Kaieteur News

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Sunday July 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Why not close the loophole? The interest alone is killing us, and that’s only one year’s interest on Exxon’s oil leases. Thanks to probing work by Christopher Ram, all Guyanese are made aware of the interest burden borne, compliments of greedy, predatory Exxon. Citizens and the world know now of the big dollars involved in the interest yoke placed upon the neck of this society by ExxonMobil (“Guyana paid $7.8B last year in interest on ExxonMobil leases - will continue to pay more if the loophole is not closed – Ram” KN June 28). The question is not so much why the loophole is not closed, but why it is taking so long to close? When will our leaders begin to manifest any interest in and devote some energy towards closing the interest loophole on those leases, which a laden oil supertanker could sail though? They are always telling us about the so-called positives, of how good we will do, but somehow these same leaders neglect to summon the same strength to share anything of the positives steps that they could have taken to reverse (or minimise) some of those negatives, like annual interest to be paid on Exxon’s leases. Current PPP leaders have failed to make a difference on what is such a big-ticket item. It is so big, high single-digit billions in annual interest charges, that no one with any accounting sense, or any of the keen wisdom of vigilant leaders fighting for their fellow citizens, could miss it, or pretend that it does not exist. In the same manner, leaders in the previous APNU+AFC coalition have no excuse, and cannot be pardoned, for their failure to do right by country and citizens. In fact, the Coalition comes out of this interest on Exxon’s leases fiasco looking terrible and smelling worse, since it was cautioned of the implications. The interest loophole was/is so disturbing that even the IMF, never a friend to poor Third World societies, had problems with that provision. As the KN article referenced above noted, “The IMF even advised the former APNU+AFC Government to prohibit the oil companies from recovering the interests on other financing costs.” No government could have had a more authoritative source on interest than the IMF. Yet the Coalition government, for some mysterious reason, ignored the sage advice and did absolutely nothing. As an indication of the IMF’s disagreement with such an interest provision, it went still further, for “The IMF had even urged Guyana to ensure its production sharing framework explicitly states that this is not allowed. Well, allowed it is, and now we pay a steep price in billions. When we think of what the IMF offered to Guyana, we cannot help thinking of that song from legendary soul singer, Percy Sledge, with its sad lyrical refrain and title of “Take time to know her.” According to the lyrics, Percy didn’t listen to Mama about his future bride, and so did the Coalition government of Guyana. “Since nothing was ever done”, Guyanese must now live with their Exxon bride, and this billion-dollar interest habit. Another known oil presence taking an identical position is Tom Mitro, a former University of Houston Instructor. He is one that the current PPP government and the man who thinks he is Guyana’s John D. Rockefeller, the Vice President, has no patience in listing to, or use for (since what he has to offer goes against the government’s and VP’s narratives). Mr. Mitro had this to say, “In some PSAs, they do allow interest as part of cost recovery, but that is no longer a common practice. He went on to say that if and when they are allowed, then “strict rules” are put in place “to prevent potential abuse.” It seems that the only rules finding favour with the PPP government and its Vice President, with regard to this oil wealth, are those that denounce Guyanese who object to what is going on in our relationship with Exxon. Or that marginalise those who stir themselves to protest. Or, worse, that muzzle those who dare to interfere with how government leaders conduct the nation’s oil business with Exxon. Why not close the loophole? Why not search for an opportunity to hold Exxon honest?

The VP - a political hustler without peer DEAR EDITOR, A year into the new Guyanese political order, I arrive at a place that speaks to searing, sobering reality. It has to do with the VP, and though endlessly agitating to the archduke and his minions, raw truths are what must be delivered in unsparing, unflinching terms. I weigh the developments of the last year, conclude that Guyana’s Vice President is of that rare breed: a first-rate hustler in all senses of the word, a peerless political hustler; through dint of energy and application, he out distances the competition, makes rings around it. Frankly, he has no competition; contemporaries are left scratching for issues that barely stir specks of interest. The VP has tested ways to win over means of making the Guyanese kneel before him: lucre. This is a man relishing the ecstasies of conmen - a captive following of a quarter million uncaring and unthinking. Who is corrupt? Who cares, anyway? Go ahead, take all the money; it doesn’t matter. Jim Jones must be wondering where he went wrong; John

Gotti, too. I have heard him labelled genius by worshipers, to which skeptics added evil, the personification of it. I content myself with possessing a most macabre mind. Before there was: stridency, petulancy, and churlishness; now crude instincts for vulgarities are checked, save for financial ones. Today, oil greases his skids; no brakes. Criticisms are ignored, with trademark truculence, and feral snarling, lesser. No more such visceral retaliations; cunning prevails now, with oil magnets luring naysayers, protestors, resisters. Burnham had party card for favours; the VP has stealth bombardments that encourage secret agreements and party resignations from those seeking survival. The VP understands that forced commercial relationships with Black Guyanese do not translate to ballot support. He pays, accepts, the tradeoff: cosmetics. Men (women, too) fall over themselves to pay homage before his throne; I must give it to the man. The VP’s version of personal stimulus is COVID19 cash relief, job, contract, a

spare nod for supplicants, and masterly fiddling. Look at president. Look at opposition undermined, effectively neutered. Nowadays, the Great Leader pronounces, as if from heaven, and human dominoes fall in line, or fall apart. I acknowledge the stellar student he is. Soviets taught how to deceive, compliments of a system based on falsehoods and fear; currently, Americans gift him spin. Ergo, Western capitalist spinning layered on communist deceiving; the former saturated with sly halftruths, while the latter overflows with commissions of full-out deviousness. The VP benefits from the best of both worlds, and it shows, in his new approach, the forced remade persona. He has shaken hands with the devil, who is worse off for the experience. Guyanese pay the worst price. So, he waxes of sacred Guyana constitution behind compressed lips, but subverts it with both third term, and self-anointment with the divine rights of kings. Thanks to the VP, Guyana has progressed from a one-party state to a one-man

government. In the shadow of the mighty VP, the manoeuvred head of state stands as a poor man’s presidential apology, a flea market configuration, a leader as willing performer in the comedy of A Midsummer’s Night Dream, against the tragedy of calculating Macbethian tragedy. Amid the local hysterias, the only ones who hold the VP in check, make him dance awkward jigs, are foreigners. Exxon butters his bread; the resident American diplomatic community has keys to his closets, costumes for his skeletons. As for Guyanese, they get to grin and bear content at making fools of themselves. Just like the opposition rendered non compos mentis. Welcome to Guyana’s punk culture of nuanced political hooliganism, thanks to Machiavellian Vice Presidential machinations. As Locke asserted: governments start by taking away liberty, then they take away everything else. Guess who is behind those ‘orchestractions’? Sincerely, GHK Lall

Sunday July 04, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Kissoon engages in hearsay and baseless Public Service deductions bosses with a Third World mentality DEAR EDITOR, In a previous letter, I sought to clear the air on former President Ramotar’s and Freddie Kissoon’s public misrepresentations in relation to the termination of Kissoon’s employment by the University of Guyana. May I reiterate that Mr. Kissoon was a retiree of the University of Guyana, who was offered a teaching contract after his retirement. The University subsequently effectively terminated that contract under the provision of the said contract that provided for either party to terminate the contract on condition that due notice is given or that the employee is paid in lieu of notice. Kissoon has since contended that he was dismissed wrongfully and relies on a report from the Ombudsman to whose office he had complained of wrongful dismissal, as justification for his contention. In seeking to refute my explanation of what occurred, he firstly sought to discredit it on the grounds that he had no knowledge that I was trained to be a lawyer. That position is not worthy of attention since the issue is not about my training. It is about the true representation of what actually occurred. In purporting to rely on the Ombudsman report, Freddie does not reference the report. He simply engages in hearsay and baseless deductions. For example, he contends that the

Ombudsman told him that the “Ombudsman does not investigate but sources out the investigation” (sic). In that regard, the Ombudsman Act unambiguously states: “All complaints to the Ombudsman and requests for investigation by him shall be made in writing” (author`s emphasis). He further contended that the Ombudsman said that he, the “Ombudsman never comes to conclusions on his own but seeks the paid consultancies of lawyers so that that Ombudsman would not be accused of personal bias”. While it might be true that the Ombudsman may either deploy his staff to do investigations or in the absence of staff may contract suitably qualified persons to assist him, there is no provision which forbids the Ombudsman from investigating. In fact, “the Ombudsman’s function is to investigate” as Former Ombudsman, Clifford Baburam, stated in his presentation on the “Role of the Ombudsman in the Commonwealth Caribbean” on the occasion of a symposium hosted by the Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus at the Dover Convention Centre, November 26 - 29, 1989. The Ombudsman is ultimately responsible for the findings of the investigation. Freddie is also clearly misguided on the question of bias in judicial or quasi-

judicial processes. The presumption of bias is only occasioned by an interest in the matter or relational considerations or predispositions. The Ombudsman can be biased only if he is found to be in one of those situations, there is no automaticity as Freddie’s contention of what the Ombudsman said infers. What Freddie also clearly does not understand is the provision of the Constitution, which states: “The Ombudsman shall not investigate … (a) any action in respect of which the complainant has or had – (1) a remedy by way of proceedings in a court”. Freddie himself contends that his matter was justifiable. By his own inference, it was not within the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman to investigate his case. It therefore stands to reason that the Ombudsman upon the findings of the erstwhile lawyers is reported by Freddie to have said: “The findings are out there – what more do you want from me?” In all of Freddie‘s fumigations, one is still not sure how his complaint was couched and, therefore, what the erstwhile lawyers were responding to when they purportedly reported their findings. For example, reports that they found Statute 25 of the

University’s Act and Statutes, inter alia, to have been breached, raises uncertainty about what Freddie actually related in his complaint. Statute 25 deals with Disciplinary Hearings. Freddie’s termination was not approached from a disciplinary perspective. It therefore begs the question as to why a breach of Statute 25 was one of the purported findings. Freddie’s contention that he had no interest in taking the matter to the court is but a copout. He was terminated and benefitted from the terms of his termination. His termination may have been unfair but was certainly executed within the provisions of his contract, notwithstanding his contention that erstwhile lawyers declared it illegal. Those would have been but legal opinions and not a judicial ruling on his matter. Here again, Freddie fails to acknowledge that the findings of the Ombudsman are advisory and not a judgment handed down. Freddie has failed to argue his case from a knowledge base, factual and evidential perspectives. In fact, his case is baseless. Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander Former Secretary to the University‘s Council

DEAR EDITOR, Something has to be said about a country where individuals in power make surprise visits and find people who are partly responsible for the control of water in and out of Georgetown during heavy rainfall, sleeping or absentstill employed. It says a whole lot. In Guyana, we have ineffective road closure signs placed at the main gateway into Duncan Street, with lots of space for vehicles to still pass and create more confusion. Even better - bribery being expected to be given as the norm at the lower levels of government (in some agencies!). With the exception of South Africa, and just one or two other surrounding countries, the examples provided, sad to say; are definitely mirror images of the normal inefficiencies in most African countries. Just the way of getting things done. Which brings me to the article, “Getting an ID card in Guyana”, as it reflects on GECOM as published in KN on July 3. That article is spot on and unfortunately is a snapshot of how unintelligently

backward we are in conducting some of our affairs. No number of upcoming posh hotels will change the perception people have. I, for one, am being affected by this primitive system. Who is in charge? I am curious to see if someone in that organisation is bold enough to clearly and confidently articulate why the existing process makes any kind of sense. This issue is not one that n e e d s parliamentary intervention. The major decision makers who are obviously incapable of making clear cut “modern’’ efficient stream-lined decisions that also involve m o d e r n computerised systems, should go - PLEASE. They bring no value-added to the image of Guyana, only the contrary! Yours truly, C. Kansi Apology A letter published in our Saturday, July 3, edition titled ‘Open letter to the Govt. Ministers’ was inadvertently attributed to Ms. Odessa James. For this error on our part, we apologise.

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Sunday July 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

We need good governance in our political, financial, economic and social systems DEAR EDITOR, Throughout our fifty-five (55) years of independence, Guyana’s political system and its economic structure have not been positively transformed to achieve a significant level of national unity and overcome jobless growth and persistent poverty. Guyana has one of the highest poverty rates (43.4 percent of the population) in Latin America and the Caribbean. Today, most Guyanese, at home and in the diaspora, are very concerned that Guyana will become ‘infected’ with oil’s ‘Dutch Disease’ where corrupt practices will enable the enrichment of a small elite of some business people and some middle class politicians and professionals from the Indian, African, Mixed, Amerindian, Portuguese, Chinese and European ethnic communities. In effect, there are ‘worries’ that, based on the experiences of most oilproducing countries, there will be no significant improvement in the standard of living for Guyanese workers, farmers, the poor and vulnerable households across all ethnic communities. To prevent such a human rights disaster, it is absolutely essential that we, the people, improve governance by transforming power relationships in the political, financial, economic and social systems. Good governance is not only about improving government institutions to better serve and deliver

goods and services to the population. Just as important, it also about how civil society organisations (nongovernmental groups, community organisations, trade unions and private sector organisations) will improve their participation in decision-making at the national, regional and local levels. Therefore, it is everybody’s business and responsibility to transform governance in parliament, ministries, public agencies, Regional Democratic Councils, City and Town Councils, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, Amerindian Village Councils, community and nongovernmental organisations, financial institutions, trade unions and businesses. Improving governance will not come easily or without risks. But, if governance is not transformed, we will be unable to overcome the greatest threat to the existence of our economy, society and environment, that is, the rising sea and river levels, floods, droughts and the destruction of mangroves. Guyana will be unable to successfully build national unity and to equally and fairly provide quality education, health and social services in all ethnic communities. We would lack the strength to resist future pandemics and defend our land territory and the mineral and marine resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone. Comparing governance across countries in Latin

America and the Caribbean, Guyana’s performance is relatively low on indicators such as the effectiveness of government, the rule of law, the control of corruption, citizen involvement and participation, the prevalence of violence and the quality of public institutions. The immediate governance priority has to be the transformation of civil service institutions into more professional, transparent and accountable agencies that would facilitate, regulate and implement policies free of corruption. If citizens are not confident and supportive of the civil service, the national, regional and local governments will be unable to achieve good political, financial, economic and social governance. To achieve good political governance, we the people will have to transform the challenges and problems into opportunities for making real changes to end the monopolisation of political power based on ‘winnertakes-all’ governments; to strengthen the involvement of civil society organisations; to consult regularly with grassroots communities for determining, based on data collection and analysis, their immediate, medium and longterm needs, and for agreement on the exact order of how public investment projects will be implemented in infrastructure, business support, education, health and other social

Would extra $ of sheet piling contract be investigated? DEAR EDITOR, I am compelled to pen this rejoinder to letter by Mr. Jagnarine Singh, “Would Govt. Address Corruption Scandals?” (Jun 30). The article makes reference to a contract award that is some $40M above the lowest bid. It was a bid to supply sheet piling to NDIA of Ministry of Agriculture. Information available listed several bids. Dax was awarded the contract; five other suppliers bid lower than Dax. As per the opened bids to the tender, information available (attached) states that Jagmohan Hardware bid just

over $178M while Dax bid just under $211M. Other bids were lower. It was for the same grade of sheet piling to be supplied by the same company, Arcel Mittal (attached doc) of Holland with Sales Office in Panama in memo (attached) sent to Jagmohan Hardware (March 19, 2021). Since it is the same grade of sheet piling to be obtained from the same company, why was Dax chosen over Jagmohan and or others whose bid was substantially lower. Why expend some $40M more for the sheet piling? Is there any special

connection with Dax or any other bidder? As Mr. Jagnarine Singh stated, the $40M could have been spent to mitigate flooding – it could have bought several pumps to drain flooded areas or supply hampers to thousands of affected victims. Isn’t this an opportune moment for President and VP to take actions. Why should those responsible for this irresponsible act, which cheat taxpayers of such a huge sum of money, be treated differently from the corrupt oil transaction? Yours truly, Sarmila Ally

programmes; and to distribute equally and fairly oil revenues and other government funds in all ethnic communities and regions. To achieve good financial governance, we the people will have to transform the challenges and problems into opportunities for making real changes to strengthen the public financial management system so that politicians, business people and all other citizens will understand that there are annual limits to how much and how fast public revenues can efficiently and effectively be spent in the public sector and absorbed by the economy; to create employment programmes, cash transfers and subsidies that are affordable and sustainable; to avoid borrowing from the future sales of oil; to minimise grand and petty corruption; to implement policies for low inflation, a competitive exchange rate and low taxes; to attract, retain and motivate public sector employees with better wages and incentives; to ensure that the private

sector is not ‘crowded out’ from access to financing and labour by the public sector; to be fully transparent on public debt; and to effectively manage the oil funds for present and future generations by avoiding illconceived investments (‘white elephants’) and unsustainable expenditures. To achieve good economic governance, we the people will have to transform challenges and problems into opportunities for making real changes to develop a national master plan with a diversity of competitive economic sectors in a private-sectordriven economy; to improve the environment for doing business with a ‘levelplaying-field’ for fair and equal competition; to develop renewable energy sources; and to expand value-added exports in current and new markets. To achieve good social governance, we the people will have to transform challenges and problems into opportunities making real changes to decrease the very high death rate of women

giving birth (229 deaths per 100,000 women), the very high suicide rate of young men and the high mortality rate of infants in rural areas, and, in the hinterland areas, to end the stunted growth of children; to close the gender wage gap where women earn 15.7 percent less than men for work of equal value; to ensure that women equally participate in the economy and politics; and to implement job-training and employment programmes for each economic sector because the working-age population is increasing and the oil and gas industry will only employ 4.6 percent of the labour force by 2025. To achieve good political, financial, economic and social governance, Guyanese, from all ethnic communities and regions, will have to promote and support female, youth and male leaders who are courageous and committed to transforming challenges and problems into opportunities for making Guyana a better place. Yours sincerely, Geoff Da Silva

Not an apologist for Nandlall DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to one Les Archer’s retort captioned “Nandlall does not get full marks” (Jul 2) wherein he misread, mis-characterised, and inaccurately described my missive that focused on Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s role in the election fraud (Jul 1). I did not present an “apologist stance in defense of the AG”. I never apologised for anything on behalf of the AG. That is not my task as I am not his spokesperson or assistant or authorised to speak on his behalf. My missive applauded the legal acumen of Nandlall in helping to save democracy in Guyana. It was a description of his work as obtained from the public. Others (whose names I did not mention) from the legal and non-legal fraternity (inside and outside of Guyana) also played critical roles in saving democracy. Archer mentioned the “demise of Crum Ewing”. I grieve for all victims of crime;

no one should be victim of violence. All perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice. Archer is seeking to tarnish the AG’s brilliant legal career. It has not been lost on anyone that Archer left out many murders that were committed during the PNC rule and for which there was no closure. The country, for example, still awaits justice for the murders of Walter Rodney, Vincent Teekah, Shirley Field Ridley, Father Bernard Darke, Dolly Baksh, Ohene Koama, among others. Racism seems to be a dominant political tool by elements of that party. Has Archer’s retort arisen out of this mindset? On Crum Ewing’s killing and that of so many others, the nation cries for justice. My recollection (from what appeared in the media) is Crum Ewing’s murder occurred in March 2015 during the tenure of Nandlall as AG in his first stint on the job. And as I recall, there was a full investigation by the

police. A person was charged for the murder of Crum Ewing and committed by a magistrate to stand trial in the High Court. Nandlall lost his job as AG when his party lost the election in May 2015. The PNC, the party of Crum Ewing, was catapulted into office. During the 2015 campaign, the PNC promised to re-open the investigation into the killing. As I recall, Nandlall publicly called upon them (and was carried by the media) to do so. During the five-year tenure of the PNC led administration, May 2015 to July 2020, there was no reopening of the investigation. They held several commissions of inquiries into all sorts of matters (some trivial), but none on this particular killing. And this despite Nandall calling upon them to do so in the public domain. The question remains: Why? Someone from that administration should explain! Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Govt. should consider giving out free face masks DEAR EDITOR, The PPP/C government should give free face masks to all Guyanese. This is necessary to encourage Guyanese to get

into the habit of wearing the masks. Presently, not all Guyanese are wearing masks. Some people find buying the masks an additional humbug to their daily lives.

The free face masks would be helpful in cutting down the rise in the COVID19 death toll. Respectfully, Sultan Mohamed

T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N . L U BL BLUNT B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L U T.. UNT...B L N B . . U . L T B . N L . . U B . T L . . N U NT LUNT...B L U B . L . . B T . . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . BBL T...BLUN .BLUNT. T...BLU . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday July 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Almost 1,600 children have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and the PPP leaders sat on this and kept it a secret!

This is our children’s wellbeing at stake and it is enraging. No Guyanese should take this sitting down quietly. But this latest development of how this country is being governed: in secrecy and with stupidity.

With the news about the 1,567 children about to go public, President Ali was already ahead of the game with spin doctoring and damage control: Pfizer vaccines are on the way and children will be the first in line. President Ali has already brushed off the 1,567 children infected and kept secret, by pretending at good vaccine availability news. This is the Head of State’s idea of transparency, his version of leadership accountability. What do we have here for leaders, if not certifiable farces and abject failures, who deceive and mislead at every turn?

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Sunday July 04, 2021

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Pedal cyclist succumbs to injuries after hit-and-run accident Dead, Rajendra Singh.

A man is now dead following a hit-and-run accident that occurred last Thursday. According to a police report, the victim, identified as Rajendra Singh, 39, of Block Eight, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was riding along the eastern side of the La Bonne Intention Road, Railway Embankment, ECD, at 19:00hrs, when an unknown motor vehicle collided with him. As a result of the impact, Singh fell onto the road surface receiving several injuries. The man was picked up in an unconscious condition

by public spirited individuals and placed into Motor Pickup, PWW 5442, and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty. Singh was then admitted a patient in the said institution, suffering from injuries to his head. Unfortunately, Singh died while receiving medical attention the following day. His body is presently at the GPHC Mortuary, awaiting a post mortem. An investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.

Guyanese woman pleads guilty to $1.7M decade-long bank fraud in New York

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ccording to a press release by the De partment of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Gangadai Rampersaud Azim pled guilty on June 28 to a more than decade-long conspiracy to commit bank fraud. According to the information reviewed by this publication, between August 2008 and January 2021, Azim, a long-time employee of a New York-based bank (“Bank-1”), stole approximately $1.7 million from her employer. While working at a Manhattan Bank, Azim executed hundreds of wire transfers of Bank-1 funds to co-conspirators and related companies, who then sent portions of the ill-gotten funds to Azim’s personal bank account. Azim repeatedly made false entries in Bank-1’s systems, misappropriating funds paid to Bank-1 by its clients to satisfy outstanding loan obligations and then extending the maturity dates of those loan obligations, making it appear as though the loan obligations had not yet

been paid. When even the fraudulently extended maturity dates came due, she originated new, fraudulent loans to help conceal the scheme and then utilised the proceeds of those fraudulent loans to satisfy the loans for which she had previously stolen the client payments. Over the course of the approximately 12 years, Azim caused approximately 200 improper wire transfers of Bank1’s funds, each for an amount under $10,000, to be sent to third party accounts, including those of co-conspirators and related companies, who then returned portions of those funds to her. In doing so, she abused her position at Bank-1 and enriched herself at the expense of her employer. Azim, 58, of Richmond Hill, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1349, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Failla on October 19, 2021, at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday July 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Minibus driver gets 25 years for rape of girl, 15 A 44-year-old minibus driver was jailed for 25 years by a High Court Judge this week after he was found guilty of raping a 15-year-old girl. Inteaz Mohamed called “Uncle Shameer,” of Success, East Coast Demerara, was sentenced by Justice Brassington Reynolds on Friday after a jury found him guilty on both counts of rape, which occurred between September 2014 and January 2015. The guilty verdict was read last month but the judge allowed time for a probation report and a victim impact statement to be procured on behalf of the Court. Throughout the trial, Mohamed had pleaded his innocence. He was represented by attorney-at-law, Latchmie Rahamat, while Prosecutors Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig presented the State’s case. The Prosecution’s case outlined that the accused and the victim were known to each other. Mohamed operated a school bus and would transport the teenager to and from school. In September 2014, Mohamed picked up the girl from school, and took her to a dark, bushy area, and raped her. Mohamed reportedly threatened to kill himself and the young girl if she told anyone about what had happened between them. Again in January 2015, Mohamed picked up the girl from lessons, took her to the same location and raped her. He later proceeded to harass the victim and the girl later confided in her brother. A police report was made and the driver was arrested. In defense of the accusations before the court, Mohamed claimed that he had to undergo surgery for a hernia and was unable to perform sexual activities since it would have been painful but provided no medical evidence to the court to back up this claim. Mohamed claimed too that the victim’s story was fabricated by her brother. In her impact statement to the court, the victim outlined among other things that she was being tormented by Mohamed’s relatives. While imposing the sentence, Justice Reynolds spoke of the continuing trend of bus operators who prey on schoolgirls. As such, the judge told Mohamed that he should be separated from the rest of society, whose values and norms he goes against with

Jailed for 25 years: Inteaz Mohamed, called “Uncle Shameer”.

his beastly actions. Meanwhile in Essequibo, Justice Navindra Singh imposed a 15-year sentence on Leroy Williams after he admitted to killing a 17-year-old miner at Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro, back in 2014. Williams who was initially charged with murder pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he appeared at the Essequibo High Court on Tuesday. Williams admitted to the court that he and others had fatally beaten Azad Potter in the Essequibo Backdam on October 21, 2014. While imposing the sentence Justice Singh, ordered that the prison service deduct the time Williams has spent on remand awaiting trial. The judge also ordered that he be considered for parole after serving three years.

Dem boys seh...

Dem tun now to hacking! Lang time now when de Waterfall paper been critical of a certain country and wah dem been doing in Guyana, de waterfall website bin get hack. Dem boys bin trace de source of de hacking and find dat it did come from some of dem wah been upset with de Waterfall paper. Now it look like de same thing happening. But dem boys nah find out yet who deh behind it. But dem boys gat dem suspicion. Some of de readers of de Waterfall paper call de boss man and tell he how every time them try to access de paper from dem browser, dem getting a message which blocking dem access. De boss man done contact some IT people and dem seh is somebody mekkin mis-

chief fuh stop people from reading de Waterfall paper. Dem boys wondering who could be behind dis mischief. It mek dem boys remember de time when dem had two mischievous brothers, eight years old and 10 years old. Dem used to live in de village. Dem two did wicked and was always up to some mischief. Even dem parents did get fed up and so de mother decide she gan send dem to talk to de pastor. So she send de eight year old fuh see de pastor in de morning and did tell de 10 year old fuh go and see de pastor in de afternoon. De pastor sat de younger boy down and asked him sternly, “Where is God?” De boy mouth drop open but he ain’t seh nothing. He just sit down with he mouth hang-

ing open. De pastor repeated de question but dis time real loud. “Where is God?” Again, de boy ain’t mek no attempt fuh answer. So, de clergyman raised he voice some more and shake he finger in de boy face and shout, “Where is God?” De boy screamed and run from de room. He run straight home and hide in de wardrobe. When he older brother find he in de closet, he ask, “What happ e n e d ? ” De younger brother, trying fuh catch he breath say, “We are in real BIG trouble this time! God is missing, and they think we did it!” Talk half and wait fuh find out who hacking de Waterfall paper website!

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One confesses to killing taxi driver at Ogle; implicates another - deceased’s cellphone found in suspect’s possession By Malisa Playter Harry Police on Friday arrested two persons in connection with the murder of taxi driver, Kenrick Trim, of Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara. Kenty Bacchus called ‘Trini,’ a 34-year-old welder of Lot 12 Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown, and Seyon James are in custody and one of the men was found in possession of a cellphone

that reportedly belonged to the deceased. It was during an interrogation by ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department at Eve Leary, that they managed to squeeze a confession from one of the suspects who implicated another in the crime. This was confirmed by Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum.

Seyon James called ‘Lil Alfey,’ a 25-year-old fish vendor, during questioning, revealed that he connected with Bacchus while serving prison time for simple larceny of a cellphone. He detailed that Bacchus on Wednesday June 30th, 2021, picked him up from the bus park and they both ventured to a snackette located at Carmichael Street to pur-

chase something to eat. There, he confided in Bacchus that he was in need of a place to stay since he was homeless at the time. Subsequently, after spending some time at the snackette, James told police that Bacchus stopped a car that the deceased was driving and they both entered. He stated that Bacchus was seated behind the driver and he was seated behind the front passenger seat. The suspect told police that when they got to Ogle, Bacchus grabbed the taxi driver by his neck and choked him “until he passed out.” He said that Bacchus then pulled the deceased over to the back seat but he was still moving; there, he said, Bacchus dealt the taxi driver several stabs about his body. James said his accomplice then removed a gold ring and chain from the man and a quantity of money he had in his pocket, together with a black Samsung cellphone. He then drove the car to a spot in Ogle where he threw out the deceased body. He said Bacchus then attempted to reverse the car but the car was stuck in the mud and they both exited the car. James said Bacchus then give him $10,000 and discarded the (Continued on page 18)

Kenty Bacchus, one of the suspects.

Seyon James called ‘Lil Alfey’ the second suspect

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BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. SUNDAY Exxon says sanctity of contracts, Jagdeo says sanctity of contracts. Exxon says yes to gas-toshore, Jagdeo says yes to gasto-shore. Exxon says Wales destination, Jagdeo says Wales destination. Exxon says no renegotiation, Jagdeo says no renegotiation. Exxon says, “Pump baby pump!” Jagdeo says, “Pump baby pump!” Exxon says interest rate is confidential, Jagdeo says he does not know. If Exxon says, ‘jump!’ Will Jagdeo say, “How high?”

and produce, they are not saying anything about insurance in the case of a spill. For that, they have the Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, to make representations for them. Clearly, Exxon is rushing to rip our guts out and drain our blood and leave us dying on our feet. Where are our leaders? Why is the oil czar not jumping all over Exxon? Why is he so timid now? TUESDAY In America, even the Congressmen are talking about Guyana and its oil. It is the usual sweet talk of going from the poorest to the richest. We don’t believe a word of what any of them are saying. Not one of them. Guyanese, who think that these American politicians have the interests of Guyanese at heart, are only fooling themselves. If they care so much, then they should be standing in our corner, with a position of: this contract is robbery. This deal is embarrassing to all Americans. This deal stinks. If they really want to do something for us, then let them come out publicly and call for Exxon to renegotiate. Then we will believe them.

MONDAY First, it was 750,000 barrels a day by 2025/26. Now Exxon and its partners are saying that it is going to be 1.2 million barrels a day. That is a 60% increase in production in the same time span. There is a mad rush to increase production when the world is talking about slowing down. They are in a mad rush to spike production, but couldn’t fix a repeatedly faulty gas compressor. In the face of this mad rush to drill

WEDNESDAY Recently, we carried an article with this title “Meeting Paris Agreements targets critical to preventing future water disasters - President Irfaan Ali.” That is well said and praiseworthy, Mr. President. But why is the event of an oil spill (God forbid), a not unheard of or unlikely manmade disaster, not of the same priority for the Guyana Government?

That would have a terrible, if not catastrophic, impact on Guyana’s and possibly the waters of the Caribbean Sea. How come that is also not prioritised as critical and something compulsory for us to be safeguarded against? Safeguarded by demanding that Exxon obtain and maintain satisfactory insurance coverage. How and why is that not so critical? If Exxon has to pay for insurance, then it will have to put safety standards and procedures for underwriters to appreciate the risks involved, and extend coverage. Aside from the insurance premium money, it appears that Exxon has no interest in covering the additional expense for necessary safety precautions. When will President Ali and his Vice President insist upon this? THURSDAY Eco Atlantic is back with a bang in Guyana’s murky oil business. When Eco Atlantic comes back like that, then all Guyana gets banged up in seemingly incestuous business relationships. Another piece of the rich Canje Block is gobbled up, in suspicious circumstances. We put this question before Guyanese: when has anything with this fabulous oil wealth of ours been anything but suspicious? Under former President Donald Ramotar? Under former President David Granger? Under current President Irfaan Ali? Under his point man and oil mastermind Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo? The foreigners come and carve out their sweet pieces of oil blocks. Locals are left with sucked out bitter cane stalks ‘fuh mek kite and mek demselves happy’. This is the kind of leaders

Sophia man among two arrested for stealing cow A Sophia man is among two persons in custody for allegedly stealing a cow. The men were caught in the act at the Nabaclis Abattoir, located at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, yesterday morning by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). According to the police, around 03:39hrs., ranks from the Cove and John Police Station received an anonymous phone call stating that a silver car, PWW1487, was in front of the abattoir removing a dark brown cow from the trunk. Upon arrival, the ranks observed a silver Allion with its trunk opened and the two suspects using a bucket to throw water from the western drain into the car trunk. While making further checks, the ranks

observed a dark brown cow inside the trench with two ropes tied around its neck. The suspects were arrested and escorted to the police station. In custody are Delon Accra, 22, and Martin Luther, 29 of Sophia, Greater Georgetown. The motorcar was also taken and lodged at the station. The Vigilance Anti-Crime Patrol was then contacted for assistance to get the cow out of the trench – the patrol arrived shortly after and they were able to remove the cow from the trench. According to the police, the cow was examined but the brand is not visible. The investigation into the alleged cattle rustling is ongoing.

that Guyanese have. They sold the children out. They are so greedy and ‘good-fuh-nuthin’ that they would sell the coffin in which they bury this nation. Look at them: PPP leaders! APNU+AFC leaders! They must realise that enough is enough! Stop betraying this nation! FRIDAY The World Bank is falling over itself to give Guyana money. That is our money ripped up from our oil that is being recycled to us, just like was done to poor countries in Africa and Asia. The giant American and

European multinationals fetch away the fabulous riches and organisations like the World Bank then come and offer a slice or two of leftover bread. The companies carry away the whole baker shop, and the World Bank and others step up with their socalled generosity. Guyanese: don’t be fooled by these scavenging companies and their goody two shoes charitable backup pimps. They are part of the exploitation, the big lie, and big hustle. SATURDAY Is Guyana’s EPA a junkie agency? The EPA should be

looking out for Guyana’s interests, but is dancing to Exxon’s tune. Every step of the way, the EPA makes a fool of itself by doing cartwheels to please Exxon. The latest is this total foolishness of extending time to Exxon so that it can do excessive flaring while testing its defective compressor. What is this, a joke? What kind of people do we have over there in the EPA? The actions of the EPA (as dictated by leading political operators) make the proud VP look like a man to be pitied. We cannot be silent when this EPA time extension embarrasses all Guyana and degrades us further before the international community?

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‘Culture’ responsible for Chinese being treated differently from locals - Aurora Gold Mines Zijin Ming Group, a Chinese company operating the Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), has stated that the reason why its Guyanese employees are being treated differently from the Chinese employees is because of their different cultural practices. The statement was made by the company’s Director of Corporate Office, Compliance and Government Relations, Peter Benny, in response to claims made by the AGM’s local employees that they were being treated differently from the Chinese. Kaieteur News had reported on Friday that the workers had voiced their complaints in a five-page document which took the form of a letter addressed to “whom it

may concern” by “we the people! (AGM Employees).” Among some of the concerns raised, the employees claimed that the Chinese members of staff have a separate lunch room from them and that they are prohibited from going there. They had highlighted too that the Chinese are also being fed differently from the locals. The locals claimed that, “All of the fresh food items from fruits to meats are going to the Chinese kitchen along with the utensils, napkins, etc., while the Guyanese are left to eat cut up chicken scraps, such as chicken skins, and little to no vegetables with meals.” They also sent photos to this newspaper depicting that

Some of the employees of AGM during the recommissioning of a processing plant in November last year. in the Chinese lunch room, each table had napkins along with peanut butter, ketchup, etc. However, in their lunch room, the photo showed that their tables were empty and only one pack of Napkins along with a single jar of peanut butter, ketchup, etc. were placed on a counter for them to use. The Guyanese employees had complained too that the nutritional value of the food they are being fed is poor and alleged that some of them had taken ill with food poisoning. Responding to these complaints, Benny on behalf of the Chinese company stated that the “differences in certain cultural practices or habits” have led to the establishment of a different kitchen for the “Chinese Expatriates.” “The group of Chinese Expatriates has been finding it difficult to adjust to the local Guyanese cuisine for various reasons, as many of the team have never been exposed to other countries diets and this brought about a high level of discontent amongst the group,” stated the mining company. The company further justified the move by stating, “The food preparations, cooking and serving are vastly different to the Guyanese style and to avoid confrontations and conflicts, it was the best choice of the Management (to establish a separate lunch room).” In addition to the difference in cultures, Zijin Mining Group posited that Covid-19 requirements had influenced its decision as well. The com-

pany did not directly respond to claims concerning difference in the quality of food and the availability of napkins and other items provided to locals and the Chinese. It however denied that it is serving poor quality food to its workers causing some to suffer from food poisoning. “The company categorically denies the allegation of employees being food poisoned whilst using meals prepared and supplied at the mess hall (lunch room),” Zijin Mining Group stated. The company claimed that “in every respect the Health and Safety standards are continuously monitored to ensure that food safety practices are adhered to.” Additionally, continued the mining company, “monthly safety and health visits are carried out in the facility and every employee working in and around the kitchen is certified with an approved food handlers’ certificate.” Zijin Mining Group further argued that even if workers had been food poisoned, on no occasion was any such medical report received from any of its three medical officers stationed in the mine. The mining company did admit, however, that sometimes the quantity of food provided to its employees is not sufficient and stated the reason for this was “logistical” issues. “We would admit that from time to time certain items in the Kitchen inventory runs short due to logistical issues such as bad weather, late flights, late barge or bad roads

to get materials,” the release stated. According the company, despite the late arrivals and delays, “in all events it provides a balanced meal to all of its employees with at least two proteins (meats) and a variety of carbohydrates in addition to fruits and vegetables.” Nevertheless, Zijin stated that it will continue to monitor “this aspect” to improve the delivery of the goods needed for food preparation. The workers had complained too that rooms were not being cleaned regularly because of understaffing and that they were instructed to turn off the AC Units so that the company could cut on costs. In response to this, Zijin stated that rooms are cleaned three times a week and that at no time did it instruct any staff member to turn off the AC Units. The only time the AC Units are turned off according to the company, is when the rooms are being cleaned and ventilated. Zijin pointed out that a body called Employees Grievance Committee will discuss and review the processes in its decision making to avoid any feelings of unfairness or discrimination. In this regard the company stated that “it will take a decision to open its new Chinese Mess Hall to locals who wish to explore the Chinese Cuisine.” Considerations will be taken, however, in terms of the number of persons allowed in due to Covid19 precautions.

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Hurricane Elsa cuts power, batters homes in Barbados CHRIST CHURCH, Barbados - (Reuters) - Hurricane Elsa blew roofs off homes, toppled trees and sparked flooding in the island nation of Barbados then pounded St. Vincent with heavy rain and winds on Friday, as the storm was tracking towards Haiti. Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs Wilfred A. Abrahams urged Barbadians to shelter in place and only leave their homes if the structures were damaged. Elsa strengthened into a hurricane earlier in the day and was about 95 miles (153 km) west-northwest of St. Vincent, blowing maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour (140 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. “The island definitely cannot handle any sort of damages at this point because we still haven’t recovered from the volcanic eruption yet,” said 20-year-old student Queriise Thomas in the community of Choppins in southern St. Vincent. Earlier this year, heavy rains slammed St. Vincent with (Continued on page 18)

Debris lies in front of a house which lost its roof and walls after strong winds of Hurricane Elsa passed St. Michael, Barbados, Friday. REUTERS/Nigel Browne

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UK doctors want some COVID-19 measures retained after July 19 LONDON - (Reuters) England should retain some coronavirus measures beyond July 19, when most remaining restrictions are due to be lifted, to help limit the spread of the disease, a doctors’ union warned yesterday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed last Monday that most restrictions in England will end on July 19, on what has been dubbed “Freedom Day”. However, on Thursday he said British people may have to continue taking some precautions, without giving details. The British Medical Association wants people to continue using face masks and called for a renewed focus on ventilating properties after a sharp recent rise in COVID19 cases, with 27,125 reported on Friday. “This data coupled with some increases in

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair

hospitalisation suggests that it would be quite wrong from a public health interest to on

July 19 remove all restrictions ... or to give the public the

expectation that we will have a pre-COVID society where no one has to take any measures to pre-

vent spread,” Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, told Sky News yesterday. Fully vaccinated people who have been in contact with a coronavirus sufferer will be free within weeks to carry on life as normal with no need to quarantine, The Times reported yesterday.

India’s Bharat Biotech says vaccine 93.4% effective against severe COVID-19 (Reuters) - Phase-III trials of a vaccine made by India’s Bharat Biotech showed it was 93.4% effective against severe symptomatic COVID-19, the firm said yesterday, a finding that could boost people’s acceptance of Covaxin.The data demonstrated 65.2% protection against the Delta variant, first identified in India, that led to a surge in infections in April and May, and the world’s highest daily death tolls. India’s homegrown vac-

cine also showed effectiveness of 77.8% against symptomatic COVID-19 in the trial. Last month, vaccine maker AstraZeneca Plc (AZN.L) also said its vaccine was effective against the Delta and Kappa variants, citing a study. India has been administering the AstraZeneca vaccine, made domestically by the Serum Institute of India, which said last month it planned to step up monthly production from July, to nearly 100 million doses.

Bharat Biotech now estimates it will make 23 million doses a month.The Phase-III data came as Ocugen Inc (OCGN.O), which is co-developing Covaxin with Bharat Biotech for the U.S. market, prepares to file a request for full U.S. approval. India, with a tally of 30.45 million infections, is the second most affected nation after the United States, with 33 million. The south Asian nation’s death toll has now crossed 400,000.

Hurricane Elsa cuts power, batters homes in... From page 15 major flooding and landslides after a series of volcanic eruptions blanketed large swathes of the island in a thick layer of ash. Thomas said intermittent heavy rain caused flooding and parts of the island lost electricity. St. Vincent’s water and sewage authority cut water supply to all residents as a precaution due to potential mudflows. The NHC forecast 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) of rain with a maximum of 15 inches (38 cm) across the Windward and southern Leeward Is-

lands including Barbados, which could lead to isolated flash flooding and mudslides. Hurricane conditions were expected in Haiti and possible in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica by late yesterday, the agency said. The Barbados minister said damage was reported in the south of the island including power outages, fallen trees, flash flooding and damaged roofs. Emergency services were unable to reach people, but there were no reports of injuries or deaths. Elsa’s progress should be

monitored by the Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Cayman Islands, the Miami-based NHC said. Little change in Elsa’s strength was forecast over the next 48 hours and some decrease in winds is possible tomorrow, the hurricane centre said.Elsa’s storm surge was expected to raise water levels by as much as 1 to 4 feet above normal tide levels in some areas. Puerto Rico could receive up to 5 inches of rain, the NHC.

One confesses to killing taxi driver ... From page 10 knife in the bushes nearby. They then crossed over a bridge and walked until they reached the public road. They subsequently caught a minibus to Georgetown. Efforts are being made to retrieve the murder weapon, police said. Kenrick Trim’s body was found dumped in the grass at Cul-de-Sac Street, Block 1 Ogle,

East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday 30th July, 2021. Police had stated that his body may have been dumped from a silver-grey Toyota Premio car with license plate number, HC 5311, that was parked a short distance away. A police report stated that Trim left his house sometime around 07:30 hrs. on Wednesday, he was wearing a gold chain and gold ring but those items were not found on the body.

Sunday July 04, 2021

Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety. IN THE EVENT OFAN OIL SPILL, HESS ONLY HAS GYD$66M IN LOCAL SUBSIDIARY’S BANK ACCOUNT - BILLIONS IN PROFITS MOVED TO AMERICAN PARENT COMPANY – CHRIS RAM At the end of 2020, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited (Hess), transferred $6.9B in profits to its parent company in the USA, Hess Corporation, which was made from its 30 percent working interest in the oil rich Stabroek Block. Following this, all that was left in its bank account was $66M. It therefore means that should Guyana suffer an unmitigated oil spill in the Stabroek Block, these are the meagre resources it would have to depend on since the parent company has failed to give Guyana full coverage insurance for the Liza Phase One Project. Exposing the state of the company’s financial affairs and what it means for Guyana was Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, in his column called, “Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become Oil-Minded.” In one of his publications, Ram said he had examined the 2020 financial statements of the subsidiary and was appalled at the findings. Ram said he found that the total value of assets of the Branch at year-end was $469,363 million of which property, plant and equipment accounted for 91%, with the remainder spread fairly evenly over cash, receivables and deferred income tax asset. He also discovered that at December 31, 2020, Hess is shown as having an advance to ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), of some $13,167 million while an amount of $14,879 million is shown as owed to Esso. He also found that, “The Branch’s bank balance at year end was $66 million while its commitments for capital expenditure on the Stabroek Block was approximately $544.0 billion (United States Dollars: $2.6 billion), to be incurred over the next several years.” Ram said it is unclear where this money will come from since at December 31,

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2020 even the parent company’s cash resources stood at US$1,739 million while its total debt and lease obligations stood at US$8,534 million. Upon noting the foregoing, Kaieteur News asked the lawyer if it is not more than enough for Guyana to pressure the parent company to give a formal agreement and evidence that it will handle the costs associated with any oil spill. Ram answered in the affirmative while adding, that it is necessary that the company demonstrate that it has the necessary funds for future projects. If Guyana fails to do this, Ram said Guyana could expect Hess to take more loans to finance future projects, which the country would ultimately have to pay for along with the interest rates. MONDAY GUYANA PAID $7.8B LAST YEAR IN INTEREST ON EXXONMOBIL LEASES -WILL CONTINUE TO PAY MORE IF LOOPHOLE IS NOT CLOSED – CHRIS RAM Following his recent review of the 2020 financial statements for ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram has discovered the extent to which Guyana is losing billions of dollars due to another gaping loophole in the 2016 Stabroek Block deal. In his column titled, “Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become Oil-Minded” Ram noted that sign i f i c a n t portions of Esso’s capital expenditure are financed by leases. But what is more alarming is the fact that Guyana is saddled with servicing the interest on those leases which for 2020, is a whopping $7.8B, up from $345 million in 2019. Unless Guyana amends the provision in the Stabroek Block deal that allows all loans and the accompanying interest rates to be recovered, Ram categorically stated that Guyana will continue to suffer the same fate year after year. Kaieteur News would have previously reported on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as saying there is no economic logic for allowing this. The IMF even advised the former APNU+AFC Government to prohibit oil companies

from recovering the interests and other financing costs. The IMF had even urged Guyana to ensure its production sharing framework explicitly states that this is not allowed. The financial institution had said that this would be an important step for Guyana as it would be closing a potential loophole for inflated costs via inter-company financing. However, nothing was ever done. In agreement with the IMF was former University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro. In an interview with this publication, Mitro said this arrangement leaves Guyana open to the abusive use of debt by the operators, since Guyana is essentially standing all the costs. During an exclusive interview, Mitro said, “The treatment of loan interest varies by country and situation. Countries like the USA that have only an income tax on oil and no production-sharing do allow tax deductions for interest on debt of oil companies. However, countries like the U.K., Angola and Nigeria that have royalty and special petroleum tax regimes, do not allow tax deductions for interest costs of oil companies.” The Petroleum Consultant added, “This is due partly to the fact that these governments offer certain investment tax incentives already, such as tax credits or special allowances, and they view interest on tax deductions as unnecessary or duplicative. In some PSAs, they do allow interest as part of cost recovery, but that is no longer a common practice. If it is allowed, it is vital to establish strict rules that prevent potential abuse.” Mitro said that the most common approach is setting a maximum debt to equity ratio that effectively limits the borrowing to no more than 60-70% of the capital costs. Also, Mitro said that these regimes may limit the repayment period of the local computations so that interest isn’t excessive. Another common practice, the official pointed out, is to cap the rate of interest. In this way, Mitro said that governments avoid companies pushing a lot of their corporate debt at inflated rates into the local project, merely in order to obtain cost recovery benefit at the expense of the government. Mitro said that there have been notable cases of abuse such as Chevron in Australia where the authorities accused them of charging interest to their local affiliate

at a rate that was well above their actual borrowing rate merely to obtain tax recovery benefits in Australia. SRI LANKA’S MARINE ENVIRONMENT WORSENS FROM LEAKED SHIP CHEMICALS According to Phys.org, the damage to Sri Lanka’s marine environment from a sinking chemical ship is worse than feared as stated by officials on Friday, as more dead turtles, dolphins and whales washed up on the island’s beaches. As of Thursday, 130 marine animals have been found dead on the Indian Ocean’s beaches since the MV X-Press caught fire last month before partially sinking off the coast after two weeks ablaze.

Sri Lanka’s government believes that they were killed by the hundreds of tonnes of chemicals and plastics leaking from the ship. According to a wildlife official, at least six turtle carcasses washed up along the western coast on Thursday alone. He said they had also received the first report of a shoal of reef fish dying at Hikkaduwa, a southern tourist resort area known for its rich coral reefs. As the investigation continued, 115 turtle carcasses were collected along with the carcasses of 15 dolphins and five whales. They include a blue whale carcass found off the northern Jaffna Peninsula, about 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of Colombo, last week. The Singapore-registered ship was known to be carrying 81 containers of hazardous chemicals, including 25

tonnes of nitric acid, when it caught fire. Around 1,200 tonnes of tiny plastic pellets and other debris that blanketed beaches have been scooped up and are being stored in 45 shipping containers. Sri Lanka is seeking $40 million in damages from the ship’s operators X-Press Feeders. Local police have launched a criminal probe against the ship’s captain, chief engineer, chief officer as well as its local agent as environmentalists are also suing the government and the owners for allegedly failing to prevent the disaster. The Sri Lankan Navy said meanwhile on Friday, stated that another container ship on its way from Colombo to Singapore had reported an engine room fire and that one crew member was missing. Around 200 container ships (Continued on page 26)

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From page 25 and oil tankers sail past Sri Lanka every day on the busy routes between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Many dock in Colombo, the biggest transshipment hub in South Asia. TUESDAY ECOATLANTIC GRABS UP SHARES IN SUSPICIOUSLY AWARDED CANJE BLOCK Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Limited, an oil and gas exploration company with licences in the proven oil province of Guyana and the highly prospective basins of Namibia, was pleased to announce Monday that it acquired a 10 percent interest in JHI Associates Inc. Kaieteur News would have previously reported that JHI is a privately owned company that is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Despite having zero background in deep-water drilling, it holds a 17.5 percent working interest in the Canje Block, which was suspiciously awarded under the Donald Ramotar administration. The said concession is operated by ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). Other companies with stakes in the offshore concession include Total Exploration and Production (E&P) Guyana B.V. with 35 percent and MidAtlantic Oil & Gas Inc. with 12.5 percent. It should be noted that JHI is a Guyana pure-play deep-water exploration company that was only founded in 2011. In 2014, JHI had teamed up with Guyanabased Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc. (“MOGI”) which was awarded the Canje Block in 2015. Both companies are industry unknowns. In 2016, ExxonMobil joined the Canje Block as Operator, and in 2018 Total Energies farmed into the Block. Five years of extensive technical and seismic data analysis led to the Canje partners identifying multiple drillable prospects and successfully applying for a multi-well drilling permit. The 2021 multi-well exploration programme on the Canje Block seeks to test the extension of the prolific hydrocarbon system, which has resulted in over nine billion barrels of oil equivalent of recoverable resources being discovered in the adjacent Stabroek Block since 2015. It should be noted that

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Kaieteur News

this transaction would increase Eco Atlantic’s presence in the GuyanaSuriname basin to include a three well drilling programme, with the first two firm wells on the Canje Block drilling in 2021 and at least one on the Orinduik Block, subject to partner approval. The Jabillo1 well is currently being drilled on the Canje Block utilising the Stena Carron drillship with results expected in July. The Sapote-1 well is scheduled to be drilled later this year in the third quarter by the Stena DrillMax in the eastern portion of the Canje Block, which Eco will also have exposure to through its shareholding in JHI. Eco disclosed to the international market Monday that JHI is carried on the costs for the drilling of the first well, Jabillo-1, and would also be carried for an offsetting appraisal well in the case of a discovery. Led by ExxonMobil as the Operator and technical lead, Eco said the wells offer an opportunity to participate in an anticipated extension of the Stabroek Block Oil discovery trend, thereby building on the over nine billion barrels of oil equivalent resources already discovered. It was further noted that Eco Atlantic has funded the JHI Investment through its own cash reserves, and intends to complete an associated private placement with its strategic partner Africa Oil Corp. (“Africa Oil”) and with Charlestown Energy Partners LLC (“Charlestown Energy”), a private equity firm based in New York, USA, to raise additional funds of approximately $6.1M CAD (US$4.9M). In Guyana’s Orinduik Block, Eco holds a 15 percent Working Interest alongside TOQAP Guyana B.V., a company jointly owned by Total E&P Guyana B.V. and Qatar Petroleum, and the Operator Tullow Oil with 60 percent. The Orinduik Block is adjacent and up dip to ExxonMobil Operated Stabroek Block, on which 20 discoveries have been announced. Jethro-1 was the first major oil discovery in the Orinduik Block. The Jethro-1 encountered 180.5 feet (55 meters) of net heavy oil pay in excellent Lower Tertiary sandstone reservoirs, which further proves recoverable oil resources. Joe-1 is the second discovery on the Orinduik Block and comprises high quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir, with a high porosity of Upper Tertiary age. The Joe-1 well encountered 52 feet

(16 meters) of continuous thick sandstone, which further proves the presence of recoverable oil resources. In Namibia, the company holds interests in four offshore petroleum licences totalling approximately 28,593km2 with over 2.362bboe of prospective P50 resources in the Walvis Basin. These four licences, Cooper, Guy, Sharon and Tamar are being developed alongside partners Azinam and NAMCOR. Eco has been granted a drilling permit on its Cooper Block (Operator). Eco Atlantic is also a 70 percent shareholder in Solear Ltd., an independent private clean energy investment company focused on low cost, high yield solar development projects in southern Europe. Solear offers investors exposure to a portfolio of preconstruction opportunities across the renewable energy value chain, from Ready-toBuild to early-stage development. BOTSWANA RECEIVES 10% ROYALTY ON ITS DIAMONDS WHILE GUYANA SETTLES FOR 1 1/2% While Guyana has settled for a mere 1.5 percent in royalties on its diamonds from Chinese Mining Company, Zijin Mining Group, Botswana, an African nation, has made sure that it collects 10 percent royalty from any mining company, working its mines. The huge difference between the two countries’ royalty rates was brought to Kaieteur News’ attention following reports on Friday June, 18, 2021 that the world’s third largest diamond was unearthed in Botswana.

According to Fox Business Africa, the diamond, which measures 1,098 carats, was mined by Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers Group, an international Diamond company founded in 1888 by British businessman, Cecil Rhodes. Fox Business Africa also pointed out in its article that the Botswana government receives as much as 80 percent of the income from Debswana’s sales through dividends, royalties and taxes. Kaieteur News later found out from a power point document prepared by Botswana’s former Principal Minerals Officer, Onthusitse Melaetsa, that the royalty percent paid by Debswana is 10 percent. In fact, the country’s fiscal regime dictates that any company mining diamonds must pay 10 percent royalty in addition to corporate tax and withholding tax on dividends. Apart from the 10 percent royalty Botswana receives, it also reaps revenues from its 50 percent shares in the Debswana Mining Company along with 22 percent in corporate tax. In a press release published in March 2018 by Debswana’s partner, De Beer’s Group published, it was noted that more than 80 percent of the company’s profits is returned to the people of Botswana. Meanwhile in Guyana’s deal with Chinese mining company, Zijin Mining Group, should it find diamonds in the Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), the country will only receive 1.5 percent royalty on the related sales. The Zijin Mining Group acquired the mine from Canadian owned Guyana

Goldfields, which had acquired the licence for AGM, and as such enjoys provisions that were enshrined in the contract for the operations in the CuyuniMazaruni locale. According to the contract, “The Applicable Royalty for any Valuable Mineral other than gold shall be 1.5 percent on the actual proceeds received by the company from any smelter, refinery or any other armslength third party purchaser from the sale of concentrates, metals, diamonds or any other mineral or metal products produced from the property.” Zijin Mining Group’s main operation in Guyana is gold mining but even that the company has the privilege to determine the amount of royalties it pays to country. The same contract allows the Chinese company to pay royalty based on the price it gets for the sale of its gold from the buyer it selects and not at the prevailing world market price. Should the company sell its gold for US$1,000 per ounce or less, then Guyana gets five percent in royalty. If Zijin Mining Group finds a buyer more than US$1,000 per ounce, then Guyana will receive eight percent royalty from the sales. A perusal of the contract also illustrates that when it comes to imports, the company also enjoys a wide range of waivers. Under the prescribed provisions in the contract, the Chinese Company is entitled to import into the country or purchase domestically, free of import duties, Value Added Tax and any other direct or indirect taxes on all equipment, supplies and materials for the project.

It is also provided under the contract that “for greater certainty,” the company or any local or foreign contractor retained for the project purposes shall not be required to pay any licence fees, duties or other charges related to importing or purchasing materials in Guyana for the purpose of the project. Apart from these “luxury” provisions, Zijin Mining Group is only paying US$5 or GYD$1,000 rental for every acre of land it has in its claim. Despite the startling revelations published by this newspaper, Guyana’s former president, Samuel Hinds, in a letter to this newspaper argued that royalty rates and provisions are “standard” when compared to other countries in the world. While defending the land rental fee, he said, “That statement is true… absolutely true for each and every large-scale gold mine, whether owned by a Chinese, a Canadian, an American, an Australian, a European, a Ghanaian, an Indian, a Pakistani, a Saudi, a Guyanese, or any nationality.” He added too, that by criticising the contract it sends a bad message to foreign investors who might have interest in Guyana. POLICE PROMOTION LIST RELEASEDAFTER COURT CHALLENGE THROWN OUT The case filed by Senior Superintendent of Police, Calvin Brutus, to challenge the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) 2020 promotion list on the basis of what he termed as “unfair criteria for elevating officers,” has been thrown out by Chief (Continued on page 27)

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From page 26 Justice (Ag), Roxane GeorgeWiltshire. The case filed by Senior Superintendent of Police, Calvin Brutus, to challenge the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) 2020 promotion list on the basis of what he termed as “unfair criteria for elevating officers,” has been thrown out by Chief Justice (Ag), Roxane GeorgeWiltshire. Brutus had moved to the High Court in a bid to block promotions for senior members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) until the decision not to promote him is recanted. Brutus’ case was among a series of lawsuits filed in the High Court by police officers to block the promotions of other ranks including, Senior Superintendents of Police, Edmond Cooper, Philip Azore and Kurleigh Simon. Among other things, Brutus complained that the PSC’s decision not to promote police officers with pending disciplinary complaints regardless of the nature or seriousness of such complaints, “perpetuates a permanent injustice” against him and others who are scheduled for promotions. However in her ruling Monday, Justice GeorgeWiltshire essentially said that there is nothing unlawful about considering disciplinary matters when making a decision whether to promote a police rank or not. While the officers had challenged the PSC on the grounds that their method of promotion has been unfair and unlawful given that the commission had withheld their promotion owing to pending disciplinary cases, the Chief Justice noted that the Court could not reasonably declare the policy as unlawful, and said it could amount to a usurpation of the PSC’s authority. The judge noted too, that the Court could not require the PSC to reconsider its decision. “We can only ask that a system be put in place to ensure that disciplinary matters are finalised without delay,” the judge said, noting that the case only served to highlight “the poor and haphazard system,” of the GPF for dealing with disciplinary matters of police officers. Further, in her ruling, the judge declared, “I would not quash the promotions of the other officers.” As such, moments after the decision was rendered by the Chief Justice, the PSC released a list of officers who were promoted in 2020. But in a subsequent statement issued on behalf of

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the Government, Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC, said that government would not recognise the 2020 list of police promotions issued, since the PSC had been suspended by President, Irfaan Ali, since June 16, last. “The Government of Guyana rejects as unlawful and illegal, a list of purported promotions of members of the Guyana Police Force by the Police Service Commission,” the statement continued, adding that, the decision of the President to suspend the PSC was communicated to each member of the PSC by way of a letter. As such, the statement noted, that the said decision can only be rescinded, revoked, set-aside or reversed by the President himself, or by a court of competent jurisdiction. “No person, let alone, a constitutional commission, will be allowed to become judge, jury and executioner in our constitutional democracy. The rule of law simply does not permit it,” the AG said in the release. In this regard, the statement said that the attempt of the PSC, therefore, to countermand, disobey and disregard the President’s decision, not only amounts to an effrontery to the highest executive office in the land, but is simply absurd. “If anyone had any doubts about the independence and rectitude of this grouping that constitute the Police Service Commission, those doubts should now be put to rest,” it added. According to Nandlall, “it must be made abundantly clear, that nothing in the ruling rendered this afternoon by the learned Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, in the case filed by Mr. Calvin Brutus, Senior Superintendent of Police, against the PSC and the Attorney General, gives legitimacy to the purported list of promotions issued by the PSC or any such list, as suggested in certain segments of the press.” In this regard, Nandlall alluded to the fact that one of the grounds that the PSC proffered in opposition to the

case brought by Mr. Brutus is that, “the Commission has not made a final decision regarding promotions.” In the circumstances, the AG noted that the purported list of promotions of members of the GPF would be ignored. WEDNESDAY LOWENFIELD, MYERS, MINGO CHARGED FOR DECLARING FALSE ACCOUNTS OF VOTES Embattled Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, and Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, were Tuesday charged with conspiracy to declare false accounts of votes. The three Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials were slapped with two charges, one for the March 2, 2020, Regional Elections and the latter charge for the General Elections. They appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus. They were not required to plead to the charge which alleges that between March 2, 2020, and August 2, 2020, in Georgetown, they conspired with each other, together with former APNU+AFC Coalition Minister and current Chair of the People’s National Congress, Volda Lawrence; Coalition activist, Carol Smith-Joseph; Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings, Michelle Miller and others, to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. Principal Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus granted the defendants bail in the total sum of $100,000, each for the two charges and the matter was adjourned to September 14, 2021. On June 9, 2021, the matter was filed in court. However, when the matter was called in Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus’ courtroom, the officials were

not in court. As a result, the matter was adjourned to Tuesday’s date, where they appeared and the charge was read to them. This publication had reported that a few days before the new charges was filed, Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo were called into the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, had related to this newspaper that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) would be instituting two additional charges of conspiracy to defraud against the officials. Last Wednesday, GECOM decided to send the three officials on annual leave pending the outcome of discussions on a motion seeking their dismissal. According to reports, the decision to instruct the officers to proceed on annual leave followed a statutory meeting of GECOM Commissioners. According to a statement disseminated by the Commission, Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo, proceeded on leave with effect from last Monday. The officials are currently before other City Magistrates for electoral fraud. The charges stemmed from a series of alleged grave violations by the GECOM workers connected to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and for their defiance of the instructions by the GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, who instructed that the recount figures be used for the final results of the elections. Their alleged attempt to rig last year’s elections has left Lowenfield facing three counts of misconduct in public office, three counts of forgery, and the two new

conspiracy charges, while Myers is facing two counts of misconduct in public office and the new conspiracy charges. In addition to the new charges, Mingo is facing four charges alleging that he misconducted himself in public office by failing to disclose the number of votes that were counted during the elections. Apart from those charges, Mingo was charged jointly with Lawrence for forgery and he also faced another joint forgery charge with Smith-Joseph. The trio is currently out on bail. Kaieteur News had reported that the controversial Region Four Statements of Poll (SoPs) for the March 2 elections were recently handed over to investigators at CID. The handing over of the documents followed an order by the Chief Justice (Ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire, for them to be turned over to the police by the Supreme Court’s Registrar, Sueanna Lovell. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, and the Commissioner of Police (Ag), Nigel Hoppie, had filed an application in the High Court for the SoPs and the Statement of Recounts (SoRs) to be released to investigators. They had requested the documents of the election in order to facilitate a fair hearing for the charges against the key GECOM officials. HENRY BOYS’ RELATIVEAMONGFOUR REMANDED FOR HARESH SINGH’S MURDER Shortly after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) returned advice, the four men who were in custody for the murder of West Coast Berbice

teenager Haresh Singh of No.3 Village, West Coast Berbice were Tuesday charged with the capital offence of murder. The men, Phillip Anderson called ‘Ratman’, 29 of Lot 25 No.3 Village, West Coast Berbice; Joel Gittens called ‘Bolo’, 27 of Jangotown, East Coast Demerara; and Charles Scott called ‘Bucko’, 21 of Lot 29 Jarvis Street, Rosignol, Berbice; and Henry relative, Gladston Henry called ‘Gladwin Henry’, aka ‘Soldier man’, 27 of No.3 Village, West Coast Berbice were arrested by ranks from the Guyana Police Force’s Major Crimes Unit and were charged Tuesday with murder committed on the 9th September, 2020 at Number 3 Village, West Coast Berbice. The men appeared virtually before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Fort Wellington Magistrate Court and were not required to plead to the indictable charge. They were subsequently remanded to prison and the case was adjourned to 12th July, 2021. The matter was also transferred to the Blairmont Magistrate Court for report. About a week ago, three of the men were arrested and as investigations intensified into the murder of Haresh Singh, ranks from the Major Crimes Unit grilled the men in custody and at least one of the suspects cracked under intense interrogation and reportedly confessed to being a part of the plot and murder of Singh. He implicated the three others in the brutal crime and named a relative of the Henry boys as the mastermind behind the killing to revenge the death of Isaiah and Joel Henry whose butchered bodies were found in the Cotton Tree Backdam three weeks prior to (Continued on page 28)

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From page 27 Singh’s death. A wanted bulletin was issued by the GPF for Gladston Henry, who later turned himself over to authorities in the company of his lawyer, Nigel Hughes. Violent protest actions had erupted on the West Coast Berbice that dragged on for days, vehicles were burnt, people were brutalised, robbed and terrorised. Several persons including the grandfather of Haresh Singh were arrested and questioned in connection with the murders of Isaiah and Joel; however, these men were released after the police found that that there was no evidence to keep them further in custody. Following the release of Haresh Singh’s grandfather and the other men, Singh’s relatives told Kaieteur News that they were taunted and terrorised by relatives of the Henry boys. On the day of Singh’s death, he was on his way on his motorcycle to the No.3 Backdam to carry water for his other relatives when he was attacked, battered to the head and about his body and left to die. His motorcycle was burnt and he was found barely breathing by relatives. Singh was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed some 15 minutes later. Earlier this year, on March 7, 2021 the brother of one of the Henry boys, Mark Henry called ‘Chips man’ was charged for the murder of his neighbour Surujdeo Deochand called ‘Sarjie’. Deochand was found dead with chop wounds about his body in his home on March 30, 2021. He was the neighbour of Mark Henry and was one of the men who was arrested and released for the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry. Mark Henry while in custody had confessed to killing Deochand to revenge the Henry boys’ deaths, he is currently on remand for the murder. THURSDAY EXXON INSTALLS UPGRADED GAS COMPRESSOR SYSTEM ON LIZA DESTINY – EPA APPROVES APPLICATION TO FLARE MORE GAS UNTIL TESTS COMPLETED ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), announced Wednesday, that the upgraded and repaired discharge silencer for the flash gas compressor and a new venturi were safely installed on the Liza Destiny vessel with the first phase of

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testing successfully completed earlier this week. The flash gas compression system was started up on June 19, last, for the first testing phase and was shut down on June 28, last, in order to remove temporary probes and instrumentation. During the first testing phase Exxon said it was able to reduce the flare to pilot level. ExxonMobil was keen to note, that initial test results indicate improvements in pulsation dampening performance while adding, that the second phase of testing will begin on July 4. Upon successful completion, Exxon said it expects the system to continue into normal operation. To ensure it remains in compliance with its environmental permit, Exxon said it applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval to flare above pilot level for this extended period of equipment testing. Pilot level means one million standard cubic feet of gas. Public and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud, said the EPA approved the company’s application which will allow it to flare gas until July 24, 2021. She said this approval was sought to ensure the company during its testing phase is not in breach of its permit. As previously communicated, a new redesigned flash gas compressor is being manufactured, and is expected to arrive in the country during the fourth quarter of this year. It is scheduled for set up in November. WORLD BANK APPROVES ADDITIONAL US$6M FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE, VACCINES IN GUYANA The World Bank (WB) approved Wednesday; US$6 million in additional financing

for the Guyana COVID-19 Emergency Response Project to support affordable and equitable access to COVID19 vaccines and ensure effective vaccine deployment in Guyana. In a release the World Bank noted that the project will also support general preparedness, resilience, and overall health system strengthening. “An efficient and equitable rollout of COVID-19 vaccines will be critical to save lives and restore economic activities in Guyana,” said Ozan Sevimli, World Bank Resident Representative for Jamaica and Guyana. “The World Bank is closely coordinating with development partners and Government of Guyana counterparts to support the vaccination campaign, and long-term improvements to the country’s healthcare system.” The pandemic has had socioeconomic impacts, including job losses, which disproportionately affect women. This additional financing to the Guyana COVID-19 Emergency Response Project, the World Bank noted, will fund the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines. According to the Bank too, “It will help the Government of Guyana strengthen health system functions that are necessary for immunisation, such as vaccine awareness communication, human resources, information systems, and waste management. The additional financing to this project also aims to increase overall health system preparedness to tackle future emergencies.” According to the release, the original project was approved in November 2020, to support Guyana’s pandemic response and strengthen the country’s health system. US$5 million of the additional financing that

was approved Wednesday comes from the International Development Association (IDA). Guyana receives interest-free financing from IDA, with a maturity of 40 years, including a grace period of 10 years. An additional US$1 million is a grant from the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Multi-Donor Trust Fund. FRIDAY GOVT. HAS WEAKENED ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS IN FAVOUR OF EXXONMOBIL – DR. VINCENT ADAMS – CALLS FOR LIZA, PAYARA PERMITS TO BE AMENDED When one considers the ramifications of certain actions the government has taken to regulate the oil sector, it is clear that there has not been a strengthening of industry standards. Instead, the principles have been weakened in favour of ExxonMobil. Making this statement among others Thursday at a virtual press conference that was held by the Alliance For Change (AFC) was former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams. He was at the time denouncing what he referred to as the “callous misinformation campaign” being peddled by the PPP/C Government. Dr. Adams said the message of the PPP/C is that it strengthened the environmental permits awarded to ExxonMobil. He noted however that when the modifications made by the PPP/C are examined alongside what existed in the past, it is clear that the government is spreading a false message. The first amendment he highlighted to prove his point was in relation to flaring in the

Payara Environmental Permit. Dr. Adams said a provision was modified to allow flaring to be done for up to 60 days from the time of start-up instead of the two days that were previously agreed to by the team of experts who were examining the permit. He noted that apart from himself, the team had comprised of technical personnel from the Department of Energy, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the EPA. Dr. Adams contended that such an amended provision in the Payara Permit is a “godsend” for ExxonMobil given its record on the Liza Phase One Project. He recalled that ExxonMobil was flaring from the time the project commenced in December 2019 and at a maximum level of 90 million cubic feet of gas for 60 days. If this performance is replicated at ExxonMobil’s Liza Phase Two Project where production will be 220,000 barrels of oil per day (double the Liza Phase One capacity) then flaring of gas could reach into the billions in a matter of days. Another “gimmick” of the government to show that it has supposedly improved industry standards are with the introduction of a flaring penalty said Dr. Adams. In May, the government had announced that the Liza Phase One Permit was amended to include a provision which states that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), will pay the EPA US$30 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent released after May 13, 2021 via the Liza Destiny vessel. If one were to do their research, it would be seen that this tax should be between US$60 and US$100, Dr. Adams intimated. But the worst part about this move by the government is not that it

has shortchanged itself, the former EPA said – Dr. Adams argues that the fact that Guyana has no expert or technical person at the EPA who is capable of properly calculating this penalty is much worse. He said that, due to this, Guyana would therefore be led by ExxonMobil on what it wants to pay to the regulator. In addition, Dr. Adams noted that the amendment by the government does not say what happens after the contractor is made to pay the fee. “It does not say how long you can continue to flare, so you can therefore go on forever. I have dealt with these companies and if it is cheaper to flare then that is what they will do,” the environmental expert noted. Upon taking these and other issues into consideration, Dr. Adams said he is convinced that the government has not strengthened the principles of the industry. He categorically stated that they have been weakened for ExxonMobil to continue its abuse against the State. The former EPA Head also told Kaieteur News in an invited comment after Thursday’s press conference that he is calling on the PPP/ C to withdraw the modifications it made to the Liza Phase One and Payara Permits as this would be in keeping with the best interest of the people. He said he would also call for an independent team of experts to be convened to investigate the issue of flaring by ExxonMobil for the last 18 months. The former EPA Head said this is crucial given the oil giant’s inability to resolve issues that have led to flaring. GAS COMPRESSOR ISSUES Since start up in December 2019, Kaieteur News would have followed and reported on ExxonMobil’s continually malfunctioning gas compressor system. On December 20, 2020, it had announced that the gas compressor issue was fixed. But during that one-year period, it had already flared 12.4 billion cubic feet of gas per day, equivalent to the removal of 1.6M acres of forest. In simpler terms, this means that Exxon flared toxic Natural gas that could have been offset by a forest the size of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2020/12/22/exxons-flaringthis-year-equivalent-to-theremoval-of-1-6m-acres-offorest/). But the issues didn’t (Continued on page 29)

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From page 28 stop there as the system malfunctioned for a second time on January 13, 2021. The company did not reveal the cause but said that it was fixed within a matter of hours, or so it thought. https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/03/07/exxonmobil-hadflared-early-january-claims-itlasted-less-than-hours/). On January 29, 2021, the gas compressor broke down for a third time, forcing ExxonMobil this time around to send the faulty equipment to Germany for repairs and upgrades. A detailed assessment of the compressor subsequently revealed that an axial vibration of the compressor rotor is what led to other mechanical disruptions. The equipment was back in Guyana by the second week of March where it was installed on the Liza Destiny vessel. Tests during installation were being carried out. (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/03/14/exxons-repairedcompressor-back-in-guyana/ ). But before that could be completed, the gas compressor, which was supposedly repaired and upgraded, malfunctioned for the fourth time. It was subsequently removed and transported to Houston, USA, where it was repaired. Exxon reported this week that the equipment was recently installed at the second phase of tests are being carried out. ExxonMobil also reminded that an order was made for a new compressor, which is due to arrive in Guyana for installation before year-end. SATURDAY EPA DEFENDS 60-DAY ALLOWANCE FOR FLARING IN LIZA, PAYARA PERMITS - INSISTS PROVISIONS IN KEEPING WITH INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Friday came out in defence of the modifications it made to the Liza Phase One and Payara environmental permits over the past few months, as it insisted that the amendments are in keeping with international best practices. The modifications were severely criticised this week by former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams. He said the changes made to the permits have essentially weakened the standards ExxonMobil should be made to comply with. In fact, Dr. Adams had chided the EPA for inserting

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provisions into the Liza and Payara permits, which allow ExxonMobil to flare gas for 60 days. Dr. Adams had pointed to the ridiculous nature of this allowance as he said in the USA, ExxonMobil’s home country; the standard allowance for flaring during start-up of operations is 48 hours. The former EPA Head had said too that the period of 48 hours was agreed to by himself and other government officials during his time at the EPA when the Payara permit was under discussion. But in its missive to the press, the EPA defended the 60-day provision as it said international benchmarking shows that the typical acceptable start-up period averages 90 days. The EPA therefore concluded that the 60-day requirement is much more stringent as it is well below the average international benchmark. The EPA further noted that contrary to what Dr. Adams claims, “there was never an agreement to prescribe two days of startup since this was impossible given the nature of the installations.” The regulator also took issue with Dr. Adams’ recent criticism that the permits contain no provision to stop flaring after 60 days. The EPA categorically stated that this is erroneous while adding that both permits specifically state: “The Permit Holder shall not exceed sixty (60) days of flaring during startup.” Moreover, the EPA said there is no “carte blanche” for flaring under ‘Special Circumstances’ either, as the company is required to seek approval from the EPA for any flaring beyond 48 cumulative hours. It also stressed that routine flaring and venting are also strictly prohibited by both permits. In addition to the foregoing, the EPA said it maintains and reserves the right to reject any request for flaring made pursuant to these Permits. The agency said too that if an approval is given, it might include such terms and conditions as may be appropriate, including

reduced timelines for any proposed flaring events. Pursuant to Condition 3.17 of the Payara Environmental Permit for example, the EPA said it has established a payment for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions as a result of flaring at the rate of USD$30 per tonne of CO2e, consistent with similar mechanisms included in the modified Liza 1 Permit. It said that the institution and applicability of this payment is determinable by the EPA, in consideration of the Polluter Pays Principle. The EPA further noted that it reserves the right to increase this rate where any instance of flaring exceeds sixty (60) days. It also refuted any allegations that it lacks the requisite capacity and capabilities to perform the necessary calculations for the US$30 penalty. The EPA said it has a wide variety of professionals qualified in environmental management, chemistry, engineering and other pertinent fields and recruits additional expertise, local and international as necessary. With the foregoing in mind, the EPA said it views the Payara Environmental Permit and the Modified Liza 1 Environmental Permit as marked improvements, particularly in consideration of the more specific flare management conditions that are consistent with industry practice in order to regulate and/or deter periods of flaring. The EPA said specifically, the Payara Permit was a major improvement in that it also included provisions for produced water management, cradle to grave waste management, insurance requirements and reporting mechanisms; which were notably absent from the Liza permits. In conclusion, the EPA said it wishes to assure the public that it has pursued, and continues to pursue environmental safeguards and deterrent mechanisms to address any prolonged periods of flaring, which may

pose risks to the environment, consistent with best practice and international standards. INDIAN MAKES FIRST PURCHASE OF GUYANA’S OIL - GOVT. SAYS IT WILL PROVIDE DETAILS Indian Oil Corporation Limited, a State owned refinery has just purchased its first million barrels of Guyana’s light sweet crude oil from the Liza project. According to international news entity, Reuters, the shipment will arrive on August 8 at India’s Paradip port aboard the Greeceflagged tanker, Militos, and is to serve the purpose of a trial cargo as the governments of India and Guyana attempt to negotiate an oil supply contract. This marks the first time that an Indian state refinery has purchased Guyanese crude. In March, Private refiner, HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited, purchased a million barrels. An oil supply contract for state refineries has long reaching implications, as India is the world’s third

biggest oil importer and consumer. It also imports over 80 percent of the oil it consumes. Oprice.com had previously reported that there are two main dimensions to India’s interest in Guyanese oil. The first is economic in nature and stems from India’s willingness to diversify its crude imports. Despite its current COVID-triggered difficulties, industry experts believe India’s appetite for crude will grow larger as the impacts of the pandemic begin to lessen. Furthermore, India has been voicing its discontent with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pricing and production policies and securing a new stream would prove invaluable for Indian refiners. The second link between Guyana and India is less pronounced but still noteworthy says Oilprice.com. It relates to the fact that India and Guyana share cultural links and a history of trade relations hence the birth of the deal. It should be noted too that on the heels of a decision

by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, also known as OPEC+ to not ease supply curbs, global oil prices had spiked and consequently, India had asked state refiners to expedite the diversification of crude sources to lessen the demand on Middle Eastern oil, the results of which saw engagements with the government of Guyana for Liza oil. This first ‘trial shipment’ occurs at a time when the global oil prices appear to be fluctuating around US$75 per barrel, which has been the highest it has ever been since Guyana began production in 2019. Despite this apparent prime position for Guyana however, no mention has been made as it relates to the price per barrel of the Guyanese oil that India has acquired. When contacted by this publication to comment on the matter of the selling price, the government had indicated that the relevant details would be made known in an upcoming press release. To date, such a release has yet to be issued.

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==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

A nation’s survival depends on the totality of society’s integrity T

here are institutions in the United States that will generate immense anger from citizens if they do wrong things. They are the associations that govern professional sports, especially basket ball, football and baseball, the airline industry, the big tech companies, the media, hospitals, business companies, the movie industry. These sectors in the US are viewed as important as any other part of America. The media and people in general will go after them just as they would confront the government over wrong-doing. Guyana should be generally known as the silly society. In Guyana we see the government as the only part of the society that affects the psychology and morality of the total nation. It is sickening when you read editorials and letters and you see the following, “oh the government must be more transparent, oh, that is not the way government does thing, oh, the government needs to be more accountable, oh, the government should heed the advice given.” It is not annoying but mentally shattering when you read these statements and you know that other institutions in Guyana are as immoral, perverse, detestable, unaccountable, insensitive, hypocritical, reckless. Yet the government, whether led by PPP, PNC or who else, is the target of 99 percent of the criticism of the

citizenry. There are institutions in this country that we need to put our focus on because their lack of responsibility can destroy Guyana. Yet you do not see the exclamation, “oh they should be more principled, oh, that is unbearable what they have done.” All you can read about is the government’s behaviour. Do you know how powerful the media is? Society cannot remain functional without the media. Yet Guyana’s has the most jejune and perhaps uninterested school of journalists. No country would allow a body of knowledge to go unrecorded as our journalists. They do not ask crucial questions that have to be asked for the sake of recording history. To date, not one question has been posed to any AFC or WPA leader as to the horrible mistakes they made while in government. No other country has produced sleeping academics as UG. In every other country, the major social issues are publicly analysed by academics but not in Guyana. One of the most reckless institutions in this country that is destroying this nation is the magistracy. The academic quality of our magistrates is one of the thinnest and tiniest in the entire world. The mediocrity of our magistrates is mind-boggling. The magistracy will go on to embarrass Guyana interna-

tionally because past and present government chose to remain silent. Since talented lawyers do not want to be magistrates, the lawyers who take the job are learned lawyers. So here is what they do. Knowing that they will not survive as lawyers, they find a fixed income in being magistrates. The result so far has been disastrous for the sanity of the citizenry of Guyana. Three PPP officials a few years ago were charged for assaulting me. The presiding magistrate, Judy Latchman, reminded me that her court is not like the story in the song, “Hotel California” that I frequently mention in my columns is one of my favourite songs. Guess what Latchman did? In court, she recited the lyrics of the song. In most societies, her sanity would have been a topic in the press. Magistrate Ann McLennan fined a woman convicted of trafficking in people. The law stipulates a prison sentence. No one wrote, “Oh, these people should not be on the bench, oh what a terribly bad decision.” I did the research. There has not been one editorial in any newspaper on the legal indiscretions of the magistracy in recent memory. Maybe there was one but that was in British Guiana in the 19th century. There has been no expression in the press about the longevity of trade union leaders. Some of these people

have chalked up three decades as head of their respective organisation. This had had a deleterious effect on the state of human rights in this country. Businesses and investment groups are flippant about trade union recognition because they have no respect for the questionable unions we have here. You don’t hear or read, “oh these union leaders are

destroying trade unionism in Guyana.” You don’t read or hear, “oh, the law must deal condignly with employers who do not pay NIS for their workers.” You don’t read or hear, “oh the press must provide readers of the newspapers their right to be heard. The Stabroek News said it will not publish letters that have appeared in other newspapers. You don’t read or hear, “oh

Frederick Kissoon that newspaper should be more accountable and fair.” (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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Coronavirus: Our behaviour patterns are fuelling super mutants By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center

A

ll around the world, newer vari ants of the SarsCov2 virus (Coronavirus) are being formed as they rapidly spread from person to person. Some of these variants are responsible for the surge in cases in countries such as Brazil and India. As a result, the health systems in these and other countries are overwhelmed, leading to devastating amounts of deaths on a daily basis. We need to learn from these experiences and avoid similar situations in Guyana. Today I will share with you the importance of mutations and why we should keep ahead of them and avoid the rising number of deaths that are currently occurring here. What are mutations? A virus uses the cells of its host to multiply and form more of itself so that it can continue to spread and thrive. Ever so often, error occurs when the virus is multiplying in the body of its host and it mutates into a different form of itself called a variant. So far, the coronavirus has mutated thousands of times and it will continue to

mutate once there are people available for it to infect. Many of the mutations have been insignificant but a few of them have resulted in variants that are more infectious and deadly. The Brazilian, UK and South African variants are examples of more infectious and deadly mutants that have already occurred and are fuelling the new worldwide surge. Scientists are concerned that the double and triple mutants discovered in India are behind the deadly rise in cases there and that they may become vaccine resistant forms soon, given the rapid rate of spread there. Why is it important to track mutations? It is important that both scientists and the general population keep track of variants as they evolve. In this way, the more deadly and infectious ones can be detected early and measures be implemented before they spread beyond control like what occurred in Brazil and India. The chance of a new variant forming increases every time the virus infects someone. The obvious solution therefore lies in minimising the spread by adherence to prevention measures and of course, getting vaccinated. What are the variants doing to us?

Each new wave of COVID19 infection worldwide has so far been traced back to a new variant. The first wave of infections came from the original SarsCov2 virus that came out of China. Then researchers detected a variant called D614G in Southern Europe which was responsible for the 2nd wave of infections worldwide. Since then, the spread of the infections became diverse and variants of interest from Brazil, UK, South Africa and now India, are the cause of the deadlier 3rd wave hitting the world currently. In India, variants with double and triple mutations are responsible for the devastation there and scientists are concerned about similar devastation if they escape and spread worldwide. Should this happen or these variants mutate into more deadlier forms, we will be facing the possibility of more waves of infections in the months to come. How will mutations affect vaccines? So far, the only reliable tool we have against COVID19 are vaccines. Data so far, still give vaccines the edge over these variants. However, some vaccines are showing weaker effects and the concern is that at some point, variants may form

that are totally resistant to the vaccines we have. In Guyana, we have effective vaccines that in theory should be effective against the suspected variants circulating with us. Yet, our death rates and infections are on the rise. We have the luxury that some in other parts of the world are fighting for; we can show up at the many vaccination sites countrywide and get vaccinated within a short time. Unfortunately, we have so many that are irresponsible and ill-informed that refuse to

be vaccinated. As a country, we have a rare opportunity where there is ease of access to vaccines and numbers that are sufficient to help curb the spread of COVID-19 here. The difficulty lies in getting sufficient persons motivated so that they can choose vaccination over superstitious or irresponsible thoughts and actions. I’m not sure what’s the right answer but if you’re reading this article, please become a vaccine advocate and spread the facts and en-

Dr. Zulfikar Bux courage those you know to get vaccinated. We can live in freedom again; do your part to help us get there sooner and save many lives in the process.

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Lessons from a Lashpreneur!!!

Product highlight: Permania Eyelash lifting kit By Latoya Zephyr Hey lash babes,this week we will be highlighting the product that we use for our lash lifts.....I know some of you have probably been curious to know what are some of the products we use to get those beautiful lasting results that you see. As u know One way to think of a lash lift is like a perm for your eyelashes. Unlike a lash extension, a lash liftsimply alters the shape and color of your natural lashes. ... The treatment involves “boosting and lifting each individual lash, before tinting them for thicker, darker, longer looking lashes. The preferred brand that we use is the Korean Lomansa Permania lash lifting kit. The Permania Keratin Eyelash Kit adds shape and volume to natural e y e l a s h e s . I t ’s a g r e a t alternative to eyelash extensions,for clients who prefer to enhance their existing natural lashes. Each Permania Eyelash Lifting Kit Includes: · Step 1: Lash Perming Lotion, Step 2: Lash Setting Lotion · These lotions are hygienic and simple to use, producing no wastage. They deliver gorgeous, long-lasting eyelash curves so you can get the most out of your keratin eyelash kit. · Step 3: Lash Essence · Lash Essence enhances, conditions, strengthens, and moisturizes the client’s natural lashes. The fixing function delivers a professional curl effect. · Lash Lifting Adhesive

(5ml) · This clear, non-toxic lifting adhesive is specially formulated to be fast and easy to use. Just add water, and it dissolves rapidly. · Keratin Boost (5.5ml) Keratin Boost strengthens, thickens, and protects the client’s natural lashes, leaving them looking shiny, bright, and healthy. · Lash Perm Rods This Keratin Eyelash Kit includes 16 Lash Perm Rods in the

following three sizes: · 3 pairs of C curl (sizes S/ M/L) · 5 pairs of U curl (Sizes SS/M/L/LL) · 4 pairs L curl (Sizes S/M/ L/LL) · Magic Wand The Magic Wand is a multifunctional tool that makes lash lifting a breeze. We always make sure to use the best quality and safe products as to give our clients the best results. To be continued next week.....

Wine of the week: The sultry Dark Horse Pinot Grigio The Dark Horse Pinot Grigio is awash with crisp, fruit notes to delight the palate. This delicious pale gold-coloured wine offers hints of lemon with notes of apple and stone fruits, the combination results in a race towards a delicious elegant finish. While pinot grigio is famously associated with creamy Italian pasta dishes and salty antipasti sharers, the Dark Horse Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with spice and cuts nicely through fried fish or vegetables. Be sure to enjoy this week’s selection responsibly.

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6 Simple Exercises To Improve Your Lung Health Since we are born, the very first thing we do is we breathe! Breathing feeds oxygen to every cell in the body through the lungs and expels out waste carbon dioxide. However, we usually take our lung functions and breathing for granted. We don’t consider the importance of our lungs unless we experience breathing problems, and the COVID-19 pandemic teaches us this! A lung capacity and volume are the total amounts of air that hold your lungs during inspiration and expiration. Over time, as we age, our lung capacity and functions decrease. Smoking, pollution, and other health problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make it worse. Though a person unable to control the amount of oxygen their lung can hold, lung exercises provide ways to help your lungs become more efficient at managing airflow and oxygen levels. Here are some basic exercises to improve your lung health along with its functional capacity. 1: Pursed-lip breathing Pursed-lip breathing exercise is easy and can be

done anywhere at any time. This exercise keeps your airway open for longer that facilitates the airflow into and out of the lung. These make it easier for the lungs to function and improves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This exercise can be beneficial for people who have less physical activity and not using their breathing muscles frequently. Steps to follow pursed-lip breathing – · Sit straight — good posture promotes healthy lung movements. · Inhale slowly throws your nostrils. · Purse your lips — as if you are pouting. · Breathe out as slowly as possible through pursed lips. · Repeat 2: Diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing Diaphragmatic breathing is one of the best exercises that use a diaphragm, a domeshaped sheet of muscles present between the chest and abdomen. It is also known as belly breathing as the stomach rises and falls with each breath. It is supposed to be primary breathing, but many of us develop a habit of using neck and back muscles that limit

the amount of air that enters and leaves the lungs. Follow these steps to practice diaphragmatic breathing – · Lie down straight and relax your body. · Put your hands lightly on your belly. · Inhale through the nose and make sure your stomach is moving outward while your chest remains still. · Exhale slowly for about two seconds, and your stomach should move inwards. · Repeat. 3: Rib stretch Rib stretch itself suggests what it says, stretch your ribs, which move during each breath. · Stand upright position by keeping your hands on your hips. · Slowly inhale air until your lungs fill. · Hold your breath for 20 seconds or for however long is comfortable. · Exhale slowly. · Repeat. 4: Yawn to smile This exercise gives space to your diaphragm to expand and provides strength to the chest muscles. · Sit upright on the edge of your bed or chair. · Reach arms overhead.

· Create a widestretching to yawn. · Bring your arms down and finish by smiling for three seconds. · Repeat. 5: Humming Any activity that works the abdominal muscles also works the lungs. A simple humming can increase your lung capacity. It also forces stale air out of the lungs so more fresh air can enter. It reduces stress and can help the patient remain in restoration mode. 6: Simhasan or Lion pose It is a unique pose that requires you to make a sound. The sound created during Simhasana resembles the roaring sound of a lion. · Distance your knees as far as you can comfortably, and toes of both the feet must be touching each other. · Move the body slightly forward. Place the palm of your hands on the floor right between the knees. · Slightly arch the back and move the head backwards. · Open your mouth and draw the tongue outwards towards the chin as far as you can. · As you exhale from the mouth, produce a sound

of ‘aah’ coming out from your throat. · Close the mouth after exhalation and inhale. · Relax the body in the final position. Benefits of breathing exercises 1. They relax your body 2. They improve oxygenation 3. Helps to reduce stress and increase energy levels 4. They detoxify your

body While lung exercises are always good for your health, if you have a chronic lung disease, always consult your doctor before starting an exercise regime. Remember, it’s necessary to listen to your body if you have chronic health problems. Also, you have to practice these exercises regularly for better results. (https:// pharmeasy.in/blog/6-simpleexercises-to-improve-yourlung-health/)

4 Healthy Eating Tips For Women Women are the pillars of the family. They always balance the demands of family, work, and society. They also have social pressure to eat in a certain way. But, maintaining a healthy diet can be difficult for women. Choosing healthy foods and drinks is the cornerstone of health. It boosts not only your energy but also keeps you healthy during various stages of life. As women, we often prone to neglecting our health and dietary requirements. It can be because of our busy schedule or used to prioritize our family’s health before our own. This can also be one of the reasons that you are trying to stick to your diet plan so strict that it leaves you short on nutrients and low on energy. The food choices you make every day may affect your health eventually in life. Choosing healthy food can prevent or manage various health problems that affect women. Also, it is important to note that women have different daily nutritional requirements than men.

Why women’s nutritional needs are higher than men? As children, dietary requirements are the same in both genders. But as females reach puberty, the nutritional needs increase because of physical and hormonal changes. Hormonal changes such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can cause changes in the female body where a healthy diet plays an important role. While women need fewer calories than men, they require a higher amount of vitamins and minerals. So, here are a few healthy eating tips for women – 1: Iron-rich foods The amount of blood present in your body depends on iron levels. Iron helps to form haemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood. Iron is essential for everyone, but the amount needed is different for women in every phase of life. Because of loss of blood during menstruation, pregnancy, and delivery; women require the double amount of blood as men. Low levels of iron may cause irondeficiency anaemia. Here are a few tips to get enough iron from your diet-

· Consume vitamin C-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits such as lemon. · Eat lean red meat. · Eat seafood and poultry food. · Avoid coffee, tea, or milk during meals. · The daily requirement of iron–18 mg/ day for an adult woman and 27 mg/day if pregnant. 2: Folate or vitamin B9 during reproductive age Folate or vitamin B9 is essential during childbearing age. It decreases the risk of birth defects when taken before conception and during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Folate can also reduce the risk of getting certain types of cancer and helps to produce estrogen after menopause. Foods to get folate or vitamin B9 – · Legumes–lentils, peas · Dark green leafy vegetables–spinach, kale · Citrus fruits–oranges, grapefruits · Nuts and seeds–walnut, almonds, flax seeds · Fortified grains · Avoid alcohol, nicotine. · The daily requirement of folate–400 mcg/day 3: Calcium for strong

bones For healthy bones and teeth, we need to eat calciumrich foods every day. Calcium also helps to regulate the heart’s normal rhythm and normal functioning of the nervous system. If you don’t get enough calcium, your bone will weaken, and this may lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis condition is more common in women than in men. Also, calcium deficiency can lead to irritability, weakness, fragile bones, etc. Some tips for more calcium consumption· Include more dairy products in your diet–milk, yoghurt, cheese. · Consume a lot of green leafy vegetables. · Eat nuts and seeds– almonds, sesame seeds. · Eat more seafood– fish, oysters. · Try to replace some meat items with tofu or tempeh. · Reduce the intake of caffeine, alcohol · The daily requirement of calcium– 1000–1200 mg/day 4: Vitamin D and magnesium-rich foods For healthy absorption of calcium, you need to take

vitamin D and magnesium along with calcium. Without magnesium and vitamin D, the body is unable to metabolise and use calcium. Here are some sources of vitamin D and magnesium – · Vitamin D–you can get the required amount of vitamin D from direct sunlight and foods such as fish, cod, milk, yoghurt, and fortified foods. · The daily requirement of vitamin D– 600 IU/day · Magnesium–eat green leafy vegetables, broccoli, summer squash, and a variety of seeds. · The daily requirement of magnesium– 320-400 mg/day The dietary requirement is different in every step for women. There are some phases of life where they need to prioritize healthy diet – 1: Daily, healthy eating tips for menstruating women – · Eat foods rich in iron and zinc–leafy vegetables, eggs, meat, nuts, and seeds · Increase your calcium intake–dairy products, milk, yoghurt · Take vitamin

supplements if needed · Add omega-3 fatty acids in your diet such as fish, cod to relieve menstrual cramps · Cut down the excess intake of salt to avoid bloating · Avoid fats, bakery products, and sugar · Cut out alcohol and caffeine 2: Healthy eating for pregnant and breastfeeding women During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman needs 300 extra calories than normal women. Because of the increased requirement, you need to focus more on a healthy diet. · Eat all kinds of nutritional foods–rich in iron, calcium, vitamins, minerals, etc. · Consume a lot of omega-3 fatty acids–fish · Eat high-quality proteins–from fish, poultry foods · Avoid alcohol consumption · Cut down caffeine and nicotine · Eat smaller and frequent meals. (https://pharmeasy.in/ blog/4-healthy-eating-tipsfor-women/)

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New church network launched - to host first meeting tomorrow

T

o mark the launch of the new C h r i s t i a n Minister’s fellowship – Special Miracles’ Ministries (SMM) Royalty Centre Church hosted a grand launching ceremony at its Lot 203 Freeman Street East La Penitence, headquarters, last Sunday.

There, Christian leaders, Ministers and congregants gathered to witness and celebrate the launch of Zion Ministers Network (ZMN). ZMN was launched as a platform for Christian leaders to combine their efforts to provide leadership training, support and service

to churches, ministers and the communities. Along with Archbishop Dr. Wingrove David Babb, Dr. Amy Babb, Prophet Neville Williams a n d B i s h o p Te r r e n c e Esseboom, the organisation was formed by Christian ministers all of whom share more than half a century in leadership roles and have

Special Miracles’ Ministries (SMM) Royalty Centre Church hosted the grand launching ceremony for ZMN last Sunday

Some of the Ministers who attended the launching ceremony held last Sunday. earned distinctions in their individual capacities in the faith. The launch followed two nights of meetings at the same venue with the launch ceremony held on Sunday. The launch featured performances from worship musicians and dancers, Psalmist, Timothy Roberts and a host of other special guests and attendees.

Following the ceremony, Bishop Esseboom, who is one of the founder leaders of ZMN, explained that the vision of the new Network is to break barriers/traditions of that which has been responsible for separation among the local churches. Esseboom explained, “We are a nondenominational Christian Organisation that seeks to unify the work of the body of Christ [the local Church] for the advancement of its people.” He said further, “what that really means is that even though our denominational background/or teachings may differ for instance, I am from a Church called New Testament Church of God but another leader (Pastor) may be from a Pentecostal Ministry, but we have common ground because we both believe in the same Christ though some teachings may be different, we can still combine our efforts to reach the goal of developing and advancing the work of the church for the greater good of the society and Guyana as a whole.” He emphasised however, that before the church reaches the nation, its members must learn to first cooperate and build relations among themselves. “For instance and this is just an example… We have seen Churches, Ministers stru g g l e t o achieve their goals on their own for simple things such as acquiring land to carry out the work or even build their homes. We at Zion want to change that ... We are a network to collectively represent the interest of the brethren. We will provide our support and

we are not looking to have anyone exempt from what we are doing once you share this vision, you are welcome to join us,” he explained. Further, Esseboom noted that ZMN will create a platform for churches to reach out to society’s rejected and underserved. He asserted, “I believe when we combine our efforts, we are able to go much further and reach more people...and there are some people and places that the church as a collective body has been failing to reach ...the LGBTQ community is one of them, we must find a way to reach them.” Esseboom said that while “the task ahead may be difficult, ZMN is up to the challenge.” He said too that while similar Church Networks may exist, ZMN is not seeking to compete with them. “ We a r e j u s t providing another outlet to s e r v e a n d b e supported...ZMN is about just that.” Under the umbrella of ZMN, Esseboom noted that Ministers will have the opportunity to support, serve, shepherd or lead the work of the church on a much grander scale. As such, the newly formed ZMN will be hosting a general meeting tomorrow (July 5, 2021) at 5pm at SMM Royalty Centre and all interested ministers and others are invited, Esseboom said. There, attendees will be free to ask questions, make suggestions and apply for membership. Those interested are asked to confirm their attendance by calling telephones numbers 2269880 or 225-8018. All COVID-19 guidelines will be in effect.

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The Worried Ladybug Mama By Cindy Eggleston

Sunday July 04, 2021

Junior page

One day a little ladybug mother stood in her yard and said, “Oh my, all of my little children have flown away, what will I do?” Her little green grasshopper friend who just happened to be sitting on a rock nearby said, “Don’t worry my little ladybug friend, they’ll be back. I think I saw them flying down toward the park earlier, they probably just went to play with their sow bug friends or the hedgehog twins.”“Oh, thank you, dear Mr Green grasshopper, I was so worried about my little ladybug babies, but you have eased my fear and made me happy. Now I can go in and make lunch so it will all be ready for them when they come home.

Pain the paper plate brown. Let the paint dry completely. Cut it in half.

Glue the halves together – most paper plates will will allow for the hedgehog to stand on it’s own if you glue the halves together. Mark the head area (to keep it leaf-free). Apply a

Would you like to stay and have a picnic with us outside on the lawn?”“Well yes, Mrs Ladybug dear, that sounds lovely. I am quite hungry indeed.” So, Mrs Ladybug went inside to make a brunch of little teeny tiny sandwiches and cookies and a teeny tiny pitcher of lemonade then flew it out on a bright red tray. Mr Green grasshopper hopped over and said, “Oh let me help you with that dear,” and set it down on the grass on the beautiful red and white checkered blanket. Just then they heard tiny little voices in the distance and looked up to see the little ladybug children flying toward home, their hedgehog friends following close behind. “Oh, there you are children, I was so worried when I came outside, and you weren’t playing in the yard. Don’t ever leave like that again without telling your Mama!” All the little ladybug children gathered

What you need: 1 paper plate fall leaves light brown paint paintbrush googly eyes black marker scissors glue

around their mother and cried, “Oh, we’re sorry mama, we’ll never do it again, we just were so excited when we heard the news. We were playing in the yard when the hedgehog twins came by and said there was a carnival in the park. But when Lilly went in to ask, she couldn’t find you, we’re so sorry, Mama!”

generous amount of glue and start sticking on leaves. Let each layer of leaves set for a bit. Once you are happy with

how your paper plate hedgehog craft looks stick on two googly eyes and draw a nose and mouth.

“Oh, I must have been out back watering flowers or perhaps hanging your little ladybug pajamas on the line. But no worries my dears, everything is fine now, take your friends and go inside and wash your little hands, then we’ll all have a picnic with our dear friend Mr Green Grasshopper and the hedgehog twins.”So, everyone sat down to eat until their tummies were so full, then happy and satisfied they all lay down in the warm sun and took a nice long nap.

Suguru The heavy lines indicate areas, called cages, from one to five squares in size. Fill each cage with unique digits, counting up from 1. So for example a 2-square cage contains the numbers 1 and 2; and a 5-square cage contains the numbers from 1 to 5. Adjacent (touching) squares, even ones that touch diagonally, may never contain the same number.

RY OET P H

IT

W FUN

Play Fair The games we play are so much fun, When my friends and I all meet, Cricket, football, hopscotch and skipping, They make our lives so sweet. But there are times when I find Some children don’t play so fair, They push and hit you when they lose, And sometimes even pull your hair. Games are one way we get to learn To be friendly, honest and kind; Play hard to win, but always play fair, And you will enjoy them all the time.

by Uncle Roy

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 04, 2021

TEEN TIME Develop yourself to the maximum by Building your Self-Esteem Anyone who wants to make a success of his life must first of all appreciate his true worth, and work to improve on these qualities which he can use this to achieve the goals he has set for himself. This will enable him to maintain a fair level of selfesteem. Some of the qualities a person must have if he/she is to possess this self-esteem to move forward are:1. A realistic view of self, with the ability to identify o n e ’s s t r e n g t h s a n d weaknesses, with the intention of reinforcing the strengths and working to remove the weaknesses. 2. Sensitivity to one’s environment, how one relates to it, how one’s existence and behaviour affect it, and how it affects oneself, and the things one can do towards its

improvement. 3.A personal philosophy, i.e. the ideas one has about oneself and the people and things around, and a clear sense of the principles which direct one’s actions. 4. A healthy attitude about the results one achieves in everyday living as well as any special endeavours – looking at success with humility and satisfaction, and facing failure with the determination to try harder. 5. Willingness to explore for ways to profit and learn from one’s mistakes. 6. Maintenance of one’s expressions and behaviour within sociall y

acceptable standards and not merely for one’s own benefit 7 . Wi l l i n g n e s s t o persevere, even in the face of hardship and frustration. Next week we will start exploring the elements one needs to consider to attain this self-esteem. Follow this series carefully, and learn all you can about building and maintaining your selfesteem. I can

assure you that it will certainly enrich your life, help you to achieve a balanced personality, and equip you to deal effectively with all the ups and downs with which you will be faced in your future.

POETS’ CORNER

We are all One No matter where we are born, We are all human beings, With the same chemistry, With the same emotions and feelings. You can’t get around it, No matter how you try, So you’d better believe it, You are no better than I. Though some may have more than others, And some know much more, We at all times have to laugh and cry, When our feelings come to the fore. So let us join the world To celebrate our brotherhood, And pray that peace would ever reign, And all live together for the common good.

A healthy and realistic view of oneself will always help to keep you on the road to worthy personal progress.

Slitherlink

Fill in some of the dotted line segments to form a meandering path that forms a single loop. The path does not cross itself, branch, or touch itself at corners. The numbers indicate how many line segments surround each cell. Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of line

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segments.There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing. You may find it helpful to mark segments that cannot be f i l l e d i n . N e e d s o m e s o l v i n g h e l p ? Vi s i t krazydad.com/slitherlink

TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY Uncle Roy is again appealing to our readers to make a contribution to this column by either giving a feedback on what is published, asking for some help with some personal problem, offering some advice to fellow teenagers, or sharing the news of what is happening in his/her community. Please send your contribution to roypaul2002@yahoo.com

Solutions to last week’s

Ripple Effect

Inky

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Simple Ways to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth at Home What causes teeth to look yellow? Multiple factors cause teeth to become dull and lose their bright, white sparkle. Certain foods can stain your enamel, which is the outermost layer of your teeth. Additionally, plaque buildup on your teeth can cause them to look yellow. This type of discoloration can usually be treated with regular cleaning and whitening remedies. However, sometimes teeth look yellow because the hard enamel has eroded, revealing the dentin underneath. Dentin is a naturally yellow, bony tissue that lies underneath the enamel. 1. Practice oil pulling Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy meant to improve oral hygiene and remove toxins from the body. Streptococcus mutans is one of the primary types of bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque and gingivitis. One study found that daily swishing with sesame oil significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans in saliva in as little as 1 week Unfortunately, no scientific studies have proven that oil pulling whitens your teeth. However, it’s a safe practice and worth a try. Many people claim their teeth are whiter and brighter after regular oil pulling. powered by Rubicon Project 2. Brush with baking soda Baking soda has natural whitening properties, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste. It’s a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains on teeth. Additionally, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing (9Trusted Source). This is not a remedy that will whiten your teeth overnight, but you should notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth over time. 3. Use hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that also kills bacteria in your mouth (12Trusted Source). In fact, people have been using hydrogen peroxide for years to disinfect wounds because of its ability to kill bacteria. 4. Eat fruits and vegetables A diet high in fruits and vegetables may be good for both your body and your teeth. While they’re no substitute for brushing them, crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables can help rub plaque away as you chew. Strawberries and pineapple are two fruits that have been claimed to help whiten your teeth. Strawberries Whitening your teeth with a strawberry and baking soda mixture is a natural remedy that has been made popular by celebrities. 5. Prevent tooth stains before they happen While your teeth naturally yellow as you age, some things can help prevent stains on your teeth. Limit staining foods and beverages Coffee, red wine, soda, and dark berries are infamous for staining teeth. 6. Don’t underestimate the value of brushing and flossing While some tooth discoloration naturally comes with age, it’s largely a result of plaque buildup. Regularly brushing and flossing can help your teeth stay white by reducing bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque buildup.Toothpaste gently rubs out stains on your teeth, and flossing removes bacteria that lead to plaque. Regular dental cleanings can also help your teeth stay clean and white.Summary Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular cleanings at the dentist’s office, prevent the buildup of yellowing plaque on your teeth.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whiten-teethnaturally#Other-methods-that-are-not-proven

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 04, 2021

The Court Journal By Renay Sambach

I

n this week’s edition of ‘The Court Journal’, I will focus on persons who were charged for hate crimes against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, t r a n s g e n d e r, q u e e r o r questioning (LGBTQ) community. Hate crime is defined as a crime involving violence, which is motivated by prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other grounds. For the entire month of June, PRIDE was observed. Pride month is the promotion of self-affirmation, dignity, equality, increased visibility for members of the LGBTQ community and a time that the past struggles of LGBTQ members and the fight they put up for their rights are remembered. It should be noted that Guyana is the only country in South America and in the Americas outside the Caribbean, where homosexual acts (as well as heterosexual anal and oral sex) are still illegal. Engaging in anal or oral sex can carry a possible punishment of life imprisonment under the laws of Guyana. However, that law is not enforced and, in the past, t h e r e w e r e e ff o r t s t o decriminalise homosexual acts in the country. Despite those efforts, LGBTQ members in Guyana continue to suffer at the hands of some in society for expressing their sexual identity. According to reports, some LGBTQ members were sexually, physically assaulted and some were even killed. The first case I will highlight is that of the Managing Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson, who was severely beaten by a group of men at Bourda Market in the capital city on June 16, 2019. Maverick De Abreu of Lot 56 Broad Street, Charlestown, the main suspect in the homophobic attack on Simpson, was never charged. However, police had issued a wanted bulletin for the 29-year-old. According to reports, Simpson, along with other rights activists, was at a nightspot on Main Street, Georgetown where a group of men threw beer at them. Simpson, in a Facebook post, had noted that when he realised who committed the act, he asked to speak with a

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A look at persons charged for crimes against LGBTQ members

supervisor. The SASOD head had shared, “I went to the bar and asked for the supervisor and I was directed to a man who wasn’t wearing any uniform or badge to identify him as a member of staff. I reported to him what happened and his response was, ‘we don’t want man whining pon man here’.” As a result, Simpson and his friends left the facility and made their way to another bar on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). After enjoying their time there, Simpson said that he proceeded to Bourda Market to purchase food from the vendors who are usually out at that time. Simpson said it was there that he encountered the men once more and was subsequently attacked and beaten. According to Simpson, “…while I was ordering, the whole gang of them attacked me and beat me up. The sellers had to intervene. I don’t know these guys and I have never said anything to them.” On July 27, 2015, another member of the LGBTQ community was shot and killed at Quamina and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown. On this occasion, it was transgender sex worker, Noel Wilson Luthers called “Nephi” of ZZ Durban Street, Wortmanville, who was at the receiving end of a hate crime and died as a result. His killer, Ron ‘Andel’ Forde, a fisherman of Lot 31 Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara (ECD), was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2017 – this was after he accepted that he killed Luthers and pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Luthers died as a result of a single gunshot wound to his chest. It was reported that he was shot during a confrontation with two men – those men are believed to be Forde and his friend Kanand Ojha. Ojha had reportedly gone in the vicinity of St. George’s Cathedral where he paid Luthers $5000 to perform a sex act. Luthers had reportedly relieved Ojha of his personal belongings during the sex act. The man left but subsequently realised that his cell phone and cash were missing. Ojha, reportedly accompanied by Forde, went back to the location where they confronted Luthers who denied doing business with

Managing Director of SASOD, Joel Simpson.

Dead: Noel Wilson Luthers. the man. An argument ensued and, as a result, O j h a ’s f r i e n d , F o r d e , reportedly pulled out a gun and pulled the trigger, shooting the sex worker to his chest. Luthers, according to reports, fell onto the road and the two men fled the scene in a vehicle. Police later arrived on the scene and assisted with transporting the sex worker to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Days after Luthers was gunned down, police had issued a wanted bulletin for Forde and Ojha in connection with the killing. However, Ojha of Lot 2 First Street, Meadow Bank, EBD was never captured. In another matter, Devar Kissoon was freed of assaulting two sex workers. Kissoon had the charges dismissed against him on January 27, 2015 by Magistrate Geeta ChandanEdmond. Kissoon, 28, of Lot 41 Almond Street, Eccles, was charged with assaulting Seon Persaud called ‘Isabella’ and Micron Bennons in two separate

Kanand Ojha. attacks in which they were shot at with a pellet gun. It was reported that Kissoon allegedly assaulted Persaud and Bennons at separate locations to cause them actual bodily harm. It was reported that on April 7, 2014, around 20:00hrs, Kissoon saw Persaud among friends at King Street and North Road and Bennons at King and Charlotte Streets and allegedly shot them with a pellet gun. However, the Magistrate in her ruling had stated that Persaud gave conflicting accounts about positively identifying Kissoon as the shooter. In relation to Bennons’ matter, the charge was dismissed because Bennons’ failed to attend

Maverick De Abreu. [Big Smith News Watch Photo]

Jailed: Ron Forde. court to testify against the defendant, as well as the absence of some police

witnesses to give evidence. Meanwhile, in March 2016, a Magistrate was accused of discrimination after he reportedly banned cross-dressing in his courtroom. Magistrate Dylon Bess was accused of discrimination by members of the LGBTQ community and advocacy group, Guyana Trans United (GTU), after he barred one of its members from entering his courtroom while dressed in women’s clothing. According to reports, the transgender woman, who goes by the name of ‘Twinkle’, had claimed to be the virtual complainant in a matter. A man had reportedly used a beer bottle to attack Twinkle, who at the time, was a passenger on a minibus. Twinkle had further alleged that while making a report at a police outpost, the attack continued. In an act of s e l f - d e f e n c e , Tw i n k l e admitted to injuring the attacker. The matter was then reported to the Brickdam Police Station and then taken to court. Tw i n k l e h a d t o l d reporters that Magistrate Bess was strict about not allowing cross-dressing in his courtroom. Moreover, Twinkle, while crossdressed, was asked to leave the courtroom.

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Kaieteur News

Prime Minister accuses UNC senator of defamation for Facebook post NEWSDAY - The stage seems set for yet another courthouse battle between the Prime Minister and a UNC politician – this time over public criticism of the government’s handling of the covid pandemic and the its impact on the economy. In the latest case, Dr Rowley has taken objection to a Facebook video posted by UNC senator David Nakhid on June 14, and is demanding the defeated 2020 Tunapuna candidate retract his comments, remove the offending video, issue a personal apology and pay unspecified compensation. In a pre-action protocol letter written by attorney Adana Bain-Betrand, dated June 23, Nakhid was accused of using language to suggest that Dr Rowley clandestinely imported 80 vials of Pfzier vaccine for “his friends and party financiers and used the National Security Minister to cover up the scheme.” The lawyer also complained that Nakhid’s words suggested that the Prime Minister used the pandemic for personal financial gain at the expense of citizens and compared him to the Haitian despotic leader Francis Duvalier, also known as Papa Doc. In addition, the legal letter suggested that

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

Nakhid accused Rowley of being a liar, and purposely pitting the two dominant races in Trinidad and Tobago against each other for his own political gain. Nakhid was given 14 days to respond, pay an agreed sum of money representing aggravated and exemplary damages and give an undertaking to never repeat the words on any platform.

Sunday July 04, 2021

Requirements for travel into T&T

Trinidad Express - Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram has detailed the requirements for entry into Trinidad and Tobago when the border reopens on July 17. A person is considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the final dose or doses of a vaccine. Three categories 1. Unvaccinated individuals – nationals only – you require a PCR test 72 hours before arrival which will be validated by the airline. Immediately after arrival you go into state supervised quarantine for 14 days….medical assessment within 24 hours of arrival, daily monitoring and a Covid-19 test done on seventh day. Asymptomatic passengers who test negative are allowed to go home, after the quarantine period. Those who test positive are immediately transferred into the parallel health system. Returning passengers requiring medical attention whether coming by air ambulance or becoming critically ill while at quarantine site will be allowed to go to any quarantine hospital for care. These are non Covid positive patients.

Dr Roshan Parasram

2. Fully vaccinated passengers will require a PCR test 72 hours before arrival, proof of vaccination which is WHO approved and no quarantine required 3. Children travelling with a vaccinated parent or guardian returning home. A PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival, repeat of PCR tests done between days three and five of arriving into the country. This will be sent to office of CMOH. Any unvaccinated adult traveling with a child will be required to State supervised quarantined. Unvaccinated children traveling without a vaccinated parent and guardian will also go to State supervised quarantine.

Sunday July 04, 2021

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Questionable prosecution of WCB murders extends to women DEAR EDITOR, The arrest and detention of six of the nine women who came forward as alibi witnesses for Gladston Henry, recently charged along with three other men with the murder of Haresh Singh, is shocking. Gladston Henry is the brother and cousin respectively of the deceased Joel and Isaiah Henry. The women had voluntarily presented themselves accompanied by their lawyer at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Charged with ‘perverting the course of justice’, they were placed on G$100,000 and were transferred overnight to the La Penitence lock-up. Haresh Singh’s murder came

days after the gruesome deaths of Joel and Isaiah Henry in September 2020 towards the end of a long and acrimonious elections process that heightened racial tensions. Despite the sensitivities and the public interest surrounding this case, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have made no statement to date explaining why, out of the blue, they have charged four persons with Haresh Singh’s murder. Each aspect of the procedure adopted by the CID towards these women witnesses raises questions. Why threaten the women with arrest prior to interviewing them? Why an excessive bail of $100,000? Why detain all the women? The inference

to be drawn is that such behaviour is intended to intimidate the women into abandoning their statements. Local and international law is clear that the police may arrest only if a person is reasonably suspected of committing an offence. People cannot be detained ‘to assist with an enquiry’, which appears to be what has taken place in this matter. Unconvicted persons must be treated as innocent, which doesn’t rule out being charged, but does rule out detaining them which should always be a last resort. The women were eventually released on bail at 11:30 p.m. Friday night when they had to travel to their various rural homes. Everything surrounding this

event smacks of malicious abuse of police powers against women. Prosecuting the legal dimensions of the West Coast Berbice (WCB) murders has been mired in ethnic politics from the outset, rendering the work of the GPF particularly difficult. It was clear that resolving these heinous murders without further fuelling ethnic tensions was a task beyond the capability of the GPF. This is not a comment on the quality of individual police officers, but on polarised politics and the technical complexity of the manner in which the deaths occurred. For these reasons, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA)

together with like-minded individuals and organisations sought to secure the services of the internationally renowned and politically impartial Argentine Team of Forensic Anthropology (EAAF) in December 2020. This initiative was frustrated by the refusal of permission by the Ministry of Home Affairs to allow the Director of the EAAF to interact with the CID during an exploratory visit. Moreover, formal assurances of exchanges of information were never followed through. The unwillingness of the Government to acknowledge and constructively manage the ethnic (Continued on page 59)

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Association of Professional Land Surveyors rejects call for reform DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Association of Professional Land Surveyors (GAPS) would like to address the views expressed by Ms. Audreyanna Thomas (hereafter referred to as the writer) in her letter to the Editor titled, “Urgent reform needed in the Surveying Profession.” The letter, which was published in both the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News on Friday June 25, 2021, seems to be a calculated attempt to diminish the integrity of this noble profession and has the potential to in-

cite violence against Land Surveyors in the execution of their duty. This is a dangerous precedence for the reason(s) that we will provide below:The Land Surveying Profession in Guyana has a long and distinguished history. Even before the passage of the Land Surveyors Act of 1891, which was passed to regulate the practice of the profession, Surveyors served as lay magistrates, to settle disputes in the interior of the colonies. Even today, Land Surveyors are called upon to mediate in land disputes. The

first President of Guyana was a Land Surveyor and many Land Surveyors served as lay magistrates, to settle disputes in the interior of the colonies. Many Land Surveyors have contributed to the development of this country and continue to do so. Every form of development in Guyana and throughout the world involves some form of surveying be it cadastral surveying or other categories of surveying such as: engineering surveying, hydrographic surveying, topographic surveying, etc. Therefore, one cannot jus-

tify the conclusion that the entire land surveying profession needs reform by using an encounter with a land surveyor and a few “stories” heard by the way. Moreover, cadastral surveying is only one component of the land titling process and just an aspect of land surveying in general. The practice of land surveying is governed by specific and easily identifiable rules, which are setout in the abovementioned Act and other piece of legislation such as the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation) Act Cap. 60.02. Therefore, like other professions and even more so any malpractice by a professional land surveyor can easily be identified because land is finite and cannot be moved. In addition, with respect to the issue at hand, the occupation of a portion of land is a matter-of-fact and cannot be easily hidden. Hence, if the surveyor either was incorrect, by mistake or designs, the aggrieved party could easily employ another surveyor to execute a survey to highlight the error, and lodge a complaint to the Lands and Surveys Commission or to GAPS, and appropriate action would have been taken. The old adage applies here, i.e., the difference between a surveyor and a doctor is that, a doctor is likely to bury his mistakes, but a surveyor’s mistakes will always live after him because the position of a piece of land on the earth’s surface cannot be moved nor altered. Therefore, while a surveyor is alive he is obligated to correct his errors or mistakes. At first glance, the writer of the letter sought to give the reader the impression that the survey being complained about was one transaction, and that she was privy to a multitude of complaints of a similar nature, regarding fraudulent land surveyors and that reports were made to the relevant public authorities whose inaction increases the severity of the problems. However, closer examination of the issues raised, reveals that only a re-survey by a competent land surveyor could have identify the error, mistake or mischief made by an earlier surveyor. For the benefit of your readers, please permit me some space to address the issues raised by the writer and provide some clarity on the role of land surveyors in the land titling process under the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation) Act. Firstly, the writer said that her relative employed a surveyor to execute a survey of a portion of land and “in draw-

ing up the plan, the surveyor did not mention that people were occupying portions of the land, the plan showed as if the land was cleared of any occupation.” She then goes on to say that “the person proceeded to acquire prescriptive title for the land and later served notice to the occupants who were there even while the survey was being done, to be removed.” In an application for prescriptive title, one has to employ a surveyor to perform and execute a cadastral survey. Before the survey is executed, a NOTICE of intended survey must be served on the owners or occupiers of the adjacent lands. At this point, the adjacent proprietors as well as the owner(s) or occupant(s) are given an opportunity to object to the survey. Any objection received must be noted on the survey plan to guide users of the plan. The basis of a survey for prescriptive title is a claim by the occupant that she or he has been in sole and undisturbed possession of private land for over 12 years. Once those conditions are fulfilled, by section 5 of the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation) Act, after the expiration of 12 years, the person with a paper title (or transport) is barred from commencing any action in court to recover the land from the occupier. Section 13 of the Act states that after 12 years, of sole and undisturbed possession by the occupier, the title of the paper owner shall extinguish. At the time of the survey, the person requesting the survey must be present and must point out to the surveyor, the limits of his or her occupation. The writer said that the survey executed for her relative “was clear of any occupation.” It would therefore mean that her relative could not qualify for prescriptive title under the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation] Act. If, the surveyor omitted to show the occupation of other people on the plan, her relative could have returned the plan to the surveyor for it to be corrected. The writer goes on to say that “the person proceeded to acquire prescriptive title for the land and later served notice for the occupants who were there even while the survey was being done, to-be removed.” The court cannot grant title to land pursuant to a claim for prescription based on a survey plan that shows no evidence of occupation. Therefore, the survey plan used to acquire title by prescription had to be different

from the one mentioned first in the writer’s letter. The surveyor has to show occupation on the plan to support a claim for prescriptive rights. The client/claimant must point out the area that he or she occupies and the surveyor will represent that claim on the plan with the statement that ‘this was the area claimed by the occupant.’ Secondly, the survey plan is only one component in the application for prescriptive title. The other aspect, which is relied on more specifically by the court, is the affidavits in support of the claim established by the claimant, which is drafted by an Attorney at Law. In drafting the affidavit, in this case, the Attorney could have pointed to the fact that there was no evidence of occupation. Immediately this would have been brought to the attention of the surveyor, thus giving him an opportunity to supersede that plan by one showing the claimant’s occupation. Thirdly, the writer claimed that the surveyor “included land that was previously surveyed and had an existing plan.” Editor, there is nothing wrong with including previously surveyed land on a plan to support a claim for prescriptive title. Pursuant to the provisions of the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation) Act, referenced above, the Surveyor is required to state in his memorandum, on whose behalf the survey was executed, show the extent of the land claimed by the person and include a statement to the effect that ‘the occupant claimed to be in sole and undisturbed possession of the area surveyed for the prescribed period. If the area claimed does not coincide with the original boundaries, the surveyor is permitted to include the full extent of his client’s occupation. The client is then required to swear to an affidavit under oath, that his claim, as represented on the plan is true and correct. Fourthly, in addition to the NOTICE of Intended Survey served to adjacent landowners or occupiers, Notice of Intended Survey is also served on the relevant NDC. Then, a Notice of claim must be served by the Attorney-atLaw upon the neighbours and anyone with an interest in the land. The claim is also advertised in a daily newspaper of wide circulation. This gives anyone with an interest in the land a sufficient number of opportunities to object to a claim for prescriptive title. So the writer’s attempt to lay blame squarely (Continued on page 62)

Sunday July 04, 2021

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==CONSUMER CONCERNS==

Int’l year of fruits and vegetables could be catalytic in achieving a better-fed and healthier population By Pat Dial The year 2021 has been designated International Year of Fruits and Vegetables by the United Nations General Assembly. The main objective is to raise awareness of the importance of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, food security and health. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend that each adult should have a daily intake of 400 grams of fruit and vegetables, which act as a preventative against such chronic diseases as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity as well as a counter to micronutrient deficiencies. The Director of the FAO in Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith, explained what the impact of

IYFV could be, “We are happy that the Government has embraced this observance and has launched a programme of activities which we are supporting. We share the same views as Minister Mustapha that IYFV promotes diversified, healthy and balanced lifestyles through fruit and vegetable consumption, raise awareness of food safety issues, standards and guidance for the production, handling,

storage and processing of fruits and vegetables.” She then gave some disturbing statistics about the young people in Guyana 18 years and above, “In Guyana, obesity is a growing problem in the adolescent and adult population. Approximately 41% of males and 56.5% of females 18 years and above are considered overweight.” This spike in overweight and the generally ill health,

which have been plaguing the society of recent years, have been attributed to type and quality of our food intake. Until about the 1970s, at the time the country was suffering a serious economic downturn, the population generally consumed a diet, which was largely vegetarian. This dietary pattern, which persisted until the 1970s, obtained from the eras of plantation slavery and indentureship.

During slavery, the slaves were fed on plantains and ground provisions such as yams, eddoes and cassavas and once or twice per month were given a ration of meat protein consisting mainly of salted fish and salted pork. Indentured labourers who after about 1860 became predominantly Indian, were vegetarian or semi-vegetarian and ate rice with various vegetables such as pumpkins, (Continued on page 61)

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Sunday July 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

>>>GNBS IN FOCUS<<<

ST AND ARDISA TION WITHIN THE CARICOM REGION STAND ANDARDISA ARDISATION Have you ever heard of CROSQ? It is the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality, established two decades ago on July 05, 2001. The aim of CROSQ is to promote efficiency and competitive production of goods and services, through the process of Standardisation and the verification of quality across the Region. The organisation comprises of the National Standards Bodies (NSBs) from each member state, such as the Guyana National Bureau

of Standards (GNBS), the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) and the Bureau of Standards of Jamaica (BSJ). These NSBs develop and promote standards at the national level. Many of these National Standards are further processed at the broader level to become CARICOM’s Regional Standards. Regional Standards, which are used for trade, regulatory purposes and as industry guides for products, services and process quality are also adopted by Member States.

They further assist with the implementation of the WTO (World Trade Organisation) Agreement that deals with Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), which was signed by many of the Member States (MSs) of CARICOM. With Regional Standards, the aim is to reduce the incidence of standards and regulations being used as barriers to trade. Standards and Technical Regulations are also covered under Chapter 4 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, specifically Part 3, which ad-

dresses Common Supportive Measures. Article 67 of the Treaty requires that the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), in collaboration with competent agencies, develop a standardisation programme consistent with the international obligations of Member States. The programme objectives include trade facilitation, enhanced efficiency in the production, delivery of goods and services, and protection of consumers and the environment. Apart from facilitating the implementation of the Regional Standardisation programme, CROSQ assists Member Stat es in under-

standing and fulfilling their obligations under the Treaty of Chaguaramas and other international agreements. Additionally, the Regional Body facilitates access t o technical assistance available in the

Member States and outside the Region. It also supports the implementation of the Regional Quality Infrastructure. National Bureaus get necessary support to implement the components of an internationally-recognised Quality Infrastructure (QI) for Standardisation, Conformity Assessment (including Accreditation) and Metrology, in order to contribute to satisfying global demands. These components of QI, necessary for bilateral and multilateral trade, are particularly important for developing countries like those in the Caribbean that need to build and grow their production sectors. To date, GNBS as an NSB has supported the development and adoption of more

than fifty Regional standards. These standards primarily relate to agriculture, consumer products and food, and are being used in

our local industries to improve produ cts manufactured; making them readily acceptable on the Regional market. Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago are all members of CROSQ. The CROSQ Secretariat is located in Barbados. Finally, as we prepare to celebrate CARICOM Day tomorrow, Monday July 05, let us all focus on the positive outcomes of CARICOM including strides made in the area of Regional Standardisation. We should all be proud! #WeAreCARICOM For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 219-0065 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.

Sunday July 04, 2021

Region 9 woman succumbs to COVID; 74 new infections

The Ministry of Health (MoH) informed on Saturday that a 50-year-old female from Region 9 (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo) has passed away on July 2, 2021, from the dreaded Coronavirus while receiving medical attention at a heath facility. Her demise, which is the second for the month of July, takes the country’s overall death toll since March 2020 to 478.

The report further stated that 1,285 tests were conducted and 74 persons have tested positive for the disease, taking the total number of recorded infections to 20,302. The new

cases were documented in Region One (six cases); Region Two (5 cases); Region Three (nine cases); Region Four (30 cases); Region Five (three cases); Region Six (4 cases); Regions Seven and Ten with two cases each; Region Eight (one case) and Region Nine (four cases). Eighteen patients are presently located in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 1,410 persons are in home isolation; nine people in institutional quarantine and 95 persons are in institutional seclusion. A total of 18,304 persons have recovered to date from the virus.

Questionable prosecution of WCB murders ... From page 55 dimensions of this case risks blundering into further ethnic disturbances. Moreover, sacrificing the fragile professionalism of the GPF and the CID in particular to political purposes is a highrisk strategy. The efficiency and professionalism of the GPF requires

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Kaieteur News

in general less, not more, political interference. The major concern of the GHRA is the risk of this case being tainted by the larger confrontation currently taking place between the political directorate and the Guyana Police Force. Moreover, the Government’s declared inten-

tion of creating a ‘new force’ comprising members of both the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force would formalise the existing practice of treating both institutions as subject to political direction. Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association

Ruptured gas pipeline sparks huge ... From page 19 about the construction, commissioning and operational aspects of the project while noting that it will create employment and lead to cheaper electricity rates for years to come. But what is buried at the bottom of the summary speaks volumes about the potential this project holds to have a devastating impact on the

environment. ExxonMobil in the document noted that the project could impact Guyana’s marine geology and sediments. It said this could occur through the installation of offshore and non-routine or unplanned events, which was not explained. Regarding the possible effects on human life and the environment where this is concerned, ExxonMobil said it could result in the

“Disturbance of the seabed during offshore pipeline installation activities, has the potential to affect benthic habitat and cause death/injury of benthic fauna.” In short, any marine life that is near or close to the seafloor where this project is being done is at risk of being killed or injured. The oil giant goes on to state that the project has the potential to affect some marine fish in the project area by way of activities such as underwater sound generated

by marine component op-

erations and activities, ship strikes, lighting on offshore pipeline installation vessels, wastewater discharges, offshore pipeline construction, hydro testing discharges, vessel movements, operational effluent discharges, and non-routine or unplanned events which again was not ex-

plained.

Exxon noted that the foregoing ecological impacts could potentially have ramifications for commercial and/or subsistence fisheries. It should be noted that ExxonMobil in collaboration with the government, is moving ahead with this project at a time when the world is moving away

from fossil fuel based projects.

In May for example, this newspaper had reported on the United Nations’ (UN) call for a shift in the policy of countries worldwide, to move away from supporting fossil fuel projects through financing such as subsidies, towards renewable energy and the promotion of the transfer of technology to developing countries.

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Sunday July 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Myanmar protesters burn junta leader’s images on his birthday (Reuters) - Protesters burned mock coffins and pictures of Myanmar’s army ruler Min Aung Hlaing yesterday in the latest demonstrations against the coup over five months ago that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into chaos. “May you not rest in peace” and “may your birthday and deathday be the same,” read the messages on funeral wreaths in Theinzayet township in eastern Mon state. Similar protests took place in many parts of Myanmar. “We are burning this as a curse,” said one protester in the second city of Mandalay, setting ablaze a small pile of picture of the general, 65. A spokesman for the military authorities did not respond to requests for comment. Min Aung Hlaing took power on Feb. 1, overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and cutting short a decade of democratic reforms that had brought Myanmar out of isolation under previous juntas. Min Aung Hlaing had been due to retire after his 65th

birthday, but the compulsory retirement age was scrapped after the coup. The army says its assumption of powers was in line with the constitution. It alleged fraud in November elections swept by Suu Kyi’s party, although the accusations were dismissed by the former electoral body. The junta has struggled to impose its authority. Protests take place in many parts of Myanmar almost daily, strikes have hurt official and private business and fighting has flared in the borderlands, sending some 200,000 people fleeing from their homes. According to figures from a United Nations briefing this week, more than 880 people have been killed by security forces since the coup and more than 5,200 are in detention. Myanmar’s foreign ministry disputed the figures in a statement published yesterday. The ministry also complained that the UN website carried a link to an underground National Unity Government set up by opponents of the junta. Both groups

Protesters burned mock coffins and pictures of Myanmar’s army ruler Min Aung Hlaing on his birthday.

brand each other terrorists. The military takeover has been condemned by Western countries, some of which have imposed limited sanctions. The United States on Friday added four companies it said support the military to its trade blacklist and imposed sanctions on key military officials.

South African court agrees to hear Zuma challenge to jail term – report JOHANNESBURG - (Reuters) - South Africa’s highest court has agreed to hear former president Jacob Zuma’s challenge against the 15-month jail term it gave him for failing to attend a corruption hearing, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported yesterday. The Constitutional Court on Tuesday sentenced Zuma to 15 months in jail for absconding in February from an inquiry led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. It gave Zuma until the end of today to hand himself in, after which police would be obliged to arrest him. With the decision to hear his application, that order is now suspended. Zuma has asked the court to annul the sentence on grounds that it is excessive and could expose him to COVID-19.

Jacob Zuma

Zuma also called the sentence a “political statement of exemplary punishment”. He has maintained he is the victim of a political witch hunt and that Zondo is biased against him.

China urges nations to build ‘Great Wall of Immunity’ against coronavirus Foreign Minister Wang Yi

BEIJING - (Reuters) - China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the international community yesterday to build a “Great Wall of Immunity” to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. “We should face the imminent challenges together,” Wang, who is also a member of the State Council, or cabinet, told the 9th World Peace Forum held at Tsinghua University in the Chinese capital.“The most urgent priority is to expedite the construction of the ‘Great Wall of Immunity’ to fend off the virus, sur-

pass political discrimination and carry out international anti-pandemic cooperation.” China, where the coronavirus first surfaced in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019, has supplied more than 480 million vaccine doses to other nations. Wang said it would keep working to improve the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in developing countries. By Friday, China had administered a total of 1.28 billion doses of vaccine.

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Kaieteur News

Int’l year of fruits and vegetables could be catalytic... From page 57 coconuts, squash, and a variety of other vegetables which retained their Hindi names since they were introduced by the Immigrants such as nenwa, ghingi, same, baigan and so on. Overarching all these vegetables were various types of pulses known as “dal” which supplied the protein content of their diet. Certain fruits grew up uncultivated in the plantation “backdams” such as mangoes, jamoon, sapodillas, soursops, gooseberries and so on and these supplemented the diet of the plantation workers.

Then the diet of Guyanese went through a revolutionary change with the introduction of “junk food” from

America, which consisted of fried chicken, French fries, hamburgers, pizzas, and other such foods, which used a surfeit of sugar, salt and cheap cooking oils, which rapidly replaced the older Guyanese diet of largely fruit and vegetables. The universal use of these unhealthy junk foods is evident by the rapid establishment of fast food shops, many with American brand names. These fast foods are sold with aerated sweet drinks, which replaced the lime, soursop,

pineapple and other locally grown fruit juice drinks. The Guyanese diet could once again return to fruit, vegetables, with some fish and mostly white meat, coconut oil and the use of organic fruit juices if the following, among others, could be achieved. At the Teachers’ Training College and in the primary schools, knowledge of the harmful effects of junk food as well as the great value to health of diets of fruits and vegetables should be disseminated. In the home economics classes in the schools and at the Carnegie School of Home Economics, more vegetarian

recipes should be used and the Ministry of Health and the Tourism Authority could persuade the restaurants to offer vegetarian menus and locally grown fruit juices. In the yards of the City and countryside, two generations ago, fruit trees were always grown and these would include such common fruit as

avocados, star apples, sapodillas, jamoon, guavas,

soursops, mangoes and so on. Those who had yard space would cultivate kitchen gardens and in the tenements, pots with peppers, ginger, tomatoes, herbs of various kinds and teas such as mint and lemon

grass were grown. This culture needs to be revived and the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables could be a catalyst in this regard. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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Sunday July 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Greenidge sets record straight ...

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From page 20 Belize, (and those with lowlying coasts). He further noted that the PISLM is a plurilateral agency involving CARICOM and non-CARICOM states, Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and UN agencies. He stated that all the administrative arrangements regarding its board, permanent members, secretariat, functions etc, were concluded prior to 2015 with the involvement of the PPP administration at that time. In 2018, Greenidge explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ legal officers examined a request from PISLM to be treated as a specialised United Nations agency and recommended, given the agency’s functions, that the ‘new’ Government accede to the request. He said this was done. Further to this, the former Minister said there are some sections of the media which, based on published reports, are unaware that the diplomatic privileges that are enjoyed by foreign Missions / Diplomatic Corps in Guyana is not restricted to representatives of countries (bilaterals) and UN staff. He said, “Many specialised agencies, or intergovernmental bodies at the international, regional and national level, similar to the PISLM and including Iwokrama, enjoy the rights cited. The idea therefore that the agency has been improperly granted ‘a range of free-

Welder for grill work.Tel:6215310. One welder/fabricator & one diesel mechanic,must have knowledgeof hydraulics.Call: 628-1300 Immediate vacancy exists for maleworkerstowork shifts.Ages 25-45 yrs.Call: 231-1408/642-9191. Va c a n c y e x i s t f o r e x p e r i e n c e d Wa t e r D e l i v e r y D r i v e r, E . C . D . Te l : 6 9 2 6768,676-1363. Certified chef & maid must be35yearsand older.Call:227- From page 56 5416. at the feet of a Land Surveyor is without merit and misPEN PAL guided at least. Male seek non-racial single Fifthly, the writer’s claim independent female Contact that surveyors “shifting the 698-6391 boundary lines without the knowledge of the owners of this property,” are a display of limited knowledge of the process of land titling. When a surveyor executes a survey, the boundaries can only be made legal by the express consent of the owner of the paper title or by an order of the court. No surveyor is empowered to establish a legal property boundary unilaterally. Sixthly, and most important, is the fact that a survey plan, prepared based on a claim for prescriptive title, does not, in of itself, establish the boundaries of a portion of land. The court has to be satisfied that the content of the affidavit sworn to by the occupant, is sufficient to establish a right to prescriptive title and, the court, through an award, makes the proposed boundaries legal. The Land Surveyor merely gathers the physical evidence of any existing legal boundaries as well as the occupa-

doms’, such as duty-free importation and protection of their official premises and officers while carrying out their duties ..., ‘could raise eyebrows at the Foreign Affairs Ministry’ because they are ‘akin to that of a diplomat’ (sic) is nothing but biased drama intended to influence a similarly uninformed readership.” Greenidge also stressed that the agency authorised to grant such privileges is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and “in the conduct of my work as the policy-maker, I routinely consulted all the relevant senior officers of the Ministry, meaning the legal advisers, protocol and diplomatic staff and administrators, where relevant, on important decisions.” Greenidge said, “Prior to being a Minister, I was retained by international, regional and national bodies to advise on and to undertake lectures/workshops within and outside of the region, including Asia, on such matters as the interface between public servants and Ministers. As a matter of routine and, more importantly in the case at hand, the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff were not only involved in the decision process but concurred with the final decision. I am proud of this.” Furthermore, Greenidge said the posts attracting the privileges and those immunities publicised have to be agreed beforehand between the Government representa-

tives and the agency in question. Contrary to the impression given in certain reports, Greenidge said these privileges are not available to all PISLM staff members and could not be enjoyed by Mr. Benn, the former Chairman of the Task Force Board, “who seems to be the main intended target of recent reports.” In conclusion, Greenidge categorically stated, “There is absolutely nothing improper or unfair about the grant of the privileges to the agency and no regulations, protocols, conventions or laws have been broken or breached.” As for the vehicles that the agency is apparently seeking to import, Greenidge said, “As far as I am aware, our laws governing duty-free importation do not discriminate among the nationality of beneficiaries and do not make reference to cost but to cubic capacity or propulsion systems. I am not aware of any basis on which the Government can properly determine that one set of Missions (say the EU) can, but another (say a Caribbean High Commissioner), cannot import ‘highend vehicles’. Since the vehicles are apparently only now in the process of being imported, the current Government may act as it sees fit, if the law permits.” He said for this part, he acted on the basis of legal and protocol advice available to him.

Association of Professional Land... tional boundaries of the claimant and may expressed in his own deliberate judgment, whether the occupation seems to be in existence for over the limitations period. Finally, Editor, please note that it is the client’s claim that is represented on the plan, not that of the surveyor. Even if the surveyor included the neighbour’s house and land in the survey, the claimant still has to prepare

form the opinion that land surveyors can come onto their land and take portions of it away, which is far from the truth. The writer should be aware that in Land Surveying, like any other profession, mistakes are liable to be made.

an affidavit and swear under oath, that the house is his. In the instance shared by the writer, if it was a mistake by the surveyor, we respectfully submit that the claimant would not have

only gathers the physical evidence for the parties and the courts. GAPS welcome information regarding tardy surveyors and promise to always uphold the integrity of this noble profession. GAPS is therefore requesting a retraction of the statements by the writer after this response is brought to her attention. She is also encouraged to bring her factual evidence to GAPS or the Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission so that her particular issue can be thoroughly investigated and addressed. Michael S. Hutson Vice President Guyana Association of Professional Land Surveyors

proceeded with notices for possession after realising the mistake by the surveyor. Ed itor, this article is

viewed as a direct attack on the land surveying profession and created the impression that land surveyors are corrupt and are colluding with persons to defraud the unsuspecting public. This is mischievous and misguided to say the least and the writer’s limited understanding could incite others to violence against surveyors in the fields because they may

However, in the Land Surveying profession there are procedures in place to rectify incorrect surveys if it occurs. A land surveyo r

Sunday July 04, 2021

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Sunday July 04, 2021

10 man Guyana fall to Guatemala 4 nil Guyana went down to Guatemala 0-4 last night in their 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Preliminary round match at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA. After being down 0-1 at the first half and also being a man down, the Guyanese found it tough to win the second half and conceded three more goals. More details in tomorrow's edition.

Golden Jaguar' Emery Welshman leading the battle in this particular play against Guatemala last night at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Franklin Wilson photo

Pogacar takes command of Tour after big climb in the Alps

L

E GRANDBORNAND, France (AP) — Tadej Pogacar wagged his head and grinned, his blond hair slick from sweat and rain, his cheeks ruddy from the mountain cold and a colossal effort from smashing his remaining rivals at the Tour de France. As he cooled down on the stationary bike, the defending champion seemed to have even surprised himself. “Ah, what a ride. What a day,” he said, unable to wipe the smile of satisfaction off his face. Pogacar dealt a demoralizing blow on the first day of the Tour in the A l p s y e s t e r d a y, w h e n cycling’s precocious star claimed the yellow jersey after what was a grueling eighth stage to everyone else. Pogacar started the day 3 minutes, 43 seconds off the lead of Mathieu van der Poel. Five mountain passes and nearly four hours later, Van der Poel finished more than 20 minutes off the pace. The Dutchman relinquished the

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, celebrates on the podium after the eighth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 150.8 kilometers. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

lead he had held for six days when he faded fast midway through the brutal stage. Wout van Aert remained in second place but fell from 30 seconds behind at the start of the stage to 1 minute, 48 seconds behind Pogacar. Richard Carapaz finished more than three minutes behind Pogacar, slipping to five minutes back overall in sixth. Pogacar solidified his bid to retain his Tour title after

proving once again to be a step above the rest on the most demanding ascents. He set off on his own on the fourth climb, shedding Carapaz, the last man — and possible contender — to have kept on his wheel. Pogacar finished the 151-kilometer (94-mile) route from Oyonnax to Le Grand-Bornand in fourth place, seconds behind stage winner Dylan Teuns. Teuns, a Belgian rider for

the Bahrain team, managed to conserve a slim lead over the hard-pushing Pogacar over the final peak before negotiating the tricky descent to the finish line. While almost the entire field suffered from the climbs in the rain and low temperatures, Pogacar saw the opportunity to turn the race on its head. “In the end I felt great, so before the last two climbs I said to my teammates, ‘Let’s

try and shake up the race,” Pogacar said. Shake it up? He crushed it. On Sunday, riders face a second day in the Alps with a 145-kilometer (90-mile) ride over four passes before a summit finish at Tignes. But given the gaps, even the top teams may be focusing on stage wins or the second and third spots on the podium. The peloton was in poor shape to hold up in the mountains after a crashfilled opening week and Friday’s marathon 249kilometer (155-mile) haul. The longest stage in the Tour in 21 years had exhausted all but a handful of riders. And more pain was in store. In an omen for what was to come, several cyclists were already struggling right from the start. The short ascent under steady rainfall heading into the Alpine forest broke the pack into bits. Geraint Thomas, winner of the 2018 Tour, soon fell behind. Primoz Roglic quickly followed and his Jumbo Visma team left last year’s runner-up sadly alone.

Both pre-race title hopefuls, who took tumbles in the first week, completely disconnected even before the serious ascents started. Pogacar timed his devastating attack until the category-one Col de Romme. While other riders were hunched over the handlebars, Pogacar rode high, raising off his seat to power ahead in pursuit of the breakaway riders. Again showing that he does not need much help from his Emirates team, Pogacar rode the final 30 kilometers up and over the category-one Col de la Colombiere all on his own. Pogacar made Tour history by becoming the youngest post-World War II champion at 21 last year when he stunned Roglic on the race’s penultimate day, overtaking his fellow countryman with a blistering time trial. His display on the Col de Romme and the Col de la Colombiere is poised to be remembered as the defining moment of this edition barring a dramatic change of fortune.

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Jaqueline Amorim KOs Megan Owen in 10 seconds

Jaqueline Amorim (left) scores the Knockout punch to Megan Owen’s head.

Sunday July 04, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Stand back and let someone else take the reins today. Trust in others. There are many helpful hands out there to guide you. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You have quite the juggling act on your hands today. Things may fly at you from all directions, all demanding your attention. Give equal weight to your needs. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Tension may build today from all directions, Gemini. Everyone may seem to be operating as part of a great conspiracy against you. Don't get paranoid. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Spread your ideas out to the world, Cancer. Now is a great time to go on a long trip, or at least begin planning one. Explore the far reaches of your space, literally and figuratively. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Take time out to change the things in your life that need restoring, Leo. Explore your emotional needs and find ways to satisfy them. You may need to adopt a radically different approach in order to get where you need to go. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today may be quite emotionally intense, Virgo. Your greatest gifts may get you into trouble on a day like this, but that doesn't mean you should stop being yourself for even one minute.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may need to make some distinct mental adjustments in order to fit in with the energy of the day, Libra. Try to tune into these energies and see what kind of balance they can bring to your life. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There's likely to be a bit of tension today regarding your position in society. Maybe you're running into issues that stem from your involvement in the collective versus your focus on your personal issues. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) here's a bit of rigidity in the air today that might leave you feeling as if you're butting heads with everything you come in contact with. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your emotions may surprise you today as unexpected issues crop up out of nowhere. Take time to smooth the wrinkles in your current plan of attack regarding your involvement with the world. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may wonder what all the fuss is about today, Aquarius. People may be getting all worked up over nothing. Don't get absorbed in the melodrama. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today is a wonderful and productive day for you, Pisces. Don't hog the limelight. Let other people feel like they're being heard, too. You might get into trouble if your head gets too big or your attitude too stubborn.

MMA Junkie Jaqueline Amorim was the biggest favorite on Friday’s LFA 110 card, and she showed why with a blistering knockout of Megan Owen. Amorim (4-0) came out of the gate on fire in the strawweight bout, which took place at Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in Shawnee, Okla., and streamed on UFC Fight Pass. She loaded up against Owen (1-1) in the first exchange, and it paid off. After Owen threw the first punch, Amorim scored a brilliant counter right hand that instantly dropped Owen. She followed up with a few ground shots to seal the deal, and the second fastest knockout in LFA history was in the books. Coming into the fight, the 26-year-old Amorim had earned all of her career victories by submission. She put the first knockout on her record against Owen, and it couldn’t have come in more spectacular fashion. “It feels great,” Amorim said in her post-fight interview with Alan Jouban. “I always knew I h a d p o w e r, I w a s j u s t waiting for the r i g h t moment to show I’m not just a grappler. I can throw hands, too.”

....Alpha Harrison to Frokm page 69 according to his dad, Lindon, young Alpha is elated to be attending this year’s Junior Olympics. “Alpha had qualified for the 2019 edition of the Junior Olympics in the 100m and 200m events but was not able to attend due to financial challenges. This time around, he has qualified for the 100m event and we are determined that he would make it this time so we are working hard to ensure that he makes himself and Guyana proud.” The senior Harrison informed that they have received some assistance form Alpha’s school, PS 115 in Brooklyn New York. The young Harrison said, “I like to thank God for like, I’d like to thank God for the ability to run and I am excited to be part of the Junior Olympic Games this year.”

T&T kicks off Gold Cup qualifiers with big 6-1 win over Montserrat SportsMax - Trinidad and Tobago are a step closer to a return to the Concacaf Gold Cup after topping Montserrat 6-1 in the First Round of the 2021 Gold Cup Prelims on Friday night at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The win sends Trinidad and Tobago to the Second Round, where they will face the winner of yesterday’s Cuba-French Guiana contest. The first goal arrived in the 21st minute through Trinidad and Tobago’s Kevin Molino from the penalty spot after a foul on DF Aubrey David in the Montserrat area. Molino stepped up and coolly converted from the spot to hand the Soca Warriors a 1-0 advantage. Montserrat looked to respond but instead, it was 2-0 to Trinidad and Tobago in the 35th when Marcus Joseph caught Montserrat GK Corrin Brooks off his line and flighted in a shot from

40 yards out for the goal. Trinidad and Tobago then extended the lead to 30 in the 45+2’minute when Ryan Telfer got loose behind the Montserrat defense and hammered in a right-footed shot. Montserrat came out with plenty of fight to start the second half and pulled a goal back for 3-1 in the 55th minute when Lyle Taylor headed in after Spencer Weir’s shot deflected off the crossbar. But Trinidad and Tobago restored the sizeable advantage two minutes later in the 57th minute when Judah Garcia gathered in a long ball and finished to make it 4-1. Momentum was clearly on the side of the Soca Warriors and Reon Moore stretched the lead to 5-1 in the 68’ with a right-footed finish. The night was then punctuated by Moore tacking on another in the 82’ to round out the 6-1 scoreline.

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Blake praises quality meals & Accommodation in Russia By Sean Devers

F

orty-seven-yearold Forgotten Y o u t h s Foundation (FYF) Coach Sebert Blake and number 19th rated Bantamweight in the World, 22-year-old Keevin Allicock arrived in Russia two days ago for a three-week training camp a h e a d o f t h e To k y o Olympics later this month in Japan. Speaking with Kaieteur Sports from his hotel room, Coach Blake, who produced a World Champion in 2010 when Shondell Alfred knocked out American based Guyanese Corrine Van Ryck DeGroot in Guyana, informed that Russia is 14 hours ahead of Guyana. “We arrived here on Friday (Thursday in Guyana) and we went for a run this morning (Saturday in Russia) and did some strength and conditioning work as we are in the precompetition phase. The conditions are pretty good even though the temperature is around 20 degrees and were able to

cope with it and as time goes by we will be able to be more comfortable with the weather conditions,” informed the very experienced Coach. Blake explained that the Covid-19 protocols mandated that the Guyanese pair had to wear a mask throughout the journey on the plane and in the terminals. “When we got to Hungry we had to do screening and testing for the pandemic but everything was smooth sailing… no hiccups from Guyana to here. The meals are very tasty and nutritious based on what we sent up. They asked us what we liked to eat and they were well prepared for us. The dinner and Lunch we had so far were on point and everything is going well so far,” continued Blake who, as a Boxer attended 2000 Olympic trials in Florida. The Blake, who was with Allicock in Australia for the Yo u t h C o m m o n w e a l t h Games, explained that he had to send a programme to the organising team in Russia.

“In my schedule I tried to maintain the same format I used in Guyana for now, until Monday when they will submit their programme which we will follow. But as of now, I am doing my programme which is two sessions a day. Day clean, which is five in the morning, is very bright here so we’re able to get out there by six and do our regular morning workout,” added Coach Blake. “We have scheduled a session for this afternoon (Yesterday Guyana time) because we missed a few days during traveling.... so we are trying to catch up on some work…not anything intense or high in volume. This is to get him to feel a little comfortable as we move forward,” disclosed Blake, who won a Bronze medal at the 1997 Pan Am Games in Colombia. “ S o f a r t h e accommodation is great! We are in one room with two beds. I like it this way since I can have close contact with Keevin and hear him during the night…look at him and see he is comfortable. So I

Coach Blake (left) and Allicock arrive in Russia for a 3-week camp ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. have a hands-on view of everything he does. This arrangement is very conducive as a Coach to see every aspect of Keevin’s preparation now and moving forward which is great for me since I get what I want out of him. I am happy with what we have here,” posited Blake. Blake disclosed that Keevin is in high spirits. “He got up this morning

and did his own service…he is a true believer in Christ… he did his thing and I give him his space and stepped in and went along with his programme on the biblical side. I am grateful that I can draw some strength from him also on the spiritual side. So he is good, he is coping, he is happy and in high spirits and he is very confident and so am I,”

concluded the Coach. Allicock is Guyana’s best hope of a Medal in Tokyo after fellow pugilist Mike Parris won Bronze in the 1980 Olympics in Moscow making it 41 years ago since this Country won its only Olympic Medal. Allicock is the first Boxer to qualify for the Olympics since John Douglas qualified 25 years ago.

Peru beat Paraguay on penalties to reach Copa America semis Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese stops a penalty shot by Paraguay’s Alberto Espinola in a penalty shootout during a Copa America quarterfinal soccer match at Olimpico stadium in Goiania, Brazil, Friday, July 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Peru’s players celebrate defeating Paraguay 4-3 in a penalty shootout during a Copa America quarterfinal soccer match at the Olimpico stadium in Goiania, Brazil, Friday, July 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

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I O D E JANEIRO (AP) — Peru beat Paraguay 4-3 on penalties Friday to advance to the Copa America semifinals in the most thrilling tournament match so far. Regular time at the Olimpico Stadium in Goiania finished 3-3 after a hard-fought match that included red cards to key players of both teams and two goals by Italian-born Gianluca Lapadula for Peru. The decisive moment in the quarterfinal came after Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese stopped Alberto Espinola in the shootout.

Miguel Trauco converted his shot to put the runners- up of the 2019 Copa America back in contention. Daniel Martinez and Braian Samudio had also m i s s e d f o r P a r a g u a y. Santiago Ormeño and Chris tian Cueva w ere stopped by Paraguay’s Antony Silva. “This was an amazing match,” a tired Lapadula said after the shootout, in which he converted from the spot. “ We c a n ’ t c h o o s e adversaries, we have to think we are in the semifinal. Now we have to work to get there well.” Peru will face either Brazil or Chile, which also

play Friday. Paraguay was without Miguel Almirón, one of its top players in the tournament, due to a left thigh injury. Coach Eduardo Berizzo’s side opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Gustavo Gómez pushing the ball to the empty net after a corner. Lapadula scored his first in the 21st from close range after an assist from Andre Carrillo. He added another in the 40th minute with a crossed shot from the left flank after Paraguayan defenders stopped to complain about a foul.

Peruvians looked certain they would advance after they took the lead and Paraguayan defender Gómez was sent off in added time after a second yellow. But Paraguay started the second half well and put pressure on Peru. Junior Alonso levelled the scoring in the 54th minute after burying the ball past Gallese a f t e r a c o r n e r. A n d opportunities kept coming, especially in corners. Peru’s Yoshimar Yotún frustrated Paraguayans with a goal from the edge of the box 80th minute after the ball deflected off a Paraguayan defender. But more twists

were to come. Five minutes later, Peruvian striker André Carrillo also received his second yellow. Paraguay decided to charge forward and it resulted in a late close-range goal by substitute Gabriel Avalos — who had stepped in eight minutes before — to level the match and send it to penalties. Lapadula said on Instagram he had ended the intense match with a broken nose. Peru advanced to the semifinals after Lapadula, Yotún, Renato Tapia and Tr a u c o s c o r e d i n t h e

shootout. Paraguay’s Ángel Romero, Alonso and Robert Piris da Motta also converted. “We can’t enjoy this, we have to focus on what is coming,” said Peru coach Ricardo Garea, who took the team to its fourth consecutive Copa America s e m i f i n a l . “ We h a v e embodied a playing style for many years now.” Peru will play its Copa A merica s emifinal on Monday at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. It lost 4-0 in the group stage of the tournament to Brazil, one of its possible semifinal opponents.

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Brazil beat Chile at Copa America despite 2nd-half red card Brazil’s Lucas Paqueta shoots to score the opening goal. (AP Photo/ Bruna Prado)

Brazil’s Neymar, right, and Chile’s goalkeeper Claudio Bravo greet each other at the end of a Copa America quarterfinal soccer match at the Nilton Santos stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, July 2, 2021. Chile lost to Brazil 0-1. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Defending Copa America champions Brazil defended strongly with 10 men to advance to the semifinals with a 1-0 win on Friday against Chile. Substitute Lucas Paquetá scored the only goal of the match only seconds before Gabriel Jesus was sent off early in the second half. Paquetá’s winner to the left corner of Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in the 46th minute gave Brazil fans some hope that the Selecao would ease into the next stage. But only two minutes later Jesus was sent off after hitting Chile’s

Eugenio Mena with a flying kick. Neymar and Brazil coach Tite said after the match that Jesus didn’t see Mena and accidentally kicked him as he tried to recover possession in the midfield. Brazil worked so hard defensively that Chile had fewer shots on goal after Jesus was sent off than during the time he played; two against three. “Defending well is a characteristic of ours,” Brazil’s Thiago Silva said. “Regardless of what we did today we concede few goals. Ever down to 10 we created clear opportunities. I am

very proud of this team, for its fighting spirit.” Paquetá came onto the pitch after a tense first half with few opportunities for both sides. He replaced Roberto Firmino. Brazil didn’t stop threatening Chile with Neymar’s dribbles and quick counter-attacks. But Chile was much closer to the equalizer; it had an Eduardo Vargas goal disallowed for offside and English-Chilean Ben Brereton hit the bar with a header in the 68th minute. An exhausted Neymar said after the match that playing with 10 men was a great test for Brazil. He was

not close to scoring as in other Copa America matches, but he was key by holding possession. “Every match we need to get some tests to make us stronger, show we can do it in every circumstance,” Neymar said. “We had to stand together. It was very hard to do it.” Chile’s Arturo Vidal said his team will leave the tournament with some pride. “We lost to a great team, a favorite which is playing at home,” he said. “If we play like we played today, with some more time to work, this team will clearly have its intensity back. We hope to

qualify to the World Cup. It will be hard, but we can.” Peru advanced to the semifinal after beating Paraguay on penalties 4-3 after a 3-3 score in regular time, in the most thrilling Copa America match yet. Brazil and Peru played the latest Copa America final in 2019, with the hosts winning 3-1. Jesus was also sent off in that match at Rio’s Maracana Stadium. Monday’s encounter will be at the same Nilton Santos Stadium where Brazil beat Chile. Brazil coach Tite, who was recently fined by South American soccer body

CONMEBOL for criticizing the tournament’s organization, once more criticized the quality of the Nilton Santos pitch, despite minor improvements made recently. “If I were watching from home I would say this could have been a good match, and look what it is... Ederson had difficulties to take goal kicks,” Tite said. “Please, be responsible. I recognize people are trying to improve the pitch, but find a better pitch for us to play.” The Copa America final will be played at the Maracana Stadium on July 10.

England thrash Ukraine to set up first ever Euros semi-final for 25 years B

England players had reasons to celebrate. (Getty Images)

BC Sport England are one win away from a first major tournament final since 1966 after thrashing Ukraine in Rome to reach the Euro 2020 semi-finals. Goals at the start of each half by Harry Kane and Harry Maguire helped set up a last-four meeting with Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday (20:00 BST kick-off). Kane’s second, followed by a header from substitute Jordan Henderson, rounded off an emphatic win. Jordan Pickford made a smart save from Roman Yaremchuk on his way to a fifth successive clean sheet at the tournament, but England produced their most electrifying performance of

Euro 2020 as they reached a f i r s t E u r o p e a n Championship semi-final for 25 years. They opened the scoring when Kane lifted the ball beyond Georgi Bushchan after Raheem Sterling’s sumptuous pass before M a g u i r e ’s a g g r e s s i v e header from Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw’s free-kick doubled the lead. England captain Kane made it three goals in two games with a close-range header after another assist by Shaw. On an unforgettable night for the Three Lions, Henderson added the fourth England’s third headed goal of the game - following a Mason Mount corner.

It was England’s biggest win at a European Championship finals, overtaking their 4-1 victory over the Netherlands in the group stage at Euro 96. Covid travel restrictions meant fans in the UK were told not to travel to the game in Italy’s capital but all four goals was celebrated loudly by Europe-based England fans inside Stadio Olimpico. Having guided his country to the last four at the 2018 World Cup, Southgate has now taken them to backto-back major tournament semi-finals. The final takes place at Wembley on 11 July. The other semi-final is between Spain and Italy at Wembley on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

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Sunday July 04, 2021

National senior men’s volleyball team.

National Under-23 upstages senior side in GVF exhibition match T

he Guyana Vo l l e y b a l l Federation (GVF) held an exhibition match at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Friday night which saw the Senior National Volleyball team falling prey to the youthful and vibrant

National under-23 select in 4 sets. Attending the match was President of the GVF Levi Nedd and newly appointed Director of Sport; Steve Ninvalle who made the first serve to officially begin the match. In the first of the best of

three sets showdown, the game saw the under-23 team defeating the Seniors 25-21. The second set saw the senior side falling prey once more to the under-23 team losing 25-21 before they avoided being swept in straight sets with a

commanding 25-16 win in the third set. However, the fourth set was the most competitive set of the night which saw the under-23 team closing out the game and cementing their victory over the seniors by a score of 30-28. The top scorers of the

triumphant national under23 team were Kristoff Shepperd with 10 points and Tyrone Farley with 8 points. The top scorers for the Senior National team were Quacy Matheson and Vance Harding who both scored 11 points. A c c o r d i n g t o

competitions’ committee member, Kristoff Shepperd, “The Guyana Volleyball Federation aims to have more volleyball played on a consistent basis to help enhance the level of volleyball in Guyana and this is just the beginning of a series of games to come.”

Ronaldo Bobb about to spike it for the national under-23 select.

From left, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) President Levi Nedd take a photo op with some of the under-23 players before the exhibition match.

The winning under-23 select side.

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 04, 2021

Markram, Mulder star in South Africa’s series win ESPNcricinfo - South Africa won their first T20I series since March 2019, and first in six series, by successfully defending the highest total of the fivematch series against West Indies in Grenada. The victory earns coach Mark Boucher and captain Temba Bavuma their first T20I trophy and means South Africa will leave the Caribbean triumphant in both the Test and T20I series. After choosing to bat first, South Africa posted 168 for 4 thanks largely to the continued excellence of Quinton de Kock and his acceleration in the middleovers. De Kock brought up his third successive halfcentury of the series, and saw South Africa through a 49-

run Powerplay and most of the period between the 7th and 15th over, in which they scored 89 runs at 9.66. He put together 128 for the second wicket with Aiden Markram, who top scored with 70. That proved to be the difference against a misfiring West Indian lineup. Tabraiz Shamsi turned in his most economical effort (four overs for 11 runs) while Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder conceded less than eight runs an over to ensure West Indies could not keep up with the required scoring rate. Notably, South Africa rebalanced their side to ensure they had six, frontline bowling options, including a seam-bowling allrounder, and that strategic change

worked well. South Africa have now won three of the 11 T20I series where the final game has effectively been a decider. Meanwhile, West Indies have won just three of their last 10 T20I series, one against Bangladesh and two against Sri Lanka. Highest partnership of the series South Africa tried a different combination in the top three for this match and though Temba Bavuma’s promotion to open the batting did not work, Markram made a strong case to be considered the permanent partner to Quinton de Kock. The pair’s 128-run stand, the highest of the series for either side, laid the foundation for a total in

Denmark beat Czech to reach last four BBC Sport - Denmark’s impressive and emotional Euro 2020 campaign continued as they marched on to the semi-finals courtesy of a victory over the Czech Republic in Baku. The Danes have gone from strength to strength in the tournament since the trauma of their opening game, in which midfielder Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest. Having hammered Wales in the last 16, they impressively dealt with a dangerous and physical Czech side in a competitive last-eight tie played in a redhot temperature in Azerbaijan. They led from the fifth minute, when Thomas Delaney evaded his marker to head in from a corner. A continual threat on the break, they made it 2-0 just before half-time, with Kasper Dolberg volleying in a superb cross from Joakim Maehle to add to the two goals he scored against Wales. Their momentum was checked early in the second half as Patrik Schick coolly volleyed in his fifth goal of the tournament, taking him l e v e l w i t h P o r t u g a l ’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Golden Boot. But Denmark were able to recompose themselves

and dig in to ensure the victory and a semi-final at Wembley on Wednesday. Their opponent will be either England or Ukraine, who play each other in Rome on Saturday evening. Denmark plot another fairytale It is nearly three decades since Denmark shocked the continent with their victory at Euro ’92, taking advantage of a late call-up to the finals to produce their country’s greatest sporting moment. They are currently in the process of writing yet another fairytale in the competition. Their campaign was only 41 minutes old when Eriksen collapsed before receiving CPR on the pitch as his visibly-distressed team-mates surrounded him and fans around the world watched in shock. Now those players are just 90 minutes from the final after another brilliant team display that stands as a testament not only to their ability and tactical intelligence but the renewed bond between them, forged in adversity. They were brilliant in the first half, compact and composed at the back and ruthless and rapid on the counter-attack. They fully deserved their two-goal lead

and could have had more, with Delaney wasting the best of their other chances by fluffing an effort wide with his knee. A much-improved Czech side knocked them out of their comfort zone after the break, but in goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and defensive trio Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer and Jannick Versergaard, Denmark found the stubbornness and leadership they needed to see the game out. It is the Danes’ first victory over the Czechs at a Euros finals and gives them some revenge for the quarter-final loss in 2004, when Milan Baros’ two goals helped his country to a comfortable 3-0 win. Baros ended that tournament with five goals, a tally now matched by Schick, who departs having done his own career no end of good with his displays for his country this summer. The Danes, though, continue their remarkable journey, with London the next destination. Credit also to the 1,000 or so Danish fans who travelled the 2,000 miles to Baku, knowing that Covid quarantine rules mean they now cannot attend either the semi-final or final, should their country get there.

excess of 180. Both de Kock and Markram brought up halfcenturies; de Kock’s was his third in the series and Markram’s his fourth in nine T20Is. Impressively, they both scored all around the ground, with Markram’s 70runs an even split of 35 each on the off and on side, with boundaries including his signature cover drive, the cut and aerial shots in the ‘v’. De Kock was stronger square of the wicket, with 28 runs on the off-side and 32 on the leg-side and boundaries mostly on the off-side apart from the slogs off Andre Russell and Akeal Hosein for his two sixes. De Kock’s 225 runs are also the most by an individual batter in a bilateral series. The slowdown While South Africa would have been pleased to keep things moving through the middle-overs, their concerns around the finishers remain. They scored just 32 runs in the last five overs, and lost Markram and Rassie van der Dussen in that time. David Miller managed his highest score of the series but did not appear entirely confident and faced 14 balls before his only boundary. Van der Dussen batted lower than usual, at No. 5, and was only needed in the 17th over, which did not give him the time he may have

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Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock struck aggressive half-centuries. (AFP/Getty Images)

liked to settle. Mulder too didn’t look in control with his only boundary coming off a bottom-edge. Overall, South Africa’s scoring rate in the last four overs in the series was 6.95, while West Indies struck at 11.43 runs an over in the same period. Lewis leads for West Indies True to form, Evin Lewis cleared the boundary off the third ball of the West Indian reply when he hit left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin over his head. That triggered a sensational beginning for the hosts; Lewis would hit two more sixes and five fours in his right T20I fifty, off judst 30 balls. It was the second slowest fifty of Lewis’ T20I career, after his 34-ball fifty against Pakistan in 2017. All his other fifty-plus scores have come in 26 or fewer balls. That may not sound entirely disappointing but Lewis would not have been happy with when and how he was dismissed. In the 10th over, Lewis mistimed an attempted six of Ngidi over long-on and was caught by Markram well inside the boundary. West Indies’ lost plot South Africa kept West Indies in check in the Powerplay with some sterling efforts in the field, like Lungi Ngidi’s full length dive at short fine to stop a Lendl SImmond’s flick that was destined for four and

Temba Bavuma’s dive at mid-wicket to intercept a fierce Lewis pull. But they also put some chances down, some more difficult than others. Tabraiz Shamsi could not hold on to a return catch in h i s f o l l o w t h r o u g h o ff Shimron Hetmyer’s leading edge or to the opportunity Hetmyer presented when he swung at a Mulder full toss and sent the ball swirling to short third man. Mulder got his reward off the next two balls though. Markram held on to a simple chance at long-off to dismiss a hamstrung Pollard before took a low, diving catch at point to dismiss Andre Russell for a first-ball duck. Mulder’s third over took West Indies from 103 for 3 to 112 for 5 and left them needing 57 runs off the last five overs to win. West Indies stayed somewhat in the hunt until Bavuma plucked Dwayne Bravo’s slice off Kagiso Rabada out of the sky to all but secure the series for South Africa. Bavuma judged the catch perfectly, as he made a lot of ground from point to deep point, and took it cleanly to complete a good day in the field. Scores: South Africa 168 for 4 (Markram 70, Edwards 2-19) beat West Indies 143 for 9 (Lewis 52, Ngidi 3-32) by 25 runs.

Alpha Harrison to compete at AAU Junior Olympic Games By Franklin Wilson Ten year-old USA based Guyana sprinter Alpha Harrison, who has been excelling there since migrating, is set, ready and confident of medaling at the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games

which would take place in Houston Texas from July 28 to August 7, 2021. The former Mocha, East Bank Demerara resident who attended St. Agnes Primary School had won the Fastest Kid in the World Boys 55m Dash at the Armory Track

and Field Center, New York 200m Banked Track in February last year when he clocked 8.18 to win the 8 and Under event. His exploits among his peers even at this tender age is well documented and (Continued on page 65)

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Sunday July 04, 2021

GGA/Nexgen GA camp commences T

he Second Annual Golf Camp by the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy, dedicated to former Coach Colin Ming got off to a fabulous start on Thursday at the Scouts Association of Guyana ground. Joining the dozens of participants were members of the Ming family, Samuel and Stanley Ming who, while saddened by the loss, were heartened by the turnout and expressed their gratitude to the Academy for paying tribute to Colin. “This was exactly what my dad wanted to accomplish and seeing his first dream, that of golf being taught to young players is the gateway to fulfilling his second wish producing a world class golfer from Guyana.” Stanley Ming from M i n g ’s P r o d u c t s a n d Services said, “I can only wish that it was my brother standing here instead of me but I am impressed by the dedication and effort that Mr. Hussain has put into growing the sport around the country. This is unprecedented for a relatively unknown sport to become so dominant in such a short time. To see the sheer joy on the faces of so many young players makes me want to play myself.” The well known businessman then went on to

The Golf Academy has attracted a number of male and female youths. tee off the official start of the Golf Camp, joined by his nephew. The family pledged its continued support to the Academy in its quest to grow the game stating that additional equipment is already on the way. The Golf Camp will also feature Table Tennis players from the Guyana National Team and the Titans Tennis Club. Coach Miguel Wong was there for the kickoff of the joint programme. “The concept of crossing over

sports disciplines was discussed and this is the pilot project. By exposing the youths to a variety of sports at the same, we believe they can possibly get involved in sports they never imagined they would be good at.” Golf has been growing well in Guyana with more than 5,000 school children being provided with equipment and training in preparation for CXC/CAPE examinations next year. With the continuing support from the Ministry of

Education Allied Arts Unit headed by Ms. Barker-King, Hussain said, “Plans are in place for training PE Teachers from an additional 50 schools in August, thereby allowing close to 10,000 students access to the sport.” Hussain stated that it all started with an idea a year ago, which was supported by the Shafura Hussain Foundation, Anwar Buddy Shaffie, former Coach Colin Ming and a few overseas Guyanese golfers, that led to the current state of affairs

with dozens of corporate sponsors such as Assuria General Insurance; Copa Airlines; Blue Life Waters; Trophy Stall; Ansa Mcal; Toolsie Persaud; Kanuku Suite & Apartments; Kanuku Tours; Angel Seafood Restaurant & Bar; Sunshine Snacks; Ram & McRae; Puran Brothers; Crown Mining; Panko Steel Construction; H. Nauth & Sons; AR Printery; Bissessar Shipping Company; CS World Cargo & Logistics; Sterling Products; Caliper

Drones; PasCargo; New Trend Auto; Maraiko Bay Resorts; Shafura Hussain Foundation; and NexGen Global Group now involved. Plans are being made to host additional Golf Camps during the rest of the year in Berbice, Linden, Essequibo, West Coast and Georgetown. “These will be two and three day camps in various regions so that all kids are given the opportunity to learn from the top coaches in the country.” Hussain emphasized that without the help from Coach Dr. Joaan Deo and Captain Chen Deo who helped to design the training programme and worked tirelessly with the Academy during the past year, this Camp could not have been a success. “We are fortunate to have tremendous talent such as Coaches Miguel Wong and Christine Sukhram join myself and Dr. Joaan Deo to take these kids to their full potential,” said Hussain. The Golf Camp will conclude on Saturday July 17th with a skills competition that will include both kids and parents. The Academy has a lighted Driving Range that is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm and offers extremely low rates and provides all equipment and training for everyone. Anyone interested in future activities, Golf Camps, or learning the game can contact the Academy via WhatsApp 668-7419 or nexgengolfacademy on Facebook and Instagram.

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Moruca residents fighting for their community ground

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eports reaching Kaieteur Sport have revealed that residents of the region one community of Moruca are extremely concerned and disturbed by recent developments at their community ground which has temporarily hampered them for utilising it for its recreational purpose, while a more permanent threat lingers. One resident told Kaieteur sport, speaking on behalf of the community noted that, A contractor had a road project and had bargained with the previous council to have a secure area for the equipment and permission was given to house the equipment and materials for the road project at the community ground; an unpopular idea within the community according the concerned resident. According to reports, the community ground had

become an eyesore and deprived the youths from recreational activities and now that the project has been completed the building machines are still on the field along with stones, sand and, a big hole which was dug for storage of water. The reports brought attention to the fact that the present village council took over on May 2nd this year and they were asked to do some queries about the situation. It is alleged that a notice of 30 days was given to remove the equipment and materials from the ground but that time frame has elapsed and the materials remain on the ground. The second problem is that it is alleged that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is pushing to build an extension of the Moruca Secondary School onto part of the community ground, something which is

Vehicles and other machinery parked on the Moruca playfield which has left residents questioning about recreation space for their children. alleged that the entire community of Moruca including the area of Kumaka is against, especially those in the central area that see the ground as a landmark and a recreational hub.

Although the residents have raised their concerns, it is alleged that the school extension project is still green-lit and the concerned resident is hoping that the relevant authorities including the Minister of the

Amerindian Affairs and the Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport can be made aware of what was described as a disturbing situation. The resident highlighted that while they respect schooling and development,

the ground has been around for generations and has significant historical value, and there are more than enough options for alternative areas the school’s extension can be constructed.

Kremlev gains support as he makes impact on amateur boxing He has been in office for just eight months, however, Russian Umar Kremlev, has gained the confidence of the majority of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) members and is being seen as possible the brightest spark boxing has had in decades. Troubled by scandals pertaining to financial impropriety over several years and eventually being suspended from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to the turmoil, however, Kremlev was elected president of AIBA in December last and has successfully commenced a journey to turn around organization of the fistic sport. And he has been successful in his efforts and has been gaining support, recognition and plaudits for his efforts and open door policy. Vice President of the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) and president of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle put it more bluntly by labeling Kremlev as the best thing to happen to AIBA in decades. “Within this short span of time Mr. Kremlev has shown that what he promised, he has delivered. His is visionary, pragmatic and genuinely cares about the

Umar Kremlev development of the sport. His intention is to make the 75 -year-old AIBA great again something I am confident he will achieve.” “In offering my honest opinion I must underline that Mr. Kremlev is a man of his word, a man on a mission and the man for the job. With our collective support, I can safely say that the sport is in good and capable hands and will be a part of the 2024 Olympics,” Ninvalle added. The 38-year-old Russian ‘man of action’ came into office promising to unite AIBA, wipe off its debt,

complete reforms and repair a strained relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Kremlev had received the majority of the English speaking Caribbean votes at the AIBA election. Since taking the helm he has waived annual fees paid by National Federations, commenced reforms, reached out to the IOC, commenced programmes to provide financial and other support for National Federations and set prize monies for Confederation Championships.

Steve Ninvalle AIBA set a prize fund of US$320,000 for the medalists of the European U n i o n B o x i n g Confederation (EUBC) championships held recently. The winners received US$8,000 while silver and bronze medalist received US$4,000 and US$2,000 respectively. The awards are equal for both genders in all 10 weight classes. “We are taking care of our athletes’ well-being, therefore, it is crucial that we provide prize money for the medalists. Boxers’

achievements should be recognized and valued. Personally for me, as a President, it is important to give opportunities to our athletes. Their hard work and dedication are outstanding and very respectable. I want to encourage them for further progress,” Kremlev was quoted saying. According to Ninvalle, Kremlev will personally visit each confederation to personally access the needs of several National Federations. “Here in AMBC and the Caribbean we are extremely happy to have received news of his visit to our shores, while on the ground, he will be better equipped to understand our challenges.” Kremlev has already made several visits to European countries and has lent support to their endeavours so far with

equipment, funding and other essential aid to propel their development. His impending visit to the Caribbean will give him a firsthand view of the challenges the region face. Ninvalle, who has been involved in the hierarchy of AIBA, has been pushing for issues in this region to be addressed by the governing body. The recent turmoil would have slowed that push. However, with his ascension to the vice presidency of AMBC, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president and a foremost voice in the Caribbean, will be able to have the regions voice heard and issues addressed by Kremlev who has been listening to his membership among others and working assiduously with success in transforming the face of amateur boxing in the world.