Kaieteur News

Haitian President K NEWS assassinated at home AIETEUR

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

Thursday Edition

p.

17

July 08, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 24

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 91,032

…First Lady flown to Miami, in critical condition

Diaspora body condemns Govt.’s unwillingness to ask for renegotiation of ExxonMobil’s contract p.

2

Youth caught raping elderly woman outside La Penitence Market Govt. procures 112 tractors at $446M for Amerindian villages p.

6

p.

2

DPP moves to quash Man tries magistrate’s decision to hide behind in Roxanne Myers’ stacks of bread elections fraud case to evade police p.

12

p.

3

EMC teams up with US firm to offer environmental, health and This citizen is in support of the renegotiation of Exxon’s contract safety packages for oil sector Everything is secret in this land, including the oil sale p.

3

@11:00am on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

PAGE 02

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

Govt. procures 112 tractors at S446M - First batch handed for Amerindian villages over yesterday G

overnment, through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA), has procured a total of 112 tractors at a cost of $446 million. The first batch of 30 tractors was yesterday handed over to the Toshaos of 30 Amerindian villages.

During a simple handing over ceremony at the Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, President, Irfaan Ali, handed over the tractors to the Toshaos who hail from Regions One, Two, Four, Five, Six and Nine.

The tractors were

supplied to the government

by Rudisa Motor Company Guyana Incorporated.

In delivering his address, the President told the village leaders that the initiative is a realisation of his government's commitment to hinterland food security as part of efforts to generate economic livelihood for hinterland communities.

He added that this investment was one of the echoing recommendations he had during his many visits to the various communities.

“Today we will be handling over 30 tractors out of 112, this is the first batch, it is not only the tractors but

The tractors that were handed over to the Toshaos

it also comes with the hydraulic trailers and it also

comes with implements,” he noted. The implements, the

President, Irfaan Ali and Minister, Pauline Sukai with the Toshaos at the handing over ceremony yesterday

President said, are on the way and will support the agriculture sector in the hinterland communities.

Noting that the investment comes at a great cost, the President told the Toshaos yesterday that they should not only maintain the tractors but secure them as well.

It was revealed too that training of personnel will be done at the community level to ensure that maintenance capabilities are readily available.

“Shortly you will have to give us representatives who will be given the basic training in caring and servicing and maintaining

the equipment which is critical,” the President underscored.

Following the President's address, Minister of MoAA, Pauline Sukhai, told the Toshaos that government is working assiduously t o e n s u r e t h a t Amerindian development is accelerated.

She noted too that the initiative by the President is aimed at “stabilising the livelihood of our people's food security and to support the various sectors in our village economy, forestry, transportation, mining and of course the transportation of goods and service.”

Diaspora body condemns Govt.'s unwillingness to ask for renegotiation of Exxon's contract

O

n July 2, 2021, the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, addressed two separate congregations of the Guyanese Diaspora in Queens, New York.

At the smaller of the two meetings, Mike Persaud, MBA, a member of the Oil

and Gas Governance Network, an overseas-based organisation that addresses issues relating to Oil and Governance, posed several questions to the Attorney General as it relates to the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement. Among his questions, he asked,

“Why don't you and your government ask ExxonMobil to come back to the table to review the terms of the Contract?”

According to Persaud, the AG in reply inferred no intention on the part of the PPP/C Government to attempt to renegotiate.

P e r s a u d s t a t e d , “ M r.

Nandlall began talking about the 'four corners of a contract' that must be respected. He said the contract had been negotiated in 2016 by the previous government…He [also] said from now on, his government shall negotiate new PSAs on all future oil blocks – 'on our terms'.”

P r i o r t o t h i s pronouncement, Persaud had stated that “Guyana is losing US$24 billion on nine billion barrels reserves in the Stabroek Block – nine billion times average price of US$60 times 4.25 percent.”

The promise of the AG to negotiate future oil blocks “on our own terms” was met with doubt from Persaud, who noted that PSAs have been concluded and signed by the Government for the following oil blocks: Berbice, Canje, Corentyne,

D e m e r a r a , K a i e t e u r, Orinduik, Stabroek and Roraima. He further posited that “The problem the Oil and Gas Governance Network has with the Government of Guyana, is that it has thus far stubbornly refused to simply ask ExxonMobil to come back to the negotiating table. Not demand, not threaten to litigate the contract, just ask.”

This rationale, according to Persaud, is rooted in the notion that “ExxonMobil is interested in a long-term harmonious, stable relationship between the oil

company and the host government – and would therefore be amenable to work out fairer terms to make both parties happy to sustain a long-term relationship.”

He further noted that the Guyanese Government, by resolving to simply ask for renegotiation, would consequently place the onus on Exxon to officially refuse to renegotiate.

“Let ExxonMobil go on the record and say no. Let ExxonMobil seek refuge in “sanctity of contracts. We do not know how ExxonMobil would respond,” he added.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 08, 2021

PAGE 03

EMC teams up with US firm to offer environmental, health and safety packages for oil sector I

n response to President, Irfaan Ali's call for local companies to up their game to become more competitive in the multibillion-dollar oil a n d g a s i n d u s t r y, Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC), one of Guyana's premier environmental consultancy companies, has teamed up with a leading American firm to expand its services and marketability.

Its new partner is Acorn International, LLC, a USbased international firm with experience in environmental and social risk and logistics management. Together the two companies will offer an integrated package of environmental health, safety and social services for offshore exploration and production activities in Guyana.

Recognising the significance of continued hydrocarbon discoveries and

the onset of significant development opportunities in Guyana, EMC said this strategic partnership will allow Acorn International to complement and support its multi-faceted team by bringing extensive oil and gas experience and expertise, particularly in environmental and social risk management.

Among the integrated services to be offered by the partnership are: Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and Management Plans, Environmental and Social Investigations and Comprehensive Baseline Studies, Community Engagement/“Prior Consultation” Programs, Drilling Fluids, Cuttings and Oil Spill Dispersion Modeling, Supporting Environmental and Related Approvals, Maintaining Compliance Registers, Environmental and Social

Screening and Risk Profile, Oil Spill Contingency, Emergency Response, Waste Management, and Monitoring Plans, Project Finance Support, and Project Management and Supervision.

Following the announcement, Shyam Nokta, EMC's Managing Director and Environment Management Specialist, said he is pleased to be working with Acorn International while adding, “Acorn brings to the partnership significant global experience in the oil and gas sector, having worked with many of the leading oil and gas companies.”

T h r o u g h t h i s partnership, Nokta said EMC and Acorn can take on wider work scopes in oil and gas while supporting EMC's growth and expansion as part of meaningful local content.

Nokta further noted that the two companies have

DPP moves to quash Magistrate's decision in Roxanne Myers’ elections fraud case

D

irector of Public Prosecutions ( D P P ) , Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has initiated legal proceedings in the High Court seeking orders to quash a Magistrate's decision to hold a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the electoral fraud case against Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers.

According to the case which was filed on behalf of the DPP through attorneys, Darshan Ramdhani QC, Glenn Hanoman, Ganesh Hira, George Thomas and Mark Conway, the applicant seeks a declaration that the decision made by Magistrate, Leron Daly, to hold a PI into the misconduct allegations, engages the provisions of Article 144 of the Constitution with the likely result that the case may not be tried within a reasonable time.

As such, the DPP asked for an order of certiorari to quash Daly's decision to hold a PI into Myers case on

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC. the grounds that it is irrational, ultra vires, illegal, without legal foundation, without legal authority and contrary to natural justice.

The DPP also seeks a declaration in accordance with the Judicial Review Act that in the circumstances of the charges, and in compliance with the constitution, that the two charges against Myers proceed by way of summary trial.

The DPP also asks that Magistrate Daly reconsider her discretion afresh under

DCEO, Roxanne Myers Section 61 of the Summary Jurisdiction Procedure Act Cap 10:02.

On the grounds to support her application, the DPP relied on Article 187 of the Constitution, which she notes gives her office supervision over all criminal matters within Guyana.

Further, in the grounds, the applicant explained that the charge against Myers is classified in criminal procedure as a 'hybrid offence,' which can be heard and determined either indictable or summary (continued on page 6)

combined several decades of experience in working to ensure that the environmental and social challenges associated with major projects are proactively, transparently, and effectively managed.

He said too that they have collaborated successfully in providing support to oil and gas companies, developers, and investors with interests in Guyana since 2016.

During his brief remarks, President of Acorn International, Dean Slocum, said, “We are excited and honoured to be working in partnership with EMC to deliver world-class social and environmental

Shyam Nokta, EMC's Managing Director performance services to industry, investors, and the Government in Guyana.

While we have worked extensively on resource

development programmes in over 70 countries, we know that managing the critical social and environmental challenges of new extractive activities requires local knowledge and local solutions.”

He further noted that EMC has an exceptionally strong understanding of how these issues can impact Guyana and a sound ability to reliably and professionally deliver local interpretation and results.

“Consistent with our commitment to building local content capacity, we look forward to continuing to work with Shyam and his team to strengthen an already-robust and increasingly respected business to support Guyana's sustainable development,” Solcum concluded.

PAGE 4

Thursday July 08, 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

We don’t need a divider, we need a unifier The next Mayor of New York City could be the city’s second minority leader. He is a man of the people, one from the community, and who knows what is needed in rough times. He has taken his share of blows, and knows what has to be done to heal his city, to manage it and make it work again. Brooklyn Borough President and former police captain, Eric Adams, is ready for the reins, though he is not firmly, and officially, settled in the mayoral saddle as yet. He could make a difference.

Mr. Adams has a near double-digit percentage lead in primary voting. He did it the old-fashioned way: he worked hard, built sensibly. According to a Bloomberg article dated June 23, Mr. Adams’ results can be traced to what he describes as “This coalition that we built, Black, White, Brown, Asian, Muslims, Jews, Christians — this amazing coalition — Italians, Russian-speaking, Irish, they called me the United Nations candidate.”

But it was his follow-up words that attracted attention, and what many believe that he represents: “All these different groups bringing this city together, we don’t need a divider, we need a unifier.” New York City needs that now more than ever before, and it may get one. But what about us, right here in Guyana?

Harsh truths must be faced: We don’t have unifiers here, we have dividers. We have had PNC dividers in Guyana.

We have had PPP dividers before, and we have PPP dividers again. Those within both major parties who push for unifying to be the primary issue always lose. And so we languish in passions stoked and with inflaming hatreds.

Leaders from both of the major parties have lied to us, divided us, and devastated us. Now, outsiders come to get their share of licks in, by squeezing every red cent out of us.

Look at our oil and gold and other precious natural resources.

Still, our leaders lie to us, deceive us, and thoroughly mislead us.

Eric Adams may have a few lies in him, but neither he nor the record can lie about his brutalisation at a young age by police officers. This citizen, man, and former police officer, knows about what hurts his people, what is a priority for them.

As Bloomberg reported, “Crime and inequality were the main issues in the last few weeks of campaigning…street and transit crime feel like…a 1980s rerun. Yet many also expressed hope that the next resident of Gracie Mansion would better reflect the ethnic melting pot of the U.S.’s most populous city.” That could be the unifier, Eric Adams.

The man was fearless and willing to spend political capital that could have costed him: “Adams maintained that traditional policing was the solution to the rise in crime. He backed a modified version of stop-and-frisk — which disproportionately affected young Black men — and said he wants to restore a plain clothes police unit tasked with confiscating illegal weapons that was disbanded after complaints that it used excessive force.”

On these very sensitive issues, Eric Adams made his position clear. He could have lost out with Black and Hispanic voters, but he did not beat around the bush. This is what people need to feel safe and secure, what must be delivered. That is a leader, frank talker, hard decision maker.

Since countless Guyanese have family and friends who live in NYC, this is heartening.

If only we could have that here in one leader. If only the plainest of talk about their positions on what menaces us, actually hurts us. We think of Exxon, unity, and borrowing and spending. PPP leaders have been vague and fool around with these things. Things like the life and limb issue of crime that makes everyone fearful, even those with bodyguards; but of which a plan that involves many minds and hands is nowhere to be seen.

For oil, and for us to be together as one voice and one bloc before the world (especially Exxon), is not forthcoming because no government, present or previous, would listen.

They are too greedy and crooked to consider togetherness.

New York City may get lucky if it gets Eric Adams. But what about Guyana?

I find the APNU+AFC’s latest publicity stunt no-confidence motion to be ridiculous Dear Editor, I have taken note of the APNU+AFC’s criticisms of the Dr. Irfaan Ali led PPP/C Government’s management of the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have taken a step further by bringing forth a noconfidence motion to support the same narrative. Guyanese are smart people and just as how they have seen through every APNU+AFC lie ranging from 33 not being the majority of 65 to them being fraudulently removed from office, they will see through this latest charade.

We are all aware that the APNU+AFC continue to put forward its erroneous claim that the Minister of Health has been doing a poor job in terms of managing the pandemic in Guyana. They support this by

saying that when they were in government the COVID-19 numbers were significantly lower.

However, those numbers were clearly influenced by the deliberate policy of low testing that they employed, which was rigidly enforced by Volda Lawrence on whose desks the test results had to go before even the persons tested were made aware of their status.

This isn’t the case now as the PPP/C Government when it took office in August significantly increased the amount of testing being done and with that, reality obviously would come more detection of positive cases.

Further, I put forth this question to the coalition: if their management of the pandemic was so good and the numbers were as low as

they claim then why was there a need for them to spend $1.6 billion on a COVID-19 hospital? What about the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation’s (PAHO/ WHO) projection in early April 2020 that cases in Guyana could reach as much as 20,000

by May 5 of that same year?

The answer is very simple. Despite which government came into office, the COVID-19 numbers would have been far more than what it was at the beginning of 2020. Even if the APNU+AFC were successful in defying the will of the electorate in 2020, COVID-19 would have affected Guyanese far worse given their dismal record in dealing with the pandemic in its initial stages.

I am positive that many other right-thinking Guyanese would agree with me when I say that the PPP/C Government has demonstrated far better management of Guyana’s fight against COVID-19. In fact, it was this Government who procured PPEs, provided incentives to those in the frontline of the fight as well as relief to the ordinary Guyanese.

They have also undertaken a robust vaccination campaign, the success of which the APNU+AFC is trying to stymie. As such, I find the APNU+AFC’s stance and its latest publicity stunt in the form of a no-confidence motion to be ridiculous.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

Guyanese-endorsed candidate wins N.Y. Mayoral Primary Race Dear Editor, The candidate for Mayor in the Democratic Party primary endorsed by Guyanese groups in Queens has won the party’s nomination to contest the general election in November, according to voting counts from the New York City’s Board Elections. Eric Adams, an African-American who is President of the Borough of Brooklyn, has won the D e m o c r a t i c Primary nomination. Unless there is any court challenge, he will officially be announced as the party’s nominee against the

Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, in November’s general elections. New York City is largely a Democratic stronghold (with seven times more Democrats than Republicans) and Adams is expected to easily prevail winning the Mayoralty race.

Adams visited Richmond Hill several times, including mandirs and Gurudwara, during the election campaign.

He was endorsed by several Guyanese groups and prominent community leaders and activists including Ashook Ramsaran, Romeo Hitlall, Dhanpaul Narine, Richard David, and this writer,

among others. This writer promoted Adams in the media.

Several fundraisers were held in Queens for Adams.

Guyanese and other West Indians came out for him.

The election was held on June 22 with in person ballots counted that same evening.

Absentee and mail-in ballot count results were announced on July 6. This year, the voting included ranked choices for office – meaning a voter can vote for multiple candidates ranking them up to a fifth choice if so desired. Adams got the highest number of first ranked preference accounting for 33% of the in person votes cast. The rank preferences were counted on June 29.

Candidates from the bottom of the pack were eliminated and ballots cast for their second, third, fourth, and fifth preference were redistributed to the surviving contenders until only two were left.

Adams held a narrow lead over Kathryn Garcia 51% to 49%. After counting of some 130K absentee ballots, Adams narrowly led Garcia by some 8,000 votes, winning 50.5% to 49.5%.

Adams put together a coalition of varied ethnic groups including IndoGuyanese, Black West Indians, South Asians, and Hispanics, among others, as well as working class activists. He triumphed over (Continued on page 5)

The Mayor and some City Councillors only now have a problem with the Local Government Commission Dear Editor, The Mayor and some City Councillors now all of a sudden have a problem with the Local Government Commission exercising its authority in the affairs of the Georgetown City Council. It was reported in the news that the Mayor and Chairman of the Finance Committee were barred from a meeting held by the commission yesterday, to discuss Human Resource issues. The real question is were they invited?

If they weren’t then they cannot be barred because they were not invited in the first place. In addition, why would the Mayor turn up to a meeting that he was not invited to? Naturally, he was embarrassed because he breached normal protocols.

But with all the problems in the city including heaps of

garbage everywhere, flooding in different parts, run down municipal buildings, no money at the council to do basic things and very low staff morale, the Mayor can still find time to attend a meeting to which he had no invite. It is, to say the least, unbelievable. Imagine the Mayor of an untidy Capital is busy arguing about not being invited to a meeting rather than being busy with cleaning up. It is shameful.

The funny thing about all of this is that when the commission was chaired by Mr. Mortimer Mingo, a member of the Central Executive Committee of the PNCR, that same Mayor and his band of Councillors had no problem with the Local Government Commission then. Quite a few officers were dismissed by

that body without due and lawful process, including the Chief Constable and the deputy Town Clerk. The Mayor even attempted to get the current City Engineer fired. Luckily, the life of that commission expired before he could have succeeded. He attempted to do it at the council but that officer was strong, took the matter to court and won. Also, they, the Mayor and his merry band of councillors, attempted to get the commission to employ a group of hand-picked individuals for top positions at the council, one of whom was the secretary to the unlawful Commission of Inquiry, by the then Commission. But even that commission refused to honour that recommendation.

So why the problem with

this commission? What is different now? The answer to that is simply this, the Local Government Commission is now chaired by a member of the ruling party, the PPP/ C, Mr. Julius Faeber, an honourable man, who knows about local government administration. The trouble is that, the Mayor and his cohorts cannot influence or control the work of this commission, in any way, so there is a problem; there will always be a problem. His friends and comrades are no longer in charge. Now he has to abide by the rules and respect the commission. The Local Government Commission Act of 2013 is clear on the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Commission.

Yours truly, Anthony Subner

Thursday July 08, 2021

No one has intellectual property rights over Jagan’s or Rodney’s work and legacy Dear Editor, Two letters written by two ‘brothers’ belonging to the same organisation were published recently in mainstream media. Both letters appeared to have two objectives. Objective one, was to resort to defensiveness, viz; to go on the attack against what they don’t want to hear. Objective two, was to down play the steps initiated by government to correct the wrongs committed by the PNC in respect to Dr. Rodney’s demise.

In their rush to judgement, the authors mistakenly placed more emphasis on form rather than content.

It was as if they were engaged in box checking the letters from other contributors only to end up in a nitpicking exercise. Following the epistolary exchange in the press since the announcement was made, readers may have noticed that neither of the two authors welcomed the move. If that didn’t prove residual guilt, what does?

The root cause for the emotional pain and hurt they seem to be experiencing, as expressed in their letters, seem to be principally because the APNU+AFC was booted from office. No ‘adult confession’ for supporting a ‘conditional alliance’ or to ‘feel no sense of guilt’ will change the irreparable damage that was done to our electoral process by agents acting on behalf of the two letter writers.

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Neither can the enigma of human tears wash away the despicable acts aimed at thwarting the will of the electorate and to derail our fledgling democracy. That is now a historical fact. It is time to wipe away the teardrops, admit remorse and move on.

There are some in our midst who are obviously haunted by events of the past.

It appears that it is the specter of ‘political culture and conduct’ that continue to haunt, if not entangle and blur their fixed mindsets. There seems to be no escape route from the intellectual turpitude that afflicts them. Based on past experiences and political praxis, some political leaders claim that unless a political party conforms de rigueur to a particular ‘political culture and conduct’ peculiar to them, they will have nothing to do with those belonging to that party.

The argument that that is what Rodney stood for, has no basis in fact. Those who heard him speak time and again at the Bourda Mall in the mid to the late 1970’s would know that Rodney was not trapped in dogmatism nor stereotypes nor intellectual shortsightedness while he lived.

Rodney’s life work should not be framed as being exclusive to a specific generation nor organisation.

It will be a mistaken conclusion to do so. Just as Cheddi Jagan belongs to the whole of Guyana so does Dr. Rodney. It should come as no surprise if the wrong people were to take up his mantle. No

one has intellectual property rights over neither Jagan’s nor Rodney’s work and legacy. Cumulatively, it is Guyana’s legacy It is because of a sectarian and conformist approach by some to Guyanese politics, that they have been unsuccessful in cultivating an enduring alliance with other political or social forces outside their orbit.

Casting aspersions towards those who preceded Rodney or those who were not bold enough to come forward during the heyday of Rodney’s activism, conveys the impression that the peoples’ struggle for freedom and democracy in Guyana began with the arrival of the WPA and later, with Rodney on the political landscape.

This is obviously a revisionist approach since it ignores the heroic struggles that started long before the WPA’s establishment and Rodney’s arrival. In fact, Rodney’s contribution should be viewed as a significant continuation and the heightened intensification of the Guyanese peoples struggle for bread and justice.

For anyone to claim Oneupmanship for the events that captured the zeitgeist of a period when Guyanese were locked in a common struggle in which all had been

involved, is to ignore the strong possibility that all would have been consumed by the brutality of the Burnham dictatorship.

Unsourced anecdotal stories, innuendos and snide remarks directed towards those who were engaged in that struggle and others who came later, but genuinely hold Rodney in high esteem will get us nowhere.

History, ‘parked’ or living has its way of teaching us lessons as a guide to future actions. To do otherwise would result in becoming trapped in an echo chamber of one’s own making.

Political parties in a parliamentary democracy will clash ideologically and philosophically from time to time, and that is quite normal.

But what is important is as a nation we the people, irrespective of our characterisation of government and our judgement calls of each other’s actions or ethnicity, the way forward is clear; it’s either we swim together or drown separately.

Yours truly, Clement J. Rohee

The assassination of Haiti’s President must be seen as a worrying development Dear Editor, The shocking death by assassination of a sitting Head of State, President, Jovenel Moise of Haiti, must be seen as a worrying development for our tiny Caricom nation, and must be condemned in the strongest terms. Whatever

purpose is hoped to be achieved from this horrific crime must not be allowed to succeed. Caricom must come out of this tragedy stronger and unified. My thoughts and prayers with the people of Haiti.

Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed

...Guyanese-endorsed From page 4 a large Democratic field of eleven candidates. He is considered as a moderate Democrat.

Adams spoke frequently of his dual identity as a 22year police veteran and a Black man.

He retired from the police force in 2006 and ran for NY Senate serving several terms.

He gave up his Senate seat to run for Brooklyn President in 2013. He is term limited this year as is Mayor Bill DiBlasio whose office Adams seeks.

Adams co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care that combated racial profiling of minorities. Adams is a vegan who credits a plantbased diet with reversing his diabetes. He has a 25year-old son with a former girlfriend.

Adams is the favorite in the November general election against Curtis Sliwa, the Republican founder of the Guardian Angels.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

PAGE 6

Another call to fix potholes on Dumpsite Road Dear Editor, I write this letter hoping that this issue gets immediate attention. I must admit I feel a vexation and frustration in once again calling upon those responsible to fix the potholes on the Dumpsite Road, Windsor Stretch, and the link to Buddy’s Scheme Road behind there. It has been months now, you could have seen little potholes now galvanised into craters and nothing has been done to fix these. Everyday there are lines of traffic just for motorists to navigate these holes.

We have layers of Government, Local and

Central and I am sure many of them traverse these areas daily, why they can try to at least temporarily fill them until a permanent fix can be had.

Are they waiting for something drastic to happen and then a Minister will come for a garland moment, caught pointing fingers for a PR stunt?

People are disgusted and the least we expect as taxpayers are proper roads, water and electricity supply. I challenge this newspaper to do an observation of this situation and make public your findings.

Yours truly, Name provided

The GHRA has long lost its relevance and whatever credibility it had Dear Editor, No amount of front-page coverage or editorial references by Stabroek News will resurrect Mike McCormack’s Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) from the dead. The GHRA has long lost its relevance and whatever credibility it had.

They say you shouldn’t speak ill of the dead but this undemocratic outfit, which has had McCormack as its head for over 40 years is viewed by a large part of the population as an APNU+AFC mouthpiece. That it was in an apparent comatose state

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

during the blatant attempt to rig the March 2, 2020 General Elections and has suddenly awoken from its sleep, echoing positions taken by the APNU+AFC, gives credence to this view.

M c C o r m a c k ’s fulminations have been largely ignored by the Kaieteur News, Newsroom, Guyana Times, and other mainstream media houses for good reasons. Stabroek News is therefore damaging its own credibility when it tries to resurrect this dead.

Yours truly Erin Northe

Youth caught raping elderly woman outside La Penitence Market

Ranks making the arrest at the scene.

A young man, who appeared to be in his late teens or early 20s, was last evening caught raping a homeless woman on Saffon Street, Charlestown, just outside of the La Penitence Market.

The youth was caught in the act, sometime after 19:00hrs, by a group of persons passing in a car. “He was raping the woman right on the road,” said a female passenger who helped to rescue the elderly woman.

She said that at first they were convinced that “it was two young people” but on closer inspection they

realised that it was a young man raping an old woman. As such, the driver decided to turn the car around in order to rescue her.

“When we turn around the car, he run away through a corner and deh stand up peeping,” the passenger related.

However, two men, who were also in the car, reportedly blocked him off and efforts were made to summon the police.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene, ranks were preparing to arrest the young man. He was clad only in a “stripe pattern” t-shirt

Some of the elderly woman’s belongings. and boxers. The suspect tried to resist being arrested but the ranks picked him up and threw him into the back of their patrol vehicle.

Again, the young man tried to fight back but was overpowered by the ranks.

Angry residents who turned up at the scene, lambasted the young man’s action but he kept insisting, “bai me aint do nobody nothing.”

After calling an ambulance to take the elderly woman to the hospital, the police ranks, with the young man in custody, drove off, heading to the Ruimveldt Police Station. By this time, the ambulance had arrived and as the woman was being helped into it, Kaieteur News’

reporters observed that she was limping and blood could be seen on her hands, legs and clothing.

According to the residents who were at the scene, the woman is believed to be about 80 years old and has been a vagrant in the area for some time. They revealed that she is sometimes seen in the Market or on the pavement in front of an unoccupied building.

Meanwhile, at the station, the suspect bowed his head, presumably in shame, as ranks handcuffed him to a bench and started to interrogate him. He, however, refused to cooperate with the investigators and kept his head bowed between his knees.

...DPP moves to quash Magistrate's decision in

The area where the rape took place.

From page 3 heard and determined by the Magistrate's Court.

On February 11 last, the Magistrate ruled that the two charges for misconduct in public office against Myers will remain indictable which would require her to conduct a PI to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial in the High Court.

The charges against Myers allege that between March 4 and March 14, 2020, in Georgetown, while being a public officer, she willfully misconducted herself together with Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, and others, to declare a fraudulent account of votes for the March 2020 General and Regional Elections which amounted to a breach of the public's trust in the office of the DCEO of GECOM. She is currently on $300,000 bail for the two cases. Magistrate Daly has since embarked on holding a PI to determine whether there is enough evidence against Myers for her to face trial in the High Court. The Magistrate had reasoned, inter alia, that the case should not be tried sum-

marily “since the matter is a very serious matter.”

In court documents, the DPP contends that the course of Magistrate Daly's action will lead to undue delay of the proceedings.

According to the DPP, the Magistrate failed to consider that the High Court could impose no greater penalty than the Magistrate's Court on any conviction for the offences and erroneously preceded on the basis that the High Court could in certain circumstances impose a greater penalty for offences charged than was possible for a Magistrate to impose.

The DPP said that the Magistrate in her ruling stated that the charges against Myers were serious and should be heard indictable, likening the offences to charges for robbery underarms.

However, the DPP noted that the decision of Magistrate Daly offends Article 144 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, which provides that all criminal cases should be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time.

The case is set for ruling this Friday before Justice Franklyn Holder.

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 B T .

L . .

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 .

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 .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U 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 . . .

LU ...BLUN B T . . .

N T U 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 . .

N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B .

L . .

B .

T . .

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 Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guyanese workers claim that AGM's Chinese managers are mistreating them, dealing with them differently, through a standard that is lower than that of Chinese employees.

THIS IS INSULTING AND UNACCEPTABLE from any source, but especially at the hands that come to reap our natural resources harvest.

We don't think that the Minister of Labour is doing enough. His officials must go to AGM's location unannounced and learn for themselves what is really going on with Guyanese workers. The usual staged visits and well-prepared reception and tables must be bypassed.

This calls for probing to get to the bottom of what is wrong and humiliating to Guyanese workers.

These jobs are not charity.

They are our due, and with all amenities and dignity attached.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

Drilling begins in Kawa-1 well C

GX Energy, a Canadian-based oil and gas exploration company focused on the exploration of oil in the Guyana-Suriname Basin, has announced that it has commenced drilling in the Kawa-1 prospect on the Corentyne Block located approximately 90 nautical miles (167 kilometres) offshore Guyana.

CGX is the operator of the Corentyne Block with a 66.667 percent participating interest and is currently engaged in a joint venture with Frontera, which holds a 33.333 percent interest.

The commencement of the operation comes on the heels of a one-year extension granted by the Guyana Government last November, on its schedule to conduct drilling operations on the Corentyne Block and upon the company's acquisition of a semisubmersible drilling unit, the

Maersk Discoverer, and associated services to drill the Joint Venture's Kawa-1 well.

The Maersk Discoverer is a 6th Generation semisubmersible mobile drilling unit capable of operating in 3,000 metres water depth.

Kawa-1, named after the iconic mountain overlooking the village of Paramakatoi in the Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana, is expected to be drilled to a depth of around 6,500 metres in water depth of approximately 370m.

The drill site covers an area of 4.7 square nautical miles (16.25 square kilometres).

The primary target is a stratigraphic trap, which has been deemed to potentially house similar petroleum deposits to the discoveries immediately to the east on Block 58 in Suriname.

The target area is of Santonian age, meaning the particular rock layer would

have formed during the Cretaceous period approximately 86.3 – 86.6 million years ago.

On speaking of the Block's prospectivity, CGX has been quoted as saying that “Prospect Kawa in the eastern area shows significant promise for a low risk, high reward prospect.”

CGX is also quoted as saying, “Time processing has highlighted lead areas; depth processing has now confirmed these prospects.”

Kawa-1 is the first of two wells the company is expected to spud this year. The second well – Makarapan-1 – is located on the Demerara Block and is expected to be drilled to a total depth of approximately 3,500m in water depth of around 1,000m.

CGX said it expects that the total cost of the Guyana exploration programme in 2021 will be approximately $90 million.

A mariner notice on July 2, 2021, signalling the date for the commencement of drilling operations in Kawa- 1.

2 more COVID-19 deaths recorded, 15 in ICU

Y

esterday the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced that two more persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease have died. According to the Ministry, the latest fatalities are that of two men, a 59year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West

Demerara) and a 65-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Both men died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at a medical facility. As a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 484.

Further, the Health Ministry in its daily COVID19 dashboard recorded 77

new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 20,645.

The dashboard also shows that 15 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 89 persons are in institutional isolation, 1,410 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 18,647 have recovered from the virus.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 08, 2021

PAGE 09

Political gimmickry U

nder the system of representative government, which exists in Guyana, there is no such thing as a noconfidence motion against a government Minister. What is allowable is a motion of censure against a Minister.

However, the successful passage of that motion does not compel the Minister to resign.

The Opposition APNU+AFC is therefore engaged in yet another of its fishing expeditions. This time it is on a fishing stunt aimed at political redemption by trying to create the impression that the government does not respect parliamentary norms such as ministerial responsibility.

But it is the APNU+AFC that is clueless when it comes to parliamentary conventions. A motion of confidence or no-confidence is usually tabled against a government and a motion of censure against a Minister.

In countries which do not have a Presidential system, a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister is often correctly construed as a vote of no-confidence against the government, which must then resign. The two are different and have different implications.

But under the doctrine of responsible government, the Ministers merely provide guidance to the government.

It is the lack of confidence, and not any Minister or Ministers, which is tantamount to a loss of confidence in the

Dem

boys seh...

D

e m b o y s confused. Dem boys know dat fish price high these days.

And dem boys know dat dem fishermen complaining how dem nah ketching as much fish as dem used to. In fact most of dem ketching less dan half wah dem used to ketch.

But wah kerfuffle dem boys was when one of dem representatives seh how is de pandemic and de floods mek he ketch reduce by 40 percent. Now dem boys nah know wat pandemic gat fuh do with reducing de ketch of fish. Is nat as if dem fish infected with de virus and

government, thus compelling it to resign.

The APNU+AFC has a distorted notion of the concept of ministerial responsibility, as this column had exposed when it had attempted to muzzle and force the resignation of then Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.

M i n i s t e r i a l responsibility has two aspects to it – collective and ministerial. Collective responsibility occurs within the government and compels a Minister to go along with the policies of the government other than when his or her objections are of such gravity that he or she is unable in good conscience to support the polices, in which case the Minister should offer the President his or her resignation.

The extension of that concept to parliament means that motions of noconfidence have to be directed at the collective.

The successful passage of a motion of no-confidence in the government means the government has to resign.

This is a parliamentary convention, which has now been enshrined in our own written constitutional provisions. The government has to resign en bloc if there is a no-confidence motion against the government. But the APNU+AFC was adamant in not resigning since it said that 33 was not a majority of 65 and that the country cannot be without a government.

The second aspect of

ministerial responsibility is individual responsibility.

Patrick Weller, writing in 'Cabinet Government in Australia 1901-2006,' noted that in practice the convention of individual responsibility never meant that ministers should resign if departments fail in some r e s p e c t o r t h e o t h e r.

Ministerial responsibility means the minister answers questions (to parliament) about his department and take remedial action to correct any deficiencies.

Weller also pointed to a former Attorney General of New Zealand who addressed this issue of cases where the minister is not personally involved. He argues that the minister is “Responsible yes, in the sense that he may have to answer and explain to parliament, but not absolutely responsible for (that is liable to censure) everything done under his administration… There is no absolute vicarious liability on the part of the minister for the 'sins' of his subordinates.

If the Minister is free of personal, fault and could not by reasonable diligence in controlling his department have prevented the mistake, there is no compulsion to resign.”

In their book 'Parliament, Policy and Representation,' Harold Clarke, Colin Campbell and Arthur Goddard, argue that a minister goes because of the judgment of the prime minister who has to weigh the cost of letting the minister go as against the

People gat plaster fuh every sore! dying out. And is nat like if fishing is a non-essential service.

But dem boys get even more confused when de same man did seh how de flooding also responsible.

Now dat one gat dem boys baffled because nuff people farm tun fish farm overnight.

But is suh when people frighten fuh tell de government de truth: dat is since dem oil company start beating drum in de ocean and pumping chemical and oil and disposing ballast water in de water, dat dem fish swim away.

Dem boys thought dat

was enough laugh fuh de year. But dem boys read about somebody wah want set up airstrip. And de explanation is dat dem gan be able to spray dem rice field.

But dem boys want know about dem small farmers. How come it gan be more cheap fuh aerial spraying of dem small farm dan fuh use manual spraying.

But dis is Guyana and people ah find all kind of explanation fuh justify wat dem want to say.

Talk half and hope dem fish nah run from de spraying!

cost of keeping him.

Hilaire Barnett writing in 'Constitutional and Administrative Law 8th Edition' goes much further.

He argues that the acceptance of responsibility does not lead to the resignation of a minister for failures of his department.

He contends that there are no hard and fast rules as to whether and when a minister should resign, and accordingly it cannot be said that resignations form part of the convention of individual ministerial responsibility itself. He further says that the decision on resignation depends on the minister, his Prime Minister and his party.

In Guyana, it is only the

President who can force a Minister to resign. The reason is obvious to all except the APNU+AFC. It is the President who holds total executive authority under the Constitution. Ministers are merely advisers of the President and all their authority is delegated authority.

Ministers are accountable to parliament in the sense that they are required to answer and explain to parliament what their Ministries are doing.

But they are not accountable in the sense that they can be fired by the National Assembly or forced to resign as a result of a censure motion. A motion of censure

against a minister is usually for misconduct. Its successful passage does not mandate resignation; it is up to the President to determine whether his Minister should resign or not.

But do not tell that to the Opposition. They are engaged in political g i m m i c k r y a n d showmanship, all in the name of trying to show that the government is no better than them.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday July 08, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

These facts indicate a psychologically dead society T

wo crazy facts, just these two, made me believe that this country does not have real existence. Now to add to that was a letter yesterday by a member of parliament representing a political party in the House that does not exist anywhere on Planet Earth.

Let's look at the two insanities first. David Hinds wrote a piece in April on his Facebook page in which he said, “I am stoutly opposed to electoral rigging and will never participate in such activity.” For more on this absolute depravity see my column of Thursday April 15, 2021, “Did the government this year try to bribe Dr. David Hinds?”

Is there a deeper

expression of surrealism in Guyana than this utterance by Hinds? One of the most fanatical endorser of the attempts to rig the March 2020 election with ghoulish styles in his propagandistic outpourings was Hinds himself. He continues in that mode. In fact, he's stuck in that gear.

The other maddening occurrence was the Catholic Bishop of Guyana. He formed an organisation with some other people whose purpose was to ensure Article 13 of the constitution is fully implemented in Guyana in substance and effect.

The article stipulates that “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by

providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens.…”

Here is the bizarre part of this macabre formation.

Many of these groups that the goodly Bishop has endorsed were completely silent when for five months dangerous and deadly minds tried to destroy Guyana's constitution by taking away the fundamental right to vote and have that vote legally counted and legally recognised.

One can only assume that these groups at the time were on an excursion at the bottom of the world's oceans.

Are you telling me you are going to help me achieve greater freedom in my country by agitating for Article 13 to be fully at work

but when my country was on the brink of extinction, a process that lasted for five months, you ran away in fear?

You cannot even help yourself, you are going help me? But there is more to come.

When I see the Catholic Bishop, I will kindly ask him to explain how his organisation, named the Civil Society Forum, expects Guyanese to support his outfit when others in his midst are flippant about the very role of the constitution. Here are more examples of a crazy, absolutely morally shambolic country.

The Stabroek News in an editorial on Tuesday referred to the Guyana Human Rights Association as a non-partisan body. Which organisation deserves that appellation that absolutely refused to issue even one word on the constitutional denial by the incumbent regime of a noconfidence motion, a denial

that went on for one full year? Which Frederick Kissoon o rg a n i s a t i o n t h a t deems itself a human abide by the rules and norms rights group that said not one word on the most that govern our society find deadly and dangerous assault ourselves zoning out from the on the right to vote in the politics of our country British West Indies deserves because it all seems so convoluted and lacking the label of “non-partisan?”

A PNC parliamentarian, certainty.” But this very lady Amanza Walton-Desir, is guilty of that behaviour. accused Indians of being Her party, the WPA, did not mentally lazy to think for select her as its first choice as himself or herself so they let i t s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e t o the PPP think for them. At the parliament.

But she is still in same time, she refuses to concede that one can say the parliament representing s a m e a b o u t A f r i c a n which party? She is not an Guyanese. The same lady APNU MP because she has tells African Guyanese that formed her own party and was the March 2020 election was not selected by the leader of not credible. Is she and her the list, Mr. Granger, to be an party, the PNC, thinking for APNU parliamentarian. If Guyana is not a dead place, it African Guyanese?

Finally, there appeared a certainly is a crazy land.

(The views expressed in letter yesterday in the n e w s p a p e r b y this article are those of the parliamentarian, Tabitha a u t h o r a n d d o n o t Sarabo Halley. She writes, necessarily reflect the “Most of us who want to opinions of this newspaper.)

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

Man tries to hide behind stacks of bread to evade police

I

n an attempt to evade police, a baker (George, only name provided) decided to seek refuge in a bakery establishment – Aubrey's

Café and Bakery also known as Federal Bakery, located at Lot 120 Peter Rose Street, Queenstown, Georgetown – where he is employed.

The man's attempt, which

was captured by someone using a cellular phone, was however foiled by vigilant police ranks.

In the video of the dramatic chase that was

circulated on social media, two police ranks wearing helmets are seen running into the bakery in an attempt to apprehend the baker.

At first, one of the ranks

was able to apprehend the man who was able to free himself from the rank's grip and make a dash for it. The man was seen navigating stacks of bread in order to

conceal himself from the ranks. He was eventually arrested.

But some of the employees did not take the situation lightly and were seen leaving their workstations to inquiry about the offence their colleague had committed to warrant the drama that unfolded.

George was heard complaining that the officers were wrongfully arresting him and insisted too that he did nothing wrong. “Bai me ain't do nothing budday. Jus suh these man come and deh harassing me,” said George as he was being led out of the bakery by the ranks.

The man continued to lament that the ranks were wrongfully arresting him.

When asked where they were taking the baker, the ranks informed that they were taking him to a police station.

At this juncture, the man made another failed attempt at escaping. An officer who held firmly to George's neck, instructed him to not resist arrest. According to one of the ranks, George was being arrested because they had witnessed him using the road in a dangerous manner. They related that he was seen riding (presumably a motorcycle) in the wrong direction on a oneway thoroughfare after exiting a gas station.

The ranks noted too that after seeing them, he “jumped” multiple stop signs before returning to his workplace. Upon arrival there, they said that he ran into the building, causing them to pursue him.

Paper committal for KN's security...

From page 11 brain haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head.

This publication had reported that Singh had been homeless for some 25 years due to his drug addiction. His son, Mohinder Singh, told this newspaper that his father was a wealthy gold smith who owned his own business a t We s t R u i m v e l d t , Georgetown.

However, because of a drug addiction, which he developed in his 30s, Singh ended up losing everything and eventually he became homeless. He was placed in rehab twice and came out a “brand-new man” but soon returned to his old habits, Mohinder had related.

The son also revealed that his father had even spent some time in jail, where he wrote the CXC exams and achieved distinctions.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 08, 2021

OpEd

UN calls for Human Rights Approach to Crime Prevention in the Caribbean - A strictly security-focused approach to crime prevention is costly, ineffective and paves the way for human rights violations

By Alberto Brunori

P

eople in the Caribbean face some of the highest levels of violence in the world. Of the 22 Latin American and Caribbean countries surveyed in 2020 by the independent thinktank, InSight Crime, three Caribbean countries ranked in the top-six with most violence. Jamaica tops the list with the highest numbers of murders (46.5) per 100,000 inhabitants, with Trinidad and Tobago (28.2) and Belize (24.3) ranking respectively as the fourth and sixth.

The Caribbean Region is in fact particularly exposed to the presence of organised crime groups, which contributes in part to high violence levels. While Caribbean countries are not the only ones facing this threat, the characteristics of Small Island Development States (SIDS) pose specific challenges in implementing effective responses.

High crime rates impact the lives of everyone.

However, women, ethnic minorities, migrants, young men, and people living in poverty are amongst those most at risk of falling victims

PAGE 13

Alberto Brunori to human rights violations stemming from insecurity.

Unfortunately, a strictly security-focused approach to the problem continues to be the norm. This includes at times an emphasis on socalled “Anti-Gang legislation,” the extended use of state of emergencies or harsher punishments, including the death penalty, which remains on the books in several countries.

As regularly pointed out

by UN Human Rights treaty bodies, these measures increase the risk of human rights violations, such as

extra-judicial or arbitrary killings, unnecessary or excessive use of force by security forces or unlawful or arbitrary arrests and detention.

A security-focused approach has proved to be ineffective in preventing crime, costly for governments and increases mistrust between communities and government institutions, including in security forces.

Instead of combating the symptoms, a human rightsbased shift is urgently needed to tackle the underlying root causes.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is essential to prioritise resources to social protection, health and education systems and employment to curb discrimination, social exclusion, and inequality, which all remain key drivers for crime and social conflicts Reforms towards strengthening an independent, impartial and efficient judiciary improve

access to justice for all and are fundamental to counter impunity and reoccurrence.

This includes strengthening capacities of the judiciary and ensuring effective investigations, prosecution and victim-centred punishment of perpetrators in compliance with judicial guarantees of defendants.

Supporting access to justice for victims is key, such as by countering discrimination, promoting legal aid programmes and awareness raising campaigns.

As Caribbean countries continue to present some of the highest levels of sexual and gender-based violence in the Americas, there is a particular need to step up efforts to promote access to justice for victims, especially women and girls, strengthen protection mechanisms, protocols and capacities within the police and judiciary to ensure a gender-sensitive approach.

Investment in human rights compliant policy-, training- and accountability

frameworks of security forces. Security forces play an important role in countering crime, but they require detailed internal guidance that is compliant with international human rights standards.

One good example in the Region is the Caribbean Human Rights and Use of Force Model Policy, which if adopted by governments and security forces context would significantly strengthen internal guidelines in relation to use of force and human rights.

International experience shows that governments must support security forces with sufficient resources to ensure training and internal oversight, but also avoid political interference in dayto-day-activities.

Security forces need to be held accountable for any unlawful or arbitrary actions. This would translate into operational independence, establishing trust with communities and, m o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, countering crime. Finally, it

is important to strengthen rights of members of security force who often put their lives on the line to protect rights of others.

Strengthening rehabilitation and community reintegration of offenders. Harsher prison sentences, overcrowding and dire prison conditions do not deter crime. On the contrary, such measures contribute to re-occurrence and therewith feed into the cycle of violence.

Humane custodial measures accompanied by the better use of alternatives of imprisonment and a focus on rehabilitation will reduce crime. As part of community-based, interventions religious leaders and the private sector can be important actors of change in preventing stigmatisation and supporting reintegration, especially of juvenile offenders.

Ensuring that human rights are protected today contributes to the prevention (continued on page 18)

Remarks on the assassination of Haiti's President, Jovenel Moïse President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali I am shocked and stunned by the tragic news of the assassination of the President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency, Jovenel Moïse. This horrific act is a tragedy for both Haiti and the Caribbean.

Those responsible for this indefensible and cowardly execution must be brought swiftly to justice.

Political assassination has no place in the contemporary Caribbean. It solves nothing nor resolves anything. Such murderous actions are repugnant to the values of the regional integration movement and incompatible with democratic values and constitutional rule.

The assassination of President Moïse compounds the already disquieting political and constitutional

crisis in Haiti. Guyana will continue to work with the Caribbean Community in seeking to engage with Haiti in order to ensure peace and stability.

On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and on my own behalf, I extend deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Haiti and to the wife and family of President Moïse. I ask all Guyanese to pay respectful homage to the memory of the late President.

People's National Congress Leader of the People's National Congress, Mr. David Granger, has learnt with alarm the sad news of the assassination of the President of Haiti, H.E, Jovenel Moïse. Mr. Granger condemns the hateful

murder of the President of a Caribbean State.

The assassination of President Moïse and the attack on his family are abhorrent and abominable.

The Leader has also called on Haiti's Prime Minister to preserve peace, maintain public order and bring the culprits responsible for this crime to justice.

Mr. Granger extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to the First Lady of Haiti, H.E., Martine Moïse, who was seriously injured during the attack. The Leader and the People's National Congress send their deepest condolences to the Moïse family and the people of the Government of the Republic of Haiti.

A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change Coalition The APNU+AFC

Coalition is deeply saddened and immensely troubled by the news of the assassination of the President of Haiti, His Excellency, Jovenel Moïse.

We condemn this heinous and cowardly act in the strongest possible terms and lament this dark day in the history of the Region.

The APNU+AFC extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of President Moïse as well as the Government and people of Haiti and pray for the full and swift recovery of First Lady, Martine Moïse.

We urge a full and thorough investigation that will bring justice to the Moïse family and people of Haiti. We assure the people of Haiti that the arms of Guyanese continue to be wrapped around them and our thoughts and prayers remain with them as they navigate this most

Assassinated, Haiti's President, Jovenel Moïse tumultuous period in their history.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of President, Jovenel Moïse, of the Republic of Haiti. The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice.

The Secretary-General

extends his deepest condolences to the people and Government of Haiti and the family of the late President.

The Secretary-General calls on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order remain united in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence. The United Nations will continue to stand with the Government and the people of Haiti.

PAGE 14

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guidance and Counselling prog. for young persons with disabilities launched T

he Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) on Tuesday launched a Guidance and Counselling programme for young persons with disabilities at the Baridi Benab, State House.

The GCOPD Guidance and Counselling programme for young persons with disabilities is being piloted with students from the Special Education Needs (SEN) schools, young members of the Disable People Organisations (DPOs) and the orphanages that house young persons

with disabilities in Regions Three and Four.

Through the programme, the participants will benefit from job coaching, psychosocial support, career guidance, capacity building, among other areas of support and empowerment.

The programme will eventually be expanded to Regions Five, Six and 10.

According to a GCOPD release, the programme is being implemented in partnership with the Office of the First Lady of Guyana.

Delivering the feature address and launching the programme was Her Excellency, Arya Ali. In her

Third from right is GCOPD programme coordinator, Ganesh Singh, who is flanked by GCOPD member, Rosmarie Ramitt, and other GCOPD members; First Lady, Arya Ali (is fifth from right); US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, and Mikiko Tanaka, UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana (are at far right.) remarks, the First Lady underscored the importance of mental health during the current pandemic and its impact on persons with disabilities. She also reiterated the need for society to be more accommodating to persons with disabilities.

Providing an overview of the programme was Ganesh Singh, the GCOPD programme coordinator.

Singh said that the programme was in the works for over three years but due to the lack of funding, the organisation was unable to start the programme during the previous three years.

Singh thanked the First Lady for supporting the implementation of this important initiative by

funding two social workers for a one-year period.

The Ministry of Education's Special Education Needs (SEN) National Officer, Savvie Hopkinson, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the importance of such a programme to the overall empowerment of young persons with disabilities.

Hopkinson welcomed the programme and pledged her department's support to the implementation of the initiative across the various Regions.

GCOPD noted in the release that its office has recognised the importance of providing guidance and support to young persons with disabilities as they

transition into adulthood and enter into the world of work.

Further, the organisation noted that it is aware of the limited exposure to guidance and counselling services and empowerment activities that young persons with disabilities experience.

To t h i s e n d , t h e organisation has ensured that the empowerment and development of young persons with disabilities was prioritised as one of its core programme areas.

GCOPD is the umbrella body that represents the majority of DPOs from across the country working in the areas of advocacy and capacity building.

The DPOs represents all types of disabilities.

Special Covid testing site for HIV patients - Min. Anthony - More vaccination sites to open in Region Four

B

y the end of the week, HIV patients would be able to comfortably and discretely get their COVID19 vaccinations.

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

During yesterday's COVID-19 update, he said that the Health Ministry has been working along with the National Care and Treatment Centre to set up a COVID-19 vaccination site to accommodate HIV patients.

“One of the issues that

we have heard is that persons, who are HIV positive, did not feel comfortable coming to one of our regular vaccination sites. … We have been working with the National Care and Treatment Centre here in Georgetown, to make that also into a vaccination site, so they should start from this week.

So, patients going there for their regular treatment will be counselled about taking the vaccine, and they can get the vaccine right there. We are hoping to

replicate this at all our treatment sites so that these patients don't have to feel uncomfortable,” Minister Anthony said.

The Minister is hopeful that this added measure would encourage HIV patients to get their COVID19 vaccines, as HIV is a comorbidity which heightens a patient's chances of being severely affected by the coronavirus.

“We're hoping to see better uptake of the vaccine among this population…We (continued on page 16)

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 08, 2021

Special Covid testing site for HIV patients WANTED

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#630-1600.

TO LET 2 bedroom apartment in Eccles.From3rd July.Rooms in Albertown.Call:225-3234, 628-1183.

2 female house keeper from East Bank/Soesdyke/Timehri area to work shift system.6947817/668-0306.

Operator to work at Fisheries/ Ice Plan.Contact:223-7165.

Sub-Contractors, P r o f e s s ionalMasons& Carpenters.

Call/Whatsapp: 694-9793.

Cook,Sailor,Operator to work for12”Water Drudge. Contact:226-0772 or 675-0587.

Cleanersand handyman.

Contact:656-1720/622-7926 for more info.

C a s h i e r 1 8 y e a r s o l d e r.

Call:223-7165.

Newly constructed 2 bedroom apt in a safe and healthy environment.

Call:698-6496/622-6512.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Kitty, Sheriff, Charlotte, Norton, Enterprise,East Ville,East Coast, Zeelught, Diamond.Contact:Ray's Realty 627-9685

VACANCY For cleaners,clerk,labours and maintenance workers to work with P.S.G.C.S.Call:6216969,615-7784.

Auto Electrical apprentice age 19-25 yrs.Apply in person, Lot 120 Forth Street Albertown G/Town or call 610-0340.

Welder for grill work.Tel:6215310.

FOR SALE Allion,Premio,Field Wagon, Spacio,Sinter,Allex,212,Blue Bird,Advenis,RZ and Pitbull.650-7501.

Incomplete house and 20 Rod land for sale.Contact: 692-3272/626-6999.

FOR RENT Three bedroom house to rent on E.C.D.Tel:601-2515.

VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota Carina 170 PGG Series$450,000 negotiable.

Tel:660-2661/Whatsapp 608-6948.

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.

Certified chef & maid must be35yearsand older. Call:2275416.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank call: 615-9132.Female cleaner for office call: 642-9823.

S a l e s g i r l a n d Salesboy.Contact:680-6279/ 630-4972.

For welder. Apply at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street Bourda.

WANTED Wanted one experienced GoldSmith,Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn shop 16 Pike street Kitty Tel#6224970 Someone specialized in making of grills & gates for T o w n h o u s e / Offices.Contact:223-5273/ 223-5274.

Taxi and Mini Bus Driver.

Call:225-3234,628-1183.

One female cook to work at Iteballi Landing.Call:6727275.

For cashier. Apply at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street Bourda.

For porters.Apply at Alabama Trading.65 Robb Street Bourda.

One experience hauler truck driver to work full time at A&R Trading.Call:661-1254/ 659-1771.

Kaizen Environmental ServicesInc. Employment Opportunities: Laboratory Manager & Senior Laboratory Technicians. Submit applicationsto: careers@kaizen-tt.com

- Min. Anthony From page 14 will be monitoring with other types of patients as well, and we are hoping that we can introduce a similar service for patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases and some of the more popular clinics that we have, that we would use these opportunities to talk to people about getting the vaccines.”

Meanwhile, Minister Anthony said more health centres in Region Four would now be used as vaccinations sites. He said with approximately 13 health centres operated between the Ministry of Health and the Municipality, this can provide greater accessibility.

According to Anthony, training is being conducted with staff at the various health centres and the initiative should come on stream soon.

To date, 235,796 persons in Guyana have taken their first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

A total of 114,394 persons have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which accounts for 23.5 percent of the adult population. (A modified DPI article)

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 08, 2021

PAGE 17

Youth remanded for setting fire to three George Street houses

The aftermath of the George Street fire.

[Joseph Allen photo]

T

wenty-two-yearold Calvin Lawrence, of Lot 101 Leopold Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown, was yesterday remanded for setting fire to three dwelling houses on George Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

Lawrence appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charges that were read to him.

The first charge alleges that June 24, 2021, at Lot 1 George Street, Werk-enRust, Lawrence had unlawfully and maliciously, set fire to a dwelling house valued $18 million containing articles valued at $6M, property of Collin Bentley.

The second charge states that on the same date and at the same location he had, unlawfully and maliciously, set fire to a dwelling house valued $38 million, owned

by Nalini Baboolall, containing articles valued $16 million belonging to Kevin Phillips.

The final charge alleges that on the same date, at the same location, Lawrence h a d , u n l a w f u l l y, a n d maliciously set fire to a dwelling house valued $250 million containing articles amounting to $30 million, property of Hardat Maniram.

Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded Lawrence to prison and the

Paper committal for KN's security guards charged with murder

T

he two Kaieteur News' security guards, who are on remand for allegedly killing a homeless man, will go through the paper committal process.

The defendants, Yan Licorish, 49, and Tony Waldron, 39, matter is being heard in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly. The men are being represented by attorney-atlaw, Latchmie Rahamat.

On their first court appearance in March 2021, Licorish and Waldron were not required to plead to the charge which alleges that between March 15, 2021 and March 16, 2021 at the Kaieteur News' Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown office they murdered 58-year-old, Mohabir Singh popularly known as 'Emile.'

On July 26, 2021, the paper committal process will commence into the matter. A paper committal is when the witnesses' statements and documentary evidence are tendered to the Court without the witnesses being present in court and are inventoried and marked as exhibits.

Based on the written records, the Magistrate will

On remand, Yan Licorish (left) and Tony Waldron take approximately 45 days before giving a ruling on whether there is sufficient evidence for a prima facie case to be made out for the defendants to stand trial in the High Court.

Paper committal is one of two methods that are used by Magistrates for serious offences like murder; the other method is a preliminary inquiry (PI).

For most cases, a PI is conducted. For a PI, the witnesses are present in court to give evidence and the documentary evidence is exhibited to the court before being tendered and marked

as exhibits.

It was reported that around 08:30hrs. on March 16, 2021, Singh's lifeless body was found by an employee under a shed at the Kaieteur News' premises.

The employee had gone to remove a truck when he saw Singh's body lying in its tray.

As a result of the discovery, the matter was reported and the police arrested the two security guards. Both men were subsequently charged with murder. A post-mortem examination had revealed that Singh died as a result of (continued on page 12)

matter was adjourned to July 22, 2021.

According to reports, Lawrence is accused of setting fire to three houses in an early morning arson attack. As a result of that fire, 27 persons were displaced.

Based on a report from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the fire at D'Urban and George Streets started around 01:00hrs.

The fire destroyed a vulcanising shop and houses nearby. Phillips, the owner

Remanded, Calvin Lawrence

of the vulcanising shop, had stated that around 01:00hrs. he was awakened by his barking dogs.

He further stated that upon checking, he noticed two persons riding away on a motorcycle from his home.

Moments later the man said he heard his neighbour shouting, “fire, fire” and that's when he noticed his building was ablaze.

According to the GFS report, the fire first gutted Phillips' two-storey wooden building and resulted in the entire building and contents being destroyed. Kaieteur News understands that Phillips lived on upper floor of his vulcanising shop with his family, which includes six others.

This publication had reported that firefighters managed to control the flames and prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings but not before it destroyed neighbouring houses, which displaced a Venezuelan family of 20.

PAGE 18

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

Gunmen assassinate Haitian president in home, state of emergency declared …First Lady in critical condition, to be brought to Miami - Haitian envoy PORT-AU-PRINCE , (Reuters) - Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead by gunmen with heavycaliber weapons in his private residence overnight yesterday, sparking an international outcry amid fears of a descent into chaos in the impoverished Caribbean nation.

The assassination, which drew condemnation from Washington and neighbouring Latin American countries, coincided with a spate of gang violence in Port-au-Prince in recent months fueled by a growing humanitarian crisis and political unrest.

The disorder has turned many districts of the capital into no-go zones.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said in televised remarks after chairing a cabinet meeting that the government had declared a state of emergency amid confusion over who would take over the reins of the country.

“My compatriots - remain calm because the situation is under control,” he said.

The 53-year-old president’s wife, Martine Moise, was also shot in the attack at around 1 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) at the couple’s home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Joseph said in a statement.

T h e F i r st Lady, who survived the attack that killed the President, was in critical

condition and efforts were under way to bring her to Miami for treatment, Haiti’s ambassador to the United States said yesterday.

“She’s stable but in critical condition,” Ambassador Bocchit Edmond told reporters in a virtual event, hours after gunmen shot dead Moise and wounded his wife at their private residence overnight. “Efforts are being done now to take her to Miami to be treated,” he said.

“Early information suggests it was a group of people who spoke English and Spanish. They were armed with high-caliber weapons,” Joseph said in his address to the nation. He said the assassination was a “barbaric act”.

In videos circulating on social media that Reuters was not yet able to verify, the gunmen claimed to be members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as they entered Moise’s guarded residence. A DEA spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Joseph said the police and army had the security situation under control. The streets of the usually bustling capital of 1 million people were quiet and empty yesterday morning after the attack and intermittent gunfire overnight.

The international airport of Port-au-Prince was closed, according to local media. The

airport director could not immediately be reached for comment.

But with Haiti politically polarized and facing growing hunger, fears of a breakdown in order are spreading.

The Dominican Republic closed the border it shares with Haiti on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, except to returning nationals, and beefed up security.

“This crime is an attack against the democratic order of Haiti and the region,” Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said.

Leaders worldwide condemned the assassination and appealed for calm. “We stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti,” said U.S. President Joe Biden, denouncing the killing as “heinous” and calling the situation worrisome.

Joseph called for the United Nations to hold a Security Council meeting as soon as pos s i b l e . U . N .

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres did not immediately reply to his appeal but said the world body would “continue to stand with the government and the people of Haiti.”

Diplomats in New York said the 15-member council was likely to meet in the coming days to be briefed on the assassination.

It was unclear who would succeed Moise as president.

He had appointed a new

of violations and possible violence tomorrow. Making the shift to a human rights-based approach to crime prevention doesn’t require reinvention of the wheel. As the leading UN entity on human rights, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has been supporting countries across the world, including in the Caribbean, to tackle many of these issues.

diciary capacity in incorporating international human rights standards into domestic legal frameworks, reforming and implementing new legislation relating to domestic and sexual violence and human rights training of civil servants, law enforcement and other security forces.

While challenges persist, many countries in the Region have shown commitment to make the shift.

support governments and all partners involved in this endeavour.

(Alberto Brunori is the Regional Representative for Central America and the English-speaking Caribbean of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Contact him atpregionaloffice@ohchr.org or on Twitter at @Albrunori or @OACNUDH.)

Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise and First Lady Martine prime minister this week who has yet to be sworn in.

The head of the Supreme Court of Justice - another contender for the job under Haiti’s constitution died last month of COVID-19 and has yet to be replaced.

Haiti, a country of about 11 million people and the poorest in the western hemisphere, has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, and has grappled with a series of coups and foreign interventions.

A U.N. peacekeeping mission - meant to restore order after a rebellion toppled then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 - ended in

2019 with the country still in disarray. In recent years, Haiti has been buffeted by a series of natural disasters and still bears the scars of a major earthquake in 2010.

After taking office as president in 2017, Moise, a banana exporter-turnedpolitician, faced fierce protests over corruption allegations and his management of the economy.

This year, opposition leaders accused him of seeking to install a dictatorship by overstaying his mandate and becoming more authoritarian. He denied those accusations.

Moise had ruled by decree for more than a year after the country failed to hold

legislative elections, and he sought to push through a controversial constitutional reform that he said would finally fix the problems causing Haiti’s instability.

The U.S. Embassy said it closed yesterday due to the “ongoing security situation”.

The United States is assessing the “tragic attack”, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in Washington. “ We stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that’s needed,” she said. “Of course our embassy and State Department will be in close touch but it’s a tragedy.

We stand with them a n d i t ’s i m p o r t a n t t h a t people of Haiti know that.”

Haitian assassins falsely claimed to be ...UN calls for Human Rights Approach U.S. drug agents, envoy to U.S. says From page 13 OHCHR stands ready to This includes building juWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Gunmen who assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise falsely identified themselves as agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Haitian ambassador to the United States said yesterday, citing video footage the government has in its possession.

“No way they were DEA agents,” Bocchit Edmond told Reuters in an interview hours after Moise was shot dead and his wife was wounded by unidentified gunmen in their private residence overnight, stirring fears of a breakdown in order in the impoverished Caribbean nation, already reeling from rampant gang violence and facing a constitutional crisis.

The Haitian envoy did not share the video footage and Reuters could not independently verify the

Bocchit Edmond

authenticity of imagery circulating in social media online.

Edmond urged the United States to provide security assistance to help strengthen the national police, including through training and equipment, adding that U.S. officials had told him they would assess the request.

He declined to name the officials but said he had been in touch with the White House and State Department.

“The issue is the national police is under equipped. It needs more equipment.

Therefore, it is very important for the U.S. to help us on this ... so we can create a better environment, a peaceful environment for the elections to come,” Edmond said.

He called for an international manhunt that would include Washington to investigate and identify Moise’s killers.

Thursday July 08, 2021

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

West Indies name 15-member squad for the CG Insurance ODI Series against Australia

Evin Lewis and Shai Hope. (CWI)

Thursday July 08, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't concern yourself with getting more. Concentrate on what you already have, Aries. Work with whatever resonates within you. You instinctively know what does and doesn't work.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) This is an excellent day for you. The farther you extend your emotions, the more prosperous you will be. Don't be afraid of new things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It may seem like people aren't taking things as seriously as you'd like them to, Gemini. If so, take it as a hint that perhaps you're the one who needs to lighten up.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't turn down any opportunities today, Cancer, even if they seem like dead-ends at first. One could be your lucky break. Realize that success doesn't always have a big neon sign pointing you in the right direction.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's time to put your plans in motion. There's a very expansive energy urging you to reach out and make valuable connections with others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Go for the gold, Virgo. Don't settle for less. There's an expans i ve energy on your side urging you on to prosperity in every aspect of your life. Take control of the situation and act on your emotions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The more you vacillate, the more valuable time and energy you waste. Take a decisive stance and be confident about your choice. Give it everything you've got.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Arguments could quickly turn into declarations of war today. Things could get blown out of proportion if they aren't handled with care, Scorpio. The key lessons for you are about balance and communication.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your life is taking off in many different directions, Sagittarius. Everything seems to be expanding at once. It may be difficult to get a solid grip on any one thing.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) This is a great day for you.

There's a terrific feeling of expansion in the air. This is one of those times in which a small germ of an idea can grow into something big right before your eyes.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may feel like someone caught in a tornado, Aquarius. Things are whirling around you and everything seems out of control.

Don't get stressed out.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It's time to take charge, Pisces. There's fuel for your fire, and the scope of your influence is virtually unlimited. Don't hold back in any way. Stay active.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel announced the West Indies squad for the CG Insurance One-Day International (ODI) Series against Australia. The squad features most of the players from the 3-0 clean sweep over Sri Lanka in the CG Insurance ODI Series earlier this year.

There are recalls for experienced left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell; Shimron Hetmyer, the lefthanded top-order batsman; and Roston Chase, the righthanded all-rounder. Romario Shepherd is also in the lineup.

The CG Insurance ODI Series will be played at Kensington Oval in Barbados on July 20, 22 and 24 with all

...We Stand United CC’s From page 21 Miesemer (MAMBO Kings Racing/Peddler’s) who won in 45:53. David Kahl (Team ProPower/Cycle Solutions) was second in this category which attracted 19 starters.

The riders will be in action again this Saturday when they compete in Round 2 of the 2021 Lucarelli & Castaldi Cup, all covid-19 safety precautions being followed. The Burrowes brothers, Paul, Johann, Jermaine and Horace, Briton John as well as CRCA/ Foundation-CCB Elite Team’s Michael Anthony and Jamual John along with Scott Savory (CRCA/Foundation) are among the 107 entrants to date.

three matches scheduled as day/night encounters. First ball is 2:30pm (1:30pm Jamaica Time). There is great anticipation as this is Australia’s first tour of the West Indies since the trination series back in 2016.

The series forms part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ODI Super League where both teams are aiming to win points to be one of the top seven teams that will secure automatic qualification for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India.

Roger Harper, Lead Selector said: “This squad is coming off a comprehensive series win against Sri Lanka which should boost their confidence going into what is expected to be a tougher contest against Australia. The return of Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase and Sheldon Cottrell adds greater depth and experience to the squad.”

He added: “Playing in familiar home conditions, hopefully will bring out the best in each player thereby enabling the team to perform at a consistently high standard. This CG Insurance ODI series against Australia is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup qualification process where every game and every point counts, so it is very important.”

FULL SQUAD Kieron Pollard (Captain) Shai Hope (Vice Captain) Fabian Allen Darren Bravo Roston Chase Sheldon Cottrell Shimron Hetmyer Jason Holder Akeal Hosein Alzarri Joseph Evin Lewis Jason Mohammed Anderson Philip Nicholas Pooran Romario Shepherd

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Reps. from Odyssey tours, Essequibo Reps. & GCB rep. at the presentation.

Thursday July 08, 2021

Essequibo Committees to Benefit from Substantial Donation from Odyssey Sightseeing Tours

T

he Committees in Essequibo are set to have their cricket development activities boosted from the substantial donations of cricket equipment made by Mr. Troy Khan, a manager of Odyssey Sightseeing Tours Guyana Inc. The donation was made to Mr. Ryan Hercules, chairman of the Special subcommittee for the Development of Essequibo’s Cricket who received the equipmenton behalf of the Area Committees ofthe Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB).

Odyssey Sightseeing Tours Guyana Inc. is a wellknown company that plies much of their trade in the Essequibo county. In brief remarks, manager Troy Khan indicated that this company has a vast interest in the development of cricket in Guyana and that having been approached by the CDC of the GCB for support, they felt obliged to make this meaningful contribution. He

went on to state, that given the initial feedback on the needs of the Area Committees in Essequibo, members of his company decided that the donation of balls and scoring books will go a far way in assisting the Area Committees with running off cricket tournaments, particularly in recording and storing valuable data for future purposes such as player selection.

Mr. Ryan Hercules, in accepting the donation, commended Odyssey Tours on their substantial contribution reiterating its value to cricket competitions and player selections in Essequibo. He remarked that the gesture is a worthwhile one and that members of the Area committees of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) are grateful for this donation. He went on to say that with the cost of scorebooks and balls being offset, it will enable the Area Committees to place their limited finances in other

areas required to conduct cricket competitions.

Territorial Development Officer of the GCB, Mr. Colin Stuart expressed appreciation to Odyssey Sightseeing Tours Guyana Inc. for their substantial donation which he indicated will certainly make a positive impact on Essequibo’s cricket. He remarked that, with corporate Guyana placing greater emphasis on the development of sports in Guyana, players and administrators are set to benefit from more structured approaches to player development. As such, the value of this contribution cannot be underestimated.

This collaborative approach to cricket development will hopefully catapult Guyana’s cricket to new heights and we are confident that the contribution made by Odyssey Tours to the ECB’s Area Committee will help in no small measure to improve the standard of cricket in Essequibo.

‘Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana’

S/ball Cricketer Teddy Singh latest to support project Former President of the Berbice Cricket Board and Ex Inter County cricketer, Anil Beharry, thanked his friend and former Floodlights Masters Softball Cricket team mate, Teddy ‘Rabindra’ Singh for donating two cricket booths for “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” project.

Singh, who lives in the USA, is an allrounder, batting right hand and bowling left.

He said that he was impressed with the idea and remembers his days as a young cricketer and is happy to assist the development of young and talented cricketers in Guyana.

Items collected so far: cash for first aid kit, two cricket booths, twelve pairs of batting pads, eleven bats, eight pairs of batting gloves and two gear bags. Youths and clubs from the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon have already benefited from six pairs of batting pads, four pairs of batting gloves and seven bats.

This project is a joint initiative by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry. Cricket related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting will be done across the

Terry Singh

country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent.

Persons who wish to make a contribution can contact Beharry or Kishan. We also take this opportunity to say thanks to Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Hilbert Foster, Travis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh and Sherman Austin.

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

We Stand United CC’s John, Burrowes and Joseph place 3rd in respective categories at Giro Crit Augusta, NJ Veteran cyclist and two-time Olympian James Joseph is captured during the race on Saturday last in New Jersey, USA.

The trio of Briton John, Horace Burrowes and James Joseph competing for We Stand United/Burrowes Construction Inc. all placed third in their respective categories in the Giro Crit Race on Saturday last in Augusta, New Jersey, USA.

Competing in the Men Open Pro/Cat 1/2/3, Briton John had to settle for the final podium position in a race that was won by Ryan Jastrab (Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling), timed at 1:12:37.

Second was taken by Michael Chauner (Vitesse).

John’s teammates, Horace Burrowes and Jon Paul Rorech ended 20th and 39th, respectively.

Burrowes returned to contest the Men Masters 45+ event and was able to place third in the 16-man contest behind Palo Samko who won

in a time of 42:54 ahead of J e r r y K a p k o ( D e n o ’s WonderWheel).

And 63 year-old James Joseph a two-time Guyanese Olympian contesting the Men Masters 55+ race, ended third to Jeffrey (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Thursday July 08, 2021

England into Euros final after ending Danish dream run LONDON, (Reuters) England won their first semifinal since the 1966 World Cup when Harry Kane’s extra-time goal, following up after his penalty had been saved, earned a 2-1 victory over Denmark yesterday that sent them into Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy.

On a night to remember in front of almost 60,000 fans, most of them delirious with joy, England reached the European Championship final for the first time, though they had to come from behind as a Simon Kjaer own goal cancelled out Mikkel Damsgaard’s superb free kick for the Danes in the first half.

The home side were on top throughout but struggled to break down the battling Denmark defence, until they were awarded a penalty in the 103rd-minute after Raheem Sterling went down with minimum contact to allow captain Kane to decide it.

It was a tough way for Denmark to end their emotional ride from the fear and distress of Christian Eriksen’s opening game collapse to their first semifinal since their shock Euro 92 win, but their exhausted players left Wembley with socks rolled down but heads held high.

England will return on

Harry Kane celebrates scoring England’s go ahead goal on a rebound from a penalty after Raheem Sterling was brought down. (Getty Images) Sunday, 55 years after lifting the World Cup there, but they did it the hard way.

They had reached the semis without conceding a goal and it needed something special to pierce their rearguard as Damsgaard

fired a powerful, dipping 25yard free kick over the wall and beyond the diving Jordan Pickford — the tournament’s first goal direct from a free kick — after 30 minutes.

The crowd were stunned, that had not been in the script, and the question of how England would respond to their first real taste of adversity would now be addressed.

The answer was calmly and patiently, as they passed their way back into the a s c e n d a n c y. R a h e e m Sterling was denied at pointblank range by Kasper Schmeichel before the 39th-

minute equaliser, when Bukayo Saka hit the byline and fizzed over a low cross that Kjaer bundled over his own line in his attempt to stop the ball reaching Sterling.

Schmeichel was on hand again with an excellent diving save to palm away a Harry Maguire header and England began to turn the screw.

However, despite all the pressure and relentless passing and probing around the box, England struggled to carve out a clear opening and the match rolled into extra time.

The extra 30 minutes

became a virtual attack v defence exercise, as Schmeichel saved again from Kane and Jack Grealish.

Sterling continued to drive into the box and was eventually brought down by Joakim Maehle for the VARreviewed penalty that Kane stuck poorly and Schmeichel blocked, only for the captain to tuck home the rebound.

England then had to negotiate the last 15 minutes and managed it to spark the loudest, and surely most confident rendition of “Football’s Coming Home”, ever to ring around Wembley.

West Indies Women win first ODI against Pakistan

W

est Indies Woman led

by Player-ofthe-match Stafanie Taylor with an inspiring unbeaten century beat Pakistan by 5 wickets (with 13 balls remaining) in their 1st ODI at the Coolidge ground in Antigua yesterday.

West Indies Women won the Toss and elected to field first and restricted Pakistan to 205/9 off their allotted 50overs. Nida Dar led the way for the visitors with 55 with support at the top from Ayesha Zafar with 46 and Muneeba Ali 36 being the principal scorers. Taylor had started her exceptional day in the field with the ball capturing 3 for 29 o f f h e r 10-overs and got support from Anisa Mohammed with 2 for 31.

Set 206 to win, following the loss of early wickets, Taylor came in and batted to an unbeaten 105 as she anchored the Windies

Stafanie Taylor guides the ball behind point © Getty Images/file photo

ladies to victory. Chedean Nation 23 and Britney Cooper not out on 17 at the end ensured the victory.

Sadia Iqbal with 2 for 47 was

the leading wicket taker for Pakistan. The two teams meet again in the second match of the series tomorrow at the same venue.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 08, 2021

PAGE 23

Concacaf holds 35th Ordinary Congress

GFF President Wayne Forde (4th right standing) among the delegates who attended Concacaf’s 35th Ordinary Congress at the JW Marriot Hotel in Miami, USA.

M

iami, FL Concacaf held its 35th Ordinary Congress at the JW Marriot Hotel in Miami, United States, where delegates from Concacaf’s 41 Member Associations came together for a Congress for the first time since 2019.

Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani presided over the Congress, alongside Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio and

members of the Concacaf Council. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended and addressed the Congress and CAF President and FIFA Vice President Patrice Motsepe was also in attendance.

The Concacaf Member Association delegates a p p r o v e d t h e Confederation’s 2019 and 2020 audited financial statements. President Montagliani commended all Member Associations for

n a v i g a t i n g t h e unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined the many ways C o n c a c a f a n d F I FA supported Members and their communities during the global health crisis.

In his opening address, Montagliani praised the ongoing growth of football in Concacaf. “As we come together for this Congress, in Concacaf’s 60th anniversary year, I feel extremely positive, and reflective,

about what we have achieved together,” said Montagliani.

“Our football has been transformed with new competitions like the Concacaf Nations League, which vastly increases competitive opportunities for all Member Associations.

And we have just started a Gold Cup which includes 24 Concacaf men’s national teams – more than in any previous edition of our flagship tournament.

“Our development programmes are creating football opportunities for young people across the region, and we have built an entirely new women’s national team ecosystem which will begin in November this year. Put simply, in Concacaf we are putting football first,” added Montagliani.

Congress elections - As part of this Congress, elections were conducted for the following FIFA Council

positions. FIFA Council (Female Member); Sonia Fulford, Turks and Caicos, elected (unopposed), FIFA Council (Caribbean): Luis Hernandez, Cuba, elected with 28 votes (Alfredo Whittaker, Cayman Islands, received 5 votes).

The Concacaf Congress took place the day after the 2021 Gold Cup Preliminary Round matches which determined the final three teams who will compete in the Gold Cup Group Stage.

Village Ram overcome Eccles All Star in Tapeball final

V

The victorious Village Ram team.

illage Ram defeated Eccles All Star by 30 runs to win the final of the Christopher Rajcoomar 7-aside six overs Tapeball competition which was contested on Sunday last at Durban Park.

Batting first, Village Ram managed 120-2. Omesh Danram struck 63 off 17 balls while Daniel Seegobin scored 36 off 12 balls.

Nick Persaud claimed 110 and Irfan Ali 1-26. Eccles All Stars responded with 904. Akeem Vieira made 36 off 16 balls while Nick Persaud

contributed 18 off six balls.

Ershad Ali captured 2-9, Travis Drakes 1-18 and Seegobin 1-20.

Danram was named manof-the-match.

Vi l l a g e R a m b e a t Corruption by six wickets in the semi final.

Corruption batted first and made 66-2 with Nizam Khan made 31 and Beepaul Bandoo 20. Drakes took 215.

Village Ram replied with 69 without loss in 2.4 overs.

Danram scored 46 from nine balls while Ershad Ali made 23 off seven balls.

E a r l i e r, C o r r u p t i o n overcame V Net by two runs.

Corruption took first strike and scored 157-1.

Alex Rodrigues slammed 71, while Beepaul Bandoo made 60. V Net replied with 155-1. Kemol Savory hit 54.

Eccles All Stars defeated Raptors XI by 51 runs.

Eccles All Stars took first knock and posted 181-1.

Rajendra Danraj slammed 110, while Akeem Vieira made 58.

Raptors XI responded with 130-1. Alex Sital scored 56 and Steve Gaskin got 46.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 08, 2021

Thursday July 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25