Kaieteur News

First person NEWS jailed for hosting illegal private party Hess says...

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Thursday Edition January 28, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 04 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday 85,877

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

ExxonMobil wants to submit fourth FDP - Development for approval cost likely

by December US$6-9 billion p.

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MP Figueira sues Man arrested Lowenfield hands Hamilton, Kaieteur after killing over SOPs, SORs to Supreme Court News and Guyana sleeping Times over pig vagrant Registrar for pen reports safekeeping with brick Election petition case…

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OAS demands Venezuela release Guyanese fishermen from illegal detention p.

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Dissatisfied shareholder to challenge ExxonMobil - Deeply concerned about for board seats company’s carbon emissions p.

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Hear how Exxon wants to push 7 more oil projects down our throats at 11:00 hrs on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio!

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 28, 2021

Dissatisfied shareholder to challenge ExxonMobil for board seats E

ngine No. One, a new investment firm, that seeks to enhance long-term value through active ownership, announced yesterday that it has formally nominated four highly qualified, independent director candidates with diverse track records of success across the energy sector to the ExxonMobil Corporation's Board of Directors.

This is expected to be heard at ExxonMobil's upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Engine One's challenge for board seats is rooted in its dissatisfaction with ExxonMobil's emissions output. According to Bloomberg, the oil giant's annual emissions from its operations are set to increase from 122 million metric tons in 2017 to 143 million metric tons in 2025. The investment firm is also concerned about the company's decisions, which have led to its declining fiscal health.

In a statement to industry stakeholders, Engine No. 1 stated, “Investors increasingly

want to see companies focused on the long-term and ExxonMobil is no exception.

We b e l i e v e t h a t ExxonMobil's Board needs new members who have proven success positioning energy companies for today as well as tomorrow, and who are sufficiently independent from the current Board to ensure a clean break from a strategy and mindset that have led to years of value destruction and poorly positioned the Company for the future.”

While ExxonMobil has recently taken incremental

steps to improve its performance in the face of financial and shareholder pressure, Engine One said it is of the firm belief that a reactive short-term approach is no substitute for a proactive longterm strategy that addresses the threats and opportunities facing the company in a changing world.

Ta k i n g t h i s i n t o consideration, among other factors mentioned earlier, the new investment firm is proposing four independent nominees – each of whom it believes, brings a differentiated skill set that makes them uniquely suited to help the Board chart a new value-creating path, including better long-term capital discipline, strategic planning, and management incentives.

The nominees being proposed by Engine One are Gregory J. Goff, Kaisa Hietala, Alexander Karsner, and Anders Runevad.

This newspaper understands that Goff has a long track record of success in the energy industry. He served as the CEO of Andeavor (ANDV), a leading petroleum refining and marketing company formerly known as Tesoro, for eight years ending in 2018. He was named one of the “Best-Performing CEOs in the World” by Harvard Business Review in 2018.

- Deeply concerned about company's carbon emissions

W i t h regard to Ms. Hietala, Engine One was keen to note that she is an experienced leader in strategic transformation in the energy sector who began her career in oil and gas exploration and crude oil trading. She played a central role in the strategic transformation of Neste into the world's largest and most profitable producer of renewable diesel and jet fuel, which was named by Harvard Business Review as one of the “ To p 2 0 B u s i n e s s Transformations of the Last Decade” in 2019.

Mr. Karsner is also an accomplished energy industry entrepreneur and policymaker with more than three decades of global conventional and renewable energy experience.

According to Engine One, he began his career developing and financing large-scale energy infrastructure, and as a private equity investor, venture partner, and advisor, his portfolios have included some of the most successful clean-tech startups of the past decade.

As for Mr. Runevad, Kaieteur News understands that he is a successful business leader with global energy experience and was a signatory of the United Nations Paris Climate

Agreement. He served as the CEO of Vestas Wind Systems, a wind turbine manufacturing, installation, and servicing company with more installed wind power worldwide than any other manufacturer, for six years ending in 2019, and is credited with turning around the company.

He had appeared on Fortune's “Businessperson of the Year” list in 2016 and was named one of the “BestPerforming CEOs in the World” by Harvard Business Review in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Since learning of Engine One's intention to grab four Board seats, ExxonMobil responded yesterday stating that the notice of nomination would be evaluated in line with the corporation's by-laws.

ExxonMobil said too that it will continue to update shareholders in the coming weeks on the company's strategy to build long-term, sustainable value for shareholders.

This newspaper understands that it will also provide updates on company performance and actions to address climate change, including initiatives to commercialize technologies, which are key to reducing emissions and meeting societal goals consistent with the Paris Agreement.

CORRECTION/APOLOGY

A

PNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, has unequivocally stated that that he did not sign for, or received any money for a pig pen project under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme in 2019 as reported by this newspaper.

According to Figueira it was in fact his twin brother, Jemaine Figueira, who was involved in that project.

This newspaper, based on documents received from Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, had implicated MP Jermaine Figueira in the pig pen reports.

In response to this, the MP said he has no idea how his name ended up on the official documents that lists Jermaine Figueira as the

coordinator of the project as well as the contact person and contractor.

His brother, Jemaine Figueira, has since confirmed that he was the one involved in the project and insisted too that the claims by the Minister that the project is incomplete, is false.

He said that of the $5.7 million awarded, 98 percent went to the building and it was funding from his own pocket that was used to complete the remainder.

The brothers maintained that the Minister's utterances and articles carried in the media have damaged their reputations.

For the publication of any baseless information regarding the Figueira brothers, we unreservedly apologise and maintain that no malice, on the part of this newspaper, was intended.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

PAGE 03

CJ quashes order to have Haitians deported T

he Chief Justice (ag), Roxane G e o r g e Wiltshire, yesterday quashed the deportation order that was granted by Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus last month to have a group of Haitian nationals deported.

The Chief Justice also dismissed the application made by the Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, to have the matter withdrawn, stating that it has no merit.

The Haitians were being detained by Government. On December 1, 2020, Principal Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus granted an order for the 26 Haitians to be deported although they were not officially charged or placed before the court.

As such, attorney-at-law, Darren Wade, filed an application in the High Court to have the deportation order

- says AG application of withdrawal has no merit quashed.

During the ruling yesterday afternoon, the acting Chief Justice ruled that there was a breach of natural justice in the issuance of the deportation order while making reference to Section 16 and 28 of the Immigration Act. She stated that the Haitians should have been taken before the court before such order is granted and as such she quashed the deportation order.

The acting Chief Justice also ruled that there was a breach of the Haitians' freedom when the order was granted. She referenced Article 139 - the protection

of right to personal liberty and Article 148 - protection of freedom of movement.

She added that the other orders including the referral to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and for damages are not granted, adding that since the Haitians were already released from custody she made no order of cost.

Before handing down that ruling, the acting Chief Justice dismissed the AG's application to have the matter withdrawn.

Earlier this month a Notice of Application (NOA) was filed in the High Court after damning allegations were raised

Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire

Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall

Attorney-at-law, Darren Wade against attorney-at-law, Wa d e , f o r f i l i n g a n application for Allandres Archer. Archer stated that his name was used on the application on behalf of the 26 Haitians without his permission.

Archer had joined forces

. . . s y a s ExxonMobil wants to submit Hess

fourth FDP for approval by December

By Kemol King

E

xxonMobil has set its sights on a fourth oil development in the Stabroek block, and intends to ask for the government's approval, l a t e r t h i s y e a r. H e s s Corporation's Chief Operations Officer (COO), Gregory Hill, revealed during the company's 2020 Q4 earnings calls yesterday, that the Stabroek block coventurers – ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC – anticipate the completion and submission of a field development plan (FDP) for Guyana's approval, by the fourth quarter of 2021.

The COO told Barclays Capital analyst, Jeanine Wai, that the Yellowtail area has a large, high quality reservoir and that is the reason why it was moved up the queue for development.

In response to a question from Simmons Energy analyst, Ryan Todd, Hill said that Hess expects the Yellowtail breakeven to be “somewhere between at US$25 and US$32 breakeven.” For those

- Development cost likely US$6-9 billion Chief Operating Officer of Hess Corporation, Gregory Hill.

(Photo: Hart Energy)

unaware, the breakeven price is the price at which the oil must be sold to cover the cost to produce it.

Every additional dollar on the barrel would be the profit. The breakeven prices estimated for Guyana's oil developments are among the best in the industry. Chief Financial Officer at Hess Corporation, John P. Rielly, had said during the previous

earnings call that Liza Phase Two is arguably the best project in the industry.

When asked to comment on a likely development cost for the Yellowtail project, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess, told Scotiabank analyst, Paul Cheng, that “you could assume development costs will be very similar somewhere between Phase 2

and Payara.”

Liza Phase Two has an estimated development cost of US$6 billion, while the (continued on page 12)

with the AG to have the matter struck out.

However, the acting Chief Justice yesterday said that the AG's application is strange since she has never seen an application where the respondent [AG] of a matter would file an application for the applicant [Archer].

The AG then sought to bring clarity by stating that his application was not made on behalf of the applicant but that it is an application made by the respondent to strike out the application.

The acting Chief Justice said she read the application and listened to the recording with the applicant saying that he signed a number of documents and that he was tricked into signing those documents.

She added that the applicant joined a previous hearing of the matter so it is not that he is not aware of the court proceeding.

As such, the acting Chief

Justice ruled that the AG's application has no merit, since, if the applicant wanted to, he could have withdrawn the matter on the grounds that were highlighted in the NOA. She then added that the applicant should have contacted attorney-at-law Wade, to have the matter withdrawn. Wade then told the court that the applicant did not contact him and made any such request.

Kaieteur News had reported that the Haitians were detained during a police cordon and search exercises carried out in November 2020. The Haitians were discovered between November 7 and November 8, 2020, at a city hotel in a minibus.

They were reportedly headed to the LindenMabura Road.

The Haitians were arrested and placed in protective custody at the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration pending deportation. However, they were later released and vanished without any trace.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

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

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

EDITORIAL

Local political leaders could learn from Senator McConnell

H

e is not an easy man to like. As a ferocious partisan politician, he just went down like a stone in the estimation of many more. Besides Republicans, there were few who loved his lockstep movements with the now torpedoed president. He had this flair for dogged political gamesmanship, astute power broking, and countless scorched earth tactics that left adversaries coming up short and hating all he represented.

Yet during the tumultuous first full week of Congress in 2021, Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), rose to his fullest height and played his most memorable role in a most storied career in United States politics.

It just goes to show that all is not lost, that there are still a few good, if not very good men, in the American political firmament, and with whom it would be an honour to fight alongside in the foxholes, especially when enemy fire is raging relentlessly overhead.

It is the kind of man and political presence that we could use in this country. For when the chips are down, and even if it means that one has to buck the odds and trend and break ranks with one’s own president and go against one’s own party, then it is done.

Men from the shadows of Watergate, who turned against President Richard Nixon, because he left them no choice, if they were to retain any semblance of personal honour and political integrity.

And when all is said and done, there is that peculiar code where personal word and integrity count above all else in the august chambers of the U.S. Congress. If a man has been found to be vacillating with his colleagues, he is done.

It is as short and simple as that; and when Nixon was found to be lying to them, it was all over for men like Larry Hogan and Caldwell Butler and Howard Baker. Senator Barry Goldwater, archconservative from Arizona, had the thankless task of informing his president that he had lost all support among Republicans in Congress.

Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority leader, was found recently on the horns of a dilemma lacking any exit points. The Electoral College certification process had to occur smoothly, efficiently, and credibly. There could be no interference allowed to taint this final process in America’s elections system.

Outside the Senate chambers, a physically intimidating mob was hunting for any game in town, the electronic mob was baying at the moon, and the president was demanding more than the severest of loyalty tests of Senator McConnell.

He was demanding blood and honour, both of which McConnell just could not, would not, give. Not for any president or party or situation that would question his integrity for all of posterity.

An article from the editors of the National Review, dated January 7 and titled, “Mitch McConnell’s Finest Hour” captured the somber, but unflinching mood, and the purposeful leadership of the senator from Kentucky: “He steered his caucus towards fulfilling its duty, explained himself in a thoughtful, cogent, and deeply felt speech, and then after the proceedings were disrupted by a pro-Trump mob, stirringly expressed his disgust and commitment to Congress completing its work.”

We continue with another excerpt from the same article: the senator stated that his vote to accept the elections result was “the most important” that he had cast in his 36 years of political service.

Senator McConnell reminded his colleagues that they must all “muster the patriotic courage that our fore bearers showed not only in victory, but in defeat.” And he pointed out that the Senate “has a higher calling than an endless spiral of partisan vengeance.”

When America needs them the most, they are found somehow, not in overflowing droves, but in a sufficiency of numbers to lead the way and make a difference. It was at this hour of his country’s most urgent need that Mitch

Venezuela’s attempts to circumscribe our sovereignty must be resisted by all Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, To claim whats not yours is an act of misplaced aggression. To continue to want to grab what has been settled by international arbitration is a show of contempt for the rule of law.

To decide on one day you will use this decree and next day use another in efforts to push an agenda which is known to have no moral and international premise and support among right thinking persons within your country is a sign of desperation.

All 83,000 square miles and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in relation to Guyana remain ours.

President Maduros failure to provide basic amenities for

the citizens of Venezuela has angered his people, resulting in a series of protest action and widespread discontent.

The presidents failure to properly address domestic affairs has seen him turning his personal aggression against Guyana and other sovereign nations. The intention of President Maduros act is to rally the citizens of Venezuela against Guyana and others with a view of diverting attention from his failed economic policies.

The continuous threat by Venezuela has had negative impact on this countrys development. History has shown that we lost the realisation of the Upper Mazaruni hydropower development under President Linden Forbes Sampson

Burnham government because Venezuela was claiming Essequibo which scared off investors and bankers.

Today we are confronted with President Maduros act to stymie the production of oil which will help to build a vibrant economy that can create thousands of jobs for Guyanese, improved and expanded social services and infrastructures. Together this means economic development for the society and steep reduction in poverty.

The act of economic aggression by Maduro is intended to circumscribe our sovereignty by making us dependent on Venezuela who will play a significant role in

determining our national programmes. For President Maduro to be the aggressor and when we stridently respond to his aggression he becomes offended is a reflection he does not understand that Guyana is a sovereign nation and has a right to defend its territorial integrity.

Guyanese are required to first and foremost recognise that we too have a country that we call home and its for this reason we must protect and defend every inch that belongs to us, by remembering it is not what country can do for us but what we can do for country.

Let us cooperate for Guyana and resolve to fight together.

Yes we can!

Yours truly, Sharma Solomon

We either commit to doing the right thing, or we don’t DEAR EDITOR, I confess that the Hon. Leader of the Opposition knows how to pick them. He does so with one loser after another. First, there was that dual citizen bit that he blew up into a national crisis, and now this one about gifting (“Harmon supports policy on gifting -accuses PPP/C of hypocrisy” SN, January 26).

My thoughts are shared.

I cant believe that these are the people I supported. I cant believe that this is the kind of leadership on the way forward for the Guyana that I cherished. Between them and the PPP, there is this tussle to decide which groups leadership is the rottener, more of the gutter, and more deficient where principle and decency and honour are concerned. I dont know about the Hon. Opposition Leader, but of this I know: I do not need any damn policy to guide my outlook, my positions, my decisions in life, where certain things are involved. I do not care what the PPP and its band of crooks are doing (they are); or how hypocritical that party is (it is very); or, for that matter, what the rest of the world is doing with giving and receiving gifts.

That includes the PNC, the AFC, the RDC, and the CDC. I have no issue with token gifts, or gifts of small and negligible amounts, though I prefer none at all be extended and accepted. But, for a senior official to take with a

straight face and a heartfelt smile an item for a half million dollars, and then try to rationalize that, to boot, is revealing as to the depths to which this society has fallen. I think that Mr. Burnham would have had a serious problem. I am extremely doubtful that his 21st century leadership equivalents in the PPP would have any problems at all, so lacking in morality and integrity they are.

As an aside, I will concede that the Hon. Opposition Leader is on the money with that one about PPP hypocrisy, which he should have bolstered by pointing to Pradoville, that largely upscale and apartheid enclave, and tell the Guyanese public about the tens of millions of free labor (gifts) and free materials (more gifts), and free consulting and advising and following up efforts that were so readily made available, because of expectations of quid pro quos (still more political gifts) down the road.

Now the former minister may not have known (should not be expected to) that what was gifted to him was in the vicinity of what it was priced by the jeweler and took from the Guyanese taxpayer. But he should have known also that it was not for GY$10,000, even GY$20,000, but considerably more, as in six figures.

And that alone makes it unacceptable and returnable immediately. Not on the taxpayers dime. Not on my watch.

McConnell stepped out of the shadows into the raw sunlight and took the heat. This is the way this is going to be, and no other, so help me God! That is the American Way that has been so forlornly missing for a while now.

It came full circle with Mitch McConnell’s last grandest stand. We salute him. Guyanese political leaders could learn from him and imitate him, for which action this country could be a much better place in which to live.

Not to me. No way in hell.

And should the Hon. Leader of the Opposition harbour any doubts about what I say that I represent and with which I have endeavored strenuously to live, then I recommend he consult with his colleague, the former minister responsible for natural resources, and his brethren who was/is high up in the PNCs organization chart.

The latter shared three years of a distinctive strain of public service with me at a state agency.

The only policy was the personal standard that prevailed. Let this admission be placed on the record: temptations do come, and they are difficult to overcome; but they are always vanquished.

Seductions appear, and those too must be labored against, with success only achievable if the heart is in the right place.

Sometimes, a stumbling comes, but that has to be minimal and the exception, rare pardonable exception.

When anyone operates at this level, and with such a mindset, then there is neither interest nor care with what the other fellow did or still is doing; priorities and strengths are concentrated with holding ones head high and that only comes by living in that peculiar way that is now so alien to Guyanese.

It is why I am troubled by this shifting and parsing by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition for a safe harbour. I say to him unambiguously: there is none, sir. We either commit to doing the right thing, or we dont. And when we do, then we live life as it should be lived, and love it all over again.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

A technical assessment and not farmers should decide location of all-weather road DEAR EDITOR, A technical assessment decides on the location of road at No. 58 or 52 village and not farmers.

It is not appropriate for the rice farmers and cattle farmers to decide where the all-weather road should be located, but a professional, technical assessment is required.

In the interim, 1) the use of the dam will be used by rice farmers, cattle farmers and vegetable farmers; 2) soil testing is required because heavy vehicles with paddy will be travelling I am from 52/ 74 district and I think that the 52 damn is a more sandy loam, which might be more appropriate, but soil testing

will decide compaction to a 95% modified proctor density; 3) type of drainage, water level and velocity to avoid erosion, soil lateral shear, etc; 4) Evaluate the distancing of cattle and rice c u l t i v a t i o n by appropriate width and depth of water separation; 5) Length and location of bridge crossing to facilitate both

rice and cattle farmers, whether piles are required; 6) type and capacity of subdams to the bridge; 7) policing design to preven t overloading on dams etc. Get the terms of reference and the appropriate technical minds.

Yours truly, Joe Persaud (Canada)

Thursday January 28, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Mr. Arcia-Aporreas Glenn Lall applauded for media activism on oil attention how they have ernment did not seek expert paying jobs including in manEDITOR, opinions are proffered DEAR Those of us who study been duped by the oil compa- advice of economists and oil agement, and contracting social sciences and or read nies and the preceding experts and ended up signing Guyanese or their companies not to help Guyana about mass movements regime. It is just a matter of an unjust deal that places in providing goods and ser-

DEAR EDITOR, With the discovery and now production of oil, Guyana has entered a new phase not only in its history, but also our global significance.

We however seem to be unable to fully grasp our new geo-strategic significance.

Nowhere is this more painfully obvious than the conduct of our press corps.

I was surprised when on the 21st January I was forwarded an article titled An Oil-Based Perspective of Venezuelas Essequibo Region (https:// venezuelanalysis.com/ analysis/15101).

The article was nothing special, another in a long line of poorly written pieces, containing thinly veiled threats against Guyana and calls for Caracas to step up its ill-conceived policy of economic warfare.

What did strike me was the name of the author. Mr. Arcia-Aporrea is a Venezuelan who has on numerous occasions called for the annexation of Essequibo and praised recent degrees by Caracas infringing on Guyanas territorial waters ( h t t p s : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / EinsteinMillan/status/ 1347502947295506433).

Despite this, in the last year or so he has been featured no less than five times in Guyanese newspapers; supposedly to provide impartial advice on the impending doom to be brought about by oil and gas.

Mr. Arcia-Aporreas opinions are proffered not to help Guyana; in fact he holds Guyana in very low regard ( h t t p s : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / KSansculotteG/status/ 1229127402263138304 ).

Rather his purpose is to ensure that we are dissuaded from developing our oil and gas, which he assumes belongs to Caracas.

Mr. Arcia-Aporreas has made no attempt to hide his

irredentist claims, nor his loyalties. This begs the question, how could a Venezuelan bent on dismembering Guyana be afforded space in this newspaper to spread misinformation intent on weakening Guyana? Was this man not vetted?

Did this paper which thousands of Guyanese read daily, not think to do a simple background check before publishing his pieces?

This is not only a failure of the letters section editor, but a case of pure negligence and disregard for the delicate position that Guyana finds itself in vis-a-vis Venezuela.

In fact on one occasion a Guyanese newspaper news sought his opinions as an impartial expert.

While I am not saying all news about oil and gas should be good news, it seems that in their rush to push a narrative of doom and gloom Guyanas foremost newspapers have allowed a person who wishes ill on Guyana space to spread misinformation. While offering advice in English and claiming that oil will spell and end to Guyana; in Spanish Mr Arcia-Aporrea openly calls for the economic retardation and even invasion of Guyana.

As we say in Berbice, All Skin Teet Nah Smile. Guyana deserves better from our media.

Yours truly, Dr. Kwesi SansculotteGreenidge

would be familiar with the rise of various social movements and revolutions in the name of a just cause after a long period of abuse of a people.

There are many examples around the globe; no need to mention any of them. Glenn Lall, publisher of Kaieteur News, is on to something that with time will grow into a mass movement. Glenn Lall and Chris Ram, the well-known lawyer, accountant, commentator, rights activist, who also writes on the lopsided oil contract, and who frequently appears on Glenns radio program, are recognized as consistent crusaders for a better oil contract. As I traveled around the country to conduct an opinion poll on the performance of the government on other issues, the duo are saluted and admired for exposing problems with the oil contracts that experts say would burden Guyana till eternity.

Glenn, as he is popularly called, like Chris, is fighting for a just contract (a fair deal) for Guyana with the oil (energy) companies. Glenn’s message, in his publication, his radio talk show, and a short video shared on social media, is slowly gaining attention. Glenns language, tone, and demeanor are simple and the public easily relate to his short video message and talk shows. But he has not been getting much traction in the rural areas.

That will come with time as more and more people pay

time before Glenns message of an unfair oil contract expands into a movement.

Glenn has introduced a new element in social activism in Guyana — what I would call media activism on or about a social (or in this case an economic) issue that almost every Guyanese tend to view as an injustice the lopsided oil contract that benefits large multinationals at the expense of Guyana and the small, relatively depraved population. He is not campaigning for revolutionary social change (like other social movements) although that may inevitably come with a mass movement given the amount of corruption unveiled about the preceding regime. Peoples anger over mass corruption and the oil contract may boil over into the streets. And he is not seeking to remove a government. Instead, Glenn has directed media focus on what everyone calls a one-sided oil (and gas) contract signed by the preceding Guyana government with depredatory oil giants.

Anyone (locally and internationally) familiar with the oil deal laughs at how Guyana has been duped by savvy negotiators of the energy giants. I met foreign oil workers who laughed at Guyanese for the stupid contracts they negotiated. The oil companies are laughing all the way to the bank; a few Guyanese who team with the oil giants are also laughing all the way to the bank. The Guyana gov-

Guyana at a serious disadvantage. The public is of the view that corruption, kickbacks, and greed got the nation into those oil contracts.

Those I conversed with while traversing the homeland and in the diaspora applaud the work of Glenn Lall and KN on highlighting the one sidedness of the oil contract. They view him as a patriot and a nationalist who stands up for Guyana on the oil issue, the way few do and virtually no politician. They say he comes across in his programs and in his publication as humble and genuinely concerned about how the country has been shafted by the oil producers. The public thank him for his courage in speaking out against the oil corruption in which figures

(some names given) of the preceding regime was embroiled.

The public also praise Glenn for championing a just oil and gas contract ad a fair deal for Guyanese an increase in the percentages of royalty and profit for Guyana, hiring of more Guyanese in high

vices to the oil producers.

Guyanese are at the bottom of pay scale and have virtually no role in oil management and get a miniscule portion of contracts. (Mind you, it is not easy to break a contract that was signed by the preceding regime that almost everyone describes as incompetent and inept in its handling of the oil negotiation. But aspects of the contract can be renegotiated to provide Guyana a lot more benefits especially in local content, contracting Guyanese businesses, and hiring of local workers). As lawyers and business persons note, the present government has its hands tied on honoring the contract. The government says it is trying to get the oil companies to honor local content

agreement, but local content laws, drafted by a commission, have not been legislated as yet.The public urges Glenn (and Chris Ram) to continue to expose the injustices of the oil contracts and to continue their quest for a just oil contract for the nation.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Kaieteur News

Are the right people in charge of the Agriculture Ministry and associated agencies?

DEAR EDITOR, I commend Dr. Vishnu Bisram for his letters (KN Jan 21 and 25) on the importance of agriculture in the economy and the findings of his opinion poll on the agricultural sector of the economy. Indeed, agriculture is very critical for development, and it should never be belittled or marginalized in favor of the more romantic emerging oil sector. But are the right people put in charge of the Agriculture Ministry and associated or related agencies to guide and promote development. Is agriculture moving in the right direction? Is a disaster in the making in the agricultural sector? Is Zulfikar Mustapha the right person as Minister given his past as Chair in Region 6?

Is Peter Ramsaroop the right person for Goinvest? Is Sase Singh the right person to head Guysuco? Is Nizam Hassan the right person to lead GRDB? Is Robert Persaud the right person to head diaspora investment? There are also questions about some other personnel. Do these figures have the requisite skills and competence for the tasks ahead? Will this government contract or appoint new individuals of integrity, competence, and skill?

There are reported bottle-

necks at GRDB and Goinvest.

How will they be resolved?

Known APNU and AFC agents have displaced loyalists and qualified individuals in government positions at various ministries. Will investors or contractors have to pay bribes to do business or get approval for their plan from various Ministers as happened in the past?

Other than clearing some drains and quickly tending to flooding in several areas, work mostly done by private contractors, nothing much has been happening in agriculture and related agencies.

To his credit, the Minister is moving around and is very active on the ground. But there are no new projects to instill confidence in agriculture or the economy as a whole.

There is a lot of public relations stunt but no real private investment in agriculture or any in any sector of the economy.

After many months, there is no clear direction at Guysuco. The company remains in disarray over management of estates and cultivation. There is lack of confidence in top management.

Staff is not pleased with Sase Singhs leadership. The General Manager of Skeldon has

resigned. Enmore Estate is not in the news when it was supposed to be the first estate to be rehabilitated. The public needs to know why.

Was the Enmore land sold or given out?

And what is behind tractors deal? Is anyone benefiting from a planned deal?

In agriculture and in other ministries, it appears that nothing much has changed in terms of public perception from when the PPP was removed from office in 2015. It is a continuation from where it left off. In looking at various ministries, government agencies, and boards, a set of tainted, discredited figures have been brought back.

They were the individuals who cost PPP support in the 2011 and 2015 elections. The party learned nothing from its mistakes.

Is it back to kickbacks and grafts from the same individuals who have been brought back and even some Ministers? There are rumours of Ministers bold enough to send senior staff as bag men to uplift fees from various contractors to secure favorable awards. Senior staff seems embarrassed complaining about the situation. Is it back to the same routine?

Yours truly, Haresh Singh Kumar

Brindley Horatio Benn was indeed a preeminent patriot of Guyana DEAR EDITOR Kindly allow me to respond to Lena Platt’s nee Benn laudatory and fitting tribute to her father in the KN of 1-27-21. Brindley Horatio Benn was indeed a preeminent patriot of Guyana from all that she wrote.

Mr. Benn left the PPP in 1968 because he felt that party was not revolutionary enough for his liking. In this regard he was regarded as an extremist who followed the Chinese brand of communism which touted a policy of permanent revolution.

This alienated him from the PPP which was pro-Moscow and which had endorsed

the attainment of socialism through elections by democracy rather than by violence.

While Mr. Benn was popular within the PPP he commanded little or practically no support among the African masses which the PPP has always been trying to attract.

In fact Mr. Benn frightened away both Indians and Africans by such statements like “You can stop tomorrow but you can’t stop communism”.

PPP leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan had a bias for Mr. Benn which was demonstrated in the famous fight against the popular grassroots Mr.

Balram Singh Rai for the chairmanship of the PPP. Dr. Jagan actively campaigned among his party’s congressional delegates for them to support Mr. Benn rather than Mr. Rai. Dr. Jagan’s rationale was based on the premise that the PPP could not afford to have two Indians in the most senior positions.

Electing Mr. Benn as party chairman was expected to demonstrate that party’s multiracial make up and so appeal to Black Guyanese. Mr. Rai lost the election.

It should be noted that Mr. Benn’s parting with the PPP was on ideological grounds compared to Sidney King (Eusi Kwayana) which was based on race. For this reason the PPP felt very comfortable in appointing Mr. Benn as High Commissioner to Canada after that party won the 1992 elections.

Mr. Benn’s son is Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and shows by his appointment the prominence which the Benn legacy holds.

Yours truly, Sultan Mohamed

Thursday January 28, 2021

Call for Constitutional Reform DEAR EDITOR I have already commented on the futility and deceptive nature of this renewed call for Constitutional Reform.

Rather than merely tinkering with what phrases should constitute a reform constitution, we should concentrate on dealing with the deeper issues which remain a humbug.

In my earlier letter, I refer to retuning our educational system in order to produce men and women who are morally erect.

A subsidiary issue is dealing with elements of racism and prejudice, which still characterize our post-colonial racially polarized society.

We ignore this to our peril.

The existing Ethnic Relations Committee as was the case of its predecessor is unlikely to create this sort of harmony we all desire.

In Guyana, we must be unafraid to grapple with all forms of racism whether subtle or blatant.

Second, to confront an arrogant nouveau riche, who feel they are now pon top.

Guyana is not unique, but being a sparsely populated country, with no history of deep tribalism, we can learn from the unhappy events in places like Brazil and the recent contortions in the United States.

This latter is no more than the emergence of an aggressive white evangelical movement basking in the past glory of slavery and Jim Crowism.

In India, Muslims are still claiming injustice at the hands of a Hindu Prime Minister.

In Russia, I have spoken with young Russians, who still accuse Mikhail Gorbachev of dismantling a Soviet Union, where the white Russians reigned supreme.

The old wisdom which says when the big countries like the US sneeze, we the small ones can die from pneumonia.

Thanks to a number of Guyanese living in the US and the fact that every family unit in Guyana can identify some relative resident in the US; we in Guyana maintain a keen interest and are influenced by events in the US. Events in that country, since the turn of the 20th century has influenced attitudes and beliefs of most Guyanese.

An extract from an article in the Stabroek News of January 26, 2021 titled Liberation,

the final paragraph sums up a situation that Guyanese at home and abroad ought to pay attention to.

It began this way, “In celebrating the liberation from Donald Trumps misrule, we must not forget that Trumps presidency embodied the raw politics of US white supremacy.

He often spoke like a segregationist Southern governor of the 1960s, and, after losing the 2020 election, like a secessionist senator on the eve of the Civil War. To sustain the victory over Trumps destructive politics, we must overcome the racism that brought him to power. That urgent challenge faces not only the United States, but many multiethnic societies around the world,” and concluded “Yet there is also good news.

Trumps defeat, and the overwhelming US public opprobrium that met the Capitol insurrectionists, holds the lesson that we can move beyond our worst instincts, fears, and biases.

White racists in America are losing their grip on power, and they know it.

The times really are changing. The American people voted Trump out of power.

The day before the insurrection, Georgias voters elected an African-American and a Jew as US senators both firsts for the state that came at the expense of two pro-Trump incumbents.

Trumps departure is therefore an opportunity for a new beginning, not only in the deeply wounded US society, but in multiethnic divided societies everywhere.

There is no excuse anywhere to govern by racial hatred and ethnic chauvinism.

In the post-Trump era, governments everywhere should expel the hatemongers.

The world should also look back in history to help us move forward . In 1948, in the shadow of the atrocities of World War II, all member states of the new United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This magnificent declaration is based on the principle of universal human dignity, “without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or

other status.”

The Universal Declaration must be our lodestar. Its 75th anniversary in 2023 is approaching, and we have the means to say no to the haters, the demagogues, and the dividers. Trump left America in shambles, with 400,000 dead from COVID19.

Now that we have dispensed with Trump, we can get on with the task of ending the pandemic and healing our deeply divided societies.”

As one who has lived through the privations of early childhood of World War II, more correctly deemed a major European civil war, the dislocation, as a result of that conflict and worst of all, the stress and strain of that allconsuming Cold War, the challenges of the oil crisis, the realignment of powerful militarism, the challenges of independence and the difficulty of making the Caribbean a single unit, I plead with our leaders of the major political parties to sit and talk as truly civilized people should, before venturing out on the time and energy-consuming project of Constitutional Reform simplicious.

At the end of the day, we have seen disorder, we have seen disappointment even when there were well crafted phrases in a Constitution, all because of human foibles and a proclivity to subordinate the other people.

Let us get down to brass tacks to save our country and to ensure that our young people are the main beneficiaries of Gods grace and bounty.

Instead of the present pursuit for Constitutional Reform, which will yield very little, I plead again for our leaders to sit and have a civilized conversation recognizing that Guyana today is the product of a post-colonial racially polarized society and the time has come for good sense to prevail and avoid high sounding rhetoric, and deal with what the old people would say are the true facts.

Let me make it abundantly clear to avoid being misunderstood that the hallmark and vital requirement in a modern state should be a written Constitution, which takes account of our history, extant circumstances and hopes and aspirations of the incoming generation.

Yours truly, Hamilton Green

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday January 28, 2021

Kaieteur News

How embarrassing it truly is, that six years after our first commercial discovery of oil offshore, Guyana still hasn't conducted its own independent review of its oil resources!

We are left at the mercy of multinationals who would tell us whatever they think we need to hear, in order to maximize their profits.

How embarrassing!

How shameful!

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

OAS demands Venezuela release Guyanese fishermen from illegal detention

T

he Organization of American States (OAS), the world's oldest regional body, yesterday called for the prompt release of the Guyanese fishermen and fishing vessels by the Nicolas Maduro administration of Venezuela, whose military illegally abducted them last Thursday, January 21, 2021. It also registered its support for the ongoing litigation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the appropriate solution to the controversy.

I n i t s condemnation of Venezuela's action, the OAS reinforced its support for Guyana's position in the controversy against Venezuela, noting that the fishing crew and vessels were located in Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The first two vessels, Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf, had been operating just off the coast at Waini Point, at a position of N 80 49' 06”/ w 590 37' 40” W, where they were intercepted by the Venezuelan Navy Vessel, Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24, and ordered to navigate their way to Port Guiria to be held.

Guyana quickly notified its citizens that it is using all diplomatic channels to ensure the safe return of the crew. Venezuela's Foreign Minister, Jorge Arreaza, has promised to pursue early r e l e a s e o f t h e c r e w.

Guyana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, participated in virtual dialogue with Arreaza on Tuesday during which he was assured by Arreaza that the

crewmembers were being treated with respect for their human rights.

“The Foreign Ministers exchanged views within the context of the detention of the vessels and crew,” a statement from Guyana's ministry announced.

Todd had on Monday summoned the Chargé d' Affaires of the Embassy of Venezuela, Mr. Moses Chavez, to have him deliver Guyana's note of protest to

Maduro's foreign ministry for its actions, condemning the illegal detention.

Guyana's Minister reportedly noted that Venezuela's actions are distasteful, and provided that based on latitude and longitude, the vessels were within Guyana's territory.

Ve n e z u e l a r e j e c t e d Guyana's calls for the fishing crew's release, and threatened further action against other Guyanese found in Essequibo waters.

Venezuela arrested the vessels in keeping with a presidential decree made by its President, Nicolas Maduro, on January 7, vowing to “reconquer” the Essequibo region.

Maduro's decree was accompanied by Venezuela's national assembly making a unanimous decree by all political factions to fight for the region, and the establishment of a 'Special Commission for the Defence of the Guayana Esequiba Territory and Territorial Sovereignty.'

Commenting further on

the controversy, the OAS said, “General Secretariat reiterates its support for the rules and processes set by international law regarding ongoing territorial conflicts.

The resolution of the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana is a matter that lies under international jurisdiction, and cannot be settled by unilateral actions.

Any attempt to derail this international legal process, such as the decree issued by the Maduro regime, is contrary to international law and standards, and has no legal bearing or significance.”

Maduro had alongside his presidential decree, written the United Nations asking it to advocate for an alternative solution to the ongoing litigation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The Court, in December, delivered a judgement stating that it has jurisdiction to hear a matter in a border case Guyana filed against neighbouring Venezuela. The judgement states that the UN Secretary-General may choose a means of settlement under Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, which includes judicial settlement.

Venezuela had long held that it would prefer direct negotiations and that it rejects the jurisdiction of the ICJ to settle this matter once and for all. The United States and Canada have both spoken out in support of the ICJ case as the solution to the controversy.

Venezuela has become increasingly isolated in its bid to grab Guyana's territory.

Elderly man is Guyana's latest COVID-19 fatality

T

he Ministry of Health yesterday reported another COVID-19 death. This time it was a 65-yearold man from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).

In its release, it was stated that the man died while receiving care at a medical facility and his demise has been recorded as the country's 175th COVID-19 death.

His death was not reflected in yesterday's

dashboard, which also states that 34 new infections from the virus have been recorded, increasing the cases to 7,380.

Further, the dashboard shows six patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 663 in home isolation, 49 in institutional isolation and 11 in institutional quarantine.

The total number of recoveries has increased to 6,488 with 33 new recoveries recorded yesterday.

Thursday January 28, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Birds of the same feather T

he President is a man of his word.

He continues to deliver on his promises. He promised that he would be inclusive and, on Tuesday, he met with representatives of some Opposition political parties, many of whom lack any real support or have any meaningful constituency.

However, a promise is a promise and it had to be kept, regardless of whether the COVID-19 numbers are rising.

Everyone donned masks while sitting at the lunch table, and most likely would have taken off those masks to eat, without having to change positions.

The APNU+AFC was not present and did not deserve to be present. What was attempted between March and July of 2020 would in some countries result in a permanent ban from any future participation in local politics.

Those who voted for a party, which attempted to steal the 2020 elections by bed sheet, spreadsheet and then by slip-sheets, deserve better than the leaders with whom they are saddled.

These leaders have the temerity to describe the President Irfaan Ali government as illegitimate.

The President should not lose any sleep about not meeting with the main Opposition. Until such time as they are prepared to repent for what was done, they should have no place at any discussion or negotiation

Dem

boys seh...

D

em boys hear small talk and dem boys selling it how dem buy it.

People talking how Irfaan nah bothering too much with de Vee Pee. After de government had to run to de National Assembly fuh de supplementary spending and de projected growth rate get scale down by de IMF, Irfaan put de Short Man under he wing and nah bothering too much with de chump-ion.

Dem boys hear dat Irfaan giving de Vee Pee jan-ka-lar wuk. Dem hear how he order

table with the government.

Every effort should be made to hold them accountable for their actions including insisting that the visa restrictions become permanent bans on travel to the US. The political parties who attended Tuesday's meeting can be described as neoliberal. There is a selfdeclared, non-neoliberal p o litical p ar ty, w h ich appears every election season and then disappears afterwards.

The party did not appear to have been invited to the meeting. The President was thus essentially meeting with parties, which have the same ideological wavelength as his party.

There has been no condemnation from any of those parties over the PPP/C's failure to renegotiate the oil agreements. Neoliberals would find the concept of the sanctity of contracts extremely appealing.

There have been no protests over the review process which was initiated and which led to the Payara permit. There will be no calls for higher royalties and the rolling back of concessions.

These consultations should not be cosmetic.

There should be a fixed agenda and it is hoped that at that first meeting there would have been agreement for other meetings.

The PPP/C is good at the optics and, if past record is anything to judge by, the

parties are not likely to set foot in State House for the rest of the year.

The Senior Minister in the Ministry of the Presidency was present (the country for the first time since Independence does not have a Minister of Finance) suggesting that an informal consultation was on the Budget. It has been a practice of the PPP/C administration to have these cosmetic consultations so that it can be claimed that the Budget benefitted from consultations.

Consultations are a neoliberalism. It creates what is known as policy buyins. One of the policies championed by neoliberalists is a reduced role for government in the economy.

It would be interesting to know how many of those present at that meeting actually proposed the slashing of the size of government.

It costs taxpayers G$500M a day just to keep the public bureaucracy going. No wonder so little is available for capital works.

Neoliberalism also favours reduced government spending on subsidies, and allowing the market to set rates whether it relates to the price of goods or salaries.

Yet, it is likely that many of those present would join the private sector in supporting increases in the income tax threshold, which

Irfaan giving de Vee Pee jankalar wuk he fuh see some of dem Foreign Ambassadors. Dat is wah yuh call low gravy wuk.

Dem boys did fuget to wish de Vee Pee a happy birthday. But dem boys hear he get plenty birthday wish.

Even pun de radio, people bin wishing he happy birthday.

Some of dem even ask if he ever throw a party or buy a drink fuh celebrate he birthday.

Since Patto find heself in lil problems with gifts, everybody frighten fuh send birthday gift. De Vee Pee get plenty cards though.

One man even send a sympathy card by mistake.

Even de Vee Pee own staff nah buy even a handkerchief fuh de man.

Dem seh dem frighten Edghill. And pon top a dat, dem get a circular which seh yuh can't buy gifts with government money.

Dem nah intend fuh put dem hand in dem own pocket fuh buy nothing fuh de Vee Pee because he don't buy nothing fuh dem birthday.

Talk half and wait see wah next flunky wuk Irfaan gan give de Vee Pee.

is simply a measure, which allows government to subsidize private sector wage increases.

Neoliberals would be demanding that the government stop crowding out the private sector. Is this not what the government is doing when it undertakes projects on its own such as road building and repairs?

The state media is a competitor for ads and for reach with the private sector.

Is the size of the state media and the attractive salaries, which it offers to woo media personnel from the private media, not indicative of crowding out the private sector?

Those parties which were present at Tuesday's

consultations have little new to offer. They are all on the same ideological wavelength as the government. They are birds of the same feather.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday January 28, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Why Granger wasn't interested in a Buxton Commission of Inquiry?

T

here are four types of players in what I refer to as the Buxton mayhem 2002 to 2006. One group is the central players who were the actual killers. The second group included their guiders, advisors and propagandists.

Ronald Waddell was the most conspicuous in the second group.

The third layer included the propagandistic voices from the PNC, ACDA, Tacuma Ogunseye from the WPA, Mark Benschop,

among others. The fourth dimension included the media, certain security officials and certain businessmen who knew what was taking place in Buxton and knew who were providing logistical, propagandistic and resource support to the gunmen.

In the fourth dimension, there stood then President Bharrat Jagdeo. As president, Jagdeo was in receipt of a mountain of information of the first, second and third formations.

Mr. Jagdeo won the 2006 elections and decided that Buxton was a past event and he wanted to concentrate on mega projects. He had in mind things like Marriott Hotel, Skeldon sugar factory, Amaila hydro falls project, etc. So confronting and exposing the PNC on Buxton was not a priority for Jagdeo.

Make no mistake; Jagdeo knew what was taking place in Buxton and who were in contact with the gunmen. He has remained silent up to this

day. I figure the fundamental reason why Jagdeo has never exposed some key PNC players in the Buxton mayhem was simply because he never saw it bringing any political capital to the PPP. Also, I believe he felt the PPP had survived Buxton's attempt at racial war and toppling the PPP government, so it was a dead issue for him. But Jagdeo has damning information on people who have paraded themselves after 2015 as angels. I laugh when they do so because I know what they did in Buxton. Imagine Jagdeo has much more on them.

Two things to note about two disastrous, violent, cataclysmic events in postIndependent Guyana - one is that President Burnham had a deep mole inside the WPA that resulted in many tragedies inside the WPA. The other is that Jagdeo had two importantly placed moles in Buxton that informed him of just who and who were planning to ignite a volcano in Guyana.

Let me offer one clarification right away – those two strategic informants President Jagdeo had did not include a certain man whose name was

prominent in Linden. His knowledge of Buxton was useful but he made a deal with the government after 2005 when the fire was beginning to ebb. I know for a fact that President Jagdeo

Frederick Kissoon was in receipt of video material that could have gotten some people in trouble if it was released after 2015.

So we come to the question, which forms the caption of this column.

There was a proliferation of commissions of inquires (COIs) during Granger's presidency. The first one all Guyana anticipated would have been the Buxton mayhem. The PNC and the WPA used the extra-judicial killings as a bandwagon to win international support for its 2011 and 2015 election campaigns. Yet Granger and the PNC showed no interest whatsoever in a judicial inquiry into the Buxton mayhem – 2002 -2006.

It appears that we will never know the truth of all that transpired in Buxton and many who were presumed innocent personalities, were certainly not innocent. It is doubtful that the PNC will ever get back in power in

decades to come or if ever in Guyana's future. The PPP is poised to benefit tremendously from the selfdestruction the PNC and AFC unleashed in March July 2020. A future PPP government will not have even the remotest interest in holding an inquiry into Buxton.

We still have to answer the question why Granger did not hold a COI. One fundamental reason can be cited. It would have brought more harm to the PNC's image than the PPP's. A COI would have damaged the standing of the PNC and also the AFC. There was a big wig in the AFC who would have confronted Granger if Granger had agreed to an inquiry.

Granger was no fool.

Granger knew that there was material out there that was extremely incriminating to the PNC, AFC and a certain c u l t u r a l o rg a n i z a t i o n , materials that would have ended up in court. A COI would have exposed the vicious, violent, anti-Indian temperament of Ronald Waddell. For those who do not know, the PNC was no innocent bystander in the Buxton mayhem.

Some people we think are respected, prominent politicians are not. A judicial set-up into Buxton would have destroyed them. So I guess they live to fight another day unless Mr. Jagdeo exposes them in his memoir. But then again; they may sue for libel.

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

Thursday January 28, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday January 28, 2021

MP Figueira sues Hamilton, Kaieteur News, Guyana Times over pigpen reports Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira, has filed a lawsuit

against Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, Kaieteur News and Guyana Times

Newspaper claiming in excess of $50M each for libel.

The lawsuit is in response

to articles published about his alleged involvement in a pigpen expansion project under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme.

The articles claimed that Figueira collected over $5M for the project but never completed it.

However, the Opposition MP had denied the claims. He had informed that the monies were collected by his twin brother, Jemaine Figueira, instead. He promised to sue the media and Minister Hamilton for peddling the misinformation.

As such, Figueira outlined in the lawsuit that he is seeking, among other things, in excess of $50M from each of the three parties for the defamatory and libelous statements published to impugn his character.

The Opposition MP cited the articles and a letter, which was published by the Kaieteur News and the Guyana Times Newspaper. He noted that the media outlets and the Minister, who is the source of the 'misinformation,' intended to use the stories to tarnish his reputation.

In addition to his claims for millions in damages, Figueira also seeks a retraction, a statement apology for the articles and statements published.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton was quoted by several sections of the media as saying that Figueira's association, the Green Jaguar Environmental a n d C o m m u n i t y Development Co-operative Society, was handed the funds in 2019 to construct the

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira

Minister of Labour: Joseph Hamilton pigpens, which are part of a pig-rearing project for the Wi s r o c c o m m u n i t y i n Linden.

It is one of the many community projects funded under the SLED programme in 2019. The groups receiving project funding are required to be registered as Cooperative Societies before any disbursement is made.

But Figueira's company was never officially registered.

In fact, Hamilton said that the documents that were submitted by his “cooperative society” failed to meet the criteria. He said too that even though Figueira submitted an application to be registered, it was still pending when the funds were disbursed. To date, the co-operative society has not been registered by the Department of Cooperatives.

The Minister also highlighted that the pigrearing project was being executed on private lands.

Kaieteur News understands that the Minister even visited the area, where he got a firsthand view of how the moneys collected were being utilized. It was during this time that the official discovered that the project is incomplete.

However, on Saturday via a Facebook post, Figueira responded to Hamilton's disclosures where he called them “wild, irresponsible and callous.” The young politician claimed that Hamilton's utterances were intended to tarnish his reputation and gain “cheap political points.”

He also denied receiving any money, saying, “I take this opportunity to publicly state and make it absolutely clear, that, I, Jermaine Figueira, Member of Parliament for Region Ten, has never been the recipient of any disbursement of monies from the sustainable l i v e l i h o o d a n d entrepreneurial development (SLED) programme in 2019 or any other year for that matter.”

ExxonMobil wants to submit...

From page 3 Payara estimate stands at US$9 billion.

“These are very good reservoirs, very high deliverability, very high quality crude oil,” Hess said.

“That's why that breakeven is in between the two, it really comes down to just how much infrastructure you'll need…”

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

meters) in 6,046 feet (1,843 meters) of water. The well, Exxon had said, is located approximately six miles (10 kilometers) northwest of the Tilapia discovery.

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

Hess had said as early as last September, during his participation in a fireside chat at the J.P. Morgan U.S. All Stars Conference, that the partners were looking at Yellowtail for the fourth development.

The Floating,

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

Liza Phase Two is set to join Phase One in 2022, with Payara scheduled for first oil in 2024. The Stabroek block partners intend to have 750,000 barrels of oil being produced every day by 2026, and see potential for 10 FPSOs to develop the ninebillion-barrel reserve.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

PAGE 13

Retrial ordered for duo sentenced to 75 years for murder T

he Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial for Devon Thomas and Randy Isaacs, who were sentenced to 75 years imprisonment each for the murder of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara businessman, Kumar Mohabir.

In 2015, the duo had faced a trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown. They were sentenced after a mixed 12-member jury found them guilty of the crime.

Through, attorney-atlaw, Nigel Hughes, both Thomas and Isaacs moved to the appeal court to challenge the conviction and sentence.

Among other things, they argued that the trial

judge erred in law in failing to direct the jury to disregard and/or to place no weight on the evidence relating to the identification parade because it was conducted in unfair circumstances.

According to the duo, the trial judge committed another error in law in not adequately putting and/or explaining to the jury their defence.

In handing down her ruling, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, agreed that the defence was not adequately put to the jury, taking into consideration the evidence presented during the trial.

As such, she set aside the conviction and sentence and ordered a retrial at the next

Suspected serial robbers appear in court - one jailed, one granted bail

Charged: Munesh Ramsarup

A

p a i r o f suspected serial robbers was on Tu e s d a y c h a rg e d f o r committing a robbery under arms on a Suri Trading's salesman.

Appearing before Her Worship, Esther Sam, at the Anna Regina Magistrate's Court were Robin Patrick, 22, a miner, of Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, and Munesh Ramsarup, 30, a vendor, of Back Street, Charity, Essequibo Coast.

It is alleged that on January 21, 2020, they attacked and robbed Christopher Harricharan of one gold ring worth $130,000 and $280,000 in cash at Plantation Opposite, Essequibo Coast.

Jailed 30 months: Robin Patrick P a t r i c k , t h e m i n e r, pleaded guilty to the offence and was sent to jail for 30 months. Ramsarup, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted $150,000 bail.

Ramsarup is expected to return to court on February 1, 2021. According to reports, Patrick and Ramsarup, are also suspects in a robbery committed on two Chinese nationals on January 22 last, at Charity.

Two masked men had pounced on the Chinese nationals and robbed them of an iPhone valued $120,000 and $80,000 cash.

Cops had nabbed them later that day with a total of $356,000 cash along with some clothing in their possession.

practical sitting of the Demerara assizes.

Back in 2015, Devon Thomas, 22, a construction worker from Lot 95 Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara and his coaccused, 19-year-old Randy Isaac, were sentenced.

The duo is charged with the murder of Mohabir, called “Dusky” and “Fire Link,” of Lot 7 Fernandes Street, Enterprise, East

Coast Demerara (ECD).

He was attacked and brutally stabbed by a drunken mob on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, on February 23, 2013.

The man, who operated a tent rental business at his residence, was attacked after he went to the location to collect a tent he rented to his neighbours for the Republic Day celebrations. He was (continued on page 23)

Devon Thomas

Randy Isaacs

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday January 28, 2021

15-year sentence for Corriverton man who killed farmer A

27-year-old man, who has been on remand for the past five years for the August 2015 murder of a cattle farmer, was yesterday sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Asif Hamid, formerly of Princetown, Corriverton, Upper Berbice, who recently pleaded guilty, made an appearance via Zoom yesterday and was handed

the sentence by sitting Judge, Simone Morris-Ramlall, at the Berbice High Court.

Hamid was charged with the murder of 78-year-old Henry Lalman, a rice and cattle farmer of No.55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

A probation report presented to the court by Probation Officer, Ms. Gordon, revealed that the accused attended the Corriverton Primary School

and subsequently went on to attend an Islamic school and the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School. After writing his CSEC examinations, his father entrusted him with a butchery business.

Hamid was living at Corriverton with his father, and at the time of the murder he was 22 years old. The report mentioned that his relatives were interviewed

and there were mixed reviews, with some relatives stating that he was quiet and reserved and other's stating that he had an interest in gambling. The report detailed remarks made by Hamid that he was traumatised and sorry about what transpired. The report also stated that residents of No.56 Village described the deceased as a Philanthropist and a quiet and simple

Murdered: Henry Lalman

Sentenced: Asif Hamid

businessman.

The prosecutor, attorneyat-law Tuana Hardy, who represented the State, reflected on the nature and extent of the crime and noted that the death of Lalman was a breach of trust. The same sentiment was echoed by the granddaughter of the deceased, Briana Lalman.

Briana Lalman was given the opportunity to say a few words before the sentence was handed down.

She told the court that “a life was taken…he was a good man and he didn't cause any trouble with anybody.

For him to have trusted the accused, he would have expected that when he went to collect the money this wouldn't have happened to him.

We just ask the court to give a fair sentence, five years is not enough...” The judge then asked the woman how she felt now that the accused has accepted responsibility for taking her

grandfather's life and she responded, “I feel mixed about it because there is nothing he can do to take back what he did. I got that he is admitting his fault and what he did was wrong but there is no taking it back.”

Justice Morris-Ramlall, before handing down her sentence, stated that she considered the nature and gravity of the crime and the fact that the deceased trusted the accused to an extent where he would regularly extend credit to him.

Justice Ramlall said that trust was betrayed when the accus ed s trangled the deceased. She noted too that the court should consider that no weapon was used “but one should appreciate that the hands in this case was just as effective as any weapon.”

She said she took into consideration too, that the “snuffing out of the life of an elderly friend was just over a (continued on page 19)

Man arrested after killing sleeping vagrant with brick

P

olice have arrested a man who allegedly killed a sleeping vagrant yesterday in the vicinity of Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown.

The man, who has been identified as a 27-year-old of To u c a n D r i v e , S o u t h Ruimveldt, was reportedly spotted around 03:30hrs bludgeoning the vagrant, known as 'Curl up Toe', with a brick.

According to police, a security guard, who was guarding one of the nearby buildings, told them that 'Curl up Toe' was sleeping on the road way when the suspect approached.

Investigators reported that the suspect then picked up a “brick” and hit the vagrant repeatedly to his head before running away.

The police were alerted and ranks arrived at the scene where they saw 'Curl up Toe' lying motionless.

Detectives noticed that he was bleeding from injuries to his head. He was further examined by paramedics who pronounced him dead.

His body was then removed and taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.

Acting on information, ranks later picked up the suspect at a Charlotte Street, Georgetown location.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

PAGE 15

Italian oil services company aims to setup fabrication yard in South Cummingsburg allowing the general public a 30-day period to lodge any objections or concerns about

The area identified for the fabrication yard

S

aipem, an Italian multinational oil services company, is expected to construct and operate a fabrication yard located at Lot A, Lot B, Mudlot A, Mudlot B and Water Parts of Pitman and Ashley Square, Water and Holmes Street, South C u m m i n g s b u rg , Georgetown, pending approval from government.

The operation at the yard and wharf will directly and indirectly provide employment to over 50 persons, Saipem, one of the largest oil services company in the world, has stated. The project is anticipated to last a minimum of five years from its commencement, and will be extended upon ExxonMobil and the country's requirements and projects in the Oil and Gas sector.

According to the project summary found on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA')s website, ( l i n k : file:///C:/Users/reporter/Do wnloads/SAIPEM%20Guya n a % 2 0 I n c . %20Project%20Summary% 20(1).pdf), the project will occupy 10,000 sq meters of land and will function as a fabrication area for jumpers and other subsea structures to support the oil and gas sector in Guyana.

Saipem outlined that the main operation at this site will be jumper fabrication works, which will involve handling and erection of the piping components, welding, inspection and nondestructive testing

(including manual ultrasonic testing and X-Ray), painting, coating and hydro testing.

In subsea oil/gas production systems, a subsea jumper is a short pipe connector that is used to transport production fluid between two subsea components. In layman's terms, jumpers are basically part of a pipeline fabricated by joining several steel components through arc welding.

Kaieteur News understands that the activities at the yard are expected to produce approximately eight jumpers per month. These jumpers

will then be loaded onto moored vessels, which will then be sent offshore for installation.

The project summary also highlighted that the welded joints are then nondestructive tested to identify possible defects. After a pressure test, the steel pipes are protected from corrosion by the application of protective coatings.

The jumpers are then loaded on a vessel and installed offshore. The operations for the fabrication will require the use of welding machines, grinders, compressors, induction heaters and sandblasting guns.

All the equipment will be connected to electrical public network (GPL), but

some electrical diesel generators have been mobilized as back up. The handling of jumper parts and load-out will be performed by means of Crawler cranes, truck cranes, forklifts, flatbed trucks and Selfpropelled modular transporters (SPMT), the summary added.

For this project, the EPA, via public notice, stated that no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the construction and operation of a waste treatment (Bioremediation) facility for mud sludge generated from activities in the oil and gas sector.

An EIA is u s u a l l y conducted by the EPA to evaluate the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socioeconomic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.

However, the EPA in its notice stated, “In accordance with Section 11(2) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana, the application for the project listed above has been screened by the Agency to assess the potential environmental impacts, and it has been determined that the project will not significantly affect the environment nor human health, and is therefore exempted from the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).�

Be that as it may, it is still

the project. Appeals and objections can be submitted to the Environmental

Assessment Board at the EPA's Sophia, Georgetown office.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Thursday January 28, 2021

Driver arrested with two boxes of ammunition The two boxes of ammunition found in the car

- cops on the hunt for two passengers

A

driver was a r r e s t e d yesterday after his passengers reportedly ran away and left him with two boxes of 35cartridges 12gauge ammunition.

T he driver was arrested around 04:30 hrs. at Back Street, Weldaad, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

A ccording to police, ranks were carrying out a stop and search exercise between 04:00 and 05:00 hrs. along the Weldaad Public Road, when they

The Remington 12-gauge shotgun found by the ranks while looking for the two passengers who ran away

spotted a silver grey car driving on to Back Street just before arriving at their road block.

R anks, suspecting that the occupants of the car were trying to avoid them, decided to follow the car into the street.

P olice reported that the car was parked with its lights off.

As they got closer, two persons exited the car and ran away, leaving the driver alone.

T he ranks proceeded to search the car in his (the

driver's) presence and found the illegal ammunition.

O ther items found in the car were a slasher, a Yamaha brand boat engine, a gasoline bottle, a RB battery, one power bar, a blender and a tool kit with tools.

T he ranks decided to

search the surrounding area for the passengers who ran away, which led to the discovery of a Remington 12-gauge shotgun.

T he driver has since been arrested and taken into custody as cops continue to hunt for the passengers.

Knife bandits rob CANU intercepts cocaine found labourer of cellphone in packages at Ogle airport T wo knife bandits, o n Tu e s d a y, slashed a 40-yearold labourer under his chin as they robbed him of his cellphone. The incident occurred at La Retraite, West Bank Demerara (WBD), around 20:30 hrs.

The labourer, John Benjamin, of Old Road, La Retraite, was reportedly sitting under a bus shed along the public road at the time. Benjamin told police that the two men approached

A

woman is currently in custody and several others have been questioned after a Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) officer intercepted a box containing cocaine at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

The box, which was posted by 30-yearold Pathrina Pilgrim of 2 C North Road, Bourda, was waiting to be loaded on a flight destined for Brooklyn, New York. She has been taken into custody.

According to information released by CANU, the suspected cocaine was found in two parcels, weighting 534 grams, wrapped in carbon and concealed in a false wall to the bottom of the box.

The box, according to CANU, contained a quantity of packets of local snacks, notably: coconut biscuit, mittai, chicken foot and one packet of uncooked vermicelli.

him and asked if he knows anyone by the name of “Devon.”

He reportedly responded by telling the men that he is not acquainted with anyone by that name. Police reported that one of the bandits then grabbed Benjamin by his neck and grabbed his cellphone out of his hands.

He, according to reports, tried to fight back but the other bandit pulled out a knife and slashed him under his chin before they ran away

and entered a silver-grey Toyota Spacio, which was waiting nearby. Benjamin told investigators that the car sped off in the direction of La Grange.

He reportedly raised an alarm and was assisted by public-spirited citizens, who accompanied him to the Wales Police Station.

Benjamin was then taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where doctors treated him for his injury.

A bus shed located along the La Retraite public road

In custody: Pathrina Pilgrim

Images of the items with suspected cocaine

Owner of CI Mini-mart robbed at gunpoint

A

3 2 - y e a r- o l d businessman, who operates the V&M Minimart at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, was on Tuesday evening robbed at gunpoint by two unidentified men.

The incident, according to reports, occurred at around 19:20 hrs. while the man was inside his store.

Junior December of Gap

Road, La Jalousie, reportedly told police that at the time of the incident he was inside his store “making notes,” when he observed two men entering.

Upon entering the minimart, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and pointed it at December, instructing him to remain quiet while the other suspect robbed him of his valuables.

According to reports, the businessman was robbed of $60,000 cash, one gold ring valued $20,000, one cell phone worth $65,000, and a quantity of Digicel and GTT phone cards valued $15,000. While escaping, one of the suspects opened fire, the businessman alleged. Police have since launched an investigation.

Thursday January 28, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Drainage works commence at Lowland to alleviate flooding Photo shows a section of the drain that needs clearing and a section that has been cleared so far

S

wift action by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has resulted in works commencing on a number of drains and canals at Lowland on the East Coast of Demerara. The works have been engaged in order to alleviate flooding in the area.

A release, issued this week by the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that it was after a meeting with residents in the village last week Wednesday, subject Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, immediately instructed officials from the NDIA to have a machine sent to the area to commence the works.

An excavator was deployed to the area Saturday last and works are currently ongoing. Once completed, hundreds of villagers stand to benefit from the approximately 2,770 rods of drainage channels that will be cleared.

The ongoing works are being executed at an estimated cost of over G$2.2M and should be completed within the next three weeks.

Residents of Lowland expressed their satisfaction with the swift action taken to bring some level of relief to them.

Eighty-eight-year-old L o r e n c e C h e s t e r, f o r instance, said that she is pleased with works that have commenced. She said, “I paid nearly $1M to build up here. This was a trench. The other day when rain fall, look the things pack up in my house.

Three feet water, if you go behind my fence you will see the mark. All behind that tank water coming up till there. I praise God. When I (continued on page 22)

A section of one of the drains in Lowland that has been cleared

NDIA engineers examining the works done so far

Appreciative residents: Ms. Lorence Chester and Mr. Chumandat Persaud

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Venezuelan military detain third Guyanese fishing vessel

Thursday January 28, 2021

Election petition case…

Lowenfield hands over SOPs, SORs to Supreme Court Registrar for safekeeping

C

The detained Guyanese fishermen being profiled

A

third Guyanese fishing vessel, 'Miss Annie,' bearing registration number GR972360 and its seven-man Guyanese crew were on Monday detained by the Venezuelan Military.

According to a tweet by Zona

Operativa de Defensa Integral 61 (ZODI), of Delta Amacuro, a faction of the Venezuelan National Armed Guards (FANB), the vessel was illegally fishing in Venezuelan Waters.

ZODI 61 reported that the vessel was intercepted during a river patrol by

the FANB in Mariusa, Tucupita, Delta Amacuro, Venezuela.

Both the vessel and the seven-crew members are currently being held by the National Guard and their 1,200 kilograms fish catch, which was on board the vessel, has been seized.

A Venezuelan National guard on board the vessel

hief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, has handed over the original copies of all Statements of Poll (SOPs) and Statements of Recount (SORs) from the March 2, 2020 elections to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sueanna Lovell.

The documents which were handed over yesterday are in observance with an order of Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire, to lodge the original SOPs and SORs with the Registrar for safekeeping.

Speaking to the media in the compound of the Georgetown Supreme Court, Lowenfield explained that he is complying with the order of the court.

“I am handing over the statement of polls, all that were handed over to me, as well as the statements of recount,” Lowenfield told reporters present at the High Court yesterday.

During the handing over, the CEO was accompanied

by Chairman of GECOM, Justice (R'td) Claudette Singh, as well as other

GECOM Commissioners – S a s e G u n r a j , Vi n c e n t Alexander and Desmond Trotman.

Earlier in the month, the Chief Justice (CJ) had ordered GECOM to hand over its SOPs and SORs to the High Court for safekeeping, pending the hearing and determination of the second election petition case scheduled to continue on April 7, 2021.

The orders were issued at the re q u e s t o f S e n i o r Counsel, Douglas Mendes, the lawyer of the People's Progressive Party/Civic's leader, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Kashir Khan, who is representing The Change Guyana party.

Mendes had requested an order be made for the CEO to produce all of the election's documents and have them placed into the custody of the Registrar of the Court for possible inspection by the Court at a later date.

The CJ granted the request to allow for safekeeping of the documents and noted the SORs will also be retrieved and kept in the possession of the Registrar.

Some of the fish that were seized

GECOM's CEO, Keith Lowenfield, was seen at the Supreme Court Registrar's office yesterday. (Photo Credit: Prime News)

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

One more to testify in Vryheid's Lust woman's murder PI

O

ne more witness is expected to testify in the murder case of 56-year-old Ve l m a P i c k e r i n g o f Vryheid's Lust, East Coast Demerara (ECD), as the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) continues at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Alisha George.

Pickering was allegedly stabbed and killed by her son-in-law in May of last year.

The defendant, Linden Isaacs, 28, a security guard, of Strathspey Squatting Area, ECD, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on May 11, at Lot 257 South Vryheid's Lust, he murdered Pickering.

When the matter was called on January 18th, 19th and yesterday, by Police Prosecutor, Vivian Adolph, four witnesses continued their testimony where video evidence and the suspected murder weapon were presented. Those witnesses included one detective, two police officers and one civilian.

According to Kaieteur News' reporting on the incident, Pickering was left dead allegedly after a domestic squabble with her son-in-law turned violent.

The police report revealed that Pickering was reportedly attacked and

Murdered: Velma Pickering stabbed multiple times after Isaacs accused her of trying to break up his relationship with her daughter. The woman managed to flee the house and ventured into her neighbour's yard where she collapsed.

Pickering was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, Isaacs was caught by public-spirited persons shortly after fleeing the scene and was handed over to police.

An investigation was launched and he was subsequently charged with the murder of his mother-inlaw. Isaacs is expected to make his next court appearance on February 11 for the continuation of the murder PI.

15-year sentence for Corriverton man...

From page 14 few dollars” and also that the accused placed no value on the deceased's life and dignity “based on the manner in which he disposed of the body”. She also took into consideration the statement that was given by the granddaughter. “I believe that a term of imprisonment of 30 years is appropriate,” Justice Ramlall said.

Because Hamid pleaded guilty, 10 years were deducted, and another five years were deducted from the time already spent in prison, resulting in the 15year sentence.

Lalman's decomposing corpse was found by police in Hamid's yard days after he went missing. He was buried in a shallow grave under a tree in the backyard.

P a t h o l o g i s t , D r.

Vivekanand Bridgmohan,

established that the victim had been strangled after observing that the hyoid bone was broken.

Lalman disappeared after visiting some of his customers to collect money owed to him, including a sum of $220,000 for three cows he sold to Hamid. Relatives made a report at the Number 51 police station and police got a breakthrough when they received information that Lalman was seen visiting the butcher's premises. He was not seen leaving.

The police, acting on this information, searched the suspect's yard and eventually found the missing man's body buried in the shallow grave. Hamid was also slapped with an accessory after the fact charge in the disappearance and death of his own father Saeed Hamid.

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday January 28, 2021

Run around for bail money…

Police promise cheques will be ready by Friday

T

he run around to recover the refund of bail money continued yesterday, but police have since given assurances to those affected that cheques will be ready by Friday. A group of more than 30 persons had turned up at

the Guyana Police Force's (GPF) Finance Department on Tuesday to recover their bail money. They had been notified by police that cheques would be available at 14:00 hrs.

However, after standing in a line for almost two hours,

A group of about 30 persons waiting outside the GPF's Finance Department on Tuesday they were told by two inspectors that they might not

be receiving any cheques for the day. A female rank had

explained that the cheques needed the signature of the Commissioner of Police who was at the time occupied in a meeting.

The female inspector had also said that she could not guarantee when he would be available to sign the cheques.

Nevertheless, the group of persons was advised to

“check back yesterday.”

They returned early yesterday with some level of expectation, but once again were disappointed. One of the individuals revealed that an officer had promised “all of the cheques will be ready Friday. They assured us that the bail money will be ready

by Friday.”

Cops charged with assaulting citizens

T

wo police officers were on Tuesday charged and placed on bail for allegedly assaulting two civilians.

The defendants, Kevin Watson and Roger Smith, both police constables, appeared in the Linden Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune.

Both men denied the charge which alleged that on October 11, 2020, at Cinderella City Amelia's Ward, Linden, they assaulted Devon Trotman and Glen Eastman. It is alleged that the police officers caused actual bodily harm to Trotman and unlawfully wounded Eastman.

Magistrate Fortune granted the men bail in the sum of $25,000 each and the matter was adjourned to February 12, 2021.

Charged: Kevin Watson

First person jailed for hosting illegal private party

A

Lindener, is the first to be jailed for hosting a private party in breach of the COVID-19 restrictions, as it relates to social events.

The man, Clive Nobrega, of Christiansburg, Wismar, Linden, yesterday appeared in the Linden Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune, for the ruling of his matter.

On his first court appearance, Nobrega had denied the charge, which stated that on January 24, 2021, at Blueberry Hill,

Wismar, Linden, he hosted a private party in breach of social activities, in contravention of No. (2) (1) (b) restrictions contrary to Section 21 (2) of the Public Health Ordinance, Chapter 145.

He was placed on $30,000 bail, pending the outcome of the matter.

However, Magistrate Fortune ruled that the prosecution has produced enough evidence for the offence that Nobrega is charged for, and as such, she sentenced him to two weeks imprisonment.

Thursday January 28, 2021

Appeal Court orders convicted rapist out on bail to serve jail sentence

T

he Court of Appeal has turned down a request of a convicted rapist to have his seven years jail sentence rescinded. Instead, Kenrick Morrison, who has been out on bail pending the appeal, was ordered to serve his jail sentence.

In 2015, Morrison was found guilty by a 12-member jury of rape. According to the allegation on February 12, 2013, Morrison engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison by the trial judge, Jo-Ann Barlow.

Morrison had nonetheless been on bail pending his appeal of the sentence and conviction.

Yesterday, Chancellor of the judiciary (ag), Justice Yo n e t t e C u m m i n g s Edwards, who heard the appeal along with Justice Dawn Gregory and Justice Rishi Persaud, ruled that the court did not find that the trial judge erred in law and there was no miscarriage of justice. She then dismissed

the appeal and told Morrison to surrender himself to the authorities to serve his sentence. In 2015, Morrison, a father of two from Berbice was sentenced to seven years in jail after a rape trial was held in-private at the High Court.

At the sentencing, Justice Barlow, who imposed the sentence, condemned Morrison's behaviour and said he was expected to set a good example to others.

Back then, in a plea for mitigation, Morrison's lawyer begged the court for leniency, pointing out that it was his client's first brush with the law and asked the judge to temper justice with mercy.

However, the judge told the accused that the offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Justice Barlow informed the convict that he would be sentenced to seven years in jail. She had expressed expectation that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to persons who may commit similar offences.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

$3.4M West Watooka Community Centre/ ICT Hub abandoned

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It has been revealed by the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, that the $3.4 million West Watooka Pavillion/Community Centre and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Hub located in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has been left abandoned despite money already being injected into the project.

Minister Hamilton made the disclosure to Kaieteur News, following his visit to the Region last week. During that visit he conducted a site visit of that project and many others.

The project was one of the many community development projects under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme in 2019. In

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The current state of the abandoned community centre/ ICT Hub April 2019, the former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had committed to providing the $3.4 million for the pavilion to be completed and the Former Minister of Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Catherine Hughes, also chimed in, promising to establish an ICT Hub in the West Watooka community.

This was after residents had pleaded for assistance for the completion of the facility which they had already started building through selfhelp, and, at the time the foundation was already completed.

Of the $3.4 million, an interim payment of $1.4 million was given towards the

project on July 30, 2019. It was not indicated that the remainder of the sum was collected.

Documents seen by this newspaper listed the project coordinator and contact person for the project as Teerissa Millo, however, no contactor was named.

A status report as of December 12, 2019, stated that the beams were being erected at the time and the roof was yet to be constructed. The images provided in the status report showed the works that were done, but a recent image seen by this newspaper showed the building abandoned with no roof constructed. Adding to that, the area is overgrown.

Kaieteur News understands that $6 million in total was given to a group for the construction of the community centre and ICT hub, however, the documents only supported the $3.4 million disbursed for the project.

The SLED programme was initiated in 2015 under the previous coalition government and, according to Minister Hamilton, around $760 million has been invested into the programme to date.

A special audit of the projects handed out under the 2019 programme has already commenced and another report is supposed to come from the Audit Office.

Drainage works commence at Lowland...

From page 17 look out and see the machine working, I felt so happy.”

According to Ms. Chester, “The Minister was here and I heard somebody from the area was speaking about the condition of the drains. I told my neighbour that we will get help because the Minister promised to do something. When I saw the machine I called my neighbour again and said look, you see, we're getting the help.”

Chumandat Persaud, a mason, who has been residing in the area for 12 years, said that the water in the drains is already receding.

“Me and my wife went to the meeting with the Minister last week when he promised that the machine would come and start the work this week, but it came since Saturday.

He promised and he fulfilled his promise. The whole place does get flooding because the place nah get drainage but now that the machine here working, we will get the drainage. With the work they do already you can see the water going down already,” said Mr. Persaud.

During the meeting, residents raised a number of concerns with the Minister and his team, which included the need

for works to be done on a number of drains and canals; rehabilitation works to the main roads and land allocations, as many persons are currently squatting.

The subject Minister immediately committed to having a machine deployed to the area to commence works as part of a complete upgrade to the community's drainage system.

The machine is expected to remain in the area until all the works have been completed. The NDIA was also tasked with compiling a report detailing the extent of the works to be done in the area on a regular basis.

According to the Agriculture Minister, government is looking at developing a plan to upgrade the country's entire drainage system.

He noted that with climate change, rising sea levels and somewhat unpredictable weather patterns, government has started the groundwork to ensure a comprehensive drainage and irrigation system is developed and introduced within the next five years.

“Guyana is below sea level, so it is government's responsibility to put systems in place to safeguard the citizens of this country from the effects

of flooding.

This is why we have commenced working on a comprehensive plan to improve the country's drainage system. I cannot disclose too much now (but) what I can say is that we will be installing more drainage pumps in these vulnerable areas, as well as scheduling maintenance works on these canals and drains.

We know for a fact that, prior to this government taking office, things were done in a reactive manner. Only when there was flooding or during the rainy season then you would see works being done.

As Minister of Agriculture, I will ensure agencies such as the NDIA are proactive. They will be guided by a clear work programme developed, using both technical knowledge and stakeholder consultation. This is to ensure the needs of the persons set to benefit are considered,” the Minister said.

He also said that Budget 2021 would set the foundation for the government's developmental agenda, which will see a complete transformation to Guyana's economy through investments in the country's productive sectors.

Thursday January 28, 2021

English lockdown set to last until at least March, Johnson indicates LONDON - (Reuters) Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicated yesterday the COVID-19 lockdown in England would last until March 8 when schools could start to reopen as the government announced new measures to clamp down on travel to and from Britain.

A highly contagious new variant of the virus, which emerged in southeast England at the end of last year, has led to a soaring number of infections across Britain with cases and deaths reaching record levels.On Tuesday, Britain’s COVID-19 death toll surpassed 100,000, the first European state to reach that figure, leading to questions about Johnson’s handling of a crisis that has also battered the economy.

England has been in lockdown since the start of January with schools, pubs and restaurants closed and people told to stay home as much as possible. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, whose governments decide on their own measures, are also under various restrictions.

Britain has begun a vaccination programme aimed at delivering shots to 15 million people in priority groups by the middle of February.

Johnson told parliament he hoped that would allow schools to begin reopening the following month.

“We hope it will therefore be safe to begin the reopening of schools from Monday the 8th of March, with other economic and social restric-

tions being removed (then or) thereafter, as and when the data permits,” he said.

Britain has banned travellers from 22 high-risk nations, where new coronavirus variants have emerged, such as South Africa and some in South America, or may be present, like Portugal.

The government said new measures would mean travellers to Britain from those countries who could not be refused entry would now have to quarantine for 10 days in government-provided accommodation.

Those wishing to leave Britain will need to explain why in a declaration checked before departure, with vacations not an acceptable reason, said Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel.

More police will be on duty at ports and airports to send home people who had no valid reason for travel.

“People should simply not be travelling,” she told parliament, citing cases of people turning up at a London train station with skis.

“That is clearly not acceptable. We see plenty of influencers on social media showing off about which parts of the world that they are in, mainly in sunny parts of the world. Going on holiday is not an exemption.”

Airlines and the travel industry, which are struggling after eleven months of the pandemic, called for urgent support in the wake of the measures and for a clear roadmap out of the restrictions.

Retrial ordered for duo...

From page 13 stabbed by a group of intoxicated persons, armed with broken bottles. The businessman was subsequently rushed to the Woodlands Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

Following the incident,

the victim's older brother, Navindra Mohabir, who was also wounded in the attack, identified two suspects (Thomas and Isaac) as the persons who participated in the incident, which led to his death.

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Kaieteur News

Prime Minister Boris Johnson

US issues terror alert over anti-govt. extremists AFP - The US Department of Homeland Security declared a nationwide terrorism alert yesterday, citing the potential threat from domestic anti-governmenUS issues terror alert over anti-govt. extremistst extremists opposed to Joe Biden as president.

“Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence,” the department said.

The National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin

said a heightened threat of attack “will persist in the weeks following the successful presidential inauguration,” which took place on January 20.

“DHS does not have any information to indicate a specific, credible plot,” it said.

“However, violent riots have continued in recent days and we remain concerned that individuals frustrated with the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition... could continue to mobilize a broad range of ideologically-motivated actors to incite or commit violence.”

The alert said there had been mounting threats since last year from domestic violent extremists motivated by

Covid-19 restrictions, Biden’s defeat of Donald Trump in the November election, police brutality and illegal immigration.

DHS said these motivations could remain in place for the coming months and that the January 6 attack by Trump supporters on Congress could embolden extremists “to target elected officials and government facilities.”

More than 150 people, including members of armed extremist groups, have been arrested since the attack, which has been branded as an insurrection.

The department urged the public to report suspicious activity and threats of violence.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

Thursday January 28, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Canada PM Trudeau says EU’s transparency measures will not affect vaccine deliveries OTTAWA - (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen early yesterday, and she assured him that the bloc’s measures to track vaccine exports would not affect deliveries to Canada.

“I was reassured to hear that the transparency measures taken by Europe will not affect Pfizer and Moderna (COVID-19 vaccine) deliveries to Canada,” Trudeau said during question period in parliament.

This week the European Union said it wanted to require pharmaceutical companies producing COVID-19 vaccines inside the bloc to register in advance any exports of doses to third countries.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Thursday January 28, 2021

White House: Biden talks tough with Putin on security issues, Ukraine and more President Biden; Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Evan Vucci/AP; Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) WASHINGTON — In a briefing with reporters on Tuesday afternoon White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed President Biden was set to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Psaki said the call was scheduled at the same time as her briefing and described some of the president’s plans for the conversation, which included addressing “matters of concern” stemming from Kremlin policies.

Among the issues on the agenda were arms control and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Biden “called ... President Putin this afternoon with the intention of discussing our willingness to extend New START for five years and also to reaffirm our strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of ...

Russia’s ongoing aggression,” Psaki said.

New START is a nuclear arms reduction treaty that is set to expire next month. Russia annexed the Ukrainian territory of Crimea in 2014, which led to a sharp deterioration in relations between Moscow and Washington. Other matters discussed included “the

SolarWinds hack, reports of Russia placing bounties on United States soldiers in Afghanistan, interference in the 2020 election, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny and treatment of peaceful protesters by Russian security forces.”In December it was revealed that SolarWinds, a large supplier of information technology that works with U.S. companies and government agencies, had fallen victim to a massive hack, which has been traced to Russian intelligence.

Last June, reports emerged that Russia had paid Afghan militants to attack American troops in that country. Russian intelligence has also been tied to efforts to interfere in recent American elections.

Navalny, a leader of the opposition to Putin, was poisoned by a nerve agent in August, and investigators have blamed the country’s intelligence agencies. After recovering from the poisoning in Germany, Navalny returned to Russia on Jan. 17 and was jailed. His detention has sparked widespread protests in Russia.

America’s U.N. nominee pledges to work ‘aggressively’ against Chinese influence NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden’s nominee for ambassador to the United Nations stressed yesterday the importance of U.S. re-engagement with the 193-member world body in order to challenge efforts by China to “drive an authoritarian agenda.”

Beijing has been pushing for greater global influence in a challenge to traditional U.S. leadership. Tension between the two superpowers hit a boiling point at the United Nations last year over the coronavirus pandemic.

At her U.S. Senate confirmation hearing, veteran diplomat Linda ThomasGreenfield pledged to work “aggressively against Chinese malign efforts in New York.”

“We know China is working across the U.N. system to drive an authoritarian agenda that stands in opposition to the founding values of the institution - American values,” she told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Their success depends on our continued withdrawal,” she said, alluding to former president Donald Trump’s administration, which spurned and pulled back from multilateral institutions. “That will not happen on my watch,” she said.

Thomas-Greenfield looked likely to be confirmed by the Senate within days after both Democratic and Republican senators praised the 35-year Foreign Service veteran who has served on four continents, most notably in Africa.

Thursday January 28, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Barcelona, revealed to be almost $1.5B in debt, seems determined to fly too close to the sun Yahoo Sports - The first thing you should know about the shocking amount of debt Barcelona has been revealed to find itself in is that finances in soccer are complicated.

The other thing is that it’s common for soccer’s megaclubs to carry hundreds of millions of dollars in debt at any given time.

Manchester United has owed nearly $700 million ever since the American Glazer family bought it out in a leveraged hostile takeover in 2003. Chelsea technically owes more than a billion dollars to its Russian oligarch owner Roman Abramovich, who bought the club the same year but has always written down his investments as debt.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are in the debt of various creditors by several hundred million dollars as a

matter of routine. It is simply how they operate. It’s a financial brinksmanship that is bedrock to the business of soccer. Debts seldom get paid down, only services and restructured.

Nevertheless, Monday’s report in Spanish newspaper El Mundo that Barcelona’s debt had swollen to almost $1.5 billion (with $887 million coming due in the near future) was startling for the sheer size of it.

Particularly stunning was the amount still outstanding on transfers for players who either arrived years ago or are already gone. Again, it isn’t unusual to buy players on credit, but here too the volume is breathtaking. Barca has $238 million in outstanding transfer fees to other clubs, while it is owed just under $72 million. It owes $48 million from its purchase of

Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, and there is $58 million still unpaid for Ajax’s Frenkie de Jong.

That isn’t to say Barcelona owes Ajax and Liverpool directly. According to Dutch magazine Voetbal International, Ajax and Liverpool both sold that debt to a third party which guaranteed the transfer, paid out the selling club in a lump sum – minus a commission – and will collect the remaining installments from Barca.A few years ago, Barcelona undertook a concerted and public push through new businesses offices around the world, a major investment in new digital products and a planned stadium renovation, to become the first club to reach a billion euros in revenue. In 2018-19, the last full season before the pandemic, Barca fell just short. But last season, the in-

Thursday January 28, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The approach of a very special visitor might cause you to thoroughly clean your house, Aries. Afterward, you could look for new and interesting ways to dress it up with some new plants, throw pillows, or other decorative touches.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Romantic novels and movies could be more appealing than usual today, Taurus.

You're in an especially intense mindset.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your financial situation could get a strong boost today, Gemini. This might be due to a contract you've just signed, perhaps involving some work you will do on your own rather than for an employer.

CANCER(June21–July22) Today you may decide to study healing, Cancer. You could read about alternative methods regarding diet, herbs, aromatherapy, massage, or acupuncture.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you've considered a career in healing, psychic, or spiritual studies or the creative arts, Libra, today the opportunity to make that dream a reality could come your way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)Romance could be on your mind today, Scorpio.

This could be due to a recent wonderful encounter with a love partner. Since then, listening to romantic music may have

enhanced your feelings SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A very beautiful, romantic dream could inspire exalted artistic activities today, Sagittarius. You might want to paint, draw, write, compose music, sew, or cook up a new recipe.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) A rush of intense love and romantic passion for a special someone might turn your mind toward marriage, Capricorn. The wedding of a friend

may contribute to these thoughts.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you might decide to sign up for an advanced course of some kind, Leo. This might include world religions or perhaps meditation.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you could experience a strong desire to clear your psyche of past traumas that limit you, Aquarius. You may decide to register for a seminar or workshop of some kind.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A group of friends may invite you to attend a festival or workshop involving the creative arts or metaphysical studies, or perhaps both, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Love, passion, romance, and marriage - your mind will focus on these matters all day even if there's no special person in your life right now, Pisces.

come declined while expenses stood firm, barely diminished from the year before. Barca expects to run a small profit during the current fiscal year, but its spiraling debt poses an existential threat to the club – especially with so much of it coming due soon.

But it still spends a gargantuan 74 percent of revenue directly on its payroll, above La Liga’s 70 percent cap and far more than the 50 percent that is recommended for a healthy soccer club. In a sense, Barcelona had to break revenue records because it also had obligations to the biggest wage bill in any sport.

The pandemic rammed into that delicate equilibrium and knocked it way off kilter, costing the club almost $243 million in projected revenue.

It’s little wonder that some voices inside the club suggested that letting Lionel Messi walk in their contract dispute last summer – or better yet, selling him – wouldn’t have been such a bad thing, considering his reported $94 million salary, before bonuses.Earlier in the pandemic, Barcelona players agreed to defer as much as 70 percent in salary, but that really only added onto the debt.

And the precarious finances mean the club can’t afford badly needed reinforcement during this January transfer window.

Still, manager Ronald Koeman, charged with seeing a flawed team through this difficult campaign, says the squad is unaffected by the news of the crisis. “We trained well today and the players don’t look worried,” he said ahead of yesterday’s Copa del Rey match with Rayo Vallecano.

But this being Barcelona, the matter has inevitably turned political. The financial mess is central in the club’s presidential election, which was just pushed back to March because of the pandemic’s resurgence in Spain. The last president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, was forced to resign to answer for the spiraling results, both sporting and financial.

Victor Font, a front-runner who had already promised to get Messi to stay when his contract runs out this summer, capitalized to promote a plan in the SPORT media outlet. He says he would reduce costs and refinance the short-term debt to stave off bankruptcy. All while preserv-

ing the club’s all-fan-owned model by avoiding the sale of a stake to an investor.

He may succeed. Or someone else might. But this entire episode will remain remarkable even if Barca staves off ruin yet again. After all, it will have been the richest, mostadmired, most-envied club in soccer that came the closest to its demise.

Because Barcelona is determined to find out just how closely it can fly to the sun.

Cricket Australia..

From page 29 engage in racist behavior.”

Carroll said a report into the crowd behavior had been submitted to the International Cricket Council, and New South Wales state police were still investigating.

“CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse,” Carroll said in the statement. “CA’s own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being analyzed in an attempt to locate those responsible.

“As stated at the time of the incident, CA has a zero tolerance policy towards discriminatory behavior in all forms and, as hosts of the Border-Gavaskar series, apologizes to the Indian men’s cricket team.”India held on for a draw in the third test at the Sydney Cricket Ground and produced an against-theodds victory last week in Brisbane to clinch a 2-1 series win.

Alam century...

From page 32 Elgar failed to hold onto a sharp low catch in the slips.

Alam had long been ignored

by Pakistan after scoring a debut test hundred against Sri Lanka in 2009.He finally got his chance against England last year and the left-handed batsman made his second test century, 11 years after his first, against New Zealand last month.On Wednesday, Alam shared a 94-run, fifth-wicket stand with Azhar Ali (51) before his partner was caught behind off left-arm spinner Maharaj (2-71).

Mohammad Rizwan then made 33 until he was removed

by Ngidi.Alam reached his century by lofting Maharaj, who shared the new ball with Kagiso Rabada (2-45), over long on for his second six.

Ashraf, who smashed Rabada for two boundaries in an over with the new ball, was dismissed when he dragged a full delivery from Anrich Nortje (2-84) onto the stumps.

Scores: Day 2, stumps Pakistan 308 for 8 (Fawad 109,Faheem 64, Rabada 2-45, Ngidi 2-55) lead South Africa 220 by 88 runs.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

Gajanand Singh’s new lease on cricket career

By Sean Devers Former West Indies Under-19 and Guyana First-Class batsman Gajanand Singh is among five Guyanese (all Berbicians) selected in a 44man USA squad for preparations in Texas for the Osman Tri-Nation ODI series.

The Osman series is the pathway to the ICC’s 2023 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for Zimbabwe from June 18 to July 9, 2023.

Of the five, only Albion’s Narsingh Deonarine has played Test and ODIs for the West Indies, while the 33year-old Singh, from Young Warriors, has made two fifties in 10 First-Class and played two 50-over matches for Guyana.

Albion’s Akshay Homraj represented Guyana in the 2013 & 2014 Regional U-19 and has played eight ODIs for the USA, while Rose Hall Town’s Dominic Ricki, who played U-19 cricket for Guyana in 2010 & 2011 and Tucber Park’s left-arm spinner Trinson Carmichael have all represented Guyana at the youth level.

Gajanand was born on October 3, 1987 to Sahadeo Singh and Mayadevi Singh at his home in Cumberland Village East Canje where he grew up and has two siblings; Ravina and Ishwar, who was the Young Warriors’Keeper at first division level.

The cricketer attended the Cumberland Nursery and Primary schools before graduating to the New Amsterdam Multilateral and then the Berbice High School.

“Growing up was fun. I lived across the Road from the Young Warriors Cricket Club ground so I was always an outdoors person from young.

I played pretty much all sports at School, Cricket, Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Table Tennis among others.

I was about 8-9 years old when the Young Warriors was formed and my dad was the Manager. Whenever they had

Gajanand Singh sweeps during his innings against TKR in 2017 (Sean Devers photo)

One of 5 Guyanese picked in 44-man US squad

Gajanand Singh games I would go with him and that’s how my interest in cricket started,” said the left hander.

Gajanand, who made his first-class debut as a 20-yearold, said he always wanted to be a cricketer.

“I first played league cricket in Trinidad in 2007 for Wanderers Cricket after playing in CPL the same year.

Their system is more organised and the standard of club cricket is much higher than in Guyana,” disclosed Gajanand who played three seasons in Trinidad.

Not being selected for the Guyana 50-over team after a fairly successful CPL made the choice easier for him to leave Guyana for the USA. “Some Guyanese friends in New York invited me to play a tournament in Queens.

Around December 2017 after having a good CPL I was asked to stay in Guyana to play in the 2018 Super50 and was surprised to be left out,” explained the Guyana Amazon Warriors batsman.

Gajanand informed that the cricket standard in the USA is improving at a steady pace.

The Stylish stroke player disclosed that his most memorable game was an under-19 game 2006 against Barbados at Bourda.

“In that game Kemar Roach bowled really fast in that game… in fact he (Roach)

The Warriors team departs for Florida for the 2017 CPL (Singh is left front row). (Sean Devers photo) is the fastest bowler I have ever faced,” remembered Gajanand who played in the 2006 U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

“US cricket Administrators are working very hard to professionalize the game across the States.

I have been playing here

since 2013 and played for several clubs over the years in different leagues,” Gajanand said Gajanand explained that during this pandemic he is making the necessary adjustments to make his wife and daughter safe where they live in the Bronx, New York.

“It was not really hard to adjust to the culture here because there is a large Caribbean and Guyanese population in New York so it was easy to adjust,” Gajanand concluded.

The USA will compete in the Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. Oman will host the

USA and Nepal in the sixth series of League 2 from March 19 with six ODIs being played.

Oman, with 16 points sits on top of the table, while the USA team are second with 12 points as they being the road to India where the 2023 World Cup will be held.

Nadal, Serena support strict COVID-19 protocols in Australia Serena Williams is seen in a bus returning from training to the M Suites accommodation in North Adelaide, where tennis players are undergoing mandatory quarantine ahead of the Australia Open.

(Reuters/Morgan Sette) Rafael Nadal is seen waving from his balcony at the M Suites accommodation in North Adelaide, where tennis players are undergoing mandatory quarantine ahead of the Australia Open. (Reuters/Morgan Sette) (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal feels tennis players are privileged to be able to compete at the Australian Open during the COVID19 pandemic and urged fellow participants to have a wider perspective of the strict health measures in the country.

About 1,200 participants were allowed to fly to Australia for the summer of tennis as thousands of its citizens are unable to return home due to travel restrictions.

Players are serving 14 days of isolation during which they are allowed five hours outside their rooms each day to train for the year’s first Grand Slam, which has been delayed by three weeks and will be played from Feb. 8-21.

But 72 players have been confined to their rooms after passengers on the charter flights that carried them to Australia tested positive to the virus.

Nadal, along with top players like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, is isolating in Adelaide and said he felt “very sorry” for those in hard isolation.“But when we came here we knew that the measures were going to be strict because we knew that the country is doing great with the pandemic,” the Spaniard told CNN.“It’s normal to complain in some way but on the other hand when you have little bit wider perspective of what’s going on ... you see how many are dying around the

world.“You see how many people are losing their father, their mum, without having the chance to say goodbye. It’s a real thing, that’s what’s happening in my country for example.

Close people to me are suffering this situation.”

Australia has recorded more than 22,000 cases and 909 deaths from the novel coronavirus. It had no new local cases for the 10th straight day on Wednesday.

After the 14-day isolation, players will be allowed to train normally and then compete at tune-up events next week.

“The world is suffering in general, so we can’t complain,” Nadal added. “You have to stay a little more positive. I feel that we are privileged people today, having the chance to keep doing our jobs.”Organisers also received backing from 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams, who has travelled to Australia with three-year-old daughter Olympia.

“It’s super, super strict, but it’s really good,” she said on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.“It’s insane and super intense but it’s super good because after that you can have a new normal like we were used to this time last year in the United States.“It’s definitely hard with a three-year-old to be in the hotel all day, but it’s worth it because you want everyone to be safe at the end of the day.”

Thursday January 28, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

Cricket Australia: India players were racially abused at SCG SYDNEY (AP) — Cricket Australia confirmed yesterday that India players were subjected to racial abuse from the crowd during the third test in Sydney and said investigations would continue after six men who were ejected during the match were subsequently cleared.

The fourth day of the third test earlier this month was largely overshadowed by an eight-minute stoppage during Australia’s second innings after India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj complained

about crowd abuse.

Siraj, who had been fielding near the fine leg boundary and had just conceded 17 runs in an over, spoke to the two on-field umpires on Jan. 10 and pointed to a section of the crowd.

He had the full support of his captain and teammates, just as he had the previous night when he made similar complaints that were reported to the International Cricket Council.

Umpires Paul Reiffel and Paul Wilson halted the game

while police and security questioned people in the crowd. Police later escorted six men away from their seats — all broadcast live on TV — questioned them and ejected them from the stadium.

Cricket Australia’s head of integrity and security, Sean Carroll, issued a statement Wednesday saying an “investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse on day four of the test did not (Continued on page 27)

NBA roundup: John Wall guides Rockets past Wizards John Wall scored a teamhigh 24 points in his first matchup with his former team as the host Houston Rockets earned a 107-88 victory over the short-handed Washington Wizards on Tuesday.

Eric Gordon and Victor Oladipo added 20 apiece for Houston, which extended its season-best winning streak to three games.

DeMarcus Cousins tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and five steals for Houston, which played without center Christian Wood (ankle).

Washington’s Bradley Beal, the league’s leading scorer, tallied 33 points on 12of-28 shooting, while Russell Westbrook, traded for Wall in the offseason, added 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. The Wizards were missing six players due to league health and safety protocols.

Utah Jazz 108 - New York Knicks 94 Royce O’Neale scored a career-high 20 points and Rudy Gobert dominated the interior as Utah defeated New York in Salt Lake City for its ninth straight victory.

With leading scorer Donovan Mitchell struggling — nine points on 3-of-15 shooting — O’Neale connected on 7 of 12 attempts while also grabbing six rebounds. Gobert hauled in 19 rebounds to go with 18 points and four blocked shots, and

Houston Rockets guard John Wall (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. (Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo-USA Today Sports) Mike Conley scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half.

Austin Rivers led New York with 25 points, including hitting 5 of 7 3-point attempts, but he was held scoreless in the second half after going 10for-10 from the floor in a redhot first half. Julius Randle added 18 points and 10 rebounds for New York, which wrapped up a four-game Western trip with its third straight loss.

Atlanta Hawks 108 - Los Angeles Clippers 99 Trae Young returned to the lineup and scored 38 points, helping host Atlanta defeat short-handed Los Angeles. Young, who missed Sunday’s game at Milwaukee

with back spasms, shot 12-for23 from the floor as the Hawks won for the fourth time in five games.

Also returning for Atlanta was Clint Capela, who missed the last game with right hand soreness. Capela had 13 points and 18 rebounds, his third straight game with at least 18 boards. The Hawks’ De’Andre Hunter contributed 22 points.

The Clippers were playing without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (health and safety protocols) plus Patrick Beverley (right knee soreness). Reggie Jackson led Los Angeles with 20 points and eight assists.

(Field Level Media)

IOC says it is fully committed to staging...

From page 30 and we will do whatever is needed to organise safe Olympic Games,” he said.

“Everybody would love to have full capacity stadiums and roaring crowds but if this is not possible we will respect our principle and this is the safe organisation. This is the first priority.”

The IOC has also written to all 206 national Olympic committees to contact their governments on vaccines but Bach said no athlete should be vaccinated before the priority or high risk groups.

“We always made it clear we are not in favour of athletes jumping the queue,” Bach

said.“In the first lines must be the high risk groups, the health care workers and the people who keep our society alive. That is the first priority and this is a principle we have established.”

Recent polls in Japan showed around 80% were opposed to the event going ahead in July and some have suggested the Games should be cancelled.

Bach defended the Olympics, saying a number of international competitions are being held during the pandemic.

“Based on the counter measures and the experience of other events...it is clearly not irresponsible,” he said.

India’s Mohammed Siraj gestures in frustration during play on day four of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) India’s Mohammed Siraj gestures with the ball as he leaves the field after taking five wickets during play on day four of the fourth cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, Australia, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.

(AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 28, 2021

Banks DIH supports IOC says it is fully committed Golden Jaguars’ FIFA to staging Tokyo Games World Cup preparations

B

anks DIH has partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to provide water and energy drinks to the Senior Men’s National Team as it prepares for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.

Following the green light from the National COVID19 Task Force, the domesticbased Golden Jaguars squad is currently in training at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, with a focus on rebuilding fitness following a prolonged period without competitive football.

Banks DIH has kindly contributed a supply of Powerade drinks and its Rainforest Waters water brand to support players and staff as part of the national effort to help Guyana succeed in its World Cup qualification run this year.

“We know that football is a very important sport for us.

This is a pleasure for my company, on behalf of Banks DIH – we want to support this and partner in continuing to see this sport grow.

We thank the GFF for reaching out to us and we will be happy to support in any way possible to ensure that we go from strength to strength,” said Banks DIH Waters Beverage Brand Manger Colin King.

King donated the drinks at the GFF headquarters in Campbellville, Georgetown yesterday.

GFF Executive Committee member Dion I n n i s s , S e n i o r M e n ’s National Team Head Coach Marcio Maximo and GFF Marketing Committee Chair Lisa Ahmad received the donation on behalf of the Federation.

“I want to say welcome back to Banks DIH. Banks

DIH is a natural partner for the GFF and football.

Banks DIH is a national institution that we are all extremely proud of – it contributes significantly to the economy in Guyana,” said Inniss.

“I would like to see us progress to a very fruitful

prepare a national team, especially for a journey like the World Cup qualifiers.

We can’t do it alone, so we’re very thankful to Banks DIH for this contribution.”

In March, Guyana face off against Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas in Group F of the first round of

Some of the products Banks DIH will provide for the training squad. partnership in the future, as you [King] said, that may just be the beginning of a long standing relationship – my hope is that we can solidify once again the relationship we once had.” “ We w e l c o m e t h i s contribution to the national team,” Inniss continued.

“Any success for a national team has to involve the corporate sector in collaboration with government and the national association, if you are serious about it.

Enormous resources have to be expended to

Concacaf ’s qualification process.

The Golden Jaguars will also play Puerto Rico and St Kitts a n d N e v i s , w i t h o n l y the team that finishes top of the group proceeding to the second round.

“It is very important for football to have support from all a r e a s , especially from drinks companies coming to join us.

I am sure they will be a great partner in our future achiev e m e n t s , ” s a i d Maximo.

‘Face more balls...

From page 32 During India’s tour of the West Indies, Blackwood took the opportunity to seek the advice of run-machine Kohli when the two briefly interacted off the pitch.

“I just asked him how come all the time I score so many half-centuries and just one century, and he just replied, ‘What did you do when you scored the century?

How many deliveries did you face?’ I said

I faced 212, and he said that’s it, once you can bat some balls you will score runs,” Blackwood recalled.

“I took a lot from that and I’ve always told myself, after that conversation, once I can bat over 200 balls or 300, I’m going to score runs.

Once I’m there, the way I bat, I’m going to score runs regardless of who I’m playing against or where I’m playing.”

BERLIN (Reuters) - IOC President Thomas Bach said yesterday the International Olympic Committee was fully committed to the successful organisation of t h e To k y o S u m m e r Olympics this year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though much of Japan is under a state of emergency because of a third wave of infections, Bach said all stakeholders were committed to pressing ahead as planned with the rescheduled Games, which are due to open on July 23 after being postponed for a year because of the coronavirus.

Bach said any speculation about the Tokyo Olympics, including talk of postponement or cancellation, was not helpful.

“We are losing our time and energy on speculation,” he said at a virtual news conference after the IOC’s first executive board of the year.Asked at what stage the IOC would consider cancelling the Olympics, Bach said he would not “fuel speculation”.

“Our task is to organise Olympic Games and not to cancel Olympic Games. This is why we are working day

IOC President, Thomas Bach, hosts the first Executive Board meeting for 2021 at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland January 27, 2021.

(Greg Martin/IOC/Handout via REUTERS) and night to organise safe Olympic Games,” he said.

“We are not speculating whether the Games will take place. We are working on how the Games will take place,” he said, adding the IOC will issue guidelines for athletes and teams next month.

Many major issues, h o w e v e r, s t i l l r e m a i n unclear, including whether fans will attend or whether international visitors can

100m hurdler Williams to make debut at American Track League SportsMax - 2015 World 100m hurdles gold medallist, Danielle Williams, is expected to open her season in the United States, at the American Track League Indoor Series, next month.

The upcoming appearance will be the first for the 28-year-old sprinter since she pulled the plug on her 2020 season, in May, when the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc on the international track and field schedule.

The American Track League, which is part of the World Athletics Silver Tour, gives professional athletes an opportunity to return to competition as preparations begin for an Olympic year.

travel to the country.

The IOC has already slashed the duration of athletes’ stay in Japan. They will now arrive shortly before their competitions and leave straight after in order to reduce the risk of infections.

“This I cannot tell you,” he said, when asked about full stadiums.

“Our priority is to ensure safe Olympic Games (Continued on page 29)

Danielle Williams

The meet, which is staged in four-parts, ran off in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Sunday.

2016 Olympic gold medalist in the 110m hurdles, Omar McLeod, who raced in the 60 metres, was one of several Jamaicans who took part on the opening weekend. The list also included the likes of Tyquendo Tracey, Senoj-Jay Givans, and Christopher Taylor.

The meet will continue with the next three installments on January 31st, February 7th, and February 14th.

Williams, the 2019 Diamond League champion, is based in South Carolina in the USA where she trains with coach Lennox Graham at Clemson University.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

PAGE 31

Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour AFP - Matthew Wade was axed yesterday for Australia’s Test series in South Africa after failing to fire against India, while under-pressure Tim Paine retained the captaincy.

Wade played all four games in the tense 2-1 home summer series loss to India, including two as makeshift opener in place of the injured David Warner.

But he managed just 173 from his eight innings, with some rash shots ultimately costing him his place in the side and seeing him replaced

by Alex Carey as back-up wicketkeeper.

Instead, Wade will join Australia’s Twenty20 squad on their tour of New Zealand as vice-captain to the out-ofform Aaron Finch.

Australia are due to play three Tests in South Africa.

The tour was originally scheduled for February and March, but the dates have yet to be locked in due to concerns over coronavirus.

Cricket Australia Wednesday reiterated its commitment to making the trip, with the Tests expected to take place in March or April.

The five-game T20 tour of New Zealand runs from February 22 to March 7, clashing with South Africa,

Matthew Wade has been dropped for Australia’s Test tour of South Africa.

meaning a host of players including Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins were not available.

Wade was the main casualty from the India series, with the squad otherwise much the same.

Uncapped bowlers Sean Abbott, Michael Neser, and Mitchell Swepson are again included, with fellow quick Mark Steketee and Carey the only newcomers.

Carey’s inclusion was seen as significant, with the 2 9 - y e a r- o l d , w h o h a s excelled for Australia in limited overs internationals, tipped as a potential

successor as captain to Paine, 36.

Paine had a sub-par series against India, particularly the last two Tests when he dropped a slew of chances and came under fire over his bowling changes, field placings and decisions on when to declare.

He was also fined for an expletive-laden rant at an umpire and forced to apologise after an ugly verbal tirade at India’s Ravi Ashwin, all of which put his captaincy under the microscope.

- ‘Wide of the mark’ But National Selector

Barbados Pride and Guyana Jaguars players to miss CG Insurance Super50 Cup ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Following PCR tests administered on Sunday, January 24, Cricket West Indies (CWI) can confirm that three players from two teams have tested positive for COVID-19 and will now undergo a period of selfisolation.

Kyle Hope and his brother Shai Hope of Barbados Pride and Trevon Griffith of Guyana Jaguars have returned positive COVID-19 tests.

They will therefore remain in their home territories and will miss the upcoming CG Insurance S u p e r 5 0 C u p tournament.Kemol Savory has been named as the replacement in the Guyana Jaguars 15-man squad, while Barbados Pride named Zachary McCaskie and Tevyn Walcott as their replacements.

All other members of the Barbados Pride and Guyana

Kemol Savory

Jaguars squads returned negative COVID-19 tests and will undergo second tests today, January 28 before travelling for the tournament, as part of CWI’s established protocols.The CG Insurance Super50 Cup will be played at the

Coolidge Cricket Ground and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua from Sunday, February 7 to Saturday, February 27. On opening day, Leeward Islands Hurricanes will host a r c h r i v a l s Wi n d w a r d Islands Volcanoes at CCG.

Tim Paine was retained as captain for Australia’s tour of South Africa

Trevor Hohns insisted Paine was still the right man for the job.

“Tim Paine was excellent at number seven against India and as a batsman, wicketkeeper and captain still has much to offer in the Test arena,” he said.

C r i c k e t A u s t r a l i a ’s National Teams chief Ben Oliver also gave Paine his backing.

“Tim has the support of the team, the coach and everyone else at Cricket Australia and the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has done nothing to diminish that,” he said.

“After a series that attracted so much global interest, it was inevitable there’d be scrutiny. But some of the commentary surrounding Tim and his position as Test captain has been wide of the mark.”

The absence of several T20 regulars opened the door for some fresh faces to make the trip to New Zealand, with three uncapped players in the squad including teenage legspinner Tanveer Sangha.

The other rookies are opener and gloveman Josh Philippe and fast bowler Riley Meredith.

Paceman Jhye

Richardson and Jason Behrendorff and spinner Ashton Agar make their return to Australian colours after lengthy injury layoffs.

Test squad for South Africa: Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner T20 squad for New Zealand: Aaron Finch (capt), Matthew Wade, A s h t o n A g a r, J a s o n B e h r e n d o r ff , M i t c h e l l Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, D’Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

AAG to host 50th CARIFTA games in 2022 due to COVID-19

T

he 49th Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games will be hosted from July 2-4 in Bermuda his year instead of the customary Easter weekend showpiece.

This will pave the way for Guyana to host the prestigious 50th games in Easter 2022 and while the head of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, welcomes Guyana’s opportunity to stage the Games, athletes who will become ineligible to compete at home will be disappointed.

The 50th CARIFTA games was initially scheduled for Guyana this Easter but after the pandemic forced the postponed of the 49th games last year, the timeline has been pushed back by one year.

Hutson shared that, “We’ve had some great athletes who would have qualified last year, but sadly, a lot of them would’ve passed the age.

They would’ve either moved up in category, or passed the age of 19 years old.”

The administrator further revealed that the month of June was initially looked at but objections were made in respect to student athletes having to be accommodated to sit their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) exams.

In the interest of giving the Association, parents and athletes some peace of mind, it is Hutson’s hope that there would by then be some vaccine protocol in place. “We’re really and truly being optimistic that either a vaccine or immunisation of some sort takes places, so we can have athletes travelling just like they do with yellow fever and all the other ailments when we have to travel,” the AAG boss posited.

For the 50th games next year, modifications will be made to the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) and Hutson underlined the support of the Sports Minister Charles Ramson, “I must say that he is very,

Head of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson very enthusiastic about CARIFTA Games coming to Guyana, and he really and truly wants to play a major role in us putting on a good show for the rest of the world.”

Hutson informed that the AAG is, in the meanwhile, working along with the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) in order to iron out the kinks in anticipation for 2022. ”Most of the subject areas covering the CARIFTA Games have been submitted.

There are still a few of them that we have to clear up with NACAC as to how we will go about getting this done.

We have to bear in mind that they are still the custodians of the meet, but they’re asking us to execute the meet on their behalf; so, we’re looking at the different budgetary allocations and how the funding (is) coming from them, and the demands that they’re making and how do we balance that,” Hutson stated.

Meanwhile, on the local scene, the AAG is working towards having the first developmental meet on the weekend of February 6-7.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Thursday January 28, 2021

Alam century leads Pakistan to 308-8 vs South Africa KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Fawad Alam’s third test century put Pakistan in charge on the second day of the first test against South Africa yesterday.

The 35-year-old Alam hit nine fours and two sixes in a patient 109 off 245 balls, compiled in just under six hours, to help his team reach 308-8 at stumps.

Faheem Ashraf also scored a fluent 64 off 84 balls as Pakistan opened up a firstinnings lead of 88 runs on a slow wicket. He and Alam shared a stand of 102 for the seventh wicket.

Debutant Nauman Ali was 6 not out and Hasan Ali, who was bowled by Keshav Maharaj off a no-ball late in the day, was unbeaten on 11.

Alam, who bats in an unorthodox style and exposes all three stumps to the bowler, was out in the last

session when he flicked a ball from Lungi Ngidi (2-55) straight to mid-wicket.

“I am feeling out of this world at the moment, it was a very good innings because the team needed it the most,” Alam said.

“I think we can put South Africa under more pressure if we manage to add 20-30 more runs tomorrow because the pitch looks like quite slow and double-paced.”

Pakistan was in trouble overnight on 33-4 after South Africa had been skittled out for 220 on an eventful first day when 14 wickets fell on an uneven wicket.

But Alam showed lots of determination to keep the Proteas at bay. The home team went close to dismissing him for 35 just before lunch when Dean (Continued on page 27)

Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf, center, and Fawad Alam, left, run between the wicket while South Africa’s Aiden Markram watches at the National Stadium, in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi, top center, and his teammates appeal an unsuccessful LBW against Pakistan’s batsman Mohammad Rizwan. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Pakistan’s Fawad Alam, right, celebrates after scoring century while his teammate Faheem Ashraf watches during the second day of the first cricket test match at the National Stadium, in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

‘Face more balls, score more runs’ - How simple advice from batting star Kohli helped WI batsman Blackwood SportsMax - In-form West Indies middle-order batsman, Jermaine Blackwood, has credited brief advice received from top-class India batsman Virat Kohli as helpful in changing his mindset towards scoring runs.

The 29-year-old scored his first century against England in 2015, a plucky 112 unbeaten in a draw in Antigua. Following that impressive achievement,

h o w e v e r, B l a c k w o o d seemed unable to cross the double-digit threshold. In fact, before finally breaking the streak with 104 against New Zealand, in December, Blackwood had managed to score 10 half-centuries inbetween but always fell short of a triple-digit score.

Included in that number were some figures frustratingly well clear of the 50 mark, but falling just short of the 100 mark, when

for all intents and purposed the batsman seemed well set to do so. The tally includes three scores in the 90s. He scored 92 against Sri Lanka, in Galle, in 2015; 95 against Pakistan, in Abu Dhabi, in 2016, and 95 against England, in Southampton, in July of last year.

Prior to that, Blackwood also registered 85 against England, in Bridgetown, in May 2015.

(Continued on page 30)

Jermaine Blackwood credited brief advice received from top-class India batsman Virat Ko

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 28, 2021

PAGE 33

Ramnauth, Heyliger slam selectors for non-inclusion of Essequibians

D

evon Ramnauth and Dillon Heyliger, two former national youth players, have expressed disappointment with Guyana’s selectors after they did not include any player from Essequibo for the forthcoming Super50 tournament early next month in Antigua.

According to Ramnauth and Heyliger, three players should have made the side automatically because they would have put in good performances over the years in the franchise cricket which is being used primarily to select players for the regional assignment.The trio is: wicketkeeper/batsman Kevol Savory, left-arm spinner Anthony Adams and all-rounder Ricardo Adams (unrelated), while fastbowler Rensford Beaton is a question mark too.

None of the players were able to catch the eyes of the selectors as the touring party consisted of players from

Berbice and Demerara only.

Guyana Jaguars are set to open their campaign against Barbados Pride in the sixteam competition which runs from February 7-27.

Ramnauth and Heyliger, both played junior and senior cricket for Essequibo but want greater representation for the players who were overlooked for the tournament.

They believe the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) should really play a bigger role in ensuring their players are selected to represent the national team because they are talented enough and more importantly have put up good performances.

“Essequibo County players have long been neglected and our talented players are being stifled because of nonrepresentation from the ECB.” We need answers ECB!” I’m calling out the president of the ECB Fizul Bacchus and the other executives to

publicly address this matter,” Ramnauth disclosed.

Heyliger and Ramnauth are currently residing in Canada. Heyliger continued to ply his trade in North America and is a member of the Canadian international side. He also mentioned that the ECB can do better to make sure their players are well-represented at all levels.

“This is very disappointing to learn that these three players have done well but cannot find themselves in the Guyana Jaguars squad; the ECB have got to be more proactive and get their act together for the betterment of our cricket in Essequibo; they need to be more supportive of our talents,” Heyliger, a versatile all-rounder lamented.

In 2019 when the tournament was held in Trinidad and Tobago, Savory made an auspicious start to the 50-over career hitting an unbeaten 71 against eventual champion West Indies

Emerging side. That year Beaton was part of the team as the other Essequibo cricketer.

Ricardo Adams made his debut in 2018 and did not play back, while Anthony has shown consistency with the ball in the franchised cricket and made a good impression in the four-day version.

Meanwhile, Beaton has been out of cricket for a while due to his bowling action but was part of the camp in preparations for the tournament.

According to reports, these players have not passed their fitness test, but both Ramnauth and Heyliger want to know what was the criteria to be fit in an effort to make the team.

“We want answers to how you are going about selecting the team; the selection must be justifiable and transparent so the players would not suffer,” Ramnauth declared.

“We need the leader to come forward and give the

Dillon Heyliger (left) and Devon Ramnauth right representation; this has been going on and on for years now; the results are

there and these players should be selected,” Heyliger divulged.

GAPLF saddened by the loss of spotter/loader Orin ‘Dawg’ Timothy Also a former bodybuilder

By Franklin Wilson

I

n his own simple way he touched the lives many of the current as well as past athletes especially in the sport of powerlifting with his efficiency in getting the weights ready during competition as a spotter/loader.

The name Orin Timothy might not have been popular but when one heard the name ‘Dawg’, it resonated in many circles including bodybuilding, weightlifting and around the cinemas in the city as a chuckerout.

Many would only be really known after their demise, unfortunately so. The passing of O r i n Ti m o t h y, a f o r m e r Kingsrow Barbell Club member qualifies as one such case.

Timothy’s friend and former body building colleague, ‘Uncle’ Noel Cummings shared a bit of history he had about his friend yesterday with Kaieteur Sport.

Uncle Noel recalls that the two competed in body building back in the 1980’s and early 90’s whilst noting that Timothy had a twin sister who passed away a f e w y e a r s a g o . ”I know he has an elder sister who resides in England now. But we competed together back in the days in a few competitions. I can remember an over-40 competition in the early 90s held at the Tower Hotel which was organised by the late Claude Charles.

Even before that, in the early 70s we also competed at GDF Gymnasium along with the likes of Frank Tucker, Arthur Alleyne, Lewis Dean, I was about age 18 at the time and he {Timothy} was about one year older than I. Another competition I can recall was at Parade Ground one Sunday morning which was again organised by Claude Charles.

Timothy was not happy with the results that were given by the judges and he and Charles had a

disagreement; I think that was his last competition.”

Such was his love for the weights sports that even after his not so hot body building career, ‘Dawg’ would make the trek to powerlifting competitions to absorb and he would eventually become a spotter/loader up until the time of his passing.

He would have served under the Peter Green led GAPLF and was honoured by that body. After Green passed the baton, ‘Dawg’ served diligently under the now Ed Caesar led GAPLF taking on the title, Honorary Spotter/Loader.

Current GAPLF Executive Member Martin Webster has noted that the fraternity is saddened by the passing of a faithful soldier whose contributions over the years would have contributed towards the success of the athletes and t h e s p o r t . ”May the weights up there be as light as they were for you down here RIP.”

Orin ‘Dawg’ Timothy takes in the moment as ‘Uncle’ Noel Cummings is rewarded for winning the Over-40 competition at the Tower Hotel.