Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

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Monday Edition January 24, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 04 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 72,491

Hubu deteriorating road

U.S. eager to help Guyana with oil spill plan, but silent on absence of full coverage

insurance from oil companies The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

'Don't waste oil money on projects that provide- AFC kickbacks for the PPP boys Woman doused Four die from with corrosive COVID-19 as new substance cases surge on Norton St.

Opposition submits no-confidence motion against House Speaker

Court challenge to ‘tax-free ride’ in Exxon deal could level playing field for Guyanese- Ram US$720M tax giveaway to oil companies in 2020 could’ve ended blackouts and

water woes for the next 100 years, build 2 harbour bridges, 5 Marriotts, 3 int’l on Kaieteur airports and still leave back enough to give 25% salary increase.@11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

Court challenge to ‘tax-free ride’ in Exxon deal could level playing field for Guyanese - Chris Ram

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram Court challenge to taxfree ride in Exxon deal could level playing field for Guyanese- Ram The recent legal challenge filed by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall via his lawyer, Mr. Mohamed Ali, against the extraordinary tax-free ride given to the affiliated companies and subcontractors of ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited as noted in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) could, if successful, level the playing field for locals that struggle to compete in the industry.

This is the viewpoint of Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram in his column titled, “Every Man, Woman and Child Must Become Oil-Minded” which was published in the Stabroek News.

In the latest installment of his column, Ram said the case by the Kaieteur News publisher is significant since it would essentially retain more revenues for the country while giving locals a fighting chance in the industry.

If the tax-free ride granted to the subcontractors and affiliated companies of the Stabroek Block partners are removed, Ram asserted that payments to them during the exploration phase for contract work will now attract the 10% Withholding Tax under Section 10 B of the Corporation Tax Act. Since the withholding is creditable against the eventual liability for that year, the consequence is temporal.

Additionally, Ram said Withholding Tax under the Income Tax which is now exempt will now become payable on interest, dividends, deemed dividends, remittances of actual and deemed profits.

He said too that income earned during the exploration phase by Affiliated C o m p a n i e s a n d subcontractors who are in Guyana for less than 183 days in any tax year which is now exempt from tax will become taxable. Also, expatriate employees of the oil companies, their Affiliated Companies and of NonResident Sub-Contractors who are physically present in Guyana for one hundred eighty-three (183) days or less in any tax year whose income is now exempt from tax will become taxable.

In light of the foregoing impacts, Ram said Lall's case certainly gives the PPP/C government, which is on record as being heavily critical of the deal renegotiated by the APNU+AFC regime, an opportunity to rebalance the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement in favour of the Guyanese people.

He said it will be interesting to see what would be the posture of the respondent, being Attorney General, Anil Nandlall S.C, that the government by extension, on this historic legal challenge.

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

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

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U.S. eager to help Guyana with oil spill plan, but silent on absence of full coverage insurance from oil companies

T

he US Embassy here recently announced that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC) commenced a six-month series of joint activities designed to assist Guyana in the development of a reliable national response system for oil spills while enhancing the CDC's maritime oil spill prevention, planning, and response capabilities.

Kaieteur News understands that the USCG is able to do this with support from the US Department of State's Energy and Mineral Governance Programme (EMGP).

It was noted that a virtual risk assessment workshop is scheduled for this month to build upon the progress Guyana has already made with the development of its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and oil spill response capabilities.

Furthermore, the USCG facilitators will guide the participants through an assessment of possible oil spill scenarios in Guyana to identify the most likely and most consequential scenarios. The US Embassy said the results will be used

to identify possible improvements and updates Guyana's National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

Other activities in 2022 will include virtual exercise programme management training and in-person exchanges to observe oil spill response exercises. This partnership the embassy said, is part of the continued U.S. support for energy governance and commitment to regional security to help Guyana build its disaster response capabilities.

While the US Embassy is eager to help Guyana with a plan for response to an oil spill as well as the enhancement of skills and capabilities to clean up after one, it has been noticeably silent on the need for full coverage insurance from the parent companies of the subsidiaries operating in Guyana's basin.

Since 2015, ExxonMobil Corporation, the parent company of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, has steered clear of being tied to full coverage insurance for its Stabroek Block projects, which are certain to deliver multi-billion dollar profits on an annual basis. Instead, it

Woman doused with corrosive substance on Norton St. A 24-year-old woman was doused with a corrosive substance by two other women during a confrontation at the corner of Norton and John Streets, Georgetown last Friday night.

In a statement, police said ranks in Regional Division 4A are looking for four identifiable females who allegedly threw a corrosive liquid on her on 2022-01-21 about 20:40 hours at the corner or Norton and John Streets. According to the police report, 24-yearold Renesha Maxwell of West Ruimveldt Georgetown took a taxi from Leopold Street and as she

was traveling in same, she observed a car following the one that she was in. She told the driver to stop and when he did, she alleges that the four females exited the trailing car and approached her. One of the females then threw a liquid substance on her and she immediately felt a burning sensation about her body and began to scream.

She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was seen and treated and admitted with burns to her back and left hand. Her condition is now regarded as stable. The matter was reported and the police are currently investigating the incident.

has placed only its subsidiary (EEPGL) on the hook if such an eventuality occurs offshore. This is the state of affairs with its Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara Projects.

Following in its footsteps are Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited, the other two joint venture companies in the Stabroek Block.

WORLD BANK URGES In previously published articles, Kaieteur News placed the spotlight on the devastating economic, social and environmental impacts oil spills have had on many

parts of the world. In some cases, the effects are irreversible. Considering this, international bodies have stressed on the need for countries to ensure the parent companies for subsidiaries provide “comprehensive” insurance to at least cover the costs associated with dealing with such events.

One of the many advocates on this matter is the World Bank, one of Guyana's development partners. According to the organisation, it is expected that oil companies take out insurance for their

operations in any country.

However, the World Bank warned that operators have often sought insurance via their subsidiaries which only covers certain activities.

These may include third party legal liability and control of wells, re-drill, and cleanup of sudden and accidental pollution from a well out of control. It cautioned that industry regulators must ensure that an operator's insurance covers every possible eventuality since “for some operators, their insurance excludes blowout or

subsurface pollution or below-wellhead risk.”

T h e Wo r l d B a n k highlighted that there is insurance that covers a blowout from an oil project.

It is referred to as Operators' Extra Expense (OEE) insurance. The World Bank said that emerging oil producers such as Guyana would want to ensure that this is in place and had from parent companies especially when one considers how other nations suffered in the absence of this.

In this regard, the financial institution cited the case of the major oil spill which occurred in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill led to a loss of 53,000 barrels of oil a day for many weeks.

It covered 6,500 square kilometers and involved five million barrels of oil. The source, the Deepwater Horizon field, was operated

by BP under a joint operating agreement with Anadarko Petroleum and Mitsui Oil Corporation. The financial consequence of the spill was more than US$8 billion since the insurance of the operator did not cover pollution following a blowout.

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 24, 2022

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

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

EDITORIAL

International Education Day 2022

I

nternational Education Day 2022 is being observed today, January 24. A look at the statistics involving Guyana’s topflight students would give the impression that we have nothing to worry about, and that we are doing very well. When the metrics of the CSEC and CAPE examinations are examined, our top students are consistently running away with most of the awards in the region, including the highest ones, on occasion. As said before, we seem to be well set, where the education of our students and contributors of tomorrow are concerned.

It is said that looks can be deceiving, and that it is drilling down behind the headlines and the well-earned numbers of a few outstanding students that reveals the real story of education in Guyana. We are up there at the very top where a number of subjects at the individual level, and number of different subjects overall, furnish evidence of what should comfort us. Except that they don’t, for there are the untold stories of the many left behind, those who are not part of the numbers bandied about by ministers in different governments, and which are held aloft as if they are proof that all is well across the board. It is not, and we make a start at the post-secondary education level at the University of Guyana (UG).

The word from seasoned lecturers is that students arrive at the UG classrooms and training grounds with impressive numbers: numbers of subjects, number of distinctions and Grade 1’s, and praiseworthy percentage numbers of passes. The underbelly and upshot of all those numbers is the lament of those in our system of higher education in Guyana. It is that many of these very successful students at the secondary school level are not quite ready to make the leap to the advanced education heights. When this is so, then we have trouble. For when the focus is on numbers that make no sense, and stuffing these young ones with what leaves them unready and unsteady for the challenges of college education, then those early educational abuses and injustices are sure to return and haunt this society with what are the products of degree and diploma programmes.

If they can barely cope there, then the expectations of a quality workforce come under severe attack, and with great pessimism taking hold as to what we can do with what we have, and particularly at this pivotal time in Guyana’s history, it is now a fully dawned and brightening Oil Age. On another note, but with some relation to this oil wealth of ours, it is instructive that the dozen or so, give or take, annual top students at the secondary school (CSEC and CAPE) level usually say that their field of choice for higher education is either medicine or law. There is rarely, if ever, any mention of the study of geology, geophysics, engineering, including petroleum engineering, and other academic offshoots of that commodity. At this beginning and lengthening hour of great oil discoveries in Guyana’s offshore oilfields, our best students’ attention and preferences are elsewhere, as in away from what this country desperately needs, and what could serve it well.

We have a huge knowledge deficit in oil related areas, and we are not even nibbling away at the edges of that negative.

When we do not have our young and our hungry and our aggressive devouring first the books, then the oil and gas environment, we will remain dependent on both foreign expertise and neighbouring help.

We are paying a steep price for that already, and it looks as though we will remain mired in this situation for the next decade, at least.

Regarding the less than stellar students, especially those in the lower tiers of the public school system, we have too many of them. Indeed, it is widely perceived that many of those with solid CSEC numbers can be easily and correctly categorised as what is called the functionally illiterate. If our education system continues to churn out mediocrity, good numbers or poor numbers, then the probability is high that we will be saddled with a mediocre society. It is what can only be damaging for the foreseeable future in demanding times.

I call on Mr. Granger – let there be some leadership pride, honour too DEAR EDITOR, I am disappointed. I waited for, and hoped that, some decency would surface, and that I would be spared having to take matters to a place where I didn’t want to go. One that required a sharper, heavier mailed fist. I take aim at former President David Granger, and his possible role in this unending disturbing Leader of the Opposition fiasco; it parallels too much the agonizing post March 2 elections delay.

Again, I go back to the beginning. I said publicly in 2015 that I, who had never voted before, was going to vote for Mr. Granger. I thought I sensed a man of honour and standing. I may have to eat crow now, in the throes of this grinding Opposition Leader standoff. Despite being armed with some misgivings, I voted again for Mr. Granger in 2020. Notwithstanding what I considered some leadership failures – distance, slowness in reacting to troubling circumstances involving comrades, and too much of a general hands-off approach – I voted as before in the 2020 elections. Now there is what can only be termed this naked trauma that wrenches party and wider country also as to who

should be the Leader of the Opposition. There is the strong sense of a huge letdown.

Presently, no great analysis is needed for this crucial check and balance Opposition Leader position. I say, though, that this paralysis is crippling, embarrassing, and furnishes ripe fodder for foes of the national well-being.

They are Guyanese, not foreign. I have heard about the List and who is the Representative of the List, and with whom the decision rests to bring this tiring situation to the swiftest conclusion.

There is also this provision for a two-thirds vote that closes out the issue, one way or another; from all indications, it favours Mr. Aubrey Norton. It is why I urge the former President and Leader not to let matters degrade further, but to be statesmanlike about this leadership issue, identify Mr. Norton, and move on. Everybody moves on to whatever is ahead.

For this to continue so long, so publicly, and so disturbingly sends all the wrong messages about the group. It hobbles the man waiting to take the reins. It gets him off to a bad start, with the weight of this indecision and controlling vision sure to hamper

him. As I consider this, I think I made a mistake, and I admit this openly. The fault line is not with the current Leader of the Opposition. It is with the former President, the Representative of the List, and the spearhead of whatever else that I don’t know presently.

It is Mr. Granger.

This is not to his advantage. The legacy or memory that he should wish. For there is the risk that he could be remembered primarily for this delay, this insistence on long distance control. As I reflect on these developments in the Opposition, I cannot help but to compare what Mr. Granger is up to, with what unfolded in the PPP camp pursuant to the machinations of Guyana’s standing Vice President of today. It is believed that Mr. Joseph Harmon is along for the ride, due to the controlling visions and maneuvers of Mr. Granger, the man behind the throne. As Guyanese know, there is that parallel in the PPP/C Government, where the incumbent head of state is just that – a head without a state over which he is the real governor.

The real power, the only power, is Guyana’s Vice President. This is mirrored in this stop and start, talk and balk, involving the current Leader

of the Opposition, Mr. Granger, and now the AFC chief. There is this game being played before a fascinated (and repelled) Guyana, with substantive leaders, as voted for by the people, being marginalised and made into mocking stocks. Something is wrong with this picture.

And because it has Mr. Granger’s fingerprints all over it, it is a source of severe pain for me, given the fact that I didn’t think him capable of such subterfuges and these drawn-out manipulations; the same that occurred in the 2020 elections.

There is a harsh lesson in all this, from government side and opposition side. There is this holding on, these slick side arrangements that pretend at one thing in public, while the reality behind the scenes is a different creature, an unrecognisable, unacceptable one. As I ponder this, I draw closer to understanding why this society is always embroiled in dispute and disrepute, and rarely that which is bruited about smoothly, deceptively. Last, I see why some Guyanese of great profoundness have nothing to do with politics and politicians.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Do your duty or suffer the same faite as those you condemned DEAR EDITOR, Since the Declaration of the results of the 21st Biennial Congress there seems to be a non-adherence to the promises made during the campaign by the candidates vying for the Leadership of the Party.

There were repeated expressions on the need for Unity and a willingness to work with each other post declaration of the Results.

While it is patently obvious to the experience that the results present a story that all was not well there has not been a comment on same.

That to my mind, points to a degree of willingness to work towards unity of the PNC/R. However, the inexperience of the declared candidate, Mr. Aubrey Norton, seems to have gotten in the way and needs urgent address lest the Party falls further apart, Coalition falls apart and what little exists in Parliament becomes of no significance.

The public exchange between Mr. Aubrey Norton and Mr. Joseph Harmon coupled with the position by the Central Executive of the

Party has heightened the uncertainty as to whether unity can be achieved. Added to this conundrum the silence of Mr. Granger has further deepened the schism. It therefore raises the question whether these three personalities see the representation of the people’s issues and the challenges they are forced to confront by an uncaring PPP/C government as being paramount. Are the people of Guyana going to suffer under a vicious PPP/C government as a disunited PNC/R creates political turmoil with the Coalition?

We cannot ignore that the campaign of the PNC/R Biennial Congress which was just concluded had absolutely nothing to do with the filling of a vacancy of the position of the Leader of the Opposition, although Mr. Harmon in seeking to confuse the membership of the Party pointed to history by claiming that the two positions should be held by the same person. But when challenged on the matter he changed his mind. Mr. Norton and Dr. Van WestCharles on the other hand

clearly stated that there was no need to have the two positions held by the same person. Like Mr. Harmon, that position by Mr. Norton seems to have changed immediately after he was declared the winner and Mr. Harmon had accepted defeat. Hence the public spat and the position being taken by the Central Executive. These have created much public and media interest not to the advantage of the Party, or the Coalition.

The Central Executive Committee in their haste did not seem to understand that the conditions under which it follows that the three positions viz Head of the List, Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the PNC/R is not a mandatory consideration even if the PNC/R were in the Opposition as a single Party.

But the present situation is more complex since the PNC/ R is member of a Partnership and a Coalition. It therefore means that the decisions have to be guided by the Agreements of both the Partnership and Coalition and it is at this level that the PNC/R can exert its influence as to whether

the members of the Partnership and Coalition are in Agreement with the respective holders of the positions.

It would seem that the CEC has been misguided and hence created the conditions for disassembling any construct of Unity in the PNC/R. If one reflects on the discourse during the campaign the breadth of work to be done by the PNC/R to make robust in confronting the PPP/C is tremendous and yet this reality seems to have escaped Mr. Aubrey Norton in this post declaration period.

Mr. Norton has seen it fit to name two advisors which is commendable but he must ensure that he calls on their experience which is critical to the way forward. So far both advisors appear ineffective in ensuring compliance with the laws and constitution of the party and nation as already too many mistakes have been made too early. Both Mr. Norton and Mr. Harmon have to demonstrate their political maturity putting aside their personal profiles thereby permitting a healthier (Continued on page 6)

Monday January 24, 2022

YESU PERSAUD: AN EXEMPLARY cial groups with equal respect and practiced the golden rule LIFE WELL LIVED he never hesitated to let the

DEAR EDITOR, It was the late sixties.

Guyana had just achieved political independence in 1966.

Guyanese celebrated the idea that they can now determine their own system of government; choose how they dress and which religion or way of life to follow. But internal struggles surfaced to continue the pre-independence divisions.

Academic qualifications and experience took a back seat to party membership which determined employment, promotion, demotion or even dismissal from government departments.

A few “freedom fighters” decided that wearing a tie to work was an unnecessary appendage of the “white masters”. After all they lived in a cold climate while we reside near the equator and have summer all year long.

Why should they impose their cultural dress on us as they did with their religion?

However, with all the zeal of inspector Javert in Victor Hugo’s classic Les Miserables, men and women of all colours threatened government workers from all races that they will be disciplined and would be considered improperly attired if that yoke did not hang around their neck.

Enter Yesu Persaud who had just qualified and returned from England immaculately clad in a black pin striped suit with tie and even a black umbrella.

The contagious smile was omnipresent. Another Englishman, the boys whispered.

It was not long before the “revolutionaries” and their colonial henchmen reached a compromise as suggested by one who would become a master negotiator. “Make it optional not compulsory, there will be no need for enforcement and more will comply”. A short while thereafter all male government workers sported shirt-jacks.

Thomas Paine in his Common Sense described government as a “necessary evil.” It can stifle initiative in any country anywhere on the globe.

This may be one reason

why Yesu ji quickly departed, joined private enterprise and never looked back. Hundreds of thousands choose to leave the country to find security, employment or escape persecution but he remained to make an indelible impression that should find a prominent place in the history books.

About four decades later we met again at Saraswati Vidya Niketan, the private Hindu school which considered him “family”.

The school was in its infancy and there was a need to encourage enrolment and assist those who needed financial assistance. The Jung Bahadur Singh scholarship was one of the first to be set up and then others followed.

At an event prior to the first CXC results, Yesu ji announced a similar scholarship in the name of his grandson and spoke to those in attendance. “Whatever you achieve, wherever you go, whatever you own, BE HUMBLE.” He made it his duty to assist that school but also to be present at every event and graduation.

When he was not seen in the 2021 virtual graduation ceremony current administrator and former student, Kamanie ji, anticipated our curiosity and explained that he was not well. Anyone acquainted with him and the Bhagavad Gita would recognise that this devotee not only practiced humility but also lived a life free from LUST, ANGER and GREED. (Gita: 16-21).

He achieved both material and spiritual success. One would have to struggle to find anything he needed or a gift that he appreciated. However, about 2016 on his birthday which was being observed at the Peter’s Hall temple, my friend and host Narine Das (Suresh) insisted that we attend and give him a copy of my book “Mohandas K. Gandhi and his inspiration, the Bhagavad Gita”.

On receiving the book, he blushed briefly commenting “Good work on a great man...you will put your birth place Leguan on the world map by connecting it to this global icon”.

While he treated people of all races, religions and so-

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Kaieteur News

public know that he was born a HINDU and has remained one throughout his life. He was always active in promoting the values inculcated from childhood.

His early days were not different from anyone who was born and grew up in a logie or sugar plantation. The distinction is the path he followed and choices he made to reach the pinnacle as a businessman and humanitarian.

His life can be compared to that of the lotus with roots in mud, stems pushing through dirty water but blossoms into a beautiful flower that is adorned by all as the seat of the goddess Saraswati.

His departure leaves a huge void particularly in the Hindu community and it would be a challenge to find a substitute.

There can be no replacement for one with such an impressive record of activity and generosity. Those who are remnants of colonial hegemony and who continue to follow inimical practices of cultural and religious superiority now need to re examine their views.

Is it still too difficult to admit that Yesu ji was one of those exemplary persons produced by every religion and that any attempt to convert others is unnecessary and downright disrespectful?

Yesu ji has achieved much in his life, a fact well documented. His business interests will no doubt be passed on to those he trained and trusted.

However, his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi inspired a request to have a street named after this venerated soul. This has not yet materialised and the suggestion has generated some conflict as to location. After listening to all the well-deserved accolades by countless friends and relatives since his passing it should not be a difficult task to fulfill his wish. It would take only a tiny fraction of those he assisted and influenced.

Surely it is time to show our appreciation beyond words and leave another legacy to this TRUE SON OF THE SOIL. Regards Ramnarine Sahadeo

GuySuCo mourns the loss of Dr. Yesu Persaud DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Sugar Corporation mourns the loss of Dr. Yesu Persaud, CCH, who was the former Vice Chairman of the entity since its incorporation on May 21, 1976 when the Government of Guyana acquired the net assets from Booker McConnell Limited, the Demerara Sugar Company Limited and the Guyana Sugar Producers Association.

Dr. Persaud was the longest serving Vice Chair in the sugar industry, serving the sugar industry for twelve (12) years from 1976 until 1988.

His humble beginnings in the sugar industry made him aware of the harsh environment and experiences of the sugar workers; that knowledge propelled him towards working for the alleviation of those conditions and made him focused on improvement in the sugar industry.

Dr. Yesu Persaud has always aimed for excellence, set high goals and through his exemplary leadership style he worked to enhanced and developed the human resource capital in the sugar industry.

The records of GuySuCo illustrate that Dr. Persaud was a foremost thinker in the industry in the early part of his life, advising the then Hoyte Administration with respect to the involvement of the private sector in the sugar industry as a means to enhancing efficiency in the industry.

The Corporation must note that today because of these early seeds planted by business leaders like Dr. Yesu Persaud, some 50 percent of the lands on the West Demerara that is dedicated to sugar cane are now cultivated by the private sector and serves as feedstock to the Uitvlugt Sugar Mill.

Under his visionary leadership, the sugar industry forged a strong relationship with the Company that he led for many years, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and today that relationship between the state owned GuySuCo and the private sector led DDL, is stronger than ever.

This relationship is a manifestation of his hard work at adding value to lo-

cally produced products

by Guyanese in Guyana and the World over.

To d a y, both the Demerara Sugar and the Demerara Rum forged from the same soils of Guyana illustrate the strength of his vision and intention for all the peoples of Guyana.

In addition to his substantive contribution to the sugar industry, GuySuCo is also aware of the numerous, multi-faceted contributions made by Dr. Yesu Persaud to the social-cultural development of the Guyanese people; his support to the various mandirs and cultural organisations is indeed remarkable.

The Board of GuySuCo, the Executive Management and the 7,789 workers of the sugar industry would like to wish the family of Dr. Yesu Persaud and the DDL Family our deepest condolences upon the passing of this iconic Guyanese patriot.

Guyana Sugar CorporationCommunications Unit

“Terror Grips The Land” DEAR EDITOR, I have penned this poem in commemoration of the Lusignan Massacre:

By Nikhil Sankar “Cries of anguish grip the air,Sinister shadows dance across the land, The calm and quiet of 2a.m. are no longer, Instead permeating after the loud noises, Are confusion, agony and despair, Thundering down doors in the darkness from whence they came, Not to take goods, not to take money, They are here to take souls, These emissaries of

death,Hailed Freedom Fighters by influential delusionals, Cheering them on through the airwaves, Cheering them on as part of some cause, Unaware of the horror they bring, Unaware of the dreams they crush, But these are no fighters of no freedom, They are the demons of hate, Venom flowing through their veins, Lust attained through the howls of a kind they despise, Howls for the lost sons, Howls for the lost daughters, Howls for the village now

plunged into darkness, Hate was alive and the gunmen did its work, We are supposed to be One People…but saying it is not enough, HATE …..CANNOT……

WIN, How many more bodies will prove that?

How many more ? How many more?

Until we realise that love is the answer?

The pivotal question remains, As we bow our heads and reflect, And as these lost souls walk on to eternity.”

Regards, Nikhil Sankar

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 24, 2022

Region Three ramps up COVID-19 GECOM must put its house in order nation’s business done!

Te c h n o l o g y S p e c i a l i s t DEAR EDITOR, Notwithstanding the walk- have already been filled so The Guyana Elections enforcement amid surge, deaths Commission is moving too outs and the political gim- why the holdup? Other

DEAR EDITOR, The Region Three COVID-19 Task Force along with stakeholder agencies will join the Guyana Police Force from today (January 24, 2022) in ramping up enforcement of all breaches of the COVID guidelines as the Region has seen over 100 positive cases daily along with several related deaths within the past two weeks.

The coronavirus pandemic has placed significant demands on the limited resources on the Region’s Health sector as such the willful flouting of the COVID guidelines and large gatherings at bars, birthday parties, private parties and weddings by some citizens should not be allowed to harm those who are already fully vaccinated and are taking all the required precautions.

Looking back at Region

Three COVID-19 cases using the period December 15-29, 2021 the cases recorded were from zero to the maximum of four on any given day, in total only 25 persons were tested positive for that period.

However, compared with January, 13 to 22nd, 2022, we have a total of 1,377 new cases, almost over 100 new cases every day.

Leguan and Wakenaam had registered zero cases, now we are seeing that those islands have new cases.

Eight more persons have died after contracting COVID19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 1,130.

Amongst those killed recently are three persons from Region Three – a 51-year-old man who died on January 21; a 60-year-old fully man who died on January 21; and a 67year-old man who died on January 22.

The country has now recorded a total of 56,585 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 16 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 177 are in institutional isolation; 13,050 are in home isolation, and 20 are in institutional quarantine.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until January 31, 2021.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

Sincerely Halim Khan Region Three Coordinator for the COVID-19 Task Force 612-8367

slowly in putting its house in order. As the sole institution mandated to carry out elections in Guyana, we expect that matters there ought to be dealt with in an expeditious manner, but sadly this is not the case, business at the commission is slothful if not disappointingly stagnant to say the least. We would like GECOM to be punctual, swift and speedy in their resolutions, simply put, just get the

mickry by The Main Opposition, we expect the commission to be resolute and get its work done. Those systems that are already in place should have given them the muscle to iron out those anomalies that were set up to stymie progress. So we are politely asking GECOM to put its house in order.

Key positions such as the CEO and his assistant, as well as the Information

matters such as the placement of a representative for the joinder parties and a mutually accepted neutral nominee to represent the interest of the people should be well in place.

So, Madam Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, please get on with this critical democratic arm of our democracy.

Respectfully Submitted Neil Adams

Cronyism sinking the country DEAR EDITOR, It has come to my attention that a State official is renovating a government owned mansion, not at his own cost, with the most expensive amenities and accessories that money can buy.

Workers say that it has the most expensive and elaborate spindles, lightings, chandeliers, appliances, sound systems, carpets, and equipment.

The official lives in the mansion as repairs are going on. Sources say the official is in the process of transferring this property to himself with a little tap on the wrist from higher officials in the country.

It is learned that senior functionaries in the country are compromised and the official has ‘goods’ on them. They can’t take ac-

tions against the official because he was previously called upon to transfer state assets to individuals at the instruction of other officials.

Such kinds of cronyism can only sink the country downwards. Is this the change that Guyanese voted for in March 2020?

Yours truly, Edward Burrowes

Do your duty or suffer the...

From page 4 environment to flourish and permit the Party to arrive at a state of readiness to confront the PPP/C. If they do not understand the need for this change then history will not be kind to both Mr. Norton and Mr. Harmon.

History will see them as being selfish, immature and not ready to execute the functions related to the positions they hold.

But it is not only about

them .The elected members of the Central Executive Committee and the principal officers of the Party cannot be absolved of their responsibility of ensuring that the constitution is adhered to. Likewise the parliamentarians cannot be bystanders.

The membership of the PNC/R must not permit the issues related to the determinants which brought about the Congress to repeat itself.

The elected members,

principal officers and parliamentarians of the PNC/R have a Constitution so let it live and be upheld or resign from your positions.

You have been elected for a purpose.

Do Your DUTY, every one of you, including Mr. Norton, or suffer the same faith as those whom you condemned and criticised for incompetence and failure. You are all involved.

J. Cornell

T N U L B . . .

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

An enemy is one who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

Moreover, those who are opposed to Guyana having a fair deal with ExxonMobil are enemies of this nation, and therefore should not be trusted.

We at this publication are happy to see that more and more people are coming out as they take a stand against the theft of this nation's patrimony.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

'Don't waste oil money on projects that provide kickbacks for the PPP boys - AFC T

he Alliance For Change has warned the government not to throw oil money behind projects that will provide kickbacks for its friends and cronies, but rather immediately abolish fees at the University of Guyana to help struggling students.

Since returning to office, the PPP has revived the Amaila Falls Project, is pursuing a gas-to-shore project; have spoken about deep water ports among other projects. Observers believe that the way most of these projects are structured, provides breeding grounds for corruption and will benefit only the close associates of the Irfaan Ali administration.

In its statement the AFC said, as an oil producing nation, priority spending must be on education. “In this context there must be no fees or costs for persons wishing to pursue higher education at our premier tertiary education institution,” the AFC statement read. The

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan

President Irfaan Ali

party noted that for this year alone oil production should reach some 340,000 barrels of oil per day. This will result in significant earnings for the country and must not be squandered away on projects that only provide kick-backs for “the boys”. According to the AFC, many persons would recall that it was the PPP Government that reintroduced fees at the University of Guyana when it got into office in 1994. “They must reverse this now,” the AFC stated, adding that in recent years over 10,000 or

12,000 young Guyanese graduate secondary school but just about 3000 go on to university.

“This year about 2,200 will graduate from the University of Guyana. In fact UG graduating class averages some 3000.

When compared to the number of students graduating from secondary school, it is clear that not enough of our young people are seeking a university education. One major obstacle is the fees they are asked to pay. That trend must

be reversed.

The AFC believes that, should university education be made free once again, we will see more persons opting for that level of tertiary education,” the statement added.

Simultaneously, the AFC said the University itself needs an influx of finance for both the Turkeyen and Tain campuses. “Even as virtual learning continues, lab facilities, lecture rooms, equipment and interactive programmes for virtual learning must be enhanced.

Lecturers also must be adequately compensated and consideration must be given to establishing university campuses at Linden and Essequibo. In addition, there is need for a technical institute at Lethem.”

To reiterate, the AFC calls on the PPP Government to use our oil wealth to improve: the re-introduction of free education from nursery to university; adequate remuneration and benefits for lecturers; the establishment of university campuses at Linden and

Essequibo; the establishment of a technical institute at Lethem and improved facilities to support virtual and face-to-face learning at all campuses.

Additionally, the AFC said, now that the PPP government has amended the law so that it can access all monies earned from our oil sector, it must ensure that spending be aligned to the development of our citizens.

“Sustainable development of our nation will depend on us having an educated population be it at the university or technical training levels as provided for at the technical institutes, Carnegie School of Home Economics or other such institutions.

The AFC calls on other leaders in society, including the private sector, the Bar Association, trade unions, political parties, religious organizations and others to demand free education from nursery to university for our nation's young people,” the statement concluded.

Engineer estimates $24M for two pickups An example of a 4×4 double cab pickup.

The supply, delivery and testing of two new 4×4 Double Cap pickups for the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA), according to an engineer's estimate, is expected to cost some $24 million.

According to an invitation for bids published in Kaieteur News, it states that bidding documents may be obtained and examined by any interested bidder upon payment of a nonrefundable fee in amount totaling $3,000. This can be uplifted at Mahaica Mahaicony Abary

Agricultural Development Authority, Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, or interested persons can contact the MMA-ADA on telephone number +592 328 2291 or email address mmaa d a @ m m a - a d a . g o v. g y Bidders are required to submit their bids together with the bid security of 2% of the tendered sum no later than 09:00hrs on February 8, 2022, addressed to The Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Streets Georgetown Guyana. The

National Procurement and Tender Administrative Board, Ministry of Finance reserves the right to reject any or all bids without assigning any reason whatsoever and not necessarily to award to the lowest bidder, the newspaper notice stated.

All bids must be accompanied by valid certificates of compliance from the manager of the National Insurance Scheme and Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

All additional criteria will be stated in the bidding document.

Monday January 24, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Promotions I met a young public servant a few days ago.

We began to chat and I asked him how long he started working in the service.

He said that he was there for the past four years.

I then asked him how many promotions he has had since then.

He looked at me in a funny way as if I was asking something he did not understand.

So I repeated the question, “How many promotions did you get in those 4 years?” He said none.

He was in the same position as when he started. I told him to leave the job.

He gave me another befuddling look.

A good rule of thumb is that persons entering employment at the entry-level should ideally be promoted every two years.

Obviously, the higher one rises in the organisation, the longer it will take to obtain a promotion.

But for someone to be stuck at the lower tiers for more than four years suggest that either the job of the position is a dead-end one.

An exit strategy is advised.

In the old civil service days of the Empire, it was traditional that promotions would be announced regularly.

While civil service jobs were in great demand, there was fair pace of upward mobility even though the top positions were usually reserved for select persons.

It was not easy of course to gain entry into the civil service but from 1951 onwards that began to change and a person entering at the entrylevel could hope through

hard work to eventually aspire to be promoted to the upper ranks of the service.

In the old colonial civil service claims of discrimination were not unheard of.

As the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service noted in its report, middlelevel civil servants are often favoured for appointments mainly on the basis of subjective criteria.

It was also quite fashionable at one time, after Independence, for promotions in government corporations and departments and in the police and military to be announced at the commencement of the New Year.

Persons looked forward to learning of these promotions and it did motivate workers and encourage others to pursue a profession within the public service.

Burnham understood that when money was short and salary increases had to be curtailed that promotions could help boost staff morale.

He used to announce reassignments and promotions within his government.

In some cases, he went about creating a heavy political directorate of Vice President and Deputy Prime Ministers and this created quite a stir in society as if there was a complete makeover of the government when it fact it was merely a shuffling of portfolios and personnel.

The PPP/C has downgraded the tradition of promotions.

Persons in the public service and public corporations now are no longer confident that if they work hard enough, they can reach the top positions.

There is always a political

appointee waiting in the wings to assume the top post.

In fact, it is hard to remember, apart from the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force, there being any announcement of promotions in the public service or in public corporations.

And since 1999 the reshuffling of portfolios has been far and in between and any changes in ministerial assignments came after elections.

For example, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs was assigned the Minister of Home Affairs portfolio and a Minister of Amerindian Affairs became the Minister of Home Affairs.

There is need for a reshuffle of portfolios within the government.

Some Ministers have not performed and others are under-performing.

On the other hand, a few Ministers have been super stellar in their work and deserve an upward grade.

The disrespect which is shown to the Prime Minister needs to be resolved.

He should be referred to as a Vice President since under the Constitution he is the most senior Vice President of the country and should be rightly referred to as such.

But even more necessary is for the old tradition of promotions within the public service and in public corporations to be re-instituted.

Promotions must be treated as an incentive or reward for hard and honest work.

If enough vacancies are not there to facilitate promotions, it means that there are problems with mobility within the public service and public

Dem Boys Seh…

Belly Wuk is nat emergency De Georgetown Hospital does treat patients. But dem does also test yuh patience.

Anybody wah ever had reason fuh go to the Emergency Unit will know wat dem boys talking bout.

Is all over de world dem Emergency Room does gat people waiting lang.

But in Guyana de wait does seem like wan eternity.

If is any problem de guvament should fix at de hospital is de waiting time at de Accident and Emergency Unit. De guvament seh dem want solve people’s problems.

Well dem should start at de A&E. People going to de

A&E for all kind ah complaints, including belly wuk.

And dem calling it emergency.

Dem does also seh dat every motion is accident.

Some people does gat fuh wait suh lang dat by de time dem see de docta, dem fuhget wah dem go to de hospital fuh.

It mek dem boys remember de story bout de woman wah went to see a young docta in de Emergency Room.

De young docta examine she and after bout three minutes he tell she how she pregnant.

De woman burst through

de examination room and run through de door screaming to de top ah she voice. Wan older docta who was nearby stop and ask she wah is de problem.

She tell he wat de younger docta tell she.

De older docta den march down to de younger docta. “What wrang with you?” he asked the younger docta. “Dat woman is 68 years old and she has adult children and grandchildren.

And you told her she was pregnant?”

Without looking up, de younger docta say, “Does she still have the hiccups?”

Talk half. Leff half.

organisations.

And the main cause of these bottlenecks is usually the practice of political appointments with the appointees staying long past their

due date.

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

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

2022: The year that Guyana will see the unbelievable J

ust to inform readers, I am still to produce part 4 of the review of 2021 and will publish it but so many things got in the way.

I once wrote that life in Guyana is so curiously intriguing that a columnist can do three daily pieces.

Few other countries are so interestingly hypocritical and disturbingly interesting as Guyana that a columnist can churn out three daily commentaries. Do you know how many articles of mine are completed on topical issues but they are still on my flash drive because each day I

wake up, I see another strangeness and the intended column gets shifted.

So today's article was supposed to be on the police exercise against erring motorcyclists that have been taking place outside my home since December last year. I just hope I can publish it soon without postponing it again. It was displaced because of an intended court case I read against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Exxon.

Three women are the litigants. I don't know one of them. The other, Melinda

Janki, is a person I would say hi and hello to. The third person is Sherlina Nageer. I spent a year with Ms. Nageer as part of a grassroot movement named the People's Parliament outside the National Assembly fighting for justice for ordinary people. It was a 24hour movement.

Apart from Charlene Wilkinson and Chris Ram, I know of no other soul in that wonderful activism that has come out against the attempted rigging of the March 2020 election. I repeat only Charlene Wilkinson and

Chris Ram. I spent time in the People's Movement with the Red Thread women, Tacuma Ogunseye, David Hinds, Desmond Trotman, Dr. Melissa Ifill, and countless others.

I believe all that time I was struggling with people who were multi-racial in philosophical thinking and a deep yearning for justice. On the stroke of midnight in one of those sessions, as I was going to my car, I was attacked and almost got killed. Michael Carrington of the AFC saved my life. I will always be thankful to Michael. Yesterday, I was taking a beautiful painting of Kaieteur Falls to him but he told me that he will not be in.

Our friendship has endured.

Many of those who I grounded with at the People's Parliament I hope never to see again.

I don't want to see them ever in my life. I believe in justice for humans. I believe people have a right to vote. I believe governments should rule based on the rule of law and the votes of the population.

I am East Indian in colour and physical appearance and I couldn't be bothered with

having an East Indian mind. I didn't give a damn in March Frederick Kissoon 2020 who won the election. I voted for i ncredible year. One can Lenox Shuman. What I saw in March 2020 was the e a s i l y c o m e t o t h a t attempted destruction of this conclusion based on how it country. I want to be recorded began. All kinds of people are as saying that those who m a s q u e r a d i n g a s c i v i l remained silent are not society. All kinds of people people who the young ones of see everything wrong with this world should look up to. the elected government, the If you cannot stand up for the oil contract, etc. But the most right to vote then you cannot disgraceful act in the history convince anyone that you of parliament occurred in this know the difference between country as 2021 was about to end but the voices of freedom right and wrong. are yet to speak.

I wondered what became We saw a Minister of Ms. Nageer. I never read one word from this lady speaking on a Bill and he was about the election insanity. almost physically prevented Well, Ms. Nageer is alive and from doing so.

It was a spectacle that on kicking.

She has filed a lawsuit yet another occasion since against the EPA and Exxon. I Independence in 1966, our am still to see what Ms. Janki CARICOM partners must has w ritten about the have been sickened to the election. Maybe she has but I core about what Guyana is haven't seen it. I like to and what Guyana has remind readers just in case b e c o m e . P e r s o n a l l y they don't know that Ms. speaking, I am sickened to Janki heads an organisation the core of what some people named The Justice Institute. have become in this land.

(The views expressed in Through this column, I am kindly asking Ms. Janki to this article are those of the tell me about the activities of author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this her organisation.

2022 is going to be an newspaper.)

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

Govt. banking on Local Content Act to recover losses from 'lopsided' Exxon deal

T

he Government of Guyana (GOG) is banking on the recently passed Local Content Law, to recover losses from the 'lopsided' Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), which Guyana signed onto with American oil giant, ExxonMobil.

This is according to Guyana's Vice President, Bharat Jagdeo. Jagdeo has repeatedly bashed the APNU+AFC administration regime for the poorly renegotiated Stabroek Block PSA. He has even been quoted in the media saying that the agreement which was signed with ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited, is a “contract that would harm us for decades into the future” and even accused the APNU+AFC of having “sold our patrimony” to Exxon. But Jagdeo and is government have resisted calls to renegotiate the contract. In fact, only recently he declared that his government's policy is to keep the contract the way it is.

The PSA has faced heavy criticism, from both local and regional actors. Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, is also on record calling the PSA, one of the most lopsided agreements signed in the country's history.

In a historic challenge, Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, via his lawyer, Mohamed Ali recently filed legal proceedings in the High Court, seeking to rebalance

the agreement in favour of Guyanese. He is challenging some of the most repressive tax provisions in the PSA. The court document outlines that many of the provisions listed under Article 15.1 of the Petroleum Agreement, dated June 27, 2016 between the Guyana Government and the oil companies, grants exemptions to persons other than licensees, violate the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, the Financial Administration (and Audit) Act, the Prevention of Discrimination Act, and the Constitution.

Nevertheless, during a recent interview on the National Communications Network (NCN), Jagdeo stated that with the passage of the Local Content Law, the country will now be able to recover losses from the “lopsided” Exxon deal. In fact, Jagdeo highlighted that apart from the royalty and the share of profit oil, the country will be receiving from the oil companies – locals must be given more business opportunities in order to seek rebalance in the “lopsided agreement.”

Leron Brummell, who conducted the interview, stated that despite the Local Content Policy being put into law, there are still foreigners coming into the country daily. As such, he asked the Vice President what will be done to balance and establish the country.

Jagdeo first boasted that Guyana now has a law which demands that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors only hire Guyanese or Guyanese

Vice President, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo.

companies, or at least up to a certain percentage.

While adding that Guyana has the capacity to supply the oil and gas industry in 40 areas, Jagdeo noted that he believes that locals can supply goods and services to the industry which, “could be US$400 million to US$600 million in a year in those areas that we have carved out for our people already.”

According to the Vice President, the government will be investing heavily into the training of locals to supply the sector. He noted that this will be done, “so they [Guyanese] can even go into other areas not just the 40 areas, but we can start expanding that list into more complex operations like fabrication, etc.”

While stating that Guyana is way ahead in the 'game', Jagdeo said that law will now force the companies to submit two plans, a five year local content development plan and an annual local content development plan. He explained that, “they [oil

companies] would have to have three sub-components, employment subcomponent; it shows us how they employ people.

Secondly, a training capacity building sub-component, each of these companies would have to show how they are building local capacity and thirdly procurement.”

Jagdeo further noted that with the Local Content Law, Guyanese and Guyanese companies have automatically become more attractive to foreign companies and investors who seek to be registered in the industry. “They now have to go and form joint ventureships with our people because the laws says in order for the company to be registered, you have to have 51% Guyanese ownership, 75% management and 90% of your staff must be G u y a n e s e , ” t h e Vi c e President added.

“That is what I mean by transferring some of the wealth to our people. We can't build the FPSO, so apart from the royalty and the share of profit oil; we have to get

some of the business opportunities. That is how you seek to rebalance, the lopsided agreement, by forcing some of the business opportunities to come to our people,” Jagdeo said in closing.

THE LOCAL CONTENT BILL The Local Content Bill was passed in the National Assembly on December 29, 2021. The Bill was tabled by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharat.

Kaieteur News had reported that 14 amendments were made to the Bill; 10 of which were taken from the political opposition while the government added four of its own. With respect to the government's Amendments,

the first was an expansion of the definition for a “Guyanese company.” It previously stated: any company incorporated under the Companies Act which is beneficially owned by Guyanese nationals who ultimately exercise, individually or jointly, voting rights representing at least fifty-one per cent of the total issued shares of the company; and that has Guyanese nationals holding at least seventy-five percent of executive and senior management positions and at least ninety percent of nonmanagerial and other positions.

The government has added a section to state: any (Continued on page 16)

Recaptured, Shazam 'Boi' Khalil.

Murder convict who escaped from Lusignan Prison recaptured

S

even months after escaping from the Lusignan Prison, murder convict, Shazam Khalil was on Saturday evening recaptured in Blairmont, Berbice.

According to reports, ranks acting on information received went to a house at Number 2 Blairmont Squatting Area, West Coast Berbice, around 22:30hrs, where Khalil called 'Boi' of Lot 53 Shieldstown, West Bank Berbice was recaptured.

Director of Prison, Nicklon Elliot who confirmed the man's arrest noted that Khalil will be charged with escaping from l a w f u l c u s t o d y. T h i s publication had reported that Khalil and another inmate identified as Andrew Chaung had escaped from the Lusignan Prison on June

8, last year.The two were discovered missing sometime around 07:30hrs on June 8, during the unlocking of the Prison's Quarantine Section.

The following day, Chang was turned in by his relatives and placed in custody.

At the time of his escape, Khalil was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole only after 24 years.

Khalil, who previously worked as a cane harvester, was sentenced to life imprisonment back in 2016

by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

He was found guilty of murdering 19-year-old Shazina Mohamed, his exgirlfriend.

The young woman was brutally stabbed about her body on January 17, 2015 outside of a Chinese restaurant in Rosignol.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 24, 2022

PAGE 13

Jagdeo evades questions on pay hike, wage negotiations for public servants V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo last week evaded questions on whether his government will negotiate with the trade unions before awarding pay increases.

Last year, the government was pilloried for offering public servants a meager seven percent without meeting with the workers' representatives.

With the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act already in play the People's Progressive Party (PPP) government has given itself the green-light to touch the revenues garnered from oil and gas, as was anticipated by the Political Opposition.

In fact, Jagdeo has

already signaled that the oil money will indeed be included in this year's Budget, which is to be presented in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

But even though the largest political opposition party, the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Leader, Aubrey Norton has made recommendations to government for Budget 2022, Jagdeo has labeled the party's requests as laughable when it comes to the reduction in taxes.

During his interview with NCN on Friday last, the Vice President said “I find it very funny that they would even have a single proposal to suggest now but I guess when…we could have made

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo being interviewed on Friday by a senior Journalist at the National Communications Network.

a lot of suggestions because we were opposed, you would recall we were opposed to all these taxes going on because they were not there before”.

GDF Colonel graduates from U.S. Naval Postgraduate School

Colonel Raul Jerrick

T

he U.S. Embassy h e r e h a s congratulated Colonel Raul Jerrick, of the Guyana Defence Force, who was successfully awarded a Master of Arts in Security Studies, with an emphasis on Countering Terrorism from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.

Colonel Jerrick's thesis focused on ideological radicalization, the embassy said in a press release. He also studied Defense

Capability Development and Innovation and Adaption in the Military.

He is only the second Guyanese officer to graduate from this prestigious institution.

The Naval Postgraduate School, located in Monterey, California, offers over 75 unique academic curricula to military and civilian members of the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies around the world.

Colonel Jerrick's education

was funded through the U.S. Government's International Military Education and Training (IMET) program.

IMET trains military students throughout the world and builds alliances for the future. In 2021, IMET funded education for 32 members of the Guyana Defence Force and two members of the Government of Guyana, totally $539K USD. The investment is part of the U.S. commitment to Guyana's security.

In one instance, Jagdeo cited the increase in taxes to miners, which the PPP opposed when on the opposite side of the Parliamentary benches. This position by the then O p p o s i t i o n P a r t y, h e boasted, would have allowed for the then Coalition government to reduce those taxes. According to Jagdeo, “I find it very strange that one of the big areas is taxation that a Party that just demitted office 18 months ago, that has sought to put taxes on every single area, increased taxes by about $40 billion more on basic food items, on medical supplies, on everything, would now have any proposal for a Budget that seeks to reduce taxes”.

Nevertheless, he hinted that the administration may address matters on the tax threshold, a suggestion that was made by the PNCR Leader. Two weeks ago when Norton hosted his weekly Press Conference he suggested that the income tax threshold be increased to $1.5 million or one third of gross earnings, “whichever is higher, from the present $780,000” and that changes be made in the Income Tax Law to ensure that the minimum wage is never taxed. Norton also said that the income tax rate should be restructured to “the first $3 m i l l i o n o f c h a rg e a b l e income 15 percent, the next $3 million 20 percent and the balance 25 percent”.

When it comes to a recommendation made by the Leader of the PNCR with regard to food security,

Jagdeo said his call was “hollow”.

The VP reasoned that the former government, of which Norton is tied to, had increased water charges, as well as agricultural land charges and drainage and irrigation costs. “If you put the 14 percent VAT (Value Added Tax) on the tractors and combines, you increase the price for d&I charges, you increase price for lease rentals for the agricultural sector, you put a VAT on the input like the pesticides and fertilizers, how you gonna have food security? And that is what they did. We removed all of those,” he said.

Although the VP would have responded to the suggestions made by the PNCR with regard to taxation, he did not throughout his almost one h o u r i n t e r v i e w, m a k e reference to provisions for public servants, who were forced to accept a meagre seven percent increase last N o v e m b e r, w h e n h i s administration sidelined Unions and imposed the highly criticized “increase”.

The announcement meant that a minimum wage Public Servant formerly earning $70,000 in Guyana would receive a $4,900 increase, before taxes, while a Minister of the Government earning $869,000 will receive an increase of $60,830 to their monthly salaries.

Commentators argued that the increase would not have made a difference to minimum wage workers, who are already feeling the

nasty brunt from the inflation rates. Moreover, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) as well as the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) which represents a majority of public servants said in a statement “Their (government's) actions constitute a violation of Article 147(3) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act 1997 and the International Labour Organization Convention 151 which was unanimously ratified by the Parliament of Guyana and currently in force, and is the legally binding Agreement between the GPSU and Government of Guyana for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes”.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) also registered their dismay over the government's imposition of the wages increase, without consulting with the various Unions. “ Te a c h e r s a n d p u b l i c servants are represented by unions, viz, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).

Consistent with International Labour Organisation Conventions Nos. 87, 98 and 151; Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana; and Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act, the employer, who is the Government of Guyana, is duty bound to engage in collective bargaining with the respective unions,” the GTUC had noted.

PAGE 14

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

Opposition submits no-confidence motion against House Speaker

T

he APNU+AFC Opposition said it has submitted a motion of no-confidence against the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir and also one for Government MPs to be sanctioned.

The motions were filed following news that opposition MPs, who tried to disrupt the last sitting of the House will be sanctioned. In a statement issued Sunday evening, the opposition said it has taken note of an online article published by INews on Friday, the 21st January 2022 headed - “Opposition MPs likely to be disciplined for attack on mace on Monday;

police could get involved”, according to the Hon. Gail Teixeira.

According to the opposition, the Members of the Parliamentary Opposition from the APNU+AFC determined on December 29, 2021 that they were the last line of defence against an authoritarian regime who were salivating about the idea of having complete control of the revenue from our oil resources that is the patrimony of all Guyanese. It said after witnessing the decision by the Speaker not to allow a petition by Guyanese citizens requesting that the consideration of the

Natural Resource Fund Bill be paused to allow for greater consultation and the statements made by the Article 13 group, the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) and African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) among others who agitated in various ways that, “any change to the existing Natural Resource Fund Act 2019 “must be fully ventilated in the public domain with public consultations across Guyana seeking the input of all

Guyanese” the MPs had to take a stand.

It cited too as reason for their protest in the House, the numerous letters to the editor of newspapers in Guyana requesting more consultation on the Bill and concerns about the obvious rush in passing of it and the rejection of a request made by the Chief Whip of the Opposition, Mr. Christopher Jones, to have the Bill sent to a Special Select Committee to ensure wide consultation on the repealing of the Natural Resource Fund Act, 16 of 2019. “ T h e P e o p l e s representatives in the opposition were determined to defend the patrimony of the Guyanese people.

However, anyone who was in the National Assembly on the night of December 29, 2021 or looking on via the livestream could determine

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir that the Speaker was not in control of the Assembly as most Members of Parliament both Government and Opposition were not in their seats during the debate. The APNU+AFC Coalition wishes to remind the

Speaker, the PPPC Regime and Guyanese generally that the Natural Resource Fund Bill, no. 20 of 2021 was not successfully passed. Further, we maintain that the mace, which was used in place of the original one, was a replica. We also maintain that at the time of members casting their votes, many members on the Government side were not in their seats.

They were standing! Hon. Mark Phillips, the country's Prime Minister and head of government's business was not seated when the voting took place, video evidence shows him pumping his fist way above his head at this said time.”

According to the opposition, the actions by numerous Government Members of Parliament as caught on camera on December 29, 2021 would (Continued on page 16)

The present condition of the Parika to Hubu road. (Photo: Robin Salim)

Two held as police seize guns, ammo

$350M estimated to fix Hubu deteriorating road Tw o m e n w e r e o n Sunday arrested in separate police operations in Georgetown and on the East Bank Demerara during which two guns as well as ammunition were found.

In a release, police said a party of policemen from East Ruimveldt Police Outpost went to a home at Genip Lane, East Ruimveldt where a search was conducted on the residence of a 50-year-old male.

In his presence one .38 Taurus Revolver was found in a hammock inside the house.

When examined, the said firearm contained five .38 rounds of ammunition inside the chamber.

The suspect was asked if he has a licence to carry the

firearm and he responded in the negative. As such, he was told of the offences committed, cautioned, arrested and taken to the East La Penitence Police Station where he was placed in custody.

The firearm and ammunition have been lodged and the suspect remains in custody pending further enquiries and charges.

Meanwhile, early Sunday morning also police ranks in Regional Division 4B, acting on information accosted a 24-year-old man at Craig, East Bank Demerara.

The ranks from the Golden Grove/Diamond Police Station were on patrol duties on Third Street, Craig

when the man was seen and a search was carried out on his person which unearthed one .38 special revolver with three live matching rounds and one spent shell casing in his pants pocket.

He was immediately told of the allegation, arrested and taken to the Golden Grove Police Station where the firearm, spent shell casing and the ammunition were lodged.

The suspect remains in custody pending charges.

The Hubu Main Access Road, which is located in Region Three, will soon be fixed after being in a deplorable condition for some time.

In an 'Invitation for Bids' published in Sunday's edition of this newspaper, the Ministry of Public Wo r k s i s i n v i t i n g contractors to execute rehabilitation works on the road. According to the Ministry's engineer, the rehabilitation work is expected to cost some $350 million.

The present state of the road was recently highlighted by a resident who wrote a letter in this publication earlier in the month calling for the President to intervene in

addressing the issue.

Robin Salim, the resident noted in his letter that the main road from Parika junction leading all the way to St. Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo is in a deplorable state for some time now. “Road users, especially motorists are frustrated at the present condition. In some areas, the vehicles look as if they are going down in a trench.

Many persons have complained that their vehicles have been badly damaged while navigating the huge potholes.

Pedestrians are also forced to walk in the mud and huge potholes to avoid being in the path of the oncoming traffic,” Salim described in his letter.

Kaieteur News understands that last year some sectional repairs were done on that long stretch of road but due to heavy vehicles and machinery which would traverse the roadway, it would have deteriorated.

The Hubu Main Access Road is the only road which would give residents access to and from Parika and would usually be used by logging trucks and farmers. Bidding which will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedures specified in the Procurement Act 2003 will be opened on February 22, 2022 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office located in the Ministry of Finance compound.

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Four die from COVID-19 as new cases surge

T

he Ministry of Health on Sunday reported that four more persons, who contracted COVID-19, have died. As a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,134.

Guyana's latest fatalities are that of two women, a 46year-old from Region Three and an 88-year-old from Region 10, and that of two

men, a 68-year-old and a 67year-old from Region Three.

The Ministry reported that the four persons died over a four-day period (January 20 to 23), while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 642 new infections in just 24 hours,

bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 57,227.

The dashboard also shows that 19 patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 175 persons in institutional isolation, 13,580 in home isolation and 14 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 42,319 persons have recovered from the virus.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Monday January 24, 2022

Opposition submits no-confidence...

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From page 14 require any impartial Speaker to discipline also the Members of the government whose behaviour were deemed to be unparliamentarily.

“That the Honourable Gail Teixeira would go to the media days before a sitting of the National Assembly to inform the public that it is the intention of the PPP to sanc-

tion Opposition Members of Parliament further highlight the APNU+AFC's position that the Speaker of the National Assembly is not in control of Parliament and that Gail Teixeira as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs is speaking on matters that should be in the full remit of the Speaker of the National Assembly.

We must also mention that any decision to sanction

Members of the Opposition at this time must be seen for what it truly is, a way to stifle the voices of the people debating and questioning the 2022 Budget.”

“The APNU+AFC has therefore today sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly two motions.

The first motion indicating our Loss of Confidence in Mr. Manzoor Nadir as

Speaker of the National Assembly and the second requesting that Members on the Government benches of the House of the National Assembly be sanctioned for their unparliamentary conduct in the Assembly during the debate on the Natural Resource Fund Bill on the 29th Dec 2021,” the statement concluded.

Govt. banking on Local Content Act...

From page 12 partnership between Guyanese nationals and a company constituted in accordance with the Partnership Act is also a “Guyanese company.”

With respect to the minimum level of local content

targets, the government has amended the accounting services category from 20 to 90%

by December 2022 and insurance provision by Guyanese from 90 to 100 percent.

Minister Bharrat had stated that this was done based on consultations with

the private sector.

He said too that the Bill will prevent the creation of monopolies while catering for the provision of capacity building programmes so that Guyanese would be able to provide high quality services and skills.

Further, the Minister had explained that that the Bill will also ensure Guyanese get equal payment or remuneration to that of expatriates once it is found that they both have similar qualifications and experience.

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 24, 2022

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Ngannou out-wrestles Gane to retain heavyweight crown (Reuters) - Francis Ngannou out-grappled Cyril Gane at UFC 270 in Anaheim, California on Saturday night to retain his UFC heavyweight crown before wrestling with questions about his future amid a feud with the promotion over his contract.

Famed for his frightening knockout power, the Senegalese fighter changed tack to deal with the threat of his former sparring partner Gane to win a decision victory before revealing that he had torn knee ligaments in the runup to the fight. “If you feel like there’s a chance that you can do it (fight), then you have to do it. I believe in myself, I’ve been through a lot

of stuff in my life,” Ngannou told a press conference. The 35-year-old was homeless for a period after moving to France to become a boxer before coach Fernand Lopez introduced him to the MMA Factory gym in Paris, allowing him to sleep there while moulding him into one of the sport’s most feared fighters.

Despite being the defending champion, Ngannou’s purse for the title defence was $600,000 according to the California State Athletic Commission, a fraction of what he could earn from a boxing match with the likes of Tyson Fury. That fee does not include any possible share of pay-per-view revenues that

Ngannou may have been entitled to, but the fighter feels he deserves more. “It’s not simply money. Obviously, money is a part of it but it’s also the terms of the contract, I don’t agree with it, I don’t feel like it’s fair, I don’t feel like I’m free, I don’t feel like I have been treated good,” Ngannou told reporters. UFC president Dana White did not attend the post-fight press conference.

In the co-main event, Brazil’s Deiveson Figueiredo scored a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Moreno to win back the flyweight belt that he lost to the Mexican the last time the two met in June 2021.

Francis Ngannou (top) competes against Ciryl Gane (bottom) during UFC 270 at Honda Center. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Barty powers...

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She could have some other news that could come as a shock to you.

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PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you're likely to be feeling especially passionate, sexy, and desirous of a romantic encounter, Pisces.

From page 22 champion has certainly progressed through the draw rapidly, though Anisimova extended her time on court to 74 minutes. The 20-year-old, who lost to Barty in the 2019 French Open semi-finals, produced exceptional tennis but lacked composure at key moments.

Anisimova, who upset defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round, made 34 unforced errors, double the tally of Barty. The most crucial came in the second set when she shanked a smash while holding a game point on serve for 4-3 lead.

From that moment on Barty was in complete command, reeling off 12 of the next 14 points to clinch victory.“I try to make my opponent’s life as uncomfortable as possible.

That’s my job ultimately, and do it with a smile, have some fun with it,” Barty said.Barty defeated Pegula at the French Open in 2019 in their only career meeting.“The last couple of years her progression and her confidence with the way that she plays has absolutely skyrocketed,” Barty said.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Monday January 24, 2022

England hold off stirring West Indies fightback to level T20 series West Indies needed a seemingly hopeless 30 off the final over, only for Akeal Hossain to take Saqib Mahmood for 28, including three sixes off the last three balls. England earlier bounced back from being bowled out for 103 in the first T20 to post 171-8 on a similarly challenging pitch. They were propelled by Jason Roy taking 24 off Fabian Allen’s 11th over, as 107 runs came in the second half of the innings.

Roy made 45, adding 61 with Moeen Ali, who contributed 31, while Chris Jordan once again shone on the is-

land of his birth with a cameo of 27. Left-arm seamer Reece Topley, playing his first T20 international for nearly six years, trapped Brandon King lbw and athletically ran out Shai Hope to leave West Indies reeling on 6-2.

With excessive turn on offer, spinners Moeen and Adil Rashid mesmerised the hosts in the middle overs, sharing five wickets.

But Romario Shepherd blasted five sixes in his 44 not out, while Hosein’s unbeaten 44 came from only 16 balls to make England’s margin of victory so much tighter than it should have been. The five-

match series is level at 1-1.

The third game is on Wednesday. Roy ignites England improvement Given the fright they were given at the end of the match, England were indebted to a batting display vastly improved from Saturday’s collapse.

Whereas the tourists struggled to adapt to the conditions in the series opener, on Sunday they were more willing to be patient before unleashing the batting aggression that is their trademark Roy typified this approach. He lacked fluency as opening partner Tom Banton swept and reverse-swept 25

Jason Roy and Moeen Ali built a strong stand for England © Getty Images

NBA roundup: Suns down Pacers for sixth straight win Reuters - Mikal Bridges scored 23 points and Bismack Biyombo added 21 points with 13 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to six games with a 113-103 victory Saturday over the visiting Indiana Pacers.

Chris Paul added 18 points with 16 assists as the Suns won for the ninth time in their last 10 games in their return home from a perfect five-game road trip. Phoenix won on an off-night for leading scorer Devin Booker, who finished with 11 points while shooting 5 of 23 from the field.

Chris Duarte and Lance Stephenson each scored 17 points for the Pacers and Goga Bitadze added 16 with 11 rebounds, but the Pacers were not able to match the effort they delivered Thursday in a victory at Golden State.

Indiana was without starters Caris LeVert (calf), Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles) and Domantas Sabonis (ankle) for the second consecutive game. Sabonis leads the Pacers with 19.0 points per game, while Brogdon is second (18.5) and LeVert is third (18.4).

Bucks 133, Kings 127 Khris Middleton scored 34 points and Jrue Holiday added 26 as host Milwaukee capped a flawless three-game homestand by beating Sacramento.

The All-Star duo kept the Bucks’ win streak alive with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a sore knee.

Middleton finished 12-of-20 shooting and Holiday went 10-for-20. Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 20 points off the bench. Milwaukee hit 21-of42 (50 percent) on 3-pointers.

Harrison Barnes paced

the Kings with 29 points and six rebounds on 11-of-18 shooting. Tyrese Haliburton poured in 24 points to go with six rebounds and 12 assists, and Terence Davis notched 22 points. De’Aaron Fox was a late scratch due to a left ankle injury.

Cavaliers 94, Thunder 87 Darius Garland had 23 points and 11 assists to lead host Cleveland to a win over Oklahoma City.

Garland has finished with at least 20 points and 10 assists in four straight games.

Rookie Evan Mobley added 15 points and a seasonhigh 17 rebounds as Cleveland won for the sixth time in seven games. Jarrett Allen contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds.

The Thunder lost their fifth straight game and their 12th in their last 14.

(Field Level Media)

off 18 balls before hammering a return catch to left-arm spinner Allen, who then disturbed James Vince’s off stump.

Roy had 17 from 23 balls at the halfway stage, only to explode into life and climb into Allan with three fours and two sixes in the first over of the second half. One of the maximums, a slog sweep, went out of the ground. When he fell in the next over, caught at long-on from the bowling of Shepherd, Roy had taken 28 runs off his seven previous deliveries. Moeen was missed twice - the second a bad drop

by Odean Smith - as West Indies failed to match the fielding standards of the previous evening. However, when Moeen and Sam Billings fell in consecutive overs, there was an opening for the hosts.

It was snuffed out by Jordan and captain Eoin Morgan adding 31 at 10 runs an over.

It turned out to be just enough.

Windies surge after Topley shines Topley last played the shortest format for England

during their run to the 2016 World Cup final, with a career-threatening back injury then preventing him from playing international cricket for four years.

In replacing Tymal Mills he was England’s sole change from Saturday and he took only two legal deliveries to make an impact, pinning King with a hooping inswinger.

The run-out of Hope was more spectacular. Parrying a stop in his follow-through, Topley chased the rebound, dived and flicked the ball on to the non-striker’s stumps.

He would have had another wicket had Liam Dawson held onto a skier from Nicholas Pooran at midwicket.

Still, Moeen and Rashid took control, bowling in tandem for six overs that brought five wickets for 32 runs. Masterful leg-spinner Rashid had Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo both lbw on review, while off-spinner Moeen continued his fine all-round display by having Pooran and Odean Smith hole out either

side of snaffling a sharp caught and bowled off Jason Holder - 3-24 represented his career-best figures.

From an almost hopeless position - 61 were needed from the final three overs with only two wickets in hand Shepherd chanced his arm.

He hit Jordan for three sixes in the 18th over, but after Topley was tight in the 19th, the result was barely in doubt going into Mahmood’s final set. Still, Hosein’s assault of two fours and three sixes was extraordinary and, although the one-run margin does not tell the story of England’s superiority, they were extremely ragged at the death. It might have been worse for the tourists had Mahmood not got away with a marginal wide decision from the first legal delivery of the over, much to the frustration of Hosein, who ended with the highest score by a number 10 in T20 internationals.

Scores: England 171 for 8 (Roy 45, Moeen 31, Holder 225) beat West Indies 170 for 8 (Shepherd 44*, Hosein 44*, Moeen 3-24) by 1 run.

Burkina Faso beat 10-man Gabon...

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (left) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (right) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)

From page 23 face Tunisia, who beat Nigeria 1-0 later on yesterday, in the last eight on Saturday, 29 January.

A mammoth shoot-out had seen Herve Koffi save from Gabon midfielder Guelor Kanga and Saidou Simpore immediately send his effort over the bar in the fourth round of penalties.

Abdoul Tapsoba had the chance to win it for Burkina Faso in sudden death after Yannis N'Gakoutou had

blazed over, but Jean-Noel Amonome denied him.

However, substitute Ouedraogo kept his nerve after Gabon right-back Lloyd Palun rattled the crossbar to send the Burkinabe through.

It was at times a scrappy encounter in Limbe, marked by several bookings, but also a game which provided moments of quality and drama.

Burkina Faso had spurned several chances to make it 2-0 before the 90 minutes were up in Limbe,

but Amonome saved well from Traore, Blati Toure and Guira. And the Stallions ultimately paid in the 91st minute when Ecuele Manga's header from Denis Bouanga's cross deflected in for a dramatic equaliser.

Tapsoba had an extratime goal ruled out for offside against Zakaria Sanogo, and Gabon keeper Amonome denied Tapsoba and Ouedraogo in the second added period to send the game to penalties.

Monday January 24, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

JOA investment fuels Winter Olympics momentum SportsMax - It is an open secret that the present administration of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) is creating “heat waves” in winter sports as it fulfils one of its mandates of growing and strengthening Jamaica’s representation in the Winter Olympic Games with a competitive edge.

Although without a medal for the last eight winter games, JOA President, Christopher Samuda, is still confident that “with the robust development programme on which the JOA has embarked with a view to broadening the menu of sports and deepening representation particularly among the next generation of youth, podium success is in the foreseeable future.”

The expansive initiatives of the local governing body for winter sports demonstrate a commitment that has been

ongoing.

Since 2018, guided by its mantra “Sport for All, and All for Sport” which is also its rallying cry for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, the JOA has invested significantly in the sport of bobsled in motivating the dreams and aspirations of Jamaica’s athletes in achieving a historic top of the podium finishing.

An elated JOA SecretaryGeneral and CEO, Ryan Foster, stated that “the JOA is extremely pleased with the results having invested over $12,000,000.00 since 2018 in our bobsled athletes in assisting them in their travel, training camps and accommodation and in facilitating their qualification.

Three athletes were selected by the JOA who benefited from Olympic Solidar-

ity scholarships amounting to over $10,000,000 the funds of which were used to help the athletes in their day-today preparation to include nutritional support. Without the scholarship programme, many athletes would not be able to afford the expenses of their daily preparation for the games.”

Sports require investment in human capital and JOA’s policy has been unqualified.

“Investment in winter is an investment for all seasons of sport as the JOA’s philosophy and culture in so far as the development of sport and inspiring our youth are concerned, whether in competitive and recreational endeavours, is timeless, nondiscriminatory and with the conviction that performances will become legendary,” Samuda stated.

The qualification of teams

Msakni strikes as Tunisia shock Nigeria in Africa Cup of Nations AFP - Veteran Youssef Msakni scored to give previously unimpressive Tunisia a shock 1-0 triumph over 10man Nigeria in Garoua yesterday in an Africa Cup of Nations last-16 match.

The North Africans now face Burkina Faso, who eliminated Gabon after a penalty shootout, in the quarter-finals of the flagship African tournament next Saturday.

Nigeria had a good chance to level at the start of added time when substitute Umar Sadiq got behind the defence and fired across goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said only to see his shot trickle wide of the far post.

Msakni struck on 47 minutes and Nigerian hopes of levelling were dealt a major blow midway through the second half when Alex Iwobi was red-carded.

Nigeria started as favourites to reach the quarter-finals having won all three group matches in the northwestern city, with record seven-time champions Egypt among their victims.

Tunisia, making a record 15th consecutive Cup of Nations appearance from 1994, fell to Mali and minnows Gambia in the first round and squeezed into the knockout phase among the four best third-placed teams.

While Nigeria were able to choose 12 substitutes, Tunisia could manage only eight due to a coronavirus outbreak in the camp.

Also missing due to Covid-19 was Tunisia coach Mondher Kebaier, who was isolating in coastal city Limbe at the other end of the central African country.

The Jamaica Olympic Association has invested heavily into their winter sport programme. in this year’s winter Games – the men’s four and two-way teams and in the women’s monobob - and Benjamin Alexander in alpine skiing has earned congratulations from the ruling body.

In a recognition of the accomplishments, Foster stated “the JOA pays tribute and wishes all our athletes tremendous success in the upcoming games.

Our gratitude to the management team led by

Fitzgerald Mitchell, Chef de Mission, and Dr Wayne Palmer, sports leader and wellknown and respected orthopaedic surgeon and the delegation’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Covid Liaison Officer (CLO), who no doubt will successfully navigate the landscape in China.”

Meanwhile, Samuda in endorsing those sentiments remarked: “The accomplishment of our athletes is testament to the inspiration and

commitment that has and continues to drive aspirations and dreams for themselves and their country on the ice and we are hopeful that a medal will be on the Beijing menu.”

Italy will be the next destination for the winter games and already the JOA is visioning history in the making as it embarks upon a programme it has described as “The Italian Ice-Breaker” and awaits destiny.

MVP Ackera Nugent in record-breaking form at Larry Wieczorek Invitational

Youssef Msakni (R) scored to give Tunisia a shock Africa Cup of Nations last-16 victory over Nigeria in Garoua. (AFP/Issouf SANOGO) - Tournament of surprises - Apart from being the more impressive in the group phase, the Nigerian Super Eagles also boasted an unbeaten record in five previous meetings with the Carthage Eagles, winning three and drawing two.

A lacklustre opening half produced only one shot on target, from Tunisia, as Nigeria were unable to recapture the first-round form that made them the only team among the 24 to boast a 100 percent record.

In a tournament full of surprises, another one arrived just after half-time when Qatar-based Msakni put the one-time Cup of Nations champions ahead.

Msakni, playing in his seventh Cup of Nations tournament, dribbled across the edge of the box before unleashing a curling shot that entered the net off the left arm

of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

As Nigeria battled to break down a well-organised Tunisian defence, they suffered another blow midway through the second half when Iwobi had a yellow card changed to red after a VAR check.

Iwobi, an Everton winger and one of many Premier League players in Cameroon, had just come off the bench when he stamped on the ankle of Msakni.

Another substitute, Naim Sliti, almost doubled the Tunisian lead with 15 minutes remaining when he fired a shot toward the corner of the net only to be thwarted by a superb two-hand save from Okoye.

Nigeria had a chance to level as time ticked away, but Moses Simon sent a free-kick from just outside the box over the crossbar.

Track MVP Ackera Nugent (left) stands alongside teammates Johnny Brackins and Tuesdi Tidwell, who were named Field Event MVPs at the meet on Saturday. (Baylor Track and Field) SportsMax - World U20 sprint hurdles champion, Ackera Nugent, was in record-breaking form on Saturday’s second day of the Larry Wieczorek Invitational at the Recreation Building in Iowa City, Iowa.

Nugent, 19, set a new meet record of 8.11 for the 60m hurdles in the preliminary round and smashed it in the final, running a personal best

of 7.90. The winning time was also a new track record, facility record and meet record.

The time moves Nugent to the 11th spot all-time in collegiate indoor track competition and the best-ever U20 time.

Her teammate, Kennedy Bailey finished in second place with a time of 8.3 seconds.

For her efforts, Nugent was one of four MVPs at

the meet alongside teammates Johnny Brackins who won the triple jump and Tuesdi Tidwell, who triumphed in the pole vault.Meanwhile, Nugent’s compatriot Kavia Francis and teammates Mariah Ayers, Aaliyah Miller and Gontse Morake finished with a silver medal and a time of 3:40.87 in the 4x400m relay.

PAGE 22

Monday January 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

Rafael Nadal reaches Australian Open quarters but Alexander Zverev suffers loss PA Media - Rafael Nadal survived the longest tie-break of his career to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals – and then saw Alexander Zverev taken out of his path.

Nadal would have expected to have to get past the third seed to reach the last four but Zverev’s underachievement at the grand slams went on as he was beaten in straight sets by Denis Shapovalov.

Nadal was up against veteran Frenchman Adrian

Mannarino, and the match was all-but decided in an epic first-set tie-break lasting nearly half an hour.

Mannarino had four set points before Nadal finally took it 16-14 on his seventh chance thanks to a net cord and wild volley from his opponent, and went on to claim a 7-6 (14) 6-2 6-2 victory.

The Spaniard said: “The first set has been very, very emotional, anything could happen there.

“I was a little bit lucky at

Alexander Zverev smashes his racket in frustration (Tertius Pickard/AP)

the end. Everybody knows how mental is this game. After that crazy first set was so important that break at the start of the second. I’m very happy that I survived that first set without a doubt.”

It is starting to look like Nadal could be the big beneficiary of Novak Djokovic’s removal from the tournament but he will be wary of Shapovalov, who is through to his first quarter-final in Melbourne.

They have met four times before, with Shapovalov pulling off a stunning upset on home soil in Canada to announce his talent to the world aged 18.

“After the match I said he is going to be a potential multi-grand slam winner,” said Nadal.

“And I still think that, if he’s able to keep improving, he will be a multi-grand slam winner. He has a lot of amazing things in his game, and his results say that. When he’s playing well, it’s very difficult to stop him.”

Zverev certainly could not find the answers, smashing his racket and failing to serve out the second set in a

Filipino Magsayo captures WBC featherweight title AFP - Filipino Mark Magsayo dethroned WBC featherweight champ Gary Russell on Saturday with a majority decision to end the longest championship reign in professional boxing.

The 26-year-old undefeated Magsayo won on points on two of the three judges’ scorecards as he handed Russell his first defeat since 2015.

Two judges had 115-113 for Magsayo while the other scored it even, 114-114.

“This is my dream since I was a kid,” said Magsayo. “I am so proud of my country.

Thank you for the support from Filipino fans.

Now I became a world champion.”

Magsayo, who is promoted by fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao and trained

by Freddie Roach, improved to 24-0 with 16 knockouts with his upset win.

Russell fought with an injured shoulder Saturday which reduced him to a onehanded fighter for the majority of the contest at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“I hit him with some good shots in the third round and

Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo celebrates after defeating Gary Russell to win the WBC world featherweight crown. (AFP/Mitchell Leff) that is why he got hurt,” said Magsayo. “I got him hurt a lot.”

Magsayo earned the title shot with a stunning knockout of Julio Ceja in an August title eliminator.

Russell, 33, was making just his sixth title defense.

He has a reputation of fighting sparingly which means he is forced to face mandatory challengers al-

most every time he fights. He didn’t defend last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unlike many of the mandatory challengers Russell has faced over the past few years, Magsayo proved to be a legit contender.

Some ranking agencies had already started removing Russell from their lists because he usually fights just once a year.

6-3 7-6 (5) 6-3 defeat.

The German, who finished 2021 on a high by winning the ATP Finals for the second time and had a chance to clinch the world number one spot this fortnight, offered no excuses about his performance. “There is not much I can say or take away that was positive from today,” said Zverev. “Maybe since Wimbledon, one of the worst matches I have played. It’s just tough.

“Obviously I give credit to Denis. It’s incredible he’s in the quarters. I think he deserves it. He’s done a lot of work. He’s improved his game. But I’ve got to look at myself as well. Today was just awful from my side.

“I’ve got to do better. I came here with a goal to win, and maybe to become number one and all that. But, if I play like that, I don’t deserve it. It’s as simple as that.”

Seventh seed Matteo Berrettini reached his fourth consecutive grand slam quarter-final by beating Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5 7-6 (4) 6-4 and next meets veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils, who is the only man yet to

Rafael Nadal

Denis Shapovalov celebrates his win over Alexander Zverev (Hamish Blair/AP)

drop a set and matched his best run in Melbourne with a

7-5 7-6 (4) 6-3 win over Miomir Kecmanovic.

Barty powers on at Australian Open in Laver’s house MELBOURNE, (Reuters) A day after declaring Ash Barty unbeatable at her best, Australian great Rod Laver had the best seat in the arena named after him as the world number one delivered another masterclass at the Australian Open yesterday.

The only player to complete the Grand Slam twice, Laver was among those applauding the reigning Wimbledon champion in her 6-4 6-3 triumph over Amanda Anisimova yesterday. It was the most challenging match of this Australian Open for Barty, whose streak of winning 63 straight service games was snapped by her American rival in the second set.

But an eighth straight victory to continue an unbeaten start to 2022 took the 25-yearold into the Australian Open quarter-finals for the fourth year in succession.

The top seed will play American Jessica Pegula, a quarter-finalist in Melbourne last February, tomorrow.

Barty, bidding to become the first local since Chris O’Neil in 1978 to win the Australian Open, has more in common with Laver than their brilliant backhands and status as Grand Slam champions, with

Australia’s Ashleigh Barty in action during her fourth round match against Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. (REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) both born in the state of Queensland.

In typically understated fashion, she returned serve to his complement.

“It’s so nice to have him enjoying his own house, enjoying his own court. He was unbeatable. I’m certainly not,” Barty said.

“Obviously, he’s an exceptional human being. He’s an amazing champion of our

sport. He’s iconic.

“And, in the same breath he’s also a down-to-earth Queenslander who just loves his sport.”

Laver had predicted Barty was ready to produce something special and said “this particular tournament might be the one to bring her to another level”.

The 2019 Roland Garros (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Monday January 24, 2022

PAGE 23

Butts' X1 beat Barry's in GCA U-15 Trials at DCC Joshua Charles is bowled at DCC yesterday.

(Sean Devers photo)

10-year-old Lomar Seecharran drives elegantly and was also impressive with his off-spin yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

By Sean Devers

I

n glorious sunshine yesterday at the refurbished DCC ground in Queenstown, Clyde Butts' X1 beat Neil Barry's X1 by six wickets in the first GCA's U-15 Trial match as preparations for the DCB's interassociation tournament continued.

Two more trial games are scheduled for next weekend after another week of training and

practice at the MYO ground in Woolford Avenue from today to Thursday.

Yesterday, in front a small but vocal gathering of parents, including the father on Jonathon Mentore, former Guyana Youth batsman and deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore, Barry's X1 were dismissed for 101.

Kishon Silas smashed three boundaries in his carefully constructed 16 and Narvendra

Isurdeen, who made a patient 14, gave their team a start before both openers were asked to retire to allow the other batsmen to get an opportunity to get a knock.

Te n - y e a r- o l d L o m a r Seecharran who played some elegant cover drives and played the shot of day when used his feet to Latif and stroked for a delightful straight to the boundary before he was run out for nine.

Jermaine Fyffe bowled

Nicholas Sulker smashes a boundary back past the bowler yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

Emmanuel Lewis gathers leg-side runs during his top score yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) Shemarion Gomes who attempted a pull at short ball before Mentore was bowled by Brandon Henry for ducks, while Shamar Bhola (1) was stumped off the impressive Reyaz Latif, who had two catches floored off his bowling.

Joshua Charles was bowled by Darwin LaRose before Ameer Samad skied Dhanesh Persaud to point, while Henry had his second wicket when bowled Shane Prince as extras top scored.

Burkina Faso beat 10-man Gabon on penalties to reach Afcon quarters BBC Sport - Burkina Faso beat 10-man Gabon on penalties to reach the quarterfinals at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon following a 1-1 draw.

Ismahila Ouedraogo netted to give the Stallions a 7-6 win in the shoot-out.Gabon had Sidney Obissa sent off midway

through the second half but grabbed an injury-time equaliser when Bruno Ecuele Manga's header went in off Adama Guira.Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore had missed a penalty before slotting in the opener in the 28th minute.The Stallions will (Continued on page )

When Butts' X1 began their reply, Marvin Singh was run out for a duck, while Nicholas Sulker was by bowled by Silas for 16 which included three fours.

Omariain Singh retired out on 11 before Emmanuel Lewis who reached the boundary once and cleared it once, was trapped LBW to Prince for 19, while again Extras, predominantly wides, top scored in a game where the majority of those involved were 13 year-olds.

Gabon sent the game to extra-time with a 91st-minute equaliser but were ultimately denied. (Getty Images)

rt o p S Romario Shepherd goes down the ground © Getty Images

England hold off stirring West Indies fightback to level T20 series

Shane Prince looked promising at DCC yesterday.

(Sean Devers Photo)

Butts' X1 beat Barry's in GCA U-15 Trials at DCC