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Kaieteur News
Thursday July 15, 2021
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 15, 2021
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IMF encouraged Guyana to illegally pay Exxon, partners' income taxes C
h a r t e r e d Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, recently highlighted that Guyana's leaders made a colossal blunder in 2016 when they allowed the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) to carry a provision which sees the State paying the income taxes for ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana. But what he finds more preposterous and mindboggling, is the fact that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), one of the nation's development partners on the sector, encouraged Guyana to continue with the provision in spite of the fact that it is not consistent with any of its laws. Ram had previously noted that the provision that sees Guyana paying the income taxes of the oil companies out of its share of the profit oil is called the” Pay on Behalf (POB)” formula. The Chartered Accountant was keen to note, that Guyana's use of the POB is not catered for in two of the nation's laws, specifically the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act Cap. 65:04 (PEPA), and the Financial Administration and Audit Act (FAA). In spite of this, Ram noted in his recent writings that the IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department in a 2018 Technical Assistance Report, encouraged the use of the provision and “in a peculiarly
Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram didactic style, both asks and answers the questions on whether post-tax sharing is unique to Guyana, and whether it has advantages.” In answering the question, the IMF report says: “No, this system is used in many producing countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Azerbaijan and Qatar, just to name a few. Some advantages of the pay-on-behalf-of system are that it provides more certainty on the expected government revenue from oil projects and mitigates tax planning, while offering physical stability for both the government and contractor against changes in corporate tax rates.” Upon noting this, Ram said, “This must rank as nonsensical a proposition as any that the IMF has published in its name for decades. How one might ask, does this giveaway bring certainty to Government revenue, or prevent tax planning, when the whole
idea of pay-on-behalf-of (POB) is all about tax planning – to allow oil companies to receive a certificate issued by the tax authorities of a tax ostensibly, but not actually paid by them, so that they can claim a tax credit in their home country?” He added, “…From all appearances, Budget 2021 does not acknowledge any awareness of this liability by the Government, or make any provision for its payment. For the Government to meet this obligation to the oil companies outside of an Appropriation Act, would be unlawful and may explain the silence of the authorities on this matter.” Expounding further, the lawyer said the practical examples given by the IMF are only marginally more sustainable than their conceptual logic. He said the authors of the report write about Trinidad and Tobago utilising the POB formula, but stressed that they failed to acknowledge that this is a decades-old legacy which is no longer widely practiced, and has never applied in a post-discovery agreement. With respect to Azerbaijan, Ram said the assertion is effectively disputed by one of that country's academics and by Deloitte, a reputable accounting firm. In an article in the July 2015 edition of Journal of World Energy Law and Business, Ram quoted Nurlan Mustafayev as stating that “Contractors and sub-
Beating with pressure pot cover sends man to ICU
C
ourt One of the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts heard yesterday, that a man is presently lying in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), after his cousin tried to kill him with a pressure pot cover The patient in the ICU has been identified as Kenford Paul of East La Penitence Squatting Area, Georgetown, and his cousin who allegedly tried to murder him, is 21-year-old Adolphus Serratam. The attack on Paul took place on Saturday July, 10, 2021 at a house in East
Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Presiding over the matter was Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. Charged with attempted murder, Serratam was remanded to prison until August 5, 2021. Although legal advice is being sought from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Serratam was charged based on the information gathered so far from a police investigation, and the seriousness of the offence. Serratam allegedly attempted to murder Paul over an empty pressure pot. Serratam and Paul were reportedly not speaking with each other, however, on
Saturday last, things escalated. The suspect reportedly went home that day and asked Paul for some food. Paul reportedly said “the pot is empty”. H i s r e s p o n s e aggravated Serratam and he (Serratam) took off the cover of the pot and used that to beat him (Paul). Paul reportedly received several lashes to the head and fell unconscious while Serratam ran away. Paul was picked up by relatives and rushed to the GPHC where he remains in a critical condition. Serratam was later arrested.
contractors are subject to taxes under the country's Production Sharing Agreements. There is no precontract cost, capital expenditure is limited to 50 percent of gross production and the cost recovery base and taxes are ring-fenced.” He said too, that Deloitte goes further and gives a range of tax rates of 20 percent to 32 percent which petroleum operations must pay. Ram said they both note that each agreement is the subject of a separate Act of Parliament and neither mentions the Government of that country settling the oil companies' tax obligations.
As for Qatar, Ram cited another analytical piece, this t i m e b y PricewaterhouseCoopers, another accounting giant. PWC in summing up Qatar's tax regimes in respect of petroleum operations said: “Generally, corporate income tax rate at a minimum of 35 percent is applicable to companies carrying out petroleum operations…” Further to this, Ram noted that Qatar has moved away from Exploration and Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) to Development and Fiscal Agreements (DFAs). While comparisons can
be useful benchmarks, Ram said it is clear when one contemplates the foregoing that they ignore the overall package and relevant local laws at their peril. In the case of Guyana, Ram said the former regime therefore erred when it used the POB formula since it violates the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act Cap. 65:04 (PEPA) and the Financial Administration and Audit Act (FAA). Ram also expressed dismay during a telephone interview with Kaieteur News that the IMF which was supposed to be protecting Guyana's interests encouraged such an illegality.
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Thursday July 15, 2021
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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
Americans are playing a double game The Americans are playing a double game. They have done a double take and engage in mainly double-talk these days. It is a far cry from their energetic, furious and, at times, menacing hands-on involvements during the controversial 2020 Guyanese elections. Then, the Americans were all about democracy, and the inalienable rights of citizens. From the perspective of America, no stone was to be left unturned, no step too far, and no measure too much trouble. But now America and its powerful agencies are exposed for engaging in big, undeniable double standards. America could not have cared less about getting its face plastered with scorn, and feet muddy, in what some held as the unprecedented, with that dirty word ‘interfering’ taking root in some corners and hearts. This is an indication of the intimate involvement of America from the State Department through the US Ambassador and down to sundry others, they could not get enough of Guyana’s stormy national elections. But today the same Americans are talking a different talk and walking a new walk. In fact, Americans are not doing any walking of any kind today. Today Americans are picture perfect in carefully stepping around the business of this country. When examined closely, it becomes obvious that the Americans, who were loud about democracy and free and fair, have suddenly lost their noble ideals and all their big talk and big visions about what is free and fair in the commerce of the citizens of this country. We dare to speak of oil commerce. That is, about this country’s oil affairs and oil relationship with Exxon and other American multinationals. Where they were lofty and loud before, nowadays the Americans are lying low, and are as silent as church mouses. It is not a word, not a blink, not a misstep from the same influential people, who made such positive contributions, and such a huge difference in our recent elections. They were there when urgently needed. But now they say when needed, that they really shouldn’t get involved. America is, in effect, saying through its resident representatives that it cannot get involved in what is held out as the private business relationship between Guyana and Exxon. That is, it doesn’t operate this way, and business is not conducted this way, since that would be a palpable violation of the norms of standing business practices. To that, we will be blunt, even if we have to be offensively so: that is bull. And the Americans know so more than we do. But since they are playing coy, as in fast and loose with reality and history, then we will take it upon ourselves to clear the air, and expose the hypocrisies, the double-talk and double standards, that are embedded in such a posture. First, whenever and wherever American big business interests in general have come under attack or pressure, the American government has intervened. We offer Chile and Guatemala, when telecommunications and consumer products were threatened. The record will show that America did intervene on the side of American big business, and at the expense of democratically elected governments. As another more recent example, and one right nearby, there is oil and Exxon and Citibank and Venezuela. Of course, this time around, the narrative is about human rights violations and dictatorship, but again for the benefit of American oil interests, which seem poised to win yet again. And this is thanks to American powers from the White House down being applied remorselessly on those nations that dare to stand against its corporate behemoths. Now here is Guyana, with its lopsided, upside down, oil contract with ExxonMobil, an American economic juggernaut, and the position of our once, and still friendly neighbourhood Americans is hands off, game face on, with lips sealed and ears stopped from listening to our woes with Exxon. This is the trickery that is at work. Because, if Exxon’s interests here were ever threatened, then America would move to make matters favourable for the company. Just like it did before for other American corporations in Latin America. For these reasons, we are not buying today’s official American silence and distance on our issues with Exxon. It is double-talk and double standards.
In search of authority in future labour relations DEAR EDITOR, A small and anxious group of young professionals expressed concerns about the welfare of local employees in the foreign industry, of more specifically gas and oil. For one, they had been paying attention to the several reservations continually expressed by contributors to the local press about the administration’s incapacity to impose their authority on the one international ‘explorer’ who in fact was known for its reputation as an ‘exploiter,’ say, in countries like Nigeria and Angola. This young generation pointed to the ineffectualness of all the administrations so far to address the on-going plight of workers in the mining and forestry industries long dominated by foreigners, who paid little notice to local union representation, much to the latter’s disablement. Why they asked, was it not recognised that there was this consequential effect on the communities from which the particular workers came, and which expanded further to other thoughtful witnesses like themselves?
One argued that ‘our stance must be firmly established in law.’ Encouraged by the group hers was that account should be taken of all the informed analyses of the strengths and weaknesses of a situation that is bound to haunt their progeny, and for which they, amongst current under-performers, would not be forgiven. The logic pursued, and which earned support, was to convene a task force of appropriately qualified intellectuals, including attorneys of course, who would agree on the areas of concerns which must be addressed, and then identify the sub-groups who will focus on the specific areas for legislative action in relation to oil and gas. Full circle was the insistence on productive relationships between local employees of a culture of unionisation and foreign employer who has no tolerance for, or indeed experience with, unions.A complementary view was that even now our labour laws lack currency with developments say in the technology employment con-
text. Additionally, some employers assume that they are exempt from some industrial relations requirements, e.g., overtime, safety gear, NIS commitments (particularly where women are affected). So one enquiry resorted to the effectiveness of the Ministry of Labour, while smirking about the implication of ‘labouriousness.’ In search of its staff competency reference was made to the Budget of 2021 approved by Parliament. Agency 38 – Ministry of Labour is shown to be staffed as follows: Policy Development and Administration – 25 Labour Administrative Services – 65 Unfortunately, the Section, which normally carries
the List of Approved Positions under Ministries/Departments/Regions, seemed to have omitted Agency 38. This is where detailed are the usual six categories of jobs, in addition to ‘Temporaries.’ So there was some uncertainty about how the recent 10 persons recruited as ‘Labour Officers’ were disposed of, presumably after appropriate orientation. It was noted that the job structure did however, include 25 ‘Contracted Employees.’ In the midst of all the discussion was the remark that the longstanding Chief Labour Officer had been replaced – at this juncture of substantive change! Yours truly, E.B. John
Explanation for missing file seems contrived DEAR EDITOR It is baffling that first the case file was missing, so the court matter could not proceed, then suddenly it is not missing, but with investigators for additional work. So if the investigation was not complete how come the matter was called up in court? The explanation offered seems contrived. Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed
There are too many PR people when we’d be better served with Ethics Officers DEAR EDITOR, There are too many Public Relations people around in different guises in the state sector; this extends to government propaganda channels in private/social media sectors, too. This society would be better served if we replace them with Ethics Officers. The problem is who and where, and which government leader is principled enough to want them around and give them a free hand to set robust standards, go wherever breaches lead, and bring to book those who responsible, regardless how senior or connected. If government is serious about accountability and transparency, in the operations and oversight of the business of the people’s business, then leaders would listen and act accordingly. PR people have their roles, but they have grown, or deteriorated, into professional political mercenaries, who justify their existence and come into own, when dispatched to engage in hit and run blitzkriegs against critical citizens, or verbal hits on those found objectionable by political masters. Having encountered those infrequently over the years, under one government after another, I can so attest with accuracy. They have a dirty job to do and there is some sympathy for them; though they can
be occasionally intellectually dishonest, they still have families to feed. Nonetheless, I am forced to ask: why do governments and leaders and ministers need public relations? They never had them in days gone by. With rare exceptions, the only products of government are performance and service. Governments do not make anything that requires selling or defending, other than mistakes and financial mayhems. I would argue that government has not gotten more complicated, but it has definitely transformed into more trickery and mockery of the people by elected people and those that they select. The political party does
not matter, or the place. But with the massive expansion of leadership and ministerial deviousness and conspiracies, there is significant demand for people good at cover-ups to deliver camouflages. This has led to the equivalent of those ancient cricket teams from the subcontinent (no racial slight intended) that were all spin and flight and guile, with plenty of turn and bounce. Instead of Prasanna, Bedi, and Chandrasekhar, Guyana has PR Units, PR Departments, and PR Officers galore. With any respect due, I contend that they serve little honest purpose, are more defenders of dodges by deceitful people. Any Guyanese who thinks that this leader or that
one, this minister or the other is on the up and up, needs a drugstore of laxatives to purge those poisons out of them. What this society direly needs are clean messages based on cleaner standards as managed and delivered by the cleanest people around. Guyana cries out for Ethics Officers. There is a serious problem: they must be ethical people, and those are in the shortest supply here. They must be neutral and fearless, which is another grave problem. If we can find them, install them, and set them loose, this country could do much better with truths, monies, values, and standards. Yours truly, GHK Lall
Residents of East Berbice are frustrated and disgusted at GPL’s poor service DEAR EDITOR, I am writing this letter to the Prime Minister of Guyana, who has responsibility for the Guyana Power and Light. Sir, the residents of East Berbice are very frustrated and disgusted at the poor service being provided by GPL in our area. I don’t know what is happening at GPL but we have been getting frequent power outages for the longest while now and with no notification whatsoever. Mr. Dindial had given some explanations earlier about a blown transformer
but the blackout continues. To make matters worse, whenever there is a blackout, GWI water supply goes off immediately. I’m surprised that no one from GWI haven’t made any complaints yet, as many of us know that this on and off interruption in power can seriously damage electrical components at the company. However, it seems like nobody cares a darn thing about what is happening. Sir, I need you to have a serious look at the operations at GPL because although we are having all
these power outages, we are still paying the same amount of money on our bills as against a month when we didn’t have any power outages or sometimes higher depending on the period of blackouts not to mention the amount of food items in our refrigerators that have to be dumped, in a time where food items are so expensive because of the floods. Sir, I’m looking forward to your intervention into this frustrating situation. Yours truly, Anthony Welaidum
Thursday July 15, 2021
Today marks the 1st Anniversary since the passing of two renowned Guyanese artists DEAR EDITOR, George Simon, artist/archaeologist, was the winner of a number of National and International awards, and whose paintings explored our Pre and Post-Colombian Cultures and whose archaeological finds on the coastland of Guyana liken to those of Puerto Humego, Colombia – evidence of the existence of the Indigenous presence thousands of years before Columbus’s arrival in the “New World.” As a friend, George was an inspiration. After my head injury in January 2016, he urged me to continue my experience in the painting category. Following his advice, I applied my knowledge as a sculpture into painting. One year later, I won the Second Place Prize, a Silver Medal, in the Guyana Visual Arts Competition (GVAC) 2017. George was an energetic organiser; he formed the Moving Circle of Artists, which brought out many talented Indigenous Artists who exhibited annually at the Indigenous Month Exhibition, which was a yearly featured event at the National Gallery Castellani House. Unfortunately, there was no display in 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Now that galleries are reopened in Brazil, Haiti, the USA, Norway, the Nether-
lands, etc. in keeping with the Covid-19 regulations, there could still be an Indigenous Month Exhibition in which we can truly pay homage to this outstanding Guyanese Artist, George Simon. Osaze was a versatile and innovative artist, a genius in his own field of creativity,
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another such remarkable Guyanese Artist was the late Winston Strick. Osaze would recycle discarded materials and create fantastic Artistic Gems. He was also the Cartoonist for the Mirror Newspaper in the late 70s and early 80s. Osaze never took part in the NVAC or any Art Competitions, but Private Collec-
tors in Guyana and the Diaspora have acquired his works. There are no works of Art by Osaze or Brian Elicock, another young sculptor who had displayed much talent in the late 1970s and 1980s, in the National Gallery. In fact, the National Gallery in its 28 years of existence has not sought to acquire sculptures from prize-
winning Guyanese Artists – Gary Thomas, George Hope, myself, Francis Ferreira, or the late Bertram and Omowale. The sculptures that are repeatedly displayed at the National Gallery were acquired by the late Chairman of the Department of Culture, Ms. Lynette Dolphin, and the late Director of Art, Dr. Dennis Williams. There is no continuum to show the development of the Creative Arts and the significant contribution that our Sculptors have made. In concluding this letter,
on the occasion of the “crossing over” of George Simon and Osaze, it is a sad predicament that as we all “cross over,” the failure to fully appreciate our contribution will be a loss to future Generations of Guyanese. Yours truly, Desmond Alli (General Secretary Guyana United Artists GUA)
I am appalled to see City Council inviting bids for Constabulary Training Complex DEAR EDITOR, I was extremely appalled to see the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown inviting bids recently for the leasing of the City Constabulary Training Complex on Water Street. A facility which once housed the ‘House Service Department’ but which was completely retrofitted a few years at substantial cost to accommodate a full police training school. The first question to be asked is whether the Council shall be disbanding its City Police Department? Because surely, they could not be planning to maintain this force without having adequate training and refresher
training for its ranks. If there is a City Police Department in the world that is in dire need of training, it is the Georgetown City Constabulary. For some unexplained reason, I don’t know whether it is the working conditions, the salaries and other emoluments offered, or just the stigma of working for the City Council, but the City Constabulary does not attract the best of recruits. They seem to have to scrape the bottom of the proverbial barrel after the army, the national police, the fire and prison service have selected their recruits. So from the get go the Constabulary has to put in extra training to
get its recruits up to scratch, and yet they would like to scrap the school and lease out the facility. Such an absurdity. Over the years, the performance of the City Constabulary has been so dismal, they have been involved in so many unprofessional acts and they have been unable to maintain law and order in the city, all of which can be attributed to a dearth in training. So why the rush to lease this facility out which has within its confines, all the facilities needed for a police training centre such as a drill square, well designed and laid out live in barracks for re-
cruits, training and lecture rooms, a library, kitchens for meal preparation and dining areas etc.? Then they will have to create from scratch a new facility elsewhere? It just makes no sense. Indeed, it is rather questionable that as soon as the market for riverside and waterfront properties became pronounced as a result of the new oil and gas industry, that a few persons at the Council immediately began discussing selling this prime municipal property and only after a hue and a cry by some concerned citizens that the plan was changed to leasing it. Yours truly, Mark Roopan
Because We Care Cash Grant would go a long way in helping kids have access to resources DEAR EDITOR, It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you to express my gratitude and satisfaction with the Government of Guyana regarding the “Because We Care and School Uniform Cash Grant” initiatives. Speaking from personal experience, such initiatives are geared at helping parents provide for their children so that they can excel academically and they usually help a great deal. One of the things that I must stress on is the fact that the Because We Care initiative is one that is tailor-made
for parents at this time. The $15,000 would go a long way in helping kids have access to the resources, which they need to keep up-to-date with their schooling. In addition, parents are able to get another form of relief with regard to school uniforms, as the School Uniform Cash Grant of $4,000 will help offset such expense. The PPP/C Government should be applauded for reintroducing these grants since they are critical especially at this time. Further, Guyanese should condemn all the negative narratives, which are being created by the APNU+AFC re-
garding these two grants. It is important for everyone to realize that with the reintroduction of the Because We Care and School Uniform Cash Grant initiatives, about 172,000 children across Guyana will benefit from a total in excess of $3.2 billion, which was allocated. This is in keeping with the PPP/C’s 2020 election promise. The Coalition should in no way, shape or form, criticise the reintroduction of these cash grants because they will benefit each and every child in the public school system. Everyone will gain. There should not be anything
negative about that. One must ask the critical questions on why the Coalition continues to oppose progress and development for the people of Guyana. In fact, it was the APNU+AFC Coalition who stopped the Because We Care cash grant initiative when they took office in 2015. It was as a result of their actions that our kids were robbed of billions just so that they could have more money at their disposal to spend on refreshment and meals totalling approximately $1.8 billion. Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton
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What of value did the Coalition PPP cash grant to children in give to the nation’s children? public schools is inadequate DEAR EDITOR, I have observed several rants on social media made by members of the opposition about the PPP/C’s reintroduction of the Because We Care initiative as well as the School Uniform Cash Grant. It is ridiculous to say the least and I ask that you kindly permit me a few minutes to echo my thoughts. In 2015 when the APNU+AFC Government took office, they immediately stopped the Because We Care initiative. This meant that all the nation’s children in the public school system were placed at a disadvantage since many of their parents had to find additional finances on their own to provide them with their school supplies etc. One would say that it was as if the Coalition did not care about the children of Guyana and the burden, which the removal of the cash grant would place on parents. We saw that instead
of providing for our children, they chose to increase their own expenditure on dietary by $1.8 billion approximately. Now, these very people have the audacity to criticize the PPP/C for reintroducing the grant, which will benefit each child in the public school system. Something is clearly wrong with them. I am sure hundreds of thousands of Guyanese, even those that do not support the PPP/C, would join me when I say that the reintroduction of the Because We Care initiative will definitely help in bringing relief by providing our children with the necessary resources for their schooling. At this time, there is no doubt that parents are finding it hard to provide for their children, as many of them are out of jobs due to the pandemic. As such, the fact that the Government has seen the need to fulfill their manifesto promise of reintroducing the
cash grant which the cowards of the Coalition halted, is worthy of all the applause at this time. Parents will now receive $15,000 for each child in the public school system as part of the Because We Care initiative. In addition to this, each child will be provided with an additional $4,000 as part of the School Uniform Cash Grant initiative. This totals to $19,000 per child. I ask the Coalition, why are you criticising such provisions, which will benefit our children when you did not give them anything of value during your tenure? I call on all Guyanese to reject the efforts of the Coalition to paint these initiatives of the PPP/C Government as bad. In my view, the coalition is only upset because they know that these initiatives are great, hence them being so worked up about them. Yours respectfully, Erin Northe
DEAR EDITOR, It must be the joke of the century for the Minister of Education to be advocating a $19,000 (under US$100) payout for every child in public schools, since this programme is ill conceived and will not improve the lives of the children, parents or teachers or increase their access to education. It is inadequate by the cheapest of calculations. It is laughable because the payout cannot achieve the two critical objectives of improving the lives of children, parents and teachers and increasing our children’s access to education. At the wider level, it fits into the PPP scheme to bribe our people and create dependence rather than increasing our people’s capacity to earn and live decent and fulfilling lives. The PPP uses state resources to create dependency so that they can dominate and control the lives of the people of Guyana. This approach must be condemned
and resisted. With the critical issues facing parents and their children at this time of COVID19, the programme cannot help them surmount their problems. It would not satisfy our people’s basic needs – $19,000 cannot cushion the ill effects of parents out of jobs and those fired by the PPP during COVID. It cannot cushion the adverse effects of the more than 50% increase in the cost of living while there has been no wages and salaries increases. Our people’s real income has declined making life difficult. It cannot begin to help children to access education on the internet since data cost a lot. In addition, many areas that were given free government internet by the APNU+AFC have been cut off to restrict access to the internet on political grounds and many communities are without internet and the purchasing power to access the internet. Clearly the aim is not to
make education accessible and people’s lives better. It is another PPP scheme to provide income through corruption to the PPP elite, family, friends and a select group of PPP members and supporters. What Guyana needs is a well thought out programme that is aimed at improving the lives of children, parents and teachers and improving students and teachers’ access to online and other forms of teaching and learning. This new cash grant cannot achieve these two basic objectives. This ridiculous $19,000 cash grant is a joke. It is another attempt to bribe people without addressing the problems that affect them. A $19,000 grant cannot achieve the above stated objectives. It will become another means of PPP corruption and discrimination like the so-called COVID-19 Relief PPP Corruption Fund. Yours truly, Aubrey C. Norton
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N L U BL BLUNT. B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B . T L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . . LU ...BLUN B T . . . N T U N L U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B . L . . B . T . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday July 15, 2021
Kaieteur News
In Tuesday's KN, Chris Ram said, “PPP/C must decide if it will stand with the country or oil companies.” As wise as Mr. Ram is, we are ahead of him on this one.
PPP leaders have already decided. They are with the oil companies. Country? What is that and who cares about those living in Guyana? Certainly, is it not the PPP whose record confirms how the party and its leaders in government have tied bundle with the oil companies? Unless a miracle happens, Guyanese will be left to suck salt on this oil.
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Guyana is CDB's largest loan beneficiary …has secured more than US$10M in past two years
W
ith Guyana being the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB')s largest recipient of loans, newly elected bank president, Dr. Hyginus 'Gene' Leon, arrived in Guyana on Friday, July 9, last, for his first official visit to the country since taking up leadership of the Bank in May 2021. In 2020, CDB's project approvals in Guyana included US$9.9 million for the construction of a modern H os pitality Tr aining Institute and US$190 million for upgrading 121 kilometres of roadway from Linden to Mabura Hill – the largest project ever in the Bank's history. Dr. Leon and the CDB delegation were warmly welcomed at the Eugene Correia International Airport by Guyana's Governor to the CDB, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.
Shortly after arrival, Dr. Leon, along with his delegation met and had discussions with President I r f a a n A l i a n d Vi c e President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and other officials. Over the course of the fourday visit, the Bank's President visited a number of the sites being funded by CDB. The objective of the mission, according to the new CDB President, is to reaffirm CDB's commitment to Guyana and to offer assistance in support of national development goals. The visit comes against the background of recent severe flooding events in the country and as such, meeting with officials involved in the recovery process and residents impacted by the events, will be a high priority for the CDB delegation. The visit was said to be an opportunity for dialogue between the Bank and the Government of Guyana on
the Government's economic objectives and priorities, and how CDB can support through its assistance and lending programmes. Guyana is one of the founding members of CDB, having joined in 1970, and the Bank has been a leading partner in the country's development over the past half century. CDB funding in Guyana has been used for social and economic infrastructure, including schools, water systems and climateresilient roads. Meanwhile, Dr. Leon in an interview with the state television – National Communications Network – noted that one of the issues discussed was how bilateral relations could be increased between the two sides. He used the occasion to draw reference to the fact, that Guyana is on the brink of major changes in its growth trajectory, and that Guyana could be a working partner with the CDB on regional
Dr Hyginus 'Gene' Leon (right) greets Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh in the presence of Head of State, President Irfaan Ali development. “I think we need to have an almost chummy type of pre-transactional relationship, whereby we can be engaged continuously, informally and
formally,” he said as he pointed to formal dialogue as critical. He noted that “by doing this, we would be setting as it were the means of conversation, trust. In terms
of being engaged. So that when the transaction request occurs, there's no need for resetting. We would already be in that mode of continuous conversation before.”
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 15, 2021
PAGE 09
No confidence in the no-confidence motions D
espite what has happened in the N a t i o n a l Assembly in Trinidad and Tobago where motions of no-confidence were tabled against Ministers of the Government, such motions are NOT permitted under Guyana's Constitution. Only a motion of no-confidence against the government is admitted by the Constitution. It is therefore a good thing that the Speaker of the National Assembly has sought legal advice on the non-confidence motions brought by both sides of the House. However, it would also be much better if instead of the Attorney General, the Speaker seeks legal advice from external sources, including from the Commonwealth. Fifty-five years ago, before Guyana became an Independent State, there appeared a publication entitled, “Conventions and Proprieties of Parliamentary Democracy in India.” That book outlined a number of principles, which existed under the system of parliamentary democracy, which Guyana had adopted. In a section titled “Responsible Government” t h e a u t h o r, S h r i K . Santhanam, in arguing that a no-confidence motion against a Minister was not permitted, noted, “Even though the House may want to censure the policy of a particular Ministry, it cannot single out the Minister in
charge and pass a motion expressing want of confidence in him. So far as the Opposition is concerned, Cabinet stands or falls together.” APNU+AFC, however, is attempting the impossible. It is attempting a noconfidence motion against a Minister, a move that totally ignores the concept of collective responsibility. The APNU+AFC may have grounds for being critical of the actions of the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Police Force. It has expressed criticisms of the handling of the pandemic and about the actions of the Guyana Police Force. But to table a motion of no-confidence against the respective subject Ministers effectively amounts to tabling a motion of noconfidence against the senior officials of the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Police Force. As has been contended before, a Minister cannot be held accountable for the failures of his officers, only for the failure of policy. Therefore, it makes no sense tabling a motion which is not only unconstitutional and which cannot compel the Minister to resign. The first Prime Minister of India once explained that a no-confidence motion has only one aim: removing the government and allowing another to take its place. But the Opposition has not moved such a motion against the government. And if it knew that it had any chance
of succeeding, it would not have tabled such a motion, it would have gone for a no confidence in the government. In 2013, the then Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, made the following statement in relation to attempts to silence the then Minister of Home Affairs from speaking in the National Assembly. Speaker Trotman ruled that it was his “firm opinion that the National Assembly can only exercise a supervisory and disciplinary jurisdiction over a Member who has fallen into error of the Standing Orders, but such authority cannot carry over to the Ministerial portfolio of a Member; except as authorised by the Constitution. The decision to dismiss a Minister is solely that of the Executive President. Likewise, the decision of a Minister to resign is solely that of the individual Minister.” No-confidence motions against individuals are however permitted against Chairpersons of Committees of the House. The PPP/C was forced recently to resort to this measure in order to force the then Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee to step aside. As was stated in Robert Rogers and Rhodi Walters' “How Parliament Works” 7th edition,” committees whose members are chosen by the House, can have their Chairpersons removed by
Dem
Because we care! boys seh...
D
em politician sharing out crumbs and want people get excited. Is because we care! And some company get pay G$19M fuh cameras wah nah delivered. Is because we care! But de real gravy scooping out by dem foreign companies. So dem boys nah getting distracted by dis small change wah de government running after. De government gat people getting excited. Dem start sharing out de $19,000
school and uniform grant. And nuff people getting excited, especially de Big Aunties wah gat nine children and all of dem is of school age. People getting excited about dis $19,000 wah sharing out and fuhget de US$19B bill wah dem oil company gan drop pon we as field development costs. Is suh when yuh counting de grains while yuh neighbour fetching away de whole bag. De former government overpay somebody $3.9M. And de Pee-S trying fuh get it back but de person nah gat
no time. Is because we care! It mek dem boys remember de time when one of dem O-Pee staff bin open he payslip and find dat he pay short by $1,000. He rush to de accounting department and start complain. De accountant tell de man, “Yuh right, we made a mistake but last month we overpaid you $1000 and we didn't hear you complaining then.” “Look,” de man say, “I can overlook one mistake. But two months in a row?” Talk half and nah get excited about slack change!
virtue of no-confidence motions. The logic is simple, the House elects and the House can remove. This does not apply to Ministers. It is the President who elects and it is only the President who can remove. The APNU+AFC should heed the advice of one of its former parliamentarians, who, in response, to the tabling of the motions
against the Ministers of Health and Home Affairs, said that even if you get one or two votes from the other side to pass the motions, it is meaningless because it means nothing; they will continue being Ministers. So what is the purpose of the no-confidence motions against the Ministers? Is it for political theatrics? God
knows that we have enough of this coming from the APNU+AFC for five months last year. And they have continued with their histrionics, inside and outside of the National Assembly. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Thursday July 15, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The PPP talking to the PNC: Understanding realpolitik T
here is so much information on the internet that a columnist does not need to elaborate on the meaning of concepts and terms. Briefly, realpolitik is the attitude and implementation of that attitude by a government, political organisation or strategically placed leader in
which the motive is essentially shaped by what the implementer think is in his/her best interests and not broader determinants of open mindedness or conscience or ethical reasoning. One of the most common examples of realpolitik is the idea that I should court the
enemy of my enemy for I can strengthen myself against my e n e m y. R e a l p o l i t i k i s common in Guyanese history with many examples being sordid. Take the WPA. It hated the PPP for shutting it out of power after 1992 so it arranged a covenant with David Granger and Joe
Harmon even though those men were powerfully placed in the army at the time Walter Rodney was killed. The enemy of the PPP was the PNC so the WPA played games with the PNC to oust the PPP. Take the AFC. Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan hated the PPP more than the PNC. The former was literally chased away from the PPP leadership, the latter was expelled. So they teamed up with the enemy of the PPP to remove the PPP. When in power with the PNC, the AFC continued to play realpolitik. Though it knew the PNC was distorting governance and was destabilising social progress with serious consequences, the AFC played along because its deep desire was to see the destruction of the PPP. We come now to 2021. There have been a crescendo of opinions that seek to put pressure on the PPP to initiate dialogue with the PNC. The background portrait does not auger well for the future of such talks. The PNC won the 2015 poll by less than 5,000 votes and secured victory in the regional election of Region Eight by one ballot. After acquiring power, the APNU+AFC regime arrested opposition leaders
and put several of them in front of the Frederick Kissoon courts with evidence that had more holes than a discarded The advocacy of PPP opening basket found on the beach. up talks with the PNC is The APNU+AFC regime s i m p l y m i s g u i d e d closed sugar estates without sentiments. Some of these consultations with the advocates are in fact workers putting 5,000 estate dishonest. It is in the interest e m p l o y e e s o u t o f of the PPP not to formulate a employment. When one took dialogue with the PNC into consideration their because the consequences families, totally affected will benefit the PNC more numbers ran into 28,000. than the PPP. That is not T h e A P N U + A F C realpolitik but stupidity. autocrats extirpated the First, the PNC's Carter/Price formula and physiology is characterised unilaterally appointed their by disturbing schisms that own GECOM chairman. The threaten the very life of the APNU+AFC m o n a r c h s PNC. A covenant between refused to hold election with PPP and PNC at this time t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l l y would allow tempestuous stipulated time after losing a quarrels between factions in parliamentary vote of no- the PNC to subside. Why c o n f i d e n c e . T h e would the PPP want to help A P N U + A F C d i c t a t o r s the PNC to heal? That is not attempted to rig the March realpolitik but stupidity. 2020 election and prolonged Secondly, dialogue with t h e f r a u d f o r f i v e the PNC will ensure a place at consecutive months. the table for the AFC. The The two autocrats of the PNC, playing realpolitik on A P N U + A F C – D a v i d its own, will argue that the Granger and Joe Harmon – A P N U + A F C i s t h e went up to Region Five and opposition and demand a twisted a drug related murder seat for the AFC. That is c a s e i n t o a p o l i t i c a l smart realpolitik by the PNC. conspiracy by the PPP with But it should be matched by inflammatory demagoguery the PPP's refusal to accept that resulted in marauding t h e A F C ' s p r e s e n c e . violence committed on PPP Politically, sociologically supporters. and scientifically, the AFC is How does realpolitik dead. Only the PPP's postenter into the picture here? mortem can keep it alive. Why should the PPP keep the AFC alive? That isn't realpolitik but stupidity. Thirdly, the PNC has indoctrinated African Guyanese with the sermon that the PPP rigged its way into power. Amanza WaltonDesir keeps telling African Guyanese that the election was rigged by the PPP. For the PPP to start a rendezvous with the PNC, it can only drive Walton-Desir's fiction further into the soul of African Guyanese. That is not realpolitik but stupidity. Fourthly, PPP supporters have been tormented by violence in Region Five last year. Do they want a PPPPNC dialogue? Finally, the PPP's strategy should be seen in the incessant courting of PNC constituencies. That is realpolitik. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Thursday July 15, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Thursday July 15, 2021
Kaieteur News
CXC, UG ink MOU to advance educational opportunities for Caribbean students T
he Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the University of Guyana (UG), yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow for a systematic and strategic collaboration to advance teaching and learning assessment in the Caribbean. The agreement will allow for the students in the Caribbean to enjoy a smoother transfer process, should they apply to UG. During the virtual signing ceremony, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CXC, Dr. Wayne Wesley, said that the Council was honoured to collaborate with UG on another level. “We are pleased to be formalising yet another aspect of the long established relationship between the Caribbean Examinations Council
(CXC) and the University of Guyana. The University of Guyana has played an integral role at CXC through its permanent seat at the Council,” Dr. Wesley said. Vice Chancellor (VC), Dr. Paloma Mohamed, expressed similar sentiments. She told attendees of the ceremony that the MOU formalises the longstanding and exceptionally collaborative relationship that has existed between CXC and UG for over 57 years. “As a longstanding member of CXC, the University of Guyana is doubly pleased that the forward-thinking strategy of the council to streamline its arrangements and to leapfrog into the era of virtual space education through the use of digital techniques and technology, is again, being fulfilled today,” she said.
UG Vice Chancellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed
CXC's Registrar and CEO, Dr. Wayne Wesley
A c c o r d i n g t o D r. Mohamed, the MOU will make way for a joint exploration and coordination for access to resource persons to sit on subject panels, review committees, examining committees, and CXC's research advisory group.
She said that the signing also solidifies UG's role and place in collaborative Caribbean-wide educational research as well as, research for the digital transformation of the education systems within the Region. “The MOU also facilitates the advance
400 Lindeners receive house lots in 'Dream Realised' initiative
sharing of examination results for the purpose of matriculation as authorised by candidates, so that they can have advance placement in cases where there is high competition for limited spaces in certain programmes. Students and teachers as well as parents and guardians will be happy to note, that this MOU also enables the recognition of CXC Associate Degrees (CXC-AD) and their future use for the purpose of matriculation by candidates.” Dr. Mohamed said. The VC noted that over the years, UG has been able to welcome thousands of students from all across the Caribbean to its campuses and institutes, to study for over 140 different degrees using CXC's certificates as the gold standard in the region as one of the main entry requirements.
“Students come to us to study disciplines ranging from certificates to PHD's in medicine, law, agriculture, engineering, computer sciences, energy, business, tourism, psychology and s o c i a l w o r k , communications, mathematics, and education, art and environmental sciences,” she said. In this regard, Dr. Mohamed said that the “MOU itself will not only support cross matriculation of students from one university to the next, but the formal extension of credentials of the CXC and the degree granting institutions who are its affiliates, thereby, opening a world of possibilities in higher education, training, research, exchange, curriculum and human and social systems development in Guyana and the Caribbean.”.
The Cessna Caravan with its nose in the bushes at the Eteringbang Airstrip
A
fter being allocated house lots by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), approximately 400 Lindeners are now closer to owning their own homes. This development occurred when the CH&PA visited the mining town Tuesday as part of its 'Dream Realised' Housing Drive. In addition to the allocations, 144 persons were expected to receive their Certificate of Titles. The two-day initiative (which continued yesterday) was held at the Amelia's Ward Primary School and
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, allocating a house lot to a resident of Linden
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, presenting a Certificate of Title to a resident of Linden
saw hundreds of Lindeners attending in hopes of being allocated a house lot. Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, said that there is currently a backlog of 4,000 applications in the system for Linden alone and this is the first effort to clear that backlog. Calling the housing drive significant, the Minister noted that within two days the CH&PA would have been able to allocate more house lots than were (continued on page 18)
Punctured tyre blamed for plane mishap
A
Cessna Caravan ran into some b u s h e s yesterday after it landed at the Eteringbang Airstrip located in Region Seven. According eyewitnesses, the minor accident, might have been caused by a punctured tyre. According to a release issued by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), at approximately 11:34hrs.
an aircraft operated by Jags Aviation was involved in a runway excursion upon landing. Persons who were present at the airstrip told this newspaper that it appeared as if one of the plane's tyre had “burst” just as it landed on the airstrip. Everyone reportedly braced for the worst but the pilot managed to control the aircraft and ended up running into some bushes at the side
of the airstrip, slightly damaging the “nose.” Kaieteur News understands that the plane was carrying only cargo and that the pilot escaped unhurt. GCAA in its press release stated too, that it had dispatched inspectors to the area to conduct investigations. This newspaper learnt that they returned in the late afternoon hours.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 15, 2021
US begins to lift sanctions on Venezuela O
n Monday, July 12, the United S t a t e s Department of Treasury granted a sanctions waiver which in effect empowers US companies to export or re-export Liquid Petroleum Gas supplies to Venezuela. This sanction waiver is the first move by the Biden administration to ease sanctions on the economically hard-hit country, according to S and P Global Platts, and is “very much driven by humanitarian concerns” according to a source
familiar with the matter. A propane shortage in Ve n e z u e l a h a s f o r c e d thousands to utilise wood stoves for cooking food. “The US government is recognising literally the pain of the Venezuelan people,” the source said. “The US government also must be recognising that not allowing propane to be imported to Venezuela is not going to serve any political purposes.” The Treasury waiver, called General Licence No. 40, allows LPG exports or re-exports to Venezuela
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A Venezuelan Oil facility
through July 8, 2022. It does not allow the suppliers to receive payment-in-kind of petroleum or petroleum products. According to the source privy to the matter, the waiver also empowers US banks to be able to facilitate the trades, an action which has been wholly banned
under Venezuela's US sanction. Many commentators posited that President Joe Biden would have moved to ease some sanctions against Venezuela, but the issue has only now been addressed as the administration focused resources on tackling more pressing issues.
The next potential Venezuela sanctions waiver might allow diesel-for-crude swaps to resume, analysts say. Before the trades were banned in late 2020, Indian, Spanish, and Italian refiners supplied diesel needed for power generation and agriculture in exchange for payment in Venezuelan
crude. S and P Global Platts Analytics predicts an easing of some sanctions would only return Venezuelan oil production to around 700,000 b/d by the end of 2022, while any major recovery would depend on the removal of US sanctions against state-owned PDVSA.
Ex inmate who killed uncle over plantains, remanded to prison
M
elroy Moore, an ex-inmate who killed his uncle over some plantains last Wednesday on Leguan Island, Essequibo River, was on Tuesday remanded to prison for the offence. The 27-year-old appeared via Skype at the Leonora Magistrate's Court before Magistrate, Esther Sam, of the Suddie Magistrate's Court, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plea. He was remanded to prison and the matter is expected to be called again on July 29, 2021 for reporting purposes. Moore was arrested last Wednesday for beating his uncle to death over some plantains. The deceased was identified as Aubrey Jonas, 51, a farmer of Phoenix, Leguan. The incident occurred at approximately 14:55hrs on Leguan Island, Essequibo River. According to reports, the suspect had entered his
Charged: Melroy Moore uncle's farm and picked some plantains. Shortly after, Jonas came out of the backdam with a cutlass in his hand and questioned the 27year-old as to who gave him permission to pick the
plantains. An argument ensued after Jonas said, “You touch the plantains and you gon see wah gon happen to yuh.” After the argument, they both reportedly went their separate ways, and shortly after the suspect armed himself with a knife and went to the Phoenix koker and sat. But as Jonas walked pass him heading into the village, an argument erupted again. Jonas had reportedly lashed Moore on his leg with the cutlass and this resulted in Moore going into his mother's yard and arming himself with a piece of wood which he used to inflict lashes to Jonas' head, resulting in severe injuries. Jonas was picked up by his niece – who had videoed what transpired – and others and taken to the Leguan Cottage Hospital. While being treated for his injuries, the victim succumbed around 16:00hrs. Around 17:00hrs, acting on information received, police
Embattled GEA fuel inspector... From page 11 call.” To this, the GEA Inspector told the client that the dealer (name withheld) is licenced to sell fuel. Kaieteur News has since been informed that this is not the case, since the person in question only has a licence to transport fuel and not sell. In recommending another company, he insisted
that the company that the client initially wanted to do business with was not licenced to sell fuel. The client then confessed, “I don't know per say who is licenced and who is not,” to which the inspector repeated the names of two companies he claimed were licenced by GEA to sell fuel.
As the client sought further information, the inspector responded, “I got a guy who normally deals with fuel in that area so I will call him and I will give you a call.” According to the client, “I would really appreciate that,” at which point he was reassured by the inspector, “yes, I will do that, you don't worry.”
went to an abandoned house in Phoenix where the suspect was contacted, told of the allegations and arrested. The body of the deceased is presently at the Leguan Cottage Hospital Mortuary
awaiting a post mortem examination. Investigations, according to police, are ongoing. Moore, no stranger to the law, is one of the 57 prisoners who were released
for “character and good behaviour” following a fire that destroyed the Camp Street Prison in July 2017. He was arrested in September 2017 for drug trafficking.
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Thursday July 15, 2021
Kaieteur News
Govt. commissions $52M road in Linden Minister of Public Works - Bishop Juan Edghill, Head of the Special Projects Unit - Mr. Colin Gittens, and Mayor of Linden - Ms. Waneka Arrindell, walking on the rehabilitated road. (Photo Credit: DPI)
Minister Juan Edghill examining the drainage works done. (Photo Credit: DPI)
M
inister of Public Works, Bishop Juan E d g h i l l , o n Tu e s d a y commissioned the once dilapidated New Washer Pond Road in Linden, Region 10. The $52 million road is outfitted with concrete drains and the requisite safety markings. The work, according to the Department of Public Information, was executed
by engineers from the Ministry's Special Projects Unit. To a v o i d e r o s i o n , Minister Edghill said, heavy-duty vehicles cannot be accommodated on the road at this time. “That is at least one month to keep the big, heavy trucks, 35 to 40 tonnes and sometimes 50 tonnes, way above what the axels can carry off these roads until we
can get what the ordinary layman might call a curing period. To build a road and not have adequate drainage is like putting money in fire, it will just disappear after a while, so we had to address the issue of drainage.” Head of the Special Projects Unit, Colin Gittens, said that the Ministry was able to address the issue that was causing the road to
deteriorate. “One of the major challenges is there was a spring in the area, I do not know if it is an artesian spring or because of the specific location of the area because we are in a valley, it could be there was water seeping out from the ponds above, but we have been able to harness the area, contain the water and allow it to free flow into the
drains,” he said. Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell, said that the people of Linden appreciate the works executed by the Ministry, as the road was in a derelict state for many years. “Linden is grateful for this, this has been one of the major issues we have been facing over a couple of years as it relates to roads in Linden and we are grateful
more so, that the problem that has been plaguing us has been identified,” she said. Mayor Arrindell said the Town Council would make every effort to maintain the road. Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, echoed these sentiments. The rehabilitation of the road is just one of many projects to be executed by the Government this year in the Region.
Innovative IT Solutions donates Absence of rules to monitor printers to Education Ministry spending of oil money by
politicians a major red flag
T
Proprietor of Innovative IT Solutions, Mr. Somal Sharma, hands over the printers to Minister Priya Manickchand
O
n M o n d a y, proprietor of Innovative IT S o l u t i o n s , M r. S o m a l Sharma, donated 50 Canon Pixma printers to the Ministry of Education. Receiving the printers on behalf of the Ministry was Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. According to Sharma, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been contributing in whatever way possible to
help those in need. He said that he decided to donate the printers to schools so that teachers can help students who cannot afford to do any printing of their own. “A lot of persons have lost their jobs during the pandemic and simple things like printing can be seen as a luxury for some right now,” he remarked. Minister Manickchand thanked the computer sales and repair business owner
for his kind gesture. She said that there are schools that need printers and that the items will go a far way in improving the capacity of such schools. The Education Minister said that it is always good when businesses can come on board and contribute to the development of the education sector and that the Ministry stands ready to collaborate with businesses to take education to the next level.
he Natural R e s o u r c e Governance Institute (NRGI), one of the world's leading non-profit organisations dedicated to helping countries properly manage their oil and gas wealth, recently conducted an assessment on Guyana and found that its systems for revenue management are weak. This assessment, which covers the 2019 to 2020 period, was done for NRGI's 2021 Resource Governance Index (RGI) on which Guyana secured a score of 55 out of 100 points. Kaieteur News had previously reported that the 2021 RGI assesses how 18 resource-rich countries govern their oil, gas and mineral wealth. The index score is made up of three components. Two measure key characteristics of the extractives sector – value realisation and revenue management – and the third captures the broader context of governance — the enabling environment. As regards revenue management, NRGI, which
- NRGI is headquartered in New York, said Guyana was deemed to be weak in this component due to a poor national budgeting assessment. In that subcomponent, Guyana has scored 40 out of 100 points. Expounding further, NRGI which was founded in 2013 noted that the country's fiscal regime was designed in the 1980s and does not reflect recent economic changes in Guyana. But what is more troubling to the Institute is the absence of a fiscal rule to ensure that the spending of the oil money is not a victim of politicisation. Given the prospects of high revenue in the coming years, NRGI said this is clearly a major red flag. NRGI in its report said, “It is crucial that Guyana has a decentralised mechanism to
decide fiscal expenditures and shield them from politicised decisionmaking.” On a positive note, NRGI noted that Guyana obtained “good” scores regarding the government's disclosure of the national budget and national debt. It further noted that the former government's decision to create the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) in 2019, with clear withdrawal rules that control the amount that is transferred to the national budget, constitutes a step toward sound economic policy for the sector. The Institute was keen to note that since the NRF legislation has not been activated and no withdrawal has taken place since production started in December 2019, international organisations and civil society are now asking the government for the early operationalisation of the fund. The Institute further highlighted that the institutional set-up of the NRF shows that Guyana's (continued on page 16 )
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 15, 2021
MoU signed to further develop Guyana's agri-tourism policy
Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister Oneidge Walrond signing the agri-tourism MoU
A
griculture Minister, Z u l f i k a r Mustapha, and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which seeks to further develop the agri-tourism policy in Guyana. During the signing c e r e m o n y, M i n i s t e r Mustapha said that the MoU establishes a shared ambition between the two ministries in an effort to collaborate, coordinate and implement the development of the Agri-Tourism Policy in Guyana. “This MoU stemmed from a recommendation that was made during last year's Agri-Tourism Week. It establishes a shared ambition between our two Ministries to collaborate, coordinate and implement the development of the Agri-Tourism Policy and roadmap, thereby creating an enabling environment for our agri-tourism operators,” Minister Mustapha said. Minister Mustapha also said that agri-tourism acts as a mechanism for diversification and income generation for farmers. This, he said, would be achieved through on-farm activities that would help to maintain the viability of farms and rural communities. “Guyana has long had one of the largest agricultural economies and a very high potential of becoming the breadbasket of the Caribbean. In 2020, the agriculture sector accounted for 27.1 percent of Guyana's non-oil GDP despite the significant impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic on the lives of
farmers, fishers, vendors of agriculture inputs, and food traders. Agri-tourism, therefore offers farmers the possibility of diversifying and generating additional income from on-farm tourism activities in order to help supplement their agricultural income and maintain the viability of farms and rural communities,” Minister Mustapha said. He also expressed thanks to the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for its role in assisting with the process. Meanwhile, Minister Walrond noted that, if managed sustainably, both the agriculture and tourism products could exist for a long time. “The agriculture and tourism sectors are of strategic importance to Guyana's development. Managed sustainably, both our agriculture and tourism products can be with us long after the last barrel of oil is extracted. It is, therefore, incumbent on us today to use the opportunity provided by the petroleum bounty to build the foundation of a diversified economy that will persist when that bounty at whatever time must be inevitably be exhausted,” Minister Walrond said. Country Representative for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Mr. Wilmot Garnett, said that in order for the agri-tourism sector to move forward, partnerships and alliances must be built at both the public and private sector levels. “We are of the strong belief that for the sector to move forward, partnerships
and alliances must be built at public and private sector levels, and at both national and regional levels, with the objective of strengthening the policy and institutional framework, in support of increasing agri-tourism trade linkages and rural tourism development. In this regard, IICA, since 2002, had a focused programme on Agri-tourism in the Caribbean Region, as part of a larger hemispheric programme in Latin America and the Caribbean. We have been working to strengthen the capacities, the institutions, the policies and the planning processes necessary to better manage the market value chains, on which the sector depends, and to respond to environmental changes within the sector,” Mr. Garnett said. Furthermore, Executive Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Ms. Trina Butts, while offering brief remarks said that agriculture benefits locals while providing the tourism and hospitality industry with the resources for several activities while serving as a background to the attraction of Guyana's rural environment. These linkages, she added, directly or indirectly benefit multiple stakeholders and enhance the supply chain. Since taking office, the government has signalled its intention to develop Guyana's agri-tourism industry. Farmers across the country are therefore being encouraged to capitalise on the benefits of agri-tourism as an additional source of revenue and an overall boost to the country's economy. (Ministry of Agriculture)
PAGE 15
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Cashier,Porter & Salesman withVanandLorry ,A.Wahab Trading.Call:227-6659,2274861. 1 Male sales representative. Apply in person with written applicationTo ARK Enterprise container house. Call 225-3580, for more information. Wanted land to buy in Parfaithe Harmonie, Zeelugt or anywhere on the West Coast Tel# 673-7089/ 642-1252 One handyman to work in the interior, Accommodation and meals provided. Contact #6802702 One cleaner to work at hotel in the interior. Contact: 6802702 One male to work on chicken farm in the interior. Must have experience in poultry farming. Contact 680-2702 1 Lorry driver apply in person at RP's Enterprise area 'K' Le Ressoouvenir Contact 220-3710/ 220-2818 Wanted puri & Roti cook apply @ 225 Camp & New market st Welders,Security,Sand Truck Drivers& Handyman.Contact 223-5273/223-5274. A general domestic worker to work at Peter's Hall area EBD (25 to 45 years old) and one handy man. Call 231-0363
FOR SALE Allion,Premio,Field Wagon, Spacio,Sinter,Allex,212,Blue Bird,Advenis,RZ and Pitbull.650-7501. Complete canteen equipments included glass case, juicer, stove, micorwave , coffee maker, almost new. Tel#644-2473, 656-6045, 2267310 LAND FOR SALE M o n t r o s e E.C.D,16M.Contact:6800738.
Thursday July 15, 2021
Kaieteur News
VACANCY One experience hauler truck driver to work full time at A&R Trading.Call:661-1254/ 659-1771. Able-bodiedLorry driver.Telles Steel & Hardware.Call:226-6771,2313265. 1 secretary between ages 2535 year old.Call:683-8734. Vacancy for two(2) dispatcher@Confidential Cabs.Contact:231-5784.
Absence of rules to monitor spending of...
Factory Workers.Must have a s o u n d s e c o n d a r y From page 14 education,for more informa- government intends to address volatility in commodity tion please call:223-0090. prices and save for the future. Waitress between ages 18-25 It stressed nonetheless that years old $20,000 weekly. Live the passage of the NRF Bill in domestic between ages 25- was not smooth due to the 45 years $30,000 weekly No-Confidence vote against Tel#648-7866 Maid to cook & clean for East Bank Call 615-9132 Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 2550,Car/Van licence,642-9823.
the former government. NRGI acknowledged that the Bill was approved and voted on in absence of the opposition party, now in power, while adding that there is uncertainty regarding its use. On this premise, the inter-
national organisation articulated, “If the Guyanese government decides to amend or repeal the NRF law, it is crucial this process is transparent and inclusive so citizens can trust any new institutional framework.”
Thursday July 15, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Another company sues GGMC over quarry licence distribution Another lawsuit was served on the Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, and the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, over the cancellation of a quarry licence. It was last June that a similar lawsuit against GGMC and Commissioner Dennison, was served over the distribution of 16,500 acres of State lands for quarry operations to Hadi’s World Inc. According to this latest lawsuit, which was filed by attorney, Siand Dhurjon, on behalf of Benjamin’s Marine and Salvage Services Inc. (BMSSI), the Commissioner of the GGMC, is being sued for his alleged illegal cancellation of BMSSI’s quarry licence. The lawsuit explained that the licence was granted on June 19, 2017, but on April 17, 2021, the Commissioner cancelled BMSSI’s licence without following the mandatory statutory procedure under Section 52 of the Mining Act. The lawsuit also explained that the Commissioner’s decision was made on February 18, 2021 to hand BMSSI’s quarrying rights to an unknown company called ‘York Investment Inc.’ before BMSSI was ever notified of the GGMC’s intent to cancel its licence. The lawsuit outlined that in March 2021 a terse letter was sent by
GGMC Commissioner to BMSSI outlining 10 breaches of BMSSI obligations under its quarry licence. Among the breaches highlighted was that of outstanding royalty payments, which BMSSI claimed the Commissioner was refusing to collect. The other breaches, the company claimed were either non-existent or trivial, in that the Commissioner took steps to intentionally deprive BMSSI of its licence to clear the way for York Investments Inc. to benefit from the quarry rights to the land. As such the lawsuit claims that “the actions of the Commissioner of the GGMC, the GGMC, and the Minister of Natural Resources to achieve the cancellation of the quarry licence of BMSSI and the intended grant to York of a licence overlaying the same areas held by BMSSI are disproportionate, in breach of their statutory duty, arbitrary, a nullity, of no legal effect, ultra vires, unreasonable, irrational, unfair, an abuse of power, unconstitutional, whimsical, capricious, contrary to legitimate expectation, against their own policy and without any legal foundation or authority.” BMSSI’s attorney has since explained in the document that, accordingly, the GGMC or its Commissioner cannot unilaterally cancel a quarry licence, but rather the
Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat. law requires that the licence holder must first be notified of the reasons for an intended cancellation and be given 30 days to rectify any default or breaches it may be guilty of. He said that after any attempts to make good on its breaches and any representations by the licence holder, there must be reconsideration by the GGMC and its Commissioner as to whether the licence should be cancelled. According to the attorney, the law requires that a licence may not be cancelled for non-payment of royalties if those royalties have been paid off before the 30-day period. Dhurjon said BMSSI explained that although it was in default of paying royalties for four years, on many occa-
Woman stabbed with pitchfork while pulling brother from gambling fight In a serious condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), is a woman who was reportedly stabbed to her chest with a pitchfork on Sunday last while trying to pull her brother from a gambling fight. The woman has been identified as Otley White, of Lamaha Squatting Area, Georgetown, and the individual who allegedly stabbed her is 53-year-old, Denise Hillman, a vendor who resides in the same area. Hillman was arrested, and yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. She was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to commit murder and remanded to prison until August 5, 2021. The court heard that on Sunday last, White’s brother and Hillman’s son were gambling. The young men reportedly got into a misunderstanding and a fight erupted around 17:30hrs. White had rushed over to assist her brother by attempting to pull him from the fight. Upon seeing this, Hillman who was some distance away, allegedly armed herself with
Denise Hillman in the court lockup yesterday.
a pitchfork and approached White, stabbing her to her right side chest. An injured White fell and was rushed to the GPHC where she was admitted in a
serious condition. Hillman has since alleged that she was beaten by White’s family, and claimed that they threw a substance on her that caused burns.
GGMC Commissioner, Newel Dennison
sions from April 2020 to March 2021, it sought to pay its royalties. “BMSSI went as far as to write a letter to the Commissioner on 25th March, 2021 sending a cheque of
$1,191,120 to satisfy the arrears of outstanding rentals but the Commissioner replied refusing the cheque and its payment in flagrant breach of the Mining Act,” the lawyer claimed.
He said further that when officers of BMSSI would go to pay the rentals at the GGMC, the staff would tell them that they were given instructions not to accept any royalty payments from BMSSI. The lawsuit also went in depth to explain that if indeed the quarry licence was properly cancelled by the Commissioner, the quarry rights to the State lands held under the licence should have been “held in reserve for disposal by a process of bidding or lottery of which the general public shall be advised” but such public process was never embarked upon. Instead York Investment Inc. was specially chosen for the grant of the quarry licence. A date is expected to be set shortly in the Supreme Court for a hearing of the matter.
COVID-19 death toll surpasses 500 - 11 patients in ICU With four more fatalities recorded yesterday, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has surpassed the 500 mark. According to information released by the Ministry of Health, the persons died over a two-day period (June 12 to June 13) while receiving treatment at a medical facility. The COVID-19 death toll has now moved to 503. The latest fatalities are that of four men: a 43-yearold from Region One (Barima-
Waini), a 55-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), an 83year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and a 75year-old from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Further, the MoH in its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 168 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 21,223.Out of the number of new infections, Region Nine accounted for the majority of the cases with a total of 91
cases, Region Four with 43, Region Three with 17, Region Six with eight, Region Two with three, Region Two with three, Regions One and 10 with two each and Regions Five and Seven with one each. There are 11 patients presently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 84 in institutional isolation, 1,190 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 19,433 persons have recovered from the virus.
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400 Lindeners receive house lots in 'Dream ... From page 12 allocated over the last five years. “When you compare what took place in the housing sector…..360 house lots were allocated by the previous administration in total in Region 10, this exercise alone today (Tuesday), will see the allocation of 400 house lots….so it is extremely significant, our accomplishment here in Linden,” she said. The Minister noted too that although Region 10 is not a People's Progressive Party/ Civic's stronghold, residents should not resist opportunities for development. Rather, she said, they should take advantage of it. “When you receive the opportunities, when you take the opportunities that we offer to you, you are not doing us a favour, you are helping yourself to improve your own lives, elevate your standard of living, to provide a better future for your children, to de-
velop your communities, your Region and by extension, to develop Guyana,” she said. Residents were informed that before the end of the year, another 'Dream Realised' initiative will be taken to Linden and applicants who were not catered for at this event will have an opportunity then. In addition to the allocation drives, CH&PA will commence the construction of 40 houses in a few weeks. These, this publication was informed, will be the first set of houses that will be constructed as part of the 1,000 homes that President Ali had promised to afford Lindeners before the end of 2021. Clearing of lands for this project, according to Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, has commenced. He said that this project would also create widespread job opportunities for Lindeners even as he urged skilled workers, such as block makers, to tap into this project.
Relative to house lots, the Minister said that systems are in place to give allottees the full package when they purchase a house lot. This includes all necessary infrastructure and amenities to live comfortably and, according to the Minister, millions of dollars will be expended to upgrade the water system in Linden to meet the growing population. The housing drive also gave Lindeners the opportunity to make queries, update their information, interact with officials and engage representatives from banks and other agencies that are involved in the construction industry. This has been the third 'Dream Realised' initiative that was rolled out by the new administration and over 5,000 house lots have been allocated thus far. The goal, government has announced, is to allocate 50,000 house lots over the next five years.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 15, 2021
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Embattled GEA fuel inspector was sacked by CANU …currently being investigated by GEA T
he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has launched an investigation into the actions of the now embattled senior fuel inspector who was caught on tape directing a client looking to purchase a large quantity of fuel to not use his preferred choice but instead lobbied for another. This was confirmed by sources at GEA even as more damning information comes forward into the actions of the GEA agent. This publication has since managed to confirm too, that the individual was sacked by the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) for alleged corrupt practices. A senior official familiar with the CANU sacking, outlined that the man's contract with that agency was, “terminated and that says a lot.” Additionally it was pointed out that the actions for which the GEA official is now being accused of, “is not surprising at all.” This publication reported this past week that the fuel inspector was caught on tape seeking to prevent a purchase from one dealer and lobbied for the fuel to be purchased from another dealer. The dealer that was being recommended by the GEA Inspector, according to sources close to the transaction, does not have a licence to import fuel nor resell. GEA, which has jurisdiction over the issuance of the different classes of fuel licences used in Guyana such as Import, Transport and Sales, has been recently embroiled in controversy over the issuance of fuel licences to companies not meeting the legal requirements. In the recording, the inspector (name provided) could be heard telling the potential client not to use the dealer he was negotiating with, but rather to use another dealer he would recommend instead. In the recording, the GEA Inspector could be heard telling the client, “what you were doing all the time is purchasing fuel from a company which is not licenced by the GEA; I know you would not be aware of that.” To this end, the client sought clarity, since he was doing business with two
other companies based on recommendations. He queried of the inspector,
“Just for informational purposes, I got two other individuals that I use in the
same capacity that I do business with (name of company withheld),
somebody put me on to them I just have a number that I (continued on page 12)
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Thursday July 15, 2021
Thursday July 15, 2021
Kaieteur News
British and Irish Lions: South Africa A inflict tourists’ first loss BBC Sport - A Teststrength South Africa A inflicted the 2021 British and Irish Lions’ first defeat to
Another attacking opportunity goes begging for the Lions. (Getty Images)
serve up a sobering reminder of what awaits when the series starts later this month. Tries from Sbu Nkosi
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Kenyan 1500m star Cheruiyot called up to Olympic squad
and Lukhanyo Am gave the hosts a 14-point lead after a powerful first-half display. The Lions made inroads when Wyn Jones scored with South Africa A down to 13 men after two yellow cards. But South Africa A regained control and ran down
the clock to see out the win. Louis Rees-Zammit came closest to snatching victory from the hosts, but the Wales wing could not quite stretch enough to dot down after stepping inside scrum-half Faf de Klerk.
Thursday July 15, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You've been doing very well, Aries, but today you might feel more focused than ever. The path ahead seems clear and well defined. You're anticipating the future with motivation. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Some kind of settlement, grant, or bonus that you've anticipated for a long time may finally show up, Taurus. This should make your day! You
may want to celebrate. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you may put a lot of energy into your romantic relationship, Gemini. The astral energy is encouraging you to focus on romance. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Too much work and the resulting pressure over the past few days may have you feeling too tired to do anything more, Cancer, although your optimism and enthusiasm are still intact. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Romance blossoms for you, Leo, perhaps after a long standstill. A new stability and security may settle on love relationships as well as close friendships. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might host a social event in your home tonight, Virgo. You may be nervous at first, wondering if all will go well. Your efforts should produce the results you want.
You might be introduced to new contacts, which could lead to increased professional opportunities.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Paperwork, perhaps contracts or other legal documents, might need attention so you can move ahead with your projects, Libra. These projects could involve writing or speaking. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your financial picture continues to improve. At some point during the day, Scorpio, you might have the feeling that you aren't working hard enough to keep up your current forward motion, and you might worry. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Even though all continues to go well for you, Sagittarius, your mood may vacillate today. In spite of all the great things in your life, at some time during the day you might feel a little blue. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Trying to get too much work done in the course of the day could prove self-defeating, Capricorn. Your energy isn't what it usually is, and you're probably operating on adrenaline. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A despondent friend may need some cheering up. Your ability to nurture and listen sympathetically will definitely prove beneficial, Aquarius. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Many projects to complete before a deadline might have you feeling pressured, Pisces, but your determination is likely to drive you to try to get it all done even if it seems impossible.
Timothy Cheruiyot has been called up by Kenya for the Olympics following his win in the 1500m at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco. AFP - Kenya’s World 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot was called up yesterday to join the national team as four other athletes were dropped just eight days before the Tokyo Olympics, Team Kenya officials said. Cheruiyot finished fourth during team trials in June after aggravating a hamstring injury and suffering a family bereavement and was left out of the team altogether. But the 25-year-old middle distance runner went on to set the fastest times in the Stockholm and Monaco Diamond League meetings this month to stake a claim to a team spot. “I am thrilled to be part of the Kenyan Olympic team. I am in better shape than I was during the trials and I promise to deliver a medal for Kenya in Tokyo,” Cheruiyot, a hot favourite for gold, told AFP.Kenya last won an Olympic 1500m gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing when Asbel Kiprop was awarded the medal after Bahrain’s Rashid Ramzi was disqualified for doping at the Games. Cheruiyot replaces the unheralded 1500m teenager Kamar Etiang, who finished second at the trials but was dropped for not complying with Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) doping measures requiring three out-of-competition tests in the last 10 months, Kenyan athletics officials said. Other athletes who have been dropped are racewalkers Samuel Gathimba and Emily Ngii, and 400m hurdler Moitalel Mpoke. Kenya will send a total of 40 athletes, mainly runners, to the Olympics which open on July 23.
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Thursday July 15, 2021
ICC confirms points structure for 2021-23 WTC cycle ESPNcricinfo - The ICC has confirmed the schedule and points structure of the 2 0 2 1 - 2 3 Wo r l d Te s t Championship, which is set to kick off in August with India’s five-Test series in England. As reported by ESPNcricinfo over two weeks ago, points will be awarded on a match-bymatch basis as opposed to the series-by-series basis of the 2019-21 cycle, with the teams’ rankings determined by percentage of points won. “We received feedback that the previous points system needed to be simplified,” the ICC’s acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said in a statement. “The Cricket Committee took this into consideration when proposing a new, standardized points system for each match. It maintained the principle of ensuring that all matches in a WTC series count towards a team’s standing, while accommodating series varying in length between two Tests and five Tests. “During the pandemic we had to change to ranking teams on the points table using the percentage of available points won by each team, since all series could not be completed. This helped us determine the finalists and we were able to complete the championship within the scheduled time frame. This method also allowed us to compare the relative performance of teams at any time, regardless of how many matches they had played.” The nine teams in the
WTC will play an equal number of series - six (three home and three away) - but an unequal number of Tests, ranging from 22 Tests for England to 12 for Bangladesh. Each Test will
Championship in Southampton last month and it’s exciting to now look ahead to the second edition,” said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who lifted the WTC mace after his team
challenge, but our focus will be on making sure we prepare as well as we can for the tours ahead and trying to maintain our level of performance.” India captain Virat Kohli
edition of the championship. The following of cricket lovers too was great to see, and I am sure they will all be waiting eagerly for the second edition. “We will regroup with
ICC World Test Championship against the finalists of last time, which is an interesting challenge straight away,” he said. “India are a fine all-round side and it would be good to
ICC team cycle. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd)
ICC test points system. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd)
carry a total of 12 points, with a win fetching all 12 points, a tie six points and a draw four points. Three international captains shared their thoughts on the WTC with the ICC. “It was obviously pretty special to win the inaugural ICC World Test
beat India in the inaugural final last month. “The WTC has certainly added more context and brought new meaning to Test cricket and it was awesome to see the interest that was generated around the Final against India. “We know trying to defend the title will be a huge
was enthused by the fans’ receptiveness to the first edition of the WTC. “It was great to have played the final of the ICC World Test Championship against New Zealand in what was a memorable contest,” he said. “Not just the final, we saw the determination of players throughout the first
new energy for the next cycle starting with our series against England, hoping to give our fans a lot to cheer about.” Joe Root, the England captain, looked forward to getting his team’s campaign off on a strong note. “We start our campaign in the second edition of the
test them in our home conditions. We narrowly missed out on qualifying for the final last time and are looking to do better this time. “Test cricket is a format we all want to excel in and with points at stake for each match, everyone has to be at their best all the time.”
Messi to sign new five-year deal with Barcelona – reports (Reuters) - Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay at Barcelona by signing a new five-year deal, with the Argentine talisman set to take a wage cut, La Vanguardia newspaper and ESPN reported yesterday. Messi, Barca’s all-time top scorer and appearance maker, technically ended his 21-year association with the club last month and is currently a free agent after his previous contract expired. Since Joan Laporta took over as Barca president, the club has been trying to reduce
their wage bill in order to keep Messi and stay within La Liga’s strict financial control rules. La Liga chief Javier Tebas said last week that Barcelona, which has a total debt of more than 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion), would not be shown any leniency. Messi’s last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo. The club have been trying to rebuild the squad with Junior Firpo, Jean-Clair
Todibo and Carles Alena being sold to make way for free signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia. Messi, 34, won his first major international title with Argentina over the weekend when they beat rivals Brazil in the Copa America final. Messi was elected the tournament’s joint best player along with Neymar after finishing as the tournament’s joint top goalscorer with four goals while he also topped the assists charts with five. ($1 = 0.8462 euros)
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a penalty during the shootout. (REUTERS/Henry Romero)
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Thursday July 15, 2021
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The Trinbago Knight Riders are the defending champions. (Getty Images)
Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders to face Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2021 opener The tournament will be played entirely in a double-header format, with two triple-headers before the semi-finals ESPNcricinfo - The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be held between August 26 and September 15, with all 33 games to be played at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed. Last month, ESPNcricinfo had reported that CWI and the BCCI had reached an agreement for these dates following discussions about a potential clash with the second half of the IPL in September, and the consequent unavailability of West Indies’ players in the IPL, as well as staff and franchise owners who are involved in both tournaments. The CPL was originally scheduled to start on August 28, and end on September 19, but that changed after the BCCI began talks with CWI and the CPL, immediately after it identified the September-October window for wrapping up the remainder of the postponed 2021 IPL. The tournament will now be played entirely in a double-header format, and begins with a 10am EST game between Guyana Amazon Warriors and defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders, followed by a 7pm game
between Barbados Tridents and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. There will be breaks on August 30, September 3, 6 and 10, before the league stage finishes with triple-headers on September 11 and 12. The semifinals and final will take place on September 14 and 15 respectively. All the games will be played in just under three weeks. The challenge for both CWI and the CPL is that there aren’t many free days in a packed home season. West Indies are currently playing a white-ball series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs against Australia, which will end on July 24. Three days later, the Pakistan tour kicks off with a five-match T20I series followed by two Tests, scheduled to end on August 24. The fixtures for the 2021 tournament are as follows: Hero CPL 2021 Fixtures (all times Eastern Caribbean Time) Thursday 26 August, 10am Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders Thursday 26 August, 7pm Barbados Tridents v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Friday 27 August, 10am
Jamaica Tallawahs v St Lucia Zouks Friday 27 August, 7pm Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents Saturday 28 August, 10am Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Saturday 28 August, 2:30pm Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents Sunday 29 August, 10am St Lucia Zouks v Trinbago Knight Riders Sunday 29 August, 2:30pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors Tuesday 31 August, 10am Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Zouks Tuesday 31 August, 7pm Barbados Tridents v Jamacia Tallawahs Wednesday 1 September, 10am Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors Wednesday 1 September, 7pm Jamaica Tallawahs v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Thursday 2 September, 10am
St Lucia Zouks v Guyana Amazon Warriors Thursday 2 September, 7pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Barbados Tridents Saturday 4 September, 10am St Lucia Zouks v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Saturday 4 September, 2:30pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents Sunday 5 September, 10am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v St Lucia Zouks Sunday 5 September, 2:30pm Trinbago Knight Riders v Jamaica Tallawahs Tuesday 7 September, 10am Jamaica Tallawahs v Trinbago Knight Riders Tuesday 7 September, 7pm Barbados Tridents v Guyana Amazon Warriors Wednesday 8 September, 10am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs Wednesday 8 September, 7pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Zouks Thursday 9 September,
10am Barbados Tridents v Trinbago Knight Riders Thursday 9 September, 7pm St Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs Saturday 11 September, 10am St Lucia Zouks v Barbados Tridents Saturday 11 September, 2:30pm Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors Saturday 11 September, 7pm Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Sunday 12 September, 10am Barbados Tridents v St Lucia Zouks Sunday 12 September, 2:30pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs Sunday 12 September, 7pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Trinbago Knight Riders Tuesday 14 September Semi-final 1 Tuesday 14 September Semi-final 2 Wednesday 15 September Final
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Thursday July 15, 2021
Mitchell Marsh’s all-round brilliance, Mitchell Starc’s final over earn Australia first win ESPNcricinfo – A careerbest night with both bat and ball from Mitchell Marsh ensured Australia got off the mark in the series as Mitchell Starc stymied Andre Russell at the death to clinch a fourrun victory over West Indies. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Marsh propelled Australia to 189 for 6 with 75 off 44 balls, his third half-century in four innings this series.
Defending the total, Marsh followed it up with 3 for 24 including a prized trio of scalps - Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons and stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran - to stunt momentum in the West Indies chase. Needing 11 off the final over and with Russell on strike, after Riley Meredith had been taken for four sixes by Fabian Allen in the 19th, Starc came around the
stumps and bowled four leg stump yorkers that Russell could not get under to elevate and - with only the tail left in at the non-striker’s end resulted in turned down singles on each occasion. On the fifth ball, Russell flubbed a knee-high full toss well short of the rope at deep midwicket before a boundary on the final ball made a cosmetic adjustment to the final margin. It also
Pogacar in control to win stage 17 and extend overall lead Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar (front) of Slovenia before winning stage 17 with Team Jumbo–Visma rider Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Ineos Grenadiers rider Richard Carapaz of Ecuador on stage 17. (REUTERS/Stephane Mahe)
S A I N T- L A R Y SOULAN, France (Reuters) - Tadej Pogacar controlled his rivals and extended his overall lead in the Tour de France as the final podium took shape in a gruelling 17th stage won by the defending champion yesterday. The Slovenian outsprinted Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard and Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz at the top of the lung-busting Col du Portet (16km at 8.7%) for his first mountain-stage win in this year’s Tour after being the first attacker in the final climb.He now leads Vingegaard by five minutes, 39 seconds with Carapaz in third place, a further four seconds back while Colombian Rigoberto Uran slipped down to fourth, 7:17 off the pace, after cracking in the mist of the Col du Portet. Pogacar burst away 8.4km from the top of the Pyrenean pass and only Vingegaard, Carapaz and Uran could follow at first. A second acceleration was fatal to Uran, who will need a spectacular recovery in Thursday’s 18th stage to Luz
Ardiden, the last mountain effort of the Tour. Barring a major meltdown on Thursday, Pogacar looks set to retain his title and while he was not as dominant as in the Alps, the 22-year-old never seemed bothered in what was regarded as the toughest stage. “Last week we did a lot of work, the team was always in front to control the race. Today, with a small breakaway, we saw an opportunity to go for the stage win,” said UAE Team rider Pogacar, who is also narrowing the gap to Dutchman Wout Poels in the mountains classification. “I’m really happy to win on the hardest climb of the Tour. My team mates gave everything and I owed it to them. To win with the yellow jersey on my shoulders is something I cannot describe. “Tomorrow if we can control like we did today we can try again but we will see.” Ineos Grenadiers leader Carapaz was on the wheels of Pogacar and Vingegaard in the steep ascent to the
finish at 2,215 metres and despite appearing to be in pain, the 2019 Giro d’Italia champion attacked 1.4km from the top.Pogacar, who had seemed annoyed by Carapaz’s attitude, followed while Vingegaard was dropped, only for the Dane to pace himself back with the line in sight.Vingegaard believes Carapaz was bluffing.“Even when we were taking it easy he was looking like he was suffering, so I knew he was going to attack,” the 24-yearold said.Pogacar then sped away and could not be followed, wrapping up a solid victory before falling flat on his back in exhaustion.In a sign that his rivals have capitulated, Vingegaard, who took over as Jumbo-Visma team leader after last year’s runner-up Primoz Roglic pulled out following a crash, said: “I’m super happy about how it went today, especially since I took some time on Uran.” O n B a s t i l l e D a y, France’s David Gaudu claimed an honourable fourth place, 1:19 off the pace.
meant Pooran’s perfect record as captain to start the series was no more. Marsh continues hot batting form One of the few bright lights in this series for the visitors, Marsh has continued to impress in his audition for the No. 3 role ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. Entering in the second over after the fall of Matthew Wade, Marsh lit up the scoreboard with a Vineesque loop of inside out lofted drives over extra cover. He brought up his third half-century of the series off just 24 balls with another such shot for six off Allen in the ninth over. Having dominated the early stages of his century partnership with Aaron Finch, who had been missed on 2 when an edge went between keeper and slip, rain disrupted Marsh’s momentum when the players were taken off the field shortly after Marsh’s halfcentury at the end of the ninth over. When play resumed, Finch seized control of the stand to clatter five boundaries in the space of nine balls across the 10th and 11th overs to bring up his own 34-ball half-century, ending a run of bad form in the first three matches of the series. H a y d e n Wa l s h J r sparks fightback with the ball By the time the innings finished, the Hayden Walsh Jr’s series-leading wicket
tally stood at 11 after adding another three to bring them back into the game. He dismissed Finch with a googly to break the Marsh partnership at 114 after the Australia captain missed a heave across the line. Walsh Jr put himself on a hat-trick when he took a straightforward return catch next ball after Alex Carey played through too early on a leg stump half-volley to produce a leading edge back to the bowler. He rounded off his haul a few overs later with perhaps his best work of the night. Finding some turn with the legbreak, Ashton Turner overstretched prodding forward and Pooran made up for a sloppy fumble on a straightforward stumping two nights earlier to complete a sharp dismissal on this occasion. Marsh’s bowling best t h w a r t s We s t I n d i e s victory charge Simmons got the chase off to a fiery reply alongside Evin Lewis as the pair added 62 off the first 28 balls. Simmons got momentum moving in the second over off Meredith with a six and two fours through the leg side before Lewis had yet to face a ball. Lewis joined the party in the fourth over against Dan Christian by thumping two fours followed by two sixes over mid-on and backward square. After Lewis fell to an ambitious shot backing away
Honduras dominant, Qatar blow lead three times at Gold Cup SportsMax - Panama came from behind three times to draw with Qatar, while Honduras swept aside Grenada 4-0 in their opening CONCACAF Gold Cup matches on Tuesday. In a tight game in Houston, six goals were scored in the second half as 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar
to Adam Zampa in the fifth, Simmons continued his supreme touch, shuffling across his stumps to flick a pair of boundaries over fine leg off the medium pace of Meredith in the seventh over. A single to start the eighth brought up a 28-ball halfcentury before Marsh struck for the first time, inducing a catch from Gayle to long-on. Simmons was still humming but Andre Fletcher and Pooran stuttered after arriving in the middle overs. After Zampa bowled Fletcher in the 11th, Marsh returned for a double-strike in a magnificent 16th over in which he conceded just one run. He removed Pooran for 16, caught skying to longoff, before Simmons pulled the next ball flat to Moises Henriques for a sterling catch sliding along the rope at deep midwicket for 72. Marsh’s work with bat and ball on the night looked like it might go to waste at the end of the 19th when Allen smoked four sixes off the penultimate over bowled by Meredith. But Meredith struck back on the final ball getting Allen to edge a wide delivery behind leaving 11 for Russell to get off Starc in the last. In the end, vintage yorker accuracy from Starc allowed the visitors to prevail. Scores: Australia 189 for 6 (Marsh 75, Finch 53, Walsh Jr 3-27) beat West Indies 185 for 6 (Simmons 72, Marsh 3-24) by four runs. Rolando Blackburn
hit the lead three times but failed to capitalise. P a n a m a ’s R o l a n d o Blackburn levelled the game twice in a flurry of goals in the first 20 minutes after half-time, as Hassan Al Heidos put Qatar up 3-2 from the spot in the 63rd minute. Eric Davis equalised with a 79th-minute penalty.
Honduras dominated Grenada in the later game, with goals from Jerry Bengtson, Edwin Solano, Johnny Leveron and Romell Quioto. Panama and Honduras will meet on Saturday in Houston after Grenada and Qatar face off at the same venue.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 15, 2021
GRFU to begin RAN 7s training this weekend By Calvin Chapman The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has accepted the invitation from Rugby Americas North (RAN) to participate in its Sevens tournament that is scheduled for October 16 & 17 in Turks & Caicos and the executive has wasted little time in announcing a 34member training squad that is scheduled to begin training this weekend under the experienced eyes of head coach, Theodore Henry. Henry, who is a former player and captain of the once feared National men’s side that is dubbed throughout the region as the ‘Green Machine’, in an
GRFU 7s coach Theo Henry.
invited comment with Kaieteur Sport shared that he believes that three months is a sufficient amount of time to get his players match fit with the sole aim being to recapture the regional crown. The properly certified fitness trainer also made mention of the squad selected, citing it as a good mixture of youth and experience but he remained on the fence as to whether the full training squad may turn out for sessions in order for a proper assessment of the player pool to be done in the early stages of preparations. President of the GRFU; Ryan Dey, in a brief comment with Kaieteur Sport, posited that he was pleased that competitive rugby is set to resume in the region after the covid-19 pandemic had allowed for a prolonged hiatus locally, spanning closer to two years. Dey revealed that teams have until July 31st to confirm their participation and while the GRFU has thrown its hat in the ring, he confirmed that the usual suspects are also expected to be part of the action inclusive of Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The players shortlisted for Guyana and their clubs are as follows, Panthers Rugby Football Club;
Ryan Dey - President of the GRFU. Godfrey Broomes, Jamal Angus, Osei McKenzie, Tyreese Prescod, Owen Adonis, Lancelot Adonis, D’Arcy Durant, Rondel McArthur, Kareem Fisher, Selwyn Henry, Caribs Rugby Football Club; Kempton David, Kevon David, Alex Crawford, Elio Cameron, Makaya Smith, Guyana Defence Force Rugby Football Club; Avery Corbin, Dwayne Schroder, Sean Phillips, Glenroy Poole, Jamal Mona, Police Rugby Football Club; Shawn David, Odida Douglas, Marlon Small, Adrian Hall, Kareem Simon, Michael Barrow, Scott Garraway, Richard Butcher, James Osborne, Hornets Rugby Football Club; Ryan Gonsalves; Rickford Cummings, Peabo Hamilton, Patrick King and Johnathan Garnett.
Gani hits 84 for Spartans at ORSCA in Canada Former Essequibo youth player Fazil Gani struck an entertaining 84 for Spartans who beat Smashers by 29 runs on Sunday as the 2021 Ontario Round-Arm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) 20-over competition got cracking. The right-handed Gani hit ten sixes and a four as his team tallied up a challenging 2367 at the expiration of the 20-overs, while Smashers, in reply, reached 207-6 when the overs ran out. Gani got useful support from hard-hitting middle-order batsman Rawl Scott who cleared the boundary on seven occasions in his flamboyant 57. Morrison Edwards also chipped in with a tidy 31. Kassim Dhanraj grabbed 3-45 off his four overs and Jake Sukhu with 2-42 from four overs as well. When Smashers batted, Hassan Amzad made 27 as Gani returned with the ball to take 2-28 in his four-over spell and Raymond Sitaram supported by claiming 2-36 off two overs. Meanwhile, in another match, ex-Guyana youth player Dillon Heyliger scored a blistering 76 representing Masters in the same competition. More details were not available at the time. The competition is set to
Fazil Gani
continue this Sunday with another set of matches across the Greater Toronto Area.
PAGE 25
AAU Junior OlympicGames bound Alpha ‘Flash’ Harrison seeking financial assistance By Franklin Wilson Lindon Harrison, Father of 10 year-old USA based Guyanese athlete Alpha ‘Flash’ Harrison who has qualified for the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Houston Texas from July 28 - August 7, 2021 is seeking assistance to make his son’s dream of taking gold, reality. The senior Harrison has informed Kaieteur Sport that in order for his son to make the trip, they have to raise USD$2500 which will cover their airfare and accommodation. He has also shared that Pastor Rush of Brooklyn New York has contributed $250. Harrison, a former distance athlete who now resides in New York said that Alpha has qualified for the 100m dash and has been training diligently to make himself and Guyana proud. The young Harrison he noted would have qualified for the 2019 edition of the Junior Olympics but due to financial challenges was not able to attend. “He has been consistent in training and has been reaping the results so we are really hopeful that we’ll be
Lindon and Alpha Harrison
able to compete this time around and I am confident that Alpha will be on the podium.”“So we are appealing to anyone who can assist us to make Alpha’s participation reality. I can be contacted on telephone numbers 347-790-3744 or 347-816-5047. For persons in Guyana wishing to assist,
you can do so via Western Union or MoneyGram to Lindon Harrison and for persons living in the USA, you can use the Cash App $lindon69 or S69lindon to make donations.” Harrison stated that persons contributing would be acknowledged publicly for their support.
Mitchell Marsh’s all-round brilliance, Mitchell Starc’s final over earn Australia first win Mitchell Marsh unleashes a powerful slog © AFP
Andre Russell could not get the better of Mitchell Starc last night © AFP
Lendl Simmons helped West Indies start their chase strongly, West Indies vs Australia, 4th T20I, St Lucia, July 14, 2021© AFP
Aaron Finch and Mitchell Starc have a chat, West Indies vs Australia 2nd T20I, St Lucia, July 10, 2021© AFP
GRFU to begin RAN 7s training this weekend Rugby training squad to begin RAN prep this weekend.
Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders to face Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2021 opener The tournament will be played entirely in a double-header format, with two triple-headers before the semi-finals
t r o Sp AAU Junior Olympic Games bound Alpha ‘Flash’ Harrison seeking financial assistance
Alpha Harrison pictured with former Guyanese stars Aliann Pompey and Rawle Green in 2019 when he won the Fastest Kid in the World Boys 55m Dash.
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