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AIETEUR NEWS

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Harmon resigns as

Thursday Edition January 27, 2022 - Vol. 15 No.04 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 86,545

Opposition Leader

First oil budget set at $552.9B Earnings from oil projected $420.5M set aside to train at over US$950M in 2022 1000 Guyanese in oil sector $20.8B for US$900M Govt. adds $3000 Gas-to-Energy Project, solar farms to Old Age Pension An “Drill illustration baby, of a fish or marine cage.

baby drill!!!”

Stabroek Block operators deploy six drill ships to define more oil wells

Genset explodes at Anna Regina power plant Hess to make approximately US$1.4 billion off 24 lifts from Guyana this year

Change the contracts!

Corruption is widespread in Government Agencies and Public Enterprises! @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Hess to make approximately US$1.4B off 24 lifts from Guyana this year

I

f calculated at US$60 a barrel, US oil conglomerate, Hess Corporation is poised to make approximately US$1.4B from guaranteed lifts from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects this year.

During the company's 2021 fourth quarter earnings call yesterday, Hess' Chief Financial Officer (CFO), John Rielly said the oil explorer expects to have three liftings from Guyana in the first quarter.

Two lifts will come from the Liza Destiny which is pumping oil at the Liza Phase One Project and the third will come from the Liza Unity vessel which is poised to start producing oil at the Liza Phase Two project at the end of March.

In the second quarter, Rielly said Hess expects a total of five liftings. After the Liza Unity reaches full production, which is currently projected for the third quarter of this year, he said the company expects to

The Liza Unity, Guyana's second oil ship which commences production this quarter.

have eight liftings per quarter in Guyana from these two FPSOs. Therefore, for the full year of 2022, Rielly said, “We expect 24 liftings in Guyana.” If oil prices at each time of lift and sale is above US$60 Brent, Hess is expected to rake in over US$2B in earnings

comfortably.

Post the startup of the Liza Phase 2 development, he was keen to note that the company intends to pay off the remaining US$500 million on its term loan and increase our dividend.

He said, “With our strong cash and liquidity positions, and our industry leading cash

flow growth, we are well positioned to significantly improve our credit metrics and increase cash returns to our shareholders in the coming years.”

The CFO concluded, “We remain committed to returning the majority of our increasing free cash flow to shareholders through further

dividend increases and share repurchases.”

Once installed, the Liza Unity is poised to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day which is double the current production of the Liza Destiny oil ship.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that Dutch conglomerate, SBM

Offshore, was awarded the front end engineering and design (FEED) contract for the FPSO in July 2018. The FPSO design is based on SBM Offshore's Fast4Ward, which incorporates a new build, multipurpose hull combined with several standardised topsides modules.

The FPSO in early September had sailed from Singapore to Guyana.

The vessel was there for the topside integration phase and is expected to begin production in early 2022.

Once production kicks off, Liza Phase Two is expected to develop approximately 600 million barrels of oil.

The project is set to cost Guyana approximately US$6 billion, and includes a lease capitalisation cost of approximately US$1.6 billion, for the Liza Unity FPSO vessel, which will be moored in water depth of about 1,600 meters and will be able to store approximately two million barrels of crude oil.

Sugar, rice, other crops'

suffer blows - Ashni Singh

By Davina Bagot The Senior Minister in the office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Wednesday reported to the National Assembly, during his Budget Presentation, that the agriculture sector suffered massive blows in 2021, which he attributed to the devastating floods in the first half of the year.

According to the minister, sugar, rice and other crops all recorded a decline in production. In fact, the forestry and fishing sector suffered the brunt of the flood impacts and is estimated to have contracted by 9.1 percent.

“This position is largely on account of reduced output in the sugar growing, rice growing, and other crops subsectors, which outweighed improved performances in the forestry, fishing and livestock subsectors,” the Finance Minister told the National Assembly.

The sugar growing subsector recorded a reduction in its value added by 34.7 percent in 2021 with 58,025 tonnes of sugar

produced. This was as a result of some 4,300 hectares of cane being destroyed by inundated fields. In fact, it is e s t i m a t e d t h a t approximately 35 percent of the standing cane for the second crop was lost as a result of the May/June floods.

“At Albion Estate alone, it is estimated that the mortality rate for the standing canes planned to be harvested for the first crop was 80 percent.

Having worked tirelessly to drain some 4.5 million tonnes of water off the lands, the industry was only able to save some of the surviving cane,” Dr. Singh explained.

Similarly, the recordhigh rainfall he said also had a severe impact on the rice growing sector, which recorded a reduction in its value added to 20.5 percent, with total paddy production in 2021 amounting to 859,993 tonnes, which resulted in 558,995 tonnes of rice being produced.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, y i e l d amounted to 5.5 tonnes of paddy per hectare.

As it relates to the other crops subsector this area also contracted by 9.8 percent

during last year. Dr. Singh noted, “When compared with the output from this industry in 2020, significant declines are observed for many fruits, vegetables, and spices, including papaw, bora, watermelon, sweet peppers, ochro, sweet potatoes, and ginger. Here again, the impact of the flood was sharp and severe. The reduced output of many items under this category was observed in the marketplace and fed through to prices of these and related commodities”.

Livestock, forestry & fisheries sector expands While still updating the National Assembly on the performance of the agriculture sector, the Finance Minister was happy to report positive figures in the forestry, livestock and a surprising turn for the fisheries sector.

According to him, the livestock subsector is estimated to have grown by 9.2 percent in 2021, despite the loss of livestock in the floods.

The increase is on account of growth in the production of poultry meat, beef, pork and mutton,

which are estimated to have expanded by 16.5 percent, 13.9 percent, 23.6 percent and 21.3 percent, r e s p e c t i v e l y, w h e n compared with 2020 output.

The Minister said, “These more than offset the estimated declines in the production of eggs and milk.

The increase in production reflects the growth in demand which followed the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants a n d o t h e r f o o d establishments, combined with high demand in the oil and gas and mining sectors”.

Meanwhile, the forestry

sector is estimated to have expanded by 11.3 percent in 2021. According to the latest declarations, timber output grew from 344,179 cubic metres in 2020 to 383,189 cubic metres in 2021, reflecting the high demand as a result of the expansion in construction activity.

Even more surprising however, Minister Singh said that despite the challenges currently being faced by the subsector, fishing is estimated to have grown by 11 percent, having shown signs of recovery in the latter half of 2021 which resulted in some 15.7 percent

growth in fish production.

“Notable increases were observed in production across all fish products, with the most significant growth observed for industrial finfish, which grew by 235.4 percent. Undermining the subsector's overall performance, was a 13.5 percent decline in the production of shrimp, as a result of declines in catches of whitebelly and industrial seabob shrimp.

These declines outweighed increased catches of artisanal seabob shrimp and prawns,” the Finance Minister reported.

Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

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First oil budget set at $552.9B …Guyana projected as 1 of 3 fastest growing economies this year

By Gary Eleazar

W

ith the 2022 Budget being the first to utilise monies from proceeds of the oil sector, Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh yesterday announced that government estimates spending some $552.9 billion this year.

Singh, who presented the budget themed, 'Steadfast Against All Challenges, Resolute in Building Our One Guyana' was adamant “we must be cognisant of the vastness of the opportunities that beckon us as a nation, and we must have the vision and courage to convert those opportunities into a positive and lasting reality, remaining faithful always to the oneness of our country.”

Budget 2022, he said “does precisely this.”

Prefacing his arguments before outlining measures

for the year, Dr. Singh lamented not only the international developments that would have impacted economies across the world, but the local realities including what he called the most severe flood in recent memory which decimated some sectors.

To this end, he sought to explain that like all commodity-exporting nations, Guyana remains particularly susceptible to global price fluctuations as evidenced by significant swings in our export earnings across some commodities in 2021.

As such, he explained, “among our main exports, rice and logs recorded an overall drop in prices.”

The prices for key exports such as rice, logs and other commodities all fell on the international market.

The average world market price of rice fell by 7.8 percent year-on-year to US$458.3 per metric tonne

Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh presenting the budget

for 2021, on account of increased supply in large producing countries.

Regarding sugar, Dr. Singh told the House, the average world price of sugar rose by 37.6 percent at the end of last year to an estimated US$0.39 per kilogramme, owing to increased demand.

With respect to precious metals, the average price of gold increased by 1.7 percent year-on-year to US$1,799.6 per troy ounce in 2021.

Similarly, there was a significant increase in aluminum prices, which grew by 45.1 percent in 2021

to US$2,472.8 per metric tonne. With respect to crude oil, prices rose by 66.5 percent to an average of US$70.4 per barrel in 2021.

This increase, he said, “resulted from supply disruptions and the global energy crunch, the latter r e s u l t i n g f r o m unprecedented growth in demand combined with dwindling supplies.”

As it relates to his projections for this year, Dr. Singh said, “in 2022, prices are expected to taper for most of our exported commodities.”

The price of rice, he said, is expected to decline further by 12.7 percent to US$400 per metric tonne and similarly, the world price of sugar is expected to contract by five percent to US$0.37 per kilogramme.

The price of gold is also projected to fall in 2022 by 2.8 percent to US$1,750 per troy ounce, while the prices of aluminum and logs are expected to rise to US$2,700 per metric tonne and US$280 per cubic metre, respectively.

Like aluminum, the average price of crude oil is

expected to increase this year, growing by five percent, owing to continued high demand to an average of US$74 per barrel in 2022.Real Gross Domestic Product, Dr. Singh noted, is estimated to have grown by 19.9 percent, but non-oil GDP, according to him, is estimated to have grown by 4.6 percent in 2021.

To this end, he told the House “with this rate of overall growth, Guyana is likely to be amongst the three fastest growing economies worldwide in 2021.”

According to him, “the very creditable performance of the non-oil productive sector reflects the delicate and dynamic policy balance struck between aggressive containment of COVID-19 on the one hand and phased reopening of the economy on the other hand.”

Additionally, he credited his administration's interventions “prompt and proactive flood mitigation measures which helped limit the fallout in the agriculture sector and supported the sector in resuming activity in the shortest possible time.”

Guyana projected to earn over US$950M from Govt. allocates $20.8B for oil sector in 2022 US$900M Gas-to-Energy

With two oil ships on schedule to be working simultaneously this year in the Stabroek Block, Guyana's oil sector is expected to rake in over US$950M for 2022. This is outlined in the 2022 budget that was presented yesterday

by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh in the National Assembly.

The economist who spoke for over five hours, said it is anticipated that there will be 94 lifts from the Stabroek Block, 13 of which will be Government lifts.

From this, it is estimated that deposits into the Natural Resource Fund for 2022 will total US$957.6 million, comprising some US$857.1 million earned from the Government lifts of profit

oil, and an additional US$100.5 million from royalties Continuing in the oil and gas subsector, Dr. Singh said production is expected from both Liza Destiny and Unity oil ships, and the rate of production for 2022 is e x p e c t e d t o b e approximately 257,000 bpd on average. As such, the subsector is projected to grow by 96.7 percent in 2022.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Finance Minister said a turnaround is anticipated for the gold mining subsector, which is projected to grow by 12.2 percent in 2022 on account of higher expected declarations from one large operator, and the small and medium scale miners.

Project, solar farms With the aim of advancing the transition to cleaner sources of energy, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh disclosed during the reading of budget 2022 yesterday that government has allocated $29.4B to the energy sector in 2022. Major allocations within this amount include: $20.8 for the Gas-toEnergy project and $1.4 billion for the 33 MWs solar farms for Berbice, Essequibo, and Linden.

Dr. Singh said this allocation was done to ensure government meets the growing demand for electricity and reduce the cost of electricity by 50 percent over the next 5 years. The Senior Minister recalled that following a public expression of interest in September 2021, Government issued an advertisement for the

prequalification of firms interested in the transformational Gas-to-Energy project, recognising the potential of natural gas as a transition fuel.

He said this project will allow us to phase out the use of expensive and carbon-intensive heavy fuel oil and is targeted to reduce costs substantially below the current levels.

Additionally, Dr. Singh said this project encompasses the establishment of a power plant to generate 300MW of power as well as a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant that will cover domestic demand.

He said the project also entails the construction of a 225 km 12” pipeline to transport the guaranteed minimum of 50 mmcfd of natural gas from offshore Guyana to the Wales Development

Authority.

Kaieteur News understands that ongoing geotechnical and geophysical works for both offshore and onshore operations are advancing with portions already completed. Dr. Singh was keen to note that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is expected to be completed by early second quarter of 2022. Utilising a transparent procurement process, he said it is expected that the firm selected would be able to engineer, procure and construct the Power Plant and NGL Plant along with related facilities.

Furthermore, the official said construction is expected to start in the third quarter of 2022 and will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.

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Kaieteur News

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

Money crazy

I

t is not even weekly or daily for Guyanese to be furnished more and more proofs of the underhanded and unilateral objectives of the PPP/C Government.

It seems that the evidence of the dark visions of the PPP/ C Government occur almost hourly now, and citizens of this country can depend on the rush of events that now flow almost at breakneck speed.

It’s as if both the Government and its cabal of crooks can’t wait to get their dirty hands-on Guyana’s oil money.

The money is driving them crazy, like sharks in a feeding frenzy, so much in a hurry they are. We at this paper are watching and listening and, as we report daily on tricky developments, we should not be left openmouthed at the mad haste in which matters involving this nation’s oil are unfolding and accelerating.

But we are neither left openmouthed nor are in the least shocked because we have been saying it and writing it and discussing for years what is now coming to pass with this oil wealth of ours.

The history of oil in most places around the globe has been of men going mad.

Even in America, a society ahead of its time and peers, with many checks and balances, the story of oil has been of insatiable greed, of cutthroat conduct, and of oil wildcatters, who are callous and cruel, who will knife in the groin anyone who stand in their way.

They call them more polite names these days, but in days gone by, they were known as ‘robber barons’ among other dirty and disreputable names.

The names and labels all apply, and no sheen of respectability, amount of charity, or talk about democracy can conceal the decay in their souls. Even John D. Rockefeller, a man of great piety, a family man, one who neither smoked nor drank would not hesitate to get an unfair advantage over his contemporaries or competition.

He was one mean machine, that man of God and family and apple pie, and all the rest of those kinds of lovely propaganda sound bites that speak of the Great American Way. Though we are new to the rich oil game here in Guyana, it is now undeniable that what we have in our midst are political predators of the lowest sort, the worst kind of scumbags who masquerade at democracy and clean governance, but who poison us with their stench by just being near us.

It’s as if powers in the returning PPP/C Government spent the last five years out of office to study and come up with one scheme after another to rip the hopes and dreams and aspirations of the poor in this society to shreds. They will stoop to nothing.

They will pull any fast one, once given the chance.

And when that has not been presented to them, they will manufacture some to get ahead in the heady Guyana oil game.

Look at the kind of pirates we have had in one parliament after another. Look at the people who are their closest friends.

Look at their commercial cronies, and it is as if Guyana is now reduced to one vast political slum yard. What we have today for the most part is a complex of crafty criminals, who talk a good game, and pretend to be the best friends of poor and worried Guyanese.

Now we hear of ‘secret’ signings and these backdoor arrangements in the cover of dark.

It all has to do with getting a leg up on this oil and grabbing as much as they can grab from this oil bonanza.

What is all this hurry about? Why the reckless and dangerous speeds at which our political people travel to gouge Guyanese with the oil money? Only so much can be spent at any one time, and only so many projects can be undertaken, given the extent of our ignorance, our cupidity, and our utter foolishness.

As for our fellow Guyanese who thought deep down that there was some sincerity about these funds being for the benefit of the greater many, we regret to say that we feel sorry for them.

Their oil bonanza just went up in smoke.

Thursday January 27, 2022

There can be no alternative to democracy DEAR EDITOR, A number of recent coups in Africa is indicative that democracy is still fragile and cannot be taken for granted.

The dust has not as yet settled in Myanmar where a democratically elected government was toppled and a military junta seized power against the will of the elector-

ate.

And while the storming of Capital Hill just over a year ago may not qualify as an attempted coup, it does raises some serious questions about the enduring power of democracy and the rule of law in one of the country that has to its credit some of the strongest democratic institutions in the

world.

Guyana has had a chequered democratic past interspersed by periods of democratic and authoritarian rule. There is a close correlation between democracy and development as our own experience has demonstrated.

This is why it is so important to consolidate democ-

racy and democratic rule in Guyana and the world as a whole. There can be no alternative to democracy and even though it may not be ideal, especially in ethnically diverse society, it is still the best possible governance mechanism available to the modern world.

Hydar Ally

The Mayor is the only one unsettled with the clean-up DEAR EDITOR, I hail His Worship, the Mayor of Georgetown for his recent measure missive in SN and KN regarding what Central Government is doing with the city under his watch. He is not a pandit for nothing, which makes me admire his temperateness under great duress.

What Mayor Narine put before the public, especially capital city residents should resonate, the conditions under which he is forced to operate.

The biggest deficit is money. It is of monies withheld by Central Government, with one game after another taking shape and performed on the national stage. The last one was the Presidential cleanup. It is a helpful thing by itself, but the motivations behind it makes me question the President’s priorities, on

occasion his sanity. Let the municipality carry its weight, give it some resources and support; strangle an entity of funds and it withers. Instead of searching for ways to undermine the work of local government, Central Government as led by the President must look for ways to partner with its people. The Hon. Minister of Local Government is running a parallel city, or a city within a city, with selected areas and selected projects to neutralise the reach and influence of City government.When the President engages in his candid camera moment and the Minister runs his rings of opportunity, these are but examples of political saboteurs and leadership financial subversions in action.

President and minister, like a barber, trim and perfume; after that the stain and stench

return, part of which could be traced to their passing. Not satisfied with being barbers, they must, in true PPP/C form, be butchers carving out and slicing off huge pieces of municipal meat to satisfy their whims and cravings for dividing and controlling.

This is supposed to be a nation of one something, which I am at a loss to know what that is. But here is this PPP/C Government that tirelessly probes for openings in which to drive wedges.

There is a wedge relative to the opposition; there is another wedge at work in local government; and there is one more intended to weaken and divide city folks to their advantage.

I forgot, another wedge is what is acted out in the media, which is divided artfully.

This is not governance, it is guerilla warfare, which is what

PPP operators learned well in Havana, Prague, and Moscow. Government agencies owe the city millions, but amid all the blabbering, nobody in those places is saying anything about paying.

Government people (mainly) in the city owe billions in rates and taxes, but try going after them, and the PPP/C machinery goes into another gear. The chorus of corrupt characters spring into action in media frenzies, court filings, and outreach to powerful leaders who jump to do the bidding of money sanitisers and drug merchants, operating under a variety of fronts.

Meanwhile, Mayor Narine puts on his best face, and tries his best to manage with what is left. It’s a struggle.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Guyana carts off Regional Awards at CSEC , CAPE DEAR EDITOR, Congratulations to those students who have won the Caribbean CSEC\CAPE awards publicised in the press.

The question arises once again however, if alone these achievements reflect the quality of our education system.

While there is passing refer-

ence to the schools the awardees would have attended, prominent only are reports of interviews conducted about individual performances – quite unrelated to the teaching teams so persistently ignored, by all concerned.

How is this indifference explained? Why are the ef-

forts of the teachers who guide and support so constipatively ignored year after year?

The student themselves must wonder, and indeed ponder, what value would they be accorded in their turn as teachers?

In the meantime, should not the productive schools

be formally acknowledged for their performance?

Incidentally would future licenced teachers be attached to unlicenced schools?

Even their own Guyana Teachers Union should offer certified congratulations.

E. B. John

I condemn all forms of racial injustice, not just Brazil’s DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Eric Moseley queried whether I (and Mr. Kit Nascmiento) have no feeling for “groups being slaughtered and sidelined … by Bolsonaro regime” (his words, not mine). I can’t speak for Nascimento.

Moseley also asked what is the relationship between rigging in Guyana and racial injustice in Brazil. Rigging in Guyana was/is related to the quest for racial dominance and by extension discrimination against others.

May I point out to Moseley that as someone

who studied (and recipient of PhD Int’l Rels) and International Law and taught same, Mr. Bolsanaro is the legitimate representative of our neighbour Brazil. It is a superpower in the region. As the democratically elected leader of Brazil, no Guyana government of Guyana (including coalition) can ignore him.

Guyana’s relationship with him is not in a private capacity but as the legal representative of Brazil. The voters of Brazil will determine his political faith later this year in elections. Should those who tried to rig the elections and

Guyanese racist leaders be banned from other nations?

I agree with Moseley that “All human beings deserve compassion and justice” (Jan 26), including Indian Guyanese. It is just that I object to the selective cherry picking of groups being slaughtered and sidelined by letter writers who would ban Bolsanaro of Brazil from Guyana but remained mute when the same kinds of atrocities were committed in Guyana. So I pose the same question to him as he asked me. Where were members of the group and Moseley when

Indians and indigenous Guyanese (Amerindians) were sidelined and or slaughtered in Guyana between 1966 and 1992 and between June 2015 and July 2020 and when Indians were slaughtered on Jan. 12, 1998 and various dates thereafter? As Freddie Kissoon asked, why didn’t members of the group express similar sentiments on racialised violence against Indians in West Berbice in September 2020, Agricola 2012, and in so many other cases that are well documented? Is it because of (Continued on page 5)

Thursday January 27, 2022

Govt. should ease the burden off the backs of low-income earners DEAR EDITOR, The Alliance For Change finds the recent statement by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo intimating that Guyanese are better off today than they were under the coalition government to be utterly ludicrous and totally out of touch with the reality of poor working Guyanese.

Jagdeo is fully aware that it was the coalition government that, within five (5) years, raised the minimum wage from $39,540 under the PPP to $70,000 the largest salary increase for minimum wage earners.

The Ali/Jagdeo regime has reneged on its campaign promise of 50 percent salary increase and doled out a paltry seven percent increase across-the-board, which was

taxable, this resulted in high income earners getting even more and poor, low income earners left with a dribble that could barely buy a cylinder of cooking gas.

Since the PPP government took office, Guyanese have seen increases in the price of every commodity, locally grown and produced or imported. The government of the day has failed to offset these increases to bring ease to the Guyanese people.

The economy is seeing massive growth due solely to earnings from the oil industry and ordinary Guyanese are forced to join long lines and hassle each other for a hamper of basic food stuff. This is the reality Jagdeo should be talking about but instead, we are likely to be regaled

with over three hours of longwinded rhetoric from the PPP’s Finance Minister when he presents the 2022 National Budget.

If Jagdeo and the PPP really wish to ease the burden on low income earners and provide them with more disposable income, then the income tax threshold must be set at $100,000. Guyana, an oil producing country, is projected to reach 340,000 barrels per day, and where the government will be using oil revenues to prop up the economy, nothing less would be acceptable.

The Government should set the income tax threshold at $100,000 and ease the burden off the backs of low-income earners.

Alliance For Change

Helping Abusers DEAR EDITOR, Even as the Ministry of Social Security is making progress in the easy accessibility of reporting domestic abuse, the abusers don’t seem to care. There is an increasing number of murders/suicide in domestic violence cases.

One would assume that the abuser does not care much for life and living. The abuser seems to be fixated on “if I can’t have you, no one can” or “is both ah we go die.”

While I applaud the Ministry for wanting to protect victims and alleviate domestic violence, the real solution to this problem is helping the abuser.

Yes, helping the abuser! Emphasis should be placed on

developing a Center for Prevention of Abuse. It is worthy to note that most of the time the victims end up dead and all efforts to stop abuse by empowering victims go in vain.

While it is important to set up and establish shelters for abused victims and equip them with the tools to be independent, we must also consider that not many of these victims actually survive abuse.

The sooner we understand that the abuser is responsible for the abuse and ultimately is the only person who needs changing, the better off we would be in curbing domestic violence.

One victim may be able to

Has Mr. Singh been entirely honest with Parliament DEAR EDITOR, Minister of Finance Ashni Singh continues to make the claim that “not a single soul has proffered or ventured a number (formula) to represent what would have been transferred under the APNU+AFC’s Natural Resource Fund Act.” It is of course false since the attached chart prepared by his own ministry was circulated during the extensive consultations on the NRF. The question then is whether Mr. Singh has been entirely honest with Parliament since it would be hardly likely he has not seen this document? What is clear is that the withdrawal formula was designed to be cautious in expenditure for two reasons: the need to preserve national savings in the event of a downturn in oil prices or a cataclysmic event, such as COVID-19, and secondly so as not to

inject massive amounts of petro-dollars into such a small economy. The spendthrift PPP/C seems not to care about these dangers and we are a l r e a d y s e e i n g a n economy overheating with food and other prices rapidly rising. Sadly it will be the working poor who feel the brunt of this inflation while the crony capitalists line their bulging pockets.

Yours sincerely, Francis Newton

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get out alive but the abuser’s next victim may not be so fortunate.

Programmes should be developed and made easily accessible to help abusers change.

I admit that someone can change only if they want to change however, increasing awareness and helping abusers identify that they can change will save lives.

Victims will get to live, abusers will change and children will grow with parents.

It is my hope that those in authority who can make a difference will consider all of our options in alleviating domestic violence.

Best Regards, I. Ram

Penny wise pound foolish DEAR EDITOR, It is pure, damned nonsense (to borrow a phrase), having been the victim of several robberies in the past, the Berbice businessman would still see it fit and proper, to send his lone wife along with a lone female employee to the

bank with a huge deposit for a lone robber to pounce on them (KN Jan 25).

Businesses have been told repeatedly to engage proper security when transporting large sums of money.

Penny wise, pound foolish comes to mind.

Good, quick work by law enforcement in capturing suspects and it has been noted the Commander will now provide police assistance for these types of transactions (KN Jan 26).

Shamshun Mohamed

Perhaps this attempt at invisibilising is a slip DEAR EDITOR, The letter “Bolsonaro persona non grata...” is interesting for several reasons, some of which have been ventilated.

I wish to add by noting that the signatories are “descendants of indigenous peoples...and captured Afri-

cans and concerned Guyanese of all ethnicities.”

How come the largest block of Guyanese is lumped in “all ethnicities”? Perhaps this attempt at invisibilising is a slip, but then it may be the continuation of a long project of colonial machinations, now powered by the inheritors of

Macaulay’s “goodness” “Coloniality” is a good word to understand such designs and J. Sai Deepak’s book (2021) may be a good start, both for the perpetrators and those of us not considered the inheritors.

Thank you.

P. Lall

I condemn all forms of racia...

From page 4 racial affinity and or political affinity? Where is/was the compassion, justice, and compensation for Indians and Amerindians? Does Mr. Moseley not recognise the hypocrisy of members of the group (and perhaps himself)

on the issue of racism?

Moseley also queried whether I don’t have feelings for Black and Amerindian Brazilians because I don’t belong to either racial category. As an Indian, I don’t condemn injustice on account of race. I am race and colour blind. I

empathise with all victims of injustice.

We must be consistent and condemn all aspects of racism and racial violence irrespective of the ethnicity of the perpetrators and victims.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Thursday January 27, 2022

Arguing that Local Content Policy will recoup what we are losing is not grounded in reality and logic DEAR EDITOR, In a press release this past Saturday, the government admitted that the Stabroek Block contract is lopsided.

The Department of Public Information article further states, “…with the passage of the local content legislation, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said the law now recoups the benefits lost from the Exxon deal.” It is astounding that the government believes the local content policy can claw-back anywhere close to the US$91 billion that

we are losing on this contract.

The press release further states that in a year Guyana could supply US$400 million to US$600 million in goods and services. The services cited include janitorial and laundry. The goods cited include food supply. That is an enormous amount of food the foreigners will be eating and making a mess in Guyana for us to recoup on average US$500 million a year.

We estimate that Guyana is losing about US$91 billion on the current Stabroek Con-

tract. This figure is based on using the Global Witness analysis spreadsheet and adjusting for 10 billion barrels of oil at US$80/barrel. The 10 billion barrels is conservative because it doesn’t include the latest discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

But if we suspend reality, and assume we can gain US$500 million a year from local content, then we will need 182 years to recoup what we are currently losing. Generations yet to be born will be sweeping floors and washing

clothes to recoup this money.

Last year, it was reported that Guyana was building 20 new hotels with an additional capacity of 3,450 rooms, thus doubling the country’s capacity. If we assume that we will have 3,450 new foreigners that we didn’t have before, then we will be required to wash their clothes and feed them.

Assuming US$200/day per room includes laundry and food services and 80 percent capacity that would mean in a year we would earn about US$200 million which is about 40 percent of the US$500 million. But the local content policy seems to ignore the

fact that the world has sped up its adoption of remote work during these times of COVID. And, given Guyana’s lack of adequate medical infrastructure, how many foreigners would risk coming and staying in Guyana for extended periods of time in a country where the virus rages? Why would an oil executive in Texas fly down to Guyana when they can see all the oil production data quicker in Texas versus Guyana, given our unstable internet service? Not to mention Zoom meetings have become a norm of doing business, removing the need for frequent face to face interactions. Thus, even the US$200 million seems doubtful until the COVID virus is contained, and it appears it will be years before that is the case.

While the government has pinned its hopes on the Local Content Act to recover the lost money, its general record of enforcement of our laws and contracts leaves little hope that Guyanese would recover US$500 million per year.

The government has allowed the oil companies to flare gas at Liza 1 in violation of the terms of the EPA permit. It has upheld the Stabroek Contract that compels it to write tax receipts on behalf of the oil companies that didn’t pay taxes. Both of these violations are now being challenged in court by members of civil society, not the government. Thus, when in the press release it says, “The local content law is very strong”, that doesn’t garner much hope when the government’s record of enforcement around violations of existing laws is weak.

Additionally, there is concern about the government’s

willingness to employ Guyanese. In May 2018, Chris Ram, an accountant, raised the issue that Stabroek Block’s pre-contract costs were overstated by US$92 million. The government eventually employed a UK firm, IHS Markit, to audit the pre-contract costs.

There was no mention of whether Ram’s firm, or any other Guyanese firm, was engaged at all to help with the audit.

That would have been helped to build local capacity by learning from IHS Markit.

Two of our brightest minds in the Oil & Gas field, Dr Vincent Adams and Dr. Jan Mangal, are not employed in helping Guyana in any capacity.

Given the Liza 1 capital cost initially stood at US$4.4 billion and eventually was reduced by US$900 million to US$3.5 billion, the government could probably recover more than US$500 million in a year by verifying and auditing the capital costs of Liza 2, US$6 billion, and Payara, US$9 billion. Liza 2 and Payara are probably overstated by US$3.75 billion if we use the computation from the article here, https://www.oggn.org/ 2021/11/21/stabroek-blockcosts-appear-to-be-paddedby-at-least-25/.

Arguing the Local Contact Policy will recoup what we are losing from the Stabroek Block Contract is not grounded in reality and logic. The government should use Yellowtail as leverage to renegotiate the Stabroek Contract to recoup the US$91 billion we are losing.

Darshanand Khusial on behalf of OGGN, www.oggn.org

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Opposition bemoans lack of public consultation on Organ transplant bill

T

h e m a i n opposition has warned about the drawbacks of the recent passage of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill, although stating that it represents a good start in the development of the health sector here.

Opposition Member of P a r l i a m e n t , D r. K a r e n Cummings on Monday during the debate of the bill cautioned about the commercial human organ harvesting and transplant tourism.

The bill, which provides legal framework for the donation and removal of human organs, tissues, cells and bio fluids for transplantation and blood for transfusion, was on Monday passed in the National Assembly.

During her address to the National Assembly, Dr. Cummings said, “the bill

represents a good start, however, there is cause to set it to the park if not seriously protected…this bill puts public health against private wealth.

The bill has a measure of goodwill, yet hold still.

Why Mr. Speaker, danger links with potential perks.”

She added that the bill has the potential to kill if placed in the hands of a reckless g o v e r n m e n t . “ We l l I recognise a plus, let's mash the brakes and slow the pace, I cannot support the bill because of its potential to kill in the hands of a reckless government,” Cummings noted.

The Opposition MP pointed out that the current regime cannot be trusted with the distribution of these medical and scientific technologies to save lives.

“The citizens would want to know if, with the passing of this bill, there will be any act

of corruption and the flourishing of commercial human organ harvesting, transplant tourism and organ trafficking,” she asked.

The Attorney General's Chambers stated earlier last year that Guyana is currently bereft of legislation governing, authorising and regulating the donation of tissue and organs to persons who meet the criteria of either being a donor or recipient of such donations.

In order to protect the citizens of Guyana from being victims of trafficking in human organs and tissue, the legislation will propose to address the prohibition of trade in human tissue, organs and blood and as a result will create offences and penalties to monitor such dire incidents.

Dr. Cummings went on to state that though this bill is timely, the populace does not have a full understanding of

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. the subject as there are human rights issues involved. With this she calls for the bill to be sent to a Special Select Committee for further discussion and that there should have been a broad information campaign, explaining all the provisions made in the new legislation.

Defending the bill in the House on Monday, Minister o f H e a l t h , D r. F r a n k

Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr. Karen Cummings.

Anthony, explained that transplanting is nothing new in Guyana. It has been ongoing since 2008 but without any legal framework.

He shared that for years, transplants have helped extend the life expectancy of many patients and are accepted as the best therapy for patients with terminal and irreversible organ failure.

“This legislation is now going to put that framework in place so that this can be done ethically and safely and in keeping with the global best practices,” he said.

According to him, the bill is in keeping with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) guidelines on human organ transplantations.

With the bill being passed, a National Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency would be established, which would be responsible for the management of the removal and donation of human

organs. The agency will be headed by a medical team which comprise of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Medical Officer and chair of the medical council.

In addition to that, there will be the establishment of a National Blood Transfusion Services Department. The Minister explained that this department will coordinate and manage blood transfusion services throughout Guyana. They would be responsible for establishing blood banks, manufacturing various blood products for blood transfusion, managing a voluntary donation system, and having a robust approach to prevent transfusiontransmitted infections.

The bill will also pave the way for the establishment of a local eye bank, Anthony outlined. “When this is achieved, no immunesuppression will be needed, no waiting list necessary, no preservation of required organs, as these would be manufactured on demand and implanted immediately.

This bill would allow our scientists and clinicians to explore and exploit the benefits of regenerative medicine,” he told the House.

In conclusion, the Health Minister said that the bill creates a new offence for anyone who attempts to trade in cells, tissues, bio fluids, blood or organs.

“This section of the Bill is in keeping with WHO guidelines and other international best practices,” he highlighted.

Oil drives up export earnings to US$4.3B Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh disclosed yesterday during his reading of Budget 2022 that at the end of 2021, total export ea r n in g s a mo u n ted to US$4,352 million, 68 percent higher than the US$2,590 million earned in 2020.

Dr. Singh said this was mainly driven by oil exports growing by 179.6 percent to US$2,975.5 million amid increases in both volume and price. Non-oil export ea r n in g s a mo u n ted to US$1,376.5 million.

Matching the intensity of the rise in exports, Dr. Singh said total import payments grew by 90.8 percent to

US$4,293.1 million. He said this was primarily attributed to the arrival of Guyana's second floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, Liza Unity, which accounted for US$1,658.6 million or 38.6 percent of total imports for 2021.

Further, Dr. Singh said net service payments stood at US$2,557.1 million at the end of 2021, rising 40.4 percent above the end-2020 position. The official said this resulted from payments for non-factor and factor services growing by 40.1 percent and 60.8 percent to US$2,503.9 million and US$53.2 million, respectively.

Thursday January 27, 2022

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Kaieteur News

PARENTS ARE NEGLECTING THEIR KIDS

There were about four or five kids walking aimlessly on the street.

As I passed one of them, he suddenly contorted his face, trying to appear frightening and let out a “Booooooo!”

Just what he was attempting to do, I could not understand.

I am sure that even he could not understand what he was trying to do.

He along with his friends were simply making clowns of themselves not realising how silly they appeared.

You see this sort of idling everyday in Guyana.

It is not an isolated phenomenon.

It is becoming a widespread problem in Guyana whereby, kids are to be seen straying all over the place mostly in the presence of others.

Kids are purposelessly walking or they like to say, “liming”, not attempting to spend their free time doing something productive.

Kids with nothing to do turning to mischief, including raiding other person’s farms.

I did not have to wonder too much what these kids would turn out to be and the burden they will represent to their families and to society.

It is easy to predict what will become of these kids.

And it is also easy to fore-

tell what others will make of these kids if they do not succeed in life.

The excuse will be made that these kids have failed because of society.

We have a tendency in Guyana to blame our own failures on the government.

The blame will be heaped upon the government as having not helped these kids.

But one has to ask whose primary responsibility it is to see that these children turn out to be model citizens. Not the government but the parents.

So where are the parents of these kids? And why is it that ever so often we see parents neglecting their responsibility for these children?

How can parents simply allow their children to roam aimlessly around the streets when they should be engaged in something more useful?

Luckily, there are not many girl children who are allowed to roam and this suggests that it is boys who are often given the freedom to run freely and do whatever they please, including making a fool of themselves.

But the girls are kept secure at home. If the parents can ensure that the girls are not allowed to stray around their communities, the same can be done for the boys.

While there have been no re-

search efforts in Guyana as yet as to how misuse of spare time results in social deviancy, I am in no doubt that if our children were more gainfully occupied in their free time, if even their recreation activities were supervised, then we would have less social problems in the country.

It amounts to neglect for parents to simply allow their children to do as they please and more so to be straying instead of trying to enjoy their free time.

Some attempt has to be made by social organizations, including religious bodies to address this problem of idling.

These groups may of course want the government to prompt them into action.

But they too need to not become a substitute for the neglectful parents.

They need not see themselves as babysitters to whom parents can simply dump their children.

These organizations need to work with the parents to help them to assume responsibility.

Poverty is no excuse for not supervising your kids.

Having a large family is no excuse.

There are countless examples of parents who lack material wealth and who have had large families and all the pressures that go with these

Dem Boys Seh…

De oil business totally one-sided Imagine one ah dem oil company mekking decision bout how much money dem gan invest in Guyana. And dem nah talk as yet to de Guyanese people who is dem 50/50 partner.

Under de Production Sharing Agreement, when all the expenses done come out from de production, de guvament and de oil companies does buss the rest 50/ 50. It mean dat Guyana is a 50.50 partner in de business.

But yet dem oil company deciding wah dem gan invest without talking to de other partner, Guyana.

And fuh add injury to insult to injury we nah even

gat no say in de expense wah dem oil companies throwing pun we. So how Guyana is a 50/50 partner and we nah gah no say in dem expense. Is like if yuh building a house and de contractor deciding how much money gan spend and de owner nah gat no say in de matter.

Is dah wan some of de things wah Glenn Lall bin trying fuh point out to de Guyanese people. He asking about de expenses and why we nah gat no say in how money gan spend but we gat to pay whater bill dem oil companies does throw at us. Is who does do business like dat? De boss man of de wa-

terfall paper gat de govament on dem toes. She suh edgy dat dem frighten fuh call press conference because as soon as dem open dem mouth he does play what dem seh and show how is sheer confunction confusion dem talking.

Like de time when de Vee Pee seh dat no scientific evidence dat de shortfall in fish catches is due to de oil companies operations.

He stalk how he did know from since he small how dem fish does go and come.

Well de fishermen nah seeing when dem fishing going and dem fish sure nah coming. Talk half. Leff haff.

situations, and yet have been able to ensure that their children turned out right.

It boils down to parenting, which is being woefully neglected in Guyana by both the

poor and the rich.

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

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 27, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Burnham and Kwayana: Iconoclastic notes on racism

I

cannot damage my education by being propagandistic about Forbes Burnham. Over 34 years of publishing newspaper columns, I would think there are dozens and dozens of columns of mine on all aspects of Forbes Burnham except his personal life. I have also spoken about Burnham in countless television programmes Many of those pieces put Burnham down as a visionary. I think you reduce your scholarly ability by denying Burnham's positive dimensions many of which stand out. Among them NIS; the multi-lateral schools; eradicating the hegemony of the European class after Independence; emphasis on local foods; free education; logical support for African liberation movements; the Harbour Bridge; the National Park, the Canje Bridge; hydropower; Linden highway; establishing local banking; banking loans for small farmers; MMA; cultural and religious holidays.

Burnham had a dual personality. In Guyana's historiography you either hate him or admire him. You don't have to be a prisoner of that binary as an academic.

One must admit that he was both visionary and evil.

His evil ways stemmed from his narcissism.

He thought he was unique, had all the answers and was possessed of talent that should compel the Guyanese people to listen to him because what he was doing was good for them.

Out of this conceptualisation was the belief that he was ordained to rule. He became the subject in the emperor's new clothes story when Walter Rodney came on the scene. Rodney opened up Burnham's eyes to the reality that he, Burnham was not as great as he thought.

One of the controversies that had dogged scholars is the race question in Burnham. For a majority of educated Indians, he was racist. I don't agree. I do not think Forbes Burnham had racist instincts in him. I think

the opposite for Eusi Kwayana.

Burnham knew his power base lied in the African population. In power he had to deliver to that section. Afro-Guyanese were the fulcrum on which his power rested. He could not have counted on Indians because Indians chose Cheddi Jagan over him and they would not have abandoned Jagan.

On the opposite spectrum, it is scholarly dishonesty to say the PPP did not cater for Indian needs after 1992.

Burnham had immense domestic and international exposure to multi-racial movements and those experiences and socialisation shaped his attitude to racial politics.

Kwayana missed those directions. Burnham was involved in socialist politics and the communist party in London. He met Guyanese Indians, multi-racial Black activists, and European whites. Those things shape how you see politics. When

the PPP split, most of the top notch Indians went with the Burnham faction Kwayana never had the multi-racial exposure Burnham enjoyed. From early times Sydney King (as he was known then) was into African culture, African authors and the continent of Africa. Kwayana literally immersed himself in things African while Burnham and Jagan did not have time for such nuances.

Kwayana was always suspected by Burnham and Jagan as being racist. We have had no sustained accounts from Burnham and Jagan as to what they thought about Kwayana.

But both men were happy to rid Kwayana from their midst because their politics had to be strategically multiracial while Kwayana was openly ethnic.

From the 1970s, Kwayana detested Jagan and Burnham because he knew they had no use for his kind of politics. The long reign of Kwayana in Guyanese politics was a phenomenal

success in hiding a person's i d e n t i t y. H i s politics was driven by hatred for both Jagan and Burnham. Kwayana Frederick Kissoon used the antidictatorship battles in the 1970s to mask his P PP began to win revenge against Burnham. successive general elections, He used the post 1992 Kwayana's politics had now movements to oppose the become what it always was – PPP but in fact it was Jagan African-based. There was no longer an anti-dictatorship he wanted to weaken.

Kwayana was not happy movement to be used to with Burnham's rule because disguise his emotional, he felt Burnham was not personalised and racial g o i n g f a r e n o u g h t o politics. Then in March Africanise Guyana. This was 2020, Kwayana went onto the deep intention of the world stage and showed Kwayana when he rejoined what he always was – a man Burnham and became head driven by racial instincts. of the Guyana Marketing That was ironically a good thing for Guyanese to see Corporation. because if there wasn't The death of Walter March 2020, Kwayana Rodney was a philosophical death blow for Kwayana. It would have continued to meant that the African enjoy a legacy that was false.

(The views expressed in people would not be this article are those of the empowered and they will have to live with Burnham's a u t h o r a n d d o n o t watered down version of necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Africanisation.

From 1992, and after the

Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Genset explodes at Anna Regina power plant Disaster struck at the Anna Regina Power Plant on Wednesday when one of the five caterpillar sets rented by the Guyana Power and Light [GPL], burst into flames.

Reports are that the fire occurred around midday yesterday, as excess smoke was seen emanating from one of the dieselpowered generator sets. The flame was subsequently extinguished by the Guyana Fire Service. There was no damage to any of the four remaining sets.

In a subsequent release, GPL stated that the remaining units were taken offline as a precautionary measure. Load shedding was

immediately initiated, and several communities along the Essequibo Coast suffered Power outages.

Kaieteur News was reliably informed that communities south and north of Central Anna Regina, endured frequent blackouts during the course of yesterday.

GPL indicated that a probe was launched to determine the source of the fire. There were no official statements on how the damaged Generator set will affect supply of power on the Essequibo Coast.

During the course of 2017 and 2018, residents on the Essequibo Coast had suffered tremendously from continuous blackouts. When

the twenty-year-old Wartsila engines outlived their lifespans, Caterpillar backup sets were acquired for emergency power generation.

After continuous pressure, quite a few of the caterpillar sets eventually suffered mechanical problems, and before long, the region was back to its blackout woes, until the commissioning of the Power Plant in April 2019, by the then APNU/AFC coalition government.

The three 'MAN' diesel and turbo engines, which were procured and installed by Turkish company iLTEKNO, has a total

generating capacity of 5.4 megawatts. Kaieteur News understands that the three engines are unable to independently reach the region's peak demand, which is believed to be 5.8 megawatts. To remedy this problem, GPL has opted to keep five Caterpillar sets, which will aid in power generation for the Coast.

These caterpillar sets, on the other hand, do come with their own limitations. In an article carried by Kaieteur News September 9th 2018, former CEO of GPL, Albery Gordon said that “The Generator sets are not the best choice and that rental is not the way to operate a

Berbice man shot, wife robbed

Police are investigating an alleged robbery under arms and shooting committed on a man and his wife from Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice.

Injured and hospitalised with a gunshot wound to the right arm at the New Amsterdam Hospital is Edward Ramroop, 54, a boat captain.

Kaieteur News was informed that two armed men entered the home and grocery shop of Ramroop and his wife Bibi Zulika Ramroop, 57, Monday night at approximately 20:30 hrs. The men who were masked, were armed with a gun and a knife each.

According to Bibi Ramroop, she was downstairs with her six- yearold granddaughter while her husband was sitting on the

Bibi Ramroop verandah when the two men entered.

She disclosed that the perpetrator armed with a gun shot her husband while the other armed

with a knife confronted her in the house.

The suspect demanded that she hand over all her cash and without hesitation she pulled a drawer and handed him whatever cash was inside, while telling him that it was all that they had. Both men then made good their escape. A total of

$14,000 in cash was stolen. The injured Ramroop remains in a stable condition at the hospital.

Meanwhile, on Sunday night two men, also armed and masked, fitting the description of the two who robbed the Ramroops, also entered the home and business place of Shameer Khan Rajab

power company.” The said article also pointed out that rented 'backup-sets' have suffered burnt rotor, due to overuse, and it is integral to keep multiple sets on standby to allow working sets to be cooled and be maintained.

More than three years later, and the Anna Regina Power Plan is still incorporating the use of gensets to meet its peak demands. Kaieteur News was unable to confirm whether the generator set in yesterday's fire overheated due to over use or overload. An investigation has been launched, however, and a subsequent report on this issue will follow.

The home of the Ramroops.

called "Majie", 69, of 168 Edinburgh Scheme, East Bank Berbice. The men robbed Rajab of $70,000 in cash and approximately $400,000 in jewelry belonging to his wife who passed away on January 7, 2022, and his sister-inlaw. No-one was injured in that robbery.

Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

“Drill baby, baby drill!!!”

Stabroek Block operators deploy six drill ships to define more oil wells ...As latest discoveries projected to hold half a billion barrels of resources

H

ess Corporation on Wednesday disclosed during its fourth quarter earnings call for 2021 that six drill ships have been deployed to various parts of the Stabroek Block to define and test more oil wells.

The company said this comes on the heels of the two significant finds made earlier this year by ExxonMobil's affiliate and operator of the block, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). The finds are so considerable that Rystad Energy, an international consultancy group, estimates that together, the two discoveries—Fangtooth and Lau Lau alone—could hold half a billion barrels of oil resources.

Kaieteur News reported that the Fangtooth-1 well encountered approximately 164 feet of high quality oil bearing sandstone reservoirs,

and confirms the deeper exploration potential of the Stabroek Block. The well was drilled in 6,030 feet of water and is located approximately 11 miles northwest of the Liza Field.

With regard to the Lau Lau-1 well, it encountered approximately 315 feet of high quality hydrocarbon bearing sandstone reservoirs.

The well was drilled in 4,793 feet of water and is located approximately 42 miles southeast of the Liza Field.

Following the completion of the Fangtooth1 well, Hess said the Stena DrillMAX will begin drilling at the Tarpon prospect and following the completion of the Lau Lau-1 well, the Noble Don Taylor began drilling at the Barreleye prospect.

It was also disclosed that the Stena Carron completed drill stem tests on the Longtail-2, Whiptail-2 and

Turbot-2 wells, and is currently performing a drill stem test on the Tilapia-1 well. The Noble Sam Croft, the Noble Bob Douglas and the Noble Tom Madden are currently drilling and completing development wells at Liza Phase 2 and the Payara Field.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, H e s s Corporation reported that it had a net income of US$265 million, or $0.85 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with a net loss of US$97 million, or US$0.32 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The Corporation was keen to note that its net production from the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) was 31,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with 26,000 bopd in the prior-year quarter. On October 25, 2021, Hess

EPA promises greater focus on enhanced monitoring capabilities for 2022 …to acquire modern equipment to measure environmental change The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has as its mandate, sound environmental management for the good of all Guyanese, has committed this year to applying greater focus on its monitoring capabilities.

This is according to the state agency in a recent document outlining some of its plans for this year.

According to that document, in the new year, the EPA intends to place emphasis on, among other areas, Complaints Management – ensuring that all complaints received are investigated.

Additionally, the document projects strengthening the capability of the agency to manage pollution. This will materialise through

enhanced monitoring capabilities – using Geographic Information Systems, and acquiring modern equipment to measure environmental change.

Further, it proposes greater collaboration with sister agencies – in recognising that the Agency needs support from all stakeholders. To this end, the EPA said it will “continue to engage both state and nongovernmental agencies in

pursuit of its mandate and capacity building.

“The EPA intends to continue to invest in its human resources as the most important asset and as such, “call on all Guyanese to be good stewards of the environment in 2022 and beyond.”This past week, the EPA had come under fire for its lack of capacity to execute proper environmental tests associated with the oil and gas sector. This was noted in (Continued on page 14)

recalled that the Liza Unity FPSO, with an expected capacity of 220,000 gross bopd, arrived at the Stabroek Block and startup of Phase 2 of the Liza Field development remains on track for the first quarter of 2022.

As for the third development, Payara, Hess said this will utilize the

The Noble Sam Croft

Prosperity FPSO with an expected capacity of 220,000 gross bopd while adding that first oil is expected in 2024.

This newspaper previously reported that the fourth development, Yellowtail, was submitted to the government of Guyana for approval in the fourth quarter. Pending government approval and project

sanctioning, the project is expected to have a capacity of 250,000 gross bopd with first oil anticipated in 2025.

Hess reminded yesterday that the company expects to have at least six FPSOs on the Stabroek Block in 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop the current discovered recoverable resource base.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 27, 2022

$6.8B injected into COVID-19 fight ...six new regional hospitals to be constructed

By Aaliyah Allicock

A

mid a surge in C o v i d - 1 9 infections and deaths here, the Guyana Government has allocated some $6.8B to respond to the pandemic.

This amount is part of the $73.2 billion budgeted for the health sector.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh made the announcement when he presented the national estimates on Wednesday.

During his budget presentation, Singh stated that the pandemic continue to demand dedicated attention and as such the COVID-19 response programme this year will rely heavily on masking, physical distancing, ventilation and sanitising requirements, access to COVID-19 vaccines and care and

treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH).

In addition to that, he said that his government anticipates operationalising a maternal delivery room, oxygen plant and physiotherapy department, among others, at the COVID19 Infectious Hospital.

He noted that the budgeted allocation provide provision for an additional 260,000 doses of vaccines which would be utilised for booster shots and for persons who are yet be vaccinated.

Only yesterday the country recorded six more Covid-19 deaths pushing the total number of fatalities to 1, 154. Also there have been 58, 196 cases, 424 of which were recorded on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Singh told the National Assembly that in ensuring there is a modern and world class healthcare

Director-General of the Health Ministry, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo (centre), with doctors and nurses of the West Demerara Regional Hospital COVID-19 unit (Guyana Chronicle photo) system in the country, his government intends to leverage in existing and soon to be built public healthcare facilities, private investment, as well as public-private partnerships in the sector, with the aim of not only meeting the needs of the citizens but to be able to offer

Guyana to achieve world's - Finance highest GDP in 2022 Minister Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh disclosed during his $552.9B budget presentation for 2022 that Guyana is forecast to achieve a Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 47.5 percent this year.

He said this is a rate of growth no other country in the world is currently projected to achieve in 2022.

Dr. Singh said this reflects the coming into operation of the second FPSO vessel, the Liza Unity, which will significantly ramp up oil production. He was keen to note that the non-oil economy is expected to continue registering strong growth, currently projected at 7.7 percent this year, driven mainly by rebounds in rice growing and gold mining, and continued expansion in construction activity and wholesale and retail trade and repairs.

With respect to last year's GDP performance, Dr. Singh said real Gross Domestic Product is estimated to have grown by 19.9 percent, while non-oil GDP is estimated to have grown by 4.6 percent in 2021, despite the persistence of COVID19 as well as the impact of the floods. With this rate of overall growth, Guyana is likely to be amongst the three fastest

growing economies worldwide in 2021, the official said.

In terms of production, the Minister said a total of 42.7 million barrels of oil were produced in 2021 compared with 27.2 million in 2020. Dr. Singh said this level of output was supported by the remedying of the mechanical issues initially encountered as a result of which the oil production rate for 2021 is now estimated at approximately 116,900 barrels of oil per day (bpd).

The Finance Minister said the increased level of production resulted in the subsector's value added increasing by an estimated 46.5 percent.

As a new oil and gas producer and the country with the 17th largest oil reserves in the world to date, the Finance Minister said the oil and gas sector promises to be the driver of historically high levels of growth in the Guyanese economy with strong positive spillovers into the non-oil economy.

He said, “This is already observed in our economic performance over the past two years, and the external environment remains supportive with demand for

oil anticipated to exceed prepandemic levels in 2022 and a very positive near-term outlook. Ongoing exploration activities have continued to yield positive results, with 28 commercially viable oil discoveries to date in the Stabroek Block and an estimated recoverable resource of over 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels, a mere 6 years after first discovery.”

The Minister added, “The Stabroek Block currently has three identified production areas Liza 1, Liza 2, and Payara. Production capacity is currently at 120,000 bpd with the Liza Destiny FPSO in operation.

The coming into operation of the Liza Unity FPSO early in 2022 will raise capacity to 340,000 bpd, and the deployment of the Liza Prosperity FPSO in 2024 will further raise capacity to 560,000 bpd.”

With the anticipated fourth production area, Yellowtail, Dr. Singh said estimates are poised to reach 810,000 bpd by 2026/27 while noting that additional developments under consideration could see Guyana reaching six FPSOs producing 1 million barrels of oil per day by 2030.

medical treatment as an export service through medical tourism.

He noted that his government will continue to expand access to health services and facilities and as such a sum of $16.1 billion has been allocated to launch a major expansion in public health care facilities.

“Our clear policy mandate is that every health facility across the country must be sufficiently comfortable, functional and equipped with all the basic amenities,” he said.

Of the allocated amount, a total of $12.4 billion has been budgeted for the design and construction of a stateof-the-art paediatric and maternal hospital, upgrading of the West Demerara and Bartica regional hospitals, and the construction of six modern regional hospitals at Anna Regina, Tuschen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and No. 75 Village, Corentyne.

Dr. Singh explained that with this investment, the

regional hospitals are expected to catapult healthcare delivery beyond its current levels by existing regional facilities as well as to reduce the undue cost and burden of referrals to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

In addition, a further $220 million is budgeted to retrofit and equip the Festival City Polyclinic to provide services which will include x-ray, dental, laboratory and rehabilitation services.

Additionally, he shared that a sum of $1 billion has been allocated for the upgrading of health centres across all Regions, which would address critical interventions needed to improve patient's experience.

While announcing the allocation for the expansion of medical facilities, Singh shared that in the 2022 budget a sum of $2 billion will be spent on medical and non-medical equipment.

Out of that amount some $359.3 million is earmarked for the GPHC, which will

allow for the increased use of laparoscopic surgical techniques, serving to improve surgical outcomes and reduce recovery time and for the introduction of vascular surgery, for the first time.

Singh contended that his government anticipates the continued expansion of its Emergency Medical Services programme and with that a further $26 million is budgeted for the purchase of two ambulances.

In addressing the issue of drugs shortages, he related that by 2023 the government intends to eliminate incidences of drug shortages in the country.

To this end, a sum of $17.9 billion has been budgeted to procure supplies for the health sector in 2022.

“In this regard, Government has mandated urgent reforms in the supply chain management system across the sector including data driven quantification and strengthened procurement systems,” Singh pointed out.

EPA promises greater focus...

From page 13 E x x o n M o b i l ' s C o m p r e h e n s i v e Wa s t e Management Plan (CWMP) submitted to the EPA last year. That document noted that ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) reviewed four laboratories that are in operation performing various degrees of analytical services, or have future planned operations.

It was noted that Kaizen (Georgetown) has a small lab with limited testing capability (no solid waste) with a small staff of approximately eight people for executing testing and

other functions of this business. EEPGL said the University of Guyana (Georgetown) has multiple analytical instruments but no laboratory.

The company said the analytical instruments are not currently available for commercial purposes nor on a routine basis.

The company said too that staffing may be limited to two persons. Ecotox Environmental Services Ltd. (Ecotox), EEPGL said, is a Tr i n i d a d b a s e d environmental testing and consultancy service that is considering the establishment of an environmental laboratory

operation in Guyana. Ecotox currently provides all of the analytical services to Tiger Rentals Guyana and EEPGL for their waste management programmes.

The Comprehensive Waste Management Plan (CWMP) is a document based on a holistic review of EEPGL's maturing waste management process.

The CWMP was developed pursuant to Section Five of the Payara Development Project Environmental Permit and the Cradle to Grave Waste Analysis Study approved by the Environmental Protection Agency on September 13, 2021.

Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

COVID-19 claims lives of six more persons

T

he Ministry of Health on We d n e s d a y reported that six more persons, who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died.

As a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,154.

Guyana's latest fatalities

are that of four women, an 89-year-old and a 71-yearold from Region 10, a 42year-old from Region One, and an 86-year-old from Region Four and that of two men, a 70-year-old and a 57year-old from Region Four.

The ministry in its latest dashboard recorded 424 new infections in just a 24 hour period, taking the total

number of confirmed cases in the country to 58,196. The dashboard data shows that 19 patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 166 persons in institutional isolation, 12,762 in home isolation and 26 in institutional isolation.

To date, a total of 44,095 persons have recovered from the virus.

PAGE 15

Budget 2022 goodies 1. Old Age pension increases by $3000 to 28,000 2. Uniform grants increase from $4,000 to $5,000 per child.

3. Because We Care grants move from $15,000 to $25,000 per child.

4. Increase of monthly Public Assistance payment from $12,000 to $14,000, benefiting 18,000 persons 5. Increase of the monthly income tax threshold from $65,000 to $75,000 monthly, thereby releasing a total of $1.3 billion into the hands of current taxpayers both in the public and private sectors.

6. Removal of withholding tax from individuals whose total interest income does not exceed $10,000 per annum.

7. Lowering of the excise tax rate further on gasoline and diesel from 20 percent to 10 percent, with immediate effect.

8. 2 percent withholding tax on resident contractors removed 9. Govt. to allow taxpayers a deduction from their chargeable income for premiums paid for life and medical insurance up to a maximum of 10 percent of their income or $30,000 monthly whichever is lower.

10. Introduction of a Dialysis Support Programme under which government will finance up to $600,000 per annum worth of dialysis treatment for each dialysis patient in Guyana. This programme will provide much-needed assistance to almost 300 persons at a cost of $180 million.

11. Removal of 14

percent VAT on cranes, safety equipment, and oil spill response equipment 12. In relation to importation of new motor trucks of any tonnage for transport of goods (new for the purposes of this paragraph refers to vehicles less than four years old), government will remove the 10 percent excise tax as well as the 14 percent VAT that currently apply.

13. In relation to the importation of new haulers for pulling containers or similar vehicles for pulling, VAT of 14 percent that currently applies will be removed 14. For the importation of new double-cab pickups below 2000 cc, 10 percent excise removed tax altogether, while for new double cab pickups between 2000 and 3000 cc excise tax

will be reduced from 110 percent to 75 percent.

15. In relation to importation of new single cab pickups below 3000 cc, government will remove the currently applicable 10 percent excise tax altogether.

16. In August 202, there was an adjustment to the freight cost component in the CIF value used for calculation of import taxes, rolling back freight costs to pre-pandemic levels. This had the effect of reducing the import duties, excise taxes, a n d VAT c h a r g e d o n imported items. This measure was initially due to expire on 31 January 2021.

Government said it will be extending the application of this adjustment until 31 December 2022. This measure is expected to cost in the order of $6 billion in 2022.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News VACANCY Domestic worker to work at Peter's Hall E.B.D,must be from the E.B.D age 2545yrs.Call:231-0363/226-9492.

WANTED

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

SERVICES

Wanted skilled carpenters, mason & labourers to work in G/Town & Linden. Contact:615-7526/602-9469/6606385.

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

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

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel:610-3974.

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

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

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

PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT INC. One Accounts Clerk.

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

VACANCY

FOR SALE

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

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

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

Vacancy for qualified & experienced Grade 2 Teacher.

Contact:623-1615.

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

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

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

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

Tel:679-9449.

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

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

Thursday January 27, 2022

Judge casts doubt on Jan 6 defense strategy of calling Trump to the stand (CNN) - A federal judge appeared unconvinced on Wednesday that Donald Trump should be allowed to testify at a trial of a US Capitol riot defendant who is arguing the former President could be a helpful witness.

Judge Reggie Walton said that having Trump and his allies testify would not necessarily help Dustin Thompson’s defense, which plans to argue that Trump and others goaded his supporters to storm the Capitol. Thompson is accused of entering the Capitol and stealing a coat rack.

“I just (didn’t) see what more you get having them come into court to testify,” Wa l t o n s a i d d u r i n g t h e hearing, pointing out the defense could play videos of what Trump and others said at a rally that preceded the attack.

A Justice Department prosecutor agreed with Walton during the hearing.

Many of the defendants facing criminal charges for their role in the January 6 insurrec-

tion have tried to share blame with Trump or shift blame to him.

W h i l e s o m e f e d eral judges have lambasted the former President, often not by name, and suggested he bears some responsibility for what happened that day, they also have said the defendants should be held responsible for their own actions.

Yet now, judges must confront the possibility that defendants may try to use Trump’s gravity — and strong political condemnation of him in the nation’s capital — before juries.

Federal trials against alleged January 6 rioters are scheduled to begin at the end of next month.

Thompson’s attorney, Samuel Shamansky, previously asked Walton if the US Marshals Service could be used to deliver subpoenas to Trump and several others, including Rudy Giuliani, Steve Bannon and Sidney Powell.

That opened up the conversation on Wednesday about Trump and his associates.

Shamansky said he doesn’t dispute what Thompson did that day but argued that “the question is how and why he gets there.”

He said that rioters were “whipped up into a frenzy” by Trump and his allies.

In another case headed to trial, the Justice Department has argued to block the possible defense that Trump gave permission for the attack on the Capitol.

The judge in the case — for riot defendant Aaron Mostofsky — has not yet resolved whether it will be allowed.

A third judge in the court, Beryl Howell, has already rejected the legal argument that a defendant could have been entrapped into crime because of Trump’s words on January 6, prosecutors have noted.

The President doesn’t have the power to allow crime and waive laws at will, Howell wrote nearly a year ago when she decided to keep in jail a January 6 defendant awaiting trial.

Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 27, 2022

Ukraine crisis: US rejects Russian demand to bar Ukraine from Nato (BBC) - The US has rejected Russia’s demand to bar Ukraine from Nato, amid warnings Russia might invade its neighbour.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was giving Russia a formal response to its demands to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

Mr Blinken gave no concessions but said that he was offering Russia “a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it”.

A Russian minister said his country would study Mr Blinken’s response, delivered

in coordination with Nato.

Russia had issued a written list of its concerns about the expansion of the Nato military alliance and related security issues.

Among them was a demand for Nato to rule out the possibility of Ukraine and others ever joining the alliance.

In recent weeks, Russia has been amassing large numbers of troops on the Ukraine border - something which Western countries have seen as preparation for a possible invasion. Russia

denies this.

Mr Blinken said the US response made its “core prin-

ciples” clear, including Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to choose to be part of

security alliances such as Nato.

“There should be no doubt about our seriousness of purpose when it comes to diplomacy, and we’re acting with equal focus and force to bolster Ukraine’s defences and prepare a swift united response to further Russian aggression,” he said.

The secretary of state said the US had sent three shipments of military “assistance” this week - including Javelin missiles and antiarmour weaponry, along with hundreds of tonnes of ammunition and equipment.

Confidential talks Mr Blinken also denied any rift or difference of opinion between the US and its European allies.

Nato, he said, had prepared its own set of proposals which “fully reinforces ours and vice versa”.

But the US document will not be made public.

“Diplomacy has the best chance to succeed if we provide space for confidential talks,” the Secretary of State said.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance’s document had also been delivered to Moscow, and while he was willing to

listen to Russia’s concerns, all nations had the right to choose their own security arrangements.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, however, said earlier on Wednesday that Mr Stoltenberg had “lost touch with reality”, when asked about Nato boosting its presence near Russia’s borders.

“You know, I stopped taking any view of his statements a long time ago,” Mr Lavrov told the press in Russian parliament, which were broadcast live on social media.

Separately, diplomats from Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany reaffirmed a commitment to the longstanding ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, which had seen Russia-backed rebels seize territory in the eastern Donbas region.

All four nations continue to support the ceasefire “regardless of differences on other issues” related to the 2015 Minsk agreements, a statement published by the French presidency said.

The Kremlin’s deputy chief of staff Dmitri Kozak characterised the eight-hour talks in Paris as “not simple”, and the group is due to meet again in two weeks in Berlin.

Judge casts doubt on January 6 defense strategy of calling Trump to the stand (CNN) - A federal judge appeared unconvinced on Wednesday that Donald Trump should be allowed to testify at a trial of a US Capitol riot defendant who is arguing the former President could be a helpful witness.

Judge Reggie Walton said that having Trump and his allies testify would not necessarily help Dustin Thompson’s defense, which plans to argue that Trump and others goaded his supporters to storm the Capitol. Thompson is accused of entering the Capitol and stealing a coat rack.

“I just (didn’t) see what more you get having them come into court to testify,” Walton said during the hearing, pointing out the defense could play videos of what Trump and others said at a rally that preceded the attack.

A Justice Department prosecutor agreed with Walton during the hearing.

Many of the defendants facing criminal charges for their role in the January 6 insurrection have tried to share blame with Trump or shift blame to him. While some federal judges have lambasted the former President, often not by name, and suggested he bears some responsibility for

what happened that day, they also have said the defendants should be held responsible for their own actions.

Yet now, judges must confront the possibility that defendants may try to use Trump’s gravity — and strong political condemnation of him in the nation’s capital — before juries.

Federal trials against alleged January 6 rioters are scheduled to begin at the end of next month.

Thompson’s attorney, Samuel Shamansky, previously asked Walton if the US Marshals Service could be used to deliver subpoenas to Trump and several others, including Rudy Giuliani, Steve Bannon and Sidney Powell. That opened up the conversation on Wednesday about Trump and his associates.

Shamansky said he doesn’t dispute what Thompson did that day but argued that “the question is how and why he gets there.” He said that rioters were “whipped up into a frenzy” by Trump and his allies. In another case headed to trial, the Justice Department has argued to block the possible defense that Trump gave permission for the attack on the Capitol.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 27, 2022

PAGE 19

Harmon resigns as Opposition Leader Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir on We d n e s d a y f o r m a l l y informed the National Assembly that Joseph Harmon has resigned as Leader of the Opposition.

He used the occasion at the beginning of yesterday's session to indicate receipt of a letter from Harmon confirming the decision with immediate effect. To this end, he indicated that he did meet with Opposition parties in the House with regards the setting up of a formal meeting to elect a new Opposition Leader at a later date. He did inform as well that Deputy Speaker and leader the House, Lennox Shuman, has indicated not to be a part of the proceedings.

The move comes one day after Harmon and David Granger resigned as general secretary and chairman of the APNU respectively and Norton assuming the role as chairman. The coalition, according to a statement on Tuesday, held its first EXCO meeting of 2022. Present at the meeting were Granger, Harmon, Norton, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma of the Equal Rights and Justice Party, Mr. Vincent

Henry of the Guyana Action Party, Mrs. Tabitha SaraboHalley, MP of Guyana Nation Builders and Mr. Keith Scott of the National Front Alliance.

The substantive agenda saw the passing of the baton for the continuation and development of coalition politics as Granger and Harmon reported their decision to demit office as Chair and General Secretary of the APNU. The EXCO requested that Harmon continues as General Secretary for a period of seven days to facilitate the smooth transition to a new General Secretary. However, Mr. Granger demitted office with immediate effect paving the way for the election of Norton as the new Chairman of the APNU. According to the statement, members of the Executive thanked the outgoing Chair and General Secretary for their role in advancing the idea of the APNU to what it is today. “It was noted that their astute leadership saw the growth of the APNU and the acceptance of the populace to coalition politics which resulted in an increase in

votes from 2011 to 2020,” the statement read.

Following Harmon's resignation, the People's National Congress Reform in a statement expressed gratitude to him for his service. The party said it will address the issue of filling the position of Leader of the Opposition with its Coalition partners in the shortest possible time.

Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones in a statement also thanked Harmon for his service. Jones who was on Norton's team for the recently concluded Congress of the PNCR said, “While we are all disappointed in this development, we appreciate that recent developments within the PNCR and APNU have determined that changes are inevitable.” “We take the opportunity to thank Mr. Harmon for his sterling contribution thus far.” Jones said in the circumstances, the Members of Parliament will urgently consult with the leadership of their respective parties so that the way forward, and a suitable candidate to assume the important office of Leader of

Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon the Opposition can be identified. “We are advised that the temporary absence of a Leader of the Opposition is no hindrance to the proceedings of the National Assembly ensuing and we will continue to function accordingly.”

The resignation of Harmon is being seen as the initial steps for Norton to take control of the leadership of the opposition. The PNCR executive has already decided that Norton must be elected Leader of the O p p o s i t i o n a n d representative of the list.

Both Granger and Harmon had been stubborn regarding calls for them to step aside.

Political Commentator, Dr. Henry Jeffrey in a recent online discussion called on both Granger and Harmon to resign their posts, paving the way for Norton. He said having overwhelmingly won the leadership of the PNCR, Norton should be made the head of the list as well as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

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

He noted that some compromises were made which allowed for the modification.

Nonetheless, “at the last election, it was again placed together and we have therefore returned to the tradition, which we believe, is in the best interest of the party and the country,”

Norton pointed out.

However, since Norton made the announcement, there has been resistance from Harmon who in an official statement to the media reminded that, “the main Parliamentary Opposition is the APNU+AFC coalition and consists of 31 Members of Parliament.” To this end, he reminded that, “the APNU Partnership has an established structure and if the executive of a party in the partnership has a position and they wish to express that position, they should follow the established procedures.”

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

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

Govt. adds $3000 to Old Budget 2022… $420.5M Age Pension set aside to train 1000 Guyanese for oil sector

The People's Progressive Party (PPP) government has announced a $3,000 increase to the monthly Old Age Pension which will see the allocation moving from $25,000 to $28,000. This will place an additional $2.3 billion of disposable income in the hands of 65,000 old age pensioners in Guyana, who only last year had their monthly allocation increased from $20,500 to $25,000.

The announcement was made on Wednesday when the Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh presented Budget 2022.

In addition to increase for Pensioners, the Minister also noted that the Budget seeks to boost the monthly Public Assistance payment from $12,000 to $14,000, which will benefit 18,000 persons and provide an additional $432 million in disposable income to these individuals.

Further to this, Dr. Singh said “much has already been said about the public investments being made to improve the quality of the public health care system as well as to incentivise private investment in health care. Even as these investments are being advanced, this country currently has hundreds of persons undergoing ongoing treatment for life-threatening conditions”.

“A prime example is the number of persons currently receiving dialysis treatment, many of whom are young people

...$260M to build training facility

Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh still in the prime of their lives, but oftentimes struggling to meet the cost of their treatment. To this end, we will introduce a Dialysis Support Programme under which we will finance up to $600,000 per annum worth of dialysis treatment for each and every dialysis patient in Guyana,” he added. This programme, according to him, will provide much needed assistance to almost 300 persons at a cost of $180 million.

In order to ensure this country has a pool of Guyanese equipped to take up jobs in the oil and gas industry, budget 2022 has allocated $420.5 million to train 1,000 workers in a wide range of areas relevant to the sector.

This was noted on Thursday during the reading of Guyana's 2022 budget by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Under this programme, Dr. Singh said training and certification will be provided to welders, stevedores, heavy-vehicle operators, and others. He said this programme will continue into the mediumterm and will see up to 4,500 persons trained over the next four years.

Additionally, Dr. Singh said the PPP/C Government will be partnering with the

private sector to establish a Guyana Technical Training College with a campus at Port Mourant that will incorporate the renowned GuySuCo Port Mourant Training School.

Importantly, that institute will also add new training facilities for oil and gas as well as the tourism and hospitality sector.

Singh disclosed that an initial $260 million is budgeted to commence works at this location in 2022.

Kaieteur News understands that a further $2.5 billion is earmarked to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes across the country at post-secondary levels.”

Dr. Singh said this will

equip approximately 4,500 young people currently enrolled with the skills to pursue entrepreneurship and e n s u r e e m p l o y a b i l i t y.

Additionally, nine secondary schools will complete a pilot of the Level 1 Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) programme across various skills, including crop production, furniture making, electrical installation and masonry.

Kaieteur News understands that this will now create the opportunity for students to access the technical institutions that offer Levels 2 and 3 CVQ, qualifying them as independent workers capable of managing their own operations and as supervisors, respectively with a first batch of 129 students expected in 2022.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 27, 2022

Thursday January 27, 2022

Guyanese pair shine as Windies U19 beat PNG in plate Q/F Led by Matthew Nandu, who backed up his century with two wickets, while his fellow Guyanese Isaiah Thorne claimed two wickets, West Indies U-19 defeated Papua New Guinea by 169 runs at Diego Martin, Trinidad in the ICC Under19 Plate Quarter-Final 4.

Nandu, leading the team in the absence of regular Skipper Akeem Aguste who his recovering from Covid, faced 134 balls and hit 15 fours and two sixes and featured in a 155 opening stand

with Shaqkere Parriss whose 64 lasted 89 balls and included eight fours and two sixes to spur West Indies to 317-7 when 50 overs expired Papua New Guinea were bowled out for 148 in 37.4 overs as Nandu (2-12), Throne (2-30) and McKenny Clarke (2-34) did the damage with the ball as only Aue Oru with 27 offered token resistance.

Earlier, Kevin Wickham, who replaced Aguste in the squad, followed up his fifty in the main draw with 61

from 48 balls with three fours and four sixes but Teddy Bishop (15), fell at 191-2.Nandu and Wickham carried the score to 298, but Nandu’s demise triggered a collapse as Nandu, Rivaldo Clarke (0), Jordon Johnson (0) and Anderson Mahase (0) all fell in the space of eight runs.

Summary Scores: WI U-19 317-7 (50) Nandu 128, Parriss 64, Wickham 61.

PNG U-19 148 (37.4) Aue Oru 27. Nandu 2-

Thursday Junuary 27, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Long-distance phone calls from people living in distant states could bring some rather disconcerting news your way. This might arouse some anger within you, and you might be tempted to take it out on the caller.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Frustrated energy resulting from inability to put your plans into action could have your nerves on edge today, Libra, and you might be tempted to get into petty quarrels with those around you.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Nightmares that come your way today are likely to cause you to wake up feeling extremely angry for no tangible reason.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Overwork and the resulting stress and nerve strain might result in fevers or headaches today, Scorpio.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A partner, either your life partner or a colleague, is likely to be in an irritable mood today, which you could find a bit upsetting.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Too many unfinished tasks or chores today might have you feeling pressured to get them done, creating unnecessary stress and strain.

Pace yourself and don't panic if you have to let some of them go for today.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Emotional levels run high among members of a group you're affiliated with as disagreements turn into quarrels. Stay out of this, Leo, it won't do you any good.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Pressures to get unfinished tasks completed and new ones begun cause emotions to run high. Everyone, yourself included, is likely to feel nervous and stressed out, and quarrels may break out.

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Kaieteur News

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you're involved in a class or if you find yourself in any kind of group activity or social situation, be prepared for quarrels to break out among the people there.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Frustration and upset with others in your circle could tempt you to go out and get rid of that energy by spending a lot of money. You might overindulge in food or drink, or you could give in to impulse buying.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) An increased level of irritability and frustration could tempt you to take it out on friends, children, or your significant other.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A conflict between career obligations and home responsibilities could present itself today, Pisces.

You're likely to feel totally powerless in the situation.

Fit-again Sharma expected to lead wounded India against Windies SportsMax - India captain Rohit Sharma has been passed fit to lead the team for the upcoming series against the West Indies in February.

The 34-year-old batsman is only just recovering from injury, having missed out on the team’s most recent tour of South Africa, which ended in a disappointing 3-0 loss.

According to reports, the batsman is already back in training and will be ready to go for the T20 and perhaps ODI series. The series will get underway on February 6th, while the T20 series gets underway on February 16th.

Rohit is recovering from a left hamstring injury. In the past, the player has captained India vs the West Indies in three matches in 2018. India won

India captain Rohit Sharma

the series 3-0. Overall, in 17 T20Is India has won 10 and

lost 6.

“Rohit is fit and available for the series against the West Indies,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying.

“By the time the West Indies series starts, it will be more than seven and half weeks of rehabilitation and recuperation for Rohit.

The West Indies are expected to head to India immediately after the England tour.

Rovman Powell...

From page 22 Leg-spinner Adil Rashid was excellent as usual in taking 125 but fellow spinners Living s t o n e a n d M o e e n Ali, captaining in place of Morgan who pulled out just before with a slight quad injury, both went at 14 runs per over.

Morgan has placed importance on development over results in this series and the performances of Banton and Salt will give him encouragement. Banton, who also kept in the absence of Sam Billings through illness, made his highest T20 international score, striking six sixes to give England hope before he picked out Jason Holder off Kieron Pollard.

Salt similarly smashed anything on length in clearing the ropes five times, but was ultimately left with too much to do before he was bowled by a fine yorker from Romario Shepherd in the final over.

S c o r e s : We s t I n d i e s 224-5 (20 overs): Powell 107 (53), Pooran 70 (43); England 204-9 (20 overs): Banton 73 (39), Salt 57 (23); Shepherd 3-59. Result: West Indies won 20 runs; lead series 2-1.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 27, 2022

NBA roundup: Clippers’ 35-point comeback stuns Wizards Reuters - Luke Kennard converted a four-point play with 1.9 seconds to play as the visiting Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 35-point deficit to post a 116-115 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.

The result tied the second-largest comeback in NBA history, when the Sacramento Kings escaped a 35point hole against the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 21, 2009.

The record was the Utah Jazz overturning a 36-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 27, 1996.

The Wizards held a 115109 lead with 11.2 seconds remaining before Kennard halved the deficit with a 3pointer.

Washington’s Kyle Kuzma was whistled for a fivesecond inbound violation, and Kennard a 3-pointer while being fouled by Bradley Beal.

Kennard sank the ensuing foul shot to give Los Angeles

its first lead of the game and the improbable victory.

Amir Coffey scored 29 points and Kennard finished with 25 off the bench as the Clippers improved to 2-2 on their eight-game road trip.

Beal collected 23 points and nine rebounds and Kuzma added 19 and 12, respectively, for the Wizards, who took

their fourth straight loss.

Lakers 106, Nets 96 LeBron James totaled 33 points, seven rebounds and six assists as Los Angeles led most of the way and recorded a win over Brooklyn in New York.

The Lakers led for the final 37:45, improved to 2-1 on their six-game road trip and

welcomed Anthony Davis back after the center missed 17 games with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

He finished with eight points in 25 minutes. The Lakers had gone 7-10 without him.

James Harden notched a triple-double of 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, but it was not nearly enough as the Nets dropped to 2-3 since losing Kevin Durant to a sprained left knee on Jan. 15.

Celtics 128, Kings 75 Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined to score 66 points as host Boston throttled Sacramento for its seventh win in 10 games.

Tatum finished with a game-high 36 points and six assists, while Brown put up 30 points and 10 rebounds.

Robert Williams III scored 13 and pounded the boards for a game-high 17 rebounds.

The Celtics led by as many as 60 points but fell

short of a franchise-record 56point victory in a 133-77 rout of Chicago in 2018.

Buddy Hield was the only scorer to reach double figures for the Kings, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting. Sacramento dropped its fourth straight game and has lost nine of 11 overall.

Warriors 130, Mavericks 92 Jonathan Kuminga led a balanced attack with 22 points off the bench as Golden State found its offensive form in a thrashing of Dallas at San Francisco.

The Mavericks took more than just their second loss in its last three games, however.

Key reserve Tim Hardaway Jr. broke a bone in his left foot on a drive to the hoop midway through the second quarter.

Stephen Curry shot 2-for10 from 3-point range and wound up with 18 points, nine rebounds and a game-high seven assists for the War-

riors. Luka Doncic notched 25 points and eight rebounds for the Mavericks.

76ers 117, Pelicans 107 Joel Embiid had 42 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots to lift host Philadelphia past New Orleans.

Tobias Harris added 33 points and 11 rebounds and Furkan Korkmaz contributed 13 points for the 76ers, who have won three of their past four games.Nickeil AlexanderWalker led the Pelicans with 31 points, and Willy Hernangomez added a careerhigh 29 points to go along with 10 rebounds. New Orleans had a two-game winning streak snapped.

In other results: Timberwolves 109, Trail Blazers 107 Nuggets 110, Pistons 105 Raptors 125, Hornets 113 Spurs 134, Rockets 104 (Field Level Media)

Rovman Powell hits fine ton to lead hosts to victory in third T20 BBC Sport - Rovman Powell hit a majestic century to lead West Indies to a 20run victory over England in the third Twenty20 in Barbados.

Powell struck 107 off 53 balls, including 10 sixes, as he ruthlessly punished wayward bowling by England to record his maiden T20 ton.

He put on 122 for the third wicket with Nicholas Pooran, who smashed 70 off 43, as the hosts posted 224-5, their highest T20 score against England.

In reply, England opener Tom Banton made 73 off 39 and T20 debutant Phil Salt hit 57 off 23.

But the rest of the order failed to fire as the muchchanged tourists, without injured captain Eoin Morgan, could only reach 204-9.

West Indies now lead the five-match series 2-1, with the final two games to be played on Saturday and Sunday.

Powell dismantles wayward England After taking 10 deliveries to play himself in, Powell unleashed his tremendous power - hitting the ball particularly cleanly down the ground.

He dismantled both seam and spin, dispatching the bowlers whenever they missed their lengths.

The Jamaican also showed guile to work good deliveries into gaps in the field in order to scurry ones and twos as he became only the third West Indies batter

Tom Banton cuts through point during his half-century. (Getty Images) after Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis to hit a T20 international ton.

Powell, 28, has featured regularly in West Indies’ T20 side since his debut in 2017, without ever firmly establishing himself, but they will hope this knock signifies a coming of age.

He built tremendously on the work of Pooran, who made an early onslaught before taking a relative backseat to Powell.

The left-hander had posted his highest score in T20 internationals before he picked out Liam Livingstone at long on; the Lancashire player also taking a fine sliding catch to end a memorable knock from Powell.

Much-changed England fail to convince England made five changes from the side which won the second T20, with

batter Harry Brook and leftarm pace bowler George Garton making their first international appearances.

Garton started well, producing a fine ball that knocked back Brandon King’s off stump, but failed to find that length regularly enough as Pooran and Powell climbed into his bowling.

England’s shaky death bowling has come under increased scrutiny in recent months, but they erred throughout the whole innings here - failing to vary their pace well enough to check West Indies’ progress.

The rare combination of three left-arm seamers in the same side failed to pay dividends as only Reece Topley (1-30) threatened, while Garton and Tymal Mills were expensive.

(Continued on page 21)

Thursday January 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

Harpy Eagles final 4-day trial game...

Persaud hits 62 on opening day at Providence

By Sean Devers In a game which started 30 minutes in sunshine before the entire post lunch was lost due rain yesterday at Providence, Keemo Paul’s X1 were 179-9 again s t Leon Johnson’s X1 when the opening day of the third and final four-day trial match of the Guyana Harpy Eagles to select the national team for the next Regional First-Class tournament.

Akshaya Persaud led the way with 62 with eight boundaries and put together 67 for the sixth wicket with Paul who made 36.

Trevon Griffith and fellow

DCC batsman Ramon Perez batted to 10.3 overs on a track with a tinge of grass and preparation moisture, before Griffith, who was assertive in his running between the wickets, got a ball which cut bat and kept a bit low from Clinton Pestano and was trapped LBW for 10.

Perez, who looked technically correct, batted patiently and along with West Indies U-16 batsman Movindra Dindyal who opened his account with a couple of boundaries, including a ‘fine sweep’ to take the score to 34 before he edged one that left him to Johnson at first slip off Demetri Cameron for 14.

At 36-4 Cameron struck again when Kevlon Anderson was taken at slip by Johnson for a duck and without addition to the score Perez (6) was run out by direct hit at the non-striker’s end.

Wicket-Keeper Kemol Savory got going a commanding cut off a short ball from off-spinner Junior Sinclair for four and along with Persaud took Paul’s X1 to 44-4 when a sharp shower at 11:45, forced at an early lunch to be taken.

With 14 overs and entire second session lost, play began in the final session and the left-handed Savory (6) played a lose drive to Chris Barnwell and

was taken at slip 52-5.

Persaud played some delightful shots on the lightning fast outfield despite the rain and reached a well-played fifty and before Paul was dismissed by West Indies left arm spinner Gudakesh Motie.

But when on 62 Persaud was removed by Junior Sinclair who also got rid of Kevin Sinclair (14) as he continued his good form in t h e t r i a l . Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul and Nial Smith were the not out batsmen as Junior Sinclair and Cameron has picked up two wickets so far.

To d a y i s t h e s e c o n d day and play starts at 09:30AM.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 27, 2022

Ex Guy U-19 &E’bo player is Guyana’s Asst Coach Thirty-three year-old former Essequibo fast bowling all-rounder Ryan Hercules will be the Assistant Coach for the newly renamed Guyana Harpy Eagles team travels to Trinidad for their first two games in the 2022 Regional First-Class tournament.

Hercules started his journey as a cricketer at the Parika/Salem Sports Club at the tender age of 13 and his love for the sport led him to attend the first ever cricket academy in Essequibo as his cricketing career had just begun. His dedication and passion for the game earned him a spot in the Essequibo under-15, under-19 and senior teams for a number of years.

“My journey was a great one, I learnt a lot being in the same spotlight with guys like Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Dowling, Narsingh among others… ninety per cent of the time we were on the losing end but I cherished every moment, I had a lot of pride representing my county no matter what level it was and found joy representing Essequibo. I grasped the opportunity to learn as much as

Coach Crandon and his new assistant Coach, Ryan Hercules at the fitness test.

I can from my teammates like Dinesh Joseph, Trevon Garraway and Rayon Thomas.

I was able to learn also from my opponents and always walk away with something after a game,” said the 2007 Guyana U-19 pacer.

“In the beginning of 2009, it was a part of our duty as an overseas player in the UK and Australia to give back to kids during the summer, so from then I got the passion for coaching. I did six seasons in

England and one in Australia before coming back home to take up the role in Essequibo,” informed Hercules, who hails from the East Bank of Essequibo and played over 600 games in England and Australia as an overseas player. After returning to his birth place, he served as assistant coach of the Guyana Senior Female and Guyana under-15 teams and credits himself as the only coach to win the first ever franchise

three-day title for Essequibo in 2017 before capturing 50over championship. Hercules has also Coached Guyana’s largest but least populated County to the under-17 title.

The affable young man revealed that his greatest motivator is Rayon Griffith who is a very close friend and who always encouraged him to do well.

Ironically it was Griffith whom he replaced as Assistant Coach when the former National pacer was promoted to the West Indies Coaching Staff. “Rayon also guided me along the right path of success, so a lot of credit must go to him for his advice and guidance along this journey,” added Hercules, who also won three consecutive Busta Championships for East Bank Essequibo making him Essequibo’s most successive Coach. Hercules is currently on the pathway to the level 3 coaching course which is the highest level, and believes that coaches have to be able to understand each aspect of the game, batting, bowling, fielding, wicket-keeping, leadership, mentoring among other things. He related that

Hercules working with West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd. his plans are to basically work hard with the players to help them achieve team goals and personal goals as well, bring success to the franchise and to keep intact with the development of players going into a West Indies set up. “In terms of achievement, once the team’s does well, that is a good feeling for me. Players being successful getting into a West Indies (team) or going forward playing in franchise cricket… But in terms of my progression, I want to be a regular in the national set-up, and I’m even looking forward to being in the West Indies set-up in the future,” Hercules disclosed. He credits his wife,

Shantell Hercules as his biggest supporter and thanked his parents, close friends Griffith and Safraz Sheriffudeen from VNET Communications, for always being there to give support when needed. Hercules expressed congratulations to the newly elected Essequibo Cricket Board and reminded that he is available for any advice in the area of coaching so as to get Essequibo’s cricket on its feet again. “I trust persons think about the future of the young players and their development as ambassador of their home and the Essequibo,” Hercules stated. (Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 27, 2022

PAGE 25

Golden Jaguars in Suriname to prepare for tri-nation tournament

T

he Guyana Senior Men's National Team have hit the ground running in Suriname as preparations intensified on Tuesday ahead of a friendly trination tournament with the host nation and Barbados, according to Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz.

The Golden Jaguars squad, drawn predominantly from domestic-based players, play Suriname on Sunday, January 30 and Barbados on Tuesday, February 1.

“We have a good spirit and a strong group feeling in the camp, and we intend to make full use of the five days before the two matches on Sunday and Tuesday,” Head Coach Shabazz said.

“This is an important exercise to evaluate our players after being out of international football for a while.

I am eager to see how the guys carry themselves first in the training over here and then the two matches.”

The Trinidadian, leading the squad for its first engagements since he took over in September 2021 for a fourth stint in charge, acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national team activity and preparations, but praised the Guyana Football

Guyana Senior Men's National Team Coach Jamaal Shabazz

Federation (GFF) for facilitating the Suriname fixtures as a welcome step back into competition.

"We had a lot of challenges and, at times, when players and staff were down with COVID and things looked dim,” he said.

“GFF President Wayne Forde was very supportive and we are happy that the investment was made and this opportunity created, providing exposure for players.”

Shabazz also thanked the Ministry of Health for its continued support, given the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Shabazz has selected a 24man squad, with defender Thevron Pluck receiving his first call up.

Clive Nobrega, Colin Nelson and Jordan Dover also make a return after a period of absence to a selection that features three international-based players.

National U20 Head Coach Wayne Dover and former national team captain Charles Pollard are supporting Shabazz in the roles of assistant coaches.

Golden Jaguars Squad – January 2022 Name Position 1 Alex Murray Goalkeeper 2 Sese Norville Goalkeeper 3 Colin Nelson Defender 4 Kevin Dundas Defender 5 Bevan Baker Defender 6 Shemar Fraser Defender 7 Nicolai Andrews Defender 8 Marcus Wilson Defender 9 Jordan Dover Defender 10 Thevron Pluck Defender 11 Daniel Wilson Midfielder 12 Clive Nobrega Midfielder 13 Darron Niles Midfielder 14 Leo Lovell Midfielder 15 Javier George Midfielder 16 Job Ceasar Midfielder 17 Ryan Hackett Midfielder 18 Pernel Schultz Forward 19 Nicholas McArthur Forward 20 Kelsey Benjamin Forward 21 Trayon Bobb Forward 22 Jamal Pereira Forward 23 Omari Glasgow Forward 24 Chris Macey Forward TECHNICAL STAFF Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz Assistant Coach Charles Pollard Assistant Coach Wayne Dover Goalkeeper Coach Eon Deviera MEDICAL Medical Officer Pablino Cupido SPORTS SCIENCE Fitness Coach Dylan Palmer RECRUITMENT Head of Recruitment Faizal Khan OPERATIONS Team Operations Manager Rawle Adams Assistant Team Operations Manager Equipment Manager Trevor Burnett Assistant Equipment Manager Earl Paul Fixtures: ● Guyana vs Barbados 30th January 2022 ● Guyana vs Suriname 1st February 2022

'Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana' Nat U-17 All-Rounder Balgobin latest to benefit

Nineteen-year-old National Youth cricketer Chetram Balgobin is the latest youth to benefit from “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” project.

The talented young player, who is a powerful left handed batsman and bowls off spin as well as medium pace, was selected to represent his country in Trinidad at the Under17 level.

Despite a disappointing performance from the team, he was one of the shining lights.

He also represented Demerara at the Under17 and 19 levels and was recently selected to attend the Senior National trials held at the historic Albion Sports Complex.

Balgobin was presented with a cricket bat on behalf of the initiative. On receiving the token, he was very thankful for the gesture and promised to continue working hard on his g a m e . A a r o n B e h a r r y, representing the project, said that his dad, Anil Beharry was very impressed with the skills

of Balgobin and as such the gift was presented.

Total cricket related items collected so far: $40,000 in cash, two trophies, two cricket boots, twelve pairs of batting pads, fourteen bats, nine pairs of batting gloves and four cricket bags.

To date, twenty-two young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon, Georgetown, East Canje, East Coast Demerara, Berbice and Upper Corentyne areas have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, nine bats, six pairs of batting pads and six pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club benefited from a pair of stumps and bails and two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

This project is a joint initiative between Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry and Cricket related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skill, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent.

Beharry and Das take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and I m r a n S a c c o o r, D e v o n Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romesh Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall.

More distribution will be done as soon as the gear is available. Anyone interested in contributing, can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.

(Sean Devers)

Chetram Balgobin collects his bat from Aaron Beharry.

Rovman Powell hits rt o p S fine ton to lead hosts to victory in third T20 Rovman Powell celebrates his brilliant hundred © Getty Images

Harpy Eagles final 4-day trial game...

Trevon Griffith is LBW to Clinton Pestano at providence yesterday (Sean Devers photo)

Persaud hits 62 on opening day at Providence

Nicholas Pooran started with intent for West Indies © Getty Images

Matthew Nandu hit a century for the West Indies U-19’s.

Guyanese pair shine as Windies U19 beat PNG in plate Q/F