Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

After years of delay, CGX finally looks to drill in

Wednesday Edition January 27, 2021 - Vol. 16 No.04

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Corentyne, Demerara Blocks One Year Later…

Online readership yesterday, 109,059

Guyana still to do independent review of oil and gas resources

Hess puts aside US$70M for unannounced Stabroek Block developments p.

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World Bank loans Guyana US$13.5M - Focus on Mathematics and secondary school enrollment Childcare Ram Parliament Bandits beat investigating says... should expel youth for alleged rape Patterson, Ferguson throwing of girl, 15 for gifts scandal away phone p.

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Transition to Renewables…

Orinduik partner positions itself to supply solar powered systems

Open letter to all Guyanese Fellow Citizens, In the oil business, no insurance means no protection. No protection means high exposure.

High exposure spells danger.

This is what Guyana could potentially face in light of our leaders’ s tu b b o r n r ef u s al to demand that Exxon take out the appropriate and adequate insurance coverage to protect us in the event of an oil spill.

We are like people sleeping in a house without a roof. This foolhardy omission is enough to keep every Guyanese awake at night, worried about what can happen in the event of an oil spill.

Fellow citizens, one massive spill could wipe out our future. A major oil spill will destroy our fishing grounds. Oil will seep into our agricultural lands destroying the one sure source of our livelihoods. Oil will line our foreshores and

destroy the mangroves, which protect us from the ocean. It will cause lasting environmental, ecological and economic damage. It will cripple our economy. One simple mistake or accident can reduce all of us to paupers.And worse yet: everything it does to us, it will do to our neighbouring countries.

Who will foot the bill to compensate them Guyana? As long as you, the Guyanese people, remain silent and do not speak out, our leaders will continue to act with impunity, ignoring what needs to be done to protect you and your children’s future.

Fellow citizens: raise your voices! Speak up!

Don’t let them force us further into poverty and destitution.

Demand that the government obtains adequate oil spill insurance. Now! Glenn Lall Publisher, Kaieteur News

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister working on early release of abducted Guyanese fishermen Do oilfield service companies want to build chemical warehouses in your village?

Find out on Petroleum101 at 11:00 hrs on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio!

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Venezuelan Aggression Late on Saturday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent out a press release, in which it stated that it “…has confirmed reports that two Guyanese registered fishing vessels – the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf – operating off the coast of Waini Point within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, were intercepted by Venezuelan naval vessel, Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24, on Thursday January 21, 2021.

The Captains were instructed to chart a course to Port Guiria where the boats and crew have been detained. To date, the Government of Guyana has not been informed by the Government of Venezuela of the detention of its nationals. The Venezuelan vessel was illegally maneuvering within Guyana’s EEZ and Contiguous Zone when it intercepted, boarded and commandeered the Guyanese fishing vessels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently seeking to ascertain the status and welfare of the crew members.”

This clear act of provocation by the besieged government of Nicola Maduro follows upon his issuing of a decree two weeks ago claiming, once again, ownership of the Essequibo, and a tweet declaring his intention to ‘reconquer’ Guyana’s largest county for the men and women of Venezuela. Since then, there have been diplomatic exchanges over what has taken place but the Government of Guyana has remained unequivocal in its condemnation of the incident.

The seizure of Guyanese commercial vessels by a neighbour is not new, but the sort of relatively low-level provocation that has been used before to send a signal to Guyana that the aggressor – in this case, Venezuela – means business.

A similar prior incident involved the seizure, in 2009, of the sugar transport boat, the MV Lady Chandra 1, by Surinamese coastal authorities who had gone as far as the coast off of Skeldon to board the vessel and escort it back to Nickerie – this was a year after a United Nations tribunal had ruled in favour of Guyana in our border dispute with our Eastern neighbour. Relations between Guyana and Suriname have been on much better footing, since with the two countries ramping up cooperation in developing the once-disputed area.

It should be noted that the Maduro regime chose to intercept and detain two fishing boats, but kept away from the joint patrol exercises carried out by Guyana and the United States navy earlier this month.

This shows that there is in fact, a cautious method to his apparent madness. That however does not mean the madness does not exist.

As this paper has editorialized before, sabre-rattling at Guyana in the face of international condemnation is a nonstarter and, like the episode with Suriname and the seized sugar boat, will likely not escalate any further. Like the seizure of the MV Lady Chandra, condemnatory memos were sent out, and headlines will be made but unless Maduro is prepping for a land invasion and occupation of the Essequibo – to carry out the insane ‘development’ plan he has been promoting – then sabre rattling it remains.

Maduro’s detention of the two Guyanese fishing vessels is largely theatre, down to the fact that the naval vessel that intercepted the boats was named in honour of Maduro’s late predecessor, the iconic Venezuelan populist strongman, Hugo Chavez.

Further, if there is need for evidence that Maduro has no plan when it comes to how it is he intends to make meaningful representation for his country abroad on this matter, one simply needs to consider that even as he is rejecting the International Court of Justice’s jurisdiction in deciding the border issue between the two countries, he has made an appeal to the International Criminal Court claiming that the international sanctions, particularly those levied by the United States, are crimes against humanity.

Aggression by Maduro’s government against a smaller state and the illegal detention of that smaller state’s citizens in the furtherance of an unsubstantiated territorial claim, one that Maduro is rejecting international authority in resolving, surely cannot bolster his appeal to the ICC. That is, of course, not to say that we should not take

Investment summit points to new horizon for to stake their claim on the ers from the coronavirus pan- Those jobs will create more Guyana boom now underway but are demic, the need for energy is wealth and more opportuniDEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Finance and Investment Roundtable held on January 20, 2021, highlighted the need for continuous improvement in infrastructure and human resources to attract new investment.

As the country looks to reap the benefit of oil and gas development, companies in this sector are a crucial investment gateway. Countries and companies far and wide are assessing Guyanese to see if they want to make the kinds of investments that will drive jobs and drive economic growth for the next several decades. Investors are eager

keeping a keen eye on risk and political stability.

The tumultuous general elections of 2020 eroded confidence in our institutions and drew widespread criticism from our neighbours and allies.

Investors were paying attention. When assessing countries for investment, some of the most important areas are political stability and infrastructure.

I am sorry to say Guyana has rarely fared well on these fronts.

A favourable, stable business climate is more important now than ever before. As the world economy slowly recov-

likely to increase and with it, the market share of Guyanese oil. In less than a decade Guyana saw foreign direct investment balloon from an anemic US$270 million to over US$1.7 billion.

This is real, tangible wealth and welcome news for the thousands of Guyanese vendors, suppliers and businesses poised to reap significant benefits in the near and long term.

This kind of investment can also be a gateway for so much more. Dollars pouring into hotels, real estate and restaurants will be critical to bringing us out of the economic crisis of COVID-19.

ties down the road as a generation of Guyanese sees new opportunities here at home.

Every oil dollar we invest now in infrastructure or education helps build that cycle and could help us attract investments in sectors far beyond oil and gas.

An attractive investment climate is a signal to the markets that Guyana is open for business.

As we chart a new course as an oil producing nation and regional power, let us continue to call for good governance and smart investment of oil money to open the gates to more wealth for Guyanese.

Donald Singh

West Indies should emulate India’s Test Performance DEAR EDITOR, I don’t think cricket enthusiasts missed that final day’s play of the fourth test between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane a week ago. It was the talk among Guyanese everywhere. They did not expect an India victory. Every Guyanese, Africans and Indians, were very excited, with almost every Indo-Guyanese expressing pride in the performance of the young, inexperienced Indian team. Some even commented that they wish West Indies would play like the Indians.

They should learn from that test series that saw India came from behind to win it — the first for a team in Australia in decades. The Indians came back from a debacle of being bundled out for 36 in the third innings in Adelaide in the first test to win the series 2-1 with the previous test drawn (where the Indians also played with character to save that test). It would go down in the history books as one of the greatest test matches as even those who did not cheer for India stated.

That early Monday morning, January 18, a flurry of texts and phone calls came in from Guyanese (at home and

in America) and others on whether I saw the test match between India and Australia at Brisbane. Of course, I did.

It also appeared that the whole of Guyana was up that Sunday night to watch the match because as it was the subject of conversation everywhere I travelled around Georgetown and the coast.

As I gathered from their conversations, almost the entire world expected India’s defeat. Scoring over 300 runs in the fourth innings was rarely achieved in hundreds of test matches. And in Australia, it was almost impossible because the pitch is bouncy with bowlers getting swings on the cracks.

I had not given up as India entered the final day with all 10 wickets in hand. I was hoping that India would be defiant and would play for a draw. Instead, the young players played for a win, taking the challenge to the Aussies, pulling off what can be described as a miracle.

Besides texts and phone calls to me, social media and chat groups were abuzz with comments, suggesting that the entire West Indies and her Diasporas watched the match. Friends and acquain-

Venezuela’s aggression seriously. Any infringement upon the rights of any single citizen of this country in Guyana’s sovereign territorial space is in itself an act of state aggression and there is no legality in seizing either ships or their crew which means that the government of Maduro has engaged in theft of property and kidnapping, no matter the fig leaf of having now charged the men in Venezuelan courts.

One gets a sense that in the wake of the Trump administration having cracked down further on his government, sanctioning both senior functionaries of his regime and companies that do business with it, the Venezuelan leader is using Guyana, in which Exclusive Economic Zone there are significant American interests operating, as a proxy bargaining chip for the easing of sanctions by the newly installed Biden administration. Yet, even that seems to be manic desperation more than meaningful deliberation.

We can be sure that the provocation and the aggression from Maduro will continue, even if it is unlikely to truly escalate.

Either way, as we have stated in this editorial page before, Venezuelan aggression offers Guyanese a meaningful reason to cast aside or constructed differences and unite our every effort into combatting the mindless menace to the West.

tances sent me comments and I read so many in the media from around the globe. It could very well be the most watched cricket match for a final day. The whole of South Asia, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the cricketing world would have watched that final day’s play.

And most would not have given India much of a chance because India had a young, inexperienced team, with some players making their debut in that test.

The Indian batting line up was severely weakened with injuries with young replacements. Sports enthusiasts were expecting an Indian defeat as it was almost impossible to score over 300 runs in a fourth innings and against the world’s best bowlers.

And the last time Australia lost a test at Gabba was in 1988 to West Indies then skippered by Vivian Richards. The weakened Indian team stunned Australia.

Some of the words I heard or received in texts used to describe the win were: “historic, unthinkable, incredible, brilliant, memorable, unforgettable, remarkable, and monumental.” I overheard a man telling his friends, “That was a match to watch.” Another commented: “The boys played with courage, grit, and determination.

That is how players should bat. West Indies should emulate them rather than throw away their wickets when the going gets tough.” Exemplary performance was an understatement. The young players displayed character and skill not recently seen in the game of test cricket, and they did so in the last three tests.

Balls kept hitting about the body but the players stayed focused. Racist comments were made against them. They took the body blows and racist remarks and

they delivered. (Brisbane is a beautiful, sprawling cosmopolitan city known as the gold coast that I visited few times, most recently two summers years ago on my way home from Fiji. I encountered many Indo-Fijians there.

Racist comments were made against the Indian players. Non-White players are known to experience racial outburst in Australia. But Brisbane was not known for racism. I had pleasant experience in my visits. I was rather surprised that racial comments are made at sporting events in this century.) The racism would have motivated the Indians to play tougher and they delivered an unbelievable performance crushing the Aussies.

As Guyanese and others commented, it was a thrilling unexpected finish. It was a shock defeat of Australia in what was a decider of not only the series but which team would be ranked on the top of the test playing nations.

Everyone seemed very excited that India won the game, and they also seemed to have been rooting for India who was underdog throughout the entire four tests series.

They did not expect an Indian victory and was very pleased with the outcome.

Glowing tributes poured in from fans and legendary present and former cricketers everywhere. Saurav Ganguly, President of India’s cricket board, described the victory as “nothing short of historic.”

He announced a bonus of US$680K for the players.

Cricketing icon, Sachin Tendulkar, holder of countless records, now a member of parliament, described it as “one of the greatest wins. Every time we got hit, we stayed put and stood taller. We pushed boundaries of belief to play fearless but not careless cricket /injuries and uncertainties were countered with (Continued on page 6)

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Venezuela engaging in a low-level, risk free war of nerves DEAR EDITOR, My conclusion is that Venezuelan’s political leadership has opted for low-level provocations to stir the pot and increase the heat in its border controversy with Guyana. For the longest while, with Maduro under siege and fighting to maintain his then feeble hold on his troops, the news was all rosy for Guyana.

The oil discoveries kept coming, and with promises of more exciting finds. Politicians here were more concerned and looking over their shoulders at domestic critics of their leadership failures in managing Guyana’s oil. But, in recent times, a rejuvenated Nicholas Maduro, has returned to centre stage; he is talking up a storm, and up in arms. In view of recent developments, Guyanese must take that reference to arms literally.

I sense that Senor Maduro is bent on getting his position and messages across, with one foremost: Essequibo is ours.

That it is theirs - belongs to Venezuela. Therefore, there is no negotiating, no listening, no compromising.

Though the oil explorations and finds are in areas over which Venezuela has had no historical claim, it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that Guyana has bargained for and obtained the insurance protection of a big brother, the biggest one around. But Venezuela is nobody’s fool, and he wants no truck with America, including the new man-supposedly more temperate, more engaging, and more of someone with whom business can be conducted.

This means that every effort is made not to collide with its people (Coast Guard) or interests (Exxon) that are partnering and operating in Guyana’s waters on Guyana’s behalf. The Venezuelan leader is also sensitive of American anger with how that same Exxon was treated

with its oil holdings, under Hugo Chavez.

As such, the provocations and aggressions (only accurate and realistic description and interpretation) are away from the Americans and aimed exclusively at soft Guyanese targets. This is a well thought out, safe, virtually risk-free approach with little downside, but the potential for huge upside psychological gains.

One such is the report of Guyanese fishing boats being seized. I would be surprised if those vessels and men are not detained at length, with Iranian-style adjudication, and the detention stretched out.

The prospects are for that low-grade, low risk action to be repeated under different formats and in different places. Guyana can protest furiously and escalate to wherever. But Venezuela cannot be squeezed more than those draconian American sanctions. Stated differently, and in the words of Hobbes, “Covenants, without the sword, are but words, and of no strength….” There has to be “coercive power” which Guyana lacks. There may be will, but the means are missing.

So attempts at intimidating and harassing Guyana, through fishing boat attrition, should be expected to continue spasmodically. Another way is to flood with continuing waves of Venezuelans, who come under the banner of seeking betterment. There is, therefore, that camouflage and possibly politically gen-

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erated pretext to undermine here, through sinister men (sleepers) and with objectives menacing to the national welfare. In other words, there are bound to be those state operators from Venezuela, who can come and lay low, and then inflicting hit and run damages. If not clear enough, then I call them for what they are: saboteurs. Castro of Cuba did so.

I take the plunge in my belief that criminal gangs will also be deployed. It will be recalled that many such members are ex-Venezuelan military, which spells trouble for vulnerable Guyana. Again, I must be brutally frank and identify our Seawall, since nothing is off-limits. That could be disastrous. Let’s face tough truths. First, we cannot police our porous borders completely. Second, we can increase hinterland patrols, but they would be more reactive, unless they get lucky through interception.

That would then deteriorate to a condition of who was where and who was aggressor (think China and India).

The stakes would intensify with casualties.

This is what I see and where I stand: Venezuela is prepared to intensify matters through low key aggression.

While Guyana is limited to the defensive. Maduro gets to apply relentless pressure, while Guyana is consigned to complaining. We have trouble on our hands. Still, we proceed before this existential danger in the usual political manner.

GHK Lall

Animal shelters needed in every Region DEAR EDITOR, I am hoping you will take a sympathetic view and publish this letter which is seeking to attract the attention of the government at this time to the dire and urgent need for Animal Shelters to be established in every region as soon as possible.

The issue of dogs, cats, horses and almost every other kind of animal, domesticated as well as wild, suffering the worst abuses and unimaginable cruelty is ventilated daily on social media.

The horror seems to be never-ending, so the stories of the fortunate ones who are rescued, cared for and given a new lease on life in better conditions are very welcome.

These animals have a

small but thankfully growing of friends who are giving them a voice. These friends are some of the most selfless, dedicated, brave and caring people living in Guyana and they are doing the best they can with limited resources.

Some of them are making great personal sacrifices because they will do everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of any suffering animal.

I salute these individuals and organizations.

It is time for the government to step up and do its part to support the valiant efforts of these unsung heroes. One way of doing this, is building shelters in every town or region and providing sufficient funding for employment of

qualified personnel and efficient functioning of these shelters.

I am sure that a lot of people will be more willing to become involved in helping when they see animals in distress, if facilities for their care are located nearby.

Also, I hope the government will assist in another way by facilitating more sensitization of the issue of animal care/rights in schools.

At this time when so much is changing in our country, the situation with regards to the welfare of animals must not be allowed to stay the same. It also must change. For the better.

Thank you.

Kind regards, Ameer Hassan

RESPONSES TO THE PANDEMIC HAVE RESULTED IN GLOBAL SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DISRUPTION DEAR EDITOR, The COVID-19 pandemic also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.

The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020 and a pandemic in March 2020. As of 25 January 2021, more than 99.3 million cases have been confirmed, with more than 2.13 million deaths attributed to COVID19.

Symptoms of COVID-19

are highly variable, ranging from none to severe illness.

The virus spreads mainly through the air when people are near each other. It leaves an infected person as they breathe, cough, sneeze, or speak and enters another person via their mouth, nose, or eyes. It may also spread via contaminated surfaces.

People remain infectious for up to two weeks, and can spread the virus even if they do not show symptoms.

Recommended preventive measures include social distancing, wearing face masks in public, ventilation and air-filtering, hand washing, covering one’s mouth when sneezing or coughing,

disinfecting surfaces, and monitoring and self-isolation for people exposed or symptomatic.

Several vaccines are being developed and distributed. Current treatments focus on addressing symptoms while work is underway to develop therapeutic drugs that inhibit the virus. Authorities worldwide have responded by implementing travel restrictions, lock downs, workplace hazard controls, and facility closures. Many places have also worked to increase testing capacity and trace contacts of the infected.

The responses to the (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

May the courage and patriotism of Brindley Horatio Benn inspire his countrymen always DEAR EDITOR, Kindly allow me space in your newspaper to inform the nation that January 24, 2021 was the ninety-eighth birth

anniversary of a preeminent patriot of Guyana, Mr. Brindley Horatio Benn, CCH. Minister Benn was Deputy Premier to Premier Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan, and held ministerial portfolios in Community Development and Education and Agriculture and Natural Resources.

He inaugurated the Guyana School of Agriculture in 1963, insisting on the practice of “scientific agriculture” and initiated major projects including the Black Bush Polder Scheme and the Boerasirie Conservancy in the early 1960s.

This was during the final push in the fight for independence, and Mr. Benn not only participated at the Conferences in London demanding that his country become a sovereign nation, but he travelled widely, carrying the flame of self-determination for all of the world’s colonies at the time.

In this endeavour, he met with many leaders, including Nehru of India, Nkrumah of

Ghana, Selassie of Ethiopia, Ben Bella of Algeria, Chouen-lai of China, and others, gaining solidarity for British Guiana’s cause, and presaging what would later become the Non-Aligned Movement.

Three years under, “restriction of movement” and his later jailing at Her Majesty’s Penal Colony at Sibley Hall only served to

strengthen his determination to help free his nation from British colonialism.

He formed his own Working Peoples Vanguard Party in 1968, unreservedly deepening this commitment, now against the Burnham dictatorship, and the new colonialism represented by the

IMF. In remarks dripping with contempt and mixed with sadness, he described to his children one day how the “Third world” nations had to “hang yuh mouth where the soup drop” to get a little aid from the donor nations.

In his little hand-typed mimeographed bulletins (when the machine had not been confiscated by police), he was one of the first to sound the alarm about the regime’s dalliance with the

Responses to the pandemic...

From page 5 pandemic have resulted in global social and economic disruption, including the largest global recession since the Great Depression. It has led to the postponement or cancellation of events, widespread supply shortages exacerbated by panic buying, agricultural disruption and food shortages, and decreased emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Many educational institutions have been partially or fully closed.

Misinformation has circulated through social media and mass media.

There have been incidents of xenophobia and discrimination against Chinese people and against those perceived as being Chinese or as being from areas with high infection rates.

Rooplall Dudhnath

Jonestown “experiment.”

When the PPP was returned to office in 1992, Brindley Benn was appointed High Commissioner to Canada, where he served with distinction, and helped to rekindle a love of their native land in expatriate Guyanese.

He was awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour by President Jagan for his fight for democracy, and his outstanding service to his country.

Editor, I particularly would like to highlight that it was Minister of Education and Community Development Benn, in his feature ad-

dress at the October 1957 celebration of National History and Culture Week, which he inaugurated, who famously exhorted: “British Guiana can make a unique contribution to history only if we weld ourselves into one people, one nation, and pursue one destiny.”

His words were later coopted as the national motto, and they must stand out as a sign post for Guyana’s present and future.

May the courage and patriotism of Brindley Horatio Benn inspire his countrymen always.

A book detailing this rich legacy will be published in a month’s time.

Lena Platt (nee Benn)

Controversy in Guyana and the United tion is how can this ongoing towards socialism. Donald States wrong doing be corrected? I Trump, a wealthy right wing DEAR EDITOR, As I sit in my favourite chair reflecting on my rather long life, I wonder why people are so power hungry and what an unfair world we live in. I will make a few references to support my contention. I will first touch on the recent happenings in Guyana, the land of my birth. There is no doubt that race plays a very important role in the country’s political advancement which is very unfortunate and frankly speaking I do not see a change in the next couple of decades.

What is disturbing is that the governing party does whatever it feels to do without fear of criticism. Now that the PPP/C is in office, it takes steps to prosecute persons from the opposing APNU+AFC coalition. I am not at all contending that their actions are blatant and without merit, but as pointed out by a few government officials, the APNU+AFC had a field day when in office and did several blatant and wrongful acts, despite criticisms from the then opposition party the PPP/C. Now that the PPP/C is back in power, their top brass members are doing exactly what they had criticized when they were in the opposition... some members are bold to say “it is payback time” but this is totally unfortunate...there are too many square begs in round holes - two wrongs cannot make a right. The big ques-

West Indies should emulate...

From page 4 poise and confidence.”

India’s Prime Minister tweeted: “The team’s remarkable energy and passion was visible throughout. So was their stellar intent, remarkable grit and determination.”

A former England cricket captain described the final day’s play as, “once in generation type match perfor-

Wednesday January 27, 2021

mance.” Indeed it was!The win has almost secured India’s place in this year’s final of the test championship series to be played at Lord’s in June. Australia must defeat South Africa in order to get into the final. Otherwise, it would be New Zealand and India playing the final.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Collaborated effort DEAR EDITOR, I am putting it out that maybe a collaborated effort, including the former foreign secretary and other legal minds currently involved in the ICJ case, should be engaged with current efforts in the matter of our neighbour, who maliciously seized our citizens.

Shamshun Mohamed

have no doubt that most Guyanese and Caribbean people would like to see a rectification to this troubling situation. It will definitely need the assistance of international agencies such as the United Nations. There is very little faith in the Commonwealth Secretariat, since the current Secretary General, Dominica born Patricia Scotland, has not lived up to the high reputation of her office, and the Caricom Secretariat is not too effective.

There is need for a high powered group to be established to assist, but the big question who will organize such a move and who will fund it. The other issue will be the legal basis of such a body and if its recommendations will be implemented. We had in the past had numerous Commissions of Inquiry to look into endless issues and their findings were thrown into waste paper baskets and trashed.

Guyana and the wider Caribbean have produced several outstanding scholars; maybe they should come up with some ideas. Many of them are getting older and soon might be obsolete. It is a huge task constitutional, judicial, racial, gender and several other issues are involved.

Over in the United States, it seems as if the powerful 350million nation is in limbo. The country is totally divided, not only between republicans and democrats, but it seems as if a few radicals want to move

businessman, who ruled the country for four years was booted out in a controversial election which Trump claimed was rigged, but 78-year-old Joe Biden, the new President seems to be surrounded by a few socialists including Bernie Sanders, Osacia Cortez, Ilhan Omar, et al. The new Vice President, Kamala Harris, also has leftist tendencies. The controversial issue is the new administration wants to open up the country for migrants.

There are more than 12 million just waiting to get into the US - they were prevented

by Trump who built a wall to stop the flow.

Another 11 million undocumented ones are in the country trying to gain legal status.

The coronavirus pandemic has added to the country’s problems. Up to the time of writing, January 26, there were 424,000 deaths in the US and a total of 26 million affected. The pandemic has severely affected the country’s economy and the way of life of Americans. Despite the setback President Biden who served as a senator for decades and vice president to Barack Obama for eight years, is optimistic that he will navigate the country through the difficult period.

He is being criticized for taking steps to impeach Trump for the second time. It is unprecedented for a former President to be impeached.

Oscar Ramjeet

Favouritism trumps professionalism easily in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, My letter title is taken on the backdrop the changes are inevitable with a change in Governmental administration, but the more troubling part is when the new administration continues down the same path as the old, then where that leaves our young professionals. I have been following the appointment of many government boards and while many good people are appointed, there are many dead weights that are just being repaid for political loyalty.

This brings me to the real issue at hand. One of the major utility companies had a few executive vacancies advertised. I am sure many young professionals would have been enticed by these opportunities and make an application. Lo and behold, these vacancies were filled by persons who were promised jobs under this administration and re-hiring of the previous people who served before the

change of the last administration. Even more troubling is the head of the agency went back to his position, so it is obvious that he wanted the same team that served under his previous tenure.

Why is this so? What happens to our young professionals who are well qualified but are not part of the social or political elitism? It is very disheartening to know that you would respond to a vacancy and stand no chance of ever getting the job despite your qualifications and experiences.

This great misfortune has certainly resulted in the continuous brain drain that our country has experienced since post-independence.

Sadly, this practice has also found its way in the private sector as well. It is no longer the best fit, but the favourite candidate who will kowtow to the powers that be.

S. Roberts Young professional

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday January 27, 2021

Wife, hitman plead guilty to murder for CGX finally looks to drill in Corentyne, Demerara Blocks Herstelling block maker After years of delays...

Following several years of delays on their part, CGX Resources Incorporated, is looking to drill wells in the Corentyne and Demerara blocks – two oil concessions offshore Guyana.

According to a notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), applications for Environmental Authorization have been submitted to the regulator for the following projects, “CGX Resources Inc. - Petroleum Exploration Drilling (1 Well), Corentyne Block, Offshore Guyana” and “Petroleum Exploration Drilling (1 Well), Demerara Block, Offshore Guyana.”

In accordance with Section 11 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 10:05, Laws of Guyana, the EPA stated that the applications for the projects listed above have already been screened by the agency to assess the potential environmental impacts, “and it has been determined that the projects will not significantly affect the environment nor human health and are therefore exempt from the requirement for

an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).”

Notwithstanding this decision, the EPA says it will require CGX to prepare and submit an Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) for each of the projects. “The EAMP will assess any possible impacts on

by any of the proposed projects may lodge an appeal against the neglect of an EIA with the Environmental Assessment Board within 30 days of the publication of the notice.

Corentyne and Demerara Blocks CGX’s decision to drill

Guilty: Beverly Persaud.

Dead: Nathan Persaud.

the environment and/or human health, and detail specific mitigation measures to be taken to ensure that the proposed projects are implemented in an environmentally-sound manner,” the regulator said.

In keeping with the Environmental Protection Act and the EPA’s regulations, the agency reminded that any person who may be affected

comes after years of delays on the part of this Canadianbased exploration company.

In fact, Kaieteur News had reported since 2012, CGX Resources Incorporated had been in possession of a licence for the Corentyne Block.

According to the agreement signed with the then (Continued on page 20)

Beverly Persaud, the woman reportedly paid $ 1.7 million to have her husband killed pleaded guilty to the crime.

Persaud and her accomplice, Oswald Junior Yaw called “Meow” opted to plead when they appeared before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court yesterday.

Justice Navindra Singh nonetheless deferred sentencing to February 16, 2021, pending a probation report for the duo.

The two appeared before a mixed 12-member jury and

Guilty: Oswald Junior Yaw.

Justice Singh for trial on Monday.

According to the charge, Persaud allegedly hired Yaw to kill her husband on September 10, 2015.

The killing allegedly stemmed from an agreement that saw Beverly Persaud promising Yaw money as an inducement for him to consider causing the death of her husband.

According to reports, the man was found lying face down in the living room of his Lot 66 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara home. His body bore a stab wound to his chest and the back of his head was bashed in.

Police recovered a hammer, two knives and a piece

of rock, all of which had blood stains from the crime scene.

Beverly Persaud was arrested and interrogated by police hours after her husband was killed. She reportedly confessed to orchestrating the plot to end the life of her estranged spouse and allegedly hired Yaw and promised him $1.7M. After the father of four was killed, a strange man, now believed to be Yaw, was reportedly seen leaving his yard.

Beverly and her husband had been separated for some time prior to his death. It is alleged that the killing might have stemmed from a property dispute between the couple that was engaging the courts.

Wednesday January 27, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Trinidad and Barbados should be worried

T

he Eastern Carib bean should be ex tremely worried about the possibility of oil spills from Guyana reaching their shores. Countries such as Trinidad and Barbados should be put on notice that they need to take more seriously the agreements which were signed between them and oil companies since these agreements may not provide adequate insurance coverage to cover their losses in the event of an oil spill.

If a major spill should happen locally, the oil slick can reach the shorelines of these countries and can cause lasting damage and destruction.

No one wants this, but it is one of the risks associated with oil production.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, has modelled oil spill scenarios. In its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), it found, in its unmitigated model, that there is a potential for oil to reach at least portions of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia.

In its mitigated model, the EIA suggested that shoreline oiling could reach Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela as well as into a section of the Caribbean Sea. Trinidad is less than 250 miles away from the Stabroek Block. Barbados is about 450 miles. Should problems arise with any of the wells and should the oil companies fail to contain any spill, the consequences for both Trinidad and Barbados can be catastrophic.

Oil spills are not easy to

contain. The Deep Horizon well took a full month to cap in 2010. By that time almost five million barrels of oil was spilled. Two years after, there were reports that the well was still oozing oil. The oil slick reached as far as Alabama and Mississippi. It is therefore not a remote possibility that an oil spill in the Stabroek Block can reach as far as Trinidad and Barbados.

This will have catastrophic consequences for these two countries.

Trinidad is a major shipping hub in the Caribbean and many of its major hotels are located near the Sea. Shipping lanes to Trinidad presently straddle the Stabroek Block.

Barbados depends on tourism for its economic survival. All it will take is a small amount of oil to reach their waters before the alarm bells are sounded. Tourists are going to cancel their plans to go to the island.

The economy will flat line.

The damage to coastlines and beaches will be extensive, not counting the losses to their fishing industry and coral reefs.

Trinidad has had oil spills before, but it has managed to contain these. It is however hard to say how well that it will manage if the oil spill and slick originates outside of its waters. Last year a tilting oil tanker which was abandoned off Venezuela raised concerns throughout the Caribbean about a possible environmental disaster.

Barbados has not had to deal with any major oil spill.

But despite this, it has an oil

readiness contingency plan that is well-developed. That plan however is not likely to cater for a spill originating from outside of its waters.

Both Trinidad and Barbados should immediately have discussions with the Guyana government with a view to ascertaining what insurance is in place and its adequacy.

Third party countries would want assurances about clean-up expenses and compensation damages and losses. There is no indication that there is sufficient insurance coverage for this.

Last October, a Stabroek News report had pointed to ambiguities in relation to insurance liability for oil spills.

According to the report, the Payara permit merely provides for insurance that is customary for petroleum operations.

But there is no universal benchmark as to what level of coverage is customary.

Guyana may have gotten a six for nine in this regard It is also not clear as to which ExxonMobil will become liable, since the agreement was signed with a local registered entity, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), which limits exposure of the assets of the parent company in Texas.

There has always been a mismatch between insurance coverage and the liabilities which accrue as a consequence of spillages. It is time for that mismatch to be corrected and for oil companies before being granted any licences and permits to ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Dem Boys Seh…

Gifts galore!

Dem boys bin never hear about International Men’s Day. But dem boys glad dat dem now learn about it. It raise de bar on gifts. Imagine if you getting bracelet fuh International Men’s Day, wah yuh gan get fuh your birthday or Father’s Day or fuh Christmas.

Today is International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. Next week is International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. Dem boys wan see de gift list fuh these two days.

Gifts giving away in all

form and fashion and fuh anything. Dem boys still wan know wah was de event.

When yuh gat position, nuff things does come yuh way, even barbershop and pig sty. Dem always gat some fund wah people gan get money from. De competition from all de places wah giving away money gan soon force dem banks fuh close down.

Wan man jump up and suddenly holler how de banks discriminating. Dem boys wan know how come only now he sehing dis. All de time he nah bin complaining about discrimination but now he complaining.

De man want de government fuh investigate. But dem boys want know why he nah tek he evidence and carry it to de Ethnic Relations Commission. Dem might tek up he case… if he gat one.

Dem boys more worried today about dem coronavirus case. Since de year start, de numbers far too high fuh comfort. And de only freeness dem boys dem accepting dis year is de vaccine. Everything else dem boys paying fuh including dem birthday gift.

Talk half and wait fuh see who birthday is next!

Large countries can afford such mismatches but not poor states like Guyana and those of the Eastern Caribbean.

In the long-run, adequate insurance coverage is necessary and should become mandatory. Otherwise, in the event of an oil spill and in the

eventuality of the spill affecting the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana can end up eternally indebted to countries such as Trinidad and Barbados.

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

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

Guyana in 2020: The really sordid side of humans My mind is made up both as an academic and social activist – 2020 was one of the most depressing, frightening, pessimistic, dangerous and socially destructive year in the pre-colonial and post colonial eras of Guyana.

One of my anticipations was that when we had our first COVID-19 death and it was a foregone conclusion that the country would follow the rest of the world in implementing restrictions, the APNU+AFC and their surrogates would have concluded that the attempt to rig had failed and now it was time to

put Guyana first because we were facing a pandemic and people will die if the unnecessary rivalry continued under those circumstances.

This was not to be. In 2020, this country was literally on the precipice facing the prospects of unthinkable election related violence and the hunting tentacles of a pandemic. But certain politicians and tribally inspired people didn’t care if Guyana went down.

I heard and read about people saying Pompeo had a motive in the election drama.

Just check out those people

who echoed that viewpoint.

Their class position bears not even the remotest resemblance to the young cashier with three children who looked up at me with vacant eyes during the election rigging and said, “Mr. Kissoon, I live at Good Hope, and I have to come to town to work, I’m scared.”

Read the newspapers and you will see in which countries those that criticize Pompeo live in. No not Guatemala. No not Sudan. No not Haiti. But in the US and Canada. If Pompeo didn’t step in, then our institutions

would have collapsed. Ten years from now, when you run into these Canadian Guyanese and American Guyanese, and you say: “Oh how are the children?” Then you will hear which job they have on Wall Street or in the airline industry and what year they graduated from Harvard and Yale.

Talk to these people. I’m sure you have at some point in your life. They never fail to tell you what they achieved after they left Guyana. They never fail to mention the wonderful jobs they and their spouse acquired. They never

fail to serenade you with the top class education their kids acquired.

While in Guyana, unelected governors would have been unable to find money to fund our high schools muchless our only national university. Guyana survived 2020 because people like Pompeo saved this land from the return of Burnhamite dictatorship. Let me say with pellucid glow, I don’t give a damn what you think Pompeo’s motive was. I don’t want to know what his motive was. I am interested in his direct intervention in saving my country. I live here. This is my only country. It is not my adopted homeland.

I make no apology and will never make any future apology about the role Pompeo, the American, Canadian, EU, British diplomats and the CARICOM Heads played in helping Guyana through one of its most dangerous crises in both colonial and post-colonial times. Those who criticize Pompeo should show some moral obligation and return to their birthplace and help shape a future for this young nation.

I remember a GuyaneseCanadian professor in Toronto writing a letter in the newspaper about how she has tenure at her university.

That means she has a permanent contract. She isn’t coming back to live and work here. She is not leaving the big bucks, which she earns at her university to work at UG. What she knows about Guyana and how we feel about the strategic assistance Pompeo gave this country when it desperately needed a helping hand?

The year 2020 has gone

Frederick Kissoon into history. Guyana has survived. We are reading about how many top class hotel franchises are coming to set up shop. We are reading about huge foreign investments. We are reading about intended free UG education.

We are reading about a vast economy based on oil revenues. Ask yourself if that would have been possible in January 2021 if we had leaders who cannot be changed.

When leaders cannot be removed, the pathetic and pathological power degeneration is logical. It happened throughout history. It happened in this land from 1968 to 1992.

If you look back at 2020, you will see the innate depravity of the human mind.

People put ethnicity and power in front of their country. In 2020, Guyana was reeling from a double whammy – election rigging and COVID19. We must not forget and forgive those who sided with evil.

They do not deserve to be part of any future narrative about a united Guyana. I close with an assertion - Pompeo saved Guyana. I make no apology for that statement.

Not now. Not ever.

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

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Hess sets aside US$70M for unannounced Stabroek Block developments Part Stabroek Block owner, Hess Corporation, has set aside US$70 million from its 2021 exploration and production capital and exploratory budget of US$1.9 billion to finance unannounced, future development phases.

In a Monday statement, Hess said that the money was set aside “primarily for front end engineering and design work for future development phases on the Stabroek Block.”

Last September, even before the co-venturers – ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC – got approval for the Payara development, they were so sure of swift approvals for their endeavours under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess, John Hess, said that the partners are already relatively optimistic that the Yellowtail1 discovery would support the fourth development.

ExxonMobil announced the Yellowtail-1 find in April of 2019. The Noble Tom Madden drillship had encountered approximately 292 feet (89 meters) of high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled to a depth of 18,445 feet (5,622 meters) in 6,046 feet (1,843 meters) of water.

The well, Exxon had said, is located approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) northwest of the Tilapia discovery.

Subsequent appraisal drilling led to a Westwood Global Energy assessment of more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalent resources in

Hess CEO, John Hess.

the well.

Hess had said that the partners are looking at developing Yellow-tail as it is a large resource which consists of lighter crude. “…We are doing the pre-development work now to make that the fourth ship…”

The ship will likely have a production capacity of 220,000 barrels per day. This would take production capacity in the Stabroek block to 780,000 barrels of oil per day, once Yellowtail-1 follows first oil at Liza Phase Two and Payara.

OTHER BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS TO GUYANA The jewel in Exxon’s crown, Guyana investments account for the majority of Hess’s 2021 budget.

“Our capital program reflects our disciplined approach in the current oil price environment to preserve cash, core capabilities and the long term value of our assets,” CEO John Hess said on Monday. “The majority of our 2021 budget is allocated to Guyana, where our three sanctioned oil developments have

a Brent breakeven oil price of between $25 and $35 per barrel... By investing only in high return, low cost opportunities, we have built a differentiated portfolio of assets that we believe will provide industry leading cash flow growth over the course of the decade.”

Chief Operating Officer, Greg Hill, said: “Offshore Guyana, our focus in 2021 will be on advancing our next two sanctioned developments to first oil – Liza Phase 2 in early 2022 and Payara in 2024 – and on front end engineering and design work for future development phases on the Stabroek Block. We also will continue to invest in an active exploration and appraisal program, with 12-15 wells planned on the Stabroek Block.”

Of its 2021 development funding, the company has plugged US$25 million into its Liza Phase One development which has been producing since December, as well as US$450 million and US$235 million for the upcoming Liza Phase Two and Payara (Continued on page 22)

Wednesday January 27, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Parliament should expel Patterson, Ferguson for involvement in $M gift buying scandal - Ram Anti-corruption advocate, attorney-at-law Christopher Ram is of the firm belief that former public infrastructure ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson should be expelled from Parliament for their involvement in a million dollar gift buying scandal spanning several agencies previously under their control.

Ram made those comments and more during a previous showing of The Glenn Lall Show.

There, Ram stated that the recent revelations of the gift buying scandal is “quite frightening” and begs the question whether the practice of purchasing exuberant gifts was one that spanned other ministers in the previous Coalition government.

The incident, he said has several implications, particularly as it relates to David Patterson as he currently sits as the head of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The attorney posited that, “These persons, cannot in a civilized country, remain as a lawmaker, a member of parliament; in fact, we are dealing with a situation where Patterson holds a prestigious position. That is serious…he is not fit to do that.”

Already, calls have mounted for Patterson to recuse himself as the PAC Chair until a thorough investigation

Former Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson.

has ventilated all concerns.

The anti-corruption advocate posited that Parliament should intervene and expel both members from Parliament for their actions as clear rules outline what should and should not be done.

In fact, the laws were pellucid that the purchasing of gifts by budget agencies were prohibited under then Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) and a budget circular was even sent out to all agencies outlining this.

In the budget circular sent out by the Finance Ministry’s, Finance Secretary, Michael Joseph, it was stated, “There shall be no expenditure of public moneys expect in ac-

cordance with Article 217 of the Constitution.”

But that very mandate was disregarded and millions in taxpayer dollars were expended to purchase gifts for Patterson and Ferguson. In light of the forgoing, Ram posited that both former ministers should be held accountable for their blatant actions.

“We can’t have laws for the powerful and the powerless, the rich and the poor, for politicians and non-politicians,” Ram stressed, adding… “They must always be subject to the law. Our Constitution is in place, we are guided by the law. We must all be subject to the law. I believe that every political party

Former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson.

has taken money. I think we need to use this as a good opportunity and an example to show society that we are not going to tolerate this type of behaviour.”

Moreover, Ram noted too that keen scrutiny should be placed on the agencies that facilitated the gifts as well because “There is no question that a gift of that magnitude cannot be justified.”

The gift buying scandal only came to light after a special team of auditors ap-

pointed to dig into the finances of the State-run Garden of Eden Asphalt Plant discovered a $900,000 gold bracelet purchase for the then General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), Rawlston Adams.

That find prompted more investigations and a widespread scandal was uncovered with more than $6.7 million expended to purchase exuberant gifts for both Patterson and Ferguson.

Patterson received a total

Attorney-at-law - Christopher Ram.

of $2.664 million in gifts and personal effects.

For several of his birthdays (May 4), the then Minister received multiple gifts from the various agencies under his purview. In 2016, he received several gift items from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) with invoices stating that the payment was for “Gifts for Minister Patterson’s Birthday.”

In 2017, documents show (Continued on page 22)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Persons recovering bail money given run around, invalid cheques - Police blame re-staffing of Finance Department Persons are once again accusing police of giving them a royal run around to recover their bail money. Others claimed that after months of being pushed around, they were granted invalid cheques, which the bank rejected.

Yesterday, Kaieteur News met these individuals standing in a line at the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) finance department located at Eve Leary.

The group of 30 persons was standing there in the compound eagerly for nearly two hours unattended by officers, only to be told that they might not be receiving any cheques for the day.

They were also told that it is not guaranteed that they will receive any cheques today either.

Frustrated, the individuals protested and demanded an explanation from the officers.

A woman said that she was being pushed around for more than 42 days before she finally received her cheque.

She was relieved, but when the woman arrived at the bank to encash the cheque, it was rejected.

“They told me that it was invalid, and I said that it bounce so I came back to Eve Leary and they said must come today at two,” said the woman.

With a glum look on her face, she added “Now after two hours here in this line they telling we will have to come back again.”

Four other persons close (Continued on page 19)

Glum faces yesterday at the GPF finance department after cops told the group that they might not be able to recover their bail money again.

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

Motorcycle patrol launched in Region Three The Guyana Police Force (GPF), District Three, has launched its motorcycle patrol at the Regional Divisional Headquarters, Leonora Police Station.

According to Regional Commander, Errol Watts, the initiative will help improve the police response to reports in areas that are not

easily accessible to the police patrol ve-

hicles.

At the launch, Commander Watts charged the ranks to take care of the scarce resources and to ensure that they treat the motorcycles with utmost care and with the highest level of responsibility.

Persons recovering bail money given...

From page 14 by said that they too had received invalid cheques after being pushed around for months.

They told Kaieteur News that the bank told them that the cheques had an error and sent them back to have them rectified.

Others were also quite angry and vented their frustration by demanding an explanation from the officers, saying that they are fed up.

“Yall tell we come fuh this date and when we turn up now, they telling we fuh go back and come again…This is nonsense, yall have to stop this foolishness. We have left our work to come here only to waste money to collect lil bit money, this ain’t right,” they shouted at the officers.

In attempt to calm them down, two police inspectors - one of them a female came out to give an explanation.

The rank told the group that the run around and invalid cheques is because the finance department has been recently re-staffed.

The female cop said that the persons who signed the cheques that have been rejected by the bank have been removed. She added that the cheques will have to be reissued.

Regarding the runaround, she explained that the cheques need two signatures before it can be handed to them. “I am the only officer in the department that is cur-

rently authorized to sign these cheques at the moment, and I have signed them already but they need another signature before they can be delivered.”

The female inspector continued “The only other person that can sign those cheques is the Commissioner of Police and he is unavailable at this time.”

She admitted that the group was told to come today, but the Commissioner got caught up in a meeting and she could not guarantee when he would be available to sign.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Transition to Renewables…

Orinduik partner positions itself to supply solar powered systems As countries hasten efforts to utilize cleaner energy sources, oil companies are also reexamining their business decisions to ensure that they are not left behind in this changing tide.

In fact, Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas Limited, one of the joint venture partners of the Orinduik Block, announced yesterday that it has created a new company, which will be focused on catering to the needs of the rising renewables sector.

The new firm called Eco Atlantic Renewables was established in partnership with Nepcoe Capital Partners Ltd. (“Nepcoe”), a renewable energy developer and investment company.

Together, the duo would be using the new corporation as a vehicle to source, acquire, and develop an exclusive pipeline of high yielding, low cost solar projects. In terms of the ownership arrangement, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (“Eco Atlantic”) owns 70% of Eco Atlantic Renewables and the remaining 30% is owned by Nepcoe.

Kaieteur News under-

stands that Eco and its new partner, Nepcoe, already have their eyes set on a number of markets such as those in Greece, Spain, and Italy.

The duo said that the focus will be on projects that are “strategically located in markets with advantageous land prices in prime locations and with premium off take prices…”

Speaking on the new venture, Gil Holzman, CoFounder and Chief Executive Officer of Eco Atlantic, commented, “…Following several months of extensive strategic work and identification of multiple projects by the management team and Board of Directors, this exciting opportunity has crystallized.

Our decision to form this new majority held renewable energy company was partly driven by a lack of oil and gas acquisition opportunities that are as good and as prospective as the ones we already hold.”

The CEO added, “While we remain focused and fully committed to achieving near term exploration success in Guyana and Namibia, we are

Man charged with stealing motorcycles, granted bail A man was on Monday placed on a total of $100,000 bail for allegedly stealing two motorcycles.

The defendant, Patrick Letlow, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Court before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

He is charged for breaking and entering and armed robbery.He denied the charge, which stated that on December 22, 2020, he broke into the home of Christy Orna and stole one Honda motorcycle

bearing registration number CJ 8848 valued at $185,000, property of Romeo London.

Letlow also denied the latter charge which alleged that on December 23, 2020, at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, and while in the company of another and armed with a handgun, he robbed Romeo London of one Honda XR motorcycle bearing registration number CK 5849 valued at $490,000.Principal Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus granted Letlow bail and adjourned the matter.

CGX finally looks to...

From page 8 government on November 12, 2012 for the offshore concession, CGX was supposed to drill at least four wells on the block by 2019. But this did not occur. Instead of fully meeting its obligations, CGX had drilled two wells in 2012, both of which were abandoned — Eagle-1 as a dry hole and Jaguar-1 for safety concerns. Since then, it has made promises to drill more wells in search of oil but until recently, never did.

CGX had even gotten the former Coalition administra-

tion to water down their work programme for Corentyne block, but the company still failed to honour the new obligations.

With regards to the Demerara Block, Kaieteur News had reported that after being in possession of a licence for the Demerara oil block offshore Guyana for eight years, CGX had failed to drill a single well.

What is notable, is that this company claims Guyana owes it US$20M despite drilling no well on Demerara Block.

fully aware of the global energy transition that is firmly underway.

The creation of Eco Atlantic Renewables is a clear demonstration that Eco Atlantic is responding to the changing marketplace.”

The industry stakeholder said too that Eco has structured the new venture in such a way that its oil and gas assets in Guyana and Namibia remain the core of its business.

He was keen to note that Eco has retained adequate near term financing for works to be done on both offshore assets.

Further to this, Holzman said that the creation of Eco Atlantic Renewables is very exciting while adding that the recent shift in energy market dynamics presents compelling, near term opportunities and the potential to grow yet another ground-breaking independent energy company.

Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas Ltd. CEO, Gil Holzman

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Bids received for upgrade of regional hospitals ter who had said that the (APNU+AFC) government US$17.5 million was given to did not commence works on Guyana through a line of the hospitals. The new admincredit by the Export-Import istration, however, had de(EXIM) Bank of India. cided to revamp the project The line of credit was upon taking office in August inked by former Minister of of last year.

Finance, Winston Jordan and Kaieteur News underan EXIM Bank representative stands that the upgrades on Sailesh Prashad in July 2017. each hospital will feature the Guyana was given 20 years restructuring and constructo repay the loan at an inter- tion of theatres, the implemenest rate of 1.75 percent per tation of modernized medical annum. A five-year morato- equipment, additional beds rium period was also given, being provided, as well as which means that for the five- stations for nurses. It was year period, Guyana will not also stated that the upgrades be required to make any pay- at each hospital would take ments. the pressure off the Despite receiving the line Georgetown Public Hospital of credit, the previous A Part- Corporation (GPHC). nership for National Unity + Below are the companies Alliance For Change and their bids.

Ministry of Health Consultancy services for design and supervision of civil works for the upgrade of three regional hospitals, namely West Demerara, Bartica and Suddie

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), on Tuesday, opened 12 ——-bids for three government ministries at their Ministry of Finance (MoF) office on Main and Urquhart Streets. One notable project from these bids included the procurement of a consultancy services for the design and supervision of civil works for the upgrade of three regional hospitals, namely West Demerara, Bartica and Suddie.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that the government is set to commence works estimated at US$17.5 million on these three regional hospitals this year. This had been disclosed by the Minis-

Guyana Power Light Power Utility Upgrading Programme: Procurement of tokens for the Social Management Programme

Office of the Prime Minister Supply of line hardware for Akawini

Supply line hardware for Kabakaburi

Bandit beats youth for throwing away his cellphone A Linden youth was beaten on Monday by an armed bandit after he chose to throw away his cellphone during a robbery.

According to police, the young man and his 18-year-old friend were approached by the two bandits, both armed with guns, around 22:00hrs at Fox Hill Foot, Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, Region Ten. The men held them at gunpoint while they were sitting at a street corner and told them not to move. His friend became fearful for his

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Kaieteur News

life and allowed them to take away his ZTE Android cellphone worth some $21,000.

The young man, however took his cellphone and threw away into his neighbour’s yard which was located a short distance away.Police were told that one of the gunmen, became annoyed at the youth and began beating him with the gun, leaving him injured. They then made good their escape by running away. Cops are on the lookout for the armed bandits.

Two remanded for allegedly killing Sophia man who parted fight

Remanded, Shay Carter called “Shawn”.

Remanded, Kaprese Norbrega called “Kaprese Richmond”.

Two persons were yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of a Sophia man, who had intervened in a fight after they allegedly attacked and stabbed his younger brother.

The defendants, Kaprese Nobrega also known as, Kaprese Richmond, 18, a mechanic of ‘C’ Field Sophia, East Coast Demerara, and Shay Carter also known as, Shawn, 26, of ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, both appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool.

They were not required to plead to the joint indictable charge, which alleged that on March 21, 2020, and March 27, 2020, at ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, while in the company of others, they murdered 25-year-old Kevin Campbell.

Nobrega and Carter were remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to March 23, 2021.

According to the police,

Nobrega has been in hiding ever since the incident. Recently, the police received information on his whereabouts and they were able to apprehend him.

Meanwhile, Carter was charged on December 21, 2020, in the same court for the murder and he was remanded to prison. However, he was brought back to court yesterday to be charged jointly with Norbrega.

According to a police report, 13 persons are reportedly involved in the killing of Campbell. It was reported that Campbell was chopped and stabbed several times about his body just after 08:00hrs at his home allegedly by a 13member gang.

Kaieteur News had reported that on the day of the incident, two men attacked Campbell’s younger brother, Brandon, while he was standing in the yard of their home.

He was stabbed twice with a scissors, one to his abdomen and another to his chest.

After hearing the commo-

Dead, Kevin Campbell. tion, Campbell rushed to his brother’s assistance and managed to get the attackers out of the yard.

It was reported that the two attackers returned later that day in the company of 11 other males, who were allegedly armed with knives, cutlasses and a pitchfork. Six of the alleged attackers went into Campbell’s house and dragged him outside.

The men then allegedly chopped and stabbed Campbell until he collapsed to the ground, before making good their escape. Campbell’s neighbours then rushed to his assistance and carried him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in an unconscious state where he succumbed to his injuries seven days later.

An autopsy was conducted and it was revealed that Campbell died from a punctured liver. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. The police are still to locate the other 11 suspects.

Childcare investigating alleged rape of girl, 15 The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) is investigating the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl. This is according to the Head of CPA, Ann Greene.

Kaieteur News understands that on December 19, 2020, the suspect and the teen were invited to a party in Kaneville, East Bank Demerara.

The woman who wishes to remain anonymous told Kaieteur News that at the party, the teen asked her to follow her to the shop. On their way to the shop, the woman said that she asked the teen her age and why she is smoking.

According to the woman, the teen told her that she is stressed. The woman said that the teen explained that at nights when her mother is at work, the suspect would al-

legedly rape her.

The teen told the woman that most times when the suspect consumes alcohol, he would interfere with her. The teen told the woman that the suspect usually buys her whatever she wants and he reportedly told her not to allow any other person to touch her besides him.

It is also alleged that the suspect’s brother who also lives in the yard would also interfere with the teen.

The woman stated that when she confronted the suspect, he blocked her. She added, “Three days ago, while I was going home from work, he threatened me that if I don’t shout my mouth, he will burn my f&%@king house down.”

The woman told this publication that she did not make an official police report be-

cause, “All they do is got you running around; that’s why I exposed him on Facebook.”

The woman said that recently, she reached out to the CPA. When Kaieteur News contacted Greene, she confirmed the alleged rape and stated that the matter is currently being investigated by the agency.

The woman had initially made a Facebook post about the matter asking for the public’s help to assist the teen who is allegedly being sexually abused.

Additionally, the woman stated that the teen’s mother reached out to her and told her that the CPA has a report for the teen from when the teen had run away from home before and begged the woman to remove the post because the teen is reportedly already sexually active.

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Parliament should expel Patterson...

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From page 13 that he received a band from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GGAA) valued at $117,000 purchased from King’s Jewellery World. Included in that purchase was an additional US$90 for the addition of Patterson’s initials using 14K gold.

In August 2018, MARAD also approved payments for gift items for Patterson birthday valued at $243,000. Also in May 2018, he received gifts as well with vouchers spelling out payments of $76,818 and $300,000.

From the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), in 2018, he also received a pen valued at $25,000 from King’s Jewellery World. On May 6, 2019, Patterson was also said to have received another gift from King’s Jewellery World valued at $516,000.

Moving on to 2020 when the country was faced with the elections debacle, the

then Minister received a host of gifts for his birthday celebration in May. On May 4, 2020, documents show Patterson received a gift from MARAD valued at $704,292.

On the very same day, another gift was presented valued at $387,486, both purchased from Steve’s Jewellery World by the very agency.

The Transport and Harbour Department (T&HD) also presented Patterson with a gift valued at $54,700 on the same date.In total, Ferguson received $1.4 million in gifts from the very agencies listed.

But it was not just jewellery.

In fact, both Patterson and Ferguson received $6,757,015 in electronics and household materials all from the DHB. Those items, he explained, were not listed as asset registers but merely donations. On the list of items he noted, two dell desktops computers valued at $387,222 were purchased for both Ministers

along with Apple IPAD Airs priced at $213,750 each.

In addition to that, purchases were also made of televisions, printers, cocktail tables, hallway tables, rugs, safety boots, a bookshelf, two dell PC’s valued $164,600 each, along with a king-size bed set, a king-size mattress, a queen-size bed set and chest of drawers.

Hess sets ...

From page 12 developments.

Of its exploration and appraisal budget, the bulk of $450 million has been allocated to drill 12-15 exploration and appraisal wells on the Stabroek Block in Guyana, and some seismic acquisition and processing.

Hess has a 30 percent stake in the Stabroek block, along with ExxonMobil (Operator – 45 percent) and CNOOC (25 percent).

Wednesday January 27, 2021

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

France wants to build Corentyne River bridge T

he French Govern ment has expressed its interest in building the Corentyne River bridge for Guyana.

The Corentyne River bridge is part of government’s plan to link Guyana with neighbouring Suriname.

Meeting with the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Monday, was the Ambassador of the French Public to Guyana, Antoine Joly and his team.

Joly was accompanied by Jean-Francois Gerin, Mr. Christophe Sureau, Mrs. Christine Sureau, Mr. Yorgo Hernandez and Mr. Philippe Lamouret.

According a release by the Ministry of Public Works, Joly shared interest in the maintenance Guyana’s vessels and the building of the Corentyne River bridge.

The Public Works Minister told Kaieteur News that the French Government has

not revealed the details of its interest – whether they want to finance the project or send a company to build it.

Edghill added that France is responding to an advertisement carried in the daily newspapers regarding an expression of interest in the Corentyne River bridge project.

He continued that the closing date for submissions will be on the 15th of February and only then will Guyana know what type of interest the French Government has in the project.

Plans for a bridge linking Guyana with Suriname began in 2019.

Former Minister of Public Infrastructure under the previous administration, David

Patterson was quoted by this newspaper saying that one of the priority projects between Guyana and Suriname would be a bridge across the Corentyne River.

Monday’s meeting between the Public Work’s Minister, Juan Edghill and the French Ambassador, Antoine Joly.

In latter half of 2020, both countries Guyana and Suriname committed to the idea of constructing the bridge.

The current administration also steamed ahead with the plans in October and together with a delegation from the Suriname Government visited the proposed site for its construction.

The Corentyne River bridge, they had pointed out will link South Drain, Suriname and Moleson Creek.

The following month a formal agreement was signed between the two govern-

PM’s vaccine call to India NEWSDAY - India, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of drugs, is among several of the places Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has approached for the COVID-19 vaccine.A senior Government official confirmed that Mottley had indeed written to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi more than three weeks ago and prior to the surge in cases, seeking access to doses of the Covishield vaccine.However, the source could not say what was India’s response to the request.The Hindustan Times ran an article four days ago and quoted a section of Mottley’s letter with the request.“I am urgently soliciting the assistance of your government to have access to 200 000 doses (for 100 000 citizens) of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured in your country.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, here during a meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in 2019. (FILE)

Tobago Chamber head: Deadlock must be resolved NEWSDAY - President of the Tobago Division of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Diane Hadad says the deadlock in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) must be urgently resolved.

Unofficial figures from the Elections and Boundaries Commission revealed the People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) won six electoral districts each in Monday’s THA election.

A decision on the way forward is yet to be announced.

During the THA’s 40-year history, there has never been a tie in the assembly after an election.

Hadad said the situation must be addressed.

“It needs to be resolved pretty quickly because we cannot sit down in pause mode for much longer,” she told Newsday. “Remember, we already on pause for the last number of years. So pause mode cannot be where we are much longer.”

Hadad said the fact that there was no immediate resolution to the deadlock highlights the flaws in the system “in terms of the Constitution, because no authority can step in.”

She added: “To me, that sends a big signal. It means 12 Tobagonians go into the room (Assembly Chamber) to

make sense for the island and somebody, in their wisdom, years ago, thought that Tobago was smart enough to sit in a room and come up with what’s best in the interest of the island.

“Whether that works for today’s level of thinking is another question to be answered.”

Hadad said the problem could be solved by someone crossing the floor.

If not, she said Tobagonians could also return to the polls.

“And it seems to me the people who were sitting on the fence, who were frustrated, we will have an even more fiery election.”

ments in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding

Interest (EOI) for consultancy services for the construction

(MoU) during President Irfaan Ali’s visit to Suriname.In December, both Guyana and Suriname,

of a bridge connecting both countries.

A notice was also published detailing that the objective of the consultancy is

had invited Expressions of

to conduct a feasibility study, including environmental and social impact assessments and the preparation of detailed designs, drawings, cost estimates and bid documents for the bridge.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Labour Ministry looking to develop an employability strategy in upcoming Conference The Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is looking at developing a National Strategy that would address issues of employability as it relates to youth, persons with disabilities, retirees, university students and non-violent offenders and vocational education in a two-day National Conference which is slated for March.

This was confirmed during a meeting that was held on Monday, with the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; CEO of the BIT, Richard Maughn; Chairman of BIT, David Armagon and several other stakeholders where they agreed to set up a steering committee to execute the two-day event.

The objective of the conference is to share experiences and receive intelligence from beneficiaries of training programmes implemented by BIT and other national agencies and to develop a conceptual framework specific to national contexts to inform labour market demands.

The intelligence obtained

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton. from the conference would be used to inform the design and implementation of training and educational programmes that correspond to labour needs in an increasingly dynamic and demanding market.

Therefore, engaging in the discussion with the labour market is necessary since it would qualify and adjust, refine and define the type of training the Ministry provides and endorses to increase the possibilities for and employ-

ability of Guyanese.

During the meeting, Minister Hamilton highlighted that the conference will address the nation’s current and future training needs, particularly as new industries emerge.

The Minister added that while there are training institutions across the country with different curricula, they are working in isolations and, in some instances, are providing training that is no longer relevant to the particular region. “The Linden Technical Institute which might still be training persons for a bauxite industry that is existing the way it used to be 30 years ago, and therefore, they must think about new things,” the Minister said.

In closing, the committee will comprise officials from Ministry and BIT; Ministry of Education; University of Guyana; the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association(GMSA); the Private Sector; labour unions; and the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Wednesday January 27, 2021

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Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: LeBron James nets season-high 46 at Cleveland From page 32 with Pascal Siakam (left knee swelling) out for the second straight game, added 24 points for Toronto. Lowry, returning after missing two games with an infected toe, scored 12 points before being ejected in the final minute.

Oklahoma City Thunder 125 - Portland Trail Blazers 122 Mike Muscala made a career-best six 3-pointers and scored a season-high 23 points to help Oklahoma City post a victory at Portland.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a team-high 24 points and added nine rebounds and six assists as the Thunder improved to 1-3 on a fivegame road trip. Darius Bazley had 19 points and seven rebounds and Isaiah Roby

scored 16 points for Oklahoma City.

Anfernee Simons established season highs of 26 points and six 3-pointers for Portland. Damian Lillard notched 26 points and 10 assists, Carmelo Anthony scored a season-best 22 points and Gary Trent Jr. also had 22 points. Enes Kanter had 13 points and a seasonbest 22 rebounds.

Orlando Magic 117 - Charlotte Hornets 108 Nikola Vucevic scored 28 points as Orlando won for just the second time in its last 10 games, defeating visiting Charlotte.

Vucevic, who reached the 10,000-point career mark a night earlier, shot 11 of 23 from the field, including four of his seven 3-point shots. He also

hauled in 12 rebounds. Cole Anthony added 21 points with four 3-point baskets, Evan Fournier had 19 points and Dwayne Bacon had 15 points for Orlando.

Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier had 24 points each for the Hornets.

Devonte’ Graham added 21 points as Charlotte lost for the fifth time in its past six games.

Brooklyn Nets 98 - Miami Heat 85 James Harden scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter as Brooklyn pulled away in the final minutes for a victory over Miami in New York.The Nets won for the sixth time in eight games on a night in which they shot a season-low 40 percent, but they outscored Miami 20-7 in the final seven-plus minutes.

Wednesday January 27, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This might be the perfect day to go out, Aries, or stay in and turn off the phone.

Friends and relatives could be stressed, and phone conversations could touch off some misunderstandings and cause unnecessary hurt feelings.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Recent stress could leave you wanting to spend the day shopping for items that may be nice but aren't really necessary, Taurus.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Uninvited visitors could cause some stress, Gemini.

You wanted to spend your day resting, but now you have to entertain people, and this could prove irritating.

CANCER(June21–July22) Some callous words spoken carelessly could make you feel hurt and insecure, Cancer. They may not have been intentional, but even so, bear in mind that they're only words.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Attempts to attend a festival, party, or other group activity could be hampered by minor obstacles like traffic jams, forgetting things, and getting lost, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some friends may put you in front of a lot of people, Virgo, perhaps to make an impromptu speech or lead a discussion. Generally, you don't mind this, but today you're in a quiet mood and would rather stay on the sidelines.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Someone who's a little belligerent and abrasive could interrupt the flow of ideas at a class or workshop dedicated to spiritual and metaphysical concepts and values.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

An upset between you and a friend might cause you to wonder what you did wrong, Scorpio. Chances are you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Too many outside responsibilities at once could have you at odds with a current love partner, Sagittarius.

Your beloved may seem to be demanding a choice between your job and the relationship.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) An unexpected problem with a task you're trying to finish could cause a temporary upset between you and those closest to you, Capricorn.

This might have your family stomping out of the house in anger.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) An upsetting dream about someone you love deeply could cause you to awaken suddenly in the night, Aquarius. You might have to ground yourself a little in reality before trying to go back to sleep. Stay calm.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A misunderstanding with a family member or partner could mar your morning, Pisces. One of you is less communicative than usual.

Kevin Durant scored 20 points while shooting 6 of 21 and Kyrie Irving added 16 points while shooting 6 of 17.

Brooklyn won despite hitting just 28.9 percent (11 of 38) from 3-point range.

Miami’s Bam Adebayo followed up a career-high 41point night by leading all scorers with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Goran Dragic added 21, but Miami lost for the sixth time in eight games while continuing to play without Jimmy Butler (health and safety protocols), Avery Bradley (health and safety protocols) and Tyler Herro (neck).

Boston Celtics 119 - Chicago Bulls 103 Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 24 points in his return

to the lineup from the NBA’s game losing streak with a win COVID-19 protocol as Boston over Philadelphia. Wright, opened a stretch of playing whose previous career best seven of eight on the road was 26 points in 2019, added nine assists and seven rewith a win at Chicago.

Daniel Theis added 19 bounds.

Jerami Grant supplied 25 points while Marcus Smart registered 13 points and 11 points, eight rebounds and assists for Boston, which has five assists while Wayne won successive games fol- Ellington tossed in 20 points lowing a three-game losing as Detroit avenged a loss to Philadelphia two nights earstreak. lier.

Zach LaVine had a game- England confirm two-Test Tobias Harris’ 25 points high 30 points on 11-for-19 and sevenagainst rebounds ledNew the shooting as the Bulls fell to series Sixers, and Tyrese had 0-2 on their five-game Zealand forMaxeyJune homestand. Chicago commit- 17 points. Philadelphia star ted 19 turnovers that led to Joel Embiid did not play due to back soreness. He had 33 35 Boston points.

Detroit Pistons 119 - Phila- points and 14 rebounds in his team’s 114-110 win over the delphia 76ers 104 Delon Wright poured in a Pistons on Saturday.

(Field Level Media) career-high 28 points and host Detroit snapped a four-

Mohammad Naveed an ...

From page 31 the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019.

Naveed, in addition, was also found guilty of breaching the same two codes during the T10 League in 2019, which was also held in the U A E .

ESPNcricinfo under-

stands the two players had allegedly stood to make around US$ 272,000 if they had been successful in impacting the outcome of matches during the qualifiers.

In October 2019, Naveed accepted that he had failed to report a suspicious approach during the T10 tournament, but claimed he had ended the conversation when he realised the person he was meeting was a “fixer”.

CG Insurance...

From page 29 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 region and three are celebrating fantastic recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) having been voted into the ICC’s Women’s ODI and T20I teams of the decade. Captain Stafanie Taylor is joined in the T20I team of the decade by all-rounder Deandra Dottin and in the ODI team of the decade by spinner Anisa Mohammed. These three inspirational women sit alongside some incredible women cricketers from around the world.

For every CG Insurance Super50 Cup match and West Indies International, don’t forget that we provide live ball-by-ball (BBB) coverage on windiescricket.com in your Live M

England confirm two-Test series...

From page 33 been firmed up, with games at Cardiff and the Ageas Bowl ahead of a three-match ODI series starting in Durham on June 29. Pakistan will then arrive for ODIs and T20Is, before the Tests against India begin on August 4.

The ECB is hoping to be able to host crowds during the summer, with ticket ballots now open, after the entire 2020 international schedule was played behind doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

England’s Visually Impaired team are also due to host Australia for the Ashes in 2021, but that series remains subject to Covid-19 assessments. Multi-format series for England Women against South Africa and New Zealand are also in the pipeline.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Mo Farah confident Tokyo Games will go ahead (Reuters) - Britain’s multiple world and Olympic long distance champion Mo Farah said the more people who get vaccinated against COVID-19, the greater the chance that the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead on schedule.

Farah, who won gold at the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, added he expected the July-August Games, postponed from last year, to take place.

“I think most people in a career want to go to an Olympics and take part in an Olympics. The key thing is to stay safe and see what the country can do,” Farah told talkSport radio.

“What they have said to us is basically everyone will be able to get COVID injections, and after that it’s less risk of spreading the disease. And then from there just see what happens and take one day at a time.”

It was not clear if Farah

was referring specifically to athletes getting vaccinated or to the general public.

A British Olympic Association representative said: “We have not spoken to any athletes about vaccinations as we await a clearer understanding of the programme’s rollout.”

“As we have clearly stated, the priority at this time remains the vulnerable, elderly and front line workers,” it added.

Wo r l d A t h l e t i c s

President Sebastian Coe said that he was against the concept of compulsory vaccinations and did not like the idea of athletes taking priority ahead of vulnerable people or frontline workers.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has said that although participants will be encouraged to get vaccinated, it will not be mandatory.

Farah will be seeking to defend his 10,000m title in

London Marathon Pacemaker Britain’s Mo Farah during the elite men’s race.

(Pool via REUTERS/Adam Davy)

Tokyo after spending the last few years focusing on the marathon.

“I think (the Games) will go ahead but at the same

time, for me, I have had the experience of taking part in three Olympics and I have to see it as another race and see what happens.”

4 soccer players killed in Brazil plane crash had COVID-19 RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Four soccer players from Brazilian club Palmas died in a plane crash Sunday while traveling separately from the team after testing positive for the coronavirus, the club said.

The club’s president also died in the crash after the plane suddenly plunged to the ground at the end of the runway while on takeoff in the northern state of Tocantins, the team reported.

The pilot also died.

The players were on their way to Goiania, in the central region of the country, to play a match against Vila Nova.

The players were traveling in a private plane because they had tested positive for COVID-19, club spokesperson Izabela Martins told The Associated Press. Martins said that Sunday would have been their last day of isolation and that the rest of the team would travel on a commercial flight.

The victims were identified as president Lucas Meira and players Lucas Praxedes, Guilherme Noé, Ranule and Marcus Molinari, the club said. The pilot was not identified.

There were no survivors.

Palmas Futebol e Regatas was founded in 1997 and plays in Brazil’s fourth division.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known.

Tocantins fire officials reported that the twin-engine Baron model had a capacity of six occupants. When

firefighters arrived at the crash site, 500 meters from the runway, the aircraft was being consumed by fire. At least two explosions were registered, according to the official report.

The Brazilian Football Confederation expressed its solidarity with Palmas’ family members and the club’s fans in an official note, and it ordered a minute of silence in all matches played Sunday as a sign of mourning.

In 2016, a plane crash killed 19 players of the Chapecoense soccer club.

Chapecoense’s plane went down en route to the club’s first-ever South American tournament final in Colombia after it ran out of fuel near Medellin. “ U n f o r t u n a t e l y, w e know what this moment of pain is like and we wish that no other group had to feel the same,” Chapecoense said in a statement. “You won’t go through this alone.”

FIFA expressed its condolences to the six victims.“Football extends its deepest sympathies to the victims and their families at this difficult time,” it said on Twitter.

Alejandro Domínguez, the president of South America’s soccer body CONMEBOL, also offered his condolences.“I deeply regret the plane crash that affected Palmas,” he said on Twitter. “My condolences to all those who make up the club, family and friends at this sad time.”

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

CG Insurance Super 50 Cup features exciting names A busy new year of cricket is kicking off with a bang with the start of the CG Insurance Super50 Cup in Antigua on February 7. The 19 action-packed matches are expected to provide much entertainment with the six big regional rival teams and a host of big West Indies names and exciting young talent.

The final will be played on the 27 February at Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), and is the final match of 13 games to be broadcasted live on TV from CCG, with the other six games being streamed live on the WindiesCricket.com w e b s i t e a n d Yo u Tu b e channel.

Leeward Islands

Hurricanes bowl off the first game at CCG on February 7 against the Windward Islands Volcanoes, the 201718 Champions with Guyana Jaguars playing Barbados Pride the following day.

Jamaica Scorpions and the T&T Red Force start their campaigns at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS) on February 11.

Among the big names in the tournament are Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, Shimron Heymyer, Hayden Walsh Jr., Sheldon Cottrell and Andre Fletcher. The 2019-20 Super50 Cup Champions, the West Indies Emerging Players are not able to defend their title due to COVID constraints.

More news on where to

‘I’m up for the fight’ - Roach ready to put in hard work needed to take Bangladesh wickets

West Indies fast bowler, Kemar Roach.

SportsMax - West Indies fast bowler, Kemar Roach, insists he is ready for the challenge of trying to take wickets on Bangladesh pitches, despite the surfaces being more suited to spinbowling.

Despite the presence of several spinners in the squad, the 32-year-old is expected to lead the West Indies bowling line-up, along with fellow pace bowlers Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph. If the dominance of spinners in the One Day International series, on pitches that offered very little assistance to pace bowlers, is anything to go by they will certainly have their work cut out.

Having been in Bangladesh on two prior Test series, Roach would know first-hand what it takes to succeed on spin-friendly terrain.

In 2011, he claimed 0 for 52 off 9 overs and 1 for 49 off 13.2 overs in the second Test of the series. When he

returned in 2018, he claimed 1 for 74 off 18 overs in the first Test and 2 for 61 in 25 overs as Bangladesh made a mammoth 500 in the second Test.

“It mostly favours the spinners but I think there is enough there for fast bowlers to get something as well.

It’s just about having your plans, executing, and being disciplined,” Roach told members of the media via a press conference from Bangladesh on Tuesday.

“It’s going to be tough, we know we have to bowl a lot more overs to get our rewards but once you are willing to put the work in you can get some rewards over here…so it’s going to be tough but I’m up for the fight.”

The Windies have had recent success with pace bowling in Bangladesh with Tino Best claiming a five-for in 2012 and Fidel Edwards claiming 8 wickets in the 2011 series.

watch, listen to and follow the CG Insurance Super50 Cup will be coming out on the windiescricket.com website and our social channels in the coming days.

It’s going to be a fantastic three weeks of 50-over cricket.

The West Indies tour of Bangladesh kicked off this past week with the ODI series. Although the results were disappointing for the young squad of developing players, the tour has given an

opportunity to many young players to experience international cricket and overseas cricket conditions.

The first ODI featured six debutants for the first time in our history.

Akeal Hosein is one of the bright new hopefuls who put on a stand-out bowling performance in the first ODI, including the wicket of world #1 all rounder Shakib al-Hasan, and showed us that he is one to lookout for.

The first ODIs of the year

here in the Caribbean are set to be announced very soon.

As a subscriber to the WI Insider Newsletter, you still have an exclusive chance to grab your gear with free shipping when you spend over EC$350, BD$260, J$18,845, GY$26,790 or TT$870.

West Indies Women’s Team in Camp with New Coach Walsh New decade, New Year and new coach. 2021, is heralded by Courtney Walsh

taking over the reins of the West Indies Women’s team.

The squad and coaching staff have assembled at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua for a three-week training camp, which Coach Walsh is using to set the future foundation for the team.

Twenty-four of the region’s women’s cricketers will be working with the new-look coaching staff led

by Walsh including former (Continued on page 27)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Pakistan in trouble as Rabada leads South Africa fightback South Africa’s Dean Elgar on his way to 58 in the first innings against Pakistan.

AFP - Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took two wickets for just eight runs as he led a South African fightback against Pakistan in their first Test in Karachi yesterday.

Pakistan were in trouble at 33 for four at the close of play, having bowled out the visitors for 220 — their second-lowest total in the country.

Fourteen wickets fell on the brownish National Stadium pitch, which had been expected to take spin from day one.

South Africa were well placed at 108-2 soon after lunch, but lost their last eight wickets for just 112 runs — barely managing to overhaul their lowest total in Pakistan, the 214 made at Faisalabad in 1997.Spinners Yasir Shah (3-54), debutant Nauman Ali (2-38) and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-49) did the damage.

But then Rabada paid back the hosts with interest, bowling Abid Ali (four) in his third over and then getting debutant Imran Butt (nine) caught at leg-slip off a rising delivery.

He now has 199 wickets from 44 Tests.Babar Azam, leading Pakistan for the first time in a Test, fell lbw to spinner Keshav Maharaj for seven before night watchman Shaheen was bowled by Anrich Nortje without scoring.

At the close, Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam were unbeaten on five each - with Pakistan trailing by 187 runs with six wickets intact.

Earlier, opener Dean Elgar top-scored for South Africa with 58, while George Linde (35) and Rabada (21 not out) were other notable contributors.

While lamenting his side’s poor batting, Elgar said South Africa now had the upper hand.

“I would not have said that after our batting, but then we fought back by taking wickets,” he said.

“Knowing that this pitch will get tougher, and knowing that we have good spinners, I am confident that we can get further ahead.”

Elgar struck his 16th Test half-century — laced with nine boundaries — before he edged Nauman into the hands of Azam at slip.

Elgar and Faf du Plessis (23) had steadied the innings during their 45-run stand for the third wicket after Aiden Markram (13) and Rassie van der Dussen (17) were dismissed in the first session.

Both sides entered the Test with two spinners and three pace bowlers.

The two-match series marks the first tour by South Africa to Pakistan in 14 years, a positive step for the revival of international cricket in the host country.

A deadly attack on Sri Lanka’s team in 2009 froze international tours to Pakistan before their gradual resumption in recent years.

Scores: Pakistan 33 for 4 (Rabada 2-8) trail South Africa 220 (Elgar 58, Linde 35, Yasir 3-54, Nauman 238, Afridi 2-49) bt 187 runs.

Hope brothers out of CWI Super50 Cup after testing positive for Covid-19 Bridgetown, Barbados, (www.bcacricket.org) - The Hope brothers, Shai and Kyle, have tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss the Cricket West Indies (CWI) CG Insurance Super50 Cup in Antigua, February 7 to 27.

The results were released yesterday following the first completed tests of the Barbados Pride squad and management on Sunday, January 24.

Shai and Kyle Hope will be placed in isolation in accordance with Government of Barbados protocols.They have been replaced in the 15-man squad by wicket-keeper/batsman Tevyn Walcott and top order batsman Zachary McCaskie.

Both are to immediately undergo the required testing

a n d p r o t o c o l s .

The Barbados squad is scheduled to leave for Antigua on Sunday, January 3 1 .

Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Joshua Bishop, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Akeem Jordan, Nicholas Kirton, Zachary McCaskie, Ashley Nurse, Te v y n Wa l c o t t .

Management: Head coach: Dexter Toppin; Assistant coach: Corey Collymore; Manager: Wendell Coppin; P h y s i o t h e r a p i s t : D r.

Jacqueline King; Strength & C o n d i t i o n i n g Tr a i n e r : Alexander Forde; Video analyst: Jamar Layne.

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

Mohammad Naveed and Shaiman Anwar found guilty of corruption ESPNcricinfo - The ICC has found UAE players Mohammad Naveed and Shaiman Anwar guilty of offences relating to attempted match-fixing during the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifying tournament. The verdict follows a hearing by an independent anti-corruption tribunal, with the ICC saying in a statement that “the pair remain suspended and sanctions will follow in due course”.

The two are among UAE’s most

Mohammad Naveed is a former UAE captain. (IDI via Getty Images)

Shaiman Anwar brings up his sixth ODI half-century © Peter Della Penna

‘Extra time helps us prepare for ‘difficult’ conditions’ - WI spinner Cornwall grateful for long lead-up to Test series SportsMax - West Indies spinner, Rahkeem Cornwall, believes the unusually long preparation time before the start of the Bangladesh Test series has been beneficial for players needing to get used to ‘difficult’ conditions.

The regional team arrived in Bangladesh on January 10 and was required to quarantine for 7 days based on the country’s COVID-19 protocols. Since clearing that hurdle, however, the Test team has been free to train and will not start the series until February 1.

The Asian team is known for being particularly difficult to beat on their home turf and easily dispatched the West Indies 20 on their last visit in 2018.

One of those advantages is said to be the team’s pitches.

“It has helped (extra time) you have to adapt to these conditions.

These conditions are difficult to play in, so the more time we get to understand the conditions is the better it is for us,” Cornwall said.

“It spins a bit more here.

It is always going to be drier than the Caribbean. So, we just have to adapt to it and play to the best of our ability,” he added.

The inexperienced West Indies team will be hoping for a better showing than in the recently concluded One Day International (ODI) series where the team was summarily swept aside 3-0.

The ODI batting line-up found the top class Bangladesh spinners on the surfaces a difficult task to cope with.

experienced international cricketers.

Anwar, now 41, is their highest rungetter across the ODI and T20I formats, and 33-year-old Naveed their most prolific wicket-taker and a former captain.

Naveed and Anwar were charged under the ICC anti-corruption code in October 2019, and suspended days before the start of the qualifiers in the UAE. Naveed, who was UAE’s captain at the time, was stood down from the

post.The two have both been found guilty of the following breaches of the anti-corruption code: Article 2.1.1 - for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match or matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019.

Article 2.4.4 - failing to disclose to (Continued on page 27)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Wednesday January 27, 2021

Rutherford still wants to play Test cricket

By Sean Devers atting allr o u n d e r S h e r f a n e Rutherford was born in the East Coast Village of Enmore and attended the Annandale Secondary school where he only played cricket.

Rutherford, who played at the U-15 level in 2012 before playing each at the U17 and U-19 levels before making his First-Class debut when Guyana played the Windwards at Providence in April 2017, made his List ‘A’ debut for Guyana against English County Kent in January 2018.

“I have loved cricket since I know myself, like six or seven years and the first club I played for was Enmore. Playing on the East Coast was my best days because you played against other Village teams who come with their supporters to create such a beautiful atmosphere.

I Joined Everest to play more cricket because East Coast wasn’t having enough cricket for me,” informed Rutherford who moved to DCC and then Police Sports Club.

In 48 T2Os the lefthanded batsman has scored 625 runs with a highest score of 60, while his right-arm medium pace has earned him eight wickets with a best of

B

3-19.

In 20 List ‘A’ games Rutherford has scored 388 runs with two fifties, while in 17 First-Class matches he has made 486 runs with three half-centuries including a highest score of 93. He also captured 33 wickets with best of 6-32.

Now 22, Rutherford is a T20 specialist who has already played for Karachi Kings, Mumbai Indians, Sydney Sixers, Sylhet Thunder, Bengal Tigers, Delhi Capitals, Delhi Daredevils, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Edmonton Royals in Global T20 leagues in addition to six T20 Internationals for West Indies.

Rutherford, who is not contracted by the Cricket Guyana INC Franchise, opted to make himself unavailable for next month’s Regional super50 in Antigua to participate in Bangladesh T20 and the Pakistan T10league which runs from 28 January to 6 February 2021.

But despite this, Rutherford said Guyana is his home and that he always wants to represent his Country and make his people proud.

“To be honest Test cricket in my heart, I love Test cricket so I don’t think that will ever change,” said Rutherford who last played

Staying in a bubble hardest thing I’ve experienced Rutherford is mobbed by team mates after his unbeaten 134 Powered Windies B to Global T20 Canada Final.

(Colin Benjamin photo)

First-Class cricket when Guyana opposed Trinidad at Providence March 7-9, 2019.

“The thing that attracts me to white ball cricket is that it has a World Cup and I always wanna play in that.

For me there is not much difference in T20 and FirstClass cricket but in T20 it expose me to different conditions and different

pitches which can help me later in my career,” added Rutherford.

Rutherford said they will be in an isolation period and playing in bubble where we only leave the hotel for cricket and when the game is finished the teams will head directly back.

“I thank God for the opportunity, and it’s always a special feeling when

selected for a new franchise.

I just want to take the opportunity to do the best I can, and enjoy it as well. In terms of my intentions, it is always to win and to perform well, so nothing will change going to Pakistan.

“For me, playing cricket during the pandemic and having to stay in a bubble is one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. But I am

happy that I am getting the opportunity to play some cricket, which means that despite being confined and whatever else comes with being in a bubble, I need to find ways to enjoy myself,” said Rutherford who came to prominence when he blasted a pugnacious unbeaten 134 to power West Indies ‘B’ to the Global T20 Canada Final back in July 2018.

NBA roundup: LeBron James nets season-high 46 at Cleveland LeBron James scored a season-high 46 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter, to lift the visiting Los Angeles Lakers to a 115108 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.

James scored 13 points in the final 4:41 to help the Lakers pull away and improve to 10-0 on the road this season. Anthony Davis

had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, and Montrezl Harrell scored 15 off the bench.

Andre Drummond had 25 points and 17 rebounds, Cedi Osman scored 20 points and Collin Sexton finished with 17 for the Cavaliers.

James shot 19 of 26 from the field, including 7 of 11 from 3-point distance, and

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)

added eight rebounds and six assists. It was his second game back in Cleveland since leaving the Cavaliers for the second time.

Denver Nuggets 117 Dallas Mavericks 113 Michael Porter Jr. scored a season-high-tying 30 points, Nikola Jokic had 20 points and 10 rebounds and visiting Denver beat Dallas.

JaMychal Green had 17 points and eight rebounds while Jamal Murray scored 16 before being ejected for Denver, which has won the first three games of a fivegame road trip.

Luka Doncic amassed 35 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds, Hardaway scored 19 points, and Kristaps Porzingis and James Johnson had 16 apiece for the Mavericks.

Golden State Warriors 130 - Minnesota

Timberwolves 108 Stephen Curry overshadowed Andrew Wiggins’ reunion with his former team, scoring a game-high 36 points as Golden State thrashed visiting Minnesota in San Francisco.

Curry shot 11-for-21 overall and 7-for-12 on 3point attempts en route to his fifth game this season with 35 or more points. Wiggins complemented his 23 points with six rebounds, three steals and three blocks for the Warriors.

The game pitted the top picks of last year’s draft, with No. 1 selection Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves and No. 2 pick James Wiseman of the Warriors playing on neareven terms. Edwards finished with 15 points while Wiseman, demoted from the

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (left) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry during the match against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. (Kayle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) starting lineup Monday, had 13.

Indiana Pacers 129 Toronto Raptors 114 Malcolm Brogdon scored 19 of his career-high 36 points in the second half and added nine assists as Indiana defeated Toronto at Indianapolis.

Indiana’s Domantas Sabonis scored 11 points before leaving with a knee

contusion at the end of the first quarter after going knee-on-knee with Toronto’s Kyle Lowry. He did not return. Jeremy Lamb added 22 points off the bench for the Pacers. Myles Turner had 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 25 points.

Norman Powell, starting (Continued on page 27)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 27, 2021

PAGE 33 31

New Zealand claimed the ICC No.1 Test ranking after beating Pakistan 2-0. (AFP via Getty Images)

England confirm two-Test series against New Zealand for June ESPNcricinfo - England will play a two-Test series against New Zealand this summer, with the ECB confirming fixtures at Lord’s and Edgbaston in June.

New Zealand will be the fourth touring country hosted by England in 2021, with limited-overs series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan ahead of a five-Test encounter with India.

The possibility of New Zealand or Ireland being invited to play Test cricket had previously been floated in the event that the ICC

World Test Championship final, to be held at Lord’s, was cancelled. That fixture remains in the calendar but without a set date.

New Zealand last played a Test in England in 2015, when the series was drawn 11. The Lord’s fixture will see them return to the scene of the dramatic World Cup final tie between the teams in 2019.

“The prospect of our England men’s team taking on the world’s two topranked Test nations in New Zealand and India this

summer is something for us all to savour,” ECB chief executive officer, Tom Harrison, said.Three T20Is against Sri Lanka have also (Continued on page 27)

Pakistan in trouble rt o p S as Rabada leads ‘Extra time South Africa fightback helps us prepare for ‘difficult’ conditions’ - WI spinner Cornwall grateful for long lead-up to Test series West Indies spinner, Rahkeem Cornwall

The stump flies as Pakistan’s Abid Ali is bowled by Kagiso Rabada in Karachi in the first Test against South Africa.

Rutherford still wants to play Test cricket

The Hope brothers, Shai and Kyle, have tested positive for Covid-19.

Sherfane Rutherford gave the Capitals innings some late impetus, Delhi Capitals v Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2019, Delhi, April 28, 2019. (BBCI Photo)

- Staying in a bubble hardest thing I’ve experienced

Hope brothers out of CWI Super50 Cup after testing positive for Covid-19

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