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AIETEUR NEWS

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Norton, new leader of APNU

Wednesday Edition January 26, 2022 - Vol. 15 No.04 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 73,523

…as Granger, Harmon step aside

Hess to spend US$1B on Guyana projects in 2022 ...US$450M set aside to drill more wells

Govt. to borrow more to fund budget - Dr. Ashni Singh

Ann Greene, CPA sued for $25M after leaving girl, 14 in lockups p.

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Seven held for Workshop $18.5M Rose owner, alleged Hall robbery carjacker ...motorcycle with ID card recovered remanded Crackdown on carjacking gang…

Change the contracts

PPP/C tightens grip on oil fund ...passes motion for House to nominate directors Give back ExxonMobil their 2% royalty and on Kaieteur demand full coverage insurance! @11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Corruption in Guyana Construction underway for five ON THE RISE AGAIN model shadehouses as part of …AS COUNTRY SCORE DIPS IN LATEST TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL RANKING

Pres. Ali’s youth agri. initiative

A graph published by Transparency International, depicting Guyana’s performance over the years from 2012 to 2021.

Guyana, during the year 2021, dropped two points on the Transparency International Corruption Index, meaning that corruption in the country’s public sector has climbed, after a full year under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government.

When the PPP/C demitted office back in 2015, the country was scoring below 30 points. During the years of the APNU+AFC that score steadily improved reaching 41, however, in the latest ranking which was published on Tuesday by Transparency International, a global coalition against corruption, Guyana’s performance dropped from 41 in 2020 to 39 in 2021.

The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is the most widely used corruption ranking in the World, according to the organisation’s website, which also explains that the data recorded in each country measures how corrupt that country’s public sector is perceived to be.

A country’s score is measured on a scale of 0-100, where 0 means highly corrupt and 100 means very clean. When the Coalition Party assumed office in 2015, Guyana’s score stood at 29. The following year, it progressed to 34, and in 2017, it jumped to 38. In 2018,

Guyana dropped a point but in 2019, it again increased to 40 and finally, 41 in 2020.

Guyana’s score of 39 guarantees it a ranking of 87 out of 180. In the previous year, Guyana ranked 83 out of the 180 countries surveyed. The countries which performed the best during last year’s survey include Denmark, Finland and New Zealand with an equal 88 points out of 100, topping the global charts.

The United States of America (USA) scored 67 and secured a ranking of number 27 on the charts. The USA was out-performed by Canada which ranked 13 on the list with 74 points. The United Kingdom also performed well with 78 points, ranking at 11 out of the 180 other countries.

The CPI usually takes into account several manifestations of public sector corruption including bribery, diversion of public funds, officials using their public office for private gain without facing consequences, ability of government to contain corruption in the public sector, excessive red tape in the public sector which may increase opportunities for corruption, nepotistic appointments in the civil service Continued on page 21

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha gets a closer look at some vegetables currently being cultivated at NAREI’s farm at Mon Repos.

Following the launch of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme which was conceptualized by Head of S t a t e , P r e s i d e n t D r.

Mohamed Irfaan Ali on January 11, last, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday, visited the National Agriculture Research and Extension I n s t i t u t e ’s ( N A R E I ) commercial farm at Mon Repos to assess the progress made thus far with the construction of five model shadehouses. These facilities will be used to guide beneficiaries of the programme on how to properly cultivate high-value crops.

The programme, which forms part of the government’s vision for empowering youths while further developing Guyana’s agriculture sector,will see the construction of twentyfive (25) shadehouses in its first phase and targets both current and past students of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the University of Guyana (UG), and other budding agriculture entrepreneurs.

These shadehouses will be used to cultivate high-value crops such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Each model shadehouse will have six beds with the capacity to cultivate approximately 500 roots of broccoli or cauliflower.

President Ali, who is also leading the Agri-Food Systems Agenda in CARICOM, as part of the implementation and execution phases of the programme, instituted a Special Advisory Committee which comprises ministers of government as well as p r i v a t e s e c t o r representatives and other stakeholders to monitor and guide the process.

During Tuesday’s visit, Minister Mustapha, who forms part of the Special Advisory Committee, said that response to the programme thus far was astonishing.

“This project will be replicated across the country.

We are launching it to help young people get involved in agriculture and also to promote the cultivation of these high-value crops.

You’ve heard the amount of imports we have annually for these types of crops. We want to enable our youths to tap

into that market. When persons graduate from GSA and UG with diplomas and degrees in agriculture, they end up doing office jobs. We want to give them an opportunity to not only continue in the fields but also earn high incomes,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also said that once the shadehouses are complete, NAREI will work with the group to get the cultivation going.

Construction of the first model shadehouse is expected to be completed by Monday January 31, 2022, after which, NAREI will be working with the group to ensure seedlings and seeds for the three identified highvalue crops are planted.

During the launch, President Ali disclosed that the initiative, which he described as massive, will, in phase one, see the establishment of a company named “One Guyana” that will be set up by the special advisory committee and managed by the young agriculturalists.

Existing figures state that shadehouse production per cycle can yield as much as 3000 pounds, with an annual production yield of 9000 pounds.

Highlighting the fact that the initiative cannot be seen as an experiment since those crops are currently being cultivated in Guyana, President Ali said the consumption pattern of Guyanese shows that the three products are necessary and that with the tourism boost and influx of visitors, there is an economic indication that the type of foods is on demand.

Continued on page 6

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Hess to spend US$1B on Guyana projects in 2022 Hess Corporation which holds a 30 percent stake in the Stabroek Block announced on Tuesday that its 2022 Exploration and Production budget totals US$2.6 billion.

Approximately 80% will be allocated to its major projects in Guyana and the USA. Expounding further, Hess said it plans to spend US$1B on its Guyana projects with US$25 million going towards the Liza Phase 1 development on the Stabroek Block where production optimization work is planned in the first quarter of 2022. Kaieteur News understands that US$190 million will go towards the Liza Phase 2 development, which has a capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day. Production is expected in the first quarter of 2022.

Also, US$400 million has been budgeted for the Payara development with a capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day, and first production expected in 2024. It was noted that US$210 million f o r t h e Ye l l o w t a i l development with a capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

Hess said this project is scheduled to commence in 2025.

Furthermore, US$175 million has been set aside primarily for front end engineering and design work for future development phases on the Stabroek Block.

Hess was keen to note that US$450 million will be allocated to drilling approximately 12 exploration and appraisal wells on the Stabroek Block in Guyana, the Huron-1 well in the Green Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico (Hess 40%) and the Zanderij-1 well on Block 42 in Suriname (Hess 33%).

Funds are also included for seismic acquisition and processing in Guyana, Suriname and the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and for license acquisitions.

Following the announcement, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess said the majority of his company’s 2022 budget is allocated to Guyana since it is positioned to be one of the highest margins, lowest carbon intensity oil developments in the world. As for his Chief Operating Officer Greg Hill, he said the focus in Guyana for 2022 will be on

- US$450M set aside to drill more wells

Hess Corporation’s CEO, John Hess advancing high value oil developments on the Stabroek Block, which have a Brent breakeven oil price of between US$25 and US$35 per barrel, and continuing its active exploration and appraisal programme.

BILLION DOLLAR PROFITS Kaieteur News previously reported that after a mere three years of shrewd mega-investments in Guyana’s oil rich Stabroek Block, Hess Corporation is poised to join the top tier group of companies on America’s Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Index which is a stock market that monitors 500 publicly traded companies with outstanding cash flow performance.

Speaking at Goldman Sachs’ Energy Conference earlier this month, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess, said 2022 is going to mark the beginning of billion dollar profits for the Stabroek Block partner as the Liza Phase Two Project is on stream for start up in the first quarter. Once this comes into play, the revenue blowout would allow Hess to clear its debt and begin to increase profits for shareholders.

During the conference, the CEO had said, “Our strategy has been, and continues to be, to deliver high return resource growth; deliver a low cost of supply and deliver industry leading cash flow growth while keeping industry leadership in ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance). In terms of our resource growth, we do have a differentiated portfolio and we have been very disciplined in allocating capital to the best rocks for the best returns.”

Hess added, “We have been very focused on our portfolio which includes, Deep water Gulf of Mexico, the Bakken, Malaysia and Guyana and all four of those assets are free cash flow

generative in 2022.” In terms of the low cost of supply,

Hess said because of the investments that his company has been making, its cash costs are projected to decline by 25 percent to US$9 dollars per barrel of oil equivalent by 2026, while its portfolio breakeven will be one of the lowest in the business, as it will see a decreasing of US$45 per barrel Brent by 2026. “So you know, it really does position us as we go forward and ultimately focuses on

cash flow,” he noted.

In terms of delivering industry leading cash flow, the Hess Boss said there are two components to be considered, the first being rate of change and the other, durability. In terms of the former, he said Hess’ cash flow for 2024 compounds at 20 percent a year, which is three times greater in comparison to its peers. He said too that cash flow is expected to compound that

25 percent by 2026. Hess said the growth in cash flow that is poised to come will actually put Hess “in the top five percent of the S&P…and I think that is underappreciated.” Once this is known, he said it is his hope that the company will begin to generate “generous investors” not just in oil and gas but outside of that industry as Hess is about to become “a cash flow growth story to behold.”

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 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

Budget 2022 – how about a hand for the hurting Guyanese will get their first look at what Budget 2022 holds in store for them on Wednesday, January 26, meaning, today. When it is unveiled for the first time in Parliament by the Government’s Minister with Responsibility for Finance, all will get to know who and where gets what, with everything in the open. With that in mind, we do something unusual today, we present where we anticipate major pieces of the Budget 2022 to focus, while we also offer insights as to what we think should, out of sheer necessity, be important aspects of this national blueprint for the year ahead. We believe that if there are such timely provisions in Budget 2022, it could represent the difference between what is a long, gruelling year ahead for Guyanese, or one with some level of dignity, some measure of peace of mind, and some comfort that there is a government in place that has thought of their predicament, and moved to ease their plights.

We have heard that oil money will be part of the Budget 2022, since it will partially substitute for massive borrowings, long a feature of Guyana’s governments.

Regarding that disclosure from the Vice President, the most we will say is that it is a poor and lame cover for what and how that same oil money in the budget will fall in crooked hands and be put to corrupt use. Indeed, some of that oil money already determinedly targeted will fund costly infrastructure and ICT projects, and no Guyanese should need a hand from us on what happens to such taxpayers’ monies when they are doled out in rich contracts to friends, family, and cronies.

Notwithstanding that position of ours, we anticipate that there will be huge earmarks in Budget 2022 for roads and schools and healthcare clinics and the like. Those are beneficial, and we have no quarrel with such budgetary provisions, but only when the sums set aside are put to work honestly and fully in the public projects identified.

Guyanese have not received value for money on most projects.

We also anticipate that there will be continuing generous features in Budget 2022 that handsomely favours the private sector. By now, Guyanese recognise the quid pro quo at work, where government and private sector segments and beneficiaries are hand in glove, and it is part of the payback for rich and sustained Elections 2020 support. In the first instance, it is where today’s PPP/C Government was on the receiving side of loads of what is called dark money. Now, the private sector gets its rewards with budget numbers (billions for works, taxes, and so forth). We further anticipate learning that large sums will be identified for education, so that we can be equipped to manage our wealth and our future.

Now, we address what we hope for, and wish to hear and see in Budget 2022. It is for the poor and struggling and working class of Guyana. Those who must exist somehow at the minimum wage threshold, and whatever extra hours of overtime they could get, if they get such.

Prices are running away from us, and especially them. Of that there is no arguing form any source, including government ones, with even the President acknowledging that the cost of living is rising.

It is rising steeply and rapidly, and it is hurting, and of that let there be neither difference nor debate. Ordinary Guyanese need help, and thoughtful and compassionate Budget 2022 provisions with them in mind could make much difference.

We hope to see a significant increase in the untaxed income threshold (‘free pay’ or exemptions), a child tax credit, an increase in the minimum wage, a decrease in VAT to single digits, for a start. Public servants should get relief, and pensioners also. A cost-of-living adjustment helps to buffer during this time of hardship with no end in sight.

The bottom line is this: these significant segments of citizens are crying out for help. It is for them that Budget 2022 could and should make the most impact, and the PPP/ C Government proving what it is about for the small man and woman. We soon shall see and know.

National movement for renegotiation of all natural resources contracts gaining strength and momentum DEAR EDITOR, As National Hero Mr. Glenn Lall and Kaieteur News and the other independent paper, the Stabroek News, feature stories on the bad deals we have with our oil and gas contracts, more and more people are understanding that both the PNC and PPP have sold out our oil, leaving us with “larwah” compared to what Exxon and friends get from us. The National Movement for Renegotiation is gaining strength and momentum, and it’s just a matter of time that both the PPP and PNC will have no choice but to join the bandwagon of this emerging People’s Movement. This was bound to happen. As they say, “You can fool some of the people all of the time (such as those PNC and PPP diehards who think you are against their party if you criticise their sellout of oil), but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” For me the oil “contract” is more of a “Deed of Gift” of Oil and Gas. It’s not a real contract where Guyana has the bulk of the benefits. It’s an oil and gas giveaway by both major parties that have bedeviled our nation for 60 years.

The recent Glenn Lall protests for renegotiation, complete with harassment by the Police taking protest vehicles and sound system into the station, is bringing more and more people to the realisation that they will continue to be poor and destitute in a land of plenty, unless the contract is renegotiated to give Guyana more income from its resources. Our list of needs is long, but the money we get from oil is inadequate to meet the needs. This means for the rest of our lives, we would all need weekly hampers to survive. The business people and friends of the Government would be dancing all the way to the bank just as the oil companies do. It is the wage earners, the minimum wage people, small garden farmers, fishermen, security guards, and the army of self-employed who would continue to suffer until they die.

The recent environmental lawsuits filed by courageous Lawyers - Ms. Melinda Janki and Mr. Ronald Burch Smith (an emerging hero standing up for Guyana) - will help the cause of renegotiation. This lawsuit will reveal that our Government is in collusion

with the oil profiteers against the people of Guyana who want strong enforcement of environmental protections and more benefits from oil and gas production.

We salute the courage of Sherlina Nageer, Andriska Thorington (a UG student), and Sinikka Henry(a UG Lecturer) in filing the recent lawsuit against the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency to put a stop to flaring of gas offshore by ExxonMobil. These citizens are doing what the Government and Opposition should have been doing to protect our country. With the failure of both the PPP and PNC to fight for the people, Civil Society members have stepped up to save a whole nation.

Those who are making swipes at civil society members signing protest letters and speaking out about the bad oil and gas deals should hang their heads in shame.

History will remember these snipers as being on the wrong side. The real heroes are people such as Troy Thomas who is plaintiff in the environmental lawsuit filed recently, and our three Guyanese women Andriska

Thorington, Sherlina Nageer, Sinikka Henry - emerging heroes - who stand for the people, not crooked politicians. It is so refreshing to see UG people waking up and speaking out. I hope this is the beginning of a new activism at UG which has been docile for such a long time.

The UG student Ms. Thorington said, “As a young person I cannot stand by and watch my future burn up. Young people everywhere are acting to stop oil and gas from destroying the planet. I call on young people in Guyana to question this oil and gas and all the propaganda about jobs and money and benefits. The youth should be mindful of the fact that the purported money and benefits will cease to matter if our environment is destroyed.”Nation, now is the time to step up and support the National Movement for Renegotiation of all natural resource contracts. Please support upcoming activities.

I hope this movement will greet the Exxon head coming to Guyana for the Energy Conference in February.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

FREDDIE RIGHT ON COLOUR AND POWER DEAR EDITOR, Freddie is spot on in his analyses of colour, class, and race in Guyana (Jan 25 and earlier dates). Several scholars who did survey research penned that their findings showed that the mulatto or coloured class felt they were the natural inheritors of power from the British and thus resented Indians.

Fernando Enriques, David Lowenthal, and other sociologist did seminal studies decades earlier throughout the Caribbean (including Guyana) on the topic and penned same conclusions as Freddie.

The Coloureds did not feel the Africans or Indians were deserving or qualified for governance because they lacked the civilising characteristics of light colour, spoken English, and Christianity.

The mulattoes (who had their own political party led by John Carter and others) were even opposed to Burnham.

The party was eventually dissolved into Burnham’s PNC to strengthen Burnham’s hands with the sole objective of keeping Indians at political bay. Carter became Ambassador to UK and was knighted for empowering Burnham. Many Hindus and Muslims converted to Christianity with the expectation that they would be accepted by the dominant mulatto and White class. But the Coloureds and Whites (Por-

tuguese) had contempt for Indians; religion did not matter how the Coloureds viewed Indians. Burnham coopted the Coloureds and some wealthy Indians, allowing the Coloureds to enjoy the good feeling of being in power for a while. When he gained total control of the country, Burnham moved against the Coloureds and the Whites as well as rich Indians – nationalising their assets and running many of them out of the country.

The Coloureds did not forgive Burnham and recruited others to oppose him beginning with the WPA and later AFC. Of course they preferred Burnham and the au-

thoritarian PNC over Jagan and the PPP. They never embraced Jagan because they viewed Indians and the PPP as beneath them (having come from the estate fields) and because of his communism. As Freddie stated, the Coloureds feel they must be the ruling class and are determined to exercise power. Thus, they did not vehemently oppose the 2020 rigging. The mulatto class can’t exercise power through the PPP. So they tried other forces and will continue to experiment with others to do their bidding.

Freddie rightly stated that the Coloureds are not comfortable with Aubrey Norton because he is grass roots and

not from the middle class.

They would want a middle class person leading the PNC – perhaps someone like Forde and in the same mold as Granger, Corbin, and Hoyte.

But it would be difficult to keep out Aubrey Norton who won the leadership. PNC supporters historically wanted someone from the middle class to lead them. But it would be almost impossible to keep Norton out of parliament, and once there he will become Opposition Leader.

That is inevitable. Norton will have to take steps to make the Creole class comfortable with his leadership.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

All human beings deserve compassion and justice DEAR EDITOR, I note with interest letters criticizing those groups of Guyanese, who expressed alarm that the Government should welcome Bolsonaro who has, since he took office, instituted naked and wicked racism against Brazil’s indigenous people and his disrespect, disdain for Brazilians of African descent.

Kit Nascimento and Vishnu Bisram, both posed the same question, which is where were these Guyanese, who I describe as patriots, when according to them, there was an attempt to steal elections in 2020.

First, I can see no relationship between the two issues.

If as they say, an attempt to rig elections in 2020, what has that to do with the Brazil’s President mistreatment as contained in the letter written by a number of patriots?

But Editor, I hate to think it, but is it that Mr. Kit Nascimento, because he is of the same dominant group as Bolsanaro has no feeling for people of Amerindian (native Brazilian) and person of African descent, similarly is that Vishnu Bisram being a member of neither of the groups that have been slaughtered and sidelined by the Bolsonaro regime has no feeling for that group and therefore he and Nascimento believe that these people do not

deserve to be treated as human beings.

The burden of the letter written by the group including Karen De Souza, Ms. Wilkinson and Dr. David Hinds and others cannot be ignored. In this day and age, when there is a universal call to treat black people, white people, brown and yellow, as human beings who deserve compassion and justice by the likes of Bolsonaro, and I am disappointed that these two Gentlemen, Nascimento and Bisram have failed to appreciate the burden of the letter, signed by the group.

There is no other issue.

I remain yours sincerely, Eric Moseley

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Budget 2022 will be transformational DEAR EDITOR, The PPP/C is lauded as a miracle-worker of transformative growth and developmental trajectories in the nation; especially after ensuing socio-economic and infrastructural devastation by the PNC tsunami and its satellites in its coalition partners and supporting NGOs and media enclaves.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh has asserted that 2022’s national fiscal plan is “historic” and “transformational.”

PPP/C Manifestos have always outlined plans, policies and programmes that target growth and developmental paradigms projected to enhance and enrich the lives of Guyanese, individually, and the nation at large. Minister Singh, who was part of the then President Jagdeo’s visionary team that created a synergy of escalating social development and economic growth, which led to Guyana being ranked as a middle-income economy, is once again the financial whizz who has been tasked with the responsibility of charting the nation’s economic journey into upward mobility. Budget 2022 is promising to be one of superlative plans and programmes intended to catalyse – at individual, community and national levels, a paradisiacal landscape in existential dynamics.

Minister Singh iterated, in an NCN interview, that the Government intends to accelerate, with relentless dynamism, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s transformational agenda. This year’s Budget promises much, and

one can foresee that, within the five-year timespan of the Irfaan Ali-led Government, incremental ingenious and innovative projects and programmes that will eventually streamline this nation into a first-world status; despite the naysayers, gloom and doom prognosticators, hatemongers and race-baiters; not to mention the arsonists, anarchists, et al, poverty and deprivation would no longer be part of the lexicon describing Guyana.

The negative synergies, hate-fests, unpatriotic, destructive, obstructive actions and rhetoric of the current coalition cabal, in all the PNC political constructs, have caused severe hardships on Guyanese, such as their forcing economic sanctions on this country that ensued in severe hardship on ordinary Guyanese to undertake simple banking transactions because of their recalcitrant, anti-national positions on the AML/ AFT Bill, the Amaila Falls hydro-project, among a multiplicity of others.

Their negative, obstructionist actions to Guyanese enrichment/empowerment facilitators was again on full display – in the hallowed sanctorum of the National Assembly, no less, on December 29th last, as they attempted to impede the passing of the NRF Bill. In the area of health, for instance, the projections for an organ transplant initiative was highlighted in an edition of Parliamentary Agenda with Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, where she elucidated that many lives could be saved through the introduction of this ground-breaking, hopeengendering scheme. As she

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explained, this will take Guyana into an entirely new arena of medicine.

The enactment of the Organ Donor Bill will open avenues for research into tissue transplant to enable saving lives through affordable, lifesaving organ transplant operations. Currently, many lives could have been saved if Guyana had the culture of organ donation/transplant, and government plans to develop many modern hospitals throughout the country to arrest the preventable loss of lives; as well as to create an organ donor register for those willing to donate their organs to anyone whose lifespan, or reduction in the quality of their lives is threatened by the dysfunction of an organ, or organs.Modernisation of Guyana has always been a focus of successive PPP/C Budgets, as outlined in all its Manifestos. How far would we have come if not for the destructive and obstructive PNC and its various satellites? The enactment of the local content legislation was an enabler to creating opportunities for both Guyanese businesses and individuals, of creating opportunities for Guyanese businesses and citizens to be prioritised in provisioning the oil and gas companies with goods and services.

The myopic trouble-makers in the land would not prevail, and Budget 2022 will fulfill PPP/C Manifesto promises and beyond of a life free from poverty, want, and crime, unlike the PNC in all its constructs, which always promises “a good life”, but always deliver instead a life devoid of hope.

Yours Truly, Anson Paul

Who was it that said all work and no play make Jack a dull boy?

DEAR EDITOR, The writer shares the excitement of ‘Reds’ Perreira and Tony McWatt at the Georgetown Cricket Board’s proposal to induce the Ministry of Education to reintroduce cricket in our schools.

One says ‘reintroduce’, for our generation began to play the game at the Primary School Level.

For example Comenius Moravian and Queenstown Roman Catholic Primary Schools would contest in ‘friendly matches’ in the Queenstown ‘Pasture’, now the location of St. Gabriel’s.

Our teams were selected out of Inter-House competitions.

At Q.R.C they were simply A, B, C Houses. From there one outstanding graduate was Cecil ‘Bruiser’ Thomas who went on to represent British Guiana at cricket, football, hockey and table tennis. His classmate George Sohan became a prolific batsman for the East Indian Cricket Club (now Everest) in first division competition.

Next at private secondary schools like Central High, Washington High, Indian Education Institute, Progressive High and many others, we engaged in friendly competitions mostly in cricket, on selected Friday afternoons.

Then there was a higher level of competition amongst such public schools as Queen’s College, St Stanislaus College in Demerara, and as far as Berbice High School in New Amsterdam. The two just named schools were respected competitors both at first and second division cricket competitions in Georgetown.

Cricket was actually only one of the sports scheduled for what was then called the ‘Autumn Term’ – September to December, for other programme reports included football, hockey, swimming, lawn tennis, table tennis. The athletics programme at Queen’s consisted of extended ‘heats’ then a ‘finals’ day, which was a holiday, even for the Bishops’ High School girls and our parents attend at the Guyana Cricket Ground, Bourda.

The competition in every sport at Queen’s was amongst six houses at the time, each named after previous and current masters. So that the Autumn term was treated with fervent physical activity.

Not surprisingly, in cricket in particular, many emerged from Stanislaus and Queen’s to be members of the National teams, either while still at school, or shortly afterwards.

Memory recalls brothers Norman, Leslie and Peter Wight; Brian Patoir, Ossie Gibson. Charlie Stayers went on to represent the West Indies, and later played county cricket in the United Kingdom.

From Queen’s Bruce Pairaudeau made his name as one of the youngest West Indies opening batsman.

Then at the national level were Arnold Gibbons, Leroy Jackman, Aubrey Bishop, Cecil Pilgrim. Meanwhile, from amongst this same school team Mike Glasford, W.I ‘Bud’ Lee, Walter Chin represented British Guyana at hockey, while Ronald Bacchus and Frank Mongul (along with the writer) did so at international

athletic competitions. All at the Guyana Cricket Club ground, Bourda. Then there was Maurice Moore who not long after played first division football and soon ascended to being captain of the national football team.

Out of this sporting experience, one learnt about teamanship; how to lead and be led; to share and receive criticism; to accept defeat and congratulate the winner – all attributes so much needed in these times of stress of pandemic proportions. A hearty welcome is therefore extended to Guyana Cricket Board’s school cricket.

Incidentally it may be of interest to note the professional levels achieved by some members of the same Queen’s College team – not necessarily in batting order: Gibbons - English Professor, New York University; Jackman Attorneyat-Law; Glasford Director of Factories, Booker Group of Companies, United Kingdom; Lee - Medical Doctor/ Co-Founder, Woodlands Hospital; Chin (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Budget 2022 is expected to further boost the Housing Sector DEAR EDITOR, Just before taking office in August 2020, the Government promised that it was going to work to provide at

least 50,000 house lots to Guyanese, during this present term in office, and so far, it is more than on course to deliver. With Budget 2022

set to be presented, the word is that “… the Government of Guyana is aiming to accelerate an already robust housing plan that will include the

distribution of 15,000 house lots for the year.” This commitment came from Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, when he detailed that

“I’m pleased about what we’re doing so far. We’ve done a lot and if you think we’ve done a lot, wait till you see what we have planned for 2022. So last year when we started, we had to take stock of what was happening in the housing sector. And our examination showed nothing much was happening. We also had to re-examine our commitment and that is 50,000 allocations. And in addition to allocation, to construct houses.”

Collin Croal noted that work is not willy-nilly, as “Our initial budget focused on access roads and bridges to commence, even allocation exercises were done before, for which no infrastructure work was done.

Then, in 2021, we had a number of allocations. In 16 months in office, we’ve allocated 10,000 house lots. This year, you will find we will allocate at least 15,000.”

Authenticating the input into the housing sector, one can see that there are more sand trucks traversing our roadways that what used to obtain during the pre-2020 era, between 2015 and 2018 specifically, and almost in every village, housing projects are ongoing, and employment is rife for many who were put off when housing was quite dead.

Right now, there are 50 core homes being con-

structed, and a few of those are expected to be handed over in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), shortly. Also, the Minister detailed that core homes are being constructed in Sophia, ECD, as well as on the WBD. According to him, Budget 2022, which will be the third budget under the PPP Government in this current tenure, will be the largest budget of all and will outline development programmes and projects, both continuing and new, and housing the nation will be quite prominent - and to this I say why not.

The record shows that the Government of Guyana in 2021 processed close to 2000 titles and transports in its first year in office, while starting construction on 1000 houses and conducting massive infrastructural work, all part of an over $14 billion investment in the housing sector, which has paid off well for the general citizenry.

Let me add that buying or building a home is indeed a great achievement, as the many benefits that come with owning a home make it all worthwhile.

Home owners, as we know, are building equity,‘ thereby and they possess better living security, as they contribute to the overall well-being of the nation.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

Who was it that said...

From page 5 Medical Doctor/Co-Founder, Woodlands Hospital; Mongul Veterinary Surgeon; Moore Chartered Accountant; Bishop Chancellor of the Judiciary, Guyana; Pilgrim - Guyana Diplomatic Representative to the United Kingdom; John Human Resource Director, Booker Sugar Estate,

GuySuCo, (First) Chief, Personnel Section, Caricom Secretariat.

Who was it that said all work and no play make Jack a dull boy?

At least we can introduce (masked) table tennis competitions. Surely, there is need for forging once more an environment of sportsmanship, starting with our children.

E. B. John

Construction underway for five...

From page 2 “We are also going to link into the regional food security system. The regional food security system is even more important. We are the agriculture seat of the region and we have to lead by example.

Whilst we are working, on one hand, to expand local production in the local market, we are already eliminating the barriers to the regional markets so that we are going to expand this progressively until we are able to reach into the regional market,” the Head of State added.

President Ali also said that the project will be expanded to approximately 300 shadehouses across the country. Several youths from Regions Three and Four who will benefit from the project

were also present at the facility.Teesha Mangrasingh, who is one of the youths benefiting from the initiative said that she was happy to be a part of the initiative and plans to participate in every aspect of the cultivation. Crystal Charles, who is also integrally involved in the project, said that it gives youths like herself the opportunity to work practically in the fields and make a difference in the sector.“I am happy to be a part of this project so that I can make a difference in the sector. Many agriculture graduates usually prefer to have office jobs. We are now given the opportunity to work practically in the field and give back to our country and I am very happy to be a part of that,” the youth said.

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Wednesday January 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

‘Corruption in Guyana on the rise again', screams one of our headlines today.

This is not according to us at this publication but the Transparency International Corruption Index, the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which is the most widely used corruption ranking in the world.

The lower the score on the Index, the more corrupt is the country.

In 2020, Guyana's score was 41 but by 2021, it dipped by 2.

It is high time that patriotic Guyanese join hands and help to stamp out corruption in our land.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Wednesday January 26, 2022

‘Grandpa’ pleads guilty to Black Bush Polder triple murder Jairam Chaitram called “Cashew” 63, of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice on Monday pleaded guilty to three counts of murder for the slaying of three men in the community back in July 2016.

The elderly man is among five men charged for the crime. While the trial against the other co-accused is currently ongoing, Chaitram’s sentencing was deferred to February 10,

- sentencing deferred to February 10 2022. The murder allegedly took place between the 21st and 22nd of July 2016 at Cookrite Savannah Mibicuri Back Bush Polder, Corentyne Berbice. Those killed were Pawan Chandradeo, Naresh Rooplall and Jaikarran Chandradeo.

In addition to Chaitram, Karramchan, 40, of Lot 2

Sheet Anchor, New Amsterdam, Berbice; Carlton Chaitram, 38; his son Jairam 18; and Tameshwar Jagmohan, 26, all farmers of Black Bush Polder were charged with the triple-murder.

Jairam is said to be the father of Carlton Chaitram and is the grandfather of Jairam Chaitram and a

cousin of Karramchan.

According to reports, the bullet-riddled bodies of Pawan Chandradeo, 37; his son Jaikarran Chandradeo, 15, both of Mibicuri Creek North and Naresh Rooplall, 33, of Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, were found in the Cookrite Backdam at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne on

July 22, 2016.

The bodies were discovered by a rice farmer and his workmen. It was reported that the slain teen still had a bag with fish slung around his shoulder. The corpses reportedly bore gaping gunshot wounds to the head and upper bodies.

It was reported that 13year-old Alvin Chandradeo, who accompanied his father, P a w a n , a n d b r o t h e r,

Jairam Chaitram, called “Cashew” Jaikarran, was left at a pump station on a dam, as the others went further into the Savannah to fish. The lad remained at the pump station from where he reportedly heard gunshots.

Man, 50 remanded for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammo

A 50-year-old man was on Monday remanded to prison on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The suspect, Eustace Thomas appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the charge was read to him. According to reports, a party of policemen from the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost went to the home of Thomas on Genip Lane, East Ruimveldt where a search was conducted on the residence. In his presence, one .38 Taurus Revolver was found in a hammock inside the house and when further examined, the said firearm contained five .38 rounds of ammunition inside the chamber.

The suspect was asked if he has a license to carry the firearm and responded in the negative. 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 since been lodged and Thomas is expected to return to court on February 21, 2022.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

PAGE 09

EVERY PREGNANCY IS A RISK T

here is no such thing as a risk-free pregnancy. Each pregnancy carries its own risks. Among the risks are the health and well-being of both mother and child. While most pregnancies in the end turn out okay, there is no guarantee that things will always work out fine each time.

Recently, a mother lost her child during childbirth.

She was distraught, her anguish palpable. No one should ever have to go through such an experience.

Unfortunately, it happens.

And when things do go wrong, the effects are devastating. Years ago, there was a case of a mother and her unborn child dying due to complications of her pregnancy. A few months ago, a mother succumbed after delivery.

The incidence of maternal deaths is an indicator that most countries

try to reduce.

Guyana has been no different and had been making progress in the reduction of maternal deaths.

The incidence of infants under five years has been declining in Guyana. But do not tell that to a parent who has lost a child.

However, Guyana in 2014 had one of the highest maternal rates of deaths in the Caribbean.

The difficulty with the numbers is that after having improved for a period, episodes of maternal deaths can create the impression that the infant mortality rate is on the rise.

Every maternal every death should be taken seriously and should be investigated to ascertain the causes which will help in developing strategies for the reduction of maternal deaths.

In the end, maternal deaths can be reduced, but will never be totally eliminated.

Nor can there ever be complications absent. In fact, what is needed is a public sensitisation campaign to remind expectant mothers that there are always risks to every pregnancy and to drive home the importance of proper pre- and post- natal care.

Every mother knows the anxiety and trepidation associated with pregnancies.

There is the happiness in knowing that you will soon give birth to a child, but there is equally the concern about the risks of complications that may arise.

It is something that we should never lose sight of, more especially when there are maternal deaths, and all kinds of assessments are being made as to what went wrong and who is to blame.

It is important that the authorities try to establish the causes of any complications, more so when these complications lead to deaths.

Guyana records 10 more COVID-19 deaths During the last five days (January 21 to 25), a total of 10 persons who contracted the novel Coronavirus disease, have died.

This is according to the Ministry of Health, which reported that as a result of the latest fatalities, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,148.

The country's latest fatalities are that of six women, a 73-year-old from Region Two, a 62year-old from Region Seven, an 80-year-old from Region Three, a 67-year-old, a 76-yearold and a 95-year-old from Region Four and that of four men, a 62-year-old and a 64-year-

old from Region Five, and a 48-year-old and a 65-year-old from Region Six. The ministry in its latest COVID-19 dashboard recorded 372 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 57,772.

The dashboard data shows that 20 patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 163 persons in institutional isolation, 12,682 in home isolation and 11 in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 43,759 persons have recovered from the virus.

Y'all continue boys yuh merry ways seh...

Dem

Over de past two days, de number of persons testing positive for COVID went down. But what we deh seeing might not be what deh spreading because de positivity rate on Monday alone was over 30 percent which means almost 1 in every 3 persons get test fuh de virus.

We hearing how de OMICRON variant does result in a lower death rate.

Dat means less deaths per infection but not less deaths overall.

Yesterday was 10 more people die and de day before dat was about 8. For de month alone is 93 people dead and we still gat a few more days to go. By den de death toll for January 2022

gan be 100. Dat is more deaths dan wah record in November and December.

So we gat to be careful when we say dat de Omicron is less deadly dan de Delta. It might be but because it spreading so quickly it infecting so much person dat de deaths gan increase. So we gat to be careful.

And de children gat to be more careful because as we know from odder countries, de Omicron tek a liking to children.

In Guyana, it seems to also be killing off some younger folks and also some children. Dem boys notice that dem getting a lot ah breakthrough cases and de guvament nah seem worry by de fact dat fully

vaccinated persons, and some ah dem young, young, dying from de virus.

It could be dat some ah dem wah sehing dem vaccinated nah vaccinated.

But it nah look as de tho de Ministry verifying de vaccination status of dem wah die. Otherwise, dem would nat report dat de vaccination status of some ah dem is unknown.

But who cares.

Guyanese continuing dem merry ways. Dem walking down de road without mask and dem packing de bars at weekends and having a jolly time without social distancing. When dem dead, dem family blaming de guvament.

Talk half. Leff half.

There is in place an automatic system of investigating these issues, but there is also the suspicion that this system can be compromised so as to cover up any negligence.

As such, it is important that there is a credible system of evaluating maternal deaths and complications.

This system should enjoy the confidence of the public. The team undertaking the review of these cases should comprise persons who are believed to embrace the highest professional standards.

It can comprise both local and foreign professionals.

With technology today, the review process can include

persons who are resident overseas, since there are a variety of means of having the data transmitted overseas for evaluation.

Instead of us therefore quarrelling as to the work of the team that is supposed to investigate these deaths, Guyana should be moving towards establishing a mechanism that would enjoy greater public confidence.

And the best way of achieving this is to incorporate a few overseasbased professionals as part of the review process.

But let there be no illusions about the risks involved in pregnancies.

There will be risks

involved, and those who are pregnant must be prepared for these risks.

This is why it is also important that every pregnancy be registered, so as to ensure that pre-natal care is provided.

This in itself does not necessarily remove risks, but it will help in the early identification of risk factors and dictate the need to take certain actions.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Wednesday January 26, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The Walter Rodney family and Kit Nascimento: Notes on class and colour In yesterday's newspapers, Kit Nascimento wrote the following in relation to a letter championed by the usual suspects condemning the intended visit of Bolsonaro; “Where were the signatures of these good ladies and gentlemen when our country was threatened by an attempt to install a military dictatorship in place of a democratic election? Not one of them raised their voice nor penned their signature in protest.”

I have done several columns since March 2020 analysing why the Creole middle class (CMS), the few

Portuguese that are part of that stratum, and the westernised Christian Indians have not only remained silent on the March 2020 rigging but at a deep Freudian level were shattered after the election showed a PPP victory. The dream of that class was that after 2015, Indian control of government was over. Indians would concentrate on their traditional niches where they got their money from.

For me, as an academic, the events of March-July 2020 are not only about how people belonging to and associated with the CMS endorsed the rigging or remained silent, but about the role of that class in shaping Guyanese politics since the late 19 t h century. Very interesting to note among those signatures were the names of the wife and son of Walter Rodney – Patricia and Shaka.

Their presence is interesting in that since Walter was assassinated in 1980, the Rodney family has not penned or uttered one

word on anything about Guyana only the Rodney story. After 41 years, wife and son have lent their names to a campaign where the issue is race – Bolsonaro is racist against Afro-Brazilians.

Wife and son were silent on the election rigging last year and racial attacks on Indians in Region 5 in the aftermath of the election in September l a s t y e a r. T h i s s u d d e n appearance of the Rodney family may call for Freudian analysis of both Patricia and Shaka. But the appearance of their signatures also brings into focus the role of Walter in the pursuit of the CMS to undermine Forbes Burnham.

The time is long overdue for an iconoclastic review of Walter's role in the WPA and his relationship with the CMS. I think research is needed on questions like how deeply pro-working class was the politics of Walter in Guyana and how steeped in working class groundings he actually was.

The time is long overdue for an iconoclastic review of

Walter's role in the WPA and his relationship with the CMS. Did he intend to establish a socialist working class governance structure (I know about that since I was an advisor in the Maurice Bishop government in Grenada in 1983 in a very sensitive capacity)?

Is there a plausible theory that Walter was a willing agent of the CMS, and would not have birthed a socialist government, and saw himself first and foremost as African?

When you look at the racial transformation of all the major WPA players from the 1970s including the westernised Indians, and now the sudden public appearance of the Rodney family on matters in relation to Africans, then, these are valid research areas.

One fact cannot be denied about the politics of Walter Rodney. He was a deep part of an elitist political outfit owned and controlled by the CMS. Rodney was not part of an ongoing mass mobilisation of the urban and rural proletariat and the poor

rural peasantry.

That role was performed by the PPP and the PNC and at a later stage by the Democratic Labour Movement of Frederick Kissoon P a u l Te n n a s s e e .

Rodney's mobilisation was h im s e done through middle class lf to collect the item from his style activism. killer.

James wrote that Cheddi Jagan was never leaders do not do those kinds comfortable with the way the of things.

WPA behaved politically. He The answer to Kit p r e d i c t e d R o d n e y ' s Nascimento's question goes behaviour and the WPA's way back to the late 19th “wildness” in a brilliant century. What we saw in article in the PPP's journal, March 2020 was the final “ T h u n d e r, ” o f J u l y – attempt of the CMS to December, 1971 titled – compartmentalise Guyanese “Guyana: A new stage.” sociology.

Burnham was livid with the I don't think their efforts wild, middle class elitism of are over. In the coming years, the WPA. the CMS through the usual Burnham thought their suspects are going to do what politics was not serious and they have always done – seek in a private conversation with political power because they a visiting Afro-American feel they are the natural radical deemed it “bourgeois inheritors of the Angloadventurism.” phone Caribbean.

Jagan lamented Rodney's (The views expressed in lack of painful work among this article are those of the the masses. CLR James author and do not necessarily asked a legitimate question – reflect the opinions of this why would Rodney go newspaper.)

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Wednesday January 26, 2022

PPP/C tightens grip on oil fund - PASSES MOTION FOR HOUSE TO NOMINATE DIRECTORS The National Assembly on Monday evening approved a motion by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh for the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments to recommend nominees to serve on two boards governing the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).

Dr. Singh noted that a nominee from the House will sit on the Board of Directors as stipulated in Part III of the Act while another will serve on the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) in pursuant of Section VI of the new Act. Importantly, the political opposition was silent on this motion despite the fact that it had launched in-house protest characterised by a chaotic brew of

chants, whistling, horn blowing and an attempt to steal the Mace when the NRF legislation was being considered on December 29, 2021.

In moving the motion, Dr. Singh reminded the House about some of the reasons why the NRF was amended. He said these include the fact that the old 2019 NRF Act was an illegitimate Act passed by Parliament after the then APNU/AFC Government lost a No Confidence Motion; that in the old NRF Act, the Minister of Finance had exclusive and far-reaching powers; that the old Act used a complex formula to calculate how much could be withdrawn from the Fund, leaving the general public in the dark; and that the 2019 NRF Act stipulated the establishment of a

cumbersome 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) designed for deadlock.

Minister Singh also reminded the Speaker, Mr. Manzoor Nadir and the National Assembly that the People’s Progressive /Civic (PPP/C) Government had indicated once it entered office that ‘unless those fatal flaws are fixed, not a cent will be drawn from the Natural Resource Fund’. He posited that ‘where the Minister of Finance had unlimited powers, those powers have been removed by the PPP/C Government’s NRF Act. Where there was no Board of Directors in the APNU/AFC’s Act 2019, under t h e P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic, there will now be a Board of Directors.

Minister Singh emphasised further that Government was clear in its intention to ensure that there was full transparency and accountability in terms of transfer of funds from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund as this would be scrutinised fully by the National Assembly during every step of the way.

In referencing the various criticisms of the new NRF Act, Minister Singh pointed out that, “In all this hullabaloo, one feature is striking—not a single soul has proffered or ventured a number (formula) to represent what would have been transferred under the APNU/AFC’s Natural Resource Fund Act.” He said that the answer was simple as it would have been ‘one man’ (the Finance Minister)

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh who would have done so.

“We have written it in the law that…nothing can be transferred from the Fund to the Consolidated Fund unless it is scrutinised by the National Assembly,” Dr. Singh reiterated. Dr. Singh also rejected criticisms about the President giving himself the power to appoint members to the Board. He said the President has been given a mandate by the people to govern and is the best person to carry out this requirement as set out in the law.

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

COMBATING PROPERTY FRAUD…

House passes amendments to Power of Attorney, Deeds Registry Act In an effort to eliminate fraud of immovable properties by strengthening laws and systems, the amendments to the Power of Attorney and Deeds Registry Act, was on Monday passed in the National Assembly.

It is no secret that dozens of persons lost their properties by way of fraud. Fraudsters in recent years have been forging documents and selling the properties of others, unbeknownst to them. As a result, the government had announced their plan to make it harder to grant a Power of Attorney, a document that is often used in the transfer of properties.

The Power of Attorney is a written authorisation to represent or act on another’s behalf. The holder of a Power of Attorney is given the broad legal or limited authority to make decisions about the principal’s property, finances, or medical care. The amendments to the Deeds Registry Act include

instances that stand as stiffer penalties to guard evidence of the abuse. against fraud using a Power The Attorney General of Attorney. is reported in the media The Bills were passed saying that Power of in the National Assembly Attorneys is one of the with full support from the instruments that are being Government Member of used to perpetrate these Parliaments (MP), and frauds.

Even the partial support from the Caribbean Court of Opposition MPs. Justice (CCJ) had also During his presentation highlighted the high to the House on Monday, incidence of property Attorney General (AG) and fraud in Guyana and had Minister of Legal Affairs, called upon the National Anil Nandlall, SC, stated Assembly to address this that the amendments to the issue. two Bills, “constitute part Attorney General (AG) and Minister of The new law will of an array of measures in require both parties to the form of legislative Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, during his intervention, intended to presentation in the National Assembly on Monday. appear before a Notary Public either here, or address a fundamental overseas, and they will problem faced by our any society.” citizenry, more particularly, those Nandlall explained that that have to provide several types of who own immovable property. One peculiar system which Guyana has identification information. The would not dispute the fundamental in place for land ownership has amendment will require the donor c h a r a c t e r, i m p o r t a n c e a n d been abused in the country. He and the donee to each provide two premium placed upon property in further noted that they are many p h o t o g r a p h i d e n t i f i c a t i o n

documents – identification card, valid passport or driver’s licence – that establish their identity.

The law would also now require certified and sealed or stamped copies of the photograph identification documents, and a separate witness statement where the donor executed the power outside of Guyana. These must be attached to the Power of Attorney and filed with the Deeds Registry.

This would now be accepted as evidence in any suit, action or other proceeding, states the explanatory memorandum.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Ann Greene, CPA sued for $25M after leaving girl, 14 in lockups Ann Greene, in her capacity as Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) and the agency – are being sued for in excess of $25 million for neglecting a 14-year-old girl in police custody for days where she endured inhumane a n d a d u l t - l i k e accommodation.

The third name respondent in the matter is the Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC; he was listed as a respondent in the matter owing to CPA is not a statutory body corporate in the statute creating it, as a consequence, liability for it

Director of CPA, Ann Greene falls to the Attorney General as representative of the State.

According to the court

document seen by this publication, at the time of the incident, the claimant was 14years-old. The teen is being represented in the matter by her sister and a friend.

On behalf of the claimant, attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson filed the legal proceedings in the High Court. The claimant is seeking $25 million against Greene and the agency for negligence – in which they breached the duty of care owed to the claimant, imposed on them by the laws of Guyana. In addition, the claimant is also seeking the following: a declaration that

CPA and Greene breached the statutory duty of care to the claimant imposed on them by, inter alia, the Childcare and Protection Agency ACT 2009, and the Juvenile Offenders Act, Chapter 10:03; another declaration that Greene and the agency breached the duty of care to the claimant imposed on them by virtue of Guyana’s accession to and ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Resolution No. 44/25 of 20 No. 1989.)

Exemplary and punitive damages for negligence in which Greene and CPA failed

Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC to remove the teen from the custody of the Commissioner of Police during the period

December 4, to 7, 2020 after visiting her in his custody on December 3, and 4, 2020 – the claimant is also seeking cost, interest pursuant to the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and such further or orders as the court deems just.

The document states that between December 3, and 7, 2020, the minor was held against her will and under arrest at the East La Penitence Police Station in a narcotics investigation – at the time of the arrest, the claimant was 14-years-old and 11 months.

The applicant is claiming Continued on page 24

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

PAGE 15

Norton, new leader of APNU Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Aubrey Norton has taken over the reins of the APNU as David Granger and Joseph Harmon stepped down as chairman and general secretary respectively.

The coalition according to a statement on Tuesday held its first EXCO meeting of 2022. Present at the meeting were Granger, Harmon, Norton, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma of the Equal Rights and Justice Party, Mr. Vincent Henry of the Guyana Action Party, Mrs. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, MP of Guyana Nation Builders and Mr. Keith Scott of the National Front Alliance.

The substantive agenda saw the passing of the baton for the continuation and development of coalition politics as Granger and Harmon reported their decision to demit office as Chair and General Secretary of the APNU. The EXCO requested that Harmon

…as Granger, Harmon step aside

From left, Aubrey Norton, Joseph Harmon and David Granger continues as General Secretary for a period of seven days to facilitate the smooth transition to a new General Secretary.

However, Mr. Granger demitted office with immediate effect paving the way for the election of Norton as the new Chairman of the APNU. According to

the statement, members of the Executive thanked the outgoing Chair and General Secretary for their role in advancing the idea of the APNU to what it is today. “It was noted that their astute leadership saw the growth of the APNU and the acceptance of the populace to coalition politics which

Govt. to borrow more to fund budget - Dr. Ashni Singh Ahead of today’s presentation of the 2022 national budget, Government said it will be borrowing from both domestic and international sources despite giving itself free reign to withdraw funds from the oil account.

This revelation was made by the Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, while giving the nation a preview on the Budget. During the programme, aired on the National Communication Network (NCN) over the weekend, Dr. Singh explained that the GoG will be striking the right balance to ensure that it honours its arrangement with its international partners.

According to the minister, “As you know, we have been very careful and prudent in contracting debt but we will not, we have an ongoing engagement with our international partners so there will be an element of external financing, including external loans and there is going to be an element of domestic borrowing as well”.

This is so even though the PPP has given itself the green-light to access funds from the off-shore oil account. In fact, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act which government rammed through the Parliament in December last year permits the withdrawal of as much as 100 percent of the Fund, as at the time of the enactment of the law. This therefore means that since the law was assented to on December 30, 2021 and the total revenue in the account at the time was just over US$607 million, government is free to withdraw the full amount.

Even with US$607 million on hand, the GoG will be approaching its overseas and local partners for loans to fund its “transformational development agenda” according to Dr. Singh. He said, “We are going to be striking the right balance. We are

Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh going to be striking an optimal balance between alternative sources of financing and so what you will see in Budget 2022 is a combination of financing from domestic revenue sources. This is of course the domestic revenue we collect in things like tax and non-tax revenue…the Natural Resources Fund will also be a source of financing for the 2022 Budget so that’s a second major source of financing. A third major source of financing will be external borrowing”.

The minister added, “…what that allows us to do is to be able to implement this accelerated development agenda to meet these urgent development needs and to implement this accelerated development agenda while keeping borrowing at an absolute minimum”. In 2020, Guyana collected some $230.4B in current revenues but with its total public debt figure standing at some $415.2B, it would mean the country that year earned half the amount it owes.

The country’s total public debt stood at $415.153 billion or the equivalent of US$2B at the end of 2020. This compared with the sum of $388.5B or the equivalent of US$1.8B, at the end of 2019, representing an increase of $26.7B. This is according to the Continued on page 16

resulted in an increase in votes from 2011 to 2020,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the resignation of Granger and Harmon is being seen as the initial step for Norton to take control of the leadership of the opposition. The PNCR executive has already decided that Norton must be elected Leader of the Opposition and representative of the list.

Those posts are being held by Harmon and Granger respectively. It is not clear whether any concrete decision was made regarding those two posts when the APNU met on Tuesday. Both Granger and Harmon have been stubborn regarding calls for them to step aside.

Political Commentator, Dr. Henry Jeffrey in a recent online discussion called on both Granger and Harmon to resign their posts, paving the way for Norton. He said having overwhelmingly won the leadership of the PNCR,

Norton should be made the head of the list as well as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

Norton had told a news conference that “one of the arguments the PNCR Central Executive Committee made, is that it has been the convention in the Party and the second argument, is that it provides for better coordination and control of the activities of the Party and for better strategising to ensure efficacy.” In this regard, he said that a decision is likely to be made by mid next week. According to him, the Leader of the Party and the representative of the list has been one or the same person, historically, but this had changed since the PNC joined the Coalition.

He noted that some compromises were made which allowed for the modification. Nonetheless, “at the last election, it was

again placed back together and we have therefore returned to the tradition, which we believe, is in the best interest of the party and the country,” Norton pointed out.

However, since Norton made the announcement, there has been resistance from Harmon who in an official statement to the media had reminded that, “the main Parliamentary Opposition is the APNU+AFC coalition and consists of 31 Members of Parliament.”

To this end, he reminded that, “the APNU Partnership has an established structure and if the executive of a party in the partnership has a position and they wish to express that position, they should follow the established procedures.”

Harmon used the occasion to remind publicly that, “the Office of the Leader of the Opposition is a constitutional office and is consequently governed by the constitution.”

This, in addition to an unsigned statement released to the media purportedly from “Members” reminding that “in 2011 at the birth of the APNU, a collective decision was made as to who would be head of the list. In 2015, a collective decision was made as to who would be head of the list when the Alliance For Change coalesced with APNU.” In 2020, the APNU+AFC agreed that the head and the deputy head of the list would be Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan respectively.

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240 metres of mangrove to be cut down for Exxon partner to lay fibre optic cable the mangroves, cordgrass, and other s e a d e f e n c e infrastructure, along the disrupted shoreline.

In fact, a restoration plan has already been

prepared and submitted to NAREI. According to NAREI, the activity was slated to take place between January 24 and January 26, 2022. The Institute assured that it would be monitoring

the removal of the mangroves and cordgrass as well as the subsequent restoration of the area to mitigate the impact on the emerging mangrove fringe at Ogle.

Crackdown on carjacking gang…

T h e N a t i o n a l Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) on Tuesday announced that some 240 square meters or 2583 square foot of mangroves and cordgrass at Ogle, East Coast Demerara will be removed to facilitate the operations of ExxonMobil’s partner, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

According to NAREI, “EEPGL intends to implement a high-speed fibre optic/wireless transport

service for its Guyana o n s h o r e a n d o ff s h o r e facilities which requires the installation of a submarine fibre optic cable connecting the offshore EEPGL facilities to onshore network services”.

The Project will therefore require the removal of mangroves along with some of the rip-rap boulders that currently form part of the sea defence structure at Ogle. The total area that will be disturbed is approximately 240 square

meters, with 100 percent removal of both cordgrass and mangroves. “EEPGL having engaged the requisite regulatory agencies received the necessary approvals for the Fibre Optic Cable Project provided that a plan for mitigation of the impact on the mangroves at Ogle is developed and implemented under the supervision of NAREI,” a statement from the Institute outlined.

It added that once EEPGL has wrapped up its operations, it plans to restore

Workshop owner, alleged carjacker remanded

By Shervin Belgrave The owner of R. Singh Wo r k s h o p l o c a t e d a t Montrose on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and an alleged carjacker will be spending some time behind bars on remand after they were charged yesterday for their alleged involvement in the recent theft of two cars.

They were identified as Ravin Singh, the owner of the workshop and Leon Lewis also known as “Turbo”.

The defendants were first taken to Saprendaam Magistrate’s Court where they were jointly charged by Magistrate Alisha George for collecting a stolen car from Beterverwagting on November 18, 2021. The car belonged to Tyrone Pires and was stolen from in front of his house.

Singh and Lewis pleaded not guilty but were both remanded until February 21, 2022. Lewis later appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before His Worship Rondell Weaver charged with robbery under arms. That robbery, which he allegedly committed was the recent hijacking of a white Toyota Allion from a taxi driver,

Wanted Gang Leader, Andrew Archibald Steve Mootooveren, at Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt.

The taxi was reportedly led into a Lewis’ trap by a young woman who had hired him from in front of the Giftland Mall located at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. Ranks from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) had reportedly caught Lewis and Singh redhanded with Mootooveren’s stolen car in the Montrose workshop. When the ranks arrived, they were spraying over the vehicle.

After their arrests, Mootoveren positively identified Lewis as one of two gunmen that had dragged him out of his motorcar and drove it away.

SOCU continued its investigation and it led to a major breakthrough in dismantling a well organised criminal gang that specialises in carjackings. Investigators were even able to identify the alleged gang leader.

He is well known as an auto and spare parts dealer and is said to be one of the masterminds behind a series of carjacking that had taken place in recent years.

The operation for years has been undetected by police because the gang had managed to stay off the radar by figuring out a subtle way to leave a legal paper trail when selling their stolen vehicles. They would legally buy crashed cars and then steal others similar to the crashed ones purchased.

Mechanics would then be tasked with making the stolen ones appear like the legally obtained ones and this include welding on engine numbers from the crashed cars onto the stolen vehicles. They would then resell them with legal documentation to unsuspecting buyers and the leftover stolen parts would be sold as spares on the local market.

Govt. to borrow more to...

From page 15 Auditor General, Deodat Sharma’s 2020 Report. Nevertheless, the Minister of Finance has said that the focus will be on addressing the most pressing developmental needs. In this regard, Dr. Singh hinted that emphasis will be made on investments into climate resilience.

He pointed out that Guyana is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also impacted the global economy and disrupted the supply chains.

“We have seen the consequences on things like the supply chain, disruptions to the supply chain, global inflationary pressure you have seen those realities arising out of COVID-19 and Guyana has not been immune or insulated from those pressures and then of course, domestically we still have other vulnerabilities that we have to be mindful of,” he explained.

In listing one of those factors, Dr. Singh referenced climate change which has resulted in extreme weather events, high tides and even occasional floods.

As a consequence, he noted that investments will be made into building the

country’s resilience. This will see government undertaking three projects resembling that of the Hope Canal. The three outfall channels will seek to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding in Regions Three, Five and Six. Another area that will see investments is the public health sector, which according to the Finance Minister requires a lot of effort and emphasis. When it comes to the infrastructure of the country, Budget 2022 according to Dr. Singh will help to modernize the face of Guyana. While he did not elaborate much on this aspect, the Minister added that this year’s Budget also aims to create opportunities for Guyanese businesses and Guyanese nationals.

“As you know, we recently enacted the Local Content Legislation (and) that Legislation sets the framework for heightened participation by Guyanese nationals and Guyanese companies in the oil and gas sector,” he said, while explaining that Budget 2022 sets out to ensure “every person of working age has the opportunity to acquire the skills to participate in the modern Guyana”.

Wednesday January 26, 2022

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Wednesday January 26, 2022

Seven held for $18.5M Rose Hall robbery

By Malisa Playter-Harry A teenager is among seven persons arrested for the robbery of a businesswoman of some $18.5M at Rose Hall, Berbice on Monday. And police have also recovered the get-away motorcycle and the ID card of one of the suspects in the crime.

T h e A l b i o n businesswoman, Nalini Mangali was attacked and robbed at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne on Monday morning when she and one of her staff were about to make a deposit of cash and cheques at the Republic Bank, Rose Hall Branch.

Regional Commander, Boodnarine Persaud during a press briefing on Tuesday at his office in New Amsterdam disclosed that a motorcycle suspected to be the getaway

- motorcycle with ID card recovered mode of transportation for the suspect and another was found abandoned in a trench in Topoo, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice, on Monday night.

He also revealed that an identification card was found in the seat of the motorcycle.

That ID was checked out and it led police to an address on the lower Corentyne. At the said address, a 17-year-old was found and the teen told police that the ID card belonged to his brother who has not been located as yet.

The teen was taken into custody subsequently.

Meanwhile, the six other suspects in custody were arrested on Monday following the robbery and all are said to be “known

Regional Commander, Boodnarine Persaud characters” from Nigg, New Amsterdam and other parts of the Corentyne in Region Six. They have all denied that they played any role in the robbery

during interrogation by investigators.

Additionally, Commander Persaud divulged that ranks are reviewing CCTV footage provided by business places, thus far, the footage revealed that one suspect grabbed the bag of cash from the victim and joined an unidentifiable male waiting on a motorcycle a few metres away. It was based on the image of the motorcycle in the footage that gathered further information that led to the discovery of the motorcycle.

Mangali and a clerk attached to the family business at Albion, East Berbice Corentyne left the

home (also situated at the same location) for the bank on Monday morning in a car.

They were in possession of $18,577,500 along with cheques amounting to millions in a black bag. The monies and cheques were to be deposited at Republic Bank, Rose Hall Branch.

However, when the businesswoman and her clerk arrived in the vicinity of the bank, they were approached by a lone gunman who demanded that the clerk lie on the floor of the vehicle. Upon doing so, the gunman grabbed the bag from the back seat of the car, ran away on foot and subsequently joined another waiting for him on a motorcycle bearing no licence plate.

In 2014, the Mangali’s husband was also robbed of a large sum of cash as he was about to make a deposit at the

said bank. He was robbed a sum of $10M. Several persons were arrested and charged for that robbery. In addition, the Commander has indicated that in light of the robbery that he will be strategising with ranks to possibly have more police presence in the area.

He is also urging businesses to seek the assistance of the police when transporting large sums of cash to the banking institutions, which he said will be free of cost to the business owners. He is also urging businesses to invest in high-definition CCTV cameras, which he said will deter criminals from wanting to commit brazen attacks and robberies. He said it will also assist the police tremendously if there is an incident and the police have to review CCTV footage.

Wastewater testing can improve response to COVID-19 in Caribbean WASHINGTON, 25 January 2022 – Wastewater testing provides a relatively economic method whereby countries in Latin America and the Caribbean can improve their detection, diagnosis, control, and monitoring systems for viruses that cause diseases like COVID-19 and its variants.

This tool, which complements clinical studies, allows public policy makers to have a comprehensive, sustainable, early warning, and equitable tool to improve public health responses, according to a new World Bank report.

Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the epicenters of the pandemic, with some of the highest mortality rates in the world and more than 1.56 million deaths. With its unrelenting social and economic consequences, COVID-19 threatens to undo recent gains in human capital outcomes in the region. In this context, wastewater testing can, at a relatively low cost, provide information on the circulation of the virus and identify clusters of cases before the situation reaches the level of sustained transmission. This early warning allows public health professionals to detect potential outbreaks and quickly implement targeted control measures.

The new report highlights that wastewater testing can facilitate the collection of useful information about vulnerable populations or groups in remote locations, especially those that do not have access to clinical tests for COVID-19. The collection and testing of samples in certain at-risk settings provides reliable information and can therefore prevent outbreaks that could overwhelm the local health care system, especially with the emergence of new worrying variants, such as Omicron.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has meant the loss of years of development gains for many countries in the region and has highlighted the need to develop new tools to better prepare for and respond to future crises,” said Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank vice president for the Latin America and Caribbean region. “The region can benefit from using its water and sanitation infrastructure for public health risk surveillance, such as COVID-19. The World Bank will help countries finance and implement this type of smart investments to help solve their Continued on page 21

Wednesday January 26, 2022

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Wednesday January 26, 2022

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

Wastewater testing can improve response to COVID-19...

From page 18 complex problems,” highlighted Jaramillo.

Leaders around the world, including those in Latin America and the Caribbean, still have many opportunities to implement wastewater surveillance to help combat COVID-19. Most low-income countries have not yet begun to conduct tests, despite the general agreement that these countries are the ones that will benefit most from these types of tests, given their low-resource requirements in comparison to other surveillance approaches.

Beyond the current crisis created by the pandemic, wastewater testing can give a snapshot of the health of communities upon analysis of a variety of pathogens present in wastewater. Its use facilitates timely and more comprehensive public health responses to diseases like hepatitis A, influenza, and other

community health risks such as antimicrobial resistance, chemical drug abuse, or overuse of pesticides. The report ‘’Strengthening public health surveillance through wastewater testing: an essential investment for the COVID-19 pandemic and future health threats’’ indicates that investments in wastewater monitoring systems can yield long-term benefits to strengthen countries’ capacity to provide timely and well-informed public health responses.

Best practices therefore need to be developed for measurement and the generation of reports, as well as to enable collaboration and coordination between health entities, laboratories, and services that are involved in wastewater collection. This will require an infrastructure that allows for a broader, well-organized, and sustainable surveillance system.

Corruption in Guyana on the rise again

From page 2 and access to information on public affairs/ government activities, among other factors.

On the occasion of International Day Against Corruption on December 9, 2021 Trans-

lant. “It is for that reason that we encourage our fellow Guyanese to be on guard and to examine new laws being drafted for weaknesses and loopholes that have the potential for misinterpretation and to demand that the

parency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), along with other Civil Society members had said that the history of petroleum licensing and contracting transactions in Guyana presents extraordinary exposure to corruption. It explained that the theft of resources of astronomical value, can occur in as simple a way as the deliberate failure to enforce a law where such a law exists, or where it is delib-

laws, as passed, be followed to the letter,” the body related.But in addition to ensuring there are no loopholes in the proposed laws and ensuring that those constituted are enforced, it was noted that another measure to curb corruption is to ensure public servants are paid a “livable” wage to reduce the temptation of accepting bribes.

erately misinterpreted in favour of private financial interests.In this regard, the body warned that the only protection against such corruption is for the society to remain vigi-

Further, it was suggested that stricter punishments be enforced on corrupt officials and an awareness campaign be launched on the effects of corruption, and how it negatively impacts society and economic growth.

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Kaieteur News VACANCY One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

WANTED

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Nissan pathfinder in good condition, CAT 215 used parts.Tel:683-7225/275-0367.

SERVICES

1 live in babysitter to care for 2yr old.Must be vaccinated & good with kids age 3848,$20,000 wkly.Tel:626-6450/ 646-7142.

KitchenAssistant, Babysitter, Housekeeper & Sales person , must have secondary education.Call:6595559.

Professional Soup cooks and kitchen assistance and professional kichen manager, good pay.Shot hrs.Call:6751509.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs at affordable prices: Fridge,Air conditioner, Washing machines, Dryers, TV, Microwaves & Freezer. Call: 6105846 or 661-8158.

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

Household items.Call:6913467,whatsapp 661-1417.

Transported corner Lot 90 Garnett & Republic St. Tel:622-6000.

VACANCY One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132.

Kitchen assistant & counter attendants,salary $15,000 wkly.Drop application to German's Restaurant lot 8 New Market St North Cummingsburg G/Town.

Maintenance guy,Laundry Attendant & Receptionist,30-45 yrs old.233 South Road Lacytown.Tel:2250198.

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

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

WANTED Porters & Salesgirls.Apply at Best Buy Food Supplies with written application at 1E Dennis C Middleton St Camp bellville Georgetown.

Wanted experience taxi driver at Princess Hotel. Contact:616-5419,265-7075,2657076.

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

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

Tel:610-3974.

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

Vacancy for qualified & experienced Grade 2 Teacher.

Contact:623-1615.

Vacancy for experienced Canter & Hauler driver. Apply in person at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda.

Porters,Cleaners and experienced sales girl.Apply in person at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda.

Vacancy at People's Choice Kitchen for 2 kitchen assistant,night shift strictly.

Tel:679-9449.

Teachers for Grade 4 & 5.Submit email educationgy 3@gmail.com.

LAND FOR SALE

Fitter Machinist,Welder fabricator,Mechanic,Apprentice & Male cleaner.Three year’s experience.Call:642-9823 or email: techserigy @yahoo .com.

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

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

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

Male & Female,age 25-45 yrs.Apply at WB Cleaning & Janitorial Services & washbay,D2 Louisa Row. Tel:503-2502.

PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT INC. One Accounts Clerk.

Must have working knowledge of Quickbooks. Tel:6736210 email:pacific. development @yahoo.com.

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Wednesday January 26, 2022

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Canadian company bid $85M to upgrade software for GWI During the openings of tenders on Tuesday at the Na- Guyana Water Inc. The company placed a bid of $85,501,845 Factory for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO). The tional Procurement and Tender Administration Board for the project which is being undertaken by the Guyana Wa- company, Yunas Civil & Building Construction Services tendered an amount of $26,753,000 million which is $9,083,961 (NPTAB), a Canadian company, One World Industry Special- ter Incorporation (GWI).

There was also a bid placed by a lone company for the million more than the engineer’s estimate which was $17,669,039 ist Inc. (Canada), was among two other companies which applied for the contract to Upgrade Oracle Software for the rehabilitation of #1 and #2 Boilers Chimney at Uitvlugt Sugar million.

Rehabilitation of #1 and #2 Boilers Chimney Upgrading of Oracle Software for the Guyana Water Incorporation at Uitvlugt Sugar Factory for GUYSUCO

Procurement of Security Services for the Local Government Commission

The Supply and Delivery of Media Equipment for the Public Relations Department of the Ministry

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Ann Greene, CPA sued for $25M after...

From page 14 that she spent five days in the prisoners’ cell at the police station with adult female prisoners. During that time, the document states that the teen was subjected to sleeping in an upright position on a wooden chair, sleeping on a mattress and cardboard on the cold concrete, sexual predatory advances by other prisoners, being foot cuffed to a wooden chair by her ankles for hours and infinite pain and trauma.

It was further stated that Greene and CPA were aware of the aforementioned transgressions except the sexual advances.

On December 7, 2020, a bail application and habeas

corpus proceedings in favour of the claimant were filed and heard by the acting Chief Justice, Roxane GeorgeWiltshire.

The Judge had ordered that the minor be released into the custody of Greene and CPA on December 7, 2020. It was further mentioned that the Greene and the agency had indicated to the Judge that they were aware of the teen’s detention and had even noted that officers from CPA had visited the teen while she was being kept at the station.

During the hearing, Greene had informed the court that efforts were being made to persuade the Commissioner of Police for the re-

lease of the teen into their custody since December 3, 2020.

“The first and second name defendants [Greene and CPA] had a primary duty; and the third named defendant [Attorney General], a secondary duty, to ensure that the statutory duty of care imposed by the Juvenile Offenders Act, the Rights of the Child Convention and the Child Care and Protection Agency Act 2009 on them, to the claimant, was discharged,” the document stated. To this end, without limitations, the statutory duties owed by the respondents to the claimants were highlighted to further support the claims that were made.

CG Insurance Super 50 Cup features exciting names From page 2 7 West Indies players Corey Collymore and Robert Samuels.

ICC Women’s Players of the Decade The West Indies Women continue to fly the flag proudly for the

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

PAGE 25

Man found not guilty of raping girl, 11 Twenty-two-year old Reon Joseph, a security guard of Wren Av e n u e , S o u t h R u i m v e l d t , Georgetown, was on Monday freed of two counts of rape allegedly committed on an 11-year-old girl.

Joseph walked out of the Demerara High Court a free man after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the two charges. Joseph was on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

He had denied the two charges, which alleged that during the month

of December 2017, he raped the 11year-old girl twice. Joseph was represented by attorney-at-law Teriq Mohammed, while the State was represented by prosecutors State Counsel Muntaz Ali in association with State Counsel Nafeeza Baig and Latifah Elliot.

On Monday, the 12-member jury retired to deliberate and returned some hours later with the verdict, finding Joseph 11:1 not guilty on the first count of rape and unanimous on the second count.

According to reports, in December 2017, the day after school had closed for the Christmas holidays, Joseph had invited the girl to his home.

It was alleged that when he invited her over, no one was at his home and as such he began to kiss her on her lips and took off her clothes, and subsequently raping her. Joseph had reportedly sent the child home after allegedly committing the act with instructions not to tell anyone.

On another day in December 2017, Joseph reportedly went over by the child’s home and allegedly raped her for the second time.

In the following year, April 2018, the child told her mother what happened to her and her mother immediately caused the matter to be reported to the police which ultimately led to this accused being charged with the statutory offence of rape of a child after investigations were conducted. However, Joseph has since been freed of both charges.

Freed, Reon Joseph [Photo credit, Stabroek News]

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Wednesday January 26, 2022

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Holder preaches consistency ahead of third...

From page 30 games of the series, also said that with a relatively young squad, he has to take on a leadership role even without the captaincy.

“I just try to give anything to the team that I think will benefit us. We have a relatively inexperienced group so I just try to help out as much as I can and give what advice I can give. I don't think it's a

situation where I have to give too much information because that becomes clouded for individuals, so I keep it as simple as possible. Anything I pick up I pass it on to the captain and then obviously to individual players but I think my role is just to help guide and nurture the young talent that we have,” Holder added.

There are three games remaining in the series, but

Fraser and Connell star with the...

From page 31 day/night fixture with first ball at 2pm (8am Eastern Caribbean/7am Jamaica).

Match Summary: West Indies Women 202 all out (46.5 overs) Shemaine Campbelle 42 Nadine de Klerk 7-0-27-3 Rashada Williams 30 Tumi Sekhukhune 5-1-20-2 South Africa Women XI 149 all out (37 overs) Tazmin Brits 32 Cherry Ann Fraser 4-0-11-3 Delmari Tucker 24 Shamilia Connell 2-0-13-2

Holder wants the team to take a game-by-game approach rather than looking to the future too soon.

“I'm just focused on what's ahead tomorrow. Tomorrow is our next encounter so there's no point in looking at the last three matches before we get to the one tomorrow,” he said.

In the second T20I the regional team's fielding left a lot to be desired and Holder echoed the same sentiments.

“I don't think we were good enough in the field in the last encounter and that probably hurt us in the end,” Holder added.

The West Indies can, hopefully, have a better day in the field today when they take on England in the third T20I at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Wednesday January 26, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Let the genius within you come out and play, Aries. You may feel like some sort of inventor who has wild ideas that could help to revolutionize the future.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may get frustrated when your list of tasks for the day just does not seem to get any shorter, Taurus. More than likely, this is due to unforeseen circumstances and unexpected interruptions that you basically have no control over.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Remember that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent, Scorpio.

It might seem as if others are trying to show you up today with their knowledge about the world and how it should be run.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Remember that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent, Scorpio. It might seem as if others are trying to show you up today with their knowledge about the world and how it should be run.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Because of your well-mannered attitude and socially minded outlook, Gemini, you may normally be reluctant to make a stand with an outlandish idea or draw attention with an unusual outfit or hairstyle.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you're still using the old shovel and rake out in the fields, now is the time to upgrade, Sagittarius. Get that big piece of machinery that will plow all the acres in no time.

CANCER(June21–July22) Don't be surprised if you're scolded by people who are upset about the way you're handling certain things in your life, Cancer. Most likely, the people who criticize you the most are the ones who understand you the least.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Drink plenty of water in order to keep your system properly hydrated, Capricorn. Water is the most important part of your diet, and it's likely that you aren't drinking nearly enough.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may find yourself flying high for no particular reason, Leo. If you aren't, stop and examine the situation. \

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You're likely to hit that magic spot with someone today in which you can almost read each other's thoughts, Aquarius.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is a good time for you to subscribe to some sort of magazine or newsletter that will keep you abreast of current events and developments in a field or hobby that interests you, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It's time to put away the sentimental feelings for the day and move to something new, Pisces. Stop pulling out old photo albums and crying about past experiences.

BCB Presidents can now serve five consecutive...

From page 33 of twenty six votes to pass the two thirds majority, it was successful with all thirty two votes present.

Members also approved the audited financial report from the BCB. The report covered the period November 2019 to the 31st of October 2020.

The statement was adapted 32-0 with members hailing the board for its track record of providing audited report with a clean bill of health since it took office in 2018. The financial report for the period up to October 2021 would be submitted for approval shortly by members.

The BCB also took the opportunity to hand over a three hundred and forty thousand dollars pitch covers to the

Upper Corentyne Cricket Association for the clubs in the area. Foster in handing over the covers to representatives of the UCCA made it quite clear that the covers was to be used for BCB and UCCA tournaments, especially semifinals and finals. He urged the association to take proper care of the covers.

He noted that the covers were the third of its kind to be obtained by the pro active board with the other two been kept at the Albion Ground and the Cotton Tree Ground in West Berbice.

The board has also paid for another two covers which would be collected shortly, bringing the total to five covers across the county- an investment of close to $1.7 M. Foster expressed thanks to

Minister Susan Rodrigues and the management of Vitality Inc for their investment into Berbice cricket.

Meanwhile, the BCB also handed over funds to the Chesney CC after the club had sought sponsorship to purchase two 30 feet by 40 feet tarpaulins that would be used to cover their pitch in the event of rain. Funds were also approved to assist the Whim, Kildonan and Port Mourant Cricket Clubs along with the Berbice Cricket Association with tarpaulins as great effort is made to stop matches been affected by the weather.

Delegates also authorised the executives of the BCB to consider an application from the Tucber Park Cricket Club for full membership of the BCB. The executives would set up a five man committee to look into the request before taking it back to the full membership for final approval. The BCB also updated its membership on a wide range of developments including the upcoming visit of Sir Curtly Ambrose, the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Countywide coaching programme, gears for youths, 2022 Award Ceremony and preparation of inter county teams.

Guyana out of IMMAF...

From page 30 undergo medical examination.

Dr Sarwan Jagnarain, head of the Guyanese delegation, accompanied the fighter to the hospital and reported that he's kept for observation under the tournament's concussion protocols.

With the win, the Swedish fighter picked up his second victory in the Octagon in eight outings. He was coming off a four-fight consecutive defeat.

The Guyana Police Force Lance Corporal, along with fellow fighter Corwin D'Anjou became the first Guyanese to participate at an International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championships.

This edition of the IMMAF World Championships, is touted as the largest in the tournament's 10-year history, with over 450 athletes from 57 countries participating. (Story Credits - Rawle Toney in Dubai)

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Ruimveldt overcome Demolition by eight runs

Martin Pestano-Belle Ruimveldt defeated Demolition by eight runs when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association 40-over tournament continued recently at LBI. Batting first, Ruimveldt were bowled out for 104 in 24.3 overs. Deonarine Seegobin top scored with 36

which included three fours, while Martin Pestano-Belle made 17. A. Khan claimed 421, while K. Singh had 3-18.

Demolition were bowled out for 97 in 29 overs in reply.

C. Austin made 24 with one six, Bernard Bailey scored 22 and D. Vantull 15.

Pestano-Belle captured 3-16 and R. Austin took 2-30.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Ashleigh Barty to face Madison Keys in Australian Open semi-final

Ashleigh Barty previously reached the Australian Open semi-finals in 2020, where she lost to eventual champion Sofia Kenin. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Ashleigh Barty underlined why she is the Australian Open favourite as she thrashed Jessica Pegula to set up a semi-final against Madison Keys.

World number one and home favourite Barty won the final nine games to beat American Pegula 6-2 6-0.

Barty, bidding to become the first Australian singles champion in the tournament since 1978, has yet to drop a set at Melbourne Park.

Keys earlier swept past French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 6-2.

Krejcikova's defeat also means that Barty will retain the world number one ranking after the Australian Open.

Wimbledon champion

Barty has looked composed throughout the tournament and has dropped just 17 games on her way to the semi-finals.

"I have grown as a person, as a player and I am more complete tennis player," Barty said.

"It is a credit to my team.

They have done so much work behind the scenes to make me the best version of myself.

"I'm absolutely loving playing out here. It's been a lot of fun so far and hopefully there's a little bit more left."

Barty set the tone in the first game of the match, clawing her way from 40-0 down on Pegula's serve to break the American.

The Australian had the

odd dip, making 12 unforced errors in the first four games, but Pegula was unable to make the most of her chances.

Barty staved off the sole break point she faced in the first set and went a double break up as Pegula sliced a backhand into the net tape.

From 3-2, Barty reeled off nine games in a row to close out the match in just 64 minutes. She had warm words for Pegula, who was close to tears as she left court.

"Jess is an incredible person, she is a brilliant girl and I love to test myself against her," Barty added.

“She deserves to be in these later end of Slams and she has a few more to come, for sure."

PAGE 29

Final Match in the GCB's Best of Best Redball 4-Day Tourney starts today at GNS The third and final match in the in the GCB's Best of Best Redball Four-Day Tournament begins on Wednesday January 26, 2022 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The scheduled timefor the match is from 0930-16:30 hours each day.

The two teams for the match are: Leon Johnson's Team: Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Leon Johnson, Vishaul Singh,

Anthony Bramble, Sachin Singh, Clinton Pestano, Junior Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Antony Adams, Ronaldo Ali Mohamed, Joshua Jones, Demetri Cameron, Qumar Torrington Keemo Paul's Team: Trevon Griffith, Raymond Perez, Marvin Dindyal, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Askhaya Persaud, Joshua Persaud, Kemo Paul, Nial Smith, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Kevin Sinclair, Veerasammy Permaul, Steven Sankar, Ashmead Nedd.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Guyana out of IMMAF World Holder preaches Championships in Dubai consistency Cave been inspected by health professional.

Ijaz Cave's first round Knock-out defeat yesterday ended Guyana's participation at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

Cave, making his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut, faced off against Sweden's Robin Enontekio in quarterfinals of Men's Light Heavyweight division at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Jiu-Jitsu Arena.

Both fighters received a

first-round 'bye' and were just one win away from earning a medal.

Just like boxing, fighters are guarantee a bronze medal if they reach the semi-finals.

Following a scouting report, Coach Bruce Fraser told Cave to keep his guards up, since the Swedish fighter's style is similar to that of the Guyanese and at any time, it can be 'lights out'. Before being the recipient of a timely and 'on the money' left hook, Cave was the aggressor and was winning

the round.

With a solid foundation in boxing, Cave connected to Enontekio at the start of the fight. Unfortunately, he dropped his guards, just like Coach Fraser had warned and Enontekio 'checked him'. Doctors rushed into the cage after Cave was unresponsive for a few seconds. He returned to normal after being helped to his feet. As per tournament protocols, Cave was escorted to the near-by hospital to (Continued on page 27)

ahead of third T20 against England SportsMax - One of the key things that fans of West Indies cricket over the last few years have wanted from the regional team is consistency.

There are periods where the team is clicking at all levels, as evidenced by a dominant 4-1 T20I series win over Australia in July 2021 but there are also periods where the team just can't seem to buy a win.

The Caribbean side are currently locked 1-1 in a five-match T20I series with England and Jason Holder, in a press conference today, pleaded for the team to strive for consistency.

“We've just got to keep challenging ourselves to play a complete game. If we can be a lot more clinical and consistent, we can make our lives a whole lot easier. The challenge for

Jason Holder

each and every individual is to seek consistency. I think consistency is something that we've been talking about for years and it's just time we start heading in the right direction and progressing. I just want to

see progression and development, consistently,” he said.

The former West Indies Test and ODI skipper, who has so far taken figures of 47 and 2-25, in the first two (Continued on page 27)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

PAGE 31

Fraser and Connell star with the ball as West Indies Women start South Africa tour with win JOHANNESBURG, South Africa- West Indies Women opened their tour to South Africa on winning note when they defeated a South Africa Women's XI by 53 runs in a warm-up match at the Imperial Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Batting first West Indies Women posted 202 all out from 46.5 overs. Shemaine Campbelle

top-scored with 42 off 48 deliveries, which included 5-fours, followed by Rashada Williams with 30 off 73, inclusive of 3-fours.

Nadine de Klerk returned the best bowling figures for the South Africa Women's XI with 7-0-27-3, followed by Tumi Sekhukhune with 5-1-20-2.

Tazmin Brits and Delmari Tucker top-scored for the South

Africa Women's XI, with 32 and 24 respectively. Bowling for West Indies Women, Cherry Ann Fraser caused a middle order collapse in her spell, finishing with 4-0-11-3.

While Shamilia Connell wrapped up the innings with 2-0-13-2 and a direct-hit run out.

West Indies Women's Head Coach Courtney Walsh was pleased with the performance but says the

preparations are not completed with a win. Walsh said, "I thought the girls did well, it was good to get out in the middle and play today.

We haven't played a lot of cricket of late so even though it was a practice match, the atmosphere and the execution was pretty well. Most of the girls had decent knocks and a decent bowl as well. What I was most impressed was the two Super-

Over practice scenarios we had as well, with how precise and good the execution was. This win will give us confidence going into the series (yes) but also for the World Cup." West Indies will return to the Imperial Wanderers Stadium on Friday January 28 for the first of four One Day Internationals against South Africa Women. It is a (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Wednesday January 26, 2022

Three GFF technical staff pass new Concacaf B License course

T

hree senior members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Department have passed the recently-launched Concacaf B coaching license course, which is the highest coaching qualification currently offered by the regional governing body.

GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood – who also holds the UEFA A license, GFF Assistant

Technical Director Bryan Joseph and GFF Coaching Mentor Linsworth Gilbert achieved the qualification aimed at Concacaf member association technical directors and senior coach educators via the inaugural 2021 course.

The qualification, only open to coaches with a current Concacaf C license qualification, empowers coaches to deliver Concacaf C license courses at the local

level, which had previously required the involvement of non-domestic Concacaf coach educators.

“We are delighted to be able to facilitate these essential training opportunities for our staff with the support of Concacaf as we upskill our coaches and coach educators to improve standards in our programmes and competitions,” said Te c h n i c a l D i r e c t o r Greenwood.

“The course, which is the highest level of qualification currently offered by Concacaf, is vital for the development of football across the region, and we look forward to enabling more of our coaches to graduate through the coaching education pathway in the near future.”

The new course is part of C o n c a c a f ' s “ Tr a i n t h e Trainer” programme, which currently offers qualification

at D, C and B license level that are recognised across the Concacaf region. A record 14 GFF-affiliated coaches are also currently on their way to achieving the C license.

“I'm very honoured to have received my Concacaf B license certificate – I believe it's proof of, and a fitting reward for, the hard work that I've put towards the development of myself as a coach and as an administrator of football,” said Assistant Technical Director Joseph.

“I'm overjoyed to know that I am among the first group of coaches that would have received the official Concacaf B license certification. Now we are equipped, we are able to contribute heavily to the development of football in Guyana and to deliver Concacaf C license course to our local coaches.

We want to encourage all the coaches out there to push towards upskilling themselves and trying to attain the highest licenses that are available, so we can all contribute to the growth of the game in Guyana.”

In order to maintain the validity of a qualification, coaches must undergo regular refresher courses and assessment.

The failure to refresh qualifications in the past led to a situation where no GFFaffiliated coaches had valid certification when the current administration took over in November 2015.

Since then, with the support of Concacaf, the GFF has facilitated training and certification for 72 Concacaf D licensed and Concacaf C licensed coaches as part of its long-term strategy to sustainably grow and maintain a professionally qualified pool of coaches in Guyana.

“Aspiring to achieve the B license has been a personal and national objective for me,” said Coach Gilbert, who is also the President of the Guyana Football Coaches Association.

“TheGFF's national coaching education programme has reflected ambition in the coaches across the country. The support we are now getting from the GFF is great and it shows that our football is improving both from a coaching perspective and from a player development perspective.”

“It's very important for us

to continue to aspire to greater heights and to achieve higher levels of coach licenses,” Gilbert continued.

“As a nation, being able to be involved in higher licensing programmes gives our national programme a boost, and it also gives us the confidence that we have the level of education to be able to compete not only in Concacaf, but more generally at an international level.”

Active football coaches who are interested in pursuing official coaching qualifications should contact their local GFF regional association or the GFF Technical Department for further information about introductory courses that act as the first step on the journey through the graded stages of Concacaf certification.

“The GFF Executive Commit t e e , u n d e r m y leadership, has been steadfast in its commitment to investing in and facilitating the professionalisation and development of our c oaches with the vital support of our close partners in Concacaf, FIFA and UEFA,” said GFF President Wayne F o r d e.

“We still have some way to go to reach the levels of certification we would like to see across the board, but I am very pleased to say we are rapidly making up for the previous, long-term absence of a sustained coaching education strategy in Guyana, which h e l d b a c k t h e p r o f e s s i o n a l d ev elopment of our coaches and players for decades.”

“I want to commend our technical staff, under the leadership of Ian Greenwood, for overseeing this turnaround in the last few years,” Forde added.

“I would also like to congratulate these three individuals for their dedication and hard work in achieving these new qualifications, which mean we can now accelerate GFFdelivered coaching education up to and including the Concacaf C license.

I want to encourage all budding and existing coaches to come forward and begin or continue their own development through this structured coaching programme, so that we continue to build stronger foundations for the future of football together.”

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 26, 2022

PAGE 33

BCB presents educational grants to ten West Berbice crickets under Brian Ramphal Educational Trust Fund

Some of the students poses with executives of the BCB and their parents.

“The Berbice Cricket Board, once I remain in charge as President, would continue to invest in the educational career of our youths as we strongly believe that education is the key to success on and off the cricket field. Less than five percentage of youth cricketers would go on to become professional players and as such it is important that we make sure that the others have an educational background to fall back on,” the

words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he spoke to youth cricketers at a simple presentation ceremony of the Brian Ramphal Educational Trust Fund for West Berbice at the BCB Office last Thursday.

The BCB since the election of the current executives has invested heavily into education and in 2022, over one hundred youths would benefit from several trust funds across the county. Foster stated that

apart from the grants, the BCB with support from the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club has assisted cricketers with cycles, school bags and educational materials. Dozens of youths have also attended social development seminars organised under the BCB Patron Fund. The BCB President urged the parents present to be the best role model possible to their kids and to drive home the importance of saying yes to education, sports, religion,

culture and no to drugs, crime, alcohol and suicide. He also urged the parents to play an important role in the players cricketing career by attending matches to offer moral support and to support the management of the different clubs.

Noting that it is their children who benefits from the hard work of the club officials, the BCB President urged the parents to assist the clubs by offering their skills as scorers, umpires, cooks or use of their

vehicles to transport players to venues.The players who received the ten thousand vouchers were Christina Solomon, Queney Marks, David Alfred, Justin Samid, N a t h a n i e l Ly u c h , S i m o n Anandram, Kishan Lalsa, Lakeraj Hemraj, Saife Sataer and Renata Liverpool.

Mr. Brian Ramphal, the sponsor of the fund is an overseas based Guyanese who invests heavily in the tech industry.

BCB Presidents can now serve five consecutive terms - UCCA benefits from donation of $340,000 of two years after 32-0 vote worth of pitch covers, Chesney also benefits

P

residents of the Berbice Cricket Board can now serve for five consecutive two years terms after member clubs of the board passed a motion 32-0 during a special meeting on Sunday last at the Port Mourant Cricket Ground. The BCB had passed a motion under the presidency of Keith Foster to limit the President to three, two years terms, but the change was approved by representatives of ten member clubs and three sub associations.

Five clubs had submitted a motion to BCB Secretary Angela Haniff seeking a special meeting to amend the constitution as they felt that the county cricket needs continuity of strong and productive leadership.

Representatives of the clubs noted that when the current leadership took over, Berbice Cricket was on the verge of collapse and they were very satisfied with the unmatched development and progress over the last four years.

BCB President Hilbert Foster hands over the covers to UCCA Treasurer Victor Thakurdeen in the presence of UCCA and BCB Officials.

Current President Hilbert Foster who enjoys widespread support among clubs in the county is one month into his third term of two years which ends in December 2023 and could seek an additional two more terms if he so desires. Foster,

stepped down from chairing the meeting when the motion was been considered, allowing Vice President of Administration Albert Smith to guide the motion and conducting the vote.

The clubs which submitted the motions were

BCB Vice President Albert Smith hands over financial donation to Chesney Secretary Krishna Amoi.

BCB President Hilbert Foster

Mt Sinai CC, Guymine CC, Rose Hall CCCC, Chesney CC and Kildonan CC. The five clubs received the support of West Berbice Cricket Association, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Berbice River Cricket Association, Whim

CC, Port Mourant CC, Police SC, Mental Hospital and RHTYSC, MS. Two clubs were absent, while illness forced representatives of another to leave the meeting before the vote. With the motion needing a minimum (Continued on page 27)

Guyana out of IMMAF World Championships in Dubai

Cave in action against Sweden's Robin Enontekio in quarterfinals of Men's Light Heavyweight.

rt o p S

Three GFF technical staff pass new Concacaf B License course Bryan Joseph, Ian Greenwood and Linsworth Gilbert with their Concacaf B License Certificates.

Holder preaches Fraser and Connell star consistency with the ball as West ahead of third T20 Indies Women start against England South Africa tour with win Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.