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Govt. still 'refining' Sunday Edition NEWS project scope as World Bank loan for 'cost oil' audit capacity remains untapped

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July 10, 2022

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Sri Lanka's PM resigns after citizens' uprising Mahinda Rajapaksa

…government officials' houses set on fire Demonstrators protest inside the President's House premises, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled, amid the country's economic crisis, in Colombo, Sri Lanka July 9, 2022 [Photo: Reuters]

The ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota has been set on fire by a group of anti-government protestors. (Photo: Business Standard)

Govt. mum on environmental impact study for NGL, …environmentalist says Govt. disrespectful power plant facilities for denying the public assurance of safety Ruptured natural Fishermen fear more Friends rescue gas pipeline harm to industry man from being explodes in Texas …as dredging to facilitate shorebase crosses traditional fishing stabbed to death

No guarantee reports of oil companies' audit free from fraud - Independent p. 19 Auditor

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Govt. mum on environmental impact study for NGL, power plant facilities …environmentalist says Govt. disrespectful for denying the public assurance of safety be developed by the government.

On Wednesday, Kaieteur News reached out to Minister of Natural Resources, Vi c k r a m B h a r r a t , t o ascertain whether the government has submitted an application to the EPA on the venture. Submitting an

By Davina Bagot An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) not only highlights dangers associated with a specific project, but also outlines measures that will be taken by a developer to avoid or respond to any emergency as a result of the venture. A multibillion US-dollar Gasto-Energy project is being pursued and while an EIA has been completed for the pipeline aspect, to transport natural gas from the Liza Fields in the Stabroek Block to the Wales development site on the West Bank of Demerara, the Government of Guyana is yet to complete such a study for the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant and the power plant to generate electricity.

Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

On July 2, last, the government moved to invite proposals from consultancy firms to supervise the construction of the facilities, without any evidence of an EIA. The former Executive

Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams took note of the report and shared his view that an EIA must be conducted for the facilities to

application to the EPA is usually the first stage in the development process. This application is then vetted by the regulator body to determine whether an EIA is required. Minister Bharrat was specifically asked to say whether an application was made to the EPA, given that

steps are being made to prepare for construction w o r k s . T h e M i n i s t e r, however, told this publication to contact the EPA. Checks on the EPA’s website did not indicate that an application was made, however, efforts to verify Continued on page 72

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

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

Negotiating with a superpower “Let me be very clear, this was no walk in the park, our partners are sitting here, negotiating with ExxonMobil is like negotiating with a superpower” (KN July 3). The speaker was President Ali addressing a gathering of Cabinet ministers, business people, and oil executives, and which was brightened by the presence of foreign diplomats. “A superpower” he said, getting that part right in properly identifying Guyana’s oil nemesis. Because it has become clearer and clearer that our young, struggling leader struggles with matters at these heights, and needs a helping hand, we give him a pass. We also extend a much-needed assist in the ways of the real world, the very big people at the top, like Exxon that he most accurately labelled “a superpower”.

ExxonMobil is, indeed, an oil “superpower”, an American one. It is a projection and expression of American power, without a single gunboat in Guyana’s waters, one supersonic fighter aircraft from its vaunted fleet flying over Guyana’s skies. ExxonMobil is American imperialism and, in many subtle ways, American colonialism in action in the age-old manner that both operate, and with which older Guyanese are familiar, given their former over-a-centurylong British experience. When ExxonMobil sits across the table to listen contemptuously, if it does any listening at all, it is not the only powerful presence in a conference room of woefully mismatched negotiators. There is always, and Guyanese should be wise enough from bitter experience to recognise by now, the invisible and inaudible, but always incomparable presence of the United States Government in the shadow of its resident chief diplomat. As a reminder, it was why a figure as officially towering as the United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, could have winged his way here, to give us a boost during our stormy, disputeravaged elections of 2020. Secretary Pompeo was not on a mercy mission to charity case Guyana in the noble interests of democracy, and the rest of such American style marketing.

The man was dispatched from the White House with oil featuring highly on his mind. To give both precedent and context, former President George Bush had offered to intervene on behalf of ExxonMobil with Russia’s Vladimir Putin when the American company encountered troubles there. It was disdainfully disregarded. The point is twofold: first, ExxonMobil is a superpower in its own right, at least in its own head; and second, the company knows that it has a guarantee of national and presidential backing when the fight gets a shade sticky. It is an unbeatable combination that our own President Ali and his people should have studied, and put their arms around, as to what they are up against with ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil has the skills, the resources, and it has the resolve and the reserve of the American Government when push comes to shove. And don’t forget where one ExxonMobil CEO, Rex Tillerson, ended up. But, having recognised the superpower status of ExxonMobil at the negotiation table, we recommend to Guyana’s President that he and his people look back at recent history and reacquaint themselves on how one small, peasant society fought to a standstill, and stood up to, another superpower and the mighty armada of tools at its disposal. North Vietnam is a name that was daily on the lips of the PPP of before, now vanished. It is appreciated that the North Vietnamese had Red China and the old USSR in its corner, but it’s likely that they would not have capitulated without the most gruelling resistance.

It is why the likes of Xuan Thuy and Le Duc Tho stood up the American superpower, and generals like Harriman and Kissinger, in the boardroom battlefield of the Paris peace talks. Nothing was off-limits in the discussions for the North Vietnamese, including the shape of the conference table.

President Ali should remember that with this oil superpower.

Though he doesn’t have Russia or China on his side, he has nuclear options via delaying production, frustrating pending approvals, and unmuzzling the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to compel superpower ExxonMobil to its senses. We are no superpower, but we can be super smart in the nuanced ways that we whittle away at ExxonMobil’s potency, grind down its stubbornness.

Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Learn from western mistakes and keep our traditional values intact DEAR EDITOR, A Newsroom report complete with two men kissing was headlined, “Fresh calls for repeal of anti-gay laws in Guyana” following a decision in Antigua and Barbuda that says buggery/ sodomy is OK. Guyanese on the blogs are livid and adamant that Guyana should not go down that road to decriminalize buggery/sodomy. They say “human wrongs cannot be human rights.” The politicians need to take note. I would like to share examples of what’s happening in the USA and has happened in western and

European countries which seem determined to make sure Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and Asia adopt the ways of the western sexual deviance movement (SDM). Recently, there was a letter in the local newspapers

by Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the US Department of State, regaling us about “The Pride Flag.”

In commemoration of Pride Month globally, the US Embassy in Georgetown illuminated its walls in colours of the rainbow to honour the “human rights” of LGBTQI+

persons in Guyana. The embassy also raised the rainbow Pride Flag, which was flown below the US flag on the flagpole throughout the month of June.

President Ganger had advised that we must be careful what we copy. Jagan and Burnham had said the same thing too. The ABC/EU countries and the UN are pressuring countries to reject traditional values about marriage and the family, and adopt the vulgar, decadent practices of what was called “alternative lifestyles.”

The SDM started as a “tolerance” movement.

Please show tolerance for our lifestyles they say, but recently, it has become a terrorising movement in the USA seeking to position and flaunt itself as the mainstream norm.

The SDM hold marches, boycotts, and aggressive campaigns against businesses who don’t support the alphabet soup of LGBTQIA. It campaigns against nominees for top positions in Government or private sector, and they hound anyone who has made traditional pro-family values remarks perceived as (Continued on page 5)

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Ambassador and transparency Guyana moves forward in peace and quiet

DEAR EDITOR, I have a problem. More accurately, Guyana’s President Ali, has a problem.

President Ali says that he and his government have been exemplary in transparency. I can chuckle, but the people in the hinterlands seeking the disclosure of mining agreement(s) are still waiting; fishing review, oil studies suffer similarly. I regret to remind our dear President that lack of transparency on vital matters is the norm. He bluffs.

What mystifies is how the President conjures these mental contortions to deliver the resulting verbal distortions to the Guyanese people. It is unfortunate also that our wise President resorts to condemning conscientious citizens who call him out for his lack of transparency, as nothing but ‘naysayers’ and ‘detractors’

and doomsayers. Now he has a problem bigger than a few local deviators from his script, and I wonder what he is going to label his latest messenger and the message that was delivered (again) recently.

The messenger is U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Sarah Ann Lynch, and this was what she said on the occasion of the Independence of the United States of America: “Going forward, we will continue to partner with you on inclusive democracy, economic development, and citizen security for all Guyanese, and to promote the public values of transparency, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility – values that inform policies reflecting good governance and a participatory democracy where all voices are heard,…”

There it was again, that bugbear, that embarrassment, that ‘pimpla’ for the President, called “transparency.” I urge focus on the verb immediately before transparency, which is “promote.” That is, to push, to work for, to devote energies, and more. To mention transparency (and inclusion) at such a glittering moment was not accidental, a filler, a figure of speech, but what was subtle and deliberate, and with all the graceful tactfulness of nuanced diplomatic flourish.

It was for emphasis, because transparency is what the resident Americans have mentioned, pinpointed, and called for before. They keep insisting by persisting in mentioning, even on a solemn but relaxed occasion, like an official reception at her official residence. Like I say, not random. I say, too, that the

Americans keep pressing it because it is missing. So, what the President says about his Government and transparency is joke, pretense, game, sham, mistake, and monstrosity. I will not insult His Excellency by saying it is a lie. Distortion and exaggeration, yes; lie, that destroys leaders.

I say that Ambassador Lynch chose her setting well.

I extend congratulations on her timing, sense of the moment. For among her uneasy listeners were President, Prime Minister, and Vice President. And still, she saw fit to crown her verbal banquet table once more (again) with this thorn about transparency, and that also inclusion, left untouched today. Against the backdrop of recent scorching revelations, (Continued on page 6)

Learn from western mistakes and...

From page 4 anti-gay. They pounce on you and call you a “hater” if you express your viewpoints.

They try to shut you down.

They do “in-your-face” activities, and now they have added “+” to their name to include any other new deviances they come up with.

By the time they are done, they would have all the letters of the alphabet there. The SDM has taken Christian vendors to court to compel them to bake wedding cakes for same sex marriages, etc.

They use lawsuits to terrorize people who want to act in accordance with their religious conscience. In schools, they are teaching young children that not because you have boy parts you are a boy, and not because you have girl parts

you are a girl. They want boys with boy parts to use the girls’ bathroom because the boy says he identifies as a girl. Same for sports. They say gender is a sliding scale or continuum and you can choose whether you want to be a boy or girl or whatever.

This is a devilish doctrine confusing the children.

This overreaching by an aggressive group seeking to overturn and replace the old values to become the new dominant values, has been allowed to cross the line too far.

In Florida, a new House Bill bans “instruction” about sexual orientation or gender identity “in kindergarten through grade 3.”

Five other states - all of them in the US South - have enacted laws that limit

instruction or discussions about LGBTQ people or issues in school, and at least 32 others have proposed such measures this year.

Schools have now become the battleground as the SDM wants schools to indoctrinate young children, and to elevate LGBTQ to the highest priority issue.

As Guyanese bloggers have said, our poor destitute country is struggling with ecstasy, marijuana and cocaine entering our schools.

Easy access to pornography on the Internet is messing the minds of our teens. Guyana does not have resources to provide counseling for mental health issues, and the a c c o m p a n y i n g consequences of departing from traditional values and embracing new sexual

deviance notions being forced on our third world societies led by western countries.

Now is the time for all those self-appointed Chief Bishops, Chief Apostles, Bishops, Apostles, Prophets, and church members to take a stand, and resist any attempts of our government to kowtow to diktat from any quarter.

The Ministry of Education must never be allowed to indoctrinate our children about SDM, and we must ban the promotion of SDM in our media, such as the Newsroom picture. That’s bad for our country!

President Clinton had gotten it right – “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

DEAR EDITOR, On Caricom Day 2022 there was a great feeling of togetherness, in that love and unity development plan of our Government in the latest community outreach programme in the village of Buxton. It was the great sight to behold as Prime Minister Phillips led a high level team of ministers to that village looking into the plight of the villagers sourcing out ways to solve them. It was a very important form of social cohesion done at the Local Government level.

Incidentally, this was supposed to be a day of massive demonstration done in the very same area, done with the associated

destruction of property.

Opposition forces had planned it to be a day when, as one mobster puts it, massive destruction, to the point where there would have been a shutdown of the country. Pretty ambitious project by the subversives who want Guyana and Guyanese to go backwards.

But this was thwarted by the true spirit of the Buxtonians, coupled with the determination of a government who would not be deterred by anyone. Our government would not let the detractors gain traction.

Those who have nothing constructive to do with the short time God had given (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Renaissance in agriculture The Promotion of Constipated Competencies – An Illusion of Security

DEAR EDITOR, No one can doubt there is an agriculture renaissance in Guyana which is marked by the renewed understanding and recommitment to the fundamental role of agriculture in the Nation’s development process by the PPP/C Government, and driven by the most competent Agriculture Minister ever.

There are several different approaches which are underway that the continued upward progress of the Agriculture sector is guaranteed. This is so despite the many challenges which faced the sector, especially the regular damaging floods experienced since last year and which continues to plague the Sector.

In retrospect, during the Coalition’s tenure in Office, this sector suffered immensely when they embarked on several preposterous and vindictive acts such cutting of the budgetary allocation, placing fortune seekers in top positions and positioning the worst and most visionless Agriculture Minister ever to ensure that the downward decline is rapid and devastating. This has been dealt with by many intellectuals. This period was a replication of what the sector faced under the PNC during its 28 years of dictatorial rule. Fortunately, it came to a screeching halt in 2020.

This Government is investing heavily in all areas of the agriculture sector and not only in the traditional areas such as rice and sugar.

A sum of $28.7 billion was budgeted this year to further spur development in the agriculture sector. Some of these new projects pursued by the Ministry of Agriculture are outlined below and these will see major increase and opening up of new markets not only locally but

regionally and internationally.

The President has recognized the importance of brackish water shrimp production which has ‘a very huge potential in the Diaspora and this project is intended to move production from 450,000 kilograms annually by 300 percent. This project is already underway and will be an outstanding foreign exchange contributor. Added to this, is the fish cage project which has already started at Mainstay/Whyaka in Region 2. It is estimated that this has the potential to produce 11 metric tonnes of fish every nine months and each cage can earn a profit of $10 million per year. We are a pioneer in this regard in the Caribbean.

Another lucrative project is the corn and soya bean production at Ebini along the Berbice River and this has all the signs of success.

Minister Mustapha stated that, ‘the trial was very successful’ and there are plans to increase production from 125 acres to 3,000 acres by this year and 25,000 acres by the next 3 years. Guyana will not only be self-sufficient but will be an exporter. This will be another foreign exchange earner.

This Government is also cognizant of the importance on non-traditional crops such as carrot, broccoli and cauliflower. These are imported into Guyana and command high prices in the market.

There is huge demand in Guyana and the Caribbean. In this venture President Ali is targeting youths and works have already commenced to construct 25 shade houses for the cultivation of the three crops. This is rolled out under the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP). The longterm plan is to produce 7,000 tonnes. This is a direction which will not only benefit farmers but consumers as

Guyana moves forward...

From page 5 us here to inhabit, are up and about their nefarious agenda, but they will not succeed.

It is for the selfsame reason that we keep pressing on with the developmental plans for this nation, the focus here is building a country’s infrastructure that is modern and well suited for investors to readily come and invest.

It means that we must take care of the educational needs of our youths and the setting of goals for the job market in the new and emerging oil and gas sector. Not forgetting our primary industries, agriculture and mining, these will also

take a front burner place as Guyana moves forward.

To be stuck in the debilitating quagmire of the detractors is not an option.

Guyana says forward ever backward never.

The People of this great country are sending the strongest message ever, that we are not going back into the filth of violence and race baiting politics of yesteryear, instead, we are moving forward together as one Guyana.

Long live the Cooperative Republic of Team Unity Guyana.

Respectfully Submitted, Neil Adams

well. Already there are some small farmers producing broccoli and cauliflower which was showcased at the Farmers Market held across the country. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture is supporting small farmers who are cultivating strawberries and grapes. But this project has now grown to more than 54 shade houses and it is expected to increase to 300 because of its success according to Minister Mustapha. Already these produce are sold to leading hotels. Moreover, shade houses are now introduced in schools across the country ensuring that the knowledge of this new project becomes embedded in our young people early in life and that a career in agriculture is just as rewarding as any other.

Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture is providing the necessary marketing support to enhance the value-chain.

Minister Mustapha earlier this year explained this, ‘we have been meeting with various stakeholders, farmers, middlemen, agro-processors, sellers and exporters to discuss the issues facing their particular value chain and how to support the improvement of the chain with support from the agriculture agencies.’

Government will also invest heavily in agroprocessing which will ensure that produce do not perish but increase in value. We have seen the vagaries of demand and supply wreaking havoc to farmers.

The increased production will be taken care of, the prices will be stabilized.

In addition, poultry farmers and prospective ones are given Black Giant birds, each of which can produce approximately 200 eggs per annum and 4.5 kg of meat.

These birds will greatly increase supply of both eggs and meat to meet the local demands.

We have also seen the introduction of Black Belly sheep in Regions Five and Six which will boost the production of mutton locally and for the international market, especially CARICOM. At the launching of this Project in Region Five, the President emphasized the lucrativeness of this market.

The list of new and pioneering projects in agriculture will continue to grow and expand.

There is a renaissance in agriculture and Guyana will be the champion of food security in the Caribbean as envisioned by the PPP/C government.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

DEAR EDITOR, Our generation of the 1930s, would walk past the Alberttown Police Station, located as is now at Fourth and Albert Streets, on the way to schools in Queenstown – Moravian and Roman Catholic Primaries. Those of us living in the neighbourhood could observe daily groups of policemen from that station running past early every morning in white athletic outfits.

Being six feet tall was a recruiting requirement in those days.

In the 1940s, while attending secondary schools we were mesmerised by the brilliant display of athleticism at the annual Police Sports – formally known as Gymkhana – at the Eve Leary ground.

There was also the expertly controlled ‘gyrations’, if you will, of the Mounted Police (HorseGuards to us).

Some of us got nearer to the Police when our team played against them in Second Division (Wight Cup) Cricket.

I distinctly remember their outstanding middle-distance runner hitting me for four consecutive sixes in one over, each ball crossing no more than about four feet above the same boundary.

But perhaps the more cheering experiences were the concerts to which my father escorted me at the Town (City) Hall – to listen to renditions of the Police Male Voice Choir, formed by then Warrant Officer (Inspector) James Phoenix.

The Choir went on to win awards across the Caribbean, and also represented Guyana at Expo 1967 in Toronto, Canada.

It was about that time too

that the Guyana Police Band conducted by Bandmaster Small, along with the Christ Church Choir, revived my confidence that Christmas season in performing an anthem which my father had frequently claimed had been sung in St. George’s Cathedral several times earlier.

Unfortunately, Bandmaster Small died before honouring his promise to upgrade the score.

More relevantly, from an organisational training and development perspective it is difficult to recall exactly when the Police Cadet Scheme was instituted; but one recalls some of the outstanding successes, after coordinated training overseas – such leadership exhibited in names like Glasgow, Lewis, McLean, Roberts, who were also sportsmen of national status – emerging from St. Stanislaus and Queen’s C o l l e g e s . N o w, o n e i s puzzled that such a creative developmental programme seems to have been constricted to a ‘rank’ – ascribed as ‘Cadet Officer’.

But the latter is one small reason why those who are better informed are dumbfounded by the profound illogic obtaining in the recent exercise of hundreds of promotions in the current stressed-out Police Force.

Related experts have already questioned the ‘illegality’ of the intervention. Certainly experienced management practitioners would regard the p r o c ess as fundamentally illogical, if not also embarrassing - to this nation. For there needs to be a most comprehensive explanation of the promotional requirements that obtain within any applicable job hierarchy, i.e.

i) N e c e s s a r y qualifications – literacy standards ii) Relevant training iii) A p p l i c a b l e experience iv) S t a t u t o r y probationary/acting periodicities v) Records of formal performance assessments by an appropriately appointed panel, that could be subject to audit – in this instance by a relevant professional (Caricom) Team, if not by Civil Society.

For too many, the latest programme of promotions could only be seen, even by the most charitable observer, as a profound subversion of morality, of the principle of trust in the system, and the consequent lack of credibility in the individual players involved, leading to the compromise of productivity, and of achievement of the very goals conjured up by the decision-makers.

There will be a hard time convincing victims, witnesses alike, as well as distanced observers, that the police themselves have not been ‘framed’ – into an environment of incompetence that might hark back to haunt the decisionmakers.

The message is pellucid to a population of local and foreign observers.

How can it be allowed to squander the effective integrity of this component of our justice system, while the more educated judiciary long awaits confirmation of its status, along with acknowledgement of the need for its more capable jurisdiction to be extended?

The CCJ must wonder about this illusion of impartial governance.

A Senior Citizen’s cris de coeur On Behalf of the Disillusioned

Ambassador and transparency...

From page 5 the Ambassador’s message is given teeth and legs. Less transparency means large corruptions, including devastating laundering. And it means leadership vulnerabilities and addictions exposed, with foreigners confirming what all know.

As I translate Her Excellency, the bottom line is insistent: transparency is not here.

Transparency is anemic.

Transparency is comatose. Diplomats don’t speak out of turn, or waste words, or make this kind of

verbal slip, certainly not American ones. They are not Guyanese parliamentarians.

These Americans and Britishers know transparency, they recognize bull, especially presidential kinds. What was said is this: deceiver. I wish that things didn’t have to come to this.

But it was the President himself in his own words and on his own initiative who promised, who committed to, who dedicated himself to being about three things in his inaugural address almost two years ago.

I remind him and my

fellows: they were unity, accountability, and transparency. What he saw fit to market in a fit of recklessness has now returned to give him a fit. It is a chronic condition.

Now, everything is on the table, the gloves are off.

The President has slandered conscientious Guyanese with all manner of derogatory names. I wonder what ones he has reserved for Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Guyana.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Politicians in a democratic society are not all-powerful; they are merely servants of the people and must act in their best interest.

The day a politician loses sight of that mandate, he/she no longer deserves to be in office.

Politicians, who choose to be corrupt, self-centred and dismissive of the citizens of their land, are destined for a disgraced legacy. Such a state of affairs is currently unfolding in Sri Lanka whose politicians' tenure in office has been disrupted by the violent uprising of citizens who have decided to no longer settle for less.

While such acts can quickly force corrupt politicians to get their act together, the outcome is even more rewarding when a people choose to be still and allow the Creator to fight their battle.

Corrupt politicians, wherever they are, must take note of the maxim:“Even the longest rope has an end.”

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Sunday July 10, 2022

Friends rescue man from being stabbed to death Two men on Friday responded to their friend's screams and ended

up saving him from being stabbed to death by two masked men in the

vicinity of Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

The victim has been identified as Nicholas Niles Greeves, a 19year-old mechanic of Stevedore Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt.

He reportedly sustained stab wounds to his arm and face during the attack but was spared a worse fate because of his friends' intervention.

According to police, Greeves and his two friends were walking

from Meadow Brook Drive and as they approached the Lodge Housing Scheme area, he stopped to urinate while they continued walking ahead.

It was at this point that two masked men ambushed the young man.

He told investigators that he had ended up in a scuffle with them and one of the attackers used a pair of scissors to stab him.

It was at this point that he began shouting and his friends

heard and responded.

They ran back to rescue him and the attackers were forced to end their attack on the mechanic in order to escape.

Greeve's friends rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was admitted and treated for his wounds.

Doctors have reported that he is in a stable condition.

An investigation is ongoing, according to police.

Sunday July 10, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Beg and borrow government It is an indictment against and not an endorsement of the Ministry of Health that Guyana signed a pact with one of the largest health care providers in the United States. It is even more disheartening that this pact is likely to be substantially funded by an oil company.

The signing of that agreement between Guyana and Mount Sinai Healthcare was no red-letter moment. It raises a massive red flag about the direction in which the local healthcare system is headed.

Guyana, an oil-producing state, continues to beg and borrow. Instead of seeking to build a health system which caters for poor people, it is pursuing initiatives which will give to the private sector exclusive rights to specialised health care such as oncology and cardiology treatment.

It is an utter disgrace that the Irfaan Ali administration is moving in this direction. It is all the more discreditable that the ones who are likely to benefit from government spending in this regard are private health providers.

Make no mistake about the pact entered into between Mount Sinai Healthcare and Guyana. The more than six billion Guyana dollars which is going to be provided is not going to be sufficient to build any oncology and cardiology hospitals, much less provide

the costly treatment and care which such hospitals provide.

It will take much more than US$30M for state-of-the-art cardiology and oncology equipment for heart and cancer hospitals. That US$30M may not be even sufficient to pay the fees of those high-priced specialists who are likely to be recruited from overseas to be part of this initiative. Most of the 6 billion Guyana dollars are going to end up in the hands of consultants who will be coming to advise and establish systems and to pay for doctors who will be on exchange at the Georgetown Hospital.

The government will brag that the agreement, which was signed last Friday, will not cost it a cent. The bulk of the funding is expected to be provided by Hess, one of the major players in our oil sector.

Well, if that oil company has those resources to provide as part of its corporate social responsibility, it can damn well provide 10 times more by increasing the original and pitiful signing bonus which it along with Exxon and CNOOC paid to the government.

Fine speeches were made by those present at Friday’s signing ceremony. But how much will those nicesounding words reduce the cost of heart and cancer treatment?

In this country, if you do not have money, any such

care which you receive is likely to be second class. And with this new agreement, even though it is likely that the quality of treatment will improve, there is no guarantee that it will be free to those needing it the most.

I have witnessed tragic instances of persons who have had to take discharge from local private hospitals because they simply could not afford the cost. In one instance a man suffered a heart attack and had to be rushed to a private hospital.

He was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

After two days, the family could not afford the tab anymore. They were forced to take a discharge.

In another case, the man’s family could not have afforded the cost of the ICU but when they were told the cost of an angiogram and the possible stents which may have had to be inserted into the man’s vessels, they also had to take a discharge.

A man appeared on a Tik Tok video this past week. He related how he called an ambulance for someone who was lying on the streets and who was in a poor shape and, in his estimation, needed medical attention.

He said that he was told that no ambulance was available. But he said that an ambulance could have been found the following day to remove the remains of the man

Dem boys seh...

Dem teachers tiyah Dem teachers tiyah.

During de pandemic dem bin tiyah too…tiyah staying home and having to teach from computer.

Now dem tiyah again and need a rest.

Some ah dem teachers going to gym.

Dem training fuh talk because with some ah dem pickney in dem school, dem teacher does gat fuh do nuff talking and sometimes nuff screaming.

Dem teacher wukkin’ hard. Dem puttin in overtime.

Dem tired, dem bones aching with all de hard wuk.

Dem children tiyah too.

Common Entrance dun; was two days exams. It does normally be nuff stress. But nuff ah dem pickney gan pass because is only up to Grade Five wuk come in de exams.

Suh dem nah had too much stress.

We gat learning loss. But still we close de school early because dem teacher need dem rest.

And come Christmas term, deh gan gat three vacation fuh de holidays.

Dat is one week more dan dem need. But dem teacher gat to get dem rest fuh get de strength fuh clean dem house and do dem shopping.

Dem teacher dese days know more dan dem textbook.

A day a teacher tell she biology class how it impossible fuh a whale to swallow a human being.

Little Johnny ask she: “Suh how den did de whale swallow Jonah?”

De teacher tell he dat it was impossible fuh de whale to swallow Jonah.

Little Johnny said dat when he die he gan ask Jonah in heaven.

De teacher say: “Wat if Jonah is in hell?”

Little Johnny reply, “Well den I gan gat to ask you.”

Talk half. Leff half.

who died.

This is the tragedy of local healthcare in Guyana. The cost of Friday’s signing ceremony could have saved a life. The fat monthly salaries and allowances which are paid to unneeded advisors within the health system can save lives and help to improve the quality of healthcare at public hospitals.

The government should provide a detailed breakdown to the public showing how it proposes to spend the 6 billion dollars. They should show the public how they intend to use these funds which could have been better spent to make cardiology and oncology services more affordable and accessible to the average man.

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

sweN rueteiaK

PAGE 10

Sunday July 10, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The innovative direction President Ali must head towards ASAP

Propaganda can only be successful if it is based on circumstances which carry fertile soil. There must be a certain amount of facts that can be easily and skillfully manipulated. Secondly, propagandists have to be talented or competent people.

How they shape the material will depend on the level of penetration among the population.

After two years and three

months, the propaganda used

by African political organisations opposed to the Ali presidency has failed to retain its gloss. First, you do not utilise five months to rig an election. That is almost half a year and in that long period there are going to be huge mistakes, enormous blunders, comical strategies and glaring fictional inventions. After the five months, it is not a workable

strategy to tell your supporters that you were denied victory. You can do that in the first two months, certainly not after two years, three months.

One of the most consistent PNC ideologues, Mr. Sherwood Lowe wrote following August last year: “The coalition must confront the reality that a majority of its supporters have accepted, at various stages since

March 2020 that it lost the last election properly. Should the coalition leaders therefore admit electoral defeat, expect no great drama and trauma among party supporters. The claims of “cheated not defeated” have long worn thin. Most supporters now see it as only political posturing rather than a sincere assertion.”

By the time 2022 arrived, the game of deceit had caught up with the PNC and its surrogates. African Guyanese knew they were being fooled. They are now prepared to have dialogue with the Ali government on their future. Secondly, who are the propagandists that speak to African Guyanese? I refer to them as the lunatic fringe (TLF).

TLF are extremely wild people who appeal to a very

tiny section of the population who like crass vocabulary. TLF is hurting the image Frederick Kissoon of the PNC but wildness can still be accepted if it is not turned up in large numbers to characterised by stupidity dialogue with the ministers and self-aggrandisement. All of the government while four the members of TLF come members of TLF were in the across as people who rant protest that, contrary to what Demerara Waves noted about insanely. a hundred protestors, did not One of them said the reach more than 20 persons. I Guyana Government can't saw the videos. touch him because he lives in Thirdly, I saw a social the greatest country in the media interview David Hinds world. That is not how you did with Clive Thomas two shape propaganda to win months ago.

Professor converts. TLF has not made i n r o a d s i n t o A f r i c a n Thomas said that finally Guyanese communities post-colonial Guyana will because they turn off get some money to deal with hundreds of thousands of poverty alleviation. He was referring to oil revenue. Then decent African Guyanese.

Buxtonians did not listen he said he has to live with the (Continued on page 14) to the TLF last week and

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 13

Datadin accuses absent opposition members of hampering constitutional reform

P

eople Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP), Sanjeev Datadin on Friday called out opposition members for their continuous absence from meetings set up to discuss matters related to constitutional reform, accusing them of deliberately hampering the process.

Datadin in a Facebook post related that there was yet another meeting of the Parliamentary Constitutional Reform Committee and the Opposition has failed yet again to submit proposals.

“None… Not a single proposal from the Opposition. The Government side had submitted its proposal and now has a draft Bill for consideration …The Opposition has no interest in any Constitutional reform (sic),” he commented in the post.

In a follow up comment with this newspaper, Datadin, an attorney-at-law by profession explained that there have been eight meetings on constitutional reform with hardly any involvement of the opposition members of the committee.

“At this last meeting [on Friday] one member eventually showed up late.

The previous meeting no opposition member was present. The opposition has been doing their utmost to frustrate the process. We agreed that each side would give a proposal as to what we want to see put into the draft bill to establish the constitutional commission… there has basically been no work from the opposition on this,” Datadin said.

He added that not only has the opposition not been participating or playing their role as part of the commission but they have failed to provide the committee with a valid reason for their lack of involvement.

“Ms. [Amanza] WaltonDesir had asked for time last April to submit a proposal, that time was extended to May but up until this date, the committee is yet to see Ms. Wa l t o n - D e s i r o r t h a t proposal. And on top of it all the committee has not been provided with a valid reason for her absence,” he added.

Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) and Opposition member of the committee, Khemraj Ramjattan claimed that the Government side has a

m e e t i n g scheduled…Throughout (David) Granger's Chairmanship of the Standing Committee (between) 2011 and 2015 n o t h i n g happened…Between 2015 to 2020 again, very little

People's Progressive Party/Civic, Member of Parliament, Sanjeev Datadin misplaced view of their involvement in the process.

He stated that there is no need for any major involvement of the opposition at this point.

“I had already given them the go ahead eight weeks ago, that the same terms that were used to draft the legislation for last commission which was set up to guide constitutional reform in 2000 can be used again… This was already done. Why we have to go and reinvent the wheel and you got to go and refer back to your Cabinet and party and all that?” he asked.

According to Ramjattan, the government is nitpicking and making excuses about a process as a way of avoiding constitutional reform.

He said, “They don't want Constitutional Reform so they will place the blame at our doorstep. There was a quorum…If you want constitutional reform, proceed with the quorum that you have…”

Added to this, Ramjattan claimed that the constitutional reform committee meetings are being held at a time that is inconvenient to opposition members.

“I specifically asked them to consider that I have court dates but they continue to set the meetings at times when I have to be in court…,” Ramjattan said.

Last April, another PPP/C MP on Constitutional Reform Committee had also criticised the opposition for its poor attendance and involvement in the meetings.

P P P / C m e m b e r, P r i y a Manickchand shared her sentiments in a Facebook post as well.

She said, “The Opposition fails to turn up to the Parliamentary Standing C o m m i t t e e f o r Constitutional Reform

happened. So when they tell you they want reform, you are allowed to laugh.PS: One member shows up half an hour late,” she said.

The back and forth between the government and opposition over constitutional reform comes

months after Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC, announced that the process was well on its way.

Soon after, the PPP/C took office in August of 2020, Nandlall had outlined the legislative agenda for his ministry and he had said that

reform of the election laws and constitution were high on the agenda. Last July, he had disclosed that the National Assembly's Constitutional Reform Committee met only twice for the year due to COVID-19 constraints but at (Continued on page 14 )

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

Datadin accuses absent...

From page 13 the same time he had noted that that should not be seen as non-commitment to the process by the PPP/C government.

According to Nandlall, a standing Committee for Constitutional Reform was appointed pursuant to Article 119A of the Constitution. The Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform consists of at least six members nominated by the Committee of Selection.

The Committee was appointed for the purpose of the continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports there on to the National Assembly, with proposal for reform as necessary. To assist in its work, the Committee also has the power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise, whether or not such experts or other persons are members of the National Assembly.

The innovative direction...

From page 10 angst that the revenue will be controlled by “these people” (his words), meaning the PPP government.

African Guyanese know that Guyana is on the verge of something positively new.

They don't need Thomas to lecture them on the new horizon that oil revenue will create. Out of this sense of reality, African Guyanese youth will not recreate “mo fyaah, slo fyaah.” The African population wants to share in their country's newly found wealth and they are prepared to dialogue with the government.

Buxton was the first step.

The encounters will continue.

This is one of the world's most under-populated countries.

Guyana has incredible land space for its citizens to get house lots and farming plots.

Dr. Ali must take the innovative step that Burnham refused to make and no other president since Burnham contemplated – use state resources to birth an African kulak class and a petty bourgeoisie.

It is a myth that Burnham

tried to embourgeoisify the African people. He took control of the resources of Guyana and imprisoned those resources in the state. Black people did not share in those resources.

They were owned by the state. That explains why when Burnham's administration collapsed Black people did not have land. State assets were sold off by President Hoyte and Black people did not have the money to buy them.

In my short meeting with Dr. Ali, I told him to nurture a legacy that would put him permanently into the minds of Guyanese the way Jagan, Rodney and Burnham have.

The only president that had the national wealth to create an African petty bourgeoisie was Burnham. Dr. Ali has that opportunity now. Of course this must not be at the expense of elevating the poorer classes in general including the Indian masses.

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

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 15

Shinzo Abe killing: Security was flawed, Japan police say BBC News—Japanese police have admitted there were flaws in the security for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot dead in the southern city of Nara on Friday.

"It is undeniable that there were problems in the security," said Nara police chief Tomoaki Onizuka. A gunman opened fire on Abe at a political campaign event - a crime that has profoundly shocked Japan.

Police say the suspect, named as Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, held a grudge against a "specific

organisation". He believed Abe was part of it, they said. Yamagami has admitted shooting him with a homemade gun, according to police. "The urgent matter is for us to conduct a thorough investigation to clarify what happened," police chief Onizuka said, without specifying where he saw failings.

He was on the verge of tears, addressing journalists.

Japanese media quote sources close to the investigation, who say Yamagami believed Abe to be linked to a religious group which,

Yamagami alleged, had ruined his mother financially.

Yamagami told police he had served in Japan's navy, the Maritime Self-Defense Force, for three years. More recently, he had worked at a factory in western Japan.As a hearse carrying Abe's body arrived at his residence in Tokyo, members of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), dressed in black, lined up to pay their respects.

According to local media reports, a night vigil will be held on

Monday and Abe's funeral is due to take place on Tuesday.

Abe was Japan's longestserving prime minister and died aged 67. He was campaigning for the LDP in the run-up to upper house parliamentary elections on Sunday.Current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, also an LDP member, said he was "simply speechless", vowing that Japan's democracy would "never yield to violence” .He said the election campaign would continue on Saturday with

tightened security, with Sunday's vote still set to go ahead.Gun violence is extremely rare in Japan, where handguns are banned and incidences of political violence are almost unheard of.

Police are investigating why Abe was targeted and whether his killer acted alone.Abe was giving a speech on behalf of a political candidate at a road junction when he was shot from behind.

Photos show the suspect standing close to Abe moments beforehand.

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Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! From page 15 coming to the realisation that Guyana is indeed 'up for sale' and Guyanese are on the cusp of being evicted.

But be assured Guyanese, there is a JUST Creator and He doesn't sleep.

Soon and very soon, the politicians will realise this too.

THURSDAY M i n i s t e r s o r firefighters?

Today we report that the Irfaan Ali administration will soon be approaching the National Assembly for more money to fund their 'cashgiveaway' scheme.

It is a giveaway, because instead of putting together a sensible, comprehensive plan of cash transfers, we have an administration going

around the country sharing money to a selected few.

We have said here before that Guyanese can benefit far more if our leaders would seek adjustments to the oil contracts with ExxonMobil and their partners, which can guarantee this country higher royalties and profits.

Instead, we see the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and the Cabinet of Ministers making the rounds daily for photoops and malas and delivering fine speeches.

The tight arc of such endeavours speaks of the work of firefighters putting out fires, while hauling themselves contentedly away that another potential flare-up has been tamed. It is of reacting to the moment,

instead of responding in a manner that is laced through with what is comprehensive, also viable.

Not just for the beleaguered and upset Africa community, but also for the entire range of communities that make up this Guyanese nation.

FRIDAY Rising cost of living Everyone is crying out and complaining about the rising cost of living.

Everything is being sold at higher prices these days- a global trend which economists have pinned to the Russia/Ukraine war and the fallout from the Covid19 pandemic.

Here in Guyana, 'citizens are catching their tail' to get by and our government

instead of rolling out a comprehensive programme to cushion the effects of the inflation has resorted to doling out in a very haphazard manner cash grants to selected groups of people.

And if the recent flurry of grants was not enough, we reported yesterday President Irfaan Ali signaling that the government will be going back to Parliament for more funds to continue their 'cash giveaway scheme'.

In his own words Ali said: “I want people to understand, I want to work with people. I will come to every community. I will come to every door. I want to work with people. I have already asked the Minister of Finance to immediately

work on a supplementary provision.”

We would like to tell the President that monies and programmes and promises can continue to be doled out in this haphazard, erratic, and slapdash fashion, and all that is achieved is a staying of the tide until the next set of circumstances bring a deluge of the unwanted, which covers from the unmentioned to the uncomfortable to the undesired to eye and ear.

SATURDAY Guyana in a vice The corruptions come over the news. They come out of the ground. The corruptions come from the self- dealings that reward them and skin this society alive. All the Chinese did

was confirm some of it.

Everything is up for grabs. Business has one big godfather who opens doors, makes big things happen.

Just like that, and the Chinese boast how they get things done, who is on their side. Guyana sold, betrayed, bartered for pots of silver.

Where is the benefit for hurting, hoping Guyanese?

How much more of this sellout by leaders Guyana?

Leaders rip our hearts out. Conspire with every Tom, Dick and Harry to enrich themselves and impoverish us. How much more? How long more?

Guyana, stand up and scream. Enough! No more.

No crookish leaders. Not another scoundrel. Not one more deceiver. Enough!

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Sri Lanka’s PM resigns after citizens uprising Sri Lanka has delved into the throes of severe civil strife with several Cabinet Minister’s homes and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence in the city of Kurunegala in the north-western province being torched, hours after the leader tendered his resignation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was on Saturday evacuated from the President’s House in the capital Colombo before thousands of protestors stormed his residence, demanding his resignation, in one of the largest antigovernment marches in the crisis-hit island this year.

According to reports, in a statement, the country’s Premier, Ranil Wickremesinghe indicated that he too would step down from his portfolio, making way for the establishment of an allparty government.

In a statement, the Premier said he agreed to the recommendation of the opposition party leaders in order to ensure the safety of the citizens.

Meanwhile, during the melee that unfolded in the Sri Lankan’s Capital, a Facebook livestream from inside the president’s house showed hundreds of protestors packing into rooms and corridors, shouting slogans against the beleaguered 73year-old leader.

Footage of protestors standing and some bathing in the swimming pool inside the president’s home was widely circulated on social media.

Hundreds also milled about on the grounds outside the colonial-era whitewashed building. No security officials were visible. The president has been moved to a secure but undisclosed location, reports said.

Thousands of protestors also broke open the gates of the sea-front presidential secretariat and the finance ministry, which has been the site of a sit-in protest for months, and entered the premises, TV footage showed.

Military personnel and police at both locations were unable to hold back the crowd, as they chanted slogans asking Rajapaksa to step down.

“Today is independence day for me being born in this nation, not 1948, because today we have fought for our freedom from the tyranny and the scoundrels and greedy politicians who have run our nation to ground zero,” a protestor told Al Jazeera News. At least 39 people, including two police officers were injured and hospitalised in the protests, hospital sources told Reuters.

Reporting from Colombo,

…government officials’ houses set on fire

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns Al Jazeera’s Minelle Fernandez said the protestors are adamant the president must go.

“Tens of thousands of Sri Lankans are still streaming into Colombo… People stormed railway stations and literally forced employees to put them on trains and bring them to Colombo. They say they are taking their country back.”

Many in the island nation of 22 million people blame the country’s decline on Rajapaksa. Largely peaceful protests since March have demanded his resignation.

“I came here to chase away the president. The situation in the country is not good. He has to go for our country to come out of this abyss,” Gihan Roshan, 38, told Al Jazeera.

Sri Lanka is struggling under a severe foreign exchange shortage that has limited essential imports of fuel, food and medicine, plunging it into the worst financial turmoil in 70 years.

Months of protests have nearly dismantled the Rajapaksa political dynasty that has ruled Sri Lanka for most of the past two decades.

One of Rajapaksa’s brothers resigned as prime minister last month, and two other brothers and a nephew quit their cabinet posts earlier.

Wickremesinghe took over as prime minister in May and protests temporarily waned in the hope he could find cash for the country’s urgent needs. But people now want him to resign as well, saying he has failed to fulfill his promises. One demonstrator held the Sri Lankan flag in one hand and a placard in the other that read: “Pissu Gota, Pissu Ranil” (Insane Gota, Insane Ranil) in Sinhalese.

Thyagi Ruwanpathirana, a researcher at Amnesty International told Al Jazeera Sri Lanka will “not come out of this crisis for some time”.

“There is a lot of wait and watch and that is affecting the people. We have not had fuel

Demonstrators protest inside the President’s House premises, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled, amid the country’s economic crisis, in Colombo, Sri Lanka July 9, 2022 [Photo: Reuters]

The ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota has been set on fire by a group of antigovernment protestors, hours after Mahinda Rajapaksa, the patriarch of the powerful clan resigned in response to mounting demand for his ouster as Sri Lanka’s prime minister. (Photo: Business Standard) for days … Just imagine running out of fuel. People can’t get to work. Kids can’t get to school. The whole economy is at a standstill,” she said from Colombo.

“There’s been a heavy security and special task force presence. The comeback was completely over the top with tear gas canisters raining down to disperse the protestors. There was complete mayhem, almost a stampede to get out,” said Fernandez. Police imposed a curfew in Colombo and several other main urban areas on Friday night but withdrew it on Saturday morning amid objections by lawyers and

opposition politicians who called it illegal.

“Such a curfew is blatantly illegal and a violation of the fundamental rights of the people of our country,” said the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

Despite a severe shortage of fuel that has stalled transportation services, demonstrators packed into buses, trains and trucks from several parts of the country to reach Colombo to protest against the government’s failure to protect them from economic ruin. Discontent has worsened in recent weeks as the cash-strapped country

stopped receiving fuel shipments, forcing school closures and rationing of petrol and diesel for essential services.

“The economy has collapsed. Most can’t have three meals a day,” Imasha Ranasinghe, a 22-year-old university student told Al Jazeera. He is among the millions squeezed by chronic fuel shortages and inflation that hit 54.6 percent in June.

Political instability could undermine Sri Lanka’s talks with the International Monetary Fund seeking a $3bn bailout, a restructuring of some foreign debt and fundraising from multilateral

and bilateral sources to ease the dollar drought.

Speaking from Colombo, economist Chayu Damsinghe told Al Jazeera he hoped the protests would bring in a change in the country.

“Once that change happens, once the heads at the helm change, there is some sense that policy change can actually be implemented and accepted by the people,” he said.

“Last time the people really protested, there was a real change. It is increasingly likely the president will have to take real steps towards change.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Sunday July 10, 2022

Govt. still 'refining' project scope as World Bank loan for 'cost oil' audit capacity remains untapped

By Zena Henry

A

consortium of local companies will complete the second set of cost audits for ExxonMobil's oil and gas production activities offshore Guyana come September despite, in some cases, the verifications are taking place several years past the due date.

The Guyana government was “disappointed”, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, that it was unable to source in particular, local teams within a timely manner to conduct the audits and therefore missed the twoyear time span stipulated in the Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and the Stabroek Block operator.

The government has repeated, however, that it has commitment from Exxon and team to be supportive of the audits although they are not legally required to, and although, it is not clear whether this commitment is in writing. Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat has claimed, however, that Exxon will pay over cost oil excessive, once justified by the audits.

But much of this set back might have been avoided with the utilisation of the loan since some specifics of the 2019 World Bank 'Guyana Petroleum Resources

Governance and Management Project' document say that assistance would be rendered in

institutions and has a US$10.7M line of credit, highlighted, inter alia, assistance in two key areas

building local cost audit c a p a c i t y. T h e p r o j e c t appraisal document, Component B, which speaks to building important

aimed at protecting oil and gas revenues; cost audits and economic and fiscal modelling that monitor funds generated from the lucrative

sector.

Of the total sum, US$4.5 million supports the immediate technical needs at key institutions.

It was reported at the time, that Guyana lacked the necessary human resources to address critical and immediate technical needs within prime institutions responsible for the sector. As such, the sub-component sought to address gaps “through the direct engagement of external expertise to support the Department of Energy, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Ministry of Finance, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Attorney General's

Chambers and the Petroleum Commission,” which is yet to be established. The Bank said that given its experience in oil and gas projects, it found that capacity building is most effective when it is based on tangible on-the-job training and learning by doing approach. “Therefore, this activity will allow for the hiring of oil and gas experts as advisors to provide general technical opinions, commercial advice, policy analysis, review of key documents, and other contributions, but more importantly, to deliver onthe-job training and peer mentoring, working closely with the government staff to (Continued on page 63)

Sunday July 10, 2022 The Liza Destiny FPSO

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

No guarantee reports of oil companies’ - Independent audit free from fraud Auditor “Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit concluded in accordance with International Standards on Auditing will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.”

By Gary Eleazar Oil companies operating in the Stabroek Block, like any other company operating in Guyana, are required to file annual Financial Statements with the Deeds and Commercial Registry. These statements are expected to present a true and fair representation in all material aspects of the financial position of the reporting company.

Each year’s financials are supposed to be audited by Independent Auditors. The Independent Audit, however, done by entities contracted by the oil companies along with the financial statements, are no guarantee that there isn’t misrepresentation or fraudulent

information being presented.

This much is clearly stated by at least one local private auditor that was contracted to prepare an independent report for the financials submitted by ExxonMobil Guyana’s Stabroek Block partners, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited—Guyana Branch.

That Financial Statement was prepared by the Hess management and an Independent Audit of that statement done by a local Chartered Accounting Firm, TSD Lall and Company.

According to the auditors in their report on the Financial Statements, “our objectives Continued on page 72

A section of the report where the company affixed its official stamp

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Sunday July 10, 2022

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

The

Waterfalls Twenty-six years and counting…

Radio/TV personality Frederick Rampersaud observes another milestone

‘Buy local’ agenda being pushed

by Linden’s Alternative Mini Mart

Atifah Lovell poses with one of her Arabic calligraphy paintings she started this year

‘Restart with Art’ …for unique, customised pieces

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

Andrea Sophia Crystal King

PAGE 22

Introducing: Ms. Andrea Sophia Crystal King; a semifinalist of the Miss World Guyana pageant. The 25-year-old beauty was born and raised in Georgetown. She loves dancing and other artistic expressions, including drawing, painting, fashion and photography. She said: “I crave adventure and I’ve always been very curious about life and the world we live in.” Beyond her social life, Ms King currently leads a successful career in Project Management, and plans on acquiring an MBA by 2024. One of her favourite quotes is by Swiss Theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar: “What you are is God’s gift to you. Who you become is your gift to God.”

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

VILLAGE Hampshire

PAGE 23

…a lively community in need of some attention

By Malisa Playter-Harry

H

ome to hundreds of people, the busy community of Hampshire, Corentyne, East Berbice is bordered by the villages of Williamsburg to the east and Belvedere to the west. There are several thriving businesses that provide residents with all of their basic and varied needs.

If you visit at the right time, and enter from the west, you are likely to spot a water coconut vendor who offers refreshing coconut water from the nut itself or bottled in

various sizes.

He was not out when The Waterfalls visited but that was not surprising since his coconut water is popular with villagers and passers-by, especially on the days when the temperature soars. His coconut water I assure you is always sweet and most importantly, quenches the thirst quite nicely.

On the opposite end, you can't miss a massive three-storey c o n c r e t e structure that is taking shape. It is said that the building will house a new business which w i l l o f f e r employment to many. It has been under construction for quite some time

A mandir in the Hampshire village roadside stall.

“When you go to the market you have to spend more time, you have to go early in the morning but here is closer to home and she gets more time,” Sukhai said as she revealed that permission was granted for her mother to do this.

For this, she said, they are extremely grateful since because of the location many people passing in their vehicles can easily stop and purchase from them.

Sukhai said she enjoys helping out her mother and is happy that A chruch in the Hampshire village people choose to buy from them since many of the vegetables such as bora, tomatoes and fruits like banana are grown right in their backyard.

“We have like bora, pumpkin, balanjay (boulanger) and some we does grow in our yard,” she shared.

The village has two mandirs, a church, a sawmill, a pawnshop, a The old Lions Club building that is Superbet outlet, two Chinese now used as a day care centre. restaurants (Double Wing and and is expected to be completed in Kwai) and a Chinese the near future. Just next door to supermarket too. There The First Impression that building are two fruit and is also the Art and Gift Hotel and Guesthouse. greens (vegetable) vendors. One Shop which makes and o f th e v en d o r s w as s een sells ornaments, along transacting business with a with plant pots, concrete customer, all the while with a spindles, garden gnomes, pleasant smile. concrete tubing and yard I caught up with 25-year-old ornaments.

Shivani Sukhai who was The owners were helping her mother, unfortunately out during t h e my visit but, according to residents, their prices are very affordable. The village is also home to the Anamayah L a w O ff i c e , t h e F i r s t I m p r e s s i o n Hotel/Guesthouse/Restau rant and Bar, the Carpen General Store, Sham Halaal Food and Clothing Store, Sase Narine Son and Daughter Some of the items sold at Electronic the Art and Gift Shop.

Centre/General Store and A. Hamid and Sons Shivani Sukhai who helps her mother General Store. to vend fruits and vegetables.

Most notably, you can find one of Berbice's most popular p e r s o n a l i t y, S h a k i r B a c c h u s , a Kumar Jankreran, the Hampshire barber Commissioner of Oaths grooming his customer Shawn Perreira and Justice of the Peace greens vendor, with the business.

(JP) who was last year Sukhai, who works at the canteen at featured in the pages of the a nearby school, said that with Kaieteur News as a 'Special school closed, she is assisting her Person'. He is now 74 years old and mother. Her mother, she said, sold is still going strong with dozens of greens and fruits at the Port customers accessing his service.

Mourant and Rose Hall Town Located opposite Bacchus' m a r k e t s s i n c e 2 0 0 7 , b u t business is the Lions Club building subsequently started operating the (Continued on page 57)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 25

Prostate health

By Nigel Williams

O

ne of the most common health issues that affect only males is illness associated with the prostate gland.

Only men have a prostate, and, unfortunately, almost every man will experience a prostate problem during his lifetime.

It is important that every male be educated about this matter because of the high likelihood of health issues involving the prostate; men should know how to recognise those issues and how to deal with them.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, m a l e s should know how to maintain a healthy prostate and make illness less likely.

The prostate gland is located inside the body in the pelvis behind the scrotum. It is a vital part of a man's reproductive system.

It is about the size of a small lime with a weight of about 11 grams.

The gland is located in such a way that it completely surrounds the tube—the urethra—through which a man passes out urine or,

during sexual activity, semen.

As such, anything that goes wrong with the prostate will very likely interfere with a man's urinary or sexual function.

The main function of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid; this is the liquid part of semen that is ejaculated during sexual activity.

The solid part of semen is the sperm which is produced and stored in the testicles.

Seminal fluid produced in the prostate not only permits sperm to swim but also contain many essential nutrients that allow sperm to survive for a longer time.

Clearly, the prostate gland is essential for human reproduction.

There are three major illnesses that may affect the prostate. First there is prostatitis.

This refers to an inflamed prostate. Prostatitis may happen to any male of any age. There are two types of this condition: acute prostatitis and chronic prostatitis.

Acute prostatitis is caused by an infection,

usually by bacteria.

There is the sudden onset of painful urination, a small urinary stream and often fever and chills. This condition — as all conditions of the prostate — should be treated by a doctor.

The doctor usually prescribes antibiotics.

Chronic prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate gland is inflamed for a long time.

The symptom s are almost the same as those of acute prostatitis but medical science does not yet understand why this problem occurs in some men. Some experts believe that the body's immune system attacks the prostate; doctors may treat the condition with steroids or other medications.

The second condition is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an “enlarged prostate.”

This condition refers to the excessive growth of the gland that usually occurs after about age 50.

BPH is usually considered an expected part of the ageing process for most men. Therefore, unfortunately, almost all men

will eventually get it.

On the bright side, though, about half of men who have BPH will not experience any symptoms at all. In the case of men who experience the BPH symptoms of slow, painful or partial urination, many safe and effective treatments are available.

The third and most serious illness is prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is life threatening.

The American Medical Association estimates that 268,490 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 in the United States alone, with 34,500 dying from it.

No exact cause of this disease has been identified, although genetic defects either inherited or uninherited—is known to play a key role.

Age is an important risk factor, as is family history of

cancer. Men whose fathers or brothers had prostate cancer are two to three times likelier to get it themselves. The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to those of prostatitis and BPH. As such any male who experiences slow or painful urination, an inability to completely empty the bladder, blood in the urine or semen or any other abnormal urinary or ejaculatory symptoms should see a doctor with o u t d e l a y.

Prostate cancer is treatable and curable, but it is important to get medical help quickly; any delay could be the difference between a cure and a worse outcome.

Specialists say that certain behaviours are associated with prostate problems. Such behaviours include smoking,

lack of exercise, obesity, a diet high in red meat and saturated fats; those behaviours should therefore be avoided. On the other hand, a balanced diet including vegetables; use of Vitamin D, and regular prostate checkups beginning at about age 50 has been shown to prolong the life of all men while reducing the incidence of prostate related problems.

In closing, it must be stated that any prostate related symptoms should be considered significant until proven otherwise. Any man experiencing such issues should see a doctor immediately.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 27

Safeguarding rights from authoritarian governments

By Sir Ronald Sanders

T

he rights of p e r s o n s everywhere in the world have to be protected from authoritarian governments that suffocate them.

In the English-speaking Caribbean countries – 13 of which are the core nations of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) – there is an outstanding tradition of respect for human, political and civil rights.

Establishing individual rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of the media, the right to organise trade unions and political parties, and to practice religious faith, were hard won. The people of these 13 countries won these freedoms by overcoming the shackles of slavery and indentured labour, colonial rule, expatriate control of economies, and exploitation.

Today, the 12 independent Englishspeaking countries of the Caribbean can, for the most part, boast of a record of upholding and respecting rights.

Respect for rights is obvious when a political party loses office in a general election. Power is handed over peacefully and orderly to the political party that wins the election through the ballot box.

This was obvious recently in Grenada, where a party that had held office for decades under the leadership of the longest serving head of government, accepted the decision of the electorate and handed over the reins of government.

Respect for rights also includes regard for criticism expressed in the media, and tolerance of social media where both supportive and opposing opinions and views are openly stated.

The benefit of respect and maintenance of these rights is that these 13 countries enjoy democratic freedoms in which the talents of individuals and groups can thrive without fear of repression.

In large measure, it is the enjoyment of these rights that allows these small countries to prosper despite the economic constraints of size and the effects of natural disasters.

The protection of these rights is, therefore, important.

Championing them abroad is as crucial as defending them at home.

When rights are violated and

abused anywhere, threats are posed to them everywhere.

It is in this connection that CARICOM countries have to be concerned about human, political, and civil rights in neighbouring states and in the wider world.

Disregard for rights by governments can spread like a pandemic if it is not stopped.

The current situation in Nicaragua should be a matter of grave concern.

In November 2021, Daniel Ortega was re-elected as President in a process that trampled on rights.

Almost 40 opposition persons were imprisoned, including seven potential presidential candidates; and several political parties were blocked from participation in the election.

Additionally, independent media were stifled, journalists were jailed, and many nongovernmental organisations were hounded into oblivion.

Peaceful demonstrations were ruthlessly broken-up, causing hundreds of deaths.

At the time of the November 2021 election, Ortega had been in power for 15 years since 2006. During that time, he became as autocratic as the Somoza family whom he had fought against four decades ago as head of the Sandinistas.

After the election, the restriction and suppression of rights continued, including by the harassment and imprisonment of some of the men and women who had fought with him to free Nicaragua from the tyranny of the Somoza dynasty.

Many of them suffered atrociously in prison, denied adequate food and medicines.

Charges were trumped up against them but their real crime in Ortega's eyes was their expressed dissent to his government's policies.

The current judicial system is corrupt and totally controlled by Ortega, incapable of delivering justice.

The legislature is also a sham, comprised mainly of members of his own party, opposition parties having been disqualified or eliminated.

In March 2022, this led to open condemnation by his Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Arturo McFields. During a live webcast of a Permanent Council meeting, McFields described the Ortega government as a "dictatorship”, which, he

said, is stifling civil and political freedoms in Nicaragua.

The situation in Nicaragua has steadily worsened since then.

For example, the number of politic a l p r i s o n e r s has increased from 177 in March to 190 at the end of June.

Additionally, on J u n e 2 9 , t h e government closed 101 civic and charity g r o u p s , including the local branch of the Missionaries of Charity established by Mother Teresa.

This brought the number of forced closures of nongovernmental organisations over the last four years to 758. Ortega's government claims that these nongovernmental groups were working on behalf of foreign interests to destabilise his government.

Even if many of them were funded by foreign sources, the accusation that all 758 were working to destabilise his government rises to a high level of paranoia and strains credibility.

On July 6, the Nuns, from

Mother Theresa's missionary, which had been operating for 34 years as a children's centre and a home for girls and a facility for the elderly, were driven to the border with Costa Rica and ordered out of the country.

On July 4, four months before scheduled municipal elections, the riot police seized the city halls of five municipalities that had been in the hands of an opposition party, guaranteeing that Ortega's party would win what will now be sham elections.

All this has had a deleterious effect on Nicaragua.

Tens of thousands of its people have fled across the

borders to Costa Rica and Panama.

Many m o r e thousands have t r e k k e d through Mexico to the border with the United States, their l i v e s i n t u r moil; their future uncertain.

The prospects for Nicaragua dim every day, epitomising why human, political and civil rights are imperatives and why freedom loving persons must safeguard them – everywhere.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States of

Sir Ronald Sanders America and the Organization of American States.

He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Kaieteur News

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Sunday July 10, 2022

Five exercise mistakes to avoid

By Davina Bagot

H

ere in Guyana, there is a common saying that our grandparents taught us ‘wah rain don’t full, dew can’t full’. This popular quote simply means that we should avoid rushing to do something in a short space of time that could not be done or was not done when the opportune time was available.

This principle could be applied to your exercise routine as we examine, this week, five mistakes to avoid.

OVER-TRAINING We all have been there at some point in time, when an event pops up and we want to look our best.

This may mean squeezing ourselves into our favourite dress or blazer that perhaps no longer fits. You may be tempted to think ‘I’ll spend the next two days living in the gym to ensure I drop 10 pounds’ but overtraining can really do you more harm than good.

The key to a healthy lifestyle and the weight goal you dream of is consistent exercise. Training for hours during the day can result in physical damage to your muscles and tissues and can even trigger depression, anger, confusion or prolonged fatigue.

In fact, research shows that over training can cause the reverse of what exercise is meant to do for the body. A few health-related signs of over training are increased blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles, weight loss or appetite loss, constipation or diarrhea, and several others.

Remember to listen to your body and ensure you give it enough

rest and nutrients to help you maintain a healthy physique.

NOT WARMING UP OR COOLING DOWN Warm-ups is an essential aspect of your exercise routine.

According to Henry Ford Health, warming up primes your body for exercise and helps prevent injury, skipped heartbeats and premature fatigue – especially if you’re performing highintensity activities.

Cooling down helps prevent muscle soreness and promotes recovery.

Simply put, you need to ensure you rest in between your physical activity to avoid tension. If you have been skipping warm-ups in your routine, it’s important that you start! A simple warm-up activity is jumping jacks, running on the spot or arm-circles. What’s important is focusing on the muscles and body parts required for the workout you intend to target.

BEING HUNGRY OR TOO FULL

If you plan to hit the gym, or simply burst a sweat in the comfort of your home, ensure that you aren’t hungry. In fact, it is recommended that you eat so as to boost your energy levels. On the other hand, this does not mean you overeat to stuff yourself to the point that you are unable to get the job done.

It is recommended that your last meal before exercising be taken about one or two hours prior to your workout. Waiting at least 30 minutes after a snack can also be

beneficial.

Eating too close to a workout can cause vomiting, diarrhea, reflux, bloating, nausea or sluggishness; whereas being hungry during a workout can be distracting.

Fitbod says, if your goal is to build muscle and strength, then this is going to hinder your process by stalling muscle growth and decreasing your energy levels.

USING INCORRECT FORM An incorrect form means you are not exercising correctly. This is quite common among persons who are now trying to start exercising, but I’ll tell you how to recognise and correct this.

Master Fitness explains that if you experience any pain during exercise that isn’t related to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) then it could be due to incorrect form. This mistake is

The right and wrong way to do pushups

common especially when practicing squats and dead lifts or activities with dumb bells. If you are not sure that you are doing it correctly, you can always seek the advice of a fitness trainer or if you’re exercising at home, do lots of reading and watch tutorials from professionals.

SKIPPING WEIGHTS Research shows that if you want to lose weight and tone your body parts, adding weights to your workout routine can spark results sooner than just running on the treadmill or getting some sit-ups in.

In fact, one website says that strength training can help you manage or lose weight, and increase your metabolism to help you burn more calories.

Another cool benefit is that it helps to enhance your quality of life by improving your ability to do everyday activities. Strength training can also protect your joints from injury, according to research.

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 29

>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<

Police charged, alleged police coverup, spending spree

By GHK Lall

T

he good news is that the long road to possible justice has had its first credible brick laid.

One police officer has been slapped with the charge of murder, as it should be, considering the related circumstances; another, lesser, charge would not have sufficed.

This development took too long, and cost the always fragile social fabric of Guyana too much.

But the murder charge is now official, and some real justice is expected. If not, the little calm and progress made could crumble in a blink.

I pay no heed to the whispers about a triangle and its role in the killing of Quindon Bacchus.

Nor to the issue about whether or not the deceased had possession of a gun when he was felled, or had used it in some manner that led to his death.

The court has its work to do, and it must do so sensitively and with a focus on the facts, as presented.

The Guyana Police Force is going against the thin blue wall, meaning one of its own, and there is nothing thicker, sometimes not even blood.

But for the blood of Quindon Bacchus spilled so questionably, only the real answers that come from a genuine and thorough presentation of the underlying facts and circumstances, and the sternest judicial probing for the truth will pass muster.

The police, the court, and the sum of the participants in the process will be most

watched, for not the best is expected. This covers from p r e s e n t a t i o n s , argumentations, deliberations, and adjudication(s), all some distance in the future.

Enough missteps have been observed, the faltering must cease, if justice is to be done.

And seen also.

It is not looking too hearty on the side of the Guyana Police, with one of t h e c o p s c h a rg e d f o r obstruction of justice in the same capital matter claiming that he was “threatened to cover-up” what went on by one of his superiors (KN July 6).

It disturbs that what started out as muddy has now gotten even muddier, and in such short order. Without prejudging anyone or anything, this doesn't look good.

For now there is uncertainty planted about the integrity of what is to follow in this whole dirty affair that wouldn't let-up in what keeps tumbling out of it.

I think, it is only reasonable and human to contemplate if this could be alleged to be so from now, then it is not a reassuring baseline from which to proceed.

It does not sit well. Of course, I realise that this in the realm of 'allegation' and could distil to the old deadend of 'he said, she said' and nobody being the wiser.

If accurate, though, there are doubts as to how much more room does this society has for more injustice being piled upon already existing injustice.

These are my concerns, and I hope it is ill-placed, and

the last of its kind all the way to the end.

Then, there is this spending splurge, and at such rising levels.

I am disturbed by this haste to spend money by the billions, as if it is going out of style, so there is this splurging before it is gone.

On July 6 t h , three articles in KN gave an idea of the binge b o r r o w i n g involving billions, the new currency of this realm floating on a sea of stupidity.

First, it was spending on

new projects went up a whopping 170 percent, which means, this being Guyana, that that is a recipe for quite a bundle of stealing, further intensified by billions in cash giveaways.

There is no more tried and truer way than using the infrastructure camouflage to get away with many great political and public service swindles and robberies.

The second and third spending stories had to do with multi-billion-dollar expenditures for medical facilities and $2B for road upgrades respectively, and

all in the East C o a s t Demerara area.

There can be no doubt that, on the surface, this runaway spending on projects is laudable, but only on the condition that Guyanese get the fullest value for their billions spent.

Or to state differently, they don't get ripped off some more. The disturbing lurks.

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

Kaieteur News

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Sunday July 10, 2022

Guyana-born Albert Baldeo elected District Leader in Queens-comeback - feat hailed as triumph of good over evil Guyana-born Albert Baldeo brought triumph, inspiration and pride to the large South Asian and IndoCaribbean population in Queens, New York at the lastest district elections. Baldeo, who came the closest to winning a State Senate seat when he was declared the new Senator – a decision which was later reversed to a “narrow defeat by 500 votes” overnight in 2006 – proved that he is still the leading voice and powerbroker from that rapidly developing community.

Baldeo also created history by arguably becoming the first person ever to be elected District Leader twice in two different Assembly Districts – AD 38 (2008) and AD 24 (2022).

The triumphant Baldeo has been welcomed across the district as a fighter, accomplished and inspired representative.

According to a release, his success was attained without any institutional help from the status quo.

The success, the release added, is even more impressive when one considers that his community was gerrymandered into four different

Assembly Districts, which dilutes their votes and their voices.

As such Baldeo’s win has reportedly proved that voters are fed-up with politics as usual, and want genuine grassroots representatives, like him, to represent them to further their interests, and speed up the recovery process.

His rise is expected to inspire others who have been unfairly victimised, suppressed and discriminated against by an imperfect judicial system and marginalised from the mainstream of American politics, dreams and life.

Clearly excited that Baldeo has returned to the helm, some of his supporters have said, “We know Albert Baldeo will be a strong, courageous voice for our communities as he retakes his seat in the table of government, the Queens County Democratic Organization, and in the corridors of power. Our communities will definitely be represented at all levels of power and leadership.

This is also a reminder that good will always triumph over evil, and that you can’t keep good people down.”

The triumphant Albert Baldeo

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

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==My Testimony==

The trusted arms that await you Sharmain Grainger

E

ver since I was a child, I had envisioned what adulthood would look like for me. In childhood naivety I saw everything falling into place much like the fairytales where the knight in shining armour always comes, rescues the damsel in distress, they fall madly in love and live happily ever after.

Fast forward to adulthood, indeed I felt like a damsel in distress for far too long, who, instead of waiting, went hunting for her knight in shining armour since, at one point, I became convinced he’d lost his way and probably needed saving himself; I became the knight at times.

When I wasn’t on a rescue mission, I was becoming entangled with others whom I’m convinced were just as confused about life as I was.

Long story short, I’ve come to realise that I had no business venturing out into our complex world, without a proper navigation system, to find my significant other – and I do believe while there are many options, there is a most suitable mate that awaits each of us, if we are patient enough.

I hardly have regrets, but for helping to ruin some lives, especially while I masqueraded as a female knight in shining armour, I am indeed remorseful.

But the experience I gain was not in vain for at this phase of my life I am much wiser. As such, I know exactly what not to do in the quest for a lasting relationship.

Never become impatient Impatience will only drive you to desperation, which in turn impairs your judgment and this, more often than not, will make you settle for less rather than what

you really deserve. I’ve learnt that it is important to never run ahead of yourself in desperation thinking you cannot be alone a few more years than the average person.

As you bide your time, focus on a noble mission – preferably one that helps others, as in helping others you can achieve a purpose for living which gives you personal gratification.

Since I am guided these days by the biblical scriptures, I think we can safely take a cue from Ruth, who though widowed, opted to remain supportive to her mother-in-law rather than rushing to move on with her life (Ruth 1:16).

This in the end paid off since it was through loving loyalty to her mother-in-law, she was able to find her Boaz. Boaz knew he had found a keeper when he learnt all that Ruth had done for her mother-in law.

He said to her: “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD…” – Ruth 2:11-12 Together they created the lineage for one of the greatest biblical kings of all times – King David – and the Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus.

Appropriate timing In being patient, you are able to see everything concerning your life unfold at the appropriate time.

So, especially the ladies, we really ought to pay little or no attention to our so-called biological clock for that does not determine your lot in life, God

Sharmain Grainger

does.

As such I’m convinced that, depending on the choices you make, everything unfolds right on time and not a minute late. Take a look at the biblical account of Abraham’s wife, Sarah, who at the ridiculous age of 90 produced her first child.

This was of course based on a promise God made to her husband that she would be the mother of nations (Genesis 17:16). So be assured, time is not of the essence when it comes to pairing and procreating with your significant other. As such, you need not be in a mad rush to take matters into your own hands, you just might mess things up.

Learn to love In waiting, above all, we must learn to love and this must start with you first availing yourself to the Creator who wrote the manual on how to love.

As much as we would like to

think people can fall in love at first sight at times, I’m inclined to believe that is unlikely. I am convinced, however, that there can lust at first sight. And trust me, love is absolutely not that feeling of ‘butterflies fluttering’ in the stomach that some of us have experienced when we encounter certain individuals – it might just be a case of indigestion. If you cannot love yourself, there is no way you can truly love someone else and added to that, without the love of God in your heart, love is pretty much non-existent.

Take time to get to know the one who created you and He will teach you what true love really is. (1 Corinthians 13:4 – Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.)

Essentially, love is hard but with the grace of God it can be achieved.

I am only now endeavouring to learn the art of loving my Creator, myself and others, and I am well aware I have ways to go.

What I have learnt well though, is that if your purpose is not driven by the Creator, life can take you down a rabbit hole, which over time can become so familiar that you feel incline to embrace it as your destiny.

If the choice you have made doesn’t feel right in your gut, it probably isn’t and you should run like Joseph

did from aggressive temptation (Genesis 39:12), your life may depend on it.

Run into the open arms of the trusted Lord and Saviour, for He alone can steer you away from the far too many missteps that loom in this thing called life. In choosing help from the saviour, like I have, you will dail y be more than a conqueror (Romans 8:35-39).

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Sunday July 10, 2022

The Constitution

and You

THE FRAMERS

By Gary Eleazar Last week we began exploring Guyana's Supreme Legislative instrument—the Constitution of Guyana—which came into force, in October 1980, and its leading affirmations, preceding the provisions or Articles of that document.

We asserted that there would have been numerous contributions to the final formulation of the Constitution by legal luminaries and that since laws are written for its words or text to be taken in the content of its spirit and intent, it would be a good idea to also explore just who exactly played this critical role.

Today we meet a few of those learned men who, in one way or another, would have left their words, spirit and intent, entrenched in the fabric of the Guyanese society.

With human beings oftentimes being plagued by limited memory, limited to perhaps one or two generations, it would be good to remember just who wrote Guyana's constitution.

One such individual credited with contributing is in fact a former Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of Guyana, who is considered a skilled politician and jurist, Mohamed Shahahbuddeen.

Born on October 7, 1931, he was educated at the University of London with a Bachelor of Law where he graduated in 1958 and in 1970 he earned his Doctor of Philosophy before going on to also secure in 1986 the title of Doctor of Law.Justice Shahabuddeen began his public service as a Magistrate before joining the Chamber of the Attorney General in 1959 and three years later was appointed Solicitor General, a post he held until 1973 when he was elevated to the position of Attorney General, serving in that capacity from 1978 to 1987.

In 1983, three years after seeing his work being entrenched in the nation's supreme law, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Vice President of Guyana.

During 1988 to 1997, he served as a Judge of the

International Court of Justice in The Hague, and was in fact the first from the Commonwealth Caribbean to be accorded that honour.

Other accolades synonymous with Justice Shahabudeen include being a Judge and twice, Vice President of the Yugoslavia Tribunal until 2009.

Justice Shahabuddeen was also an Arbiter in the International Criminal Court, also in The Hague since 1997, and the Centre for International Arbitration in Cairo.

In January 2009, he was chosen as a Judge of the International Criminal Court.

However, in February he served his resignation for personal reasons. Justice Shahabuddeen was a member of the Institut de Droit International since 1993 and was also the author of several books, including The Legal System of Guyana (Georgetown, 1973); Constitutional Development in Guyana, 1621-1978 (Georgetown, 1978); Nationalisation of Guyana Bauxite (1981) and From P l a n t o c r a c y t o Nationalisation (1983).

In recognition of the distinction and eminence achieved by him, he was awarded by the Government of Guyana the Order of Excellence in 1988, the Order of Roraima in 1980 and the Cacique's Crown of Honour in 1970.

Justice Shahahbuddeen, died early in the morning on February 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada, after a brief period of illness.

He was 86.

Another of the key pillars in the foundation of Guyana's Constitution is Frederick "Fred" Rudolph Wills who died in 1992.

The renowned and avid sportsman was also widely regarded as a formidable intellect and statesman.

Wills is cited for his intellectual and academic genius by oral stories from his fellow-Guyanese and globally.

Included in his public service credentials, Wills served as Guyana's plenipotentiary representative to the

international community as Caribbean region.

Among the enigmatic the country's Minster of personalities to have Foreign Affairs.

In that capacity, Wills c o n t r i b u t e d t o t h e briefly presided over the Constitution of Guyana, Sir United Nations Security S h r i d a t h S u r e n d r a n a t h Council and twice addressed Ramphal, fondly referred to the General Assembly, once by his comrades as Sir Sonny on independence for East is a towering giant.

Bor Timor and once on September 27, 1976, to n promote a Third World debt moratorium.

Having ended his government service, he later moved to the Justice Mohamed Frederick United States where Shahabuddeen 'Fred' Wills he became a George. He was King's professor at knighted in the 1970 New College R u t g e r s Year Honours and invested London, University in with his knighthood by the graduatin New Jersey and Queen at Buckingham Palace g with an associate of on February 3.

LL.B. and L y n d o n Sir Shridath was also L L . M .

LaRouche and was appointed a Knight Grand degrees and also a founding Cross of the Order of St. was called to board member of the Michael and St. George in the bar at Schiller Institute in 1980.On February 26, 1982, Gray's Inn in 1984.

Sir Shridath was also London in 1951. He He was educated at appointed an honourary continued studying law King's College London, Companion of the Order of for a year at Harvard Law where he was awarded Australia (AC).

School in the US on a 1962 the Jelf Medal for Ramphal in 1990 was the Guggenheim Fellowship. his outstanding 19th appointee to the Order Ramphal's legal academic of New Zealand, that career as a Crown success as a country's highest civil Counsel in the l a w honour. The Guyanese Attorney-General's graduate luminary was also decorated Office began in and was as a Member of the Order of 1953 when he a l s o the Caribbean Community became Solicitornamed (OCC) in the first conferment General and then Queens in 1992 and in May 2006 Sir A s s i s t a n t Counsel, Shridath was appointed a Attorney-General the highest Honourary Fellow of Royal for the West Indies level of Society of Arts. He is a viceFederation. After a judges in president of the Royal period in private England.

Commonwealth Society. The practice in Jamaica he W i l l s Ramphal Building at the Sir Shridath returned to British however, never University of Warwick was 'Sonny' Ramphal Guiana in 1965 to be the practiced as a named in his honour. In 2002, Attorney General. judge in England, Ramphal was also awarded i He was later appointed instead returning to the Indira Gandhi Peace n Minister of State in the Guyana.

Prize. In the coming week, On his return to his October 1928, Sir Shridath, Ministry of External Affairs, the Constitution and You will homeland, Wills would in addition to being foreign later becoming Minister of delve a little more into the quickly climb the ranks of the minister of Guyana from Justice (from 1973) and minds and personalities that 1972 to 1975 and assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs learned becoming one of the formulated the Constitution top legal minds in Guyana, attorney general of the West (from 1972) before leaving of the Cooperative Republic whilst also contributing to Indies Federation from 1958 Guyana in 1975 to take up the of Guyana. developing the law and the to 1962, was the second post of Commonwealth Feel free to send supreme constitution of Commonwealth Secretary- Secretary-General. c o m m e n t s t o General, holding the position The Guyanese statesman Guyana.

Following his cricketing f r o m 1 9 7 5 t o 1 9 9 0 . A also served as the Chancellor garyeleazar@yahoo.com or passion, Wills also served as Berbician by birth, Sir of the University of Warwick msgeleazar@gmail.com c l u b c a p t a i n f o r t h e Shridath hails from New from 1989 to 2002, at the (Disclaimer: The author of Demerara Cricket Club Amsterdam, of the then University of the West Indies this article is not an attorney from 1989 to 2003, and at the or constitutional scholar (DCC) in Georgetown, British Guiana colony.

H a v i n g c o m p l e t e d University of Guyana from a n d t h e i n f o r m a t i o n Guyana, and was a popular radio announcer at cricket secondary education in 1990 to 1992.Among the conveyed above is not meant g a m e s a n d f o r t h e Georgetown, the young accolades to his name to be legal advice on programme 'Fred Wills on Ramphal moved to England include the Companion of the Constitutional matters in Sport' transmitted in the where he pursued law at the Order of St. Michael and St. any way)

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 33

Facts about painful periods

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist

M

any women experience menstrual pains just before and during their menstrual periods.

Statistics show that as many as 90 percent of adolescent females and above 50 percent of menstruating women worldwide report suffering from menstrual pains, with 10–20 percent of them describing their hurt as severe and d i s t r e s s i n g .

For some women, the discomfort is merely annoying.

For others, menstrual pains can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities for a few days every month.

These pains may be because of underlying medical conditions and should not be ignored.

Today we will explain menstrual pain, with the hope that it can shed some light on this annoying condition.

WHY ARE PERIODS SO PAINFUL? During your period, your body makes chemicals called “prostaglandins.”

These chemicals cause the uterus to contract or tighten.

It's the same kind of contraction that happens during labour and childbirth.

Contractions during a period are normal. But, they can be painful.

The medical name for painful periods is “dysmenorrhea.”

ARE THERE MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE CAUSING MY PAINFUL PERIOD? Yes. The following conditions may be the cause of your painful period: – Endometriosis. In this painful condition, the tissue that lines your uterus becomes implanted outside your uterus, most commonly on your fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissue lining your pelvis.

– Uterine fibroids. These noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus may be the cause of pain.

– Adenomyosis. In this

condition, the tissue that lines your uterus begins to grow into the muscular walls of the uterus.

– Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This infection of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.

– Cervical stenosis. In some women, the opening of the cervix may be so small that it impedes menstrual flow, causing a painful increase of pressure within the uterus.

WHAT DO PAINFUL PERIODS FEEL LIKE? Women with painful periods have cramping in the lower belly. The cramps can be mild or bad. You might also have pain in your back or thighs. Pain often starts with your period or right before your period.

Some women also have: – Nausea – Diarrhea – Extreme tiredness – Headache – Bloating (a feeling of fullness in the belly) SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR? See your doctor if:

– The pain is getting worse – Pain medicine isn't helping – You also have pain well before or well after your period – The pain is preventing you from performing daily activities.

ARE THERE TESTS I SHOULD DO? Your doctor will decide which tests you should have done based on your age, other symptoms, and individual situation.

Most women need only a physical exam.

In the exam, your doctor will check the size and shape of your vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.

If the exam isn't normal or pain medicine doesn't help, your doctor might do other tests. These include: – Pelvic ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to make a picture of your uterus, ovaries, and vagina to see if they look normal.

– Tests for infections that you catch during sex – Laparoscopy – This is a type of surgery.

The doctor will put you to sleep and make a small cut just below your belly button.

Then, he or she will use a thin tool with a camera on it to see inside your belly.

HOW ARE PAINFUL PERIODS TREATED? Dr. Zulfikar Bux T h a t Emergency depends on Medicine Specialist what is causing your painful periods. The most common your lower abdomen may t r e a t m e n t s a r e : ease menstrual cramps.

– P a i n m e d i c i n e s Applying heat may be just as – Birth control pills or other effective as over-the-counter types of birth control that pain medication for relieving i n v o l v e h o r m o n e s menstrual cramps.

– Dietary supplements.

– Surgery may be an option if A number of studies have a medical condition is the indicated that vitamin E, cause of your painful period. omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin ARE THERE B-1 (thiamine), vitamin B-6 LIFESTYLE and magnesium supplements ADJUSTMENTS may effectively reduce THAT CAN HELP? Doing the following may menstrual cramps.

– Avoiding alcohol and help to minimise you period tobacco.

These substances pains: can make menstrual cramps – Exercise. Studies have worse. found that physical activity – Reducing stress. may ease the pain of Psychological stress may menstrual cramps. increase your risk of – Heat. Soaking in a hot bath menstrual cramps and their or using a heating pad, hot severity. water bottle or heat patch on

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

Sunday July 10, 2022

Despite declining catch, Essequibo Coast fisherman continues to bet on industry

By Romario Blair

The world’s fishing industry, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, is on the verge of collapse.

These pressures are sadly mounting for fisherfolk right here in Guyana.

However, there are some fishermen who are still convinced that there is hope for the industry, despite the struggles being faced.

Among them is Pareshram Kulraj who hails from Bounty Hall, Essequibo Coast. The 25-year-old fisherman, who captains a fishing vessel and usually plies his trade just off the Essequibo Coast, said that he is determined to hold on despite the many hurdles the industry has been facing in recent times since this is all he knows to do. Kulraj, who is a father of three, revealed that he has been in the fishing industry for the past eight years, and has in fact been on the sea since he was 14 years old.

Challenges During an exclusive interview with The Waterfalls, Kulraj said that though the industry is enduring a difficult period, he has no plans to leave anytime soon since he is well aware that like any other career, fishing has its own challenges.

As part of his operations, Kulraj said he usually spends as much as five days on sea, before returning to port.

These five days, he said, does not come without some difficulties. According to him, “Wah mek dis wuk hard is de catching phase; sometimes yuh gotta deal with tangle seine…this can happen when yuh drop de seine, but den de boat drift around and get hook up with de seine… sometimes when dis happen yuh can tek a good half hour to hour just fuh free it.”

“Den it got days when yuh throw and you don’t get anything, dem days does be hard,” Kulraj said as he recalled that “Back in 2014,

when I start work at sea, we use to get lil fish. Today de fish na really deh like before...awe use to get like 5000 pounds, now me can barely mek like a 2000 and 3000 pounds.” The young man revealed that because of the poor catch, the fishing business is becoming less profitable. “After the catch, we usually use to get enough to cover the expense and then we leave back with a lil twenty something ($$) as profit. For a month there was basically like $100,000 in profits to make use of.”

He explained that in terms of price “awe use to get $250 a pound fuh banga but is now $160…We barely can buy thing cause cost ah living high – de ration is $20,000, de greens is $5,000, ice is $30,000, water is $1,600 and gas $40,000. Yuh gotta get money fuh pay wukman, plus fuh rent boat…suh wah awe start do is mek de seine langer fuh mek wan langer haul.”

Growing-up Kulraj grew up in a poor

single parent home with his two siblings. He revealed that his father too worked as a fisherman, for over 30 years, and was the one who introduced him to the industry at the age of 14.

“Three awe grow up with me father...growing up was hard, hard because we tek care ah we self; from eight years I start mind meself,” he shared.

The young man revealed too, “Me never went to school, but If I had the opportunity to go back in time and guh to school, me wud guh. Because how me grow me old man was a fisherman and suh dat was de only thing me know fuh do fuh mek wan living…me had to earn… and den me get to love de wuk. Like three years now me is de captain, so now everybody is me responsibility and maintaining de boat, maintaining de seine and supervising de wukman dem.”

All for the family Kulraj and his 24 -yearold wife, Sherry, are parents to three children – ages one to three years old. He said that while he was not granted the opportunity of receiving an education, he will not let his children have the same misfortune. According to the doting father, “Me reason fuh dat is dat I gotta earn, I gotta take care of me wife and three kids and it can be hard sometimes, not every time de fish does catch; out

Essequibo Coast fisherman, Pareshram Kulraj pon sea can rough, but me still gotta make a living fuh me family sake. Me want see me children get prapa education and do better in life.”

Long term plan As such, among his longterm plan, Kulraj said that he hopes to one day own his own fishing boat, and take a break from the sea.

“Presently me renting a boat

from a man and he does mek sure it load up fuh guh sea.

When de boat come back he gat fuh mek back he money from de loading and he also gat fuh get a percentage from profit,” the fisherman disclosed. Kulraj said that he is determined to work hard and acquire a boat in hopes of one day retiring and having someone work it for him.

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 35

Health Facts Tobacco use and the risks of developing NCDs …What you need to know Tobacco use is a common risk factor for the main NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease - and other diseases including tuberculosis and neurological disorders. Globally, 14 percent of all NCD deaths among adults aged 30 years and over are attributable to tobacco use.

These are health facts listed by the NCD Alliance – a global network of medical researchers, scientists, doctors, and others in the field who aspire to find solutions to the long list of health conditions and disorders plaguing the human species.

Guyana is among the countries listed as having a population that is most at risk for NCDs, according to a World Health Organization/PanAmerican Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) report.

Yet, the report noted many

tobacco products are most at risk f o r c a n c e r, l u n g d i s e a s e s , neurological disorders, and even physical disabilities.

Speaking to this publication, he noted that “When one thinks of how NCDs are developed, it would be within our best interest if we minimise the use or exposure in any activity that exposes us to that risk.

But this is clearly not the case in Guyana.”

According to the former Health Minister, several types of cancers are linked to use or exposure to tobacco.

These include cancers of the mouth and throat, voice box, esophagus, stomach, kidney, pancreas, liver, bladder, cervix, colon, and rectum, and a type of leukemia (acute myeloid leukemia).

Many of these cancers are developed in people who use tobacco products, or who are regularly around environmental

Guyanese partake in activities such as smoking tobacco which put them at greater risk for lifestyle-related illnesses. \ The NCDs that are linked to tobacco use were recently highlighted by Advisor to the Minister of Health and Chair of the Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of NCDs, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, as he raised an alarm about the dangers of unregulated use of tobacco in the growing number of hookah bars springing up across the country.

Ramsammy warned that users and those exposed to the use of

tobacco smoke also called secondhand smoke, have an increased risk of cancer.

Globally millions of people die every year from this terminal illness and of that figure Guyanese are accounted for.

Smoking tobacco puts pressure on several organs; these include the lung and the heart.

Cardiovascular diseases, which are linked to smoking, are a subset of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.

By Rehanna Ramsay

These include abnormal heart rhythms, arrhythmias, aorta disease, and Marfan syndrome, congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, heart failure, and heart attack.

Medical Scientists had found that smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products lead to the absorption of significant amounts of nicotine and nicotine exerts a sympathomimetic effect on the cardiovascular system which leads to complications within the cardiovascular system.

O n c e d e v e l o p e d , cardiovascular diseases may lead to lifelong illness and even death.

Chronic respiratory illness speaks to the direct impact that tobacco use has on a person's lungs and ability to breathe. Smoking can cause lung disease by damaging your airways and the small air sacs (alveoli) found in your lungs.

Smokers are at risk of developing lung cancer and other serious conditions such as emphysema (shortness of breath, tuberculosis, and chronic bronchitis.

All of these conditions are listed as common causes of death for users of the addictive substance.

Cigarette smoking is considered a major risk factor for several neurological disorders and

neurovascular complications including stroke and vascular dementia (which affect the functioning of the brain).

There is a severe impact on the brain and spine and nervous system when a person uses or is exposed to tobacco.

Users of the product are at higher risk of damaging the nervous structures, neurotransmission, and cognitive functions, and promotes the development of neurodegenerative diseases, insomnia, and cerebrovascular diseases.

These conditions can be lifelong and can significantly alter a person's ability to function properly and ultimately their quality of life.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 36

Sunday July 10, 2022

Repeat of 'LINK SHOW 36' billed for this weekend S

o entertaining was Link Show 36, which was held at the National Cultural Centre from July 1 – 4th, that its producers are now being forced to repeat the dramatic presentation.

The show's Co-Producer, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, excitedly told The Waterfalls, “We are doing a rerun on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17, tickets are $2500 and $2000.”

Madhoo-Nascimento and

Director Ron Robinson were able to assemble a cast consisting of 20 plus seasoned actors – many old timers and a few new faces – for the s h o w .

In the line-up are: Mark Kazim, Mark Luke Edwards, Sean Thompson, Sean Budnah, Paul Budnah, Stephen Asif Mohamed, Lee Leung, Rovindra Persaud, Travis McKenzie, Carlvin Burnett and veteran link show actor from

Andre Wiltshire, Simone Dowding, Letisha DaSilva and Lee Leung deliver a captivating performance

Sonia Yarde and Sheron Cadogan-Taylor in acting mode

1981 – Andre Wiltshire, alongside Sonia Yarde, Simone D o w ding, S h e r o n C a d o g a n - Ta y l o r, M ak ini Thomps o n , M ar is s a M o rg an, A licia Char les an d new c omer t o t h e L in k S how, La Tisha DaSilva.

Team M o h amed is in s u p port of the Theatre Co mp any an d G EM S Theatre P rodu ctions '

Link Show 36, and encourages persons to get their tickets early from the National Cultural Centre.

Showtime is 20.00hours and patrons are asked to wear mask and sanitise as often as possible.

The Link Show, which started in November 1981, and has missed a few years during its 41-year life span, is now in its 36th production.

It is the longest running theatrical production and has unreservedly attracted the largest theatre audience in Guyana's history, with Link Show 25 running for 16 performances in the 2000seat National Cultural Centre and nine regional performances in Berbice, Linden and Essequibo.

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

THE

“Chain snatchers” who were brought before the court

Court Journal

By Renay Sambach

F

or those living and/or working in Georgetown, they are well aware that chain snatching is a regular feature, and so this week I am highlighting some matters in which persons were charged for the criminal act.

Just recently, 32-year-old Sherman Ken of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was sentenced to two years imprisonment for assaulting and stealing a woman's chain. Ken had appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

He pleaded guilty to the charge which states that on June 21, 2022, at Brickdam Access Road, Georgetown, he robbed Farida Ali of a gold chain with a pendant valued $28,000.

It was also stated that he violently attacked the victim during the encounter.

The court heard that on the day in question, Ali was walking along Brickdam when Ken pushed her and snatched her chain. He then punched her about her body and ran away. The woman subsequently raised an alarm and a city police rank in the area managed to apprehend the defendant. A search was conducted and the stolen items were discovered.

In March, a man was sentenced to nine months in jail for an attack in which he and another man, who was on a motorcycle, robbed a woman in the East La Penitence, Georgetown area.

The man, Troy Baird, 22, of 216 South Road, was sentenced by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Baird pleaded guilty to the charge which states that on March 26, 2022, at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, he stole a gold chain valued $47,000 and a Samsung cell phone valued $120,000, the property of Jacqueline Forde.

The court heard that Baird was the pillion rider on a motorcycle ridden by another man when they snatched the woman's chain. After the chain snatching, Forde's phone fell and Baird p i

PAGE 37

Miguel Blackman

cked up the phone before the duo escaped on the motorcycle.

A similar matter was brought to the court this month. In this matter, a mason is accused of robbing a man of his phone and gold chain.

The defendant, Terrence Bastiani, 2 6 , o f Albouystown, Georgetown had appeared before Chief Magistrate McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on February 20, 2021, at James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Delon W al

cott of a phone valued $200,000 and one gold chain valued $110,000.

The Police Prosecutor had related to the court that Bastiani was positively identified by the complainant, and it was noted that the two men are known to each other.

On the day in question, Walcott and his girlfriend were standing at the corner of James Street when Bastiani held them up at gunpoint. During the process, Bastiani relieved Walcott of the

Daniel McArthur

Blackman said, “I had a rough life growing up, and no one by my side.”

He further added that he became frustrated and stole the woman's chain because a man from whom he'd borrowed money was asking him to return it. He also apologised to Haywood.

However, the Chief Magistrate made it clear to Blackman that nothing in life comes easy. She had even advised him that he should consider taking a loan from a bank or other financial institution should he need money in the future.

The Chief Magistrate sentenced the father of two to three months' imprisonment for the crime.

Back in May 2021, Daniel McArthur, then 19, of 27 Vryheid's Lust, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was charged for stealing two gold chains. The charge stated that on the April 29, 2021, at North Road in Georgetown, the teen stole from Janetta Morris two gold chains worth $224,000.

The court heard that on the day in question, while waiting on a bus at North Road in Georgetown, the teen snatched two gold chains from the woman's neck and ran. He was then chased by a bus conductor and other persons who witnessed the crime.

According to reports, McArthur was arrested after he was positively identified by Morris. He said to police, “Yes I did grabble the lady chain but I ain't got it here.”

Sherman Ken

items.

In another case, 23-year-old Miguel Blackman of Red Road, Sophia, Greater Georgetown appeared before Chief Magistrate McLennan when he admitted that on May 15, 2021, at Water Street, Georgetown, he stole a gold chain valued at $60,000 from Trevannah Haywood.

The court heard that on the day in question, Haywood was walking in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market area when Blackman approached her and snatched her chain from around her neck. The woman had chased after Haywood, who eventually fell.

Public-spirited citizens came to her aid and apprehended Blackman and escorted him to the Stabroek Police Outpost.

In hopes of seeking leniency from the Chief Magistrate,

Renay Sambach McArthur is no stranger to the courtroom. He was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Senior Magistrate Daly who'd revoked his bail and remanded him to prison until April 28, 2020.

The court had heard then that the defendant was held for questioning at the Sparendaam Police Station in relation to another robbery matter.

A year before that, the teen had made his first court appearance on October 25, 2019, before Senior Magistrate Daly. He was jointly charged for allegedly robbing Ethan Muckoo on October 17, 2019, at Camp Street, Georgetown, of a Samsung Galaxy cell phone valued at $280,000, and an $80,000 iPhone.

The defendants, McArthur, Shawn Inniss and Harcarlaus Harris, all denied the charge after it was read to them. McArthur was also charged separately for robbing Juliet Wills of a brown handbag valued $5,000, a cell phone valued $65,000 and $2,000 cash on October 11, 2019.

PAGE 38

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 39

Inspiring people to become the best version of themselves…

Guyanese-born New York-based, Professor Seon Levius is a ‘Special Person’ him become the best version of themselves.

With More than 15 years of Starting out from a humble experience at the national regional beginning in his native Guyana, and multilateral levels in the Prof. Levius has a professional Information Communications and portfolio which includes his current Te c h n o l o g y ( I C T ) s e c t o r, post as an Assistant Professor of Guyanese-born Professor Seon Te c h n o l o g y, B u s i n e s s Levius, who is based in New York, Administration at the State has a track record of inspiring University of New York at confidence and challenging his Potsdam. Prof. Levius also works stakeholders to take bold steps as an ICT consultant and business towards achieving their desired coach, building capacity, policy end. formulation, negotiation, and His rare ability to working in regional banking and other sectors.

For his formal education, the New York-Based Guyanese boasts of graduating from the Harvard Business School, Boston, MA with a Doctorate in B u s i n e s s Administration (DBA), having Information Systems Management credentials from Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, a Master of Science (MSc) on Information Systems Management from the University of A young Seon Levius, at the Standard Officer Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, Cadet course 32 commissioning, looks on as as well as the University of President Bharrat Jagdeo engages his mother Guyana, Diploma in Public

By Rehanna Ramsay

inspire and forge partnerships through a common goal has led Prof. Levius on a long journey of success in his academic and business career. This week’s ‘Special Person’, who started his career as an officer cadet in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), has made a point of always putting his best foot forward.

Whether he is lecturing to a class full of expectant State University graduates or thousands of people at a TED talk forum, Prof.

Levius’ objective is always to help the people who are fortunate to cross paths with

Guyanese-born New York-based, Professor Seon Levius mother, a seamstress by profession raised me as a single parent.”

Growing up in Charlestown, Prof.

Levius saw that children of singleparent households were generally poorer and often dropped out of secondary school.

He noted, nonetheless, that he never thought about dropping out because his mother raised him to work for what he wanted. ”She encouraged me that education was the only sure path forward to break the cycle of generational poverty and to realise my highest potential,”

decided to join the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as an Officer Cadet and attended the Standard Officer Cadet Course 3, in 1998. But after only six weeks on the course, the young trainee experienced a stress fracture of the tibia and fibula, which made it impossible for him to complete the course. As faith would have it, a decision was made by the senior officers, to have him restart the training the following year with Standard Officer Cadet Course 32 and in 1999, he was commissioned as the youngest Second Lieutenant in the GDF. “I was also awarded the Best Military Shot prize during that commissioning ceremony,” Prof. Levius shared.

BOLD TRANSITION The career academic recalled that his transition from the military to civilian life was bold and really called for a leap of faith. He related that he wanted to pursue a career in information technology having no formal education in the field.

In 2005, he attempted a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) course but failed his first examination. But with onemonth terminal leave remaining (Continued on page 62)

“One of the keys to a successful life is balance.

Even in your professional career or in pursuit of purpose, you must ask yourself: Why am I doing this? That should lead to a question of legacy.”

Standard Officer Cadet Seon Levius receiving a prize for best military shot then President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Standard Officer Cadet Levius receives another military prize from then President

Management in which he completed six courses with distinction.

OFFICER CADET Born in the mining of Linden, at Wismar, Prof.

Levius grew up in C h a r l e s t o w n , Georgetown. He shared, “I am the younger of the two siblings. My

recalled Prof. Levius.

After completing his secondary education at St John’s College, the young Levius watched some of his friends advance to the University of Guyana (UG) to pursue their tertiary education. This was not a practical option for the then high school graduate as his mother was not in a financial position to give that support. It was then, that he

Prof Levius leads the University of Cienfuegos in Cuba banner at the May 1, 2022 Labour Day March after a presentation on Understanding Your Purpose

PAGE 40

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

Ruptured natural gas pipeline explodes in Texas A screenshot taken of the explosion at the gas pipeline in Fort Bend County, Texas

A ruptured natural gas pipeline reportedly led to an explosion at Fort Bend County, Texas in the United States on Thursday, mere days after a similar incident took place at a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant on Texas’ Quintana Island.

Fox News reported that according to the Fort Bend County Pct. 1 Constable’s O ff i c e , t h e e x p l o s i o n occurred before 11 am in the 15400 block of JoAnn near FM 1952, west of Orchard.

No injuries were reported as a result of the explosion but neighbouring residents

were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Another news outlet said that the explosion of the 24 inches gas pipeline caused minor grass fires in the area.

M e a n w h i l e , E n e rg y Transfer, the company that owns the pipeline, said the explosion happened in an isolated field and the control centre immediately secured the area.

The company later issued a statement explaining that the fire had safely burn itself out and an investigation will be launched.

“There was an incident

today in Fort Bend County on the Old Ocean Pipeline at approximately 11:15 am.

Our control centre immediately shut in the line and the area was secured.

There were no injuries. By shutting in the line and isolating the impacted section of the pipeline line, the fire was allowed to safely burn itself out by 12:30 pm.

All appropriate regulatory agencies have been notified.

We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. There will be an investigation into Continued on page 49

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

Fishermen fear more harm to industry …as dredging to facilitate shore base crosses traditional fishing grounds

Two CDL agents during their outreach at the Meadow Bank wharf several weeks ago

By Zena Henry

F

ishers operating within the sea area defined for dredging to facilitate the US$600M Vreed-en-Hoop shore base are concerned that more harm will be done to an already ailing fishing industry now that activities to facilitate the project are expected to cross traditional fishing grounds.

Operators at the Meadow Bank wharf told this publication that as far as they know, there has been no follow-up meeting since an outreach in April was held by Trinidadian firm, Coastal Dynamics Limited (CDL), which was gathering information for the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

At that outreach, the agents had asked fishermen in attendance to pinpoint on a map provided where they operated to ascertain how they would be affected by the dredging activities. The fishermen had asked the company, however, to return with its coordinates so that they could understand exactly where the work would be taking place. Since then, there had been no more information on the matter, said a prominent boat operator who requested anonymity. He said further, that survey work was conducted by agents who had ventured out with small boats to assess the area.

The fisherman told this newspaper that while he is not affected because his larger boats use the channel, he is still concerned that the activities would further affect the dwindling catch.

“Look just this morning my boat come back, 60 snapper after 16 days at sea,” the man lamented. He noted, however, that while the smaller boat operators would be affected by the dredging since they work within the area, there has been reports that some of them would have received compensation to vacate the space. He believes that those persons would have received payment through Exxon’s compensation mechanism, but could not confirm this.

CDL had also conducted outreaches within the Vreeden-Hoop area – one of the outreaches was held at the regional office as part of work toward the EIA. However, checks with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website provided no information on the environmental document.

British Colombia University Professor, Dr. Janette Bulkan is among several persons questioning why no EIA is available for the Vreed-en-Hoop project in relation to the dredging activities which cross traditional fishing grounds.

Last week Bulkan called on t h e E PA t o g i v e a n explanation.

In June, project partners turned the sod for the Vreeden-Hoop Shorebase Inc. (VEHSI) project which will sit on 400 hectares of coastal land. The VEHSI is being constructed by NRG Holdings Incorporated; a 100-percent Guyaneseowned consortium with Hadi’s World Incorporated, National Hardware Limited and ZRN Investments Continued on page 70

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Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

How to remove make up without damaging your lash extensions

By Latoya Zephyr Hey lash babes, want to learn how to keep your lashes in place and your money in your wallet? Then keep reading on and you will learn how to remove your makeup without damaging your lashes.

Eyelash extensions enable you to completely change your morning beauty routine. Instead of waking up looking tired and puffy-eyed, having to grab your curler and multiple layers of mascara, we simply wash our faces and head out the door with no eye makeup necessary! There’s just something about extensions that makes us always look wide awake, and beautiful!

How do you remove makeup with eyelash extensions?

Well, to begin with, at this point general advice and recommendation is that you don’t NEED to wear makeup when you have eyelash extensions. That’s kind of the whole point of eyelash extensions. However, if you really feel the need to, you can still wear eyeliners and eyeshadows, only if you’ll be sure to take the time and care involved with removing it.

Just make sure you are taking it ALL off at the end of the day. Letting makeup build up around your extensions can cause them to come off early, and it can cause inflammation on your eyelids. With that being said, some people aren’t always so careful with makeup remover after a long

day. That’s why makeup is generally a no-go. I recommend not wearing mascara or eyeliner, as it’s hard to remove and can cause the lash bond to break.

How do you remove eye makeup without damaging your eyelashes?

Putting aside your preferences over style and products, the first step in effective cleansing is to use formulas that are specifically made for lash extensions.

Some products may contain ingredients that can weaken the bond of your lash extensions and cause them to fall out. At the very least, make sure any eye makeup remover or cleanser you use near your extensions is oilfree. Most removers are very much oil based, so I would certainly recommend

checking this before buying.

When you use moisturisers, or other face products, make sure not to use cream based moisturisers – instead, find a gel based one. This is because they have a tendency to gloop, and can break down the bonds of your fake lashes.

How do you remove eye makeup when wearing eyelash extensions?

Try to avoid using cotton pads. Instead, the experts suggest using clean fingers or a spoolie brush to gently clean extensions, it’s important to note that they advise against using cotton pads or swabs. Cotton pads snag and can rip out your eyelash extensions. So after brushing through with the makeup remover, dab with tissue to remove the product.

cleaning your lashes and eyelids regularly with a lash extension cleanser is highly suggested.

The lash extension cleanser can be used every day on lashes with or without extensions. It keeps lashes clean and healthy without compromising the eyelash extension bond. One of the best tips for removing makeup from your extensions successfully is to use a protective product postcleanse. Even if you don’t have eyelash extensions in yet (or maybe you’re caught between appointments), it’s recommended that you use a serum. Conditioning serums are great for people who just want to get their natural lashes in better shape. I also suggest using a silk or satin pillowcase for sleeping on.

Two massive games today !!!

Enetworks to show West Indies vs Bangladesh ; Formula One Race The Enetworks team will be broadcasting the West Indies vs Bangladesh ODI today at 9:30 am on E2. West

Indies will square up against Bangladesh in the first ODI of the three-match series in Guyana. The hosts completed a clean sweep in the T20Is and Test series and will be eyeing a similar run in the

ODIs. Also, be sure to look out for Formula One Race (Austria GP) today at 9 am on E1. The Austrian Grand Prix (German: Großer Preis von Österreich) is a Fédération

Internationale de l’Automobile sanctioned motor racing event that was held in 1964, 1970–1987, and 1997–2003. The Grand Prix returned to the Formula One calendar in 2014.

Jaxx International Grill invites you to Brunch Let this and every Saturday and Sunday be a weekend of a difference. Break out of the monotony and introduce your tastebuds to some of the most delectable cuisines of the world at Jaxx International Grill’s brunch

event. Enjoy the island vibes, unforgettable Guyanese hospitality and create new memories with family and friends today.

Jaxx International Is the place to be today. See you there!

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

The Incredible Health Benefits Of Lemons Pucker up, the health benefits of lemons far out weight the tart, bitter taste.

Not a very appetizing mid-day snack on its own, however, lemons are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C. Adding lemons to your daily regimen will aid in weight loss, improve your heart health by helping to lower your blood sugar and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Health Benefits of Lemons More than just a lemon wedge added as a garnish, lemons add flavor to your food, improving the taste, and bring a list of health benefits to the table.

Drink Lemon Water Every Day Although there is no solid research on the health benefits of drinking lemon water and the beneficial information is based on anecdotal evidence.

However, devote lemon water enthusiasts tout these seven changes they attribute to drinking water loaded with lemon slices Fresh Lemon Water Drinking lemon water keeps you hydrated.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no set answer on how much water you should drink every day. But, the eight glasses a day rule is a good goal for the average person. The bottom line, if adding lemon slices to your water helps you drink more water – go for it! Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and kindest things we can do for our body and internal plumbing.

Lemons are a good source of Vitamin C. Working as an antioxidant, Vitamin C will help boost your immune system and protect your cells from free radicals.

Lemon water may help reduce weight gain. The polyphenol antioxidants in lemons may reduce chronic inflammation which can lead to weight gain. Additionally, research suggests drinking water every day can have a positive effect on weight loss by suppressing your desire to over eat, rev up your metabolism, and help improve your exercise. The simple act of drinking more water and adding lemon for its health benefits is certainly a win/win on the weight loss front.

Vitamin C may help keep your skin supple and reduce wrinkles. Keeping our skin soft and taught as we age will take years off your looks. We all want to look younger, and squeezing lemon into your water will help your skin glow.

Drinking a cup of hot water with lemon juice every morning may help wake up your digestive system and work as a natural laxative.

Replacing just one cup of coffee with hot water and lemon will reduce your caffeine intake and help flush out your system with one little switch.

Halitosis, chronic bad breath, can be an unpleasant issue for some people.

Drinking a glass of water with lemon in the morning helps prevent bad breath bacteria caused by dry mouth. The acid present in lemon neutralizes odors which can fight unpleasant breath. The next time your toothbrush doesn’t seem to do the trick, reach for a tall glass of water and squeeze the juice of one lemon into it. Your mouth will wake up fast!

Lemons contain citric acid which makes urine less acidic and may even break up small kidney stones. This is good news for people who suffer from painful kidney stones.

Sipping a daily glass of water with lemon slices could help prevent dealing with the issue altogether.

The good news is drinking lemon water may help you with some health benefits listed here. The ultimate goal is to drink more water and stay hydrated. If a squeeze or slice of lemon helps you reach that goal, so much the better. The happy side benefit is that lemon water can add antioxidants, Vitamin C, and citric acid to your diet.

Drink More Lemon Juice Just like lemon water, lemon juice provides wonderful health benefits.

Juiced lemons pack a bigger punch than lemon slices in water so there is more lemony goodness for your body to absorb.

Lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey is a soothing drink for a sore throat. You can take that a step further and turn it into a Hot Toddy.

The easy-to-make cocktail is perfect on chilly winter night. The basic Hot Toddy recipe is: to your mug add 2 ounces of whiskey, 1/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice, 1 lemon peel, 2 teaspoons of honey, and top if off with hot water.

The juice of lemons may prevent the development of oral cancer. Citrus limonoids, a phytochemical, may reduce tumor activity in the mouth.

This is a surprising health benefit and one of the best reasons to add juice to your diet.

Just like lemon water, lemon juice may help prevent kidney stones. The juice adds more citric acid to your drink, so it ups the beneficial effects and offers more protection and prevention.

Lemon juice that contains pulp and peel zest brings pectin to the table. Pectin is a soluble fiber that promotes digestive enzymes that aid in eliminating waste. Good internal plumbing is a wonderful health benefit of lemon consumption.

The pectin also plays an

important role in making you feel full for a longer period of time. This can help manage cravings and help you achieve your weight loss goals. Feeling full can help keep you on a good path when those cookies are calling your name.

When juicing lemons, keep the pulp and peel zest to add more fiber to your diet.

Eating a high fiber diet has been found to help regulate blood glucose levels, thereby reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Lowering your blood pressure may be achieved by consuming lemon every day.

One study showed that participants who walked at least 7,000 steps a day and had an intake of at least a half of lemon reduced their blood pressure.

Adding the juice, pulp, and peel to your diet in conjunction with a walking regimen is good for your heart.

Use lemon juice topically to brighten, exfoliate, and remove blackheads from your skin. Lemons contain alpha hydroxyl acid which may aid in reducing skin age discoloration.

Keep in mind, lemon juice is not lemonade. Lemon juice is just what it sounds like, the juice of a lemon, period.

Lemonade, on the other hand, is packed with sugar, so it isn’t the best choice when it comes to grabbing a refreshing, healthy beverage.

Nutrition Facts About Lemons The nutritional facts for

one lemon without the peel – not that you would eat an entire lemon cut into wedges!

That would be very tart, and quite the feat.

Vitamin C Like other citrus fruits, the health benefits of lemon shines through in the Vitamin C counter.

According to Live Strong, the juice from one lemon (2 tablespoons) contains 12.9 milligrams of Vitamin C, which is roughly 20 % for the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended daily requirement. By adding two tablespoons of real, fresh squeezed juice to your morning routine gets you off and running on your essential Vitamin C intake for the day.

You need to use fresh lemons, a real food, and include the pulp and some zest to your diet. It is not swappable with the bottled variety that comes with additives you don’t need.

Vitamin C has been known to reduce chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain, fatigue, digestive problems, and cancer. Bring on those antioxidants – reducing inflammation is one key to living a long and healthy life.

Other Nutritional Facts Lemon is not just about adding acid to brighten your food, it also contains B Vitamins including Vitamin B 6, Folate, and Thiamin.

Additionally, lemons contain small amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium and

phosphorous.

Eating Healthy Lemon and Salmon Has there ever been a better pairing than lemon and fish. They are made to go together. More than just a lemon wedge on your plate, lemons add flavor to your food. Not only are they good for you, they should be a regular ingredient in your daily menu.

Nutritionist and health experts agree, the Mediterranean Diet loaded with whole foods, is good for your heart health, help you maintain proper weight, and is a healthy weight loss program. Lemons are grown throughout the EuroMediterranean and are a favorite condiment, ubiquitous on every Greek plate, lemons are a daily staple.

The key factors of the Mediterranean Diet are: Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats daily Eat fish, poultry, beans, and eggs weekly Add dairy products in moderation Eat limited amounts of red meat Enjoy a glass of red wine occasionally Add physically activity daily Dine with family and friends as often as you are able When you build your meals around plant based foods and add small amounts of animal protein, particularly seafood, your meal is filled with good-for-you whole foods. Also included in the Mediterranean diet is healthy fats. Unctuous olive oil, nuts, avocado and fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are daily staples.

Something as simple as lemon based salad dressings will up your daily intake.

Squeeze the juice from one lemon, add extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix with a whisk and pour over your favorite salad.

Easy and quick, homemade salad dressing offers a punch of flavor to your food and has none of the unpronounceable additives when compared to store bought dressings.

Want to get started on the Mediterranean Diet, try out American’s Test Kitchen cookbook or Christine Patorniti’s 14 Day Mediterranean Diet Plan for Beginners.

Both books are excellent sources to guide you on the path to a heart healthy weight loss program.

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

g tin s... s ere ture t n I rea C

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Silver arowana

The silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a South American freshwater bony fish of the family Osteoglossidae.

Silver arowanas are sometimes kept in aquariums, but they are predatory and require a very large tank.

The generic name Osteoglossum means "bonetongued" and the specific name bicirrhosum means "two barbels" (from the Greek language).

Range and habitat This South American species is native to the Amazon, Essequibo and Oyapock basins. It is absent from the Rio Negro basin, except the Branco River, which is inhabited by both silver and black arowanas.

The silver arowana occurs in both black- and whitewater habitats, including flooded forests.

Description This fish has relatively large scales, a long body, and a tapered tail, with the dorsal and anal fins extending all the way to the small caudal fin, with which they are

nearly fused. Its maximum total length is typically considered to be 0.9 m (3.0 ft), but there are reports of individuals up to 1.2 m (3.9 ft).

Unlike the black arowana, the silver arowana has the same colouring throughout its lifespan.

Adults of the two species are very similar, but can be separated by meristics.

Arowanas are sometimes called 'dragon fish' by aquarists because their shiny, armor-like scales and double barbels are reminiscent of descriptions of dragons in East Asian folklore.

Behaviour The species is also called 'water monkey' because of its ability to jump out of the water and capture its prey. It usually swims near the water surface waiting for potential prey. Although specimens have been found with the remains of birds, bats, mice, and snakes in their stomachs, its main diet consists of crustaceans, insects, smaller fish, and other animals that float on the water surface, which its drawbridge-like mouth is

exclusively adapted for feeding on.

Conservation status The silver arowana is currently not listed on any CITES appendix nor on the 2004 IUCN Red List. It is one of the most popular ornamental fish from South America, however, and therefore its conservation status merits attention.

As reported by Environment News Service in August 2005, shared use of the silver arowana population was a cause for a dispute between Brazilian and Colombian authorities. Juvenile silver arowanas are caught in Colombia for sale as aquarium fish, while the people of Brazilian Amazonia catch adult fish for food. A sharp drop in the number of arowanas had caused Brazilian authorities to prohibit fishing of them between

September 1 and November 15; the Colombians would prohibit capturing them between November 1 and March 15.

The silver arowana is often kept as a pet by experienced

aquarists, being considered an accessible substitute for the Asian arowana, which is listed on CITES Appendix I and is therefore difficult and expensive to obtain legally. (Source: Wikipedia)

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“No tax, no oil”

Sunday July 10, 2022

- protestors demand Exxon pay their own taxes or leave Guyana’s oil

By Davina Bagot

A

Another protestor urging Exxon to pay their share of taxes

This protestor has made her position clear that the petroleum companies operating in Guyana must pay their taxes or leave the country’s oil alone

t a time in history when the price for oil has reached a record high, pushing governments across the world to slap petroleum companies with additional taxes to benefit from the windfall being enjoyed by those companies, Guyana is continuing to pay taxes on behalf of ExxonMobil, an arrangement that must be halted, according to protestors.

Guyana’s leaders have been silent regarding the payment of these taxes on behalf of the oil companies and have been instead preaching their belief in the ‘sanctity of contracts’ while the oil companies relish in revenue from the country’s resources being extracted daily.

Guyanese who are against the Exxon contract signed in 2016 with the Government of Guyana have been demanding that changes be made to the agreement for several weeks now, taking to the streets to register their dismay.

This past week, as the global price for crude stayed consistently above US$100 per barrel, protestors in Guyana insisted that the major oil operator in the country pay its own taxes, or leave Guyana and its resources. Several placards were held to this tune by citizens urging that: ‘Exxon must pay their own taxes’, ‘No tax, no oil’ and ‘Pay your taxes or get out’.

The public demonstration, which is being spearheaded by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, was held during the week at Houston public road, in front of the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) office on the East Bank of Demerara.

In Guyana, where daily oil production is now in excess of 200,000 barrels per day under the Production Sharing Agreement with ExxonMobil Guyana and their partners for the Stabroek Block, the country’s decision to take on the responsibility of paying the taxes means that it is losing out on big time.

In fact, in the first year of oil production in Guyana, the country agreed to take on responsibility for taxes more than what it collected in royalty that year.

A protestor demands that the oil companies pay their taxes or get out According to recent financial statements submitted by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, the income taxes to be paid by the oil companies in the first full year of production, accumulated to payments of $5,751,060,980 or about US$27,552,901.83.

The country in 2020 collected some US$184.9 million in profit and US$21.2 million in royalty for a total of US$206 million.

As such, it would mean that government agreed to pay to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), more money than it received in royalty payments for that year representing payments made on behalf of the oil companies.

Under the PSA at Clause 15.4, (a) it stipulates that the Minster of Natural Resources agrees that a sum equivalent to the tax assessed to be paid by the Minister to the Commissioner General of GRA on b e h a l f o f t h e contractor—ExxonMobil Guyana – and that the amount of such sum will be considered income of the contractor.

Additionally, at 15.4 (b) the Minister also agrees that the appropriate portion of the Government’s share of profit oil delivered, shall be accepted as payment in full for the contractor’s s h a r e o f I n c o m e Ta x a n d Corporation Tax—levies owed to the GRA. One female protestor on Wednesday encouraged Guyanese to join the picket line, arguing that Exxon is getting away with stealing from the country. She said, “Guyanese wake up. ExxonMobil thieving out we oil. We got to wake up and fight fuh we oil.” The woman was keen to note that if the company is allowed to continue its operations without changes to the agreement, future generations will be left to suffer with no benefits from the natural resource.

Friday marked six consecutive weeks since the protestors commenced their demonstration, demanding changes to the oil contract. The activity had commenced about two weeks before the renewal of the Liza One Permit in May at the Square of the Revolution on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

Sunday July 10, 2022

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Twenty-six years and counting…

Radio/TV personality Frederick Rampersaud observes another milestone

I

t has been more than a quarter of a century now that radio personality and television pioneer, Frederick Rampersaud has been on the air sharing his ‘golden voice’ and talent with the nation.

This year, on July 7, Mr. Rampersaud observes another milestone —26 years as a local broadcaster— whose work on the media platforms has earned him fans in the Region and various parts of the world.

He spent 26 years on the

many people who are involved in this type of work for years, myself included, who have not received any recognition for their work done. I think it is time that this is lobbied for.”

He reflected that he came a long way with no formal trainin g in The man with the ‘golden voice’ radio/tv host Frederick Rampersaud t h e field.

B u t according to Rampersaud, he was always drawn to the radio and 21 of those years radio as a youngster.

“I was very ambitious. I on television wanted to be a radio On July 17, to mark his anniversary, the local announcer, an accountant television pioneer will be and a lawyer. I come from a joined by a group of his C h r i s t i a n h o m e , m y loyal friends and family to grandfather was a pastor and share hot meals to the so on.

So public speaking came homeless.

R a m p e r s a u d , w h o naturally to me and I started regards himself as one of the off by hosting pageants such most versatile broadcasters as the Diwali pageant and in Guyana, shared that he that is where Mr. CN believes it is time that Sharma and his wife Savitri announcers like himself are saw me and gave me my given their dues by the first break.”

Rampersaud recalled powers that be.

He noted that “There are that he was so good at the

new gig, that within his first six months as a talk show host, he was invited to interview the now-late President Cheddi Jagan at State House for one hour.

Subsequently, he travelled to Trinidad, where he also interviewed the first female Attorney General, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who later became that country’s Prime Minister.

Fast forward, more than two decades later, Mr. Rampersaud, who has hosted several radio programmes, has used his platform to do more than just spread information.

He said that through his work as a radio/TV personality, he was able to spearhead notable charitable efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To this end, Rampersaud, who is trained in accountancy and is now a final year law student, hopes to continue his work in the field with due national recognition.

At the interim, he has

three awards that he holds dear to him. This includes a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 and an award for being the Best Radio Personality.

He reflected on the changing demographic of television and radio broadcast.

“Long ago, being a broadcaster, I could only operate within the geographic confines of Guyana – Georgetown, Linden, and so, but nowadays anybody can pick up their phone and listen to

me online all the way in New York,” he remarked, also quipping that now he can easily play songs from online instead of from his cassette bag.

“My passion as a little boy was to be an accountant and I did that. I wanted to be a preacher, and I did that.

And I wanted to be a broadcaster, and I did that too,” Rampersaud said in retrospect. Now, with those achievements completed, he indicated that he has his eyes set on completing his journey as a student of law.

Ruptured natural gas...

From page 40 the cause of the incident. We will not have any information on that until the investigation is complete.” On June 8, last, an NGL facility burst into flames, leaving residents rattled over the possible negative impacts they can be exposed to.

No injuries were reported at the Freeport terminal, however, while authorities have said that the fire and “release” from the explosion were swiftly contained, residents who live near the facility fear they will be kept in the dark. The natural gas explosions come at a time when Guyana is rushing to setup its own LNG plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara in partnership with oil giant, ExxonMobil. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project has already been submitted to the local authorising body, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Notably, this document has said that Guyana will not be immune to gas explosions at the site, listing the activity as a likely event.

But even though US$1.3 billion will be expended to merely set up the onshore and offshore pipeline works for the facility, along with other ancillary works, Guyana has no insurance from the developer, should such an event occur. In fact, Exxon has not even submitted a Gas Leak Management Plan to the EPA for considerations to be made in the permitting process.

Instead, Exxon has promised to have the document ready about a year before the plant starts its operations at Wales. In addition, the Gas-to-Energy Project Manager, Mr. Friedrich Krispin has indicated that Exxon and its partners will not walk away from any accidents, but will help Guyana should an unfortunate event take place at the proposed facility.

According to him, “Responsibility is something that lawyers tell us not to talk about…because there are a lot of interesting legal ramifications with responsibility but the one thing I can tell you is; I can say from 35 years of experience and I can say from knowing the history of 140 years of this corporation we don’t walk away from incidents, issues, accidents, etcetera, we make sure that we take care of things, we make sure that we clean up where we left, we make sure that we clean-up the environment if there is an incident and we make sure that things are left very much like we found them.” When he was pressed further to say when a document would be signed, specifically to secure an insurance policy to cover any mishaps, Krispin said he could not respond. “Unfortunately I can’t speak to that; it is something the legal department is working through. They have commitments with the government of Guyana and I have read some of the stuff but I can’t speak on their behalf but I am sure that they are always gonna do the right thing,” he shared.

ExxonMobil can reclaim all costs expended on this venture from Guyana’s oil revenue, in keeping with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). This means that Guyana will be paying for the project, even though the returns are not definitive. Government hopes to generate some 300 megawatts of power through this venture.

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Sunday July 10, 2022

This Day in 0 1 y l u J y r Histo Compiled by Zena Henry

The world’s first communications satellite was launched into orbit

T

elstar was launched by NASA on months and relaying television signals of a July 10, 1962, from Cape brief duration, Telstar immediately captured Canaveral, Florida, and was the the imagination of the world. The first first privately sponsored space- images, those of President John F. Kennedy faring mission. Two days later, it relayed the and of singer Yves Montand from France, world’s first transatlantic television signal, along with clips of sporting events, images of from Andover Earth the American flag waving Station, Maine, to the in the breeze and a still Pleumeur-Bodou image of Mount Telecom Center, Brittany, Rushmore, were France. Developed by precursors of the global Bell Telephone communications that Laboratories for AT&T, today are mostly taken for Telstar was the world’s granted. f i r s t a c t i v e Telstar operated in a communications satellite low-Earth orbit and was and the world’s first tracked by the ground commercial payload in stations in Maine and space. It demonstrated the France. Each ground feasibility of transmitting station had a large information via satellite, microwave antenna gained experience in mounted on bearings, to satellite tracking and permit tracking The World’s first active t h e s a t e l l i t e studied the effect of Van communications satellite d u r i n g t h e Allen radiation belts on satellite design. The satellite was spinapproximately stabilised to maintain its desired orientation half-hour period of each orbit when it was in space. Power to its onboard equipment overhead. The signals from Telstar were was provided by a solar array, in conjunction received and amplified by a low-noise with a battery back-up system. “maser” (Microwave Amplification by Although operational for only a few (Continued on page 51)

The 1978 amendment now allows elected leaders to make constitutional changes through majority votes on behalf of citizens

Guyana holds last Constitutional referendum of 1978

The Constitutional (Amendment) Bill No. 8 of 1978, which essentially ended the use of national referendums, came with much contention. Since a general election was to be held that very year, with the expectation of Parliament being prorogued, followed by the election not later than 25 October, it was believed that Guyana’s then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham used the announcement of the amendment to postpone the elections.

Bill No. 8 of 1978 was aimed at changing Article 73 of the Constitution.

The proposed Bill sought to hold a referendum which would abolish any further referendum to change the entrenched provisions of the constitution, namely, State and its Territories, the Exercise of the President’s Powers, the Composition, Sessions and Dissolution of Parliament, and the Electoral System. It also proposed that any future constitutional

change would be made by two-thirds parliamentary majority, a position Burnham’s People’s National Congress (PNC) was said to have at the time.

The bill to change Article 73 of the 1966 Independence Constitution, was passed by a two-thirds parliamentary vote in Parliament on April 10, 1978 and a national referendum was held July 10, 1978, seeking voters’ position on ending national referendums. The referendum was successful in now allowing constitutional amendments by majority vote. Using their twothirds majority, the PNC first extended the life of Parliament, negating the need for scheduled general elections.

The entire change was objected to by then Opposition Leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, opposition parties, trade unions and other civil society stakeholders at the time as many concluded unethical acts during the referendum exercise. Some have argued however that (Continued on page 51)

South Africa was readmitted to the ICC following the end of Apartheid The 12 Thai boys and their coach (far left) (Telegraph.co.uk photo)

Thailand schoolboys and coach rescued from flooded underground cave For 17 days, the world was captivated by the nerve wrecking news of 12 Thai schoolboys and their coach being trapped deep within a flooded underground cave that made the rounds on international media. The boys, ages 11 to 16, had been trapped inside Tham Luang Nang Non, Thailand’s longest cave, since June 23, 2018. It was understood that the coach often took the Wild Boar soccer teammates to the cave in Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park for fun excursions after soccer practice. But as the group ventured deeper into the vast cave complex that faithful Saturday afternoon, the sky opened up and it began to rain. The downpour sent floodwater rushing into the mouth of the cave and cut off their exit route. The group forged ahead until finding a dry, raised slope where they had remained until rescuers found them.

For more than a week the young boys were without food, and had very little water. It took

rescuers 10 days before they located the players and their coach. The rescue mission itself was said to be difficult since, among other things, divers had to squeeze through flooded crevices that challenged even the most seasoned of them. The boys were rescued in groups of four.

On July 10, 2018 the last four of the 12 soccer players and their coach were rescued from the cave. British divers had found the group, hungry and huddled in darkness on a muddy bank in a partly flooded chamber several kilometres inside the cave. Among other countries, volunteers had come from as far away as Australia, Britain and the United States to help with the rescue while messages of support poured in from around the globe. At least one person died during the rescue. A former Thai Navy Seal contracted a blood infection from within the cave. (Source: CBC and abcNews)

On July 10, 1991 South Africa was readmitted as a full member of the International Cricket Council, playing its first sanctioned international match since 1970 against India in November and their first Test match against the West Indies in April 1992. Organised cricket has been taking place in South Africa since the British first introduced the sport in the 1880s. England was the first tour side to visit South Africa in 1888-89, playing its first Test match at Port Elizabeth and becoming the third Test playing nation. Since 1890, various national bodies were formed governing cricket in South Africa along separate racial lines.

Regularly playing against England, Australia and New Zealand through to the 1960s, in 1970 the ICC imposed an international ban on South Africa in response to its policy of apartheid and its refusal to field non-whites and play nonwhite teams. When the ban was applied,

South Africa was arguably the best team in the world and cut short the Test careers of hugely talented players, some of whom later emigrated and played for other nations.

During South Africa’s expulsion from international cricket, a number of different organisations ran domestic cricket depending on the various racial groups. The

The SACB team meets struggle stalwart Walter Sisulu (IOL photo) South African Cricket Association (SACA) administered white players, with the South African Cricket Board of Control (SACBOC) and the South African African Board (SAACB) administrating the different non-white racial groups. The effect of the cricketing boycott had significant (Continued on page 51)

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

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‘Buy local’ agenda being pushed by Linden’s Alternative Mini Mart

By Vanessa Braithwaite The ‘grow local, buy local and support local’ narrative is being further amplified in Linden, Region 10 with the establishment of the town’s first exclusive ‘local shop’ which sells only locally manufactured and packaged

products. The Alternative Mini Mart opened its doors a few months ago in the Wismar Municipal Market and has in stock a wide variety of local products ranging from condiments, seasonings and spices, craft, beverages, skin and hair care products, baking ingredients, instant porridge

Come of the local products on display at the Alternative Mini Mart

mixtures and much more.

Some of the local producers on display include Campbell’s Barbeque Sauce, Denise Catering Jams and Jellies, Pleasurable Flavours’ Shake and Fry and Fruit Mixtures, Caesar’s Sauces and Spices, Debra’s Delight Fondant Icing, Joel’s Pepper Sauce, Braff’s Porridge Mixture and much more.

The initiative is the brainchild of Mr. Kevin DeYoung, a businessman and current municipal councillor. DeYoung, the former President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce Industry and Development (LCCID) and current Principal of MC’s Educational Institute, said that the idea was birthed from his realisation that many Lindeners are gravitating towards agro-processing and manufacturing but sadly there is seemingly a bottleneck in the marketing process. “Coming out of wanting to contribute to the development of the economy, we have decided, what better way to do this than to give light to local products. I realised there are persons with ideas but market was an issue, the Alternative Mini Mart looks to solve that problem,” he said in a recent interview with The Waterfalls.

Being a local producer of coconut oil himself, DeYoung said he also realised that local producers needed technical support with getting their products to the desired standard for retail at the local, regional and international level.

Persons with ideas are encouraged to share that idea and the Alternative Mini Mart will help them materialise those ideas by steering them in the right direction.

Once materialisation is done, then efforts are made to not only have the products marketed at the Alternative Mini Mart, but at the Guyana Shop and other retail stores country wide.

Of note, the Alternative Mini Mart does not only avail its shelves to Linden producers but to all Guyanese producers and manufacturers. “In the case of the agro processors, we would buy from the agro processor or in the case of arts and craft, we sell on consignment, so we take a percentage of what is sold,” he related.

In addition, DeYoung in a further quest to support the entrepreneurial skills in Linden also offers entrepreneurial courses at the MC’s Educational Institute where he serves as Principal.

During his stint as President of LCCID, he realised that residents were really interested in becoming entrepreneurs but were not aware of how to do so in an effective way.

Hence, he was motivated to incorporate entrepreneurial courses in his institution’s curriculum.

“As President of the Linden

Proprietor of Alternative Mini Mart, Kevin DeYoung Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development I did my research and investigation and I realised that there are persons who want to do business the right way but does not know how to,” DeYoung related.

He went on to say, “So I would

have experimented and provided a bit of entrepreneurial support to some persons and their businesses and they were successful. So I realised that if persons are given the right support and education, they can succeed in business in Linden.”

South Africa was readmitted to...

From page 50 negative impact on the domestic game. Additionally, with the World Cup and World Series revolutionising the game, South African cricket was being deprived of these financial rewards and so they commenced “rebel” tours when non-whites refused a government policy to establish a single board to govern integrated games. The ploy was seen as a feeble gesture in the wider context of apartheid. In an era when cricketers were not paid large amounts of money, as an incentive the SACU offered substantial sums to entice rebel teams to play despite their participation putting their own careers and reputations at risk. Many faced ostracisation when they returned home, as well as facing a cricketing ban. In June 1991, the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) was established following the unity process and the amalgamation of the SACU and the SACB, finally bringing to an end to racial segregation within South African cricket.

The world’s first communications...

From page 50 Stimulated Emission of Radiation), the predecessor of the modern laser. After demonstrating the feasibility of the concept, subsequent communications satellites adopted a much higher orbit, at 22,300 miles above the Earth, at which the satellite’s speed matched the Earth’s rotation and thus appeared fixed in the sky. During the course of its operational lifespan, Telstar 1 facilitated over 400 telephone, telegraph, facsimile and television transmissions. It operated until November 1962, when its on-board electronics failed due to the effects of radiation. (NASA History)

Guyana holds last Constitutional...

From page 50 despite claims of ‘trickery’ to change Article 73 of the 1966 Independence Constitution, that change remains the fundamental premise on which the 1980 Constitution rests since it has taken away the need for future referendums to deal with constitutional amendments and given it to Parliament. (Reference: Guyana.org and Emile Mervin letter KN 2015)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

==GNBS IN FOCUS==

SPEARHEADING THE VERIFICATION OF MEASURING INSTRUMENTS IN TRADE FOR ACCURACY

I

n trade, consumers rely on a system of measurement to ensure that accurate quantities of goods are provided to them.

Likewise, businesses, especially retailers of goods, need to know that they are not incurring losses due to the use of inaccurate or defective weighing and measuring instruments.

In Guyana, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) continually oversees and provides traceable measurement services to ensure that accuracy and equity in trade prevail.

By virtue of the 1981 Weights & Measures Act, the GNBS is mandated to verify (stamp) all measuring instruments used in trade.

These instruments include scales, masses, measures, storage tanks, flow metres, measuring rules, electricity metres and petrol pumps.

Verification is conducted twice yearly by GNBS Legal Metrology Inspectors of the Main and Sub-offices and Weights and Measures Officers within the Administrative Regions.

Importantly, all verification and monitoring activities are managed by the GNBS Legal Metrology Services Department.

Verification activities are conducted at shops, markets, supermarkets, at factories in the rice and sugar industries, fisheries, manufacturing companies, hospitals, health centres, airlines, shipping companies, post offices, petrol stations, bulk terminals and on fuel vessels.

Wherever a measuring instrument is used to determine the cost of goods, verification is necessary by law.

By now, you may be asking yourself what really verification involves?

Foremost, verification includes the examination of instruments to determine whether they are approved for trade and fit for use.

Therefore, the GNBS encourages vendors, shopkeepers and other users to ensure measuring instruments are approved and in good working condition.

Overtime, repainting, repairs,

and even total replacement of instruments may be required.

Once in order, measuring instruments are subjected to the relevant checks by an Inspector using traceable standards to determine whether they are reading accurately (within the established tolerance).

From the process, a verification report can be generated; after which, a seal of approval is affixed to the instrument indicating the date and other details of its verification. Additionally, a security seal is affixed to the adjustment mechanism of some instruments, such as petrol pumps, to prevent tampering or unwanted adjustments after verification.

For the first half of this year, the GNBS managed to conduct the verification of thousands of measuring instruments used in trade locally.

During the period, surveillance inspections were also conducted to seize and remove unverified instruments.

Currently, in July, Inspectors are preparing to recommence verification for the second half of the year, starting with the mobile stamping of measuring instruments at markets and other specified locations countrywide.

Users of measuring instruments are advised to check the print and electronic media for details regarding mobile stamping exercises, which commence on July 12, 2022 at the Stabroek Market in Georgetown.

The onus is on users to submit measuring instruments for verification.

Therefore, if you miss the upcoming mobile exercises, be sure to submit your instruments to the GNBS Head Office, Sophia or Suboffices in New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Anna Regina, Vreed-en-Hoop, Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem, or to Weights and Measures Offices in Mabaruma, Linden and Fort Wellington.

For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190065, 219-0066 or WhatsApp: 692-4627.

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 53

Adapting to the challenges, creatively generating additional income

By Zena Henry guess at this point I'm hinged on the idea of beating this rough period that we are experiencing not only here in Guyana but around the world. I think I have a genuine concern for those people whose existence lingers within close range of the poverty line and therefore find it difficult to satisfy their basic needs let alone find the opportunities to discover parts of themselves, hidden talents and skills that they don't even know they have.

It is my view that access to basic necessities should be the right of every human being by virtue of them being alive; that there should not be strenuous and ambiguous processes, with exorbitant costs attached to people having access to clothing, food and shelter; that there should be a basic respectable standard of living that is guaranteed to every person; and that their governments work to maintain environments that not only ensure this standard but is the steppingstone to further levels of human development.

I was once a patriotic believer in the saying: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”. The assassinated American President John F. Kennedy was challenging every American to contribute in some way to the public good at a time when humanity was most needed in a country with significant wealth, power and rising dominance in almost every corner of the globe. Some have however misrepresented the saying and even its context to justify hints and even actions as if humans are upon the earth to serve it and those in advantageous positions. This cannot be for the simple fact that humans pass on and country remains, resources remain and wealth and power remain. It is my view therefore that country, and all things within exist to serve its inhabitants who in turn will access and utilise it in an equal and sustainable manner.

But this is not always the case.

While there are some amazing successes toward countries ensuring human development, on a global scale, there is still much to be desired, especially when countries can still amass massive wealth from others, can afford to toss out large amounts of unwanted food, while the country from which it got its riches, struggles to feed its people.

For many improvised and developing countries, this is the grim reality, where the poor have the most difficulty accessing essentials.

The inability to provide efficiently for one's Self and for one's family becomes worst when

I

external factors such as a pandemic for example, peanut punch, juice, c or a war or high food prices add to chicken/fish and chips, pizza food and other small items from the that inability.

Humans are nonetheless a comfort of my home. I am sure this creative lot. Some of us find ways could be applied where other to make miracles happen even persons are seeking to diversify when we have no idea what the their income and are aware of what outcome would be. We find ways to must be done to their surroundings get over the hurdles and make it to or their space to make such an idea the next day. I personally know the workable. A small stand in front of feeling of having to stretch a dollar the house or near the gate, selling beyond its value and having to get your small items may not be a bad creative to increase my funds. idea either. Think of about what Where I am concerned, given that might sell the most where you my life journey from very early has are, how you will tell people been primarily an independent one, about it and give it a try.

Another lucrative “side I would have loved some help along the way, some mechanism in place hustle” is hair styling. You to ensure that I easily accessed my might be saying that there are important needs so that I could have numerous hairdressers and chased my true Self or as some of us freelance stylist, amateur or This simple twisted bun hairstyle would say, chase my dreams. But professional, but that could cost at least $7,000, again, this is not the case. We must shouldn't stop you from definitely more if the hair work hard to secure our basic getting customers if you had to be interlocked, necessities and then chase our do the job well and are palm roll, etc. prior dreams, an opportunity some never get because achieving those necessities and life itself took over.

Many persons who wear their natural nails Some are brave enough to chase still prefer hand designed nail art like I do. their dreams first and succeed n doing it; to this we can smile. o t h i n g But indeed, it boils down to wrong with learning these skills e a ch person having to hold their professionally and providing those o wn, becoming services apart from your permanent p job. r Outside of these ideas, one must One of the simple pairs of earrings never forget the avenue to free I made learning from YouTube. information. Some of us have ornrowed as well. I dealt with incorporated the internet into our mostly natural styles because lives so much that if it goes off, we they were easier and cheaper to can hardly function while some of service because they called for us seem to forget of its availability. less products too. Also, it meant A few months ago, I was regular customers because t h mesmerised by some beautiful ese persons African cloth jewellery worn with wanted t western style clothing and it was so elegant. But I could not figure out where I would have seen such io earring and necklaces in rity to one's Self and Georgetown, but what I did thus facing the world head on. By c remember is anything remotely the grace of the Creator and the u s t o m e r close to what I was looking for desire to succeed regardless, we friendly for an usually came in sets and ran into a improvise and find answers to our a d d e d b o n u s . few thousand dollars. So, I problems. So, what more can be Believe me, the decided to use YouTube and you done to further address the woes of recommendations guessed it, there were so many the rising cost of living on our will go out and the tutorials on how to make the already small incomes? For the last customers will pour jewellery that I decided to try few weeks, we have spoken about in. I wore dreadlocks it out and made a pair of satisfying our food requirement; we earlier in my life and earrings and a necklace. I did looked at several cost- effective was a natural at uphave a few women asking shopping techniques and growing keeping that particular Rich creamy ice treats about the jewellery and your own food to directly cut on the do. I recognised many always get the kids excited telling me how much they household food bill. We looked at people did not know how liked it. Of course, that got kitchen gardens in particularly to handle and style the me thinking if I were to learn small spaces. I will reiterate that hair, but I was so good at o elaborate designs how much I could there is no better application when what I did, the way I twisted m a i n t a i n sell them for.I say this to highlight, one can grow for himself most of t h e i r h a i r, i t s e e m e d mainly their natural however, how much one can get what is required. hair. I wanted to add to my from free information online. interlocked in a matter of But let us say there is a small days. I was also good at cle services, so I provided nail cleaning People are going on the internet amount of money in hand or even aning the roots and putting in and polishing services as well, a finding ideas and learning things no income, how can one diversify elaborate styles and that made me skill I picked up while being around that they are then applying to their or generate? I will speak from lots of money. a friend's salon overseas. lives. The same can be done to experience here. I simply looked I learnt that simple skill not generate income; so, I suggest that If you have such a knack, don't around and applied the little talent let it go to waste. If you like because I really liked it, but because also; learn to make a fancy treat that I knew I had and learnt what I cooking and are good at it, put that I recognised how lucrative it could from another country and get paid needed. I've started up many small talent to work, if you're good with be in the future and because it was here from your unique commodity. businesses in the past to generate hair, nails service, put the talent to easy to learn. So yes, “side hustle”, All you are doing is finding creative several incomes through the sale of, work. When I did hair, I braided and beauty services. And there is ways to multiple your income.

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

VILLAGE Hampshire From page 23 which is used as a day-care/play school centre and just next door to that is a wooden abandoned building with the banner 'Federal United Party'. That building was reportedly utilised by that political party which was formed by a group of attorneys in Berbice who contested the last General and Regional Elections.

Sixty-three-year-old Mohanie Ramnarine, called 'Aunty Paro', has been living in H

The Carpen General Store which has been in existence for generations

Ms Mohanie Ramnarine with her bicycle

a

mp

shire since 1992.

I caught up with her as she was making her way home on her bicycle. She had just purchased a new mop from a nearby shop.

For her, living in Hampshire has not been all good but “the village is not a bad village because people from all over come and live,” she said.

Ramnarine said where she lives, the younger generation is not as kind as they were many years ago. She lives alone since both her son and husband have passed away.

Because she lives alone, she feels that she is targeted for torment whenever she is vocal about wrongdoings in her community.

According to her, repeated reports to the police station are ignored and she is of the opinion that despite her issue is small, the police force should take all matters seriously.

“Dem does throw garbage around the area and when I talk, they curse me…my neighbour has a workshop and when they vehicles park, they take out their pants and urinate all over the place and when I talk, they curse me. The other day they took a wood and put it in front of my yard and they took it and throw it in the trench, I went to the station and nobody is looking after me…” said a frustrated Ramnarine.

The woman said that she is also looking for a job since the “times are hard” and “everything at the shop raise”.

But because she is 63 years old, she said that persons are reluctant to hire her.

The woman is of the firm belief that there should be job

opportunities for the elderly and able-bodied persons like herself.

“Anything I get I could manage because right now you see me here with my bicycle, is a mop stick I get here, I went and clean up a place and I went and weed out a piece yard for somebody.

They say that when you over 60 in this country you not getting a job

s o when you reach 60 you either got to kill yourself or you got to beg or something on the street…” Ramnarine said.

However, despite her many issues, Ramnarine said she still

PAGE 57 A Chinese supermarket and a Chinese restaurant located in Hampshire village

finds time to enjoy the good things in life.

Among the fun things for her is joining the May 5 Indian Arrival Day celebrations at Highbury, East Bank Berbic e , which she does with her A villager on his grandson. electric bike which In the is now a popular village too mode of is a barber transportation s h o p for many operated by Berbicians.

K u m a r Jankreran who has been living in Hampshire Village all his life. He described the village as peaceful with kind and loving people.

He noted that people do all kinds of things for a living but personally, he has been doing barbering for the past 10 years. He

said that it has been a rewarding job for him so far.

“Depending on how you work, if you work six days a week and so, you will be able to take care of your family and so,” he said. He noted that many persons are also employed at the estate or are in construction. But according to him, while there has been some development within the community, the roads need attention and there should be programmes for youths within the community, particularly during the August vacation.

During my visit, a regular customer at Kumar's barbershop, cricketer and businessman Shawn Perreira from Williamsburg Village, was being groomed. He said that even if there was a barbershop in his village, he would still choose Kumar's “because this is the best barber around.”

The village of Hampshire is an ideal place to visit, especially if you want to spend a few nights in Berbice. With the hotel/guesthouse situated in the heart of the village, one is sure to fully take in its ambience.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 59

== Cuisine Culture ==

RESTAURANT AND BAR …for the BEST Guyanese dishes

By Renay Sambach

I

was at work one day and I had a craving for dhal and rice with curried beef. I messaged a few friends and one of them recommended Mouth Melters Restaurant and Bar and that my friends, is how I discovered this hidden gem.

Mouth Melters offers a variety of Guyanese cuisine and every day there is a different menu of local favourites to choose from.

The food establishment offers a variety of curries – there is crab, chicken, fish, beef, pork and even prawns.

Also, there is a variety of vegetable stews like cabbage, carilla, pumpkin, okra, pak choy, eddo leaf, squash and bora.

Other varieties to choose from on a daily basis include metemgee, chicken w i n g s , burge r s , Spanis h ri

c e , fried r i c e , rot rice, etti, peas stew, rice, chowmein lowmein.

Some main dishes jerk pork, jerk snapper, baked fish, coconut prawns include: cranberry rice, steam veggies, potatoes, lot more.

car spagh Mexican a n d are: jerk chicken, baked chicken, and the sides plantain fries, and a whole

Mouth Melters is located at 222 Charlotte Street between Oronoque and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown. There is also a mobile unit located on the tarmac of the 1763 monument, known as Cuffy Square.

The real foodies will be happy to know that this restaurant opens its doors at 08:00hrs and closes at 23:00hrs. In the morning h o u r s t h e r e ’s a selection of breakfast meals and in the evening there are late night snacks to munch on.

According to the owners, R o b e r t Bostwic k a n d Colli n Ault, the busin ess

s tart e d on April 1 7 , 2 0 1 8 .

Bostwick said, “Our name was just Mouth Melters at first and recently we changed the name to Mouth Melters Restaurant and Bar.” He added that he had always had a love for eating and would normally go to several “eating houses’ and sample their cuisine.

“My mom always had a love for cooking so naturally I would try to find that homey flavour,” he said.

Interestingly, both Bostwick and Ault are geological engineers, with Bachelors in geological engineering and masters in natural resources management.

Bostwick stated that their support base has been quite loyal. He explained that it is due to their dedicated customer base that they have managed to grow from strength to strength throughout the years.

“ We d o n ’t like to think of them as customer s, they are

m ore l i k e family to us and family lookout for each other, they offer so me level of guida nce and it’s due to some of our customers we have been able to continually refine our products throughout the years and we would encourage our customers to talk to us, because we do listen,” he said.

Bostwick shared that prior to the pandemic, they had started to make a profit and were very optimistic in terms of the outlook. Unfortunately, the pandemic came and they had to close shop for a bit.

But with things returning to normalcy, the businessmen are hopeful that in the near future they can expand their business and reach more customers.

Even in the face of the high cost of living, Bostwick said that he is of the belief that a quality product does not necessarily have to be expensive. “Currently we are faced with inflation and trying to offer our products at the most affordable price and that in itself is a challenge,” he added.

Even as they strive to meet the needs of their customers, Mouth Melters offers dine-in, so you can make your reservation today via 656-9507 or 645-6147.

(If you are interested in reaching out to me, do so via email: naesambach@gmail.com or mobile number: + 1 (592) 694-1862)

Some of the delectable dishes offered at Mouth Melters

Kaieteur News

PAGE 60

Sunday July 10, 2022

‘Restart with Art’ …for unique, customised pieces “Young entrepreneurs bring innovative and creative skills and ideas to society and also to the market in general.”

By Allyiah Allicock

F

or some persons, the COVID-19 pandemic, for various reasons, has been a blessing in disguise.

This is owing to the fact that some persons, particularly young people, were able to use the lockdown time to invent and launch innovative businesses that have been taking the business arena by storm.

An individual who was able to make something good come out of this pandemic for herself is Atifah Lovell, the owner of an artistry business called ‘Restart with Art’.

‘Restart with Art’ was introduced during the height of the pandemic when Lovell decided that it was the right time to return to her artistic skills, as she had a lot of free time during the lockdown back in 2020.

The young woman, in a recent interview with The Waterfalls said that when she was a teenager, she did a lot of drawing and paintings but after finishing high school and moving onto Sixth Form, then to university, she pretty much did not have time to pursue her craft.

“So when the pandemic hit and we were on lockdown, I kinda found a renewed love for art.

So I restarted a whole new art journey in 2020,” she shared.

What motivated her during that year to start a business, was a friend who was appreciative of her talent and recommended that she sell her art work.

“I actually started my art page as a hobby just posting my work for content but then a close family friend saw my work and she said that I should sell my art work and people pay a lot for original pieces. She was actually the first person that bought a customisable painting from me,” Lovell related.

Upon taking that friend’s advice, Lovell said that in July 2020 she launched her business and it has been blooming ever since. This, she said, was due in part to the enormous support and encouragement she has been receiving from family and other friends, as well as her customers.

She revealed that her biggest hurdle has been getting the right quality materials for the job.

Though it was difficult to find materials locally, she still managed to produce pieces using whatever materials are available in stores.

As it relates to the pandemic, Lovell mentioned that one way in which it impacted her business was by boosting sales. In fact, she said that it w a s surprising that a lot of people were inspired to buy hand-painted pieces during the pandemic.

Very pleased with what she has accomplished thus far, Lovell said that her longterm goal is to bette r her skills and introduce more new pieces. “My long-term goal is to provide original and unique stationery items while also providing other non-stationery items such as wall paintings and wall hangers, cards, etc. I have already started to provide customisable notebooks, clipboards, notepads, even handpainted wooden letters which I introduced in 2021, and that has been a big hit. I also intend to continue growing and improving my skills and my business ethics and relations,” she asserted.

Lovell, whose art work can be found at Safe Space, Robb Street, Georgetown, is of the view Continued on page 70

Some of Atifah Lovell’s unique customised paintings

Young entrepreneur, Atifah Lovell

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 61

Norton awaiting formal word from AFC on “parting way” decision revelation’ adding that the party would be willing to support the PPP if it got rid of the person tied to the allegations - Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

About five weeks ago,

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), the largest faction of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, is adamant that its relationship with the AFC will be maintained despite the AFC’s stated intend to part ways by year end.

Norton on Saturday explained that until the Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan has outlined the party’s plan to him, he will not be accepting any decision. He told Kaieteur News, “As far as I know, the AFC is still in the Coalition and until that time comes I wouldn’t venture into commenting into what was said yesterday (Friday). I do not operate based on sensationalism and emotionalism. Until Khemraj Ramjattan and the AFC say to me that they are parting ways I will just not comment on it…until the AFC communicates with me and says anything I will treat it as a Coalition.”

Meanwhile, popular talk show host, Mark Benschop, weighed-in on the AFC announcement, saying via a Facebook post on Saturday that the AFC was only awarded seats in Parliament due to its relationship with the Coalition. As such, he threatened, “yall ain’t gonna use we and leff we fuh go and bargain with others...dah is not the contract we signed when we voted for the coalition. So, if yall wanna go alone, then yall return all of the seats to the Coalition...or, I will see yall in court.”

On Friday, Chairperson of the AFC, Catherine Hughes announced that the

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton members of the Alliance For Change decided at the last National Conference, hosted last month, that when the Cummingsburg Accord comes to an end on December 31 this year, the party will not be renewing the agreement.

Instead, she said the AFC will focus on rebuilding and walking on its own feet.

Hughes, at the press engagement, acknowledged that challenges within the Coalition exist, hinting that these may have promoted the decision.

To t h i s e n d , t h e Chairperson indicated that there is a strong possibility that the AFC may spend the next two years focusing on “getting back on the ground.” The party has, however, not ruled out coales cing w ith other parties.

In fact, the third largest political group explained that it has already discussed reaching out to smaller parties that contended in the 2020 elections, as well as the trade unions.

When it comes to partnering with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) however, AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan said, it is simply a “nonstarter” unless t h e i n c u m b e n t administration mends its “corrupt” ways and in particular commence a structured distribution of the accumulated wealth from oil earnings.

Ramjattan argued that if the party did “good things”, the AFC would be tempted to join, but in the meantime, he does not see a partnership being formed.

The AFC Leader also registered his concerns over the more recent ‘Su-

“Oil resources don’t belong to any government or political party…it belongs to the people and future generations should benefit too” – Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Suriname President

the AFC said it met with the Leader of the Opposition to discuss the way forward.

In addition to Norton, present from the APNU side were Volda Lawrence and Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

On Monday, the two sides are expected to meet again. Ramjattan said he anticipates a “meaningful” agenda.

The tension between the APNU and AFC sparked when a member of

the AFC Charrandass Persaud turned against the Coalition and voted in favour of a No Confidence Motion that was filed against the then government in December 2018.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 62

Sunday July 10, 2022

Guyanese-born New York-based, Professor Seon Levius...

Prof. Levius delivers a TEDx Talk - Coaching Business on ‘Understanding Your Purpose.’

From page 39 from the GDF, he was able to pass his first industry professional certification examination.

Ultimately, Levius secured a job as System Administrator at Citizens Bank Guyana where he served until leaving the shores of Guyana in 2008.

As part of his duties, Levius led the information and communication technology portfolios for two Caribbean intergovernmental and multilateral agencies based in Barbados.

He recalled, “It was during this period I understood the meaning of the word resilience. More importantly, I understood how my early childhood experiences were shaping the person I was becoming.”

BUSINESS AND ACADEMIA During his tenure leading two Caribbean intergovernmental and multilateral agencies based in Barbados, Prof. Levius discovered that effective use of ICT can lead businesses to attain the intended return on investments. This understanding encouraged him to pursue a master’s in information systems management, a Doctor of Business Administration, and Executive Education at Harvard Business School.

H e explain

ed, “This was not enough as I discovered that many of the shortcomings in the Caribbean relating to entities not truly benefitting from their ICT investments were due to deficiencies in our regional Caribbean educational system.”

The Professor also emphasised the direct benefits of a correlation between business and academia.

He noted that for him merging business and academia was a natural fit. “I wanted to be part of the solution and so a career in academia as a professor where I could reach more people at their point of need seemed like a natural progression,” he added.

In 2017, Prof. Levius was invited by the Barbados ICT Professionals’ Association (BIPA) to deliver a presentation to answer the question, “Does an ICT Industry exist in Barbados and the Caribbean? He concluded that the nature of the current school system in many Caribbean countries stifles creativity because of an emphasis on standardised testing.

“I believe that schools should not only teach kids to be independent thinkers and problem solvers but should help them to s t i m u l a t e c r e a t i v i t y. T h e innovations in ICT activity or any perceived economic benefit can only be realised if we in the Caribbean and Guyana make radical changes to our education system; teaching our students how to use their imaginations,” Prof Levius shared.

INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE Today as a tenure track professor at the State University of New York at Potsdam, Prof. Levius uses that platform to inspire and encourage hundreds of students every year to live purpose-driven lives.

He said, “I teach in the Master of Science in management programme — the first fully online degree programme at SUNY Potsdam, pioneering the technology track where I focus on c y b e r s e c u r i t y, n e t w o r k architecture, network management, data management, and business process analysis.” He continued, “My work also allows me to work with students from other MBA programmes such as Clarkson University in New York where I focus on Human Resource Management.”

Speaking about the highlight of his career, Prof. Levius said thus far, it has really been the scores of students whose, lives have been changed forever because of his teaching approach. He said, “I receive dozens of success stories every month since I started teaching in 2017 from present and former students at all the educational institutions where I teach and use my unique approach.”

Levius also shared the philosophy behind his approach to teaching. He said that it is rooted in students answering five fundamental questions, i.e., “Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? Where am I from? and What can I do?”

The professor explained that exploring these five questions with students

allows him to help them establish their “why.” ”A strong “why” helps students keep their head in the game even when they feel like they can’t go any further, and it unleashes a fearless determination for them to win.

The idea of “coaching business can thus summarise my teaching philosophy,” he added. According to Levius, this approach was beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic as he was able to “lift the spirits of my students whenever they seemed broken and disillusioned. ‘It is the idea that every student already has within them gifts to unleash. But this can only be achieved through focus and hard work. One student wrote in the fall 2020 semester’,” he revealed GENERATION NEXT As if to confirm what he already knew, Prof. Levius’ recently concluded TEDx Talk generated rave reviews from a vast number of online viewers.

To this end, he told Kaieteur New’s magazine, The Waterfalls, that he is constantly motivated by the outpouring from students and ordinary people whose lives have been changed by the message of living a purpose-driven life. Prof Levius is quite intentional about his audience and those he shares his message to. He explained that he is often asked why he doesn’t move on to one of the Ivy League Universities and his reply is: “the folks there don’t need the message I was born to deliver.”

For this, his work has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, Prof. Levius was awarded the Thomas L. and Jane D. Russell Distance Education Faculty

E x c e l l e n c e Aw a r d f o r h i s pedagogy using inquiry-based learning.

In 2021, he was appointed SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador because of his teaching excellence, and this year he was nominated again for the Thomas L. and Jane D. Russell Distance Education Faculty Excellence Award.

Prof. Levius shared, “One of the keys to a successful life is balance. Even in your professional career or in pursuit of purpose, you must ask yourself: Why am I doing this? That should lead to a question of legacy.”

He noted “... I believe that relationships are our greatest resource. Everything that will come to us will come through a person. So, we must be careful how we treat people, even if we disagree with their theology.”

Given his open-minded approach to life, Prof Levius has been earmarked by the University of Cienfuegos in Cuba to speak at two religious conferences for two consecutive years. He noted that while his messages are not designed to be religious, he believes it is able to reach those steep in spirituality and those seeking to find a deeper level of human consciousness.

He explained that “it is the idea that we can reach a level where we can defy the gravitational pull of materialism and materiality and rise above identification with form that keeps the ego in place and condemns us to imprisonment within their own personality.”

Kaieteur News

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Govt. still 'refining' project scope as World Bank loan for 'cost oil' audit capacity...

From page 18 transfer knowledge and build long-term capacity to manage the oil and gas sector.”

The areas of focus would include, therefore, capacity b u i l d i n g t o m o n i t o r, regulate, and review, among other things, studies on reservoir engineering and geology which would provide the government “with independent thirdparty technical expertise needed to analyse estimates of Guyana's oil and gas resources.

Assess and conduct economic and fiscal modelling to help forecast

oil and gas revenues, support revenue administration and taxation, and evaluate options for future modifications to Guyana's oil and gas fiscal regime and support the cost audit of existing Production Sharing Agreements.”

On the legal end, this aspect of the project would also assist government in addressing upstream legal issues associated with oversight of the oil and gas resource.

At a cost of US$1million, another aspect of the B component aims to provide the critical hands on training.

It said, “To complement the

injection of immediate technical capacity that will be provided through B.1…, this sub-component will provide training to strategic staff of the main governmental agencies directly involved in oil and gas.” Other aspects of the component covering the total budget are data and environmental management.

Vice President Jagdeo had said during a press conference last year that the government was “very disappointed” that it was unable to push through with the critical audits covering over US$9B in expenditure for the Stabroek Block's Liza

Phase One and Two Projects.

He said, “We want to build the capacity in Guyana to do this audit.”

Apart from not using the World Bank loan to help build that local capacity, prominent accountant Christopher Ram had also chastised the Vice President for his “misleading and unfortunate” statement in lamenting the absence of local capacity to audit the costs reported by the oil companies.

He had said too that the government's statement was inconsistent with their advertisement for the related services since he said it seemed directed to “internationally recognised accounting and audit firms with extensive experience in…auditing petroleum costs under production sharing contracts and other petroleum agreements and its (sic) fiscal implications.

Were firms expected to lie about their status and capacity, or was it a condition of the World

Bank's US$20 million for a project which includes the audit?” he had questioned.

Guyana has nonetheless received a downgraded score from moderately satisfactory to moderately unsatisfactory on progress toward achieving the project development objective and the same was attained for the overall project implementation. The project's overall risk remained substantial.

The loan was approved by the World Bank on March 29, 2019 and is set to close on March 30, 2024. The government has said so far that it wants to “refine the scope of the project to bring it in line with current government priorities.”

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has been providing pro bono to Guyana, advice on areas where the country is losing money and needs to tighten up.

The agency in its writing indicated that the country's

failure to utilise the World Bank loan meant it was further exposing itself to losing money from the PSA. It argued that not only is Guyana receiving “too small a portion of the (oil) project revenue but also is at risk due to weak environmental and f i s c a l c o n t r a c t requirements.”

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who was APNU+AFC finance point man when the loan was taken, also questioned why the World Bank loan was not being utilised.

He questioned whether the loan was not being used because it was an initiative of the last government. He added, however, that if the government is refusing to use the loan then it should be returned to the Bank.

Last June, Jagdeo said that government was looking to complete its 1999-2017 cost audits in a matter of weeks. The 2018-2020 audits are expected to conclude by the third quarter.

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WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY TALKS WITH EXXON LIKE NEGOTIATINGWITH A SUPERPOWER PRESIDENTALI With talks of renegotiating the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the Guyana Government and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—currently a hot button topic, it would be poignant to note, talks with ExxonMobil is akin to negotiations with a superpower.

At least, this is the assertion of Guyana’s Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, who gave the position last week, as he outlined the course forward with regard the development of the country’s gas-to-energy initiative in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana.

He was at the time addressing Cabinet members, representatives of the business community, diplomatic representatives as well as Executives of the oil companies involved, namely ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Guyana Corporation and CNOOC. During his address, President Ali reflected on the recently concluded negotiations with the US Oil Major and told those in attendance, “let me be very clear this was no walk in the park, our partners are sitting here, negotiating with Exxon is like negotiating with a superpower state.”

As such, he was adamant while this was known, “don’t doubt our own capacity and the technical capability that we brought to this.”

Additionally, President Ali disclosed too that during the negotiations on the project that, “importantly the partners did not go to the table looking for an all-out victory, they went to the table looking to derive the best possible output for all the stakeholders and I congratulate them for this.”

Speaking to the results of the negotiations with ExxonMobil, the President used the occasion to publicly “thank all of our partners, I would like to thank the executives and team of Exxon, Hess, CNOOC” and in addition, the government members who worked tirelessly including Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and “his team for your collective demonstration of cooperation good faith and commitment with team work that got us to this point.”

Speaking to some of the benefits, arrived at through

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

the negotiations with ExxonMobil, the President in addition to highlighting that the talks ended where it began in terms of free gas to Guyana, spoke to savings to be derived.

To this end, he told those in attendance that with the gas project scheduled to have a contract inked by the last quarter in the year, the project will cost the nation over the course of its life between four and five US cents per kilowatt hour. The President is adamant that this figure, down from the previous seven US cents per kilowatt hour, includes the full repayment of the 12" pipeline that would be providing some 50 million standard cubic feet of Natural Gas daily to the onshore project.

According to the President, with electricity bills slashed in half, it would mean that $20B would immediately be saved through the initiative, which would mean an additional $20B in disposable income in the pockets of Guyanese.

Additionally, President Ali said with the new power plant in place, it would also mean an additional US$11M in monthly savings as a result of the savings to be had from purchasing less fuel for electricity generation.

As it relates to the other proposed facility, namely the NGL plant, President Ali noted that the industry generates some $10.1B in revenue.

As such, he noted that with the NGL plant being able to supply some 3,500 barrels daily, it would surpass the local demands which requires about just over 780 barrels.

With this in mind, the President said that not only would there be a $7B saving but with cooking gas presently retailing at $4,500 per 20-lb cylinder (and the price varies from place to place), the President said, with the NGL plant up and running, the administration would be able to provide its citizenry with cheaper cooking gas.

He did rule out the provision of free cooking gas to the public, since according to President Ali that would not be sustainable.

VIOLENT PROTESTS MUST BE CONFRONTED “ONCE AND FOR ALL” -COI CAN BRING OUT TRUTH AND HOLD PEOPLEACCOUNTABLE GLENN LALL In wake of last Tuesday’s chaotic protest along the East Coast Demerara, Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall is calling for a ‘once-and-for-all’ inquiry to investigate the causes of these frequent riots

and make concrete recommendations that will punish the perpetrators and instigators as well as help prevent such recurrences.

Last Tuesday a protest, which started out at Golden Grove demanding justice for Quindon Bacchus – the 23year-old youth who was gunned down by police three weeks ago – descended into chaos when some of the demonstrators marched along the East Coast Demerara public road, beating and harassing citizens. At Mon Repos, they robbed vendors, burned some of their vehicles and also assaulted passersby.

Their actions have been widely condemned, with President Irfaan Ali promising a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Already some 16 persons have been charged.

Lall, speaking on his weekly radio programme, The Glenn Lall Show, drew reference to the ongoing inquiry into Donald Trump’s behaviour following the United States’ elections and the storming of Capitol Hill.

“When you want to put an end to something once and for all, you have to go the length; you have to do whatever it takes to ensure that this never happens again.

COI is something very important in all parts of this world, a COI brings out the truth and hold people accountable, nobody must think that they could hide in their office or behind a computer, create mischief, chaos, mayhem and walk free,” Lall stated as he made the case for the inquiry. He said in Guyana, chaos, destruction of properties, robberies, arson, race hate and even murders have been going on for decades and no one is being held accountable, “because most of these atrocities are being orchestrated and directed by selfish and greedy political leaders, who benefit from dividing our people. “ Lall said politicians are the only ones who benefit when Guyanese fight among themselves. “What went on [last Tuesday] should have never happened, had the leaders initiated a COI on what took place in the past on the East Coast of Demerara, what happened yesterday (Tuesday) would have never taken place. When I heard about the protest, I was like yes, we are getting backing for the protest. I started to bring about a change to that one sided contract with the oil companies, but that wasn’t to be,” Lall lamented.

Denouncing, the attacks on the vendors at Mon Repos and Annandale, Lall said, “they didn’t kill that man, they had nothing to do with it, and

I want to make it clear that those who committed those criminal acts against those innocent people, must be held accountable. This lawlessness, this criminal behaviour has been going on for long and too often in this country, without people being held accountable or punished. We can’t be protesting for justice and at the same time have people joining in, to create more injustices towards our people…”

Inquiry Mr. Lall said the continuous “madness and criminal activities can only come to an end uncle, if President Ali and the Opposition call for a COI and punish those people for their actions. How can the leaders of this country stay quiet and don’t address this…”

Lall commended President Irfaan Ali for committing to ensuring justice for the Bacchus’ family as well as the robbery victims. He also said it was commendable that persons will be compensated, but questioned, “How do you correct, how do you fix the trauma, the horror, the feeling of helplessness of what those people went through? Can money repair the horror and trauma they went through? No Mr. President, No Mr. (Aubrey) Norton, no amount of money can correct what those people went through and have to live with.”

MONDAY INT’LLAWYER RUBBISHES GAS-TOSHORE PROJECT - SAYS PROJECT MAY BE ILLEGAL, RECOMMENDS INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY OPTIONS In 2015, the Government of Guyana revised its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), saying it will aggressively pursue renewable energy to power the national grid. However, seven years down the line, the country under a new government is pressing ahead with the use of natural gas in a bid to reduce its greenhouse house gas emissions.

However using gas instead of heavy fuel oil to generate electricity makes absolutely no sense according to Guyanese Environmental Lawyer, Melinda Janki.

Janki gave this view during a recent Moray House discussion on a review of oil, gas and the environment.

While appearing as a panelist,

International Environmental Lawyer, Melinda Janki alongside former head of the Environmental Protection Agency Dr. Vincent Adams, Janki explained that the government’s Gas to Energy project may be illegal.

She explained, “First of all I think it’s probably illegal because its contrary to the obligations that Guyana put into the Nationally Determined Contributions 2015 where Guyana actually said we will reduce our carbon emissions. If we start to use gas, you don’t reduce your carbon emissions (or) your greenhouse gas emissions.

Secondly, the cost of the pipeline is estimated at about I think it is US$900 million. We all know it’s going to be more than that (so) why would you do that?”

Further, the Lawyer reasoned that there is no study that shows the project would be economically viable. “There’s been a lot of demand to find out how does this work. The Government has not produced a business case for doing this pipeline…the World Bank carried out a study not so long ago and they came to the conclusion that there is little or no domestic market for gas in Guyana. So as far as we can tell there is no economic argument for doing this.”

As a consequence, Janki suggested that the government use the funds that would be used to develop the Gas to Energy project and instead convert the country to 100 percent renewable energy as it undertook to do in 2015.

The government in the 2015 Nationally Determined Contributions said “Guyana is committed to eliminating our near complete dependence on fossil fuels.

Given our solar, wind and hydropower potential and relatively small national demand, we believe that with adequate and timely financial support, Guyana can develop a 100 percent renewable power supply by 2025.”

The Environmental Lawyer shared that moving in this direction would be a safer option for the country, especially since it has proven potential for sustainable renewable energy. In fact, she made reference to a recent explosion at a Texas Gas Plant to highlight the dangers that Guyana can be exposed to with the multibillion US dollar venture being pursued with ExxonMobil.

Janki concluded, “Moving from heavy fuel oil to gas makes absolutely no sense.

Guyana has undertaken to move from heavy fuel oil to renewable energy and there is no reason whatsoever to go and use gas. There is no business case for that gas, there is no environmental argument for that gas.”

According to her, “Those arguments have to be made by the government of Guyana. They have to produce the information, they have to produce the studies and they have to be done by independent experts so the people of this country can decide for themselves whether they want to have fossil fuels or whether they want to go to renewable energy and that has not been done.”

In touting the feasibility of the Gas to Energy Project, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that the venture will slash electricity bills by 50 percent.

The Gas-to-Energy project will encompass three major aspects, that is, the pipeline to transport the gas to Wales; the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will treat and separate the gas and the power plant to generate the electricity. So far, Guyanese have been told that the pipeline aspect, which is being pursued by US oil major ExxonMobil, will cost around US$1.3 billion.

Even this is expected to increase when Exxon (Continued on page 65)

Sunday July 10, 2022

From page 64 closes critical contracts for same.

THREE COPS FACE CHARGES OVER KILLING OF QUINDON BACCHUS - PCA SUBMITS REPORTS WITH RECOMMENDATIONS TO DPP Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), Retired Judge, William Ramlall has recommended that three policemen be charged for the killing of Quindon Bacchus.

Bacchus was reportedly shot six times on June 10 by a Special Branch rank, Kristoff DeNobrega, during an alleged sting operation at Haslington on the East Coast Demerara (ECD). DeNobrega is currently under open-arrest and is confined to the police headquarters at Eve Leary.

In a statement signed by Ramlal and sent out to the press by the PCA, it was revealed that the probe into the death of Bacchus was completed and the findings reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) SC Shalimar Ali Hack. “I recommended to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that three members of the Police Force are to be charged. It is for the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine who is to be charged and what offences he/she/they is/ are to be charged for”, Ramlall was quoted as saying in the statement.

Police had initially reported that its rank had shot the 23-year-old Bacchus at Haslington, ECD during a sting operation. It was alleged that ranks had learnt that Bacchus had an illegal gun to sell.

Police alleged that arrangements were made for an undercover cop to purchase the gun from him.

The undercover cop allegedly showed up to do business but while Bacchus was allegedly handing over the weapon, someone reportedly blew his cover.

Police further alleged that after Bacchus realised that he was caught in a sting operation, he shot at the cop.

The policeman reportedly returned fire and Bacchus ran away and jumped into a yard where he shot at the rank again.

The policeman alleged that he took cover and fired back again and this time, Bacchus was struck to his body and he fell to the ground. An injured Bacchus was picked up and rushed to a hospital where he died while receiving treatment.

However, video footage has contradicted the police statement. The video footage

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President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi seen by this newspaper showed Bacchus running away from the policeman and appeared to have never fired any shot as was alleged.

According to reports, Bacchus was shot six times.

A post mortem conducted revealed that he died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Family members, accusing police of murdering the youth have been protesting daily.

Last week Tuesday the protest escalated, with residents of Golden Grove and nearby villages blocking sections of the East Coast Demerara roadway. The protest later descended into chaos resulting in persons being robbed at Mon Repos.

Later that evening police indiscriminately opened fire at Golden Grove Market square hitting innocent children and adults who were desperately trying to get home due to the blockade on the road. Police have not issued a statement to explain the reason for the shooting last Tuesday night.

TUESDAY SURINAME TO USE OIL MONEY TO FINANCE TRANSITION TO RENEWABLES PRESIDENT SANTOKHI Amid the global push towards renewable energy, Suriname is determined not to be left behind and its President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi last week stated that they will use the proceeds from their oil resources to fund the transition to renewables.

The Surinamese President made the remarks during his feature address at the opening ceremony of the Suriname Oil and Gas Energy Conference (SOGEC) which was held in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Santokhi underscored the role energy plays in all aspects of life and noted that while it

can be a tool to create a peaceful and sustainable economy, he sees energy as a resource that will fuel and lubricate societies to higher achievements.

To this end, he added that he also perceives energy as a fuel to transition into a green economy.

According to the Surinamese President, prior to the energy conference, he had announced the commencement of the solar power project, which will see the upgrade and expansion of Suriname’s electricity system.

The President then explained that exploitation of oil and gas in Suriname will be conducted in an environmentally friendly manner based on the international principles and standards.

“Furthermore, the income of oil and gas will be used to develop the transition into renewables and green energy,” he added. President Santokhi noted that Suriname is committed to transition into a green economy by utilising the revenues from oil and gas industry.

He explained that oil and gas cannot be an end in themselves, and it should be seen as a means to achieve higher goals for creating stable, prosperous and peaceful societies. “For this, the short-term benefit must come from long-term strategic boost and to end defining this future path, we must be both and ambitious. We must demonstrate trust in our capabilities,” the president added.

Moreover, President Santokhi noted that the oil and gas strategy of Suriname will be a part of its vision 2060 strategy. He then explained that soon he will commission the national commission vision 2060 which will develop a road map outlining where the country wants to be in 40 years and how it can be achieved.

In making other comments, the president highlighted that the countries must manage the new found oil and gas discoveries well and effectively to steer their economies to the next level of development.

President Santokhi further stated that while his country is committed to the goals adopted at the 2021 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference – his government have an obligation to the people to provide for a prosperous life which requires utilising all of their natural resources.

“This balancing act between economic development and environmental protection is a difficult one, one where the developed and rich countries did not need to make,” he added.

Moreover, the President highlighted that Suriname has 15.3 million hectares of forest covering approximately 94% of the country’s surface area.

He stated too that while Suriname function as a sink for carbon emissions and provide oxygen at no cost to the world, the people are not being compensated for their efforts and sacrifices to preserve the natural habitat. Kaieteur News had reported that the President said too “Our natural ecosystem including oil and gas is God-given so it cannot be claimed or owned by any government or any political party; it belongs to the people of the nation and they should benefit from the wealth that is being generated.”

GOVT. MUST CONDUCT EIA FOR NGL, POWER PLANT- FORMER EPA HEAD Oil major ExxonMobil has already conducted and submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its aspect of the Gas to Energy project, that is, the onshore and offshore pipelines to transport the natural gas from the Liza Fields in the Stabroek Block to Wales on the West Bank of Demerara, where the Government of Guyana will be constructing a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant as well as a Power Plant to generate electricity.

Upon the submission of that document, environmentalists and members of civil society objected to the EIA, arguing that the NGL and power plant were not included and must be considered as part of the US-billion dollar venture.

However, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the local subsidiary of Exxon, which will be pursuing the project, has said that the administration will be submitting a separate application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their part of

Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams the project. The oil company said that the regulator would then determine whether an EIA would be required.

However, government has moved to invite consultants to supervise the construction of the facilities it plans to establish at Wales, even without completing an environmental impact study, which according to the former Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams is another case of the government putting the cart before the horse.

Dr. Adams in an invited comment on Monday told Kaieteur News that an EIA is critical for the facilities, as this study would not only help to identify potential risks involved but would also highlight mitigated steps and response measures to be instituted in the event of an unfortunate event, such as an explosion at the site.

He said, “I would expect, especially for such a big operation, there will be some natural hazards. For example, you are going to have air emissions, you will have potential for explosions because you are going to be dealing with pressurised vessels. It’s going to be a chemical facility in a highly populated area so I would say it does demand an EIA…the capital city is right across and Region Three and Four is the highest populated. The EPA or the entire country, like the first responders such as the fire department, we have never had something like this in Guyana before in terms of the types of chemicals.”

The former EPA boss argued that first responders would need to know details of the operation to properly conduct their duties. In the EIA document submitted

by Exxon, the oil company made it clear “The Government of Guyana is pursuing a separate project to construct a power plant (the Power Plant) that would

use a portion of this associated natural gas as a fuel source…the Power Plant will not be owned and operated by EEPGL and is being proposed by a separate proponent under a separate Environmental Authorisation process. The Power Plant thus is not included in the Project within the EIA (with the exception that the Power Plant is considered as part of the cumulative impact assessment).”

To this end, Dr. Adams pointed out that such a project is new to the country and the EPA has no experience in handling anything of this nature.

According to him, “I believe that the only reason why they are rushing these things in terms of not doing an EIA and going ahead with an EMP (Environmental Management Plan) is because of the pressure to get it done quickly.”

WEDNESDAY WITHOUT RENEGOTIATION EXXON CONTRACT TIES GUYANATO MEAGRE SHARE UNTIL OIL IS EXHAUSTED PROF. HUNTE The production sharing agreement with ExxonMobil Guyana and its provisions as is, will ensure that Guyana continues to receive the 14.5 percent take from its oil reserves in the Stabroek Block until those oil reserves have been exhausted.

This is the conclusion of former Guyanese plenipotentiary representative, Professor Cyril Kenrick Hunte, who in repudiating arguments that in time, the 75 percent cost recovery being deducted for Exploration and other costs such as the initial capital layout would be reduced thereby increasing the share due to the country.

Professor Hunte is the former High Commissioner of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the Republic of South Africa and is also the Non-Resident (Continued on page 66)

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From page 65 High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia, and Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe.

He is a full Professor of Economics (on leave) from the Department of Economics at Howard University, Washington, D.C., where he was Director of Graduate Studies in the Department.

Professor Hunte was also an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University, Bowie State University, and a Lecturer at the University of Guyana and also holds a PhD in Economics from the Ohio State University, USA. He has also published numerous scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and letters to the editors on various issues; as well as participated in radio and television discussion programmes; and conducted consultancies in India and the Caribbean for the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization. In Guyana, he was the Chief Executive Officer/Director of the Guyana Development Bank (GAIBANK) According to Professor Hunte, 14.5 percent of revenue is written in the contract and increasing the number of wells explored – which may result in an increase in production – will not change the contractual 14.5 percent.

In fact, Professor Hunte argues that what will instead obtain is that it will shorten the number of years required to exhaust the oil reserves in that hole.

As a result, “if the government had agreed to a tax-exempt status for 20 years and all the oil is extracted in 10 years, there will be no taxes for Guyana” and quips, “we had this experience before with other non-renewable resources and we should not repeat it again.”

Using the financial data already in the public domain with regards EEPGL, Professor Hunte illustrates that by dividing EEPGL’s share of 88.5 percent by Guyana’s share of 14.5 percent, “this yields 5.8966 which can be transformed into an equation: EEPGL Barrels of Oil = 5.8966 (Guyana Barrels of Oil).”

This sharing model between EEPGL and Guyana, he said, “implies that every time Guyana receives one barrel of oil, EEPGL receives 5.8966 barrels of oil.”

According to Professor Hunte, “since Guyana is the sole owner of the resource, this is the identified inequity; and it is based on the parametres in the contract: 14.5 percent for Guyana and

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Kaieteur News

Rooftop [World Bank photo]

the rest to EEPGL.” He outlined that “my primary objective for this industry is for Guyana to receive a fair share of the oil produced; and the business model employed must be consistent with protecting the environment.”

To this end, he noted that additionally there needs to be a building and maintaining of a transparent system that monitors exploration, investment, employment, daily production, marketing and hiring the best and brightest, regardless of their political affiliations, “this is the hill we must climb.”

This past month, Kaieteur News reported that EEPGL for the first time last year, recorded a profit in Guyana since it began work in the Stabroek Block in 1999.

EEPGL the operator of the Stabroek Block with a 45 percent interest, reported revenue for the year at $254B reflecting higher production volumes and a stronger price environment versus 2020.

In its Statement of Financial Position, at year-end 2021, EEPGL said its assets totalled $1.3 trillion, an increase of 30 percent versus the prior year mostly reflecting substantial incremental investments in the Stabroek Block.

EEPGL’s Vice President and Business Services Manager, Phillip Rietema at the time told media operatives that the performance of the company underscores the years of investments required before pay off.

The VP said, “Our total investments to date total $1.3 trillion, and with our partners it is over $3 trillion. With the plans we have in place out to 2025 will take investments north of $6 trillion. We will continue to invest greater than the returns we receive and we will continue to do so for many years.”

To date, EEPGL and its coventure partners, Hess Corporation and CNNOC Group, currently have four sanctioned developments on the Stabroek Block.

The Liza Phase 1 development, which began production in December 2019

utilising the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) with a production capacity of approximately 120,000 gross barrels of oil per day, recently completed production optimisation work that expanded its production capacity to more than 140,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The Liza Phase 2 development, utilising the Liza Unity FPSO, began production in February 2022 and is expected to reach its production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day by the third quarter.

The third development at Payara is ahead of schedule and is now expected to come online in late 2023 utilising the Prosperity FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The fourth development, Yellowtail, is expected to come online in 2025, utilising the ONE GUYANA FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

At least six FPSOs with a production capacity of more than one million gross barrels of oil per day are expected to be online on the Stabroek Block in 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop gross discovered recoverable resources.

INDIA SPENDS US$165M TO INSTALL 450MW OF SOLAR POWER - WHILE GUYANA PURSUES LESS ELECTRICITY FOR BILLIONS MORE The World Bank has recently approved US$165 million in additional financing to accelerate the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) units on rooftops in India by residential consumers by making it more affordable.

The money will directly finance 450 megawatts (MW) of residential rooftop solar capacity and the initiative is expected to

reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 13.9 million tons.

This works out to about US$376,000 per megawatt.

Guyana on the other hand is racing ahead with a gas-toenergy project that will supply the grid with some 250MW with a speculated cost of over a billion US dollars and a 175 MW hydro plant at Amaila Falls, pegged also at in excess of a billon US dollars in its previous iteration.

The financing from the bank for India’s project includes a US$150 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and US$15 million from the IBRD Fund for Innovative Global Public Goods Solutions.

Hideki Mori, the World Bank’s Acting Country Director for India, said, “this additional financing will increase India’s installed capacity of grid-connected rooftop solar and help India towards its goal of sourcing 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.”

According to a Mercom India report, the funding programme will provide concessional financing to developers and residential consumers and mobilise additional private capital to the tune of US$71 million, in addition to the US$151.61 million that has been mobilised so far. With this lending, users can generate clean, reliable energy for their use and free surplus electricity into the national grid.

“The programme will help make rooftop solar affordable to residential consumers and catalyse a market with significant potential,” said Amit Jain and Mani Khurana, task team leaders of the project.

The financing will also support distribution companies in identifying groups of residential customers, optimal locations to install the rooftop solar and battery energy storage systems, and appropriate business practices that will help the utilities.

The World Bank reported that over 200 million people in India do not have access to electricity, and those who do, continue to face frequent disruptions. Power shortages also affect economic output, with many industries and manufacturers relying on expensive and polluting diesel generators for back-up power supply. As such, installing solar PV units on rooftops would be a cleaner and cheaper energy solution for these consumers.

The bank has been supporting the Government of India’s programe to generate electricity from rooftop solar since 2017 with the financing of US$648 million for rooftop solar for commercial and industrial establishments.

India added 456 MW of rooftop solar capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2022, this is a 34 percent year-over-year growth compared to 341 MW registered in the same period in 2021. Notably, in a quarterover-quarter comparison, installations were up by 13 percent, compared to the 402 MW installed in Q4 2021.

Notwithstanding the global push towards renewable energy, Guyana’s Vice President, has stated that solar is simply too expensive for Guyana. During one of his press conferences in June, Jagdeo, who was one of six persons back in 2010 to receive the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champion of the Earth, claimed that the generation of power in Guyana through renewable options such as solar, wind and even hydro is “very, very expensive” when compared to the highly touted Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project which is currently being touted over US$1.3B. While Jagdeo claimed that renewable alternatives are too expensive for Guyana, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, a few weeks ago underscored the urgent need for the region to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

His comment comes even as the world is pushing to transition towards renewable energy. Kaieteur News had reported that taking its lead from Germany, the European Union (EU) has signalled its intention to embrace renewable energy much faster than was planned, a direct result of the war being waged between Russian and Ukraine. Russia provides much of Europe with its Natural Gas. As such, the EU is now looking in the interim to make its purchases from other sources, such as Israel but even those supplies would

not be adequate leading to the now stated position of accelerating its push towards renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and hydro, among other forms of new clean energy technology being developed.

To this end, the EU, Israel and Egypt have signed a tripartite natural gas export deal as the bloc seeks to diversify away from Russian energy. The deal, finalised at the East Mediterranean regional energy conference in Cairo, will allow “significant” exports of Israeli gas to Europe for the first time, the Israeli energy ministry said.

Moreover, earlier this year, the Government of Barbados inked a deal that in the near future will see the country realising some 178 MW of electricity using hydrogen and solar energy at a cost of some US$100M, while in Ethiopia, that country will soon realise 6,500 MW of hydro power electricity at a cost of just over US$600,000 per MW. With the world on a pathway towards reducing carbon emissions as a result of burning fossil fuels primarily for electricity generation and transportation, Barbados is now leading the Caribbean region with the announcement that it will soon be building the largest clean hybrid power plant in the Caribbean, producing base load power for 16,000 Barbadian households from solar and locally produced green hydrogen.

THURSDAY STABROEK BLOCK REVENUES FOR 20202021 PEGGED AT $740.7B - EARNINGS MORE THAN GUYANA’S NATIONAL BUDGETS FOR SAME PERIOD ExxonMobil and its Stabroek Block partners in its first two years of full production generated a whopping $740,794,403,781 in revenue from the sale of crude netting more than this country’s National Budget during the same time.

This is according to the Financial Statements for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEGPL)— ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited for 2020 and 2021, the first two years of oil production.

Guyana as a country, presented in 2020 a National Budget at some $330B while the following year, 2021 the National Estimates were presented at $383B. According to the (Continued on page 67)

Sunday July 10, 2022

From page 66 records of the financial companies, between the three, total revenue from the sale of crude oil in 2020, the first full year of oil production in the Stabroek Block amounted to some $176,088,268,971.

By the following year however, this had jumped to $564,706,134,810 in revenue generated between the three.

As such, it would mean for the two years, the entities would have sold some $740,794,403,781. The total allocations for the two years for spending by the entire country was $713B, or about $28B more, meaning the single oil operation in the Stabroek Block in the course of its first two years of oil production generated more money than the entire country budgeted to spend in two years.

The country during that time earned $121B in the two years from its share of profits and royalty had as its share from its producing oil blocks.

According to the records, for 2020, EEGPL reported revenues at $75,429,685,670 for its 45 percent share in the oil block.

Hess in its financial records filed with the Deeds and Commercial Registry indicated that for that year $59,239,583,301 was had from the sale of its share of crude while CNOOC Petroleum Limited reported $41,419,000,000 in revenue.

The following year, EEPGL reported a jump in revenues had, realising $254,117,760,666 for its 45 percent interest. It would mean that Hess Guyana Limited realised $169,411,840,444 for its 30 percent interest in the Stabroek Block, while CNOOC Petroleum would have accounted for about $141,176,533,700 brining that year ’s total revenue to $564,706,134,810.

EEPGL on its financial statements recently had noted that 2020 was the first time the company earned a profit of some $132B having deducted its overhead expenses from the 254B in revenues that year as dictated by the Production Sharing Agreement signed between the government and the companies in 2016.

Overall expenses in the Stabroek Block were up in 2021 versus 2020 mostly due to increased production costs and higher depreciation, both of which were driven by increased oil production. In its Statement of Financial Position, at yearend 2021, assets totaled $1.3trillion, an increase of 30 percent versus prior year mostly reflecting substantial incremental investments in the Stabroek Block. EEPGL’s

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Vice President and Business Services Manager, Phillip Rietema at the time related to media operatives that the performance of the company underscores the years of investments required before pay off. The VP said, “Our total investments to date total $1.3Trillion, and with our partners it is over $3Trillion.

With the plans we have in place out to 2025 will take investments north of $6T. We continue to invest greater than the returns we receive and we will continue to do so for many years.”

To date, EEPGL and its coventure partners, Hess Corporation and CNNOC Group, currently have four sanctioned developments on the Stabroek Block.

The Liza Phase 1 development, which began production in December 2019 utilising the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) with a production capacity of approximately 120,000 gross barrels of oil per day, recently completed production optimisation work that expanded its production capacity to more than 140,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The Liza Phase 2 development, utilising the Liza Unity FPSO, began production in February 2022 and is expected to reach its production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day by the third quarter.

FAILURE TO UTILISE WORLD BANK LOAN FURTHER EXPOSES GUYANATO EXXON EXPLOITATION - IEEFA Guyana’s downgraded performance on the World Bank Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project (GPRGMP) loan is another indicator of how financially exposed the country remains when it comes to effectively protecting and managing the oil sector.

Given that the country’s institutional capacity, building priorities seem not to be moving apace with oil resource development, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has reiterated the grim financial and environmental position Guyana further faces by not utilising the 2019 loan.

The IEEFA has argued that not only is Guyana

receiving “too small a portion of the (oil) project revenue but also is at risk due to weak environmental and fiscal contract requirements.” The agency said that given the haste to move forward with drilling, the government and the oil companies have left Guyana and its people exposed to a series of pollution and financial risks.

It was explained that one of the most important fiscal issues facing Guyana is determining if the oil companies are complying with the oil contract. Careful scrutiny of paperwork submitted with each oil lift and profit statement is important to make sure Guyana is protected.

However, the World Bank review makes it clear that the government of Guyana does not have the right protections in place.

Recognising also that other solicitations for services to upgrade environmental monitoring and oversight were apparently dropped, the IEEFA opined that if Guyana had awarded and implemented the contracts, “it could have avoided a recent embarrassing judicial ruling that found the government broke the law by giving ExxonMobil a 20-year permit when the law only allowed for the award of a five-year permit.”

The IEEFA said that the World Bank makes grants to help countries work in good faith to provide a stable, predictable economic environment. And given Guyana’s own situation, it could learn from the experiences of other countries that work with international oil companies. “For many countries, the significant benefits from the venture turned into major scandals.

Some combination of poor fiscal planning, lax environmental enforcement or undisciplined money management and spending usually spell trouble, either in the form of tragic environmental accidents or money ending up in the wrong pockets.”

The IEEFA stated nonetheless that the benefits from the World Bank grant program have yet to be demonstrated.

“Oil companies and their project partners often object to environmental and fiscal rules because they take time—and in the oil business, time is

money.”

As such, ExxonMobil and its partners want to move quickly and given the recent turns of the oil market, more volume extracted at today’s extraordinarily high prices is a strong reason to move quickly.

IEEFA said that over the long term, ExxonMobil has seen revenues drop over the last decade as oil’s market position has been eroded by competition, and several ExxonMobil projects in Canada, Russia in 2018 and again in 2022, and the United States have come up short.

The government of Guyana is similarly in a hurry, because the demand for oil may dry up before the wells.

The World Bank’s expression of concern is nonetheless a warning that unbridled speed of oil development poses risks, the IEEFA posited. They said that the companies have paid more than USD$700 million to Guyana for its share of profit oil and royalties, “yet Guyana has released no audit assuring the public that it has been paid the right amount.

The public also does not know how costs have been applied to the project.” In the meantime, flaring pollution and other risks continue.

“When a country makes a promise to reach for higher ethical standards and then walks back on the deal, it is worth asking a few questions,” the IEEFA stated.

FRIDAY PAYING EXXON’S TAXES COSTS GUYANA MORE THAN THE ROYALTY IT COLLECTS …COLLECTED US$21.2M IN FIRST YEAR, PAYS US$27.5M TO GRA FOR OIL COMPANIES Guyana under the production sharing agreement with ExxonMobil Guyana agreed to pay among other things, the income taxes to be paid by the oil companies and as such in the first full year of production, accumulated payments to the Guyana Revenue Authority on behalf of those companies amounted to $5,751,060,980 or about US$27,552,901.83.

The country in 2020 collected some US$184.9Million in profit and US$21.2Million in royalty for a total of US$206M. As such, it would mean that government agreed to

Jordan wants government to give back the US$20M loan if they wish not to use the sums pay to the GRA, more money than it received in royalty payments for that year to be turned over to the tax authority representing payments made on behalf of the oil companies. According to the Financial Statements filed, Hess Corporation listed as its Income Tax expense, some $G1,725,318,294 or US$8.3M for its 30 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

As such, it would bring the total amount owed to GRA to be G$5.7B or about US$21.2M meaning ExxonMobil’s 45 percent interest would rack up payments of some G$2,587,977,441 or US$ 12.4M and CNOOC petroleum Guyana Limited G$1,437,765,245 or US$6.9M on its 25 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Under the PSA at Clause 15.4 (a) it stipulates that the Minster of Natural Resources agrees that a sum equivalent to the tax assessed to be paid by the Minister to the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on behalf of the contractor—ExxonMobil Guyana – and that the amount of such sum will be considered income of the contractor.

Additionally, at 15.4 (b) the Minister also agrees that the appropriate portion of the Government’s share of profit oil delivered, shall be accepted as payment in full for the contractor’s share of Income Tax and Corporation Tax—levies owed to the GRA. This year, Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has predicted that Guyana will be collecting some US$957M this year—US$857 being profit and US$100M being royalty. ExxonMobil partner in the Stabroek Block, John Hess, Chief Executive Officer

of Hess Corporation recently pegged earnings from the oil block this year to be some US$2.6B for its 30 percent stake in the operations.

The Stabroek Block is currently being developed by two Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)—the Liza Destiny and Unity and the Liza I and II developments—and collectively the oil companies are set to rake in just under US$9B. The Liza Phase I development, which began Volodímir Zelenski production in December 2019 utilising the Liza Destiny FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 120,000 gross barrels of oil per day, recently completed production optimisation work that expanded its production capacity to more than 140,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The Liza Phase II development, utilising the Liza Unity FPSO, began production in February 2022 and is expected to reach its production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day by the third quarter. The third development at Payara is ahead of schedule and now expected to come online in late 2023, utilising the Prosperity FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The fourth development, Yellowtail, is expected to come online in 2025, utilising the ONE GUYANA FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil per day. At least six FPSOs with a production capacity of more than one million gross barrels of oil per day are expected to be online on the Stabroek Block in 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop (Continued on page 68)

PAGE 68

From page 67 gross discovered recoverable resources. Guyana’s Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

EXXON’S HOME STATE REAPS RECORD OIL TAX REVENUES ...AS GUYANA LOSES OUT BYAGREEING TO PAY COMPANIES’TAXES Record high oil prices have seen operators chasing a speeding bullet to capitalise on returns. But the current situation could leave the country’s already vulnerable oil industry even more exposed, former Finance Minister Winston Jordan has opined.

Jordan is concerned that the higher prices have encouraged oil companies to increase production, while earning more money from its sale of the resource. The problem however, is that Guyana is not on par with the accelerated pace because it does not have the in-house expertise to monitor the sector and to ensure that the bills coming in from the operators are legitimate.

ExxonMobil and its partners have expressed satisfaction in its local investment ahead of climbing inflation rates that are at this point, a major hindrance to developing and thus increasing resource production to balance out oil prices. This means that Exxon and its partners’ returns from their investment in the Liza 1 and 2 wells is significantly higher than the sums the companies would have pumped into the project. To further capitalise on the high prices, the companies are drilling more and are expected to bring on stream new floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) every year, possibly until the 11billion barrel ‘line of sight’ oil is covered by the estimated 10 FPSOs. “For us, that 75 percent recoverable investment is coming to the oil companies faster than they would have expected while Guyana does not have the personnel in place to examine and check for the legitimate cost,” the former finance minister explained. Jordan told the newspaper that what is also of concern is the country’s inability to ensure that other cost, for example, from other investments, are not

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Kaieteur News

appropriated to the faster 75 percent payback, “given the open nature of the contract.”

Jordan was referring to among other things, the lack of ring-fencing in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement where revenue from one project is not protected from being utilised in another. With the country’s dismal capacity in securing the oil industry, the former minister is adamant that the country may never draw down on the bigger profits that would be slated for Guyana in the future if certain measures are not put in place.

To amplify his point, the former finance minister argued that the folly situation existing is that almost four years after first oil, “Guyana is still to have personnel in crucial areas of oversight.

Right now,” Jordan continued, “we rely heavily on Exxon to tell us what we want to know.” He suggested however that Exxon would do no such thing as it obviously would operate in its best interest.

Given the dire situation, Jordan thus questioned the government’s purpose for shunning the 2019 US$20M World Bank loan that was meant to enhance the local legal and institutional frameworks and strengthen the capacity of key institutions to manage the oil and gas sector. “I don’t know why they have not used the loan. They have not hired the requisite personnel,” Jordan charged. He said that with the right people in place, Guyana could recover tremendously more mo n e y s i n c e t h e technical and forensic personnel would be looking out for the c o u n t r y ’s a ff a i r s . T h e openness of Guyana’s PSA is a real worry for the country, he emphasised.

The lack of ring-fencing, the need for specialized personnel is among the troubling areas to be a d d r e s s e d . “ A n d t h a t ’s where we should be really concerned,” the former minister opined.

In March, Guyana received a downgraded score on the performance of the World Bank Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project (GPRGMP) loan as three years after the former David Granger led administration secured the loan the new administration is yet to utilize the money for the important task of building local oil and gas sector capacity. The Irfaan Ali led administration has instead highlighted their intension to “refine the scope of the project to bring it in line with

current government priorities.” Those priorities are still be revealed by the government. In the meantime, Guyana remains overexposed to oil company exploitation, some oil and gas experts have warned.

Guyana moved from ‘Moderately satisfactory’ to ‘Moderately Unsatisfactory’ with around 24 percent of the total credit disbursed and no disbursement requests received from the Bank since October 2020. As late as December 2021, the World Bank said that government highlighted its intention to “refine” the loan. The US$20M project has four components: Component A – Enhancement of Legal Framework and Stakeholder Engagement: (US$3.20 M), Component B – Capacity Building of Key Institutions: (US $10.70 M), Component C– Enhancement of Fiscal Management Systems: (US$3.50 M), and Component – D. Project Management & Project Preparation Facilities: (Cost $2.60 M). The Bank said it remains on standby awaiting any guidance from the Guyana government.

SATURDAY EXXON’S HOME STATE REAPS RECORD OIL TAX REVENUES ...AS GUYANA LOSES OUT BYAGREEING TO PAY COMPANIES’TAXES The world in recent weeks have been experiencing record high oil prices which has in turn led to those taking taxes from oil companies to register record high tax revenues a far cry from the state of affairs in Guyana.

According to reports, ExxonMobil home state in the US, among the highest earners in the Texas oil and natural gas industry, continues to pay the lion’s share.

The industry is not only leading the U.S. in oil and natural gas production, it also continues to break records in the amount of taxes it pays and the number of jobs it creates.

In June, the state collected the highest amount of monthly remittances from the Texas oil and gas industry in history, according to a new report published by the state comptroller’s office.

June’s remittances alone – a total of US$1.12 billion – were greater than the average annual revenue from oil and natural gas production taxes at US$1.01 billion just a few decades ago.

Texas oil producers remitted US$679 million in June, the highest monthly collection on record, up 87 percent from June 2021.

The majority of sales tax revenue remitted to the comptroller’s office is based on taxes paid during the previous month. June’s report covers May sales tax totals; May’s report covers April’s sales tax totals.

“All Texans benefit from a robust oil and natural gas industry that provides hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and pays billions towards our state’s economy, essential services and public education whether you live in the oil patch or not,” Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, said.

According to Staples, “these historic job and tax revenue numbers continue to signal the resiliency of our industry, which is committed to meeting our energy needs, fortifying our national security, and achieving continued environmental progress.”

June broke May’s previous record high.

Oil producers paid US$595 million in taxes in April, according to May data: natural gas producers paid US$413 million, the highest monthly collections on record until they paid more the next month.

The May numbers represented a record 64 percent increase remitted by oil producers and 216 percent by natural gas producers compared to the same time period a year ago.

“Despite President [Joe] Biden’s delusional desire to transition away from fossil fuels, Comptroller Hegar’s announcement reinforces the fact that oil and gas literally fuels every facet of our lives from energy to food and beyond,” Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian said.

In Guyana, however, where daily oil production is now in excess of 200,000 barrels per day, under the Production Sharing Agreement with ExxonMobil Guyana and their partners for the Stabroek Block, the country agreed to take on that responsibility.

Under the arrangement, it would mean that Guyana is in fact losing out on the taxes being had by others, since by agreeing to pay the oil companies tax, this is essentially foregone revenue.

In fact, in the first year of oil production in Guyana, the country in fact agreed to take on responsibility for taxes more than what it collected in royalty that year.

According to recent financial statements filed by the domestic

Recent financial statements filed by the domestic subsidiaries for US parent companies subsidiaries for US parent companies—Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, the income taxes to be paid by the oil companies in the first full year of production, accumulated payments of $5,751,060,980 or about US$27,552,901.83.

The country in 2020 collected some US$184.9 million in profit and US$21.2 million in royalty for a total of US$206 million.

As such, it would mean that government agreed to pay to the Guyana Revenue Authority, more money than it received in royalty payments for that year representing payments made on behalf of the oil companies.

Guyana under the PSA pays that amount out of its share of oil had.

According to the Financial Statements filed, Hess Corporation listed as its Income Tax expense, some $G1,725,318,294 or US$8.3 million for its 30 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

As such, it would bring the total amount owed to GRA to be G$5.7B or about US$21.2M meaning ExxonMobil’s 45 percent interest would rack up payments of some G$2,587,977,441 or US$12.4M and CNOOC petroleum Guyana Limited G$1,437,765,245 or US$6.9 million on its 25 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Under the PSA at Clause 15.4, (a) it stipulates that the Minster of Natural Resources agrees that a sum equivalent to the tax assessed to be paid by the Minister to the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on behalf of the contractor—ExxonMobil Guyana – and that the amount of such sum will be considered income of the contractor.

Additionally, at 15.4 (b) the Minister also agrees that the appropriate portion of the

Government’s share of profit oil delivered, shall be accepted as payment in full for the contractor’s share of Income Tax and Corporation Tax—levies owed to the GRA. The Stabroek Block is currently being developed by two Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)—the Liza Destiny and Unity and the Liza I and II developments—and collectively the oil companies are set to rake in just under US$9B. The Liza Phase I development, which began production in December 2019 using the Liza Destiny FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 120,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

Recently completed production optimisation work expanded its production capacity to more than 140,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The second development, Liza Phase II, utilises the Liza Unity FPSO, which began production in February last and is expected to reach its production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day by the third quarter.

A third development is expected to come online in late 2023, utilising the Prosperity FPSO followed by the Yellowtail field, expected to come online in 2025 with the ONE GUYANA FPSO. At least six FPSOs with a production capacity of more than one million gross barrels of oil per day are expected to be online on the Stabroek Block in 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop gross discovered recoverable resources.

Guyana’s Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Block.

Hess 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

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$244M estimated to enhance between Sheriff and Owen Streets The Ministry of Public Works would soon commence enhancement works along the railway embankment road between Sheriff and Owen Streets.

The project, which opened on Thursday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, is estimated to cost some $244,200,300,

Ministry of Public Works Lot 1: Enhancement works along railway embankment road from Sheriff to Middleton Street; Lot 2: enhancement works along railway embankment road from Middleton Street to Station Street; and Lot 3: enhancement works along railway embankment road from Station Street to Owen Street.

according to the engineer’s estimate.

The Ministry’s project, which 13 contractors are vying to execute, would see along the embankment road from Sheriff Street to Middleton Street being enhanced, then from Middleton to Station Street, and then from Station Street to Owen Street.

The Ministry is also

looking to rehabilitate roads at Windsor Forest, Lake Mainstay and Capoey Lake for an estimated cost of $552 million.

As reported, from this year’s budget, some $15.2 billion was allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of urban and community roads across the country.

Below are the companies and their bids:

Rehabilitation of bridges 2022- Lot 5: construction of 2nd bridge, Chateau Margot Region Four; Lot 6: construction of new structure at Friendship/Craig; Lot 7: construction of main road bridge, Burma, Region Five; and Lot 8: construction of bridge at New Forest, Region Six

Construction services for failed concrete culvert at Soesdyke Public Road

Miscellaneous roads 2022 (Phase 9) - Lots 245: rehabilitation/construction of 6th Street, Windsor Forest, Region Three; Lot 246: rehabilitation/construction of Capoey Lake entrance, Region Two; and Lot 247: rehabilitation/construction of Lake Mainstay/ETI road, Region Two

(Continued on page 72)

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Kaieteur News

Fishermen fear more harm to industry...

From page 41 Incorporated as the Guyanese investors. They have partnered with Jan de Nul Group, a Belgian engineering and construction firm.

Bulkan said, that a MARAD Notice to Mariners

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‘Restart with Art...’

From page 60 that small business owners are important contributors to our society.

“Young entrepreneurs bring innovative and creative skills and ideas to society and also to the market in general,” she

VACANCY

Tian Tian Hotpot Chinese Restaurant - 2 Waitresses, 2 Kitchen Assistants. Call:6722222/645-5888. Next to Chinese Embassy. Track 'C' One Sale Girl for snackette. Mandela Ave. Durban Must be able to assist with Backlands, G/town. cooking. Age 22-45. Call: 695- Driver must be able to assist 6401. in workshop at Eccles,age 23Farm workers in Timehri. 50 car/van licence. Call:642Tel:617-2032/617-2047. 9823.

Lorry Driver - 34 Tubuka Experienced crew (jet,maroc Road Meadowbrook Gardens. & pit men) wanted for min- Call: 664-2172/611-3922. ing operation. Call: 697-2533.

2 female Bartenders able to work flexible hours. Apply at August Beverage Ice house.

27 Norton Street.

Labourer $4,000 daily, skilled labourer $6,000 daily, maid wanted $3,500 daily. Call: 682-5230/615-4414

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Math, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to techserigy @yahoo.com.

Moulder/CNC Operators, Joiners,Finishers& Labourers. Email CV to shivrattanmoulding@gmail.com/ Call: (592)220-2736.

on June 28 defined a sea area of 119 square kilometres offshore from Plantation Best where the biggest of the oil field shore bases is being constructed with deepdredging activities expected up to year end. The clear

added.

She believes that to boost businesses locally, more small business exhibitions can be held, and more advertising can be done by the government, both at the local and regional levels, to give businesses that needed exposure.

If you are interested in customised art work, you can message Lovell via Instagram @restartwithart or checkout her pieces at Safe Space in the capital city.

intention, she said, is to allow much larger ships to navigate the Demerara Ship Channel into the Georgetown Harbour, but the area defined for dredging crosses traditional fishing grounds of the artisanal fishermen. She sought to make a case on behalf of the small operators who she believes may very well be unaware of severe disruption the activities could bring to their business.

Another notice on July 1 revealed that dredging had commenced. “By its nature, dredging disturbs the natural environment and, here, affects the livelihoods of fishermen. Fishers have both legal and customary rights to their traditional fishing grounds. I cannot find any call by the Environmental Protection Agency to demand an Environmental Impact Assessment,” Bulkan

remarked. She continued that government and its oil partners have approved “breakneck” speed in developing oil and gas but said that there “is no national conversation on the negative externalities of this reckless pace of extraction which are and will be borne, now and into the future, by Guyanese and the non-human life forms with whom we share our territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone.

She reiterated her call for an explanation on the unavailability of the EIA and called for the protection of the legal and customary rights of fishers to their traditional fishing grounds.

The Vreed-en-Hoop shore base is expected to service Exxon’s US$10B Yellowtail project, the largest of Guyana’s oil operations so far.

Sunday July 10, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Barbados AG addresses spike in gun crimes CMC - The Barbados government Friday said the island has not “descended into a state of chaos” dismissing comparisons to it being described as the “a wild, wild west” following a spate of killings over the past week.

Attorney General Dale Marshall, speaking at a news conference, acknowledged that there has been “a sharp increase in numbers over a short period of time,” adding that “the situation of gun crime did not develop overnight.

“There are no three-point plans, and there are no immediate solutions to turn this thing around. It requires a steady hand, it requires a long term commitment,” he said, adding that for those individuals who believe that there would be an “immediate elimination that is far from the case”.

“He told reporters that the country has experienced a spike in a number of firearm events or incidents over a few weeks, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries.

“Other incidents not connected to the use of firearms but also resulting in the loss of life have also occurred. These are all tragic circumstances and acutely felt in a small country such as ours….,” Marshall told

reporters. On Thursday, in the latest incident, a 47-year-old man was shot and killed and five others injured and on Wednesday, a man was stabbed and ran to the Central Police Station where he collapsed.

“This is not an indication that Barbados has descended into a state of chaos or outright lawlessness. We have dealt with spikes in crime before and effectively so,” Marshall said, announcing a new security strategy designed to stop a “worrying” influx of illegal guns into the country.

He said that part of the strategy is to deal with the countries from where these weapons are coming, adding “we have settled on an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with certain specialised United States agencies to do a number of things which will assist in our mutual ability to deal with the illegal trafficking of firearms.

“We are intent that we are put in a position that we are better able to deal with those things in a cross border way.

We are also going to be, as a result of that MOU, looking at increased training of our Customs officers,” Marshall said, noting that the authorities are aware of the resourcefulness of the criminal element who are able

Attorney General Dale Marshall.

(Photo: Barbados Advocate) to disassemble the guns and ship them in multiple ways.

He said local authorities will be equipping the border security officials to be able to identify those methods and act on them.

“What is important to us is to make sure that our officers, our border protection agencies are fully able to spot them when they see them,” he said, adding that that the police commissioner had signed the MOU which is now in the hands of the US Embassy in Barbados.

The attorney general told reporters that over the last five years, Barbados had recorded 23 gun-related murders in 2017, 18 in 2018, 30 in 2019, 26 in 2020 and 17

Cayman Islands mourns death of former Governor CMC - Former Governor of Cayman Islands, Michael Edward John Gore, who served from 1992 to 1995, has died at the age of 86.

Both Premier Wayne Panton and Governor Martyn Roper released statements saying that they were saddened to hear of his passing and offered condolences.

Panton said Gore was a dear friend to the Cayman Islands who in his first throne speech had described it as one of the more fortunate countries in the world.

In honour of the life of Gore, the Cayman Islands flag and the Union Jack were flown half-mast throughout Friday, and this will be repeated the day of his funeral, or the Friday before if the service is during a weekend.

“The contributions of Governor Gore to our country are immense and we remember him when we observe the Governor Michael Gore Bird Sanctuary, which contains the

Former Governor Michael Edward John Gore (Photo: CMC)

freshwater marshes of the Spotts-Newlands area, which is a roosting and breeding habitat for several freshwater bird species,” Panton said.

Roper also referenced Gore’s passion for the environment and biodiversity, noting that he was a keen birder.

Gore wrote books on the birds of Korea, Uruguay and The Gambia.

He also wrote numerous articles on conservation,

illustrated with his own photographs of wildlife.

During his diplomatic career he served in Malaysia, Korea, Uruguay (during the Tupamaro uprising) and in four countries in Africa.

As ambassador, he experienced the civil war in Liberia before coming to the Caribbean, first as high commissioner to the Bahamas and then to the Cayman Islands as governor, his final post.

the following year.

But he noted that so far this year, the island had recorded 17 murders with 12 involving the use of firearms.

During the period 2017 to 2022, police recovered 465 firearms. Marshall said that the Mia Mottley administration since coming to office in 2018, has “spent

considerable amount of resources” to strengthen detection at the ports of entry and to address coastal surveillance.

“There has been a period in the past where these assets have not been in working order and have not been in working order for extended periods of time, in some instances well over a year.

Now, if our ability to detect firearms coming into Barbados is significantly hampered because assets are out of use for a year and a half, you can only imagine what number of guns could have come in at that time,” Marshall added. He told reporters that “in those circumstances therefore it has a been a challenge for our law enforcement agencies.

“At our ports of entry, our guard was significantly down,” he said, noting that a significant amount of funds

had been spent on fixing the issue. Marshall has also warned that the authorities would be adopting a zero tolerance approach to threats made to the general public.

“Your numbers are few, the people of Barbados are many. You cannot and will not win. You will not be allowed to drive Barbadians into their homes and away from their normal pursuits out of some fear that you have our streets and our communities hijacked with guns.

“You, few villains, will not be allowed to make any further inroads into our communities.

You will not be allowed to take over our streets, you will not be allowed to disrupt our daily lives and our livelihoods,” Marshall told reporters, adding that “every single resource at the disposal of Government” will be used to respond to those “hell-bent on lawlessness.

PAGE 72

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Govt. mum on environmental impact...

From page 3 this was unsuccessful as the EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram ignored calls to his cellular phone.

To this end, an environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly has said that the government’s recent move to invite proposals for consultancy services shows its disrespect for the public and more so its disinterest in the rule of law.

In an invited comment on Saturday, she pointed out that she has been opposed to the approach taken to “chop” the project up and conduct separate EIAs. She explained, “I did not engage the gas-toshore EIA process beyond the 28-day period comment period in July 2021 on the terms of reference for the study because the process is

a farce. This was obvious to me when the EPA ignored submissions in that comment period and proceeded with allowing ExxonMobil to do an EIA without including the power plant.”

The environmentalist pointed out that raw gas would be continuously pumped up from underground offshore, piped to the shore via a pipeline where it would be processed into natural gas to fire a power plant and natural gas liquids, which would be cooled and packaged at high pressure for shipping to markets.

On this note, she said, “We must all understand that those are extremely dangerous activities prone to explosions and that all those activities must take place under a ‘steady state system’.

$244M estimated to...

From page 69 Central Housing and Planning Authority Construction of production and retail centre for persons with disability at Palmyra Village, Canje

For the project to work, all the parts must all operate simultaneously otherwise. If one part goes down, then the tap on the offshore pipeline must be turned off or the gas must be flared right here onshore or else you will end up with an explosion.

Basically, one part cannot operate without the other. The complete project involves all these parts.”

Mangal-Joly highlighted that the Environmental Protection Act clearly states that an EIA must be done for a whole project and does not permit splitting into parts based on who is financing or running a specific part.

“An EIA is about all the social and environmental risks associated with a project and whether they are manageable and acceptable. If the EIA cannot prove that they are manageable then the grounds for approval and grant of an environmental permit disappear.

The failure to address the risks associated with the powe r p l a n t , e t c . , o n l y leaves the public with one logical conclusion - the EIA cannot be approved because there is no consideration of the all the risks or proof that they are manageable.

Frankly, all this EIA really says is have faith, the risks will be dealt with later,” she reasoned.

Furthermore, the environmentalist added that the EPA has been fragmenting the process for not only this project but others as well by allowing EIAs to be done for parts of a project, labelling the decision illogical and illegal.

In fact, she argued, “It is unethical and amounts to willful duping of the public by shading and distancing the true scope of risks and potential impacts of the project. It’s saddening to see the Ministry of Natural Resources advertising for personnel for parts of this project not yet applied for or approved amid a contested pipeline EIA process.

It shows contempt for the people of Guyana, rule of law, and democratic norms.

Folks seem to want to talk about these things when it comes to national elections but not when it comes to environmental governance.”

Following the government’s advertisement for consultancy services for the supervision of the integrated NGL Plant and the 300 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle gas turbine

(CCGT) power plant last Saturday, former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams explained that an EIA is critical for the facilities, as this study would not only help to identify potential risks involved but would also highlight mitigated steps and response measures to be instituted in the event of an unfortunate event, such as an explosion at the site.

He said, “I would expect, especially for such a big operation, there will be some natural hazards.

For example, you are going to have air emissions, you will have potential for explosions because you are going to be dealing with pressurised vessels.

It’s going to be a chemical facility in a highly populated area so I would say it does demand an EIA…the capital city is right across and Region Three and Four is the highest populated.

The EPA or the entire country, like the first responders such as the fire department, we have never had something like this in Guyana before in terms of the types of chemicals.”

When he was asked whether the government should be inviting consultants to supervise the construction of the facilities

without conducting an EIA, Dr. Adams said, “No they shouldn’t. What an EIA does, before you even start construction, it drives the design of the facility because the EIA has got to identify hazards for example so when it does that then the developer would design it to mitigate against these hazards.

So what they are doing is putting the cart before the horse. You cannot design and construct a facility if you don’t know what the hazards are.”

Last week, President Irfaan Ali announced that the Gas-to-Energy project will commence by year end.

While not giving a final price tag, since that will be determined through the final bidding process, President Ali concluded that the project will cost the nation over the course of its life between four and five US cents per kilowatt hour.

The President is adamant that this figure, down from the previous seven US cents per kilowatt hour, includes the full repayment of the 12" pipeline that would be providing some 50 million standard cubic feet of natural gas daily to the onshore project.

No guarantee reports of oil companies’ audit free from fraud - Independent...

From page 19 are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error….”

As such, the Independent Auditor in its report did note, “reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but not a guarantee that an audit concluded in accordance with International Standards on Auditing will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.”

The Chartered Accounting Firm did qualify the position further by pointing out that “misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if individually or in the aggregate they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.”

It was noted that the

statements referred to, had been prepared by the Company—in this case Hess Corporation which TSD Lall and Company audited— would have been prepared by the entity’s management.

The Independent Report notes that it is the management which is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with international financial reporting standards. Those financial statements, according to the Auditors, are expected to be prepared free from material misstatement, “whether due to fraud or error.”

While the oil companies would have been filing financial statements, audited by companies they would have hired privately, Guyana as a country is yet to complete auditing any of the bills submitted by any of the oil companies operating domestically, more so the

Stabroek Block.

That oil block, which spans in excess of six million acres in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), is operated by ExxonMobil’s s u b s i d i a r y, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, which holds a 45 percent working interest.

Its partners are Hess, which owns a 30 percent interest in the oil block, along with CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited with the remaining 25 percent.

According to recent filings with the local registry, ExxonMobil and its Stabroek Block partners in its first two years of full production generated a whopping $740,794,403,781 in revenue from the sale of crude netting more than t h i s c o u n t r y ’s N a t i o n a l Budget during the same time.

Guyana as a country, presented in 2020 a national

budget at some $330B while the following year, 2021 the national estimates were presented at $383B. According to the records of the financial companies, between the three, total revenue from the sale of crude oil in 2020, the first full year of oil production in the Stabroek Block amounted to some $176,088,268,971.

By the following year, however, this had jumped to $564,706,134,810 in revenue generated between the three.

As such, it would mean for the two years, the entities would have sold some $740,794,403,781.

The total allocations for the two years for spending by the entire country was $713B, or about $28B more, meaning the single oil operation in the Stabroek Block in the course of its first two years of oil production generated more money than the entire country budgeted to spend in two years.

The country during that time earned $121B in the two years from its share of profits and royalty had as its share from its producing oil blocks.

According to the records, for 2020, EEPGL reported revenues at $75,429,685,670 for its 45 percent share in the oil block.

Hess, in its financial records filed with the Deeds and Commercial Registry,

indicated that for that year $59,239,583,301 was had from the sale of its share of crude while CNOOC Petroleum Limited reported $41,419,000,000 in revenue.

The following year, EEPGL reported a jump in revenues, realising $254,117,760,666 for its 45 percent interest. It would mean that Hess Guyana Limited realised $169,411,840,444 for its 30 percent interest in the Stabro e k B l o c k , w h i l e CNOOC Petroleum would have accounted for about $141,176,533,700 bringing that year’s total revenue to $564,706,134,810.

EEPGL on its financial statements recently had noted that 2020 was the first time the company earned a profit of some $132B having deducted its overhead expenses from the $254B in revenues that year as dictated by the Production Sharing Agreement signed between the government and the companies in 2016.

To date, EEPGL and its co-venture partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Group, currently have four sanctioned developments on the Stabroek Block.

The Liza Phase 1 development, which began production in December 2019 utilising the Liza Destiny

floating, production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) with a production capacity of approxi m a t e l y 1 2 0 , 0 0 0 gross barrels of oil per day, recently completed production optimisation work that expanded its production capacity to more than 140,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The Liza Phase 2 development, utilising the Liza Unity FPSO, began production in February 2022 and is expected to reach its production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day by the third quarter.

The third development at Payara is ahead of schedule and is now expected to come online in late 2023 utilising the Prosperity FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The fourth development, Yellowtail, is expected to come online in 2025, utilising the ONE GUYANA FPSO with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

At least six FPSOs, with a production capacity of more than one million gross barrels of oil per day, are expected to be online on the Stabroek Block in 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop gross discovered recoverable resources.

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 74

Three more COVID-19 deaths, 142 new cases

T

he Ministry of Health on S a t u r d a y revealed that three more persons, two men and a woman who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) disease, have died.

The latest fatalities are that of a 79-year-old woman from Region Two, a 55-yearold man from Region Seven

and a 70-year-old man from Region Four, who died over a two-day period (July 7-8) while receiving treatment at a m e d i c a l f a c i l i t y.

As a result, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,262.

Meanwhile, in its COVID-19 dashboard the Ministry recorded 142 new infections, bringing the total

number of confirmed cases to 68,162. The dashboard also shows that four patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 35 persons are in institutional isolation, 731 are in home isolation and two are in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 66,130 persons have recovered from t h e v i r u s .

Sunday July 10, 2022

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kante and Loftus-Cheek miss US trip because of vaccination status (BBC Sport) - Chelsea midfielders N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will miss the club’s pre-season tour of the United States because of their Covid vaccination status.

The Blues travelled to Los Angeles on Saturday for a training camp.

But travellers who are not fully vaccinated against coronavirus are not allowed to enter the United States.

Currently only US citizens are allowed to enter the country if they are not fully vaccinated.

“N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will not travel due to their Covid vaccination status,” Chelsea said in a statement.

Chelsea are due to play

PAGE 75

Kaieteur News

Shepherd replaces Paul for the CG United ODI Series in Guyana - Seniors enter the venue free

Kante and Loftus-Cheek miss US trip because of vaccination status three pre-season friendlies in season, have been included the United States. in the squad. Also travelling They face Mexico’s Club are returning loan players America in Las Vegas on 17 Conor Gallagher, Billy July, Charlotte FC at their Gilmour, Ethan Ampadu and Bank of America Stadium on Michy Batshuayi.

21 July and London rivals Chelsea said Armando Arsenal in Florida on 23 July. Broja, who impressed on loan Ben Chilwell and Callum at Southampton last season, Hudson-Odoi, who were both will “look to join up with the injured for long periods of last squad next week”.

Saturday July 10, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside.

You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you're unstoppable!

You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days.

Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel has named Romario Shepherd in the 13-member squad to face Bangladesh in the threematch CG United One-Day International (ODI) Series.

Shepherd was originally a reserve but will now replace Keemo Paul, who tested positive for COVID-19 and is therefore unavailable. Odean Smith has been added as the reserve.

Shepherd bowled well in the recent T20 International (T20I) Series, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 6 wickets (average 11.33; economy 7.5) including a career-best 3-21 in the first T20I at Windsor Park, Dominica.

He will now have the opportunity, subject to selection, to play more games in front of his home crowd at the Guyana National Stadium.

Fans can book their seats via www.windiescricket.com/ tickets safe in the knowledge you can select your preferred seats before getting to the ground and avoid queues.

Online purchases allow fans to save the tickets to a mobile device or print out at home to present for scanning at the stadium.

Ticket prices will range from US$6 (GUY$1200) for the Mound/Grounds, to US$15 (GUY$3000) for the Orange Stand or US$25 (GUY$5000) for the best seats in the Red and Green Stands. Children under 16 and Seniors receive free entry. The stadium box office is also open for ticket sales.

Keemo Paul

Fans can watch live on ESPN Caribbean and listen to live radio commentary on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel.

Full squad: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice Captain), Shamarh

Brooks, Kaecy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd. Reserve: Odean Smith

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Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Djokovic set for the unexpected as Kyrgios blocks path to 21st Grand Slam title (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic has contested 31 Grand Slam finals and faced just about every scenario possible in collecting 20 titles but even he will not know what to expect in Sunday’s Wimbledon showdown against Australian showman Nick Kyrgios.

The 35-year-old Serbian, bidding for a fourth successive title, will prepare for every eventuality but the likelihood is that world number 40 Kyrgios will still conjure up some surprises.

It could be an underarm serve played between the legs on the first point of the match, a tweener drop shot from the baseline on a break point or picking a fight with a fan.

But Djokovic will know that amidst all the theatre and bravado, Kyrgios possesses a lethal range of grasscourt weapons that threaten to end his 27-match unbeaten run at Wimbledon and wrench the title from his grasp.

He will start as favourite but, significantly, in their only two previous meetings, both in 2017, Djokovic did not win a set, did not break the Kyrgios serve and had only one break point.

Djokovic is regarded as the best returner in the game, perhaps of all time, but such is the potency and disguise of the Kyrgios delivery that, if it is firing, the defending champion’s patience will be tested to the maximum and opportunities will be fleeting.

“I guess it’s going to be a game of small margins,” said Djokovic, who is bidding for a seventh Wimbledon crown.

“His motion for the serve is so fluid and just very quick.

He can hit any angle really.

He tosses it forward so he can come in, serve and volley. He puts himself in a great position to be aggressive or to stay back.

“It’s tough to read. I haven’t practised with him or played with him since the last

Nick Kyrgios (Reuters)

Novak Djokovic (USA TODAY Sports) time I lost to him.”

The reason for that is that there was very little love lost between the pair until a sudden thawing of their relationship this year after Kyrgios’s public support for Djokovic when he was deported from the Australian Open for not having a COVID-19 vaccination.

Kyrgios once labelled Djokovic a “tool”, said he had a “sick obsession” with wanting to be liked and described Djokovic’s trademark postmatch celebration as “cringeworthy”.

Djokovic once said he had

Semenya included in 5,000m entry list for world championships (Reuters) - South Africa’s Olympic champion Caster Semenya has been included on the entry list for the 5,000m event at next week’s World Championships in Oregon.

Semenya, who achieved a personal best of 15:31.50 in the event earlier this year, failed to make the qualifying time of 15:10.00.

She was also not included in South Africa’s team for the championships, but will be allowed to compete after a number of higher-ranked runners pulled out.

“There were several withdrawals from other athletes around the world which opened the opportunity and World Athletics made it possible that she be entered,” a spokesperson for Athletics South Africa told Reuters in an email on Saturday.

Semenya, a two-time Olympic champion at 800m, began running the 5,000m after she was barred from competing in any race from 400m

Caster Semenya (Reuters) to a mile.

Governing body World Athletics ruled in 2018 that to ensure fair competition, women with high natural testosterone levels must take medication to reduce them to compete in middle-distance races.

Semenya, who refuses to take any medication to alter her testosterone levels, has had little success in the alter-

native distances she has competed in and failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics last year. If the 31-year-old competes in next week’s championships, it will be her first appearance at a world championships or Olympics since 2017, when she won her third 800m world title in London.

The World Championships will be held in Eugene, Oregon from July 15.

little respect for Kyrgios off the court but ahead of Sunday’s final something of a bromance has developed between the two.

“Honestly, as a tennis fan, I’m glad that he’s in the finals because he’s got so much talent,” Djokovic said.

For the first week of the tournament Kyrgios seemed happy to assume his usual role of pantomime villain, fined for spitting towards a fan after a first-round five-setter against Paul Jubb, then again for his behaviour in a toxic win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, who afterwards called him a bully.

Since then, Kyrgios has shown a game face few believed he possessed — coming though a five-setter against Brandon Nakashima, then easily disposing of Cristian Garin without an audible expletive and barely a trick shot.

He got a huge break when Rafa Nadal was forced to withdraw ahead of their eagerlyawaited semi-final because of injury, and will now seek to become the first Australian man to win a Grand Slam singles title since close confidant Lleyton Hewitt won Wimbledon in 2002.

The big question now is how will he react to the occasion?

Nerves and adrenaline could ignite the old volatility but if Kyrgios harnesses the unique shot-making ability that some describe as genius, Sunday could be the day that tennis’s enfant terrible becomes the new king of Centre Court.

“I feel like it’s the pinnacle of tennis,” he said. “I never thought I’d be here. I’m just super proud and I’m just ready to go. I’m going to give it my all and we’ll see what happens.”

Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament…

Cayman Islands first to register, Ninvalle acknowledges feat - Seven more countries to attend Cayman Islands became the first country to officially register for next month’s Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior boxing tournament after putting forward a team of one boxer and two officials.

Sixteen year-old light middleweight Alec Lopez will represent the Islands.

Yolande Lopez is the manager of the team while Trinidadian national Floyd Trumpet is the coach.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, yesterday applauded the early action of the Cayman Island team while adding that the fifth edition of the annual tournament is expected to see the largest amount of countries participating.

“We have given July 19th as our cutoff date for registration. I have been assured

by Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Bahamas, St Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and Grenada that they will be sending teams. It is hearten-

GBA President, Steve Ninvalle

ing news since we are all coming out of Covid19 and need such competition,” Ninvalle said. The GBA has heightened chances of retaining the Champion Country title after flying in respected and qualified Cuban coach Francisco Roldan. The Cuban will take over training of Guyana’s nursery leading up to the tournament.

According to Ninvalle, the GBA has been staging two Under16 tournaments per month since January in order to be fully prepared for the overseas invasion. “The last of these competitions is sched-

uled for July 17 at the National Gymnasium. This will be followed by the selection of a national squad which Mr. Roldan will be in charge of,” the GBA boss added.

Encampment is scheduled for two weeks before the tournament which is slated for August 19-21, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Formerly known as the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors, the tournament is the brainchild of Ninvalle and was first held in 2016. Guyana has hosted ever since and has won Champion Country on all occasions.

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 77

Kaieteur News

Van Aert wins again as Pogacar consolidates Tour lead

(Reuters) - Wout van Aert consolidated his lead in the Tour de France points classification with a late burst of speed on Saturday to win the eighth stage of cycling’s biggest race, a hilly 186.3-km ride from Dole to Lausanne across the border in Switzerland.

The Belgian bagged his second stage win in this edition in a reduced bunch sprint at the top of the Cote du Stade Olympique, a 4.8-km effort at an average gradient of 4.6%.

Green jersey holder Van Aert, who now has a 115point lead in the points classification over Dutchman Fabio Jakobsen, beat Australian Michael Matthews after launching his sprint with 200 metres left.

“Before the Tour we had marked the Longwy and Lausanne stages for me,” said Van Aert.

“I’m very happy, very proud to finish off the work of the team. The climb was not

too long. On the steepest parts I was on the limit but I knew the last 200-300 metres were flatter.”

Tadej Pogacar took third place to retain his overall leader’s yellow jersey, picking up a four-second time bonus in the process.

Sunday’s ninth stage is a 192.9-km mountainous trek from Aigle, Switzerland, to Chatel back in France as the threat of COVID-19 loomed large on the race.

France’s Geoffrey Bouchard and Pogacar’s team mate Vegard Stake Laengen both pulled out of the Tour before the start after testing positive and showing symptoms.

“It’s a big scare, two riders infected, but this pandemic is here and we cannot risk riding ill,” said Pogacar.

“We test every two or three days. Yesterday we were all negative but Vegard had a sore throat overnight and he

Wimbledon: Rybakina beats Jabeur in women’s singles final Elena Rybakina

(Reuters) - Under-stated Elena Rybakina barely broke into a smile after winning the Wimbledon title on Saturday but endeared herself to the Centre Court crowd with a stunning display. The 23-year-old became the first player representing Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam singles title as she hit back to overpowerfavourite One Jabeur 36 6-2 6-2.

Rybakina barely put a foot wrong as she recovered from a nervous start against the wily Tunisian. “It’s special because I was super nervous before the match (and) during the match and I’m honestly happy that it is over. I’ve never felt something like this,” Rybakina said on court after being presented with the Venus Rosewater Dish by the Duchess of Cambridge.

“I just want to say big thanks to the crowd for the support, it was unbelievable.”

She was generous in her praise of Jabeur, who was trying to become the first African woman and first Arab to win a Grand Slam title. “I want to congratulate Ons for the for the great match and ev-

erything you have achieved.

It’s amazing and I think you are an inspiration not only to young juniors but everybody.

“You have an amazing game and I don’t think that we have someone like this on Tour, you are a joy to play against.

“I ran today so much so I don’t think that I need to do fitness any more.”

She made a point of thanking the president of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation who was supporting her in her box. Rybakina, who was born and lives in Moscow, switched allegiance four years ago to gain more financial support. North African trailblazer Jabeur, 27, looked deflated as she walked off court with her runners-up plate. “I want to congratulate Elena and her team, she played amazing. I love this tournament so much and I feel really sad but I mean it’s tennis and there is only one winner,” she said. “I’m really happy that I’m trying to inspire many generations from my country. I hope they’re listening. I just want to wish Eid Mubarak to all Muslims around the world.”

Visma’s Wout Van Aert celebrates after winning stage 8 with teammates Pool (Reuters)

was positive this morning.”

MASS PILE-UP… Pogacar was involved in an early mass pile-up that

brought two-time runner-up Nairo Quintana, two-time podium finisher Romain Bardet and fellow Frenchman David

Gaudu, as well as 2018 champion Geraint Thomas, to the ground - or into a grassy ditch. None of them appeared

to have been injured. A threeman breakaway featuring Mattia Cattaneo, Frederik Frison and Fred Wright built up a lead of around three minutes on the peloton but they were kept on a tight leash.

Australian Ben O’Connor, fourth overall last year, struggled throughout the day with hip pains following a crash in Wednesday’s fifth stage. He received treatment from the race doctor and ground his way through the stage.

Wright, who had dropped Frison and Cattaneo, was finally caught with 3.5 kilometres remaining as Pogacar’s UAE Emirates team mate Rafal Majka rode a hard tempo in front of a skimming peloton. Pogacar took a chance in the final sprint but Van Aert had too much power for him, and the Jumbo-Visma rider claimed an eighth career win on the Tour in awe-inspiring fashion.

PAGE 78

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Austrian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins sprint to extend title lead

(BBC Sport) - Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took a controlled victory in the sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix to edge further ahead in the championship.

The Dutchman beat Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, extending his lead over Leclerc to 44 points.

Leclerc fought off an early challenge from Sainz but was safe in second once far enough ahead of his teammate to lose the DRS overtaking aid.

Mercedes’ George Russell took fourth and Lewis Hamilton eighth.

Hamilton’s race was hampered by a tangle at the start that saw Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly pitched into a spin, and then getting stuck behind the two Haas cars, before eventually overhauling Mick

Schumacher for the final point.

The sprint result made little difference to the starting order for Sunday’s main event, other than to enable Red Bull’s Sergio Perez to recover ground from his 13th place to finish fifth, where the Mexican will now start the grand prix.

Perez benefited from the Red Bull’s strong straight-line speed to make impressive progress, whereas Hamilton was hampered by the Mercedes’ struggles in that area.

The big loser was Fernando Alonso, whose Alpine would not start on the grid and had to retire before turning a wheel.

A comfortable win for Verstappen…

The only time Verstappen was under remote threat was at the start, when he defended

Verstappen’s lead over Leclerc now stands at 44 points (Getty Images) hard against Leclerc, who was quicker off the line.

Verstappen pushed Leclerc towards the pit wall, and their fight gave Sainz an opportunity to challenge his team-mate into Turn One and again at Turn Three on the first lap. Verstappen took advantage of the scrap between the Ferraris and was two sec-

onds clear by the end of the third lap, as Leclerc fought to hold off Sainz.

The Spaniard, benefiting from the lap-time gain from having the DRS overtaking aid because he was less than a second behind Leclerc, actually took second briefly into Turn Three on lap seven, only for Leclerc to reclaim the place

on the exit.

And from then on, Leclerc began to edge away. Once he was more than a second clear of Sainz, he lapped consistently more quickly and set his sights on trying to close down Verstappen. Sainz was hampered, he said, because he had overheated his tyres behind Leclerc.

But although Verstappen said the tyres were “tricky”, he was able to manage them and hold on.

The world champion said: “We had good pace at the beginning and after that we were very closely matched, it was as a sprint should go, it was quite flat out. I do expect tomorrow is going to be a very interesting battle again.”

Leclerc, who finished just 1.6 seconds behind Verstappen, told his team over the radio afterwards: “We are quick. We can get them tomorrow.”

But he was more circumspect in his television interview afterwards.

“It was tricky,” he said.

“The first part of the race was all about managing. Max was pushing and I was just trying to look after my tyres. I had a small fight with Carlos and then I started to push towards the end and could close in a bit but it was very close.”

England v India: Tourists win by 49 runs at Edgbaston to clinch series win

Jasprit Bumrah celebrates after dismissing Liam Livingstone for 15 (Associated Press) (BBC Sport) - England were thrashed by 49 runs in the second Twenty20 at Edgbaston as India clinched the three-match series with a game to spare.

Chasing 171 to level the series, England put in another disappointing batting performance and were bowled out for 121 in 17 overs.

Jason Roy was caught at slip off the first ball of England’s pursuit and captain Jos Buttler followed in the third over, caught behind on review for four Bhuvneshwar Kumar the

bowler on both occasions.

Bhuvneshwar claimed 315 and Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal took two wickets apiece in another exciting India performance.

Moeen Ali top-scored for England with 35, while David Willey’s 33 not out prevented an even heavier defeat in Buttler’s second match as captain.

England’s bowlers had earlier fought back well to restrict India to 170-8.

Seamer Richard Gleeson, making his England debut at the age of 34, took 3-15, in-

cluding the big scalps of India captain Rohit Sharma for 31, superstar Virat Kohli for one and t h e d a n g e r o u s Rishabh Pant for 26.

Chris Jordan took 427 but Ravindra Jadeja’s 46 not out from 29 balls proved crucial in lifting India to a challenging total, albeit one that still looked gettable.

India now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead before the series finale on Sund a y a t Tr e n t B r i d g e . A three-match one-day international series follows next week.

Sunday July 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 79

Guyana Cup confirms USD$100,000 Purse to be won - Eight races scheduled for August 14 mega event

As anticipation heightens for Guyana Cup 2022 the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee has restructured the race programme to ensure a seamless day of racing at the Rising Sun Turf Club on August 14, 2022.

Raising the standard was paramount this year because of the international interest and the involvement of the corporate sector.

Over 100 horses are expected to compete with approximately 40 imported specifically for this event.

With the rapid growth of Guyana’s economy and the involvement of new horse owners entering the racing arena the structure had to be overhauled to ensure maximum transparency and accountability.

There will be over GYD$30,000,000 in cash and prizes to be won so this year the competition is expected to be tough.

However, one of the most important Guyana Cup competing regulations for 2022 is that all Horses must be micro-chipped from a registered Veterinarian. Failure to comply will result in the horse being disqualified.

All horse owners are informed that that preparations are being made to accommodate the horses on the Saturday 13th August to ensure there is an effective vetting process and no delays in the race execution.

All races are run under the rules of the JJTRC that follow certain guidelines of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

Chairman of the JJRC, Nasrudeen ‘Junior’ Mohamed indicated, “This year is going set the bench mark for future racing events. We have seen a lot of interest from the business community and even new horse owners. To make my our family dream a reality we all need to work together and maintain a high standard, from horse owners to jockeys and even the fans. The Rising Sun turf Club is being prepared with major earth works to ensure the event is an experience and not just another horse race. So don’t miss the biggest Horse Racing Event in the Caribbean.”

This event was made possible through the sponsorship of Banks DIH, Guinness, A&R Security, Vals Construction, Air services, Kings Jewelry World, K&P Project Management, JS Guyana, Aronco, BM Soat, Club Neutraal, AJM

& Jumbo Jet. Featured Event - The Guyana Cup (Purse USD$35,880/GYD$7,750,000) For colts, gelding, fillies and mares 3 years old and upward; open to all imported and locally bred horses classified C1 & lower. Colts & gelding weight126 lbs and mares’ weight 123lbs. Three-yearoldcolts’ weight 122lbs and fillies’ weight 119lbs.

Horses older than 3 years do not have any weight allowance.

The 3 Yrs. Old Derby – (Purse U S D $ 1 7 , 9 4 0 / GYD$3,875,000) For colts, gelding and fillies 3 years old; all West Indian and locally bred horses - Colts and gelding weight 122lbs.

Fillies 119lbs. Only registered 3-year old horses allowed.

All horses must meet the JJTRC requirements which are registration and microchipped within 90 days of birth.

E3 and Lower – (Purse U S D $ 1 0 , 7 6 5 / GYD$2,325,000) For colts, gelding, fillies and mares 3 years old and upward; Open to all imported horses E3 and lower. Also open to horses that are classified D3 and lower non-starter in Guyana and who have never won a race before in their career. Colts and geldings’ maximum weight 126lbs and minimum weight 108 lbs.

Fillies and mares’ maximum weight 123lbs and minimum 105lbs. Official weight depends on class/age/sex.

2 Years old Guyana Bred – (Purse USD$8,970/ GYD$1,937,000) For colts, gelding and fillies 2 years old; Horses Guyana Bred (ONLY). Colts and geldings’ weight 112lbs and fillies 109lbs.

Only registered 2-year old horses allowed. All horses must meet the JJTRC requirements which are registration and microchipped within 90 days of birth.

G3 and Lower - (Purse USD$4,485/GYD$968,750) For West Indian and locally bred colts, geldings, fillies and mares 3 years old and upward; Open to all West Indian bred G3 and lower. Also open to all West Indian bred G1horses who have never started in Guyana. Open to all Guyana bred horses of any age or class. Colts and gelding maximum weight 126lbs, minimum 108 lbs.

Fillies and mares’ maximum weight 123 lbs and mini-

mum 105lbs. Three-yearoldcolts’ weight 122lbs, fillies’ weight 119lbs. Official weight depends on class/age/sex.

J1 and Lower - (Purse USD$3,135/GYD$677,000) For colts, geldings, fillies and mares 3 years old and upward; For Guyana bred horses ONLY classified as J1 and Lower. Colts and gelding maximum weight 126lbs and minimum 108 lbs. Fillies and mares’ maximum weight 123 lbs and minimum 105lbs.

Threeyears old colts’ weight 122lbs, fillies’ weight 119lbs. Official weight depends on class/ age/sex.

L Class for Colts – (Purse USD$2,240/ GYD$484,000) For colts and geldings only; Horses of all ages Guyana bred. Horses classified as L class. Open to J3 first time starters. Colts and geldings’ maximum weight - 126lbs and minimum, 116lbs. Three-yearold colts 122lbs and 2year-old colts 112lbs.

L Class for Fillies and M a r e s – ( U S D$2,240/ GYD$484,000) For Guyana bred fillies and mares ONLY. Horses classified as L Class. Open to J3 first time starters.

Mares maximum weight 123lbs and minimum 113 lbs.

Three-yearcolts’ weight 112lbs and 2-year-old colts 112lbs.

Meanwhile, the JJTRC has plans to enforce the following rules and guidelines for Guyana Cup 2022.

The rules are as follows: · 6% of the total purse to be used as the entry fee if paid (in full) on or before August 7th. · 8% of the total purse to be used as the entry fee if paid after August 7th. · Last day of entry for Guyana Cup is set for August 7th. · All entries will be accepted f r o m o f f i c i a l JJTRC entry forms ONLY. · If a horse withdraws from the race, an official medical from a r e g i s t e r e d Ve t e r i n a r i a n has to accompany the request. If this is not done a fee of $5,000GUY will be charged. · 1% of the total p u r s e will be paid to the breeder of the locally bred horse that wins a race for Guyana Cup. If no local bred horse wins the 1% purse will be paid to the champion jockey of the day.

0 News Kaieteur

PAGE 80

Sunday July 10, 2022

Windies play Bangladesh today at Providence in 1st ODI - Rain threatens to play spoil sport

By Sean Devers On the back of a 2-nil win in the two-match Test series and a 2-nil win in the three T20Is, West Indies will now shift their attention to the three ODIs against Bangladesh which is scheduled to start at 9:30 hrs this morning at Providence.

Despite rain being forecast for most of today, the Providence Stadium is arguable the fastest drying International cricket ground in the world and once the rain stops there should be some play in the first game of a series which is not part of the ICC ODI Super League.

A fair-sized crowd could be in attendance as Bangladesh returns to Guyana for an ODI for the first time since July 2018 when they won the first ODI by 48 runs before losing the second by

three runs.

Back then, Tamim Iqbal (130) and Shakib Al Hasan (97) led them to 297-4. Despite Shimron Hetymer’s 52 and 40 from Chris Gayle, West Indies only reached 231-9 In the next ODI, Hetymer’s 125 helped his team to 271 although fifties came from Rahim, Iqbal and Shakib which led Bangladesh to 268-6, they lost by three runs. Today, Bangladesh will be without Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim for the first time since their debuts in 2006 while West Indies are without Gayle and Hetymer.

Bangladesh will have fond memories of Providence, since in the first of the 22 ODIs played there saw them beat South Africa by 67 in the 2007 World Cup and have won two out of three ODIs at Providence.

In 41 ODIs between the two sides West Indies have won 21 losing 18, with two ending in no-results.

However, their last ODI series win was in 2014, since then they have lost three consecutive series to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh won the series against Afghanistan and South Africa this year which put them briefly on top of the ICC ODI Super League but they have not won a match since Tamim led them to a 2-1 series win in South Africa.

West Indies have only won one out of their four series (against Netherlands) under new white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran.

In the last ODI between the teams, Bangladesh won by six wickets as Shakib had 4-8 from 7.2 overs.

Kyle Mayers made 40 as

West Indies were dismissed for 132 before Iqbal’s 44 led his side to victory in 33.5 overs.

Today, West Indies will be without Guyanese Keemo Paul due to him suffering from ‘flu like symptoms’.

Shamarh Brooks and Shai Hope have been the best batters recently in this format and the Skipper would want himself and Mayers to continue their T20 form today and hope that Rovman Powell can contribute with the bat.

On a pitch expected to be good for batting with some early help for the seamers, West Indies could include Gudakesh Motie to strengthen the spin attack along with fellow left-arm spinner, Akeal Hosein, the best ‘White ball’ spinner in the West Indies.

Alzarri Joseph should spearhead the pace department with support from Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd and Mayers.

Skipper Tamim Iqbal returned to the ODI side after taking a break between the Tests and T20Is. Tamim and Liton Dass will be depended on to give their team a good start while Anamul Haque could bat at number three. Mahmudullah could bat ‘up the order’ with

Nicholas Pooran Nurul Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain in the middle and lower-middle order.

Hossain, Mehidy H a s a n M i r a z , Ta s k i n Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman could

produce the work with the ball.

West Indies have won their last three games while Bangladesh, in their last three, have two wins separated by a loss.

Pachisia, Sharma take India O50s to easy win against WI O50s West Indies completed a horror week of practice games against all the competitors for the Marlborough Cup. After producing their record run chase making 286/ 8 off 45 overs, the day before albeit, in a losing chase West Indies meekly succumbed to India in a highly one-sided affair. This was the final practice match for both teams ahead of the Marlborough Cup, which starts on Sunday.

West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, but lost a procession of wickets as they fell to 71/7 against Manish Pachisia, who

scythed through the batting order that was missing a few key players that are nursing injuries. Regular captain Zamin Amin, Vice captain Ishwar Maraj and in form all rounder Sunil Dhaniram all had a few niggles but are expected to turn out on Sunday.

Pachisia took 5/28, the best bowling figures by an Indian player and the seventh-best in all O50Is. The wicket looked very much like a batting paradise but West Indies failed to apply themselves with several batsmen gifting their wickets away.

Only Kenny Girdharry

(26*) and Anthony Sahadeo (23) reached 20 as West Indies folded for an out of sorts 113.

That proved no trouble for the Indian top order.

Former international Sanjeev Sharma blasted 67 not out from 71 balls, with 11 fours and a six as India cruised home with almost 20 overs to spare.

Both teams now have a day’s rest before the Marlborough Cup starts on Sunday. West Indies take on Wales in their first encounter on Sunday, India on Monday and England on Tuesday.

Good Wood Racing Service tape ball competition on today After an absence of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Good Wood Racing Service Secondary School boys tape ball cricket competition will be played on Saturday, July 9, on the D’Urban Park Tarmac from 9:00 hrs.

With some schools playing for the prestigious trophy and medals for the win-

ner and runner up school, it will be an intense 8-a-side affair with each team batting for four overs.

Some of the teams expected to participate in the competition include Bishop’s High, St. Rose’s High, North Georgetown, Brickdam, Annandale, LBI, Cummings Lodge, Patentia, West Demerara, Vergenoegen and

Vreed-en-Hoop.

Other sponsors that came onboard to help make the event possible include Prem’s Electrical, Beckles Lumberyard and Gold Target Exports.

The organiser of the event is the Holy Family Bible Club with James ‘Uprising’ Lewis as the tournament coordinator.

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2022

PAGE 81

RHTYSC and Pepsi renew long-standing relationship The highly successful relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS and Demerara Distillers Ltd on Friday last was renewed at a simple ceremony at the company’s Head Office at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

The renewal was done under the name of international soft drink brand, Pepsi.

that the relationship between the two organisations have produced several Berbice Under 19 championships while numerous players have emerged to play for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

Junior Sinclair, who was recently drafted into the Guyana Amazon Warriors team is a product of both teams and among others are Assad Fudadin, Royston

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receives sponsorship from DDL Marketing Executive Larry Wills.

R H T Y S C Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the relationship between the club and Pepsi started in 2004 when the popular brand replaced the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd as the official sponsor of the Under-19 and intermediate cricket teams.

The Under-19 team has dominated that level in the county while the intermediate won all three county wide tournaments organised by the Berbice Cricket Board during that period. The long standing club official who is also the President of the active Berbice Cricket Board stated

Crandon, Askhay Homraj, Dominic Rikhi, Kelvon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Shakabi Gajnabi, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Jermey Sandia, Matthew Pottaya and Keith Simpson are all products of the two teams.

Additionally, the two teams have hosted over two thousand community programmes under the name of the sponsorship. The club has mandated the teams to successfully host at least fifty programmes annually under the Pepsi sponsorship.

The programmes are

held under a wide range of sub headings including educational, coaching, charity, medical, anti drugs, community development, youth development, awards, social development and anti suicide among others.

Foster committed the teams to upholding the high standard of the highest order on and off the cricket field.

The club assistant secretary, Jonathan Rampersaud, a

national junior player would lead the under 19 team while West Indies under -19 player, Kevlon Anderson, who is now a member of the CWI Emerging Players programme is slated to lead the Intermediate team.

They would have Jermey Sandia and Surendra Kissoonlall as vice captains, respectively.

Rampersaud expressed thanks to the management

and staff of DDL for their continued confidence in them and pledged to continue representing the Pepsi brand with pride, passion and discipline. He also disclosed that over the next twelve months, the teams would undertake a total of sixty programmes.

These would include the upcoming summer camp for youths and the popular C h r i s t m a s Vi l l a g e i n

December.

DDL Marketing executive, Larry Wills, stated that his company was delighted to renew its sponsorship with the teams as they were very impressed with their performances over the years and the positive results achieved. The RHT Pepsi team would shortly start preparations for the upcoming BCB inter club tournament.

rts Spo

Shai Hope Romario Shepherd

Windies play Bangladesh today at Providence in 1st ODI - Rain threatens to play spoil sport

Guyana Cup confirms USD$100,000 Purse to be won - Eight races scheduled for August 14 mega event Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament…

Shepherd replaces Cayman Islands first to register, Paul for the CG United Ninvalle acknowledges feat ODI Series in Guyana - Seven more countries to attend - Seniors enter the venue free

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