- o l d man of East Ruimveldt was on Thursday remanded to prison for allegedly robbing a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank at gun-point.

The defendant, Melvin Jeane, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates Court before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, to answer to the charge which alleged that on January 21, at Market Street, East Ruimveldt, being armed with a handgun, robbed Kaya Dover of his jewellery and gadgets which amounted to $430,000.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison until February 5. Kaieteur News understands that on the day of the incident, around 04:45 hrs., Dover was about to enter his premises when he saw the suspect staggering s o m e d i s t a n c e a w a y.

Information received revealed that the suspect approached the soldier and

Remanded: Melvin Jeane asked him for some water to drink but he then pulled a gun, placed it on the man's chest, and robbed him of his personal belongings.

The 33-year-old then escaped but the rank gave a chase and caught him at a house in the area. He was arrested and later charged.

Bandits rob Chinese restaurant

F

our bandits on Thursday robbed a Chinese restaurant on Thomas Street, South C u m m i n g s b u rg , Georgetown. According to a police report, the bandits escaped with $45, 000.

The owner of the business, Bing Tao Su, 51, lives at the same address with his wife and 17-yearold daughter. The businessman operates his restaurant on the lower flat.

The report stated that the proprietor was in the process of closing the shutter at the eastern part of the lower flat, when he was confronted by

the four bandits.

One of the bandits was reportedly armed with a handgun, which he pointed in the businessman's direction. The armed bandit subsequently relieved the businessman of the cash that was in the drawer at the counter of the restaurant.

The bandits then made good their escape, heading north on Thomas Street then west on New Market Street.

The police were alerted and when the ranks arrived, a search was conducted but none of the suspects were located. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Exxon's prime contractor...

From page 18 plans to utilize local talent, but it remains to be seen how well these plans have translated to definitive results for swift local assimilation into the oil and gas value chain.

ExxonMobil Guyana, for one, has made unverified claims for years using block figures in its local content public relations campaign.

Most recently, ExxonMobil claimed that the Stabroek Block licensees and contractors have spent over GY$69 billion with more than 700 local companies since 2015. It has also been claimed that more than 2,100 Guyanese are now supporting activities on and

offshore.

The supermajor has provided no disaggregation of these block figures, such as the types of business procured from locals. With regard to its employment of locals, the company's block figures also fail to inform the public about the wage levels of the jobs held by locals.

T h e r e i s n o representation of the salaries/wages or the type of employment granted to Guyanese workers, as opposed to those given to employees of other nationalities. Neither is there such a breakdown for the employees of its partners, sub-contractors and affiliates that support its operations.

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22 VACANCY

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 2545, Car/ Van license Call: 6429823 Emmanuel's Delight sec S Grove Diamond 1 night cook, 1 baker server's Tel#696-5492

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

WANTED Male & Female to work in factory. Apply in person to R.P'S Enterprise area "K" Le Ressouvenir. E.C.D Wanted (1) One welder to do grill work. Call 625-5763

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs,Services,Spares to Washing Machine Refridgetor Store, Treadmill, Deepfryer,Cooler,Dryer,Grains mill.Call:#694-9733 House plan& estimate Call 216-0671/ 692-8464 or whats app 622-0267

One counter girl to work in Georgetown Call 226-2320 Wanted to buy 2 door MK 1 Ford Escort must be in resonable condition.Call 6003271/ 600-1767 VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Fortuner 2012 model G$11.9 Million. automatic, Low Mileage (40,000 km) Tel#660-0192, 233-5859, 6885554 Toyota rush- PRR series year:2006 excellent condition price: $2.3million please call 628-4029 Toyota Carina 212 for sle. Contact 624-5650 for details

FOR SALEFOR SALE

Yamaha outboard motor 115hp 150hp 9.9hp 50hp all foreigh use and amplifiers Call 670-4795 Leyland daf truck 6.5 Mil Yamaha motocycle 700k 6876072/ 661-4307 For Sale - 4.018 acres of prime land in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Call 679-2497 TO LET

PROPERTY FOR SALE Kitty,Republic Gardens, Thomas street, Paradise & Enterprise, East Coast, Uitvlugt & Diamond.. Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685 LAND FOR SALE La Penitence, Bacheler's Adventure (double lot), Paradise Kuru Kuru, Cornelia ada, Plaisance Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685

Appartment in Eccles rooms in Albertown Tel#225-3234/ 698-7807 One bedroom apartment living room, kitchen and bathroom Cummings lodge E.C.D 222-0401 preferable UG students FOR RENT

VACANCY

Telehandler (fork lift) long or short term rental 687-6072/ 661-4307

Vacancy exist for the following positions: 1 civil engineer, 1 secretary. Call 608 2114

Fully furnished 1 & 2 bedroom house / apartment / parking, E.C.D. US$600, US$700, daily $40, whatsapp/ call 868747-4343, 648-1787

Pitmen and Hauler operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call 6182020

Large property with huge concrete bond, prime location Cumberland, Canje. Ideal for business. Sale or Rent.

Call 679-2497 Residence: Diamond & Pearl East Bank, Business: Saffon, Hadfield Georgetown Bond in East Coast Ray's Realty 6279685

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Workers for P.S.G.C.S Labourers, Cleaner, Maintenance worker, Semi- skilled labourer. Contact number 6157784, Mon- Fri 8am- 3pm 1 experienced sales clerk to work in a lumberyard / hardware store.Preferably from the W.B.D or W.C.D 612-9344 / 646-1738

Searching for Labourers to work on cash crop farm paid $5,000 - $6,000 per day. telephone #695-6139/ 638-7420 One general domestic apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb street Bourda New York marketting firm wants to hire sales managers.

Paid Training. Serious Candidates. Email: sally@jwiz.com (1) trained and qualified night security graud must have: valid police clerance two references. contact sofia razak @ 266-3256 1 officer worker with 3 years experience and have knowlege of payroll Contact # 621-6969/ 615-7784 Immediate vacancy exists for one canter lorry driver+ male workers @ Del Ice Co Call 2311408/ 642-9191 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area Call: 615-9132 3 Cooks, Janitors Counter staff, 1 baker @peoples choice kitchen Tel 689-9426 Individuals to work with reputable company. Age 21 and above. English and mathematics required. Attractive benefits- Call 679-2497 LEGAL NOTICE 2020-HC-DEM -CIV -FD-782 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Application No. FD-782 Between:(BARRINGTON) SAMANTHA ONICA -and(BARRINGTON) RANDOLPH ROMAINE Applicant Respondent To: RANDOLPH ROMAINE B A R R I N G T O N Formerly of Lot 602 Section “D” Turkeyen, Georgetown, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 8th day of October, 2020 an Application for Financial Relief Division of Property with Evidence was filed against you by SAMANTHA ONICA BARRINGTON, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 21st day of December, 2020 the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecu-

LEGAL NOTICE tive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online).

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you” desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at- Law 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 Application together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Form 8: Evidence for Financial Relief/Division of Property (Respondent) ‘and/or Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the Application for Financial Relief/ Division of Property with Evidence is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 24th day of February, 2021 at 9:30 am before the ‘Honorable Madam Justice Fidela CorbinLincoln via Zoom Meeting ID: 817 2463 7445 and Password: court12 in High Court at Georgetown .

IN DEFAULT of your filing Notice of Intention the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Division of Property.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].

The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm 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 29th day of December, 2020

2020-HC-DEM-CIV -FD710 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, D I VO R C E AND

LEGAL NOTICE ‘ M AT R I M O N I A L JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION petition No. FD710 BETWEEN:SIROMANIE DEVI PREY A OUDHO nee CHUNILALL Petitioner and VISHAL OUDHO Respondent TO: VISHAL OUDHO (Last Known Address) 571 Hemlock Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11208, United States of America, TAKE NOTICE that on the 2nd day of September, 2020 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SIROMANIE DEVI PREY A OUDHO nee CHUNILALL, 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 10th day o f D e c e m b e r, 2 0 2 0 t h e Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in a n d a r o u n d N e w Yo r k , United States of America.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or A t t o r n e y - a t - Law 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 r e l a t e d 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

LEGAL NOTICE Georgetown, Demerara within 50 (fifty) days from the date of the Second and f i n a l publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 26th day of February, 2021 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln via Zoom Meeting ID: 81724637445 and Password: Court12 in High Court at Georgetown.

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 Division 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 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 17 th day of December, 26, 2020

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Exxon had offered more gas than needed - Now, it's offering Guyana even more

A

fter it was revealed earlier this month that ExxonMobil offered the former government more gas than Guyana needs, the numbers have gone even higher. ExxonMobil country manager, Alistair Routledge said that ExxonMobil's local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), could deliver about 50 million cubic feet of gas per day – 20 million cubic feet higher than previously published numbers.

Routledge said “… we've identified and are certain that we can deliver the kind of volumes that are needed to support a gas-powered plant.”

There is so much gas among the 18 discoveries that Exxon estimates the gas to account for a fifth of the discoveries. “ We ' v e r e p o r t e d recently,” Routledge said, “with the 18 discoveries to date, we're approaching 9

billion oil equivalent barrels of resource in the country.

Now of that, a little bit less than 20% probably now is what we think is gas.”

ExxonMobil's current offer is significantly higher than previous numbers.

Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson had told Kaieteur News' Senior Journalist, Kiana Wilburg that Exxon had offered to bring 30 million cubic feet of gas to shore per day to meet Guyana's energy needs.

But even Patterson admitted that that was more than Guyana needs. The previous offer was made to the David Granger administration since 2018.

Patterson had registered his support for the project as a viable one because, he noted, Guyana's electricity needs have been growing seven percent per annum since 2015, and it has struggled with power outages due to the poor state of the nation's power grid

and power generation capacity. He said it would be the first big petroleum project to have a direct impact on the lives of all Guyanese.

The government had, according to Patterson, sought to make clear to ExxonMobil that the government should be paying not for the gas itself but only for the transportation of the gas. He said that, as “Exxon was under tremendous pressure regarding the equity of the contract, it was amenable to the government's suggestions.”

However, Patterson noted discussions about “take or pay” as Guyana would not be able to utilize all of the gas. This provision is one that has placed the country of Ghana in dire straits.

Finding itself in a similar situation several years ago, Ghana approved the Sankofa gas project in 2015 to reduce power costs, lower

emissions and make electricity services more reliable. While those benefits were realized, Ghana now suffers in other ways.

The Institute of the Americas, an independent policy firm wrote of how Ghana signed a long-term take-or-pay Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with suppliers, through which it would have to pay for 90 percent of the produced gas from the field, no matter the demand. In 2019, Ghana's bill for unused gas was US$250M. Realizing what had

happened; the current administration had to start finding uses for all the extra gas and work on ensuring fairer agreements in the future.

International Lawyer,

Melinda Janki has since challenged President Irfaan Ali to prove the economic soundness of the proposed gas-to-shore project by releasing the studies, which have been conducted.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

MotoGP Spin twins Shakib, Mehidy have been too to kick much for Windies admits skipper Mohammed off 2021...

SportsMax - West Indies standcaptain, Jason Mohammed, admits the team’s inability to cope with top-class spinners has been the primary reason it has been unable to post higher totals.

Batting first in both ODIs played to date, being inserted to bat in the first and choosing to bat first in the second, the regional team fell below 150 runs on both occasions. The stifling spin bowling of Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan proved to be a major contributing factor in keeping the West Indies batsmen in straitjackets on both occasions.

Al Hasan claimed a jaw-dropping 4 for 8 runs in the first ODI, with an extraordinary miserly economy rate of 1.09 as the West Indies were restricted to 122. In the second, it was Mehidy

who applied the restraints, claiming 4 for 25 with an economy rate of 2.59.

The West Indies were restricted to 148 before Bangladesh easily chased down the target.

“They are two quality spinners, especially Shakib, one of the best in the world and Mehidy has been playing very well for Bangladesh as well,” Mohammed said of facing off against the pair.

“They have been good, and we haven’t been able to manage them, that’s why we have been getting those low totals.”

Rovman Powell was the team’s top scorer with 41 in the second ODI, while Kyle Mayers led the way with 40 in the first ODI. The West Indies and Bangladesh will face off for the final ODI on Monday at 12:30 am.

From page 27 IRTA (teams’ association) and Dorna Sports can now

reveal an updated calendar for the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship as the beginning of another exciting season of racing appears on the horizon, with testing action set to get underway in just over a month.

“The season opening grand prix in Qatar remains confirmed for the 26 to 28 March and it will now be followed by a second event, Rovman Powell, who top scored for the West Indies, was stumped for 41 by the wicketkeeper.

Saturday January 23, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Prosperity isn't just around the corner - it's here, Aries.

Your finances are looking better than ever. Don't rely on this money, however.

The whole point of a windfall is that it's unexpected.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You've never looked better, Taurus. As a result, people are drawn to you and you have an unusually large circle of friends. This is fun but time consuming, as everyone seems to want a piece of you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You've always been interested in the arts, and now you want to explore that interest on a deeper level. A visit to a museum isn't likely to do the trick, Gemini.

CANCER(June21–July22) Errands seem to rule the day.

You spend most of it in the car, running hither and yon.

Don't be surprised if you run into an old friend you haven't seen in a while.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The planetary configuration makes you likely to reap the benefits of all your hard work, Leo. The little windfall you receive is nice, to be sure, but don't think of all of it as fun money.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Keep your mind on the present, Virgo. As much as you'd like to be somewhere else, your daydreaming is getting out of hand. If you're sincere in your desire to explore other lands, begin some research.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There's passion in the air today, Libra. You can feel it. The feeling is so strong that the air almost pulsates. What are you going to do about it?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Has the opposite sex always been so attractive? Today they seem especially so, Scorpio, and capture your attention right and left. One person, in particular, you've always considered a platonic friend, but today seems interested in you romantically.

the Grand Prix of Doha, at the same Losail International Circuit the following weekend, from the 2 to 4 April.

“The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal will then host the third round of the Champi-

onship from the 16 to 18 April before the paddock heads to the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto as previously planned.

“The ongoing COVID19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns and complications sadly oblige the postponement of both the Argentina GP and the Americas GP until the last quarter of 2021.

“Any further updates

or changes will be provided as soon as available.”

Due to the cancellation

of the Sepang test, MotoGP will hold two extra days at Losail on 6-7 March ahead of the original final test at

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your poise and gracious nature serve you well now, Sagittarius. The best thing you can do today is spend time around other people.

the circuit on 10-12 March.

It is unclear yet whether these races will be open to spectators and whether media will be allowed access.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Creativity and romance are a good combination, Capricorn, and today both are in top form. Why not get out the good stationery and craft a love note that will set that special someone's heart aflutter?

From page 27 appointed him vice-president of player development.

“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank,” said current Braves chairman Terry McGuirk.

“He was a beacon for our organisation first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts.

His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature.

“Henry Louis Aaron wasn’t just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world.

His success on the diamond was matched only by his business accomplishments off the field and capped by his extraordinary philanthropic efforts.”

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Is a bit of redecorating in order? This is a perfect time to spruce up your home. Rather than rush into a project that you might later regret, Aquarius, it's better to spend the day with color and fabric swatches.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have the creative ability to make a real go of your music or writing. Why not put it to better use? Are you afraid to take the risk? Today you may be inspired to rise above.

Hank Aaron...

PAGE 26

Newport County’s goalkeeper Tom King in action.

King size: keeper sets world record for long-range goal AFP - Goalkeeper Tom King’s midweek goal for fourth-tier Newport County has been confirmed as the longest in football history.

King’s wind-assisted effort against Cheltenham on Tuesday travelled 96.01 metres (315 feet), erasing Asmir Begovic’s 2013 goal from 91.9 metres for Stoke City from the record books.

The official Guinness World Records website confirmed the new mark, saying: “With his epic downfield kick, King officially broke the record for the longest goal scored in a competitive football (soccer) match, which covered an incredible distance of 96.01m (105 yards).

“Booting the ball from his own six-yardbox, it was picked up by the wind and soared into the net just out of opposition goalkeeper Joshua Griffiths’ reach.”

The 25-year-old’s goal was the opener in a 1-1 draw for Newport, who are based in Wales but play in the England’s League Two. “I’m obviously absolutely delighted because it’s not something that I intentionally set out to do,” said King.

“I’m sure it will be talked about for a long time to come, so I’m proud and I’m sure my family will be extremely proud too “I’ll have to drop Asmir a message to send my commiserations.”

Hemraj (5-24 & 109) dominate final practice game ...

From page 31 outfield not completely ‘settled’ as yet added 47 with Imlach who edged Hemraj to Johnson at slip.

Hemraj, utilizing a twopaced track which offered prodigious turn for the spinners, orchestrated a slump which left the score on 121-9 before Shepherd and Motie staged a last wicket fight back with their half-century partnership.

When Johnson’s X1 began their run chase Trevon Griffith looked set for a big score after executing a pair of imperious extra cover drives off Shepherd.

Hemraj was also looking solid but with the opening stand worth 39, the lefthanded Griffith got a ball from Smith that ‘got big’ on him and his miscued pull was taken at mid-on as he gifted

Saturday January 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

his wicket under blue skies.

Smith, running in hard, sent the off stump of Shimron Hetmyer flying with one that kept low and came back a touch as the left-hander played back and Smith was on a hat-trick.

Skipper Johnson was then run out for a duck at 39-3 before Barnwell, who began in a circumspect manner to Smith got going with a straight drive off Shepherd for four.

Hemraj hit Smith for three consecutive boundaries in an expensive over.

He began with a Roy Fredericks-like hook for four, followed by a dismissive pull over mid-on before a scintillating straight drive almost took Smith’s ankle with it to the boundary as it sped across the outfield with sand patches evident.

Barnwell, caught at point

off a free-hit from Smith and off a no-ball from Keon Joseph, launched into Joseph; lofting him for successive sixes.

A six from Hemraj off Motie ensured he joined Akshaya Persaud who made an unbeaten 51 in the first practice game as the batsmen with fifties.

Hemraj continued to take the attack to the bowlers before Barnwell was taken at mid-off at 127-4 before Hemraj was allowed to register the only century in the three practice matches as batsmen had batting practice in a match situation although the target was passed.

The players will go for their covid-19 tests on Sunday before doing a second test on January 28 before leaving for Antigua on January 30. (Sean Devers)

Mathews ton lifts Sri Lanka to 229-4 on day one of second England Test AFP - Angelo Mathews scored a stubborn century to take Sri Lanka to 229-4 on the first day of the second Test against England yesterday after early strikes by James Anderson made the home side look vulnerable.

Mathews was at the crease on 107 with and Niroshan Dickwella at the close in Galle.

Sri Lanka lost the first Test by seven wickets.

Anderson claimed three wickets, including opener Lahiru Thirimanne for 43 soon after lunch that took his Test tally to 603 in 157 matches.

Mathews built crucial partnerships, including a 117-run stand for the fourth wicket with skipper Dinesh Chandimal who made 52.

Fast bowler Mark Wood trapped Chandimal lbw and the batsman went off after an unsuccessful review of the umpire’s decision.

Mathews reached his 11th Test hundred, and third against England, with a single off Jack Leach. He put on 36 runs with Dickwella, holding out after England took the new ball in the 81st over.

Anderson, who replaced fellow quick Stuart Broad as the only change for England, struck twice in one over in the morning session with the wickets of Kusal Perera (6) and Oshada Fernando (0).

Perera was caught at first slip by England skipper Joe Root. Fernando played a rising delivery onto his stumps as Sri Lanka slipped to 7-2.

Thirimanne and Mathews rebuilt the innings with a 69-run stand up to lunch, but Anderson broke through after the break.

The series resumed last week after being cancelled in March due to the coronavirus. It is being played behind closed doors.

Scores: Sri Lanka 229 for 4 (Mathews 107*, Dickwella 19*) vs England.

James Anderson marked his return with two early strikes © SLC

Angelo Mathews celebrates his century © SLC Angelo Mathews cuts through the off side © SLC

Saturday January 23, 2021

Hank Aaron: Major League Baseball legend ‘Hammer’ dies aged 86

The IOC rings symbol of the games.

IOC and Japan deny Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to be called off again SportsMax - Olympic chiefs have been joined by the Japanese government in denying a report that the Tokyo Games is poised to be called off for a second time.

The delayed Tokyo 2020 event is due to officially open on July 23 and close on August 8, having been put back by a year because of the COVID-19 health crisis.

However, with the pandemic still causing devastation in countries across the globe, there have been concerns that staging an Olympics in 2021 may be impractical.

British newspaper The Times quoted an unnamed senior Japanese government source as saying: “No one wants to be the first to say so but the consensus is that it’s too difficult. Personally, I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

That is a perspective that is hotly disputed, with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

telling Kyodo News: “We have at this moment, no reason whatsoever to believe that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will not open on the 23rd of July in the Olympic stadium in Tokyo.

“This is why there is no plan B and this is why we are fully committed to make these Games safe and successful.”

Japan has strict border controls in place in an attempt to prevent travellers spreading coronavirus and bringing new strands of the virus into the country.

The IOC executive board is due to meet on January 27, when it is set to receive updates from the Tokyo organising committee.

A recent poll of Japanese public, conducted by broadcaster NHK, found there was widespread opposition to the Olympics going ahead this year.

The Times said Tokyo would look to host the 2032 Olympic Games.

Yet Australian John

Coates, an IOC vice-president and chair of the Tokyo Coordination Commission, says the plan remains for the Games to be held in its current slot.“There has been no discussion on cancellation,” Mr Coates told The Ticket, an ABC radio show.

“At the end of the day, politicians do have to take into account the feelings of those inside their party and the general public.

“But this is not the message we are getting from Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga or the president of the Tokyo Organising Committee Yoshiro Mori, himself a former Prime Minister.”

In Japan, deputy chief cabinet secretary Manabu Sakai told media that the prospect of a Games cancellation was not under consideration.

He said: “There is no such fact. I would like to deny it.

The government is working as one to prepare for the success of the event this summer.”

BBC Sport - Hank Aaron, Major League Baseball’s second-highest home run scorer of all time, has died at the age of 86.

Aaron’s 715th career home run - for the Atlanta Braves on 8 April 1974 - broke the record which the legendary Babe Ruth had set nearly 40 years earlier.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds surpassed Aaron’s total of 755 in 2007, eventually retiring with 762.

MLB said right fielder Aaron was “one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game.”

The league’s commissioner Rob Manfred said: “Hank symbolised the very best of our game, and his allaround excellence provided Americans and fans across the world with an example to which to aspire.

“His career demonstrates that a person who goes to work with humility every day can hammer his way into his-

tory — and find a way to shine like no other.”

Aaron, nicknamed the “Hammer” or “Hammerin’ Hank”, was inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1982 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W Bush 20 years later.

‘Our icon’ Born in Alabama in 1934, Aaron was signed to play for the Indianapolis Clowns in a segregated league at the age of 17 - four years after Jackie Robinson famously broke the colour barrier by becoming the first black player in MLB. His success there led Aaron to be scouted by MLB teams - and he signed for the Boston Braves, although they were to move to Milwaukee while he was making his way up through their minor league farm system, before his big league debut in 1954.

In all, Aaron spent 23 seasons in MLB - 21 seasons with the Braves, who moved again from Milwaukee to At-

lanta in 1966 - and two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers before his retirement in 1976.

His achievements in the game came against a backdrop of racial prejudice.

Hate mail, death threats, and even threats to his family meant security around him was tightened as he drew closer to breaking Ruth’s record in 1974.

When he struck the record-breaking home run, Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully said: “What a marvellous moment for baseball.

What a marvellous moment for the country and the world.

“A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking the record of an all-time baseball idol.

And it is a great moment for all of us.”

Following his retirement, Aaron became one of baseball’s first black upperlevel executives when Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner (Continued on page 25)

Hank Aaron set a Major League Baseball record for home runs in 1974. (Getty Images)

MotoGP to kick off 2021 season with back-to-back Qatar races Autosport - The 2021 MotoGP season will begin with back-to-back races in Qatar followed by the Portuguese Grand Prix in April as part of COVID-19-enforced changes to the calendar.

MotoGP issued a provisional 20-race calendar for 2021 late last year, though delays and postponements were expected as the COVID-19 situation worsened across the world over the winter.

Earlier this month, MotoGP announced it had to cancel the Sepang pre-season test set for February after a state of emergency was declared in Malaysia due to the virus.

A meeting between teams and MotoGP was held last week, with date changes for the start of the season discussed.

Once such proposal was to bring the Qatar GP forward to the 21 March date to bring it closer to the end of pre-season testing and avoid clashing with Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix on the same 28 March date.

However, MotoGP has announced the season will still get underway as planned on 28 March with the Qatar GP, followed by the Doha GP at the same Losail International Circuit on 4 April.

The Portuguese GP will then follow on 18 April, before the currently scheduled run of races that was originally meant to begin the European season on 2 May with the Spanish GP at Jerez gets under way.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the US and Argentine GPs have been postponed from their April slots to the last quarter of the year - but currently have no new provisional dates.

No other date changes have been announced at this time, though the vacant TBD slot in August vacated by the axed Czech GP no longer appears on the calendar and Russia’s Igora Drive is no longer listed as a reserve circuit.

A statement from MotoGP read: “The FIM, (Continued on page 25)

MotoGP to kick off 2021 season with Qatar double.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Saturday January 23, 2021

Clinical Bangladesh seal series win over West Indies Tamim Iqbal drives against the spin, Bangladesh vs West Indies, 2nd ODI, Dhaka, January 22, 2021 © AFP via Getty Images

AFP - Tamim Iqbal hit a halfcentury and spinner Mehidy Hasan claimed a career best four for 25 yesterday as Bangladesh beat a weakened West Indies by seven wickets to seal the three-match, one day series 2-0.

Tamim hit 50 off 76 balls to steer Bangladesh to 149-3 in 33.2 overs after West Indies, missing nearly all their top stars, were all out for 148 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Bangladesh won Wednesday’s opening match by six wickets and kept up the pressure after the West Indies stand-in captain Jason Mohammad won the toss and opted to bat.

Mehidy led the attack while spinner Shakib Al Hasan and pacer Mustafizur Rahman complemented with two wickets each.

Rovman Powell hit 41 off 66 balls while debutant opener Kjorn Ottley and Nkrumah Bonner made 24 and 20

respectively to boost the West Indies score.

West Indies spinner Akeal Hossain trapped Liton Das for 22 before skipper Mohammed grabbed the wicket of Najmul Hossain for 17 to give West Indies some hope.

Tamim, who hit three fours and a six, and the experienced Shakib then frustrated the visitors to make sure of victory.

Shakib remained unbeaten on 43.

“It was nice to spend some time in the middle,” Tamim said.

“There is a lot of hunger in the dressing room, and there are people breaking the door down like Saif (Mohammad Saifuddiin) and Taskin (Ahmed),” he added.

West Indies skipper Mohammed was again disappointed with the performance of his side.

“We didn’t build partnerships and lost wickets in clusters, so that’s just not good enough.

There’s some positives, but

Rovman Powell plays one on the off side © AFP via Getty Images

hopefully some other guys put their hands up as well,” he said.

Mustafizur claimed the first breakthrough for Bangladesh by removing Sunil Ambris for six hitting a catch to Mehidy.

West Indies’ wicket woes only increased when Bangladesh introduced their spinners.

Mehidy removed Ottley and Joshua Da Silva (5) in the same over w h i l e S h ak i b b o w l ed A n d r e McCarthy for only three.

Kyle Mayers, the highest scorer in the previous match, was run out for zero before Shakib trapped skipper Mohammed leg-before for 11 to leave the West Indies floundering at 67-6.

Powell and Alzarri Joseph put on 32 for the ninth wicket to help West Indies past 100 runs.

Mustafizur, who gave away just two runs in his opening four overs, returned to remove Joseph for 17.

Mehidy stumped Powell to wrap-up the innings in 43.4 overs.

Mehidy Hasan owed his first wicket to a Tamim Iqbal catch, Bangladesh vs West Indies, 2nd ODI, Dhaka, January 22, 2021 © BCB / Raton Gomes

The final match is in Chittagong on Monday.

Scoreboard West Indies Innings (50 Overs Maximum) Sunil Ambris c Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Mustafizur Rahman 6 Kjorn Ottley c Tamim Iqbal b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 24 Joshua Da Silva † b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 5 Andre McCarthy b Shakib Al Hasan 3 Jason Mohammed (c) lbw b Shakib Al Hasan 11 Kyle Mayers run out (Najmul Hossain Shanto/†M. Rahim) 0 Nkrumah Bonner b Hasan Mahmud 20 Rovman Powell st †M. Rahim b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 41 Raymon Reifer lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2 Alzarri Joseph c †Liton Das b Mustafizur Rahman 17 Akeal Hosein not out 12 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 4) 7 TOTAL (43.4 Ov, RR: 3.38) 148 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Sunil Ambris, 4.5 ov), 2-36 (Kjorn Ottley, 13.1 ov), 3-37 (Joshua Da Silva, 13.4 ov), 4-39 (Andre McCarthy, 14.6 ov), 5-41 (Kyle Mayers, 17.4 ov), 6-67 (Jason Mohammed, 23.6 ov), 7-71 (Nkrumah Bonner, 24.4 ov), 8-88 (Raymon Reifer, 29.4 ov), 9-120 (Alzarri Joseph, 37.3 ov), 10-148 (Rovman Powell, 43.4 ov) BOWLING Mustafizur Rahman Rubel Hossain 7 Hasan Mahmud 9 Mehidy Hasan Miraz Shakib Al Hasan 10

OM 8 0 0 9.4 0

R 3 23 54 0 30

W 15 0 1 25 2

2 4

Bangladesh Innings (Target: 149 runs from 50 Overs) Liton Das lbw b Hosein 22 Tamim Iqbal (c) c †Da Silva b Reifer 50 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Ottley b Mohammed 17 Shakib Al Hasan not out 43 Mushfiqur Rahim † not out 9 Extras (nb 1, w 7) 8 TOTAL (33.2 Ov, RR: 4.47) for 3 wkts 149 Did not bat: Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Liton Das, 5.5 ov), 2-77 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 16.2 ov), 3-109 (Tamim Iqbal, 25.1 ov) BOWLING OM R W Alzarri Joseph 10 0 42 0 Kyle Mayers 20 15 0 Akeal Hosein 9.2 0 45 1 Jason Mohammed 7 0 29 1 Raymon Reifer 5 0 18 1 MATCH DETAILS Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka Toss: West Indies, elected to bat first Series: ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League West Indies tour of Bangladesh Player Of The Match Mehidy Hasan Miraz Series result: Bangladesh led the 3-match series 2-0 ODI debut Kjorn Ottley Umpires Gazi Sohel Sharfuddoula TV Umpire Masudur Rahman Reserve Umpire Tanvir Ahmed Match Referee Neeyamur Rashid Points: Bangladesh 10, West Indies 0

Kaieteur News

Saturday January 23, 2021

PAGE 29

Chinese Embassy officials visit MSC as venue set to become multipurpose sports facility Officials look at an artist impression of the proposed facility upgrade at the MSC.

Kashif Muhammad (centre with plans in hand) makes a point during the site visit by the Chinese Embassy officials to the MSC.

I

n a release yesterday afternoon from the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Management Committee, it was disclosed that on Thursday they held a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and International Cooperation and the Chinese Embassy where as a site visit was made to Linden’s main sports facility.

This follows a request made by the Government of Guyana to have it become the multipurpose sports facility in Region 10 (Upper Demerara / Upper Berbice).

The team from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport included Mr. Kashif Muhammad representing the Honourable Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Mr. Charles Ransom (Jr.) MP, Assistant Director of Sport Ms. Melissa Richardson and architect Mr. Orin Boyce.

This follows an overture made by the Minister of Sport who first met with the Mackenzie Sports Club Management Committee which is led by its president Mr. Avery Trim.

Coming out of the first visit by Minister Ramson last year, a second was done

by the designing team led by Mr. Orin Boyce and this third visit Thursday was aimed to move the process forward as the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Chinese Embassy officials came to have a firsthand look at what has to be done to do a complete makeover of the MSC. The Chinese team came on board since this will be a bilateral arrangement between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry through the Department of International Cooperation was there to assess the nature of this project to help determine the terms of conditions and protocols which will be thorough, inclusive of the technical element of this project.

The government of the People’s Republic of China has committed to the three projects that government has identified to be multipurpose facilities across the country, namely in Regions Two, Six and 10 and in terms of funding that is assured.

Presently work is being done on the architectural design for the new Mackenzie Sports Club and when this is done it will be presented to the MSC

Management Committee for approval.

While there is a concept design, in the end this has to be agreed upon before a final design is arrived at.

It was also noted that the

facility remains the Mackenzie Sports Club, while some elements will be retained, even though holistically it’s a massive new development project to be built.

The representative team of the Mackenzie Sports Club Management Committee included Linden M a y o r M s . Wa n e k a Arrendell, who represented the Linden Mayor and

Council which has a representative sitting on the M S C ’s M a n a g e m e n t Committee, while the Regional Democratic Council’s representative was councilor Mark Goring.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Saturday January 23, 2021

Guyana’s Andrew Johnson drives into the paint during the team’s win over French Guiana in 2018. (Calvin Chapman)

Guyana’s Saffiya Greene collects a pass from Roschelle Campbelle during the win over Aruba in 2018. (Calvin Chapman)

Guyana makes the list of eligible federations to compete in FIBA 3X3 FIBA Americas Zone Board has confirmed 25 National Federations to

compete for the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup2021. The format foresees 12 men’s and 12

women’s National Teams competing in the Main Draw.

The 2021 FIBA 3x3

AmeriCup is scheduled for November 2021 and will be confirmed once the host is assigned.

Due to the number of eligible teams, the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 will have to be played with a Main Draw and a Qualifier. A number of teams will qualify directly to the Main Draw, while the rest of the teams shall qualify via a Qualification Draw or a Qualification Tournament.

Teams will be assigned to the Main Draw or the Qualifier based on the FIBA

3x3 Federation Ranking in the respective category of 1 November 2020, with the best-ranked teams and the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 host qualifying directly to the Main Draw, and all remaining teams entering the Qualifier.

The exact number of directly qualified teams will be determined and communicated once the exact number of registered teams in each category is confirmed.

National Team

registration will open once the host for the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 is confirmed. The Top-25 ranked National Federations will compete directly in the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 or a Qualification Tournament to advance to the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021.

As of November 1st, 2020, Guyana is currently boasts a combined (men’s, women’s & youth) rank 23rd in the Americas zone of 43 National Federation in 3x3 basketball.

The eligible FIBA Americas National Federations are as follows: 3x3 Rank National Federation 3x3 Rank National Federation 1 United States (USA) 14 Saint Lucia (LCA) 2 Canada (CAN) 15 Haiti (HAI) 3 Brazil (BRA) 16 Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) 4 Dominican Republic (DOM) 17 Nicaragua (NCA) 5 Argentina (ARG) 18 Jamaica (JAM) 6 Puerto Rico (PUR) 19 Aruba (ARU) 7 Mexico (MEX) 20 Dominica (DMA) 8 Uruguay (URU) 21 Costa Rica (CRC) 9 Chile (CHI) 22 Antigua and Barbuda (ANT) 10 Colombia (COL) 23 Guyana (GUY) 11 El Salvador (ESA) 24 Cuba (CUB) 12 Venezuela (VEN) 25 Guatemala (GUA)