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Monday July 19, 2021
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
How the real Exxon operates An article in the Wall Street Journal and compressed by KN on July 9, gives a peek into the attitudes and conduct of Exxon’s leaders whenever money is involved. The company, as powered by unimaginably greedy leaders, is all about money, and more money. As Guyanese begin to understand what could happen with this oil wealth of ours, if Exxon and partners get their way. Every citizen must realise that Exxon and its captains are not partners in the true sense of the word, but a cabal of eye-gouging, backstabbing, disemboweling corporate rogues, who never give up a penny without the greatest resistance. The article in the Wall Street Journal was titled, “Oil companies are ordered to help cover S7.2B cleanup bill in Gulf of Mexico” (July 6). The Journal gave an early indication of what the court ruling involved, with a subhead to that headline, which read: “Large oil companies will have to foot some of the costs of capping and abandoning offshore wells they used to own.” The revelations of where Exxon originally stood when this matter was placed before the court come later, as we will make clear. Let it be sufficient to say that Exxon has issues with taking any responsibility, when the matter of money comes up. What Guyanese should know is that, that court ruling of $7.2B is in US dollars, and though spread out over several gargantuan oil powers, among which Exxon and Hess are numbered, Exxon is still balking. Exxon kicked and screamed in objection from the beginning, because its number crunching people estimate that the company could be on the hook for $373 million, while insurers say it could more than a billion. Exxon takes serious issue, with paying a few billions of dollars of expenses in Guyana dollars (US$5M equals a billion GYD), so it is expected that company executives will appeal this decision from the US Federal court. This hostile, non-cooperative standard is what characterises how Exxon’s top leaders have reacted over the decades when money has to go away from the company. It minimises responsibility to maximise profiteering in any situation, making good use of a big bag of tricks. What should be of interest to Guyanese, is that in the United States, the Federal government, through the “Department of the Interior can hold previous operators liable for the cleanup…to avoid taxpayers incurring the cost.” Exxon was a previous operator, but its leaders want others to foot the bill for cleanup. And that is why Exxon did not join with “Chevron Corp and Apache Corp” when, along with others, it signed off in acknowledgment of, and commitment to honouring, their share of cleanup liabilities. There is a clear and harsh message in the Gulf of Mexico development for Guyanese. It is that when any responsibility has to be accepted by Exxon, and any money paid by the company, that is as good as dead in the water. Because of the above, Exxon’s attitude and record when liabilities that belong to it, and have to be paid, it is mystifying that this country’s Vice President and all-world wise oilman, Bharrat Jagdeo, adopts a position that is utterly senseless on its face, and clashes with the sound judgment that comes from commonsense reasoning. The Vice President is on record as saying, that it is his position (belief) that Exxon will honour any liabilities incurred by Guyana from the company’s oil operations here, in the event of a disastrous oil spill. In other words, Mr. Jagdeo, for some secret reason known only to himself, tells Guyanese that Exxon will be good for the money. The company has problems with paying its fair share of expenses for drilling and producing here, but it will pay billions should a spill occur. Is the VP still in charge of his mind, his own man? The company is deceptive with its financials for Guyana that it will step up for us, should a catastrophic situation occur. Exxon doesn’t payout money, it takes away money, even from the poor. Yet, Guyana’s Vice President is comfortable without comprehensive insurance coverage paid for by Exxon. Somebody is on something, and it is not us at this paper.
The Guyana Teachers Union has not lived up to its objectives Dear Editor, Workers’ unions are formed to represent their workers. However, it is sad to know that according to observations, reports and complaints, the Guyana Teachers Union has failed to do so over the past 15 months, since the pandemic began back in March, 2020. The Union’s partial objective is to “obtain and maintain for its members individually and c o l l e c t i v e l y. . . p r o p e r renumeration, terms of employment and such other condition of service...” The question is, has the Union lived up to its objective? No! Has the Union obtained “proper renumeration” for its members since the novel pandemic hit Guyana? No! The GTU has been collecting union dues from teachers continuously, but let’s just focus on the past 15 months. What form of relief has the union leadership/ executives taken up since
then? None! Did the union bargain with the government for a stimulus grant/bonus in the faith of “proper conditions of service and renumeration?” No! Did the union bargain for hazard pay for those teachers who had to have face to face interaction with grades 10 and 11 in the midst of a pandemic, exposing themselves and their families to covid 19? Was there any form of relief (hamper distribution) to teachers? (An initiative taken by many independent groups during the first phase of the pandemic.) Many were affected emotionally by the pandemic, was the union active in bringing ease to teachers who might have been affected in this way? Another NO! Editor, it looks as if we need the popular parliamentary Charrandass “YES” in the union. Now let’s do some simple arithmetic mathematics realistically the GTU
represents in excess of 8000 teachers. The union collects $700 GYD monthly from each membered teacher. Monthly total dues collected by the union would amount to $5,600,000 monthly. Calculating since the Covid19 pandemic began which will total to 15 months the union would have collected a whopping total of $84,000,000 for the past 15 months. The question now is, what has the union leadership/executives done with the money collected in the past 15 months? No bargain or form of relief was given to teachers on behalf of the union by the leadership/executives. Instead, the union leadership/executives enjoy the fat salary paid to them by the union and lives the fancy life style, while the teachers are forced into silence by the politically affiliated leadership/executives. What has the union turned into? Is it now the host
of politicians? Is it now being used to catapult one into the political arena? Or is it a pawn used to become a Member of Parliament as we’ve seen in the 2020 General and Regional Elections? In fact, it can be boldly stated, that part of the union leadership/executive has failed to represent teachers to its full capacity at the relevant forums necessary. This letter was penned after the author received numerous complaints from teachers about their disappointment in the union’s leadership/ executives. The growing call is for politically affiliated executives who bring great conflict of interest in the positions they hold, to resign from their post in the union which will pave the way for neutral negotiations and new ideas with the growing population of young teachers in the system. Yours truly, Randy Mangru
The President and Attorney General are subordinate to the Constitution Dear Editor, Flashback 2017. Attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall successfully represented Carvil Duncan who was then Chairman of the Public Service Commission, and a member of the Police Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission and Teaching Service Commission after President David Granger established a Tribunal recommended by the Judical Service Commission. This Tribunal was chaired by Justice Roxanne George to advise the President whether or not to remove Carvil Duncan from the Commissions because Duncan was before the Court on a criminal charge. Here is part of the pleadings of Anil Nandlall: “In short, the President has flagrantly violated the letter, spirit and intent of some of the most sacrosanct constitutional procedures and indeed his actions strike at the very heart of our constitutional democracy. Presidents ( or Prime Ministers as the case may be ) have been impeached for less in democratic countries.” The words were applicable then for the actions of President David Granger. They are even more appropriate now for President Ali in relation to letters of suspension he sent to the current members of the Police Service Commission. What is good for the goose, is good
for the gander. Anil Nandlall cannot approbate and reprobate. Fraud is fraud. Fast forward, May 2021! Prime Minister, Mark Phillips wrote Paul Slowe, Chairman of the Police Service Commission and member Clinton Conway requesting of them to show cause why they should not be removed from the PSC as a result of a criminal charge pending in Court against them. They both through their attorney Selwyn Pieters submitted lengthy responses to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister subsequently wrote Paul Slowe, Michael Somersall, Vesta Adams, Claire Jarvis and Clinton Conway all members of the PSC requesting that they show cause why they should not be removed from the PSC. According to him this was as a result of them joining with others considered to be political and members of the Public Service Commission and the Teaching Service Commission to challenge the Government for denying them the opportunity to control their own financial allocation and be accountable to Parliament and not the Ministry of Finance. This was as a result of the Ministry of Finance refusing to allocate money to the PSC to engage an attorney at law to defend the PSC in relation to Court proceedings brought against the PSC by Snr. Superintendent Calvin
Brutus. According to a Caribbean Court Of Justice ruling, the Attorney General cannot represent autonomous bodies like the Police Service Commission. It is apposite to note that not a single member of the other Commissions was asked to show cause. The target was the PSC and the PSC alone. It is a clear case of politics at play and unadulterated discrimination. The chairman and members through their attorney at law Selwyn Pieters responded adequately to the Prime Minister. On June 15, 2021 all the members of the Commission received letters from the President proporting that they were all suspended from the Commission with immediate effect. Their attorney at law advised them that the President had flagrantly violated the Constitution and that the President’s action was unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and had no effect. He further advised them that they must continue to perform their duties until their term of office expires in August 2021. The members are performing their duties. The attorney at law sent a letter to the effect to the President. The Constitution is well protected. There are sacrosanct procedures to be followed in order for any member of the PSC to be
removed or suspended. In this instant case Paul Slowe, the chairman, who is the prescribed authority would have to advice the President for the removal or suspension of the members. He has not done so. For Paul Slowe to be removed, the Prime Minister would have to advice the President. What happened is that the Prime Minister unlawfully advised the President that all the members must be suspended which is a complete breach of article 225 of the Constitution. Using a broad brush to brush all the members of the PSC in a corner at the same time cannot work. The Prime Minister has no lawful authority to advised the President to suspend members of the Commission apart from the Chairman. The Prime Minister’s advice to the President was illegal. The President acted on it. Therefore, the action by the President that flowed thereafter is completely illegal. The matter of suspension or removal must be referred to a Tribunal which has to be recommended by the Judicial Service Commission. There is no Judicial Service Commission. The last one expired in 2017. So there is no Judicial Service Commission and a Tribunal for the President to consult with. Hence, his action to suspend members of the PSC is premature, illegal and (Continued on page 5)
Monday July 19, 2021
Every Covid-19 death is one too many Dear Editor, As of July 17, 2021, Guyana has recorded over 500 deaths due to Covid-19. Every death is one too many. While politicians and social media commentators continue to point fingers, families mourn the passing of loved ones. At the current rate of infections and with recent increases among children, many questions can be raised as to the long-term outcomes. The consequences of failing to recognize the impact of Covid-19 on our population could lead to dire results. Results that come immediately to mind are far reaching as it relates to the social, psychological, and economic ramifications.
Editor, do you believe that Covid-19 may impact females to a greater extent because they are more likely to be primary care givers, primary emotional supporters, and primary bread winners, in some cases? The statistics for Guyana, as published in your paper and triangulated with WHO data, suggest that the number of Covid-19 cases are seemingly different between males and females. As of this writing, of the cumulated cases, 51.18% are females (10 927) and 48.82% are males (10 424). For Guyana’s population, women comprise about 49.88% (370 966) and men about 50.12% (372 733). This data is based on 2019 population estimates
provided by the country’s Statistical Bureau and the World Factbook. Given this data, we can immediately see the difference between the proportion of infections among females in relation to their population. Before jumping to conclusions, we should consider that it is possible that more females are being tested. However, from these results, it seems clear that the government has decisions to make. Covid-19 can lead to death, and if more women than men are likely to succumb to the disease, then there are grave consequences for families and the nation. In Guyana, women represent the larger portion of nurses,
teachers, and market stall holders, and they are the only ones who birth our babies. Least we fail to share their pain, we will all feel the sorrow should we lose our women. Editor, hopefully the bureaucrats are collecting data and conducting the appropriate analysis. One area for study is post-Covid fatigue. The Ministry of Health should be encouraged to study the necessary variables of interest. I pray that the leadership is burning the midnight oil in order to find solutions on stamping out Covid-19 rather than out to sea with their heads buried in the tar sands. Yours truly, Les Archer
...The President and Attorney General From page 4 unconstitutional. In addition, the Prime Minister asked the members of the PSC to show cause why they should not be removed and the President sent letters of suspension to them. The Constitution is precise. Suspension and removal from office are two vastly different issues. They are far apart as Imbotero which is on the northern tip of Guyana is from Gunn’s Strip which is in the deep south of the Rupununi and Orealla which is on the east and hundreds of miles away from Kaikan on the western front. I saw Nandlall on social media masquerading and propagating that the President is supreme. We are living in Guyana and not North Korea where the leader is supreme. The Constitution of Guyana is the supreme law of the country, not the President or the Attorney General. They are not the law. They are the enforcers of the law. They are subordinate to the Constitution. The President is a creature of the Constitution. There are consequences to be followed for violation of the Constitution. In the Carvil Duncan case alluded to
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Kaieteur News
above his legal representative, Anil Nandlall in his pleadings stated, “ Presidents and more so, Prime Ministers as the case may be, have been impeached for far less in democratic countries. “ I do not always agree with the Anil Nandlall, but in this case he is manifestly correct. The advice posited by the Prime Minister to the President to remove the members of the PSC was illegal and unconstitutional. When one is illegal and he tries his illegal best he is still manifestly illegal and when one is unconstitutional and he tries his unconstitutional best he is still manifestly unconstitutional. I again repeat, fraud is fraud. Over twenty years ago, I attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia
in the United States of America. Paul Slowe went before me. I must confess that l am a recruit to him in relation to the FBINA training although in these times confession may not be a good word for the Guyana Police Force. During my training with the FBI l did several courses including one entitled, “Legal Issues For Commanders.” There l learned a legal term that remained with me. Defence attorneys at law used it regularly when they want to surpress evidence illegally obtained by law enforcement officers. Here it is. “ The forbidden fruit of a poisonous tree. “ What happened is that in an effort to illegally attempt to suspend the members of the PSC, the Prime Minister picked the forbidden fruit of the poisonous tree and gave it to the President who unlawfully used it to send
us a letter of suspension. The action by the Prime Minister was not reckless, was not careless, was not dangerous but was pellucidely fatal. Those who read the Bible will be aware what happened when Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden picked and consumed the forbidden fruit from a poisonous tree. They were punished and brought sin into the world. So it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end. We the active members of the PSC are not pusillanimous. We have instructed our legal team to urgently proceed with Court action to correct this sad state of affairs. We anxiously await our day in Court. Yours truly, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)
Why keep voting for parties whose internal structures are undemocratic? Dear Editor, Mark Zuckerberg was a billionaire at 23 years old. France’s Emmanuel Macron was 39 years when he assumed office. He now controls one of the world’s superpower. Kamla PersadBissessar is former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States and Sahle-Work Zewde is the President of Ethiopia. Why follow those who continuously have no care or concern for Guyana? Why listen to older leaders who keep repeating the same thing over and over again without actions? Why keep voting for parties whose internal structures are undemocratic
and by extension, the country’s systems are undemocratic? Within a span of a month, Haiti, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa and Cuba have erupted – all crying out and protesting for ‘justice’. Guyana is next! You have the God-given gift to become the next billionaire, President or transformational leader in the nation. Fight for our constitutional rights, fight for justice, fight against injustices! Guyana is a godly nation with godly people. Anything else will crash and burn. It’s happening – do you ‘see’ it? Yours truly, Denise Murray
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Monday July 19, 2021
Kaieteur News
Residents of these Berbice villages are having problems with garbage disposal Dear Editor,. Please allow me some space in your column just to highlight the problems the residents of Albion, Hampshire, Kilcoy, and Chesney areas are facing with the issue of garbage disposal.
Presently because of the flooding , the N.D.C responsible for these areas is saying that they don’t have a dump site. My question is, what are we the residents going to do with all the garbage that has
accumulated over a month and more now?. I have seen the N.D.C tractor and trailer collecting garbage only from the business places that are located on the public road so I wonder where they are
dumping that garbage. Nevertheless, I still feel that there is a lot more to be done on solid waste management not only in our area but also the country as a whole. We are always having these problems with garbage
disposal in our community, not only because of the recent flood. The N.D.C always finds some silly and outrageous excuses to make when they can’t collect our garbage. This is a very serious
situation because some people are resorting to dumping their garbage into drains and waterways and even on the corner of the public road, This will only result in more flooding if the rains continue, I also plead with my fellow residents to be responsible and desist from doing so, But the authorities need to do something to remedy this situation, Yours truly, Anthony Welaidum
Monday July 19, 2021
Kaieteur News
One-man show or oneparty partnership? Guyana can be a funny place. Imagine, some persons are concerned that the PNC/ R is becoming a one-man show, yet ironically these very persons by implication are attempting to convert the APNU into a one-party show. The allegation is being made that the present leader of the PNC/R was instructed by his party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to put on pause the admission of two new political groupings (if they can be called that) into the APNU. There is no confirmation that the CEC ever mandated such an action and it would be perverse to do so since the APNU is a three-party grouping and the PNC/R is only one of those parties. How can the PNC/R put on pause something when it does not have control over the APNU? Unless those who are claiming that the leadership is in default of the CEC’s instructions believe that the APNU is the PNC/R and therefore the other parties are merely rubber stamps. The PNC/R has long committed itself to coalition politics. It would not have been able to be part of the 2015-2020 government had there been a coalition with the Alliance for Change. It was not the PNC/R which contested the 2015 elections. It was the APNU+AFC. Now to suggest that the APNU can be dictated to is to admit that it was a oneparty show. APNU has its own decision-making structure and no one has ever heard about the PNC/R vetoing it. What can be said is that during the APNU+AFC government, a number of the
smaller parties of the partnership complained about no meetings of the APNU taking place and of them being emasculated from the decision-making process. The PNC/R has no chance of winning in 2025. It has to hedge its bets on 2030 and it needs to be able to rebuild the party during that process. Granger is the man to do so and then step aside. There is power struggle going on within the PNC/R. This is not unusual within any party. There was a power struggle also within the PPP/ C when it came to choose the party’s Presidential candidate. Some political neophytes even jumped in the race and probably still harbour the illusion that they have presidential capabilities. That contest was decided by the Central Executive of the party and one man won convincingly. The same thing is likely to happen within the PNC/R. Supporters do not elect the Leader. It is the members who do and these members come from all over the country. Georgetown delegates may outnumber the other Regions but do not believe that Georgetown delegates alone can choose a winner. It does not work like that and not all Georgetown delegates will vote for one candidate. It did not happen at the last Congress and it will not happen at the next. It is not known when Congress will be held. That event is not for the leadership of the party alone to decide in this instance. There is a Covid-19 pandemic in Guyana and while the active cases are declining, the situation is far from stable. The PNC/R will
not be able to hold a face-toface Congress in the near future and a virtual Congress will provide logistical challenges which cannot be overcome. So there will be no Congress this year. But whenever it is held, the existing Leader will be reelected if he so desires. History has a way of repeating itself. Stronger forces have challenged for leadership in the past and have been defeated. The delegates of the PNC/R are not fond of political hotheads. And are suspicious about the politically ambitious! David Granger is not going to be defeated if he decides to run again. The party’s members do not side with radical changes to the party’s leadership. They will prefer to err on the side of cautiousness. It is the same in the PPP/ C. Khemraj Ramjattan learnt the hard way about trying to bring about a change in the Constitution of the PPP/C. Another of his colleagues made the mistake and showed political ambition to become President. And he was sidelined until he was sidestepped. Those who are throwing their hats in the ring for the leadership of the PNC/R will end up being humiliated. It has happened before; it will happen again. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dem Boys Seh…
Pick de right hat before yuh pick a fight! Sometimes some people does be wearing one hat and underneath dat hat is another one. So yuh don’t know when dem talking is which hat dem really wearing. Dat is wah does cause a lot of confusion. And nuff ah dem teachers get confuse nat because dem nah understand wah seh but dem nah know which hat wearing. Is all dis hat business wah cause two big women fuh start a war of words. And all ah dat is unnecessary because if dem bin seh which hat dem wearing, all of dis confusion would nat have happen. Is nah nice when big women going at each other.
Especially if dem used to be good friend. It does cause problems fuh de friends wah dem share in common. Because if yuh talk to one, de other one gan vex and if yuh talk to de other, de fuss one gan vex. And all because one of dem hat tell de other, you stay there, I gan go on a head. It mek dem boys remember de story of de man wah lose he hat and decide fuh steal one. So he went to de church fuh steal one of dem hats wah de congregation does hang pun de rack at de back of de church But den de decided dat he gan stay and listen to de sermon. After de sermon he
approach de Minister and say, “You know, I came here to steal a hat. But I heard you preach about 10 Commandments and I changed my mind.” “That’s nice to hear” de minister say. “Yes,” said de man to de Minister, “Once you got to ‘you shall not covet your neighbour ’s wife’. I remembered where I forgot mine.” Talk half and know which hat yuh gat on!
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Monday July 19, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Monday July 19, 2021
Kaieteur News
Linden would not be left out of Guyana’s development - PM FOR RENT
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residents from the region once fully operational, was refurbished at a total cost of $142M. Prime Minister Phillips added that “we will put out expressions of interest for investors to come to inspect and to set up their businesses here—by doing that, they will create employment.” He said the aim was to ensure that Lindeners benefit from the project. GOVERNMENT’S PLANS The Senior Government official noted that the refurbishing of the call centre is in keeping with the Government’s plan of furthering social and economic development
have an interest in this matter [Toucan Call Centre], and so I am here to lend support to the Prime Minister.” The Regional Executive Officer for Region 10, Mr. Dwight John, who also toured the facility, lauded the initiative by the Government of Guyana, and posited that it would bring much-needed economic development to the region. “I am thankful to the Prime Minister’s office and the Government of Guyana for the fast rehabilitation of the call centre after being in disrepair for a while. It is a wonderful initiative by the Government, and I am thankful that the Prime Minister has stated, that other such developmental activities will be coming to the region.” (DPI)
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Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips, stressed that Linden would not be left out of his Government’s Development plans. He made these comments while touring the newly refurbished Toucan Call Centre building, located in Kara Kara, Linden in Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice, on Saturday last. “It is our intention, as part of the overriding principle, to create employment for the people of Linden…So Linden will not be left out of the plans for Guyana. The focus now is on the development of all Guyana and all Guyanese”. The call centre, which is expected to employ over 200
within the region, while providing a conducive environment for investment. The Prime Minister stated, that his Government is committed to other such initiatives not only in Region 10, but throughout the length and breadth of the county. Minister of Labour, the Honourable Joseph Hamilton, who was present at the facility, stated that the Ministry of Labour, through the Board of Industrial Training, is currently exploring having training programmes and other opportunities available to residents in the region. “We have a responsibility as the Ministry of Labour, to create conditions regarding stabilised employment, so we
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Three individuals who robbed a businesswoman of Rockstone Junction, Region 10 on Friday, are now in police custody. Following a police report regarding the alleged robbery committed on the 57year-old businesswoman, police in Regions Eight and 10 collaborated and intercepted the three suspects at Kanawaruk Junction, Potaro Siparuni,
Over the last three months, health authorities have been noticing a spike in COVID -19 hospitalizations as well as in deaths. Not only that, but children are now being affected with a more severe form of the deadly disease. The Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony suggests that the reason for all of this, is that health authorities assume the presence of all the COVID-19 variants are in the country, and that people are exposed to it. Recently, countries such as the United States of America (USA) have been hit hard with a VACANCY One experience hauler truck driver to work full time at A&R Trading.Call:661-1254/ 659-1771.
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blue Nokia cellular phone, one black Alcatel cellular phone, one black Samsung S 7 cellular phone, one dark blue Samsung J5 cellular phone, and one dark blue GTT cellular phone were found. All of the items matched the description of the articles that were stolen. A further search was conducted which revealed three plastic parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems
suspected to be cannabis, in a haversack belonging to one of the suspects. He was also told of the offence committed and cautioned, where he admitted ownership. The suspects along with the said phones, yellow metal jewellery, motor cycles and suspected cannabis, were then taken to the Mahdia Police Station where the suspected cannabis was weighed and amounted to 1243 grams.
Health Minister believes COVID-19 variants are here
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on Saturday afternoon at 13:15hrs. The three suspects, a 29year-old male of Georgetown and two 25-year-old males of Linden, were seen riding two Honda XR 150 motorcycles. These were the same motorcycles used in the robbery. A search was conducted on the suspects where four yellow metal chains and one pair stud earring along with one dark
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new variant of COVID-19 virus, the delta variant, which is causing high numbers of new infections being recorded there. Some variants of COVID-19 are the alpha variant which was detected in the United Kingdom, the beta variant from South Africa, the P.I variant that originated from Brazil and the delta variant from India. Dr. Anthony during his interview explained that when these variants emerge and they become a variant of concern it is due to the fact that they are more transmissible. “They have the potential to perhaps, to evade the immune system and that is why they become variants of concern,” he highlighted. While noting that gene sequencing would have to be done to definitely confirm the
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. new variants, the Minister said that people traveling in and out of the country on a daily basis, would have already exposed the nation to these emerging variants. “Right now, while the delta variant probably was first discovered in India, it is now the dominant variant in the US, and we have travel back
and forth from the US on a daily basis. So one can assume that we have different types of variants that are circulating in Guyana,” he added. According to the Health Minster, sequencing would not make much of a difference in terms of understanding what steps can be taken because treatment options will still remain the same, and so too, would be the preventative measures. In terms of protecting oneself from such variants, the Minster said he is reminding persons to get vaccinated. “Because once you are fully vaccinated you are more or less protected against the virus,” he concluded.
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Op-Ed: Will Our Beaten, Bruised Democracy Finally Die in ExxonMobil’s Pipeline? By Simone Mangal The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the proposed Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s (EEPGL) Gas to Energy Project is underway. I recommended in public consultations that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) immediately place this EIA on hold until such time that it has addressed matters that are material to its duties to protect the public as well as the Applicants’ interest. There are several unaddressed issues concerning the way the EIA process is being conducted and some issues that cannot be remedied within the unfolding EIA process. I am addressing two of the EPA’s actions, which I believe are irrational and improper. The first is the EPA’s decision to entertain EEPGL’s application and initiate the EIA process for a heavy industrial plant to be located at Wales Estate, even though the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) does not presently have an environmental permit for an industrial estate at that site. The second, and the one I shall dwell on, is the EPA’s extraordinary decision to withdraw the 2020 New Rules and Procedures for Conducting and Reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments, commonly referred to as EIA guidelines. The Planned Wales Industrial Estate An EIA is a geographically specific creature. The results concern a specific activity in a specific location. The EEPGL has applied for an Environmental Permit to route a pipeline and place a natural gas processing plant at Wales Estate. This is currently a Greenfield site zoned for agriculture. We are told that an industrial estate will be located there which will host the planned gas processing facility, a power plant, and associated industries. An industrial estate requires an application for an Environmental Permit in its own right. The development of the proposed Wales industrial estate would most certainly require an EIA. There is no application in sight for this industrial estate, no EIA has been conducted, there is no environmental
permit for an industrial estate at that site. Yet the EPA has commenced the EIA process for the gas to energy project, which involves a gas pipeline to the site and establishment of a Natural Gas Plant. I don’t know of any jurisdiction in which an Applicant or the Environmental Authority would move past the application stage for a development, without first ascertaining tenure to the proposed site and whether the type of activity applied for is permitted on that site. The EPA’s decision to go ahead with the EEPGL’s application signals to the public that either the industrial estate’s Environmental Permit is a foregone conclusion or the EEPGL is happy to undertake a second EIA process and associated studies for a new site if an Environmental Permit is not granted for the Wales site, for one reason or another. One wonders which one of these applies. Should the public expect to be deprived of their democratic right to participate and determine the outcome of the future Wales industrial estate EIA or is EEPGL happy to engage in another EIA process if the Wales estate does not get a permit? The Withdrawal of 2020 Rules and Procedures for the Conduct of EIAs In 2020, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) supported the revision of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines to address deficiencies and bring the country to international best practice standards. One aim of this exercise was to develop Guyana’s capacity to regulate oil and gas and associated developments. The final 2020 guidelines were produced through a consultative process involving EPA’s staff members, a consultant funded by the World Wildlife Fund, and experts from the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessments, which was retained to review the consultant’s output and prepare the oil and gas sector specific guidelines. The EPA adopted the 2020 New Rules and Procedures for Conducting and Reviewing Environmental Impact
...Regularisation of Amelia’s... From page 14 CH&PA’s inventory. As part of its housing programme in Linden, the CH&PA had acquired additional lands from the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC), with Amelia’s Ward Phase Four among areas zoned out for house lot
distribution. The Ministry held its largest house lots distribution exercise last week, which saw some 400 Lindeners allocated lands in Amelia’s Ward. Another 144 land titles and transports were also distributed. (DPI)
Assessments, alerted the public that it was withdrawing the outdated 2000 ones, and published copies of the 2020 documents on its website. Here is what the EPA had to say about the guidelines in April 2021: “the emerging oil and gas sector and potential for introduction of associated downstream industries suggests major economic opportunities…(at) “the same time present(ing) a challenge for pollution control regulators, resource managers, environmental civil society organisations, and those potentially affected by these new types of industries.” The Agency specifically explained the purpose of 2020 guidelines was to fill gaps in the 2000 guidelines: “with these gaps being filled, the EPA should now be able to assess more accurately new and complex projects and monitor and mitigate their social and environmental impacts.” The EPA indicated that the procedures of the International Finance Corporation (IFC-World Bank Group) and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) were considered in the preparation of the updated guidelines, which would meet international standards and best practice. Then suddenly on June 22, 2021, just days before the EPA announced and commenced EEPGL’s EIA process, the Agency issued a notice alerting the public that the 2020 guidelines were repealed to “facilitate broader consultation on these documents” it further advised that “in the interim, the Environmental Protection Agency’s EIA Guidelines (2000)” would apply. The Agency also removed sight of the 2020 guidelines from its website rather than leaving them up in accordance with transparency best practice. I expressed concern about the withdrawal and its timing in a virtual consultation held on July 8th but did not receive an explanation. Having noticed an interesting inclusion in EEPGL’s Project in which the company stated that it would be complying with the Environmental Protection Act of 1996 (Amended 2005), I asked representatives of EEPGL during a virtual consultation on July 15th, if they had seen the 2020 EIA guidelines and for the company’s position on their withdrawal. EEPGL’s representatives did not answer my question. EPA’s representative offered to answer stating that the guidelines were not required by law or necessary for the conduct of an EIA, and that the process being followed was adequately provided for
by the 1996 Act alone. The Environmental Protection Act 1996 (Amended 2005) Chapter 20:05 deals with projects affecting the environment. The Act did not contemplate oil and gas, as the national context was different. The Fourth Schedule of the Act, which lists projects that may require an EIA, identified hotels, guest houses, hydroelectric facilities etc. Under a 2006 Environmental Guidance for the D e v e l o p m e n t , Implementation and Operation of Projects, recognizing the changing landscape, the EPA expanded the list to include ports and harbours, construction of bridges, development of industrial estates, roads and highways, petroleum processing and petrochemical plant, chemical processing plants and more. Clearly the Agency has the authority under the 1996 Act (Amended 2005) to develop rules and procedures to animate the Act. In 2000 Per Bertilson, the then Executive Director of the EPA, commenced the development of the 2000 Rules and Procedures for the Conduct of EIAs. These were later updated in 2004/2006. Public consultations were never held on the 2000 guidelines or their updates, nor were they deemed necessary. I am not aware of any stakeholder lodging any legitimate complaints about these rules and procedures, including the 2020 guidelines which have been in the public domain for two months. For some twenty years, the Agency has relied on EIA guidelines and seen it fit to update them as time went by without public consultation.
One wonders what was so offensive to the public interest in the 2020 EIA guidelines that the EPA felt moved to withdraw them and take the extraordinary measure to require consultations to protect the public interest. Would it not have been proper to ensure the consultations were completed and the 2020 guidelines were in place before considering the EEPGL application, which is the largest onshore energy industry investment ever in Guyana’s history? After all, is it not the very EPA that said that the 2000 had gaps that were filled by the 2020 guidelines to enable a proper EIA process according to best practice standards? In its most recent explanation of its actions, the EPA excuses its conduct by saying that guidelines do not form part of the legal requirement for an EIA. So, they had been irrelevant all along? The EPA contradicts itself at every turn and its explanations grow feebler by the day. We cannot pretend that the EPA’s conduct with respect to the 2020 EIA Rules and Procedures is a small thing. The Agency has relied on EIA guidelines for twenty years to meet its duty to protect the public interest by ensuring a shared understanding of the EIA assessment process and criteria for decision making. These are the only instruments in play that ensure the Agency is consistent, fair in how it treats with all EIA applications, transparent, and accountable. They protect the rights of developers and the public, including the right to appeal an EPA decision. Arbitrary decision making can only flourish in their
absence. Who wins from EPA’s withdrawal of the 2020 rules and procedures? It cannot be the public at large. It cannot be other private developers, as there is no longer a common set of rules to play by. It cannot be the EPA, because its actions seriously damage its credibility in the eyes of the public, despite how dedicated or hard working its staff members may be. It cannot be the President of the country, because the EPA reports to the Office of the President directly, and the “Minister” referred to in the EPA Act 1996 is currently none other than our President himself. The problem he faces goes beyond questions of how the EPA functions, or his personal reputation, as democracy has two pillars, electoral and participatory. A country and its government cannot claim to be democratic with one pillar in place but not the other. Yet, the participatory democratic process enshrined in our Constitution (Article 13), and intended in the Environmental Protection Act 1996, is being undermined by an EIA process, which appears as being rigged in plain sight. President Ali may wish to take his eyes off celebrating electoral democracy and pay personal attention to delivering participatory democracy. Public consultation on national industrial development plans, as well as the duty of the EPA to conduct its business in a manner that protects the public interest, desperately need his attention.
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UK PM Johnson reverses plan to skip quarantine after COVID exposure LONDON - (Reuters) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will both selfisolate in line with national guidance, abandoning heavily criticised plans to take part in a pilot scheme that would have allowed them to continue working. The U-turn comes a day after health minister Sajid Javid said he had tested positive for COVID-19 and at a time when the government’s coronavirus response is under intense scrutiny. Almost all remaining restrictions in England will be lifted today despite a surge in infections as ministers put their faith in the advanced vaccine programme. Cases are rising by more than 50,000 a day and hundreds of thousands of Britons are being asked to self isolate for 10 days, causing havoc for employers and parents, prompting train cancellations and forcing some businesses to close their doors.
The government announced at 0700 GMT that Johnson and Sunak had been exposed to a person with COVID-19 and would take part in a trial scheme that allowed them to keep working instead of self-isolating. But less than three hours later that decision had been reversed after a flurry of criticism from voters, political opponents and business owners. “We did look briefly at the idea of us taking part in the pilot scheme... but I think it’s far more important that everybody sticks to the same rules,” Johnson said in a video message from his country residence, where he will isolate until July 26. Opposition politicians had said it was hypocritical for Johnson and Sunak to have tried to exempt themselves from some of the rules. “Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been busted yet again for thinking the rules that we are all following don’t apply to them,” said Labour
Party leader Keir Starmer. Sunak also acknowledged the backlash over their initial decision. “I recognise that even the sense that the rules aren’t the same for everyone is wrong,” he said on Twitter. The government’s handling of the pandemic has been dogged with episodes that have damaged public trust - most recently when then-health minister Matt Hancock was pictured kissing an adviser, in breach of social distancing regulations. He later resigned. Housing minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the government would go ahead with its “freedom day” plan today, removing the requirement to wear face masks, lifting limits on social gatherings and allowing highrisk businesses to reopen. Johnson used his video message to plead with the public to take a cautious approach to the change of rules. “Please, please, please, be cautious,” he said.
...Petroleum dealer alleges malicious From page 12 understands that not only did the police find there was no evidence to support any criminal charges, the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) also recommended that no criminal charges could be laid. This was in December 2020. According to the State’s Attorney at the time, advised that no charges be instituted and no suspension or revocation to follow. The investigation by the GEA—conducted by the same officer currently under investigation—noted that SBF was in June last year requested to provide information on the continued use of the Linden facility since marking officers had difficulties accessing the facility on May 29. The investigation by the now embattled officer said, it appeared that the fixed tenancy agreement appeared fraudulent. The matter of altered dates in the lease agreement could not be proved, since this publication understands the landlord refused to present himself to CID to present a formal statement or to answer to any queries. This did not stop the GEA head from pulling Bess’ licence in September 2020, and also filing private action against the company. Sword of Damocles Bess told this publication, he believes that the constant pursuit of court action against his company by the GEA is in order to hold them like a ‘sword of Damocles
Monday July 19, 2021
Kaieteur News
over his head, in order to ensure the licence is not returned to the company. Qualifying his argument further of his perceived vendetta against his company, Bess drew reference to a spill at the facility earlier that year for which the company cleaned up and paid the fines to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to Bess, “the GEA was hoping to shut us down as a result of the spill. When this failed they, through further administrative examination of our company during that period, had uncovered a contract for lease altered by the business and the lessor of the property.” As with the case of an onion, with every layer peeled away another emerges and according to Bess, the actions by the GEA are, he believes, being facilitated by one of his own former directors, who just before his dismissal had attempted a ‘hostile takeover’ of the company, ordering that 80 percent of the shares of the business be signed over to him. Vindictiveness This was in the lead up to the GEA taking formal actions against the company where GEA officials refused to bulk mark the company’s fuel, and take steps to prevent the clearing of the company’s imported diesel before the lapse of 30 days allotted for company representation on the matter. The GEA had in August 13 last written to SBF to ‘show cause’ why the licence should not be cancelled and at the
same time, refused to clear fuel that had been ordered and paid for prior, and arrived in Guyana while the licence was still in force, “If this is not vindictiveness, what is,” Bess questioned rhetorically, telling this publication “our company in less than two years has paid about $2B dollars in taxes to Guyana’s economy.” He again questioned rhetorically, “look at those large companies that are not even Guyanese owned that are being caught robbing this country billions through all kinds of means and what happens to them, they get a slap on the wrist, you don’t hear GEA going after them, so why are they coming after me, a man who born in Belladrum, make a few dollars in the states and come home and invest it.” He reminded of his investments now lying dormant across the country that includes two gas stations and a number of storage facilities including one recently constructed for the sole supply of a bauxite company, four oil tankers—a contract to the tune of millions that he has lost out on for one year now since the contract imbroglio. Additionally, the jobs of some 100 persons have been left in limbo and a company now in debt with a number of investors and other creditors to be paid. Bess has since exited the Omai facility and has already constructed another facility meeting all of the GEA’s requirements with vessels already certified to load at refineries.
Private investor to set up multimillion dollar pasteurizing plant in Region Five - Agri. Minister Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha MP, says a new multimillion dollar pasteurizing plant will soon be established in Region Five by a private investor, creating employment opportunities for residents. During a meeting with farmers on Saturday, the Minister said the Government is seeking out a portion of land for the project. “The investor has already brought in all his equipment into the country, the General Manager and the board of MMA-ADA, are now looking to see a proper piece of land so that the investor can set up his milk plant.” Work on the project should begin over the next two months Minister Mustapha added. He said agriculture is once again being prioritised in Guyana’s development. “Last year people were talking about waiting until the oil sector comes on stream; all the revenue from the oil and gas we will have to develop our country. Now people are not only talking about the oil and gas sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha meeting residents and farmers at Number Nine Village, Region Five As a Government, we also want to develop all the sectors of our country. We want a resilient country, not one that depends only on one sector.” The Minister reiterated that agriculture, mining, construction, oil and gas, must all contribute to Guyana’s development. He said when a country depends on one sector and that sector fails, it can have devastating effects on the economy. Minister Mustapha stressed that agriculture
creates jobs, wealth and food security, and he noted that Guyana is leading the agriculture agenda across the Caribbean. “In the last two years we have seen our country surrender its position to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, they were talking about agriculture. Comrades, I am very proud today, that our very young vibrant President is now the leading spokesperson on agriculture in CARICOM,” he stated. (DPI)
Health Ministry records three more COVID-19 fatalities Yesterday, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in a release reported that three more persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease have died. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 512. According to the Ministry, the latest deaths are that of an 82-year-old man
from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) who died on June 29, a 65-year-old man from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) who died on July 15 and a 41-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) died on July 16. Further, the MoH via its daily COVID-19 dashboard have recorded 91 new
COVID-19 infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 21,562. Presently, there are 13 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 98 persons in institutional isolation, 1,105 in home isolation and one person in institutional quarantine. To date, a total 19,834 persons have recovered from the disease.
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Milwaukee edge Phoenix to grab 3-2 NBA Finals lead
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) attempts to shoot the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) defends in the second half during game five of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
(Reuters) - The surging Milwaukee Bucks took control of the NBA Finals with a 123-119 victory over the host Phoenix Suns on Saturday to move a win away from ending one lengthy championship drought and extending another. After dropping the first two games of the series the Bucks have roared back to life and after hanging on in a wild Game Five finish, now lead the best-of-seven NBA Finals 32. Milwaukee are now one win away from clinching their first NBA championship in 50 years, while Phoenix remain two wins away from their first title in the team’s 53-year existence. The Suns were trailing by
Monday July 21, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today is your day to shine, Aries, so give it your all. Be sure that you get the credit you deserve for all you do. Try not to fall into self-pity. Be yourself and people will naturally follow your lead. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today is a day of contrasts, Taurus. Eat chocolate in the morning and go jogging in the afternoon. Sleep in late and go to bed early. It's also a day of grounding. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The day doesn't begin until you clear your head and take stock of some pending personal issues, Gemini. You might be making mountains out of molehills. CANCER(June21–July22) Today might be a difficult day for you, Cancer. You instinctively will want to escape the situation and explore your horizons, but something holds you down. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The world is wide open to you today, Leo, so take advantage of all the great things it has to offer. Even though you may not realize it, you have a loyal fan club developing in the wings. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Say what's on your mind, Virgo, but don't take offense if no one seems to listen. Don't bulldoze your point through. Whine r s a r e n ' t popular, either. Concentrate instead on your aspirations and push yourself to the limit.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Get your head out of the clouds, Libra, and come back to Earth for a nice visit. There are some things you need to take care of here. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Bring things down to Earth today, Scorpio. Get yourself grounded and enjoy the day. The more you slow down and adopt a caring, sensitive, receptive attitude, the more things will naturally flow your way. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today is a fantastic day for you, Sagittarius, so enjoy yourself fully. Your emotions will be stable and you have a very expansive sense of well-being. Your self-confidence is strong, so use this to your advantage. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Today is a good day to simply get things done. Take care of the annoying tasks that have been accumulating. You have a great opportunity to accomplish a lot. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your emotions may seem a bit muddy today, Aquarius. You might not understand the reason for this. Look to others to share your thoughts. You should find that talking will help you sort through your feelings. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're going to get it all today, Pisces. You may not feel especially powerful, and in fact there may be those who try to make you feel incompetent.
a point with 20 seconds left when Milwaukee guard Jrue Holiday ripped the ball from Devin Booker’s hands and sent an alley-oop pass to Giannis Antetokounmpo for a dunk that sealed the Bucks’ win. “One more to go. One more to go,” Antetokounmpo said during a televised oncourt interview. “We’ve got to keep playing good basketball.” Antetokounmpo, whose brother and team mate Thanasis was ruled out of the game due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, had a team-high 32 points but he missed a number of late free throws that left the door open for Phoenix. No details were given on Thanasis’s circumstances. Booker scored a gamehigh 40 points for a Suns team that led by 16 points after the first quarter before the Bucks clawed their way back and withstood a late Phoenix charge.
...Shihan Jeffrey Wong receives From page 20 1980’s. Shihan Wong’s capabilities in karate are clearly evident with many of his students blazing the trail, both in Guyana and across the globe, capturing many gold, silver and bronze medals and world championships. The International Karate Organization is an authentic traditional Shotokan karate institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Shotokan karate. The IKO is the most professionally setup martial arts organization in the world. With members in over 100 countries, and is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization and the only legal karate entity officially recognized by the Japanese government as an association of members for the promotion of karate. They intend to spread Shotokan Karate throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. The International Karate Organization insists that Karate is not a game of points, but is a martial art and way of life that trains a practitioner to be peaceful; but if conflict is unavoidable, true karate dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow. They insist that such an action from their students require strength, speed, focus, and control. This harmonious unity of mind and body is intensely powerful. Even the greatest physical strength and skill are no match for the power of wholeness. Shihan Wong is currently touring IKO affiliated dojos in the USA.
“We came out and did what we intended to do, get off to a great start and we let it go,” said Booker. “They stayed resilient and they kept playing through. So, tough loss for us.” Phoenix initially looked like a completely different team than the one that just lost two road games, making a fast start in front of a raucous crowd that included four-times NBA champion LeBron Jameled 37-21 after the first quarter. But the Bucks responded in stellar fashion in a lopsided second quarter. Powered by Holiday, they scored 43 points to claw back and take a 64-61 lead into the half. The Bucks did not take their foot off the gas and it was two-times league MVP
Antetokounmpo who overcame his sluggish start to put Milwaukee ahead 100-90 going into what proved to be a wild fourth quarter. Teams that win Game Five of an NBA finals that was tied 2-2 have gone on to win 72% of the time. The Bucks host Game Six on Tuesday. A deciding seventh game, if necessary, would be in Phoenix on Thursday. “Going home to our fans, going home to Milwaukee is a great opportunity for us,” said Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer. “But you have to go out and play. It’s at this point, you could feel it tonight, the high-level basketball on both sides of it. It’s going to be the same in Game Six.”
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Shihan Jeffrey Wong receives official Karate-do conferment in Florida, USA Chief Instructor and Chairman of the International Karate-do Organization’s Academy of Guyana, Sensei Jeffrey Wong who is currently on an official Karate visit to the United States, Saturday formally received the conferment of the Kodansha (High Dan Rank) from the Chief Master of the International Karate Organization Shihan Adrian Ellis and the members of his Shihan Kai Senate at their
Great Dojo in Winter Park Florida. Shihan Wong had several months ago successfully undertaken his 7th Degree Black Belt or (Shichi-dan) examination. The Shihankai consists of a small group of the IKO’s most senior instructors. They provide advice and counsel to the Chief Instructor on all matters Technical and Administrative. In addition, they review decisions by the Technical Committee and other committees and make
recommendations to the Chief Instructor as needed. The designation Shihan is a Japanese term that is used in martial arts as a title for a Master or “teacher of teachers,” responsible for the structure and standards of style of those Senseis under his authority. Under the International Karate Organization’s rules Shihans must carry the rank of seventh dan or above. Shihan Wong in an interview after being
conferred with this high accolade, with humility said that grading is no longer the most important part of practicing karate for him, and said he was focused on passing his knowledge on to others. Sensei Jeffrey, as he is popularly known, began his training in the early 1970’s at the Anglican Archbishop’s residence in High Street Kingston. At that time karate in Guyana was under the umbrella of the Japan Karate
Association (JKA) and Shihan Wong was able to benefit from interaction with and teaching from the fathers and masters of karate Masatoshi Nakayama, Teruyuki Okazaki, Takayuki Mikami, Shigeru Takashina and Yutaka Yaguchi Shihan Wong attended as a brown belt, the first Caribbean Championships in 1976 that was held in Trinidad. Team Guyana brought second with him getting two silver medals,
after which he successfully attended all the other Caribbean and National championships. He held the title of kumite champion for a number of years. For more than 50 years, Shihan Wong has trained between three and five times a week, and has not restricted his teaching to only Guyanese students but was also responsible for setting up a dojo in St. Kitts and training its students in the (Continued on page 19)
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‘Baby Cannibal’ Pogacar claims vintage Tour de France title PARIS, (Reuters) - Tadej Pogacar became the youngest rider to win backto-back Tour de France titles yesterday after some vintage racing drew comparisons with cycling’s greatest. The 22-year-old Slovenian, who won the Tour on his debut last year, hammered his rivals in the Alps with a long-range attack on stage eight, reminiscent of the event in the 1980s, and stayed in control for the rest of the race. He beat Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard by a massive five minutes 20 seconds as Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz took third place, 7:03 off the pace as his Ineos Grenadiers team failed to spark once again. “I’m gonna speak from
the heart,” said Pogacar on the final podium. “Thank you to everybody who came along during the three weeks. It was amazing to be riding along the route.” Pogacar finished yesterday’s 21st and final stage safe in the bunch as Belgian Wout van Aert prevailed in the sprint to beat compatriot Jasper Philipsen and Briton Mark Cavendish who were second and third, respectively. Pogacar watched from the inside of the bunch, raising his arms as he crossed the line. “I see him as the new Cannibal,” said five-time To u r c h a m p i o n E d d y Merckx, who earned that nickname due to his insatiable appetite for
Team Jumbo–Visma rider Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark wearing the white jersey, UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia wearing the yellow jersey, Deceuninck–Quick-Step rider Mark Cavendish of Britain wearing the green jersey and Bhhrain Victorious rider Wout Poels of the Netherlands wearing the polka dot jersey at the start of stage 21. (REUTERS/Stephane Mahe)
victory and won his first Tour in 1969 at the age of 23. “He is extremely strong. I see him winning several editions of the Tour in the years to come. If nothing happens to him, he can certainly win the Tour de France more than five times.” ALL-ROUND QUALITIES While Pogacar says he doesn’t like comparisons, the UAE Emirates rider threw caution to the wind when he attacked in the Col de Romme on the eighth stage, in a move similar to those of Merckx or fellow five-time Tour winner Bernard Hinault. Pogacar won two mountain stages in the Pyrenees and an individual time trial - a testament to his all-round qualities - with his only sign of weakness coming in week two on Mont Ventoux. He finishes the Tour with the white jersey for the best Under-25 rider in the race and with the polka-dot jersey for the mountains classification, just like last year. The green jersey went to Cavendish after the Briton took his tally of career stage wins to a record-equalling 34, with four victories in this year’s race although he was denied the 35th by Van Aert yesterday. It marked a spectacular comeback for the Manxman, who was returning to the Tour for the first time since 2018 after years of poor
results and mental health problems. Cavendish was perfectly set up in the sprints by his Deceuninck-Quick Step team mates as the Belgian outfit claimed five wins in this year’s edition. After losing the first mass sprint of the race, Cavendish was untouchable, avoiding the multiple crashes that marred this year’s Tour and sent his potential main rival, Caleb Ewan, home after the third
stage. Those crashes also ended the hopes of last year’s runner-up Primoz Roglic, who abandoned before the eighth stage, while the chances of Ineos Greanadiers’ co-leaders Geraint Thomas and Tao Geoghegan Hart were also ruined when they hit the deck early in the race. The last days were marked by a potential doping scandal as a French prosecutor in Marseille
opened an investigation into the Bahrain Victorious team after the outfit’s accommodation and vehicles were searched by police on Wednesday. Bahrain Victorious said they were cooperating with the investigation. They won three stages this year with Belgian Dylan Teuns’ solo raid in the mountains, while Slovenian Matej Mohoric took two victories from the breakaway.
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Monday July 19, 2021
Hamilton takes eighth British win, Verstappen in hospital
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I LV E R S TO N E , E n g l a n d , (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton won his home British Grand Prix for a record eighth time yesterday after battling back from a 10-second penalty imposed for a first-lap collision that halted the race and left Red Bull rival Max Verstappen in hospital. The Mercedes driver, now only eight points behind Verstappen after 10 races, passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with two laps to go as a capacity 140,000 crowd rose to cheer him on. Hamilton’s team mate Valtteri Bottas finished third after being told to let Hamilton through to chase Leclerc, who had led from the re-start and was voted driver of the day. The win was the 99th of seven-times world champion Hamilton’s Formula One career, fourth of the current campaign and one of the more controversial in his long list of achievements. It was also the worst possible result for Verstappen, who had started on pole position with a 33point lead but failed to
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the race. (REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge)
complete a lap after suffering the biggest accident of his career when he crashed out at Copse corner. Hamilton went down the inside, Verstappen moved across and they tangled wheels — the Red Bull’s rear right touching the front left of the Mercedes. The stewards deemed Hamilton was to blame. Red Bull said Verstappen was battered and bruised and in hospital for further checks. Team boss Christian Horner criticised Hamilton for a mistake he deemed
amateur, dangerous and desperate. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said, however, that the situation was more nuanced and “it takes two to tango”. A day that was almost a return to pre-pandemic normality, with crowds cheering in the sunshine from packed grandstands, ended with a British winner, a thrilling late chase for victory - and plenty to argue about. It also lit a fire under the title battle, after previous pleasantries between the two
rivals, with the gloves now decidedly off and Red Bull’s momentum abruptly halted after five wins in a row. From being 44 points clear in the constructors’ championship, Red Bull are now only four ahead of Mercedes. The front-running pair are now at daggers drawn with Red Bull accusing Hamilton of dangerous driving and the Briton highlighting Verstappen’s aggressive approach. HOME HERO None of that was
stopping the home hero from celebrating with his army of fans, however. “This is a dream for me today, to do it in front of you all,” Hamilton told the biggest crowd to attend a sporting event in Britain since COVID-19 made its presence felt. Last year’s race was held without spectators. “I always try to be measured in how I approach, particularly with battling w i t h M a x , h e ’s v e r y aggressive. And then today I was fully alongside him and he didn’t leave space. “Regardless of whether I agree with the penalty, I take it on the chin and I just kept working. “I was like ‘I’m not going to let anything get in the way of the crowd’s enjoyment of the weekend and the national anthem and the British flag’.” Leclerc also kept his head up after missing out on what would have been Ferrari’s first win since 2019. “I gave not 100% but I gave 200%. I gave all of me but it was just not enough in the last two laps,” said the
Monegasque. “Congratulations to Lewis, he did an incredible job.” There was no point awarded for fastest lap, with Red Bull’s Mexican Sergio Perez setting it and then retiring with no prospect of the top 10 finish that would have triggered the bonus. The main aim at that point, however, was to keep it out of Hamilton’s hands. McLaren’s Lando Norris gave the fans more to cheer about with fourth place, a result that lifted him to third in the standings, ahead of Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was sixth, his hopes hit by a stuck wheel in a slow pitstop but the points helping Ferrari narrow the gap to McLaren. Behind them, double world champion Fernando Alonso was seventh for Renault-owned Alpine with Canadian Lance Stroll eighth for Aston Martin. French driver Esteban Ocon made a return to the points with ninth for Alpine and AlphaTauri’s Japanese rookie Yuki Tsunoda took the final point.
Kaieteur News
Monday July 19, 2021
PAGE 25
Metro Office Supplies, RHTYSC renews female cricket sponsorship for 13th successive year The RHT Metro Female team.
Metro office supplies Berbice Manager Danny Ramnarine hands over sponsorship to Jonathan Rampersaud of the RHTYSC.
T
he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS is the only cricket club in Guyana to have a fulltime female cricket team. The team was established in 2008 after management of the club decided to invest into female cricket as part of a visionary cricket developmental programme. Since the formation of the team, the club has benefitted from the support of Metro Office Supplies and Computer Supplies. On Wednesday last, the company and Guyana’s leading youth and sports
organization renewed their sponsorship deal for the 13th consecutive occasion. Regional Manager of Metro Berbice Branch, Danny Ramnarine handed over the sponsorship cheque to RHTYSC Executive Member and cricketer Jonathan Rampersaud. The cheque represented sponsorship for the period June 2021 to May 2022 as the stationery giant continue their unwavering support of t h e t e a m . C l u b Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the RHTYSC, MS cherishes its relationship with the
company, which over the years has stood by the side of the club in good and bad times. He recalled that when the club decided to established a female cricket section in 2008, it was mocked by many administrators of other clubs as a wasted investment. The Club Secretary/CEO further noted that in the earlier days, it was very difficult to attract females as many parents were reluctant to send their daughters to play a male dominated sport. Despite the many challenges, the club and
Guyanese cricketers to play at Dassie tournament Dassie and Friends are set to run off a one-day 10-10 knockout softball extravaganza at Keele Top, Toronto on Saturday in memory of former Cricket Canada team manager Johnny Bujun. According to Damodar Daesrat, an ex-Canada international player, the day is promised to be exciting with a large number of highprofile softball players from around the Greater Toronto Area are expected to be part of the action. Only the first ten teams are allowed for the roundhand games. The event is fixed to bowl off at 09:30 am and an entrance fee is just CDs $300. The winning team will pocket $4,000 while there is other cash and
trophies up for grabs. Daesrat, a former Guyana first-class skipper and all-rounder, stated that they want to remember Johnny for his yeoman service to cricket (hardball) in Toronto and by extension, Canada. Bujun also helped direct cricket in Canada for a lengthy period and made several international tours with the men’s senior team. Bujun died in 2016 via a vehicular accident in his native Trinidad and Tobago. He was also a co-owner of Masters Cricket Club, formerly known as Brampton Cricket Club that participated in the annual Toronto and District Cricket Association various tournaments in the last two decades. A large number of
Guyanese cricketers would have represented the club over the years as well. Daesrat also mentioned that they will inaugurate this softball competition for Bujun and all covid measures will be put in place for both players and fans. He thanked all of the sponsors for their continued support for softball cricket in Ontario as well and particularly this one-day event. Some of the former Guyanese cricketers expected to grace the occasion are as follows: Daesrath, Royston Crandon, Dillon Heyliger, Hemnarine and Harrinarine Chattergoon, Rovendra Mandolall, Farouk Hussain, Troy Gobin, Zaheer Haniff, Devon Ramnauth and Azib Alli Hanif among others.
Metro stood firm in their belief that females should be given an opportunity to showcase their god given talents. Today, the Metro Female team has won one national championship and over t w e l v e B e r b i c e Championships. The team has also produced dozens of players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies. They include Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnbai, Plaffina Millington, Meliane Henry, Dian Prahalad, Marian Samaroo, Oma Matadin,
Nikita Toney, Trishana Cort, Sherica Campbelle, Roshana Ly n c h a n d D e b o r a h Vanderstoop. Campbelle, Giddings, Grimmond and Gajnabi have all represented the West Indies on the international stage. Campbelle is the only Guyanese to score an international century while she also served as a vice captain. Gajnabi is currently serving as the vice-captain of the West Indies ‘A’ team. Campbelle is the Guyana Senior female captain, while Gajnabi is the only Guyanese female captain to
win a regional junior tournament. Foster expressed thanks to the Management of the company for their support especially CEO Avie Lindee and pledged that the team would continue to uphold their high standard. Ramnarine in brief remarks stated that his company was very pleased to be associated with the RHTYSC. He noted that the team had over the years kept his company’s flag flying high and had made a positive difference in the lives of many via their numerous community projects.