Kaieteur News

K

Tuesday Edition Exxon again NEWS sounds warning to fishing industry

AIETEUR

July 19, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 28

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 71,315

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

…as company prepares to launch 35-well drilling campaign

Jagdeo determined

to accelerate exploration even if Guyana gets less See story on page 2

Guyana's Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Youth dies after car ploughs into trench

Dead, Nicklous Lorenzo Hendricks

Houston residents sue EPA, Schlumberger over radioactive storage facility ...say agency ignored concerns over proximity to schools, neighbourhoods

Building Expo Ganja, addressing cocaine construction boom, found at house lots backlog Pouderoyen

Any National Oil Company must Oil be lean, clean, with strong Expert parliamentary oversight urges

PAGE 02

Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

Jagdeo determined to accelerate exploration even if Guyana gets less In a recent Reuters article titled, “Guyana races against the clock to bank its oil bonanza”, Vice President Bharat Jagdeo, is quoted as saying that the Government of Guyana wants to accelerate oil exploration to develop the economy speedily – even if it means Guyana gains less.

Notwithstanding calls from sections of society to not licence any new projects for development just yet, the Vice President is reported in the media on different occasions, pushing the oil companies to go faster.

According to the Reuters article, Guyana is putting its foot on the gas to exploit its vast oil reserves, even if that means sacrificing some longer-term gains. The Vice President said, “We want to accelerate exploration so we can develop the economy as fast as possible” adding, “We will probably get less, but we might be able to get faster development.”

Last Tuesday at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) mid-year dinner, Jagdeo had stated that Guyana needs to develop its

oil and gas resources as quickly as possible before the world decarbonizes.

He argued that calls to halt the developments at the present in order for the country to realise a larger share of its oil revenues sooner, would not benefit the country, as it could introduce added inflationary pressures to the country's domestic economy.

A c c o r d i n g t o Vi c e President Jagdeo, “if we don't keep a steady stream of investments in the oil and gas sector to open up the reserves to prove it and to take it out as quickly as possible before net zero kicks in, and the demand goes down then we'll run out of momentum.”

Earlier this year, at the opening of the International Energy Conference, Jagdeo noted that despite there are shortcomings in Guyana's regime with regard its structures, frameworks and regulations in place for the industry, the developments in the industry must continue in an accelerated manner.

The VP is reported as saying, “we have been trying to evolve the regime; because the pace of

development has been rapid.” As such, the Vice President was adamant, “…we have to, at the level of the government, try to keep the regime evolving at a pace where we don't become a humbug on the development of the industry and slow down the pace.”

Guyana has signed onto a lopsided Product Sharing Agreement (PSA) with American oil giant, ExxonMobil, subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), along with partners Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

Under the PSA, the oil companies are able to recover up to 75 percent of the gross monthly of oil, in order to pay overhead expenses including the payments for the developments.

Several analysts have argued that the 75 percent arrangement lends to the lopsided arrangement.

Coupled with the fact, the oil companies have already discovered in excess of 11 billion barrels of recoverable

crude oil, there are now plans to have at least 10 FPSOs in place—one every year after 2027. The argument is that with all of the development costs paid off, it would mean less expense for the oil operations and as such more profit to be split theoretically increasing Guyana's share.

Since Liza discovery in 2015 on the prolific Stabroek Block, which spans more than six million acres in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – the consortium led by EEPGL, have made a plethora of finds.

EEPGL is the operator of the country's richest oil block. The consortium has made five discoveries for 2022 in the Stabroek Block.

The partners in the Stabroek Block currently operate two producing fields namely the Liza I and II locations being produced by the Liza Destiny and Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessels.

The Stabroek Block partners was pumping 120,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) at the start of 2022 and plans to hit 360,000 by the end of the year.

EEPGL has already secured the relevant permissions to develop two m o r e projects, the Payara and Yellowtail fields, to be produced using the Prosperity and One G u y a n a F P S O ' s .

Guyana's Vice President, A d d i t i o n a l l y, Bharrat Jagdeo Exxon is presently engaged in an aggressive 25- E x x o n i s h o p i n g t o well exploration campaign commence its drilling that began back in June of campaign in the fourth quarter of this year and wrap last year.

That drilling campaign is up in the first quarter of expected to last until the end 2025. The Canje Block is of 2025. This is in addition to l o c a t e d o f f s h o r e , i n a separate 12-well campaign deepwater of Guyana, that had begun back in southeast of the Kaieteur December 2020 in the Block, and north-northeast Stabroek Block and ended of the Stabroek Block.

Meanwhile for the Kaieteur earlier in 2021.

Outside of the loaded Block, this exercise, once Stabroek Block, Exxon is approved, would start in a l s o e n g a g i n g t h e 2022 or 2023 and conclude Environmental Protection by the first quarter of 2027.

Agency (EPA) to commence The Kaieteur Block, which two separate 12-well drilling spans 13,500 km2, holds a campaigns in the Canje and gross, estimated prospective resource of over 2.1 billion Kaieteur oil blocks.

For the Canje Block, barrels of crude.

500-acre rainforest safari, new eco resort for Linden Highway …Pres. Ali announces as sod turned for new hotel

P

resident Irfaan Ali y e s t e r d a y announced that the Government of Guyana will be placing heavy emphasis on the tourism industry, as the country moves towards the development of its infrastructure, especially with 2,000 new hotel rooms slated to be completed by 2025.

Among the plans are a “one of a kind” rainforest safari that will be completed along the Linden Highway.

The President made the announcement while delivering the feature address at the sod turning ceremony for another new hotel being developed by Pasha Global and Blue Bridge Inc. The Head of State explained, “With all these hotels, the country must be able to build an infrastructure to support the hotels not only from a corporate perspective…but from a broad mechanism, a broad platform that will

support these investments.”

Against this backdrop, he revealed that plans are being discussed to develop a rainforest safari. He said, “You go to the US, they have Disney World; you go to I think Singapore, they have the night safari; you go to the Middle East, they have the day safari. What we want to create, we already have some of the giants of the world here; we want to look at 500 acres of land in its natural environment along the Linden Soesdyke Highway to create a one of a kind rainforest safari. It will be the first in this region.”

The President is confident that this initiative will drive a demand for tourists to visit Guyana, but his vision does not end there.

In fact, he told the gathering that the government is also presently pursuing investors to develop a world-class ecoresort. This facility, he said, would give patrons the right

balance of sun, sand and sea.

According to him, “This eco-resort would be linked to the sun, sand and sea. That is why we are building strong partnership with Barbados.”

He reasoned, “If you have a family of 10, seven might want to go to an eco-resort but three might want to go on the beach. We have to be able to have a product that delivers to a wide section of the market and that is what we are working on.”

The President explained that a few investors have already expressed interest in this regard. Also on the cards to boost the country's tourism sector, Ali said potential already exists in Guyana for Wellness Centers to help persons detoxify, lose weight and enjoy a natural environment. Additionally, he boasted that the government's plan is to position Guyana as a regional hub for health and education.

“More people coming in,

(from right) Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, Project Director, Blue Bridge Inc. Lalit Sharma, President Irfaan Ali, CEO, Guyana Office for Investment, Peter Ramsaroop and Assets Director, Blue Bridge Inc, Sanket Balgi turn the sod for the new hotel. require more services. When there is greater demand for services, then facilities like these get a direct support mechanism,” he pointed out.

Sod turning Blue Bridge Inc. and Pasha Global will be constructing a 250 rooms five star hotel at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The sod was turned yesterday for the

US$45 million investment that aims to produce the first 150 rooms by 2024, while the overall completion is slated for 2025.

During the simple ceremony, Project Director, Blue Bridge Inc. Lalit Sharma and the Assets Director for the company, Sanket Balgi noted that the hotel would create about 800

jobs for locals. The investors lauded the government for having a supportive environment for business development while reporting a smooth, hassle free process with the respective agencies such as the Central Housing and Planning Authority ( C H & PA ) a n d t h e Environmental Protection (Continued on page 6)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 19, 2022

PAGE 03

Any National Oil Company must be lean, clean, with strong parliamentary oversight - Oil Expert urges

By Kiana Wilburg

I

f established, what can a National Oil Company (NOC) do for Guyana in the most useful manner over time? This is perhaps one of the key questions the oil producing state must consider, says one of the world's leading authorities on NOCs, Dr Valérie Marcel.

In an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News, the expert on national oil companies, and petroleum-sector governance, was keen to note that the drivers for establishing a NOC are different today from 10 or even five years ago. Dr. Marcel, the Project lead for the New Producers Group, a SouthSouth knowledge-sharing network of 30 emerging oil and gas producer countries (Guyana included) said the threshold to justify that investment of public funds is also higher. Dr. Marcel said, “In an

energy transition, it is important to think about how the mandate of the NOC can adapt to a world of declining value of petroleum assets. What can the NOC most usefully do for Guyana over time?

That is the key question.”

She added, “Marketing of the state's share of crude is one useful role in the medium term - provided it has the necessary capacity (not a given as it has taken years to develop those skills in other NOCs).”

The industry expert proffered as well that another might be to leverage the petroleum operations to increase access to clean energy for Guyana. In the medium term, Dr. Marcel said it can be a passive upstream player. She said however, “It would be taking on a lot of risk as it would be committed to contribute to the costs of development of the fields without a

Chatham House Fellow and Industry Expert, Dr. Valérie Marcel. guaranteed return on investment over time.” In all cases, Dr. Marcel said any NOC for Guyana needs to be lean and clean, with minimal

costs and strong parliamentary oversight.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo during several press conferences this year, explained that the government is weighing the pros and cons of developing a NOC, stressing that the traditional model (where the State owns the company and gets involved in the exploration and development of oil and gas) is not likely to be the intended route for the country.

Should it settle on establishing such an entity, he indicated to the media that Guyana would play a passive role where a strategic partner, one with deep pockets and experience in the deepwater play, would be able to take the bulk of the risks.

The former Head of State and now Policy Advisor for Oil and Gas said a decision on the way forward would be announced in September, the same time the country is

expected to host its first oil blocks auction. Kaieteur News previously reported that development partners such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had advised against the country having a NOC, saying there was no business case for one.

Other stakeholders such as former Petroleum Advisor to the coalition regime, Dr. Jan Mangal and Co-Director for Energy at Americas Market Intelligence (AMI), Arthur Deakin agreed with the IMF. They believe Guyana would be off on the wrong foot as it lacks the expertise to truly maximize the benefits of such an entity as well as the governance systems to keep corruption at bay.

Vice President, Jagdeo has nonetheless assured that the government has a team of experts it is seeking guidance from while adding that the best decision would be made for Guyana.

Exxon again sounds warning to fishing industry …as company prepares to launch 35-well drilling campaign

U

S o i l m a j o r, ExxonMobil is preparing for a new 35-well drilling campaign in the Stabroek Block, in a bid to discover more crude off the country's c o a s t s . R e c e n t l y, t h e Government of Guyana indicated that an independent study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that oil and gas operations have not caused the noticeable decline in fish catches, but yet another document submitted by Exxon is pointing to impacts to the country's fisheries sector.

In its most recent Project Summary for the 35 well exploration project, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Exxon's local subsidiary, said the campaign is likely to impact water quality and disrupt benthic habitats, resulting in a likely migration of such species.

It was on Friday last that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uploaded the Project Summary submitted

by Exxon, seeking approval for the offshore activities.

According to the document that was seen by Kaieteur News, the proposed campaign can impact air quality, climate; marine sediments; marine water quality; coastal habitats; coastal wildlife; marine benthos; marine fish and turtles, riverine and marine

mammals; seabirds, protected species and areas; ecological balance and ecosystems; employment and livelihood; community health and wellbeing; marine use and transportation; land use and a few others.

When it comes to the physical resources being impacted such as marine water quality, the document explained, “The Project will have localized impacts on marine water quality in the Prospect Areas from discharge of drill cuttings and from routine operational and hydrotesting discharges.

The Project also could potentially impact marine water quality in the Prospect Areas as a result of nonroutine, unplanned events (such as an) oil spill or release.”

Exxon pointed out that the increased total suspended solids' concentrations, chemical concentrations, or temperature in the water column has the potential to affect marine water quality and marine habitat quality and affect wildlife. A few of the discharges include cooling water, wastewater, produced water, hydrotesting discharges and oil releases from any unplanned event.

Still on physical resources that are likely to be impacted, the developer said “The Project will disturb marine geology and sediments on a localized

basis in the Prospect Areas and could impact sediment quality from deposition of non-aqueous base fluid adhered to discharged drill cuttings.” This means that there will be changes on the seafloor, within the proposed project site, that can cause harm to the organisms that dwell there, such as shrimp.

As it regards biological resources, the document notes, “The Project could potentially temporarily affect marine fish as a result of underwater sound, light, changes to seafloor habitat, and changes in marine water quality in the Prospect Areas. The Project could potentially impact marine fish in the Project AOI (Area of Influence) as a result of non-routine, unplanned events (such as an) oil spill or release.”

Specifically, it was explained that the project related noise could cause auditory injury or disturbance of marine organisms. Additionally, the entrainment of early life stages of fish, and potential trophic effects associated with concentration of prey species around artificial lights could occur.

On socio-economic resources that could be impacted by the 35 well drilling activities, Exxon related that a temporary increase in marine traffic could potentially contribute to marine vessel congestion in port areas that can

increase the risk of collisions. In addition, “The Project will increase use of public infrastructure and services and thus could potentially compete with other existing businesses and consumers across a range of services (e.g., roads, airports/helicopters, accommodations, and utilities).”

The campaign ExxonMobil Guyana, intends to commence the 35 well campaign in the Stabroek Block during the third quarter of 2023, signaling that if discoveries are made, well tests may be performed. Conclusion of the proposed drilling campaign is expected by the fourth quarter of 2028.

The exact locations of the 35 exploration/appraisal wells comprising the Project have not yet been finalized.

While some of the 35 wells will be drilled for exploration purposes, it is also possible that some of the wells may be drilled as appraisal wells within the proximity of previously drilled exploration areas.

Therefore, four areas of interest have been identified within the Stabroek Block as the possible locations for the p r o p o s e d 3 5 exploration/appraisal wells to occur.

The drilling of the wells in the Stabroek Block is expected to potentially occur simultaneously with other drilling activities, including:

The Liza Phase 1 Project well drilling and production operations; The Liza Phase 2 Development Project well drilling program and production operations; The Payara Development Project well drilling program, installation, and start of production; Ongoing exploration/appraisal well drilling operations in the Stabroek Block covered under a 25-well campaign approved on 1 October 2019; The Yellowtail Development Project well drilling programme and installation operations; and two 12 well campaigns in the Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks for which environmental authorization is currently b e i n g s o u g h t .

As such, the EPA has ordered that a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) be conducted.

Fishing industry Although local fishers have been complaining of lower catches, the Government of Guyana has not only dismissed these claims, producing figures in recent reports to support an increase in production, but have also told the nation that the oil and gas industry is not to be blamed for the reports of lower catches.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha told this publication two months ago that a study by the FAO has instead suggested that climate change may be responsible for the

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha complaints. Even though he promised to release the study, it is yet to be released to the public.

It must be noted however that in all of its Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), ExxonMobil clearly warned of the dangers its operation can have on the country's fisheries sector.

Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, D r. A s h n i S i n g h , i n presenting the Budget for this year had noted that despite the challenges currently being faced by the subsector, fishing was estimated to have grown by 11 percent, having shown signs of recovery in the latter half of 2021 which resulted in some 15.7 percent growth (Continued on page 9)

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Tuesday July 19, 2022

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

Oil verification leads to national satisfaction We know that we have oil offshore by the billions of barrels. But we really don’t know how much we have, or how much more is there, as gathered by the exploration studies conducted by ExxonMobil. We don’t know how much the American oil company has pumped out and shipped away. All we have is what ExxonMobil has released to us. This is what leaders in this PPP/C Government are happy to accept, comfortable in continuing.

Small groups of Guyanese are not taking this ugly state of affairs sitting down. Most times they are in the streets with their placards, other times, they are in the papers and radio calling for a change with what currently exists. More Guyanese want confirmation of what is going on with our wealth. The only way that the kind of trusted confirmation can be had is if we have a mechanism in place for verification of what ExxonMobil does, which will then bring us to a place of national satisfaction.

Verification by ourselves, or people appointed by us because they are trusted by us, covers much ground. It is how much is found, how much comes up, and how much is shipped away. Verification is more than how much is the quantity of oil that is out there in the oilfields. It is of the quality of the oil in those fields and blocks and wells that all belong to us. We need to know, but we don’t with any confidence, given the largely untrusted source of the information that comes to us.

That source is ExxonMobil, and since it has compiled a record of dealing damagingly with us, and is all about constantly improving its own interests, we at this newspaper do not trust ExxonMobil, or any of its people, to do what is right by us. If the opportunity is there for the company to cheat this country some more, then Guyanese can bet their last dollar that the company will cheat us for every penny that it can squeeze out of us. Thus, we must put ourselves in a position to verify what is there, what leaves, and what that leaves us with, when all the figures are compiled.

The quality of the oil has something to do with what comes to us as our share of the deal. The higher the quality of the oil, the better our chances of getting an above average price in the very sophisticated and cutthroat oil markets.

From the days of its inception, oil has been a cutthroat business, with oil companies plundering nations, national leaders robbing citizens, and the companies emerging as the biggest winners by any measurement. Guyana started out as a tenderfoot in the oil business, and today it is still flatfooted and largely clueless of what it has, and where it stands.

It is the height of folly, disgraceful leadership folly, for this country to depend on ExxonMobil for the facts and figures of its oil asset. In fact, it would be accurate to say that we could be standing right there on those rigs and platforms, staring at the consoles, reading the reports, and not knowing that we are being given a song and dance, and led down the wrong road. This is how clever ExxonMobil is at this scheming and backstabbing oil business, and it comes from long experience.

We must have our own people, our own expert reviewers, our own monitoring systems, and our own reports, as overseen by us. It is long past the time for this glaring weakness and exposure to be allowed to go on, while our leaders drag their feet, and lie to us. As the street protestors insist, we must be responsible for our own verification.

Separately, neighbouring Suriname started out later than us in the oil game, and verifying for itself was made the highest priority. Depending on the foreign operators is like putting cash in a man’s hand for transacting some business or depositing in the bank, and never checking for self to determine that either was done.

Leaders in the PPP/C Government trust ExxonMobil, then ask us to trust both of them. Verify and notify us first, then we go from there.

Relief money – where it went in US DEAR EDITOR, I read or observe Guyana’s President sharing out cash, as if he is some combination of a porkknocker in town, a sailor onshore, and a diaspora member visiting the homeland. Sugar workers, fisherfolk, farmers, and recently the Indigenous have been beneficiaries, among others. I said before, and I say again that those targeted exercises provided relief. The minimum wagers got a bump, which also did a little something to ease their plight.

Today, I speak nothing of temporary, or billion-dollar covers for more massive corruptions (cash), or stopgap, or herky-jerky, harum-scarum, jack-in-thebox measures. I simply say they meant something to the recipients, and a word of thanks is due President and PPP Government for actions initiated.

Editor, my position has been that this society is better served with a comprehensive package that is national in scope and significance. It touches all, could mean something. I am supportive of a programme that has

means testing as a criterion.

But this partial and segmented approach gives rise to all manner of speculations, intensifies divisions, and points to bolstering the ruling party for elections, especially when targeted regional assistance is considered.

Due recognition is given to the Guyanese version of all politics is local, as in distinctively racial. That aside, multitudes of locals are hurting badly from the Great Global Supply Chain Crisis, with rising prices almost all over, including local farm product prices. Guyanese need help; more pointedly, poor Guyanese need such help urgently, as it is a daily struggle to make ends meet for too many, and with many having to do without essentials.

With this in mind, I suggest that national leader, ruling party, and government all get familiar with the American Rescue Plan Act of a year ago, to appreciate what was involved, and how extensive that relief package was for those who qualified.

As examples, there was US$410B for stimulus,

We must give Jack his jacket!

DEAR EDITOR, Barbados recently announced several measures to cushion the effects of the global rise in the cost of living and as expected, the opportunistic opposition politicians in Guyana are using it as a rallying cry against the PPP/C government.

I say opportunistic in this instance because it is the same opposition that constantly attacks Barbadian Prime Minister, Mia Mottley ever since she stood up against their attempt to remain in office through electoral fraud.

But back to the topic of the cost of living interventions.

Though I agree that more interventions are needed here, and the government has assured that more will be done, it is also important to point out that most of what is now being done in Barbados has already been done by the PPP/C administration.

When the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government came into office in 2020, VAT was removed completely from water and electricity consumption in its first budget. Meanwhile, Barbados is now moving to reduce VAT on electricity from 17.5% to 7.5%.

Another example is that while Barbados is now moving to remove VAT on 44 “essential” food items, many of these food items such as whole chicken, chicken back, eggs, etc., do not attract VAT in Guyana.

In fact, in its 2021 Budget the PPP/C government restored to zero-rated status all of the food items and other basic household necessities that were previously zerorated at the time it demitted office in 2015 that the APNU+AFC put VAT on.

These items include basic wheaten flour, basic breads, oats, unflavoured cracker biscuits, cooking oil, locally produced bed sheets, and pillowcases, and toothbrushes, among other items.

The facts are that since assuming office in August of 2020 the PPP/C government has provided billions of dollars in relief to first cushion the crippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, then the severe flooding, and later the rise in the cost of living all of which were brought on by circumstances outside of its control.

We must give Jack his jacket!

Sincerely Yours, Andron Pires

US$352B for families, and US$242B for unemployment.

The package was for around US$1.8 trillion, which means that about half of the monies approved went to households in some channel or the other. I have some issues with elements in the package, such as the size and length of its unemployment provisions, but relative to its reach, it was national and far.

Whatever the justified criticisms of this Rescue Plan, it did intend and actually delivered help to those who needed; sometimes more than was necessary, given that some prefer not to work, and there is a clamour for a perpetual child credit.

But to repeat: one of the few positive things that President Biden and Democrats have made possible. has meant some good for most Americans during a rough time. It is something along these lines, appropriately scaled naturally that I believe could make a difference in the lives of Guyanese dragging by their bottoms to get by in a country awash in the contradiction of record economic growth and fantastic GDP. It would have

been helpful if this year’s national budget did evidence such an emphasis on the immediate welfare of the people, as opposed to many big projects and the big expectations/promises/ deliveries to big business.

When an examination of what was earmarked for specific areas and others beside the struggling, it is clear that there was a pronounced tilt to those who were to benefit directly, and then again indirectly through awards for public works projects under various agencies of the State.

The big losers were pensioners, lower-level workers, and the people who prop up the entirety of the social infrastructure, from nurses to teachers to other public officers.

As mentioned, some of the walking wounded (fishers, harvesters) got some ease; but the rest were left to their own devices.

I appreciate that relief monies usually serve as camouflage for pork and thievery, both of which I believe materially graced every aid announcement issued by the (Continued on page 5)

This Burnham Enigma DEAR EDITOR, The undersigned was advised of the captioned submission in Kaieteur News of July 16, 2022, which appeared to suggest his being an idolater of Burnham – based exclusively on the factual report of the former instructing Harold Davis, Chairman of GuySuCo, and myself, Chief Personnel Officer in 1977 – a year after the nationalisation of the sugar industry – to erect a memorial to the historic Enmore martyrs. (Forbes now would have referred to Sonny (Shridath Ramphal) his classmate and Attorney General, and wondered about who was more enigmatic than the author of the article!).

Incidentally, it is somewhat misleading to refer to ‘Mr. John’s decades in the public sector’, overlooking

the glaring evidence that the letter referred to was signed as repeated hereunder – a career that begun in the sugar industry in 1958. So that, not unusual, the critic’s extrapolations are in some respects inaccurate, compounded by the hasty misinterpretation that the aim of the submission titled “More Martyrs – Overlooked” was to assign Burnham to that category.

For what it is worth, the submission dated 23rd June was contained in three full letter-size pages – not quite as ‘short’ as the commentator discovered, after three weeks.

Attention to detail is key, particularly when communicating publicly.

E.B. John Retired Human Resources Director BSE/GuySuCo

Sri Lanka type protest action playing out in Suriname DEAR EDITOR, Serious protests in neighbouring Suriname over a number of grievances, (didn’t know this was happening) with a failed attempt to enter the grounds of the Office of the President.

Sounds

familiar....recent Sri Lanka protests in action, only difference - protesters there did gain entry to the presidential grounds and residence.

People’s power...don’t underestimate it.

Shamshun Mohamed

Tuesday July 19, 2022

The West Indian Woman and Women Empowerment DEAR EDITOR, Often classified among the minority, the Caribbean woman has always been perceived as the subordinate, and our roles traditional: homemakers .

Despite the revolutionary movement for women’s rights and the establishment of women and gender e q u a l i t y commissions within Caricom, to ensure that women are included in developmental policies, Our women folk continue to be stifled.

We have allowed our history during indentureship and slavery to define us, we have allowed societal expectations to shape our actions, thus we continue to stay in abusive relationships, we confine ourselves to jobs that give no room for advancement, and seemingly show that we are comfortable with just a high school diploma because we believe or rather society wants us to believe that our efforts will never amount to anything more than being second best.

However, the ideology, the stigma, the expectations that we must only be good for roles that involve picking up after men, offering sexual services that must be satisfactory to the Male or taking care of the household has changed.

Women are now competing equally in male d o m i n a t e d professions, managing organisations and making

“Boss moves”.

But our empowerment is limited. The limitations to us and by us, have come from us.

Confused? Don’t be!

The support we get from our sisters is also limited to how they see themselves: their experiences and battles with societal expectations.

The envy, greed and suppression faced often comes from the woman.

Even within organisations that lobby women empowerment, our women folk are suppressed and talked about, and this is no assumption!

So how do we lift our Caribbean woman, how do we give her wings? GD Anderson said “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are always strong.

It’s about changing the ways the world perceives that strength”..... and it begins with us: that little network of women who can provide a shoulder, the sister that listens and advises, that girl next door who shares the opportunity for a new business venture are all tools of empowerment.

As women we need to collaboratively raise the status of our sisters through literacy, awareness, training, education, self development and support against abuse.

We can’t expect our men to lead the way, to offer support to uplift and appreciate us when we can’t do it ourselves.

Atika Stephens

Relief money – where...

From page 4 President. Amid that, and adjacent to those norms, somethi n g s u b s t a n t i a l would still have wended its way into the hands and pockets, stomachs also, of the many Guyanese to whom it would have meant the most. I close by putting this gentle reminder in the public domain. Guyana’s President and PPP Government must remember that either or both stand not

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Kaieteur News

as Field Marshals of this or that sector (alone), or one region or the next (only), but for a nation, a country, a society, a people. Goodbye!

Sincerely, GHK Lall

What behaviour should we showcase towards symbol medals at int’l sports?

DEAR EDITOR, On Social Media, coming out of Oregon, USA at the current World Track and Field Championship, a video has circulated with Jamaican star and five times world champion, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce which appears that she is making enquiry about the originality of the medal, which she received just after her race event and it was done in a manner to be mocking the medal in question and could

also be considered disrespectful. I was further educated that it was a ‘Symbol Medal’ she first got and the original engraved medal will follow at a ceremony. It is also the very first time, I learnt of Symbol Medals. I am ignorant of the importance of such medals, its purpose and significance.

Guyana on the other hand and in a matter of days will jet off the largest contingent of athletes to an International

Sport event, which is the Commonwealth Games in England (I think.) These are not only athletes we are sending off, but Sports Ambassadors and little do we know, it is a very important representation they are making on behalf of Guyana.

Behaviour and conduct of these selected respective Sports Ambassadors should at all times be to the highest level. If Team Guyana manages to earn a medal/s, I

simply say to that person/s not to mock or disrespect the token of appreciation if awarded a ‘Symbol Medal.’

The same applies to any other token of appreciation that is awarded by the host nation, England, of the Commonwealth Games.

Eg...Certificate of attendance, a little bag of goodies, a Commonwealth Games pin, cap, T-shirt, water bottle, etc.

Yours faithfully, T. Pemberton

A well organised electoral system versus some politically power hungry aspirants DEAR EDITOR, Again, I have occasion to clear up some glaring anomalies as well as to reorient a misinformed writer on matters of the electoral system. In the first place, I must emancipate the mind of this writer called “Dougla” that there is no winner take all in a Proportional representation System, (PR) as it is commonly called. For there to be a winner take all as he is suggesting, that means every last voter in Guyana would have voted for the winning party and that could never take place. The scenario he posits, can only take place in a Constituency System, where a single vote defines the winner from a loser.

It is that thin boundary line between winner and loser that is of concern for some of our Caricom neighbours at the moment. It is not good for democracy and good governance. Such a close win also means that an opposition can be wiped completely out of office with a single vote. I ask Dougla the pointed

question, could he countenance a situation like this occurring here in Guyana? I am asking a simple sincere question to get an honest sincere answer.

So, let me sober up Dougla a bit to tell him this, I shudder to think of the consequences if such a scenario should ever unfold here, I see channa bombs coming from all directions and buildings going up in flames in downtown Georgetown. I hear gunfire and see innocent persons of a certain race, their friends and supporters, lying injured or dead in the streets.

And mark you well, this took place in the 60’s when that system was in vogue here.

One of the things Burnham violently clamoured for during that time, was that the Constituency System was biased and an outdated one that gave Indians and the PPP an unfair advantage. To quell the disturbance in this colony, The British then responded in the suspension of the constitution and ushered in the PR System which the framers said would

bring some semblance of calm and order in the Guiana of that time. But did that new PR System bring about any change in our country and the answer is no! A change to a proportional representation system was not the issue, the real issue was power and how to keep it.

Was Burnham ever keen on a free and fair system? And the answer is a resounding no! Burnham and his PNC were interested in power and being firmly entrenched in it forever. So, whether it was Constituency or PR neither of the two suited a power hungry despot, all he was focused on was power and how to hold on to it.

The rest is history, when Burnham got into power, he tampered with the constitution, the judiciary, the police force. In fact, he skillfully transformed every

conceivable area of fairness and the keeping of law and order into his liking to produce the result he wanted. His despotic influence was felt in every facet of Guyanese existence, in the lyrics of their party song, “in field and office factory rally to the PNC.” The palm tree’s doctrine reigned supreme, maybe this is the “winner take all” theory Dougla is talking about.

But let me caution him, that those days are long gone, never to return. Apparently, this apologist seems enamored by Burnham’s tyranny, but I can tell him to keep that enthusiasm for Congress and Congress Place only, do not let that foolishness spill over into the moral and educated domain of the people. We are not going back to those dark days.

Respectfully submitted Neil Adams

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Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

A major outcome of BUILDING EXPO ’22 must be interest in suitable construction of an additional salt air; creative concepts of depressed areas as well the ‘government is actively houses. At the same time, including space utilisation regularisation of squatter pursuing new lands to satisfy housing development 62Self--Help Schemes helped and internal cooling; avante- settlements and regular the demand for house lots.’

DEAR EDITOR, Government’s decision to bring back the Annual International Building Expo is to be welcomed. The initiative was first launched by the PPP/C administration in 2010.

The event, usually held over three days drew huge crowds.

Some digging revealed a pithy mention in a 1961 journal that in 1959 a ‘Food, Health and Home Week’ exposition was held at Huist t’Dieren on the Essequibo Coast while a ‘Better Home Week’ exposition was held at Savannah Park at New Amsterdam, Berbice. While these exhibitions did not directly address building issues per se, their modest efforts were perhaps, the harbingers of bigger events that were to come 51 years later.

A revolution in the country’s housing sector took place somewhere around late 1950’s. Four types of prefabricated houses, constructed with particle board for sides and walls, and imported corrugated asbestos sheets used for roofing appeared on the local market.

Research shows that the particle board manufacturing plant, utilised local soft and hard woods. The soft wood product was suitable for partitioning as well as ceiling and other types of interior work, while the particle board, made from hard wood proved suitable for exterior work in buildings. Reports show that houses built using the two types of building materials did

not show any signs of deterioration (Colonial Report of BG 1961).

The revolution in the housing sector was further advanced following the election to office of the Jagan government in 1957. Steps were initiated to provide housing for various income groups. ‘For the lower income group in both urban and rural areas, Self-help and ExtraNuclear Housing Schemes, as well as a Low Cost Housing Programme were launched.

The programme originally targeted 4,500 houses but was subsequently reduced to 3,218 houses due to the scarcity of money for loans on mortgage. The programme was completed in 1959, however, a new housing programme was launched following the re-election of the PPP in August 1961 when lots were allocated for houses at La Penitence and Ruimveldt. When completed, the houses were advertised for sale.’ (ibid. 1961).

As regards the middleincome group, ‘Lands were allocated for the construction of houses at new suburban areas including Prashad Nagar, New Haven, Bel Air Springs, Bel Air Park and Blygezight.’ The Jagan Government ‘provided potable water and the basic infrastructure for the new residential areas. Continuing its Rural and Urban Housing Programme, government awarded contracts for constructing 188 houses.

Subsequently, another contract was awarded for

build 144 Low-Cost Houses’ (Ibid. 1961).

According to Cheddi Jagan’s, ‘The West on Trial’: ‘Housing was expanded in both town and country, and the logies in the sugar estates were virtually eliminated. The Rent-Restriction Ordinance, formerly confined to the urban areas, was extended to the whole county to protect those who were tenants or those who rented land for house-building.’

Continuity implies the objective and necessary connection between the old and the new in the process of development where a higher form of social organisation replaces an earlier one. This was exemplified, for example, in Guyana’s housing sector.

It is in this historical context, that building expos launched by the PPP/C from 2010 onwards should be viewed.

Building expos can be treasure troves for architects, engineers, contractors, carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians, home hunters and renovators, paint companies, security services, real estate agents, insurance companies, bankers, environmentalists, landscapers, tenants and landlords even speculators.

Building Expos also provide product and production awareness; environmentally friendly architectural designs; new and modernistic building concepts such as ‘Smart Price Housing,’ ‘Green Building;’ use of solar panels; protective measures against floods and

garde aesthetic techniques and innovative designs; protective equipment and alarm systems against fires and burglary; building materials; availability of private and public sector concessional financing; as well as presentation of some general and specific ideas for shaping the future of the building industry in countries like Guyana with economies in transition.

The objectives of Guyana’s building expos cannot be divorced nor viewed in isolation from government’s National Development Strategy, its Low Carbon Development Strategy nor its Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is within the context of these strategies that the Ministry of Housing and Water and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) are called upon to roll out realisable housing and building development plans.

This brings me to application of the relevant laws for the development of new building areas in general, but more specifically for individual houses and housing schemes, squatting regularisation, and the re-development of once thriving, but now depressed residential and business communities.

During the PPP/C’s 19922015 tenure in government, building construction in the urban and rural areas moved at a rapid pace. This was demonstrated in the construction of public and institutional buildings, residential buildings, housing schemes, commercial buildings, industrial estates, petroleum-filling stations, sports facilities, civic centres, schools, and public open spaces.

Access roads to and arterial roads connecting housing schemes to major highways for the even distribution of traffic, the clearance and redevelopment

cleaning drainage canals were given top priority.

Intersections of main traffic routes have been improved with the introduction of round-abouts.

In view of the rapidly changing socio-economic conditions and the upswing in real estate trends in Guyana, there is an urgent need to avoid social alienation within the housing sector as evidenced in the rapid growth of posh, gated communities housing a nouveau riche gentry. To avoid any social imbalances, the Central Housing and Planning Authority must give equal, if not greater priority to the lower and medium level income social strata who constitute the bulk of the population.

Since affordability is critical for securing a plot of land for building a house, land allocation for housing is a matter of public interest. The nouveau riche can afford to purchase the more expensive and better lands to build their mansions, but those belonging to the lower and middle income categories would be hard pressed to do so. In the circumstances, government’s ‘Home Construction Assistance Facility’ (HCAF) where land is used as equity is to be welcomed. However, while the facility is a step in the right direction, the point is, without legal ownership of a house lot, the prospective applicant would not qualify to benefit from any of the three categories of the HCAF. Private sector initiatives such as GBTI’s ‘Drive Home’ (DH) promotion can be helpful for prospective home owners, and to address mortgage financing and home furnishings.

Whatever the initiative, be it government’s HCAF or the GBTI’s DH promotion, legal ownership of a house lot remains one of the biggest twin hurdle. To address the challenge, we are told that

In the circumstances, we were told that ‘government has set itself the target to achieve its goal to provide 50,000 houses on or before 2025’ (GC 15.6.’22). And in the case of Bartica, ‘government has earmarked 120 acres to build approximately 500 houses (GC 16.5.’22).

Last year, it was reported that government was well on course to achieving its target and even surpassing its target of 10,000 house lots under its ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive (GC 9.12.’21).

How many have had their dreams realised, we do not know. It is also reported that over 813 acres of land was handed over to CH&PA by GuySuCo for housing development.

According to the Bank of Guyana report for the first quarter of 2022, major disbursements’ were made particularly in the housing and construction sectors, which represented 41.9 percent and 32.9 percent of total capital expenditure, respectively for the period under review.

A major outcome of the impending International Building Expo must be the interest paid by government’s public sector investment programme and private sector investors in land for suitable housing development in the light of government’s plan to open up new roads leading to the interior of the country.

Among such locations could be along the Linden to Lethem Road; the Parika to Makouria Road; and somewhere at the Soesdyke to Linden Highway where the much anticipated 500-acre new city, branded ‘Silica City’ intended to be ‘Guyana’s industrial future’ is planned to be established. The last time we heard about this was in 2013 at the fourth International Building and Construction Exposition.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

500-acre rainforest safari, new...

From page 2 Agency (EPA). In the project summary for the new hotel that was submitted to the EPA, it was noted that key features will include a swimming pool, locker rooms, gymnasium, health spa, business centre, kid's

room, entertainment arena, car parking, guest transport cars, guest laundry services, concierge services and a guest loyalty programme.

Also present at the event were the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs,

Anil Nandlall S.C, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Waldrond, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Peter Ramsaroop and other members of the business community.

T N U L B . . .

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyanese have been finding it hard to get sugar, a commodity we have been producing for decades owing to significantly low production levels by a corporation that is being propped up for years by the government subsidies.

The Chief Executive Officer of that rundown entity- GuySuCo last week came out in defence of the embarrassment to say that there was no shortage of the sweetener, but rather a shortage of the packaged sugar. He also said that sugar was being smuggled out of the country. Now if smuggling is allegedly taking place as he claimed, then it stands to reason that this would contribute to shortages as stocks meant for local consumption are being moved overseas.

The CEO after almost two years in the job is still trying to find his feet.

No one seems to have any confidence in him turning the fortunes of the industry around and it is believed that it is just a matter of time before he is shown the door. We like the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) believe heads must roll from the top if that entity is to survive or wean itself off the breast milk of the State.

We are in a situation where it is not only just a shortage of sugar, but also a shortage of effective management at that ailing entity.

PAGE 07

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Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyana Shore Base secures 11-year extension contract with ExxonMobil

G

uyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) has signed an 11-year extension contract with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), an ExxonMobil affiliate for the provision of shore base management and operations services.

The contract will run until 2033 and builds on the previous contract, which was awarded to the company in 2017 and will expire in August this year. In these five years, GYSBI has directly invested over USD$300M in enabling port infrastructure, real estate development, warehousing and support services, the company said in a press release. It added that it has recruited, trained and certified more than 1000 Guyanese for key operational positions within the industry and beyond t h r o u g h i t s a ff i l i a t e s ;

catalysed greater than USD$500M in investment in the Houston / McDoom, East Bank Demerara corridor by providing the enabling infrastructure and establishing the first oil and gas activity hub in Guyana and creating direct and indirect employment for more than 2000 persons.

At a ceremonial event held on Saturday last to commemorate the milestone, Guyana's Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat lauded the signing, noting that GYSBI has become a prime example of what is possible for Guyanese businesses in the country's relatively new oil and gas sector. “Let me congratulate and commend GYSBI and ExxonMobil Guyana…We are happy to be here to see this signing… and seeing another Guyanese company taking a big stride in the oil and gas sector and putting

Guyana on the map. This signing is a clear indication that we are building capacity as we move to develop the oil and gas sector. There is so much that is happening offshore Guyana and it is not only in the Stabroek Block. I am positive that we will have other discoveries. This activity shows that we are moving in the right direction in this country,” he said.

Minister Bharrat noted that with a projection of nearly 11 billion barrels of recoverable resources thus far and further drilling activities taking place, the Government of Guyana is optimistic that more discoveries would be recorded and therefore, more Guyanese companies would be called upon to meet the myriad of services that would be required. “As a Government, we are not afraid to take bold steps.

Some people may say that we are moving too fast and

Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) provides shore base services to ExxonMobil indeed, we are moving fast. I don't think we have seen this pace of developing an oil and gas sector in any country, especially a third world country like Guyana. The Local Content Act was enacted to ensure that Guyanese benefit from the oil and gas sector, which they truly deserve. Guyanese must benefit and as a Government, we are entrusted to do with, in partnership with our foreign partners. We see you as valuable partners and we are committed to working with you, to ensure we develop these resources in a way that benefits both the people of Guyana and the company,” the Minister noted.

Mr. Robin Muneshwer, Executive Director of GYSBI said that the contract extension builds on five years of significant and

continuous investment, hard work, training and development of local capacity to create a worldclass facility that meets the specialised needs of the oil and gas industry. “The first five years that we are about to complete in August were quite challenging but ExxonMobil was a true partner in all of this. They worked with us as we developed because we were starting from scratch in a country that had no oil and gas experience or infrastructure.

As we developed, ExxonMobil raised the bar on us and this is where we are at right now.

We have got an 11-year extension because we earned it. What we have developed at GYSBI is something we are extremely proud of. Our safety record is unparallel, we have just celebrated two

y e a r s LT I f r e e . O u r operational record is excellent, so it wasn't handed to us. We have earned it.

ExxonMobil has shown a lot of trust and faith in us and worked with us,” Mr. Muneshwer said.

GYSBI's Executive Director highlighted that the company in 2017 signed a contract for eight acres, two berths and one warehouse.

Today, it stands at 170 acres, 8 warehouses and four berths, with further expansions planned. While it started with five employees, GYSBI today has a workforce of 616 persons, 95 percent of whom as Guyanese. “So, we have grown tremendously and we have grown because of the unparallel success that ExxonMobil has had with their discoveries. We have (Continued on page 16)

Region 4 woman is Guyana's latest COVID-19 fatality The Ministry of Health on Monday reported that a 59year-old woman from Region Four, who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, has died.

As a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,267.

The Ministry via its daily dashboard reported that from 299 COVID-19 tests conducted, health authorities within the last 24-hour period recorded 59 new cases across the country.

The 59 cases are that of 19 men and 40 women. The dashboard also reveals that three patients are still in the COVID-19 ICU, 38 persons are in institutional isolation, 978 are in home isolation and three are quarantined institutionally. Additionally, a total of 23 persons have recovered within the last 24 hours.

Tuesday July 19, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The President made a diplomatic blooper President Irfaan Ali made a diplomatic blunder when he offered to establish a Saudi Arabian desk in the Ministry of Finance. The Saudis would consider that a diplomatic insult.

The President is also keen on having the Saudi’s establish an embassy in Guyana. These two proposals – the one for the desk and the other for an embassy –shows the political inexperience of the President when it comes to international relations.

That is surprising given the ministerial exposure which the now President had. He became one of the youngest ever PPP members of the National Assembly in 2006, 16 years ago, and was appointed as a Minister in 2009. He had six years as a Minister, enough time to become familiar with diplomatic protocols.

Had he been more familiar with the workings of diplomacy, he would not have made such a gaffe. Had he consulted with his Foreign Minister or the Foreign Service staff, he would not have made such an unintended but embarrassing mistake.

The Saudis are not coming here to sit at any desk in the Ministry of Finance.

That desk would have to be in an office and given the standards of the Saudi’s, there is no office in the Ministry of Finance which can meet the standards which the Saudis would expect. The Saudi “desk” would have to be 10 times better than the office of the Minister in that Ministry.

Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world.

It has the second highest oil reserves in the world. It is among the top 20 richest countries in terms of per capita GDP. It is rolling in money. Why then would the President believe that the Saudi’s are going to come and establish a desk in a crammed wooden building?

The more fundamental objection, however, is that a foreign state cannot establish a desk in a Ministry of another state. That would be unthinkable.

Nor are the Saudi’s likely to establish a diplomatic mission in Guyana. Saudi Arabia has embassies in Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Chile and Cuba. It has none in the English-speaking Caribbean. Had President Ali been more astute, he would have urged the establishment of a Saudi embassy to serve the English-speaking Caribbean and for it to be based in Guyana.

But there is no guarantee that the Saudis would opt, first, for a diplomatic presence in the Caribbean, much less to base it in Guyana in preference to Barbados or Trinidad. Guyana is not part of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and does not appear to have any plans to do so.

The Saudi’s have little interest in the Caribbean and Jagdeo found out during his Middle Eastern forays. The Saudis have gotten what they wanted from the Caribbean.

They have gotten the Regions’ support to host EXPO 2030 in Riyadh.

Jagdeo once made an unsuccessful Middle Eastern gambit, attempting to attract

investment from the sovereign wealth fund of oil rich states. President Ali appears to want to succeed where Jagdeo failed, even to the point of suggesting that Saudi Arabia make money available to Guyana from the Saudi Investment Development Fund. He probably meant the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF).

The President was reported to have said, “Let us talk about how to establish the Fund here. With that money, we can start the process of pushing projects forward…I can assure you that we can get our technical people in a room with you, and we will not leave until we are finished with the project.”

The Saudi delegation must have found that amusing. Imagine Guyana, a country which in the next five years is likely to be producing more barrels of oil per day than Venezuela, asking for the Saudis to bring money from the SIDF here.

The SIDF, however, is not an international development Fund. It is exclusively for industrial development in Saudi Arabia. If the President had done his homework, he would not have made such a faux pas.

Similarly, he should not have made the outrageous suggestion for a Saudi desk in the Ministry of Finance.

That is not how international diplomacy works.

Diplomacy is not undertaken in the manner in which the President assumes.

All contact is usually done through the Foreign Ministry.

When senior foreign dignitaries come to Guyana,

Dem boys seh...

Women nah need man!

Times changing! All ah dem men wah feel dat women need dem, better think again.

Women becoming more independent.

Lang ago, if yuh was a certain age and nah get children or gat a fellow, dem neighbours use to talk yuh name behind yuh back. Dem does call yuh old maid and claim how yuh more barren dan de Sahara Desert. Dem does seh how yuh get leff pon de shelf.

Dese days some women like get leff pon de shelf. Nuff ah dem women had bad

experience with men. Dem feel is better fuh be single dan fuh deh with a man wah raising yuh blood pressure, and, worse yet, raising he hand pon yuh.

Dem men come and use dem, and only giving dem headache and heartbreak.

Dem women decide dat is best to be alone dan get tie down with wan ungrateful and dishonest partner.

Nuff women nowadays dem is professionals. Dem earning dem own money. And in some cases, dem mekkin mo money dan some man. So dem

nah need man fuh money.

Dem nah need man also fuh carry dem out. Dem girls coming together after wuk and dem going to dem bars and dem buying dem own drinks and enjoying demselves. Dem going out at nights to dinner and dem paying fuh dem own food.

And dem dancing with one another and having a good time. Dem nah need man fuh dance with dem. Thanks to GRA, dem can go home after de party and have a nice experience… without a man.

Talk half. Leff half.

Exxon again sounds warning to fishing...

From page 3 in fish production. He said too that notable increases were observed in production across all fish products, with the most significant growth

observed for industrial finfish, which grew by 235.4 percent. “Undermining the subsector's overall performance was a 13.5 percent decline in the production of

shrimp, as a result of declines in catches of white belly and industrial seabob shrimp.

These declines outweighed increased catches of artisanal seabob shrimp and prawns.”

their visits are usually preceded by substantial groundwork by local diplomats and their counterparts. The senior officials usually come to put their stamp of approval on what was agreed to, or to meet with local officials, including the President, to iron out thorny issues.

Increasingly, however, President Ali and his Ministers appear keen to be

doing the diplomatic groundwork. As a result, visits by foreign missions may not be fruitful because these missions were not preceded by sufficient diplomatic groundwork.

It is not for the politicians to do the groundwork. That is a task for diplomats. But what appears to be happening in Guyana, is that the politicians are seeking to engage in the nitty-gritty of

diplomacy, to the embarrassment of the country.

(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

Monday May Tuesday July02, 19,2022 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Is this nation going to ask for the magistrate's instant dismissal?

A

man spent 15 years (a year is nine months in the procedural make-up of the prison system) on remand for murder.

He was freed by a judge last week. Then the horror story began.

Here is what is included in the DPP's reaction to the judge's decision. One – He was charged in 2014. The DPP received the deposition in 2015. The DPP sent back the file to the magistrate to “correct several material irregularities and omissions on the part of that officer.”

Interestingly “that officer” means the magistrate but the

DPP chose not to be specific.

Tw o – A d d i t i o n a l evidence was requested in 2020 and 2021 but it was not forthcoming. So the DPP did not indict the man for murder. So he spent 15 years without being indicted for murder. Within a six-year span, no evidence was supplied to the DPP. Why this man was treated this way? He is an Amerindian that comes from the class of the poor and powerless. If he had a lawyer, an application would have been made for his release because there was no indictment. This is how poor people are treated in this

country by the rule of law, the public service, the University of Guyana, the commercial banks, the police, etc.

Here is a story that happened recently. My nephew's girlfriend called to say my nephew was at the police station. He was a security rank that handed over duty at 6 PM to the next guard. It is alleged that paint was stolen on the site and my nephew was hauled in. I arrived at the station and was allowed to speak to my nephew.

A witness said they saw men moving the paint at 3 in the morning. So I asked the

station officials where the guard is that was on duty that early morning. Why is he not at the station? Here was the answer I was given. They are looking for him. So they are looking for the guard that may be the guilty one but my nephew was at the station the entire day.

I simply told the station officials I was going to high, high authorities in the police force if my nephew was not released and told to come back when the other guard is secured.

We never heard back from the police. Why? Because they know that would not have been the end of it if they persisted. If I wasn't there, he would have been charged.

Do you know how many persons like my nephew ended up wrongfully in jail?

Read this. When my daughter was about to graduate from UG (yes she went to UG not like the children of the experts in the diaspora that want to make

policies for my country), there was a clash on her timetable.

Do you know what Frederick Kissoon the then Registrar (not the current registrar; you know who I am talking v agina of a so-called about) advised my daughter? underage girl while not one She must take leave of prisoner, except a case last absence from one of the week, has received more courses that was clashing than 25 years for brutal, with the other. It meant she violent rape.

That guy who got 45 was going to spend an extra years didn't have a lawyer. semester because UG failed He defended himself and to do its job and was barefacedly victimising an couldn't ask a proper innocent student. Now my question in the trial.

A magistrate is at fault as daughter was spared but do to why a man was on remand you know the countless for 15 years.

But nothing will numbers UG has done that happen to that magistrate. to.

Do you know how many No discipline whatsoever, poor accused persons on when in fact, peremptory remand are lingering in jail dismissal is in order. Nothing after years of being there? will happen to the magistrate Don't let the oil economy and the usual suspects will fool you; this country is not write about his tragedy harsh in its treatment of the but will find time to poor and powerless. A comment on the attire of the politician's son got 45 president.

Civil society will be consecutive years for u n moved, the Bar inserting his fingers in the Association will pay no attention to the poor fellow and the poorer folks of this rough land, nicknamed Chato's Land by the famous crime journalist, Dale Andrews (deceased), will continue to live in hope and die in despair.

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

Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

Downsizing GuySuCo was right decision - Ramjattan

Some of the protestors who picketed the sugar company at Albion last week.

Given the numerous issues affecting the sugar industry and government's failure almost three years into office to bring the sector to a workable position, Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan has insisted that the right decision was made when the former A Partnership for National Unity plus AFC government decided to “right size” the ailing sector.

During an AFC press conference last week, Ramjattan said that the continuing false explanations and narrative being given by the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation are ill-advised and will lead to nowhere.

“The evidence is clear that the perennial shortage of labour will persist in this sector; that the new CEO of GuySuCo and his arrogant attitude towards experienced managers and cane cutters will decidedly demoralise staff and employees; and, and that world market prices will continue to be half of what

GuySuCo's production costs are. All the propaganda spouted by the CEO and the Government will remain hollow and will not move the industry forward,” Ramjattan said.

The former government minister reiterated that sugar has been dying since Guyana lost the preferential prices on the European Union market b y t h e Wo r l d T r a d e Organisation ruling that those preferential prices violated open market competition rules. “Guyana has been operating at a loss since then. Our cost of production is and will be double the price we will sell for,” Ramjattan continued.

He highlighted that Guyana's local workforce is not trained beyond substantially a cutlass and punt trajectory.

“This will result in an intergenerational transmission of poverty in these communities which the People's Progressive Party (PPP) plays on. This is bad for economic growth as girls

are groomed to become housewives to support boys who enter the cane field.

There is no opportunity for economic innovation through exposure to education, or technical advances.”

In understanding the dialectics of the situation, Ramjattan said, “Yes we decreased in our support when we made the rightsizing decision, but right sizing is now the right decision.”

Sugar does not have a future like it used to. In view of that fact, all the promises of reopening is proving to be a strain on the sugar workers and the economy as over $11B has already been expended, but still things have not been working in the industry, Ramjattan said.

The party leader said that, “The AFC maintains that the right-sizing done under the APNU+AFC Government was the correct approach for the long-term growth and development of the country.”

The GuySuCo has been

experiencing significant difficulty in bringing the sugar corporation to feasibility.

The company has experienced serious decreases in meeting production levels and has blamed inadequate equipment as one of its main deficiencies. Apart from that, there seems to be ongoing differences between the GuySuCo executive, its Board of Directors and as of recent, the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) which has already called for the sacking of the new CEO. Information is that while the experienced and senior staff has provided certain advice and direction to the new CEO, he seems ready to address company issues as he sees fit, while some decisions appear not to be in keeping with the Boards direction for the company.

One such area is the purchase of “unsuitable” equipment and the circumstances under which

the machines are being procured. The tractors are to be used as the company works, specifically, to increase production levels.

The GAWU has accused the sugar company of failing in others areas which is causing the continued issues being faced. Last week, two separate protest action were held at two of the remaining sugar facilities after workers lamented disrespect and mismanagement of the sector.

The sugar industry had been the employer of some 7000 workers and by itself, represented significant sugar industry votes in a sector

controlled mainly by the PPP. Much criticism was received when the APNU+AFC closed four of the seven estates putting thousands of workers out of work. The move was said to be necessary however as Guyana continued to pour billions of dollars into an industry that remained profitless for years.

The PPP has promised to revitalize the industry and rehire the fired workers. So far, this promise is proving a mammoth task. The government has begun offering part-time jobs and cash grants to make up for the deficiencies.

Youth dies after car ploughs into trench ...sixteen-year-old escapes unhurt Nicklous Lorenzo Hendricks, a twenty-fiveyear-old man from Charity Extension Scheme, died during the wee hours of Monday morning during an accident on the Devonshire Castle Public Road.

Based on reports reaching Kaieteur News, the incident occurred at around 00:40 hrs at Devonshire Castle, on the Essequibo Coast. Reports are that at the time of the accident, Hendricks was the driver behind the wheels of motorcar PFF 8892. A sixteen-year-old student of the Charity Secondary School was also an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident.

This publication was told that the duo was returning home from a birthday party; heading north along the Devonshire Castle Public Road at a fast rate of speed.

Police said that while negotiating a turn, the driver lost control and ended up in a nearby trench located on the side of road. Hendricks was picked up by a public-

Dead, Nicklous Lorenzo Hendricks spirited person in an unconscious state and transported to Suddie Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor.

The doctor pronounced him dead on arrival. The teenager on the other hand, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the Suddie Hospital and sent away. It is not clear if the driver of the car was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, but investigations are in progress.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 19, 2022

PAGE 13

Residents sue EPA, Schlumberger over radioactive storage facility at Houston ...say agency ignored concerns over proximity to schools, neighbourhoods

R

adioactive waste materials if not p r o p e r l y managed can be a risk to human health and the environment.

Exposure to high levels of radioactive substances can lead to severe health problems. Among these are complications of the central nervous system, intestinal lining, cancers and ultimately death.

The impacts of radioactive on human life and the environment is now the subject of a local court case filed by residents of Houston East Bank Demerara. Residents Vanda Radzik, Danuta Radzik and Raphael Singh have canvassed their concerns over the impact of a radioactive facility at Houston in legal documents filed in the High Court.

The residents who are also described as environmental activists detailed the Fixed Date Application (FDA) calling for a court order to quash the EPA's decision to grant the US-owned onshore oil and gas company, Schlumberger to build the radioactive storage facility at Houston, East Bank Demerara.

According to the residents, the authorisation was granted in absence of evidence, on whimsical and capricious grounds which are against the EPA's own policies and without any legal foundation or authority.

According to the court documents, lawyers of the applicants have asked for an order of injunction to prevent Schlumberger from continuing any construction of the facility. They are seeking a court order to forbid the EPA, its agents and servants from permitting or otherwise issuing an environmental authorization to operate a radioactive substance and material storage and calibration facility at Lot 1 area x Houston Georgetown.

The residents also want an injunction to forbid and r e s t r a i n S c h l u m b e rg e r Guyana Inc, its agents and servants from taking any steps in furtherance of construction activities purportedly authorised under the said environmental

authorization which was granted on June, 9, 2021.

The matter is currently ongoing before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan in the Supreme Court of Judicature.

Kaieteur News understands that the case was filed after the EPA ignored the concerns of the applicants and granted the foreign company permission to build the radioactive storage facility at Houston.

According to the information related to the case, seen by this publication on January 19, 2022, the EPA approved Schlumberger's application for permission to use, store and possess radioactive materials at its facility at lot 1 Area X , Houston without any inkling of a notice given to the public.

The EPA had previously advertised on 11th April, 2021, in the newspapers that Schlumberger wanted to construct a building to house the radioactive materials at lot 1 Area X , Houston, beside the East Bank Demerara public road and that the construction process would not require an environmental impact assessment.

Upon seeing, the notice dozens of residents of the East Bank formally objected to the waiver of the need for an environmental impact assessment into the construction process on the grounds that an EIA was inherently necessary and that radioactive materials should not be used and located in close proximity to schools, neighbourhoods, a main thoroughfare, the Demerara River, etc.

The EPA had therefore convened a meeting with the said residents and their attorneys, Siand Dhurjon and Ms. Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon. The EPA assured that this was only for the construction aspect of the u n d e r t a k i n g b y Schlumberger and that they would get a better opportunity to speak on the merits and demerits of the actual radioactive storage facility's operation when Schlumberger seeks an application for same.

It was noted then that under section 11 of the

Environmental Protection Act Cap.20:05, any project that may significantly affect the environment requires an environmental impact assessment and such an assessment requires publication in the newspapers of the intended project and consultations with the public.

In one of several affidavits to support their claim, the residents explained some of the efforts that were taken to prevent the

by the council to build the facility in the area. Further, the councillor explained too that as a follow up on the matter she learnt that Radzik and her lawyers had attended a meeting with the EPA where agency sought to dispel concerns about the dangers and risk of the radioactive facility.

According to the councillor, the applicant were told that based on a screening tool conducted by the EPA, the radioactive

Attorney, Marlene Alleyne E PA f r o m g r a n t i n g permission for hazardous waste facility to be constructed. Among the affidavits are documents signed by Mayor and City Council (M&CC) representative Celihsia Hall for constituency 15-residential areas stretching from Agricola to D'Aguiar Park. She noted that in May of last year, she was contacted by Vanda Razik who expressed concerns that Schlumberger Guyana had applied to the EPA for permission to build the radioactive facility at Houston.

R ad zik , s h e s aid , explained that she was concerned to find out that the EPA had decided to waive the requirement of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be done toward the construction of the facility. Hall said that neither the MCC nor any of the councillors including herself included were not aware of the issue.

As a result, she noted that the company had bypassed any permission requirement

facility was not that hazardous compared to the Georgetown Hospital has at its Cancer Institute.

However, when the applicants asked to examine the screening tool and methodology used to measure the risks involved in constructing the facility, they were told that the document is an internal one.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e councillor noted that Schlumberger operations are against the zoning required since the residential constituency was never rezoned to allow for industrial uses. As such, she noted her support for the residents as they seek reliefs from the court to have the facility removed from Houston and placed in an area that is less hazardous to residents.

The EPA has since responded in defence of Schlumberger's facility by Affidavit dated 28th March, 2022 that construction of the radioactive facility was completed and that they had already permitted S c h l u m b e rg e r t o u s e ,

Attorney, Siand Dhurjon possess and store radioactive substances at the facility since 26th January, 2022.

The EPA submitted that the orders sought – to quash the construction permit – ought not be granted since both construction had completed and operation had already begun. The residents have since been granted an amendment by Justice Harnanan to seek orders targeting the operation of the facility, the use, storage and possession of radioactive materials by Schlumberger.

Schlumberger has stated in its affidavit filed with the court at paragraphs 16 and 18 that the reason the public did

notice that the EPA was considering a radioactive materials usage, possession and storage permit sought by Schlumberger was that it was clear that the project would not affect the environment.

However, the residents maintain that the use and storage of radioactive materials at Houston could significantly impact the environment and should be moved to a less populated area. An interim injunction to prevent the operation of the facility temporarily was refused by Judge Harananan on the basis that such an order would have completely determined the

Attorney, Ronald Burch-Smith not need any notice that the EPA was considering a radioactive materials usage, possession and storage permit sought was the EPA was satisfied that there would be no substantial impact on the environment and that the likely impact on the environment was not unclear.

The EPA has joined Schlumberger in their defence and has contended in its affidavit filed with the court that the reason the public was not given any

proceedings at the interim stage. Therefore, the Court has ordered that the matter be expedited and timelines were fixed for the filing of documents to allow for a speedy hearing of the matter.

The Court reconvenes on 25th July, 2022 for oral addresses by attorneys for the residents, the EPA and Schlumberger to commence.

Schlumberger is represented by law office Hughes, Fields and Stoby, the EPA is represented by Shareefah Parks and Frances Carryl.

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Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

Building Expo addressing construction boom, house lots backlog The International Building Expo 2022 not only seeks to address Guyana's exploding construction sector, but also forms part of the government's strategy to address a backlog of some 50,000 applications, for house lots, Minister of Housing and Water Colin Croal has explained.

He made the statement during a walkthrough of the National Stadium facility yesterday where preparatory works are in full swing for the launch of the July 22-24 event this weekend. With 11,700 allocations already on the way, at least 5000 more persons will receive house lots from the ministry over the three day period.

Croal told the media that the demand for housing is greater than supply, so the expo by itself is being used to highlight new technology, equipment and material that are cheaper and durable while addressing substantial increases in the need for housing facilities. “A lot of persons recognize the cost of housing because we are having a demand obviously, a demand more than supply.

And that is why we are happy that they're other companies on board to showcase what they have. So the offer will not be only for government housing but also for private companies who have their own housing for sale,” minister highlighted. He said that there will however be collaboration between the private companies and the ministry as those potential homeowners will have to go through the ministry's system, “as to clear our backlog in ensuring that over

50,000 eventually can benefit from whether a lot or housing.”

As it relates to homes to be distributed this weekend, Croal explained that the locations are primarily “virgin lands” that were once sugar cane lands. He explained that the ministry is allocating the lands in advance, ahead of preparations since the infrastructural work for the location will form part of the government's 2023 work

programme. “We have the designs and we go out to tender by the end of the year and it forms part of our new year budget.” More recently, some new home recipients have lamented the state of infrastructural facilities on receiving their allocations.

Croal said that there will be phased implementation of necessary requirements. He said that a road network of crush and run will be implemented first, but will be upgraded to concrete or

Guyana 2030 tunnel

Two of the government homes that will be on display.

Minister of Housing and Water - Colin Croal

asphalt based on increased o c c u p a n c y. D r a i n a g e , culverts, pipe connections and electricity facilitation will also be developed as numbers increase.

Among the displays by the Housing Ministry are moderate and young professional houses. There will also be a display of the model houses for Barbados which is based on collaboration between Guyana and that Caribbean nation. Outside of that, there is the exhibition of the much talked about 100 percent

recycled plastic compact block house made possible by a Guyanese and Columbian firm's partnership. Another prefab is the 3D design house, which takes a matter of days to print and build all together.

Minister Croal highlighted that the government has been working closely with lending agencies and have been showing them the government's plan for the construction sector. As such, those firms have been motivated to reduce in particular, their mortgage interest rates at which they are lending. He said that more of the private banking institutions are coming onboard in the mortgage sector knowing that right now there is a minimum of 50,000 house lots to be allocated. In addition, there are a number of government programmes such as the home building initiative where prequalified persons will go through the ministry to access funding for home construction whether the lot was ministry allocated or privately owned. He said that persons interested in

government housing, have to go through a system and they must have a certain ability before they are sent on to the banks for prequalification.

As such, several banking institutions will be part of the expo so that participants will have direct input from the lending agencies. “As more persons are on board, we want them (banks) to bring down the cost of their housing so some of the designs you see are to come down at a minimal cost,” the minister related.

There are over 320 booths taking part in what is the biggest building expo event to be held in the country. The minister said space was definitely an issue given the number of persons who wanted to take part in the expo. The compound layout includes an equipment zone to the northern end of the facility, a One Guyana location, a vision tunnel where virtual displays of Guyana in 2030 will be highlighted, food court, and massive main tents hosting about 80 participants each and of course, the homes (Continued on page 16)

Ganja, cocaine found at Pouderoyen

P

olice on the West Demerara on Sunday found cocaine and marijuana in an abandoned yard at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara.

The raid on the property occurred between 12:45-13:14hrs.

In a press release, police said investigations thus far revealed that an intelligence-led operation was carried out by ranks.

Upon conducting searches, a transparent plastic bag containing a rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine, along with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, suspect to be cannabis were found underneath some wood in the abandoned yard.

As such, the plastic bag with its contents was taken to the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station where the suspected cannabis was

weighed and amounted to 23 grams while the suspected cocaine amounted to 9 grams.

Investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, in another operation, police said three Honda motorcycles and a quantity of suspected cannabis were confiscated following a raid at a suspected 'fowl-fightingring' at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo.

The raid was led by two Assistant Superintendents, as well as a Detective Sergeant, along with other ranks who converged on the location where several persons were searched and a number of scissors were found.

The suspected cannabis, which was found in four transparent Ziploc bags on the ground, amounted to 12 grams when weighed.

There were no reported incidents during the raid.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 19, 2022

3t EnerMech to exclusively provide ECITB training in Angola and Guyana 3t EnerMech has signed a four-year exclusivity agreement with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) to become the sole provider of its licensed training in Angola and Guyana.

The strategic alliance between 3t Energy Group and EnerMech will deliver unique ECITB accredited skills programmes through its learning solutions in each region. The agreement with the global arm of the UKbased skills organisation is set until 2026, with an aim to expand its offering within Guyana and Angola through the collaboration with 3t EnerMech.

According to a press release, 3tEnerMech said working with almost 200 licensed training providers in more than 25 countries, the ECITB delivers training and qualifications in skills for the engineering construction industry that are recognised worldwide.

In February this year, 3t EnerMech announced its venture with Orinduik Development Incorporated Training Centre to develop Guyana's first oil and gas training facility – following more than (USD) $20 million of investment.

Delivering training incountry to support the region's growing oil and gas industry, the centre will become the first and only ECITB internationally accredited training provider in Guyana. The 3t EnerMech alliance opened its first dedicated training facility in Angola's industrial hub of Luanda last year. Since its launch, 3t EnerMech has secured several contracts delivering its in-country service training to Angolan nationals and will now exclusively offer ECITB courses such as its mechanical joint integrity and confined space range to support and up-skill the region's workforce.

P a u l A t t r i l l , Vi c e

President of Sales at 3t EnerMech commented on the agreement: “Building safer, smarter and sustainable workforces is key to increasing the future prosperity of industries around the globe. This agreement will play a significant role in this. By delivering the ECITB's products in Angola and Guyana, we can empower workers by giving them accredited training and tools for their role. “The ECITB's standards and procedures are world-class, and we are proud to be the only organisation to be able to deliver these in our training centres for the next four years and grow what we offer across the globe.”

3t EnerMech offers its globally recognised, quality assured training capability, along-side fully customisable learning solutions that draw on a range of software and technology tools including (Continued on page 16)

Training commences for Census 2022 Area Coordinators Some of the persons being trained as area coordinators

The Bureau of Statistics on Monday commenced a two-week training programme for 54 persons from across all regions of Guyana, who will function as Area Coordinators during the upcoming 2022 Population and Housing Census.

Following their training, these temporary staff, with the supervision of Bureau personnel, will return to their respective regions to train the supervisors for the national exercise, the Stats Bureau said in a release. A training of trainers approach will be utilised, with the supervisors then being integrally involved in the training of enumerators.

Even as the training of Area Coordinators is underway at the Bureau's Head office in Georgetown, the screening of applicants

from across all regions for the supervisor and enumerator positions is ongoing.

Chief Statistician, Errol La Cruz in his address to the Area Coordinators, stressed the important role that they will play in ensuring the success of the exercise, which is being planned for commencement in midSeptember.

He explained that the Census, Guyana's largest data collection exercise, provides not only an accurate count of the population, but also other critical information on its demographics, including gender, age structure, educational attainment and fertility.

This information is in high demand by a range of persons, including policy makers, private sector and

students. National Census is conducted every 10 years.

Guyana last Census was conducted in 2012.

Guyana's population count in 2012 stood at 746,955, a decline from the previous census in 2002 which saw a count of 751,223. According to the Chief Statistician, having an accurate count is essential, since this baseline data will be utilised over the next 10 years. He added that in a world that is becoming more data-conscious, the importance of this data is increasing and its use will expand in the months and years to come.

He encouraged the Area Coordinators to ensure that the Census Personnel under their supervision understand the importance of the Census and the value of the data, which it will produce.

PAGE 15

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Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

Ukraine war: Six die in shelling as new assault looms VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040.

Specialized Repairs / Service Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Pressure Pump, Stove , Treadmill, Dryer, Filtration System, Deepfryer Ect. 6949733.

FOR SALE For Sale Printing Equipment & Paper 3 Hole paper. AB Dick Printing Machine Tel: 2332725/ 233-2439/ 674-9114

WANTED Looking for a Rough Diamond grades with 20yrs experience in the Rough Diamond Industry.Call:658-6080.

Experienced taxi drivers (Hire car License) at Princess Hotel. Call: 616-5419/265-7075/ 265-7076.

1 Live in Housekeeper to look after an elderly person. Age 50 and over Call: 619-9398/ 627-5765.

One experience whole day domestic for 3 days per week in Bel-Air-Park ,Top salary.Call:226-2322.

Nanny/Housekeeper. Age 40 and over Call: 634-6595 Experienced Waitress Contact: 615-01915 / 646-8919.

Full time Carpenter & Full time Joiner call: 656-1485.

Lathe Operator Call: 645-9333.

Looking for one housekeeper/ Cook that can make vegetarian, Indian Meals. Whatsapp: +1 647-855-3040 or call 6925327

VACANCY Receptionist, Hotel Attendant and Merchandisers .Email: info@vgiworld.com Tel: 6400673/227-7714/231-0951/4.

Fitter Machinist,Welder fabricator ,Mechanic with 3 yrs experience,Apprentice & Male & Female cleaner 642-9823 email:techserigy @yahoo.com.

One male sales rep,age 2025.Must have knowledge of auto accessories. Contact: 610-0340.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call:615-9132.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Math, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to techserigy @yahoo.com.

Tian Tian Hotpot Chinese Restaurant - 2 Waitresses, 2 Kitchen Assistants. Call:6722222/645-5888. Next to Chi nese Embassy. Track 'C' Mandela Ave. Durban Backlands, G/town.

Moulder/CNC Operators, Joiners,Finishers& Labourers. Email CV to shivrattanmoulding@gmail.com/ Call: (592)220-2736.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 2350 car/van licence. Call:6429823.

Vacancy for labourers at ice factory and operator with mechanical, electrical background Call: 223-7165.

Water Delivery Driver and Porter for E.C.D.Tel:676-1363/ 692-6768.

For one experienced Grade 2 Teacher Payments based on experience call:623-1615.

Experienced Waiter /Waitress, Curry cook, cashier, Kitchen Assistant apply at Hack's Halaal with written application 5 Commerce Street.

Cook/Baker, Pitmen, Servicemen and Technical Assistant for interior location Applicants must be experienced.

Call 231-2250.

Carpenter, Mason, Painter & Joiner Contact: 686-2861/6114545 Experienced cashier, cleaner and counter person.Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp & New MarketSt. Experienced Handyman, Porter below 40 years. Apply with written application at Keyfood McDoom Village.

Security,Room attendant, Receptionist and Deskstaff 2545 years old .233 South Road Lacytown,tel:225-0198.

Vacancy- Lorry Drivers & Porters Contact: 650-0979

(BBC) - Six people have been killed in shelling in an eastern Ukrainian town as Russia eyes its next major offensive.

Five bodies were found in the rubble of a house in Toretsk, in the Donetsk region, while another person died in hospital, emergency services said.

The Ukrainian military said Russia appeared to be regrouping for an offensive towards nearby Sloviansk.

The city was captured in 2014 by pro-Russian separatists who held it for nearly three months.

Now it is once again set to become a key battleground.

Since Russian troops began their invasion in February, President Vladimir Putin’s original war aims have been drastically curtailed.

The military abandoned its efforts to take the capital, Kyiv, and focused instead on the eastern Donbas region.

In another development, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered generals to focus on destroying Ukraine’s longrange missile and artillery

weapons.

The defence ministry said the weapons were being used to shell residential areas of eastern Ukraine under the control of Russian-backed separatists, and to set fire to wheat fields and grain storage silos.

The ministry also said that a Russian missile strike on Sunday on the Donetsk village of Kostiantynivka had killed up to 250 mercenaries fighting on the Ukrainian side, as well as destroying 19 military vehicles.

The claims could not be independently verified.

In recent weeks, the US has supplied Ukraine with long-range missiles, including precision-guided High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (Himars), which Kyiv says are beginning to make a difference on the battlefield.

Himars is far more accurate than Russia’s equivalent systems and has been credited with a string of recent attacks deep into Russian-held territory.

In other fighting, Ukraine’s southern command says two Russian missiles

have hit a military target outside the southern port of Odesa, while another has struck a bridge across the Dniester estuary.

A fourth was shot down over the Black Sea. Officials say there are no casualties and the fire at the military facility is under control.

They say the bridge has been out of action since Russian forces began targeting it in April.

Meanwhile, British military intelligence has said Russia is using mercenaries from the Wagner group to reinforce front lines in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London said Wagner had been active in recent fighting in the Luhansk region, which had inflicted heavy casualties on the Russian paramilitary organisation.

This was leading to a lowering of recruitment standards, including the hiring of convicts, who were being given little training, the MoD intelligence update said.

The MoD added that Russia was also reinforcing its defensive positions across the occupied areas in southern Ukraine.

Guyana Shore Base secures 11-year extension contract...

From page 8 grown in sync with them. We have also been a poster boy for local content. None of this would have been possible without GYSBI, which is just five years old. We know that we are an integral part of what ExxonMobil does and we do not take that for granted,” he noted.

Ms. Hayley Gilbert, ExxonMobil Guyana's Logistics Manager said that GYSBI continues to offer comprehensive services that are crucial to the company's day-today operations and has progressively matched its growth

and need for additional space with a move over to its 70plus acres Industrial Estate and the commissioning of two heavy lift berths later this year.

“I have personally been able to see the transformation across GYBSI and I can only imagine what we can accomplish together over the eleven years.

When you are part of such a significant development on the onset as GYSBI has been with ExxonMobil in Guyana, having continuity and sustainable business has been critical to be able to deliver

the achievements that we have seen. ExxonMobil Guyana is proud to be associated with a company that continues to maintain a high standard of health, safety and operational efficiency,” she shared.

Ms. Gilbert highlighted that GYSBI remains critical as ExxonMobil Guyana advances its plans to responsibly develop Guyana's oil and gas resources.

“The signing of a decade plus agreement shows the long-term commitment between these two business partners. Our relationship has

grown over the years as GYSBI has been our conduit from the onshore to the offshore operations, a logistics hub, providing us with worldclass services including drilling and production operations support, waste management and storage.

As the demand for support services has grown, it was clear that the expansion was necessary and GYSBI has responded to grow the multi- user facility that we see today, supporting the specialised needs of the oil and gas sector here in Guyana,” Gilbert said.

Building Expo addressing construction boom, house lots...

From page 14 constructed with modern designs and technology. Seminars are expected from government agencies and firms to

VACANCY Cook/Baker, Hauler operator & Servicemen for interior location Applicants must be experienced. Call 231-2250.

Salesperson must have passes in English & Math.

Apply at Christine's Fashion on Lombard St with application.

provide relevant construction and home ownership information.

Minister Croal said that more than $100M is expected in returns from the expo, which was allocated just over $25M for the hosting of this event. He said while, there are overheads which the amount must cater too, discussions have not been had on what the money would go towards.

“Persons will have an op-

tion of houses they would like to future own … because this is matched with our home ownership, our dream and our allocation exercise,” Minister Croal opined, He said, “We want this to be a family atmosphere. or the family to come walk through; to look at some of the options that are available to them for part of their future planning. This is not just about today; this is helping

you to give you as much information as possible, making you aware of new technologies of new development for your own homeownership even for transforming your existing home, to do exiting repairs and making changes.

We want every person who is interested, whether it is homeownership, whether its building for private sector, everyone can learn from this expo.”

3t EnerMech to exclusively provide ECITB...

From page 15 simulation, e-learning, VRlearning, R3 spaced-repetition learning and augmented reality.

3t EnerMech is a joint venture combining the expertise

of integrated solutions specialist provider EnerMech and 3t Energy Group, which owns leading energy sector training organisations 3t Transform, Drilling Systems and AIS Survivex. The alli-

ance delivers world-leading training and competency solutions encompassing a blend of traditional training, digital learning technologies and training compliance management platforms.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 19, 2022

PAGE 17

Guyana spending US$49M annually to import milk and meat

By Kiana Wilburg

W

hile Guyana may have s e v e r a l operations on stream for the production of milk and varying meat products, these commodities are still being imported in significant quantities.

In fact, Guyana imports US$35M worth of milk products while for chicken products and mutton, this total US$3M and US$10.5M respectively.

The foregoing was captured in the 2022 Agriculture Investment Prospectus. This document was launched in May during the nation's inaugural AgriInvestment Forum and Expo.

The event marked an important step toward the goal of reducing CARICOM's food import bill of US$6 billion by 25%, by the year 2025.

According to the report, it was noted that the main production areas for milk are

in the coastal plain, specifically in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. It states that there are 519 dairies in operation.

Kaieteur News understands that locally produced fresh milk is often marketed directly by the farmers to nearby consumers as raw (unpasteurized and warm) milk. It was noted that customers routinely boil the milk and consume it daily (no storage or further processing).

However, with the influx of attractively imported powdered, and more recently, pasteurized liquid milk, which are competitively priced, the report notes that consumers nationwide have more choices.

A new investment by Amaya Milk Company is expected to create a modern plant for pasteurizing milk and eventually the production of milk-based products and flavoured milk.

With the introduction of

Construction worker charged for fatally stabbing teen The 23-year-old construction worker, who fatally stabbed Chrisgaichan Narine last Wednesday, was yesterday remanded to prison after he appeared in court.

The defendant, Keon Carr of Lot190 Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) made his first court appearance in the Vr e e d - e n - H o o p Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty where the charge was read to him.

Carr was not required to plead to the charge, which alleges that on July 13, at Independence Drive, La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD, he murdered 19-year-old Chrisgaichan Narine called 'Boyo', a construction worker of Lot 137 RechtDoor-Zee, WBD. Narine was reportedly stabbed while on his way home that day. After the charge was read to Carr, Magistrate McGusty then remanded him to prison until August 4, 2022. It was reported that on July 13, sometime around 16:30hrs, Narine and his uncle, 23year-old Gansham Singh were riding going home on one bicycle when the suspect was coming from the opposite direction on an

these locally produced milk products, it is hoped that Guyana's milk import bill, currently estimated to be US$35 million annually, will see a significant reduction.

Kaieteur News previously reported that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Amaya Milk Company, the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest) and the Ministry of Agriculture for the construction of a milk processing facility last year.

The multi-million-dollar facility, which is being constructed at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice by Canadian-based investor Omkaar Sharma, saw an initial investment of $150 million. At capacity, the facility is expected to make in excess of $75 million per month in direct payment to dairy farmers in Regions Five and Six. CHICKEN PRODUCTS With respect to chicken, there are approximately 600 commercial producers in Guyana, raising an estimated 2,500,000 chickens. Many of the chicken producers are relatively small. However, there are few larger growers/processors. For example, Toucan and Royal Chicken INC rear their own chickens.

The well-known Bounty Farm has contract farmers that assist in producing chickens for their processing activities. The Agri report notes that the poultry

producers purchase feed from three feed producers: Guyana Stockfeeds Limited, Bounty Farm Limited, and Dence Feed Mill. Much of the feed is imported from the United States too and carries its own hefty bill which the government is working to reduce.

As for Guyanese broiler meat production, statistics shows that this increased from 42 to 49.8 million kg during the period 2018-2021 while production of table eggs rose from 32 million to 57.3 million during the same period.

The ministry said Guyana is largely selfsufficient in fresh/ frozen poultry meat products. Be that as it may, imports for processed poultry products are in excess of US$3 million annually.

Demand for foreign poultry products is forecast to increase on account of the nation's oil producing status which attracts more visitors and expats yearly.

RUMINANTS The 2022 Agriculture

Investment Prospectus notes that Guyana currently has 130 registered sheep farmers and 50 registered goat farmers raising an estimated 42,600 sheep and 23,220 goats. Meat production and slaughtering takes place on both a formal and informal basis. In the formal setting, regulations and main standard practices must be adhered to such as Good Agricultural Practices ( G A P ) , G o o d Manufacturing Practices (GMP), etc.

Kaieteur News understands that the slaughter and handling of animals and carcasses are done in a hygienic manner to minimize contamination. In the informal setting, the basic hygienic practices may be over-looked, for example, there is no cold storage for carcass after slaughter.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 95% of slaughtering of small ruminants is informal in Guyana, whereas only 5% is formal. Presently, there are

no laws or regulations surrounding the slaughter of small ruminants as they are for cattle. As such, “bottomhouse slaughter” is the common practice.

The report states that marketing for mutton/ chevon is a challenge since the informal setting for slaughtering dominates in the small ruminant industry.

Local production has a specific target market which deals with chopped mutton sold at meat stalls in the markets.

I m p o r t a n t l y, l o c a l production does not supply the high-end local market.

Taking this into account, Guyana's import bill in this category is high. The oil producing State imported 13.8 tonnes of mutton valued at US$10.5 million.

Guyana's mutton production has nonetheless seen a modest increase from 65,443 kg to 69,012 kg during the period 2019-2021 while production of goat meat grew from 98,188 kg to over 106,000 kg in the same period.

Cop sues Harry Gill for videotaping him sleeping ...seeks over $5M in damages Remanded to prison, Keon Carr electric bike.

According to a police report, Singh told investigators that while in the vicinity of Third Avenue, the suspect approached them and launched his attack on his nephew. He reported that he dropped his bicycle and ran away and while he was doing so, he looked back and saw the suspect stabbing his nephew with a pair of scissors.

The suspect reportedly fled the scene. Singh said he returned to assist his injured nephew. Singh said as he was about to rush his nephew to the hospital, he collapsed and died on the road. Carr was arrested, the following day at a location in Westminister.

K

elon Gilbert, a member of the Guyana Police Force has filed a lawsuit against Harry Gill, Advisor to the Minister of Home Affairs, for videotaping him while he was sleeping on duty.

In court documents seen by Kaieteur News, Gilbert is demanding a public apology from the former Parliamentarian and is claiming in excess of $5M in damages for emotional distress, videotaping him without permission and disseminating same without his consent.

The policeman had previously in a lawyer's letter demanded a public apology and compensation from Gill.

He had warned that if Gill failed to comply by a May 28 deadline, then he would move ahead and file legal proceedings against him.

Gill on April 20 had caught the lawman who was protecting his home, sleeping on duty and decided the videotape him. Gill then disseminated the video and it went viral on social media. The policeman in his defence

had stated via his lawyer, Eusi Anderson that he had been working for 20 hours before falling asleep.

According to the court documents, Gilbert is claiming in excess of $1M for intentional infliction of emotional distress or alternatively, damages in excess of $1M for negligent infliction of emotional distress.

He also wants the Court to order Gill to pay him $1M for recording without his permission, $1 M for recklessly or without due care aiding and abetting the public dissemination of the recording he made of him and further in excess of $I M for trespass to the body.

Anderson argued that Gill's recording of the officer amounted to emotional distress either willfully or recklessly. The lawyer said Gill knew that he lacked both consent and approval of the claimant to make the recording. Anderson said Gill recorded the policeman in an embarrassing position and that amounts to a violation of his rights.

Harry Gill, Advisor to the Minister of Home Affairs

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 19, 2022

Tuesday July 19, 2022

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Silvertown All Stars halt Milerock in Osmond Cummings Memorial football clashes Silvertown All Stars celebrated the memory of former Botafago p l a y e r a n d founder Osmond Cummings last Sunday when they won both matches against Milerock FC at the Silvertown ground in Wismar.

Coming home for the clash was United Statesbased former national striker Nigel ‘Mice’ Cummings, w h o i n c o l laboration with the Silvertown All Stars Club hosted the annual

matches in memory of his deceased brother who was a resident of Silvertown.

Silver t o w n d e f e n d e d home turf and won t h e Under13 game versus Milerock 2-0 and won th e second at the Under17 age category 3-1 in front of a lively crowd.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, presented the winning trophy to the captain of t h e U n der17 Silvertown All S t a r s s i d e , S a m u e l Gilkes, while Member of

Parliament Jermaine Figuiera was instrumental in donating soccer boots t o t h e p l a y e r s of both teams.

Former national forward Rupert Charter was among those hel p i n g w i t h t h e presentation and Slivertown All Star Sports Club president Patrick ‘Zar’ Caesar was satisfied with the showing of his players which is a good sign for the future of the Silvertown based club.

From left, Silvertown All Stars President Patrick Caesar, Samuel Gilkes U17 captain, Aubrey Norton, Rupert Charter and Nigel Cummings.

Tickets going on sale for Hero CPL group games in Guyana Tuesday July 19, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Reclaim control of things that might be holding you back now, Aries. You may find that there's an element of restriction to the day that's keeping you from getting where you want to be.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Tension in your romantic life is apt to well up today, Libra. More than likely, there are certain responsibilities that you feel you have to attend to that take you away from your intimate.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Be selective when it comes to expressing your passion today, Taurus. Remember that less is more. You don't have to use a tremendous number of bells and whistles in order to get your point across.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) In general, your spirit is upbeat, freedom loving, and adventurous, Gemini. Today, however, you might find that it's a bit more intense and possibly somber,

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You could be feeling the pressure of time now, Scorpio. At this point in your life you may be more aware than ever of your limited time left on this planet. Perhaps you're thinking more about love. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Situations regarding love and romance are likely to get much heavier and more intense now, Sagittarius. Are you ready to make a deeper commitment to the one you love.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It's important for you not to overanalyze every little detail of your situation now, Cancer, especially when it comes to love and romance issues.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It The love and romance department should be going pretty well for you now, Capricorn. This is the time to probe more deeply into your current affair with that person.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) When it comes to love and romance, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle, Leo. There's a request for greater commitment now. You may be unsure about how to respond.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your incredible passion and creativity are taking center stage, Aquarius. It's also quite possible that there's a great restlessness within you egging you on to take things to the next level.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Your romantic, sensitive nature comes alive today, Virgo, and you may find yourself searching for the security of a close lover.

You're apt to be pickier than usual.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may be feeling a bit reserved today, Pisces, especially when it comes to issues involving love and romance. Follow your instincts and know that your hesitation isn't unfounded.

Tickets for the 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) group games in Guyana will be going on sale from today and will be available to purchase from a brand new box office location at 233-234 Camp Street and online from www.cplt20.com.

There will be seven group games in Guyana in 2022 with

CWI Rising...

From page 22 Trinidad Tobago vs Windward Islands at Powergen Barbados vs Jamaica at National Cricket Centre Leeward Islands vs Guyana at Gilbert Park Wednesday 27 July – 9:am (8am Jamaica) Jamaica vs Leeward Islands at Inshan Ali Park Windward Islands vs Guyana at Gilbert Park Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados at National Cricket Centre

four of those matches featuring the home team, the Guyana Amazon Warriors. All these matches will take place at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The 10am tickets will cost GY$2000 with the 7pm games tickets costing between GY$2500 and GY$6000. The box office in Camp street’s

opening hours will be 8:30am to 4:30pm (Monday-Friday) and 8:30am to 1:00pm (Saturdays) Tickets for the knockout stages, which will also be held at the National Stadium in Providence, will go on sale very soon.

The Hero CPL matches in Guyana in 2022 are as follows:

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Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

Minister Ramson opens MSC Cricket Academy Students can still register for life changing experience

By Sean Devers Yesterday at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) on Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, vibrant, young Minister of Culture,

Youth & Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, officially opened the Malteenoes Cricket Academy which will run from July 18-30.

The two-week Academy,

the first since 2018 due the Pandemic, will catering for both male and female participants within the age range of 7-18 years.

With the recently cut ground taking a pounding from the rain, the close to 60 students, including four Girls and three Boys from Essequibo, were told that Minister Ramson has allowed the eager participants the use of the National Gymnasium and the National Park Tarmac to do their Cricket drills since the ground was in an unplayable condition.

The activities which will run from Monday through Friday between the hours of 9AM and 3PM commenced in earnest at 11:AM yesterday with Umpire Colin Alfred speaking about the Laws of Cricket before the participants had their first batting and bowling drills from 1PM at the National Park.

Among the facilitators expected are Clyde Butts, Leon Johnson, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Roger Harper, Reon King and Shawn Massiah.

Minister Ramson told the excited youngsters that a similar Academy at GCC at age eight, opened doors for him that aided in where he today.

A Queen’s College ‘Old Boy’ who played First-Division cricket for Everest as a left-arm spinner, Ramson stressed the need to combine an Education and Sports and asked the parents present to look at Sports as not just a hobby but as something they could earn a decent living from.

Ramson told the gathering that they must have a plan, and urged them to be the ‘best’ without compromising their team and how important

A section of the Students of Malteenoes Cricket Academy yesterday at the Club’s Pavillion. (Sean Devers photo) Youths doing a batting drill at the National Park.

it is to develop the ‘winning mind-set’.

Neil Barry, the GCA President and former President of MSC, told that gathering that Everest recently held a successful Academy and informed that he was pleased that GCA clubs are holding such development work for the youths.

He also posited that this Academy is not only about cricket but about developing a well-balanced individual, adding that several former MSC players are very successful as they make a contribution to their Country outside of cricket.

Also speaking at the

Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports Charles Ramson gives the feature address.

(Sean Devers Photo)

opening ceremony were MSC Vice-President Shawn Holder, Steven Jacobs who played a

massive role in putting this event together, Deborah McNicolson, the only female

Gold is Money, Strikers and Providence SC chalk wins Gold is Money, Strikers and Providence SC registered victories in their respective matches when the National Sports Commission dominoes competition continued Sunday at the National Gymnasium.

Gold is Money chalked up 73 games in their encounter against 1966, who made 67 games and Players with 66.

Strikers scored 76 games to beat 300 with 72 and Fresh Cash on 70 games.

Providence marked 72 games in their match up against F and H with 65 and Strikers 45 games.

Meanwhile, Mix Up and Hammer copped best dressed team prize of $60,000.

Big Boss Transportation Services is also on board. The

winning team is set to receive $300,000 with $200,000 and

Mix Up and Hammer cop best dressed team prize. (Zaheer Mohamed photos) The Most Valuable Player $100,000 going to the second will receive $10,000. and third place finishers.

Tuesday July 19, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

GFF decides to move on from Lady Jags Head Coach - Dr. Joseph expresses disappointment The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) extended its gratitude to Dr. Ivan Joseph on Saturday as he concluded a successful four-year tenure in charge of the Senior Women’s National Team.

Joseph, who took up the post on a voluntary basis in 2018, made great strides in moving the women’s programme forward despite significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

His efforts resulted in an impressive 66% win ratio with the senior and U20 women’s teams in international competitions.

“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment, professionalism and humility that Dr. Joseph

brought to this role,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“We are delighted with the progress the Lady Jags made during his memorable tenure. His achievements have created the foundations for Guyana to become a true powerhouse of women’s football in the Caribbean region in the coming years.”

“The conclusion of the Lady Jags’ 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification campaign brought an end to a remarkable cycle in the women’s programme. We must now build on this as we plan for a new cycle and a brighter future,” Forde added.

The Lady Jags performed admirably in the 2022 CONCACAF W Champion-

Former Lady Jags Head Coach, Dr. Ivan Joseph ship qualification rounds – the first step towards the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – finishing second in a tough qualification group featuring Trinidad and Tobago and Nicaragua.

The Jags were just sec-

MCYS/NSC swim camp commences - We are focusing on building all our talent - Minister Ramson

By Zaheer Mohamed The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/ National Sports Commission (NSC) annual Swim camp commenced yesterday with a record 1500 participants.

The camp will see persons from six to 18 years being given lessons in swimming at the National Aquatic Center (NAC) and Colgrain pool in Georgetown.

Sessions will also be held in Linden, from July 19 to August 10 and in Berbice from July 19 to August 5.

The programme is geared to prepare swimmers for national competitions and to teach swimming as a life skill.

Speaking at the launching ceremony yesterday at the NAC, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., said he was pleased to see so many participants at the programme which is an indication of a commitment they have made to sport, stating that this is a vision of his Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, where they are focusing on building the ‘One Guyana’ family and talent.

“We are focusing on building all our talent where

we can take it to the highest possible level. But we are doing it in a partnership with the sports associations, families, communities and all those who are interested in taking our country forward,” he added.

Ramson stated that this is another example of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission (NSC) and Government of Guyana honoring all of its commitments that ‘we are making to you.’

“For us to be able to move our country forward it has to be done in partnership so that you can benefit from the programmes. Swimming was also a vision that was implemented by our previous president Dr. Jagdeo and we are now getting the opportunity to harness the potential of these facilities by the implementation of these programmes which President Ali is very committed to seeing all of our people develop across the board,” he posited.

Ramson Jr., noted that the programme is designed to benefit all and that parents must take that extra interest in their children. He indicated that that the ministry will be

doing programmes for many areas and added that a cultural programme will be launched shortly for the first time across the country.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle urged the coaches to let safety be their priority and touched on the significance of the event.

“This is a historic day not only because of the number of participants, but because of the level of organisation, and the way we have continued to listen to associations is a microcosm of the how the Government of the Guyana is working towards the development of sport,” he stated.

Ninvalle said they have never before had such a large number of participants in any of their programmes and applauded Minister Ramson for his astute leadership.

NSC Commissioner Cristy Campbell said the increased numbers shows the importance of the programme and commended the parents.

President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association Dwayne Scott expressed gratitude to the Ministry for fully funding the programme which is also designed to unearth talent.

onds away from reaching the CONCACAF W Championship in their final qualifier in Trinidad and Tobago before the hosts scored a last gasp

equaliser to snatch the group’s only qualification spot.

Joseph, who brought more than two decades of experience in high performance coaching and athletics administration to the role, thanked the GFF for the opportunity to play a part in the development of football in the country of his birth.

“I am disappointed that the GFF has elected to move in a different direction with the leadership of the women’s football programme,” said Joseph, who serves as vicepresident of student affairs at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada.

“However, I am extremely

proud of the efforts and performance our Lady Jags have accomplished during our tenure.

Coaching the U-20 ladies to the final eight in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers and our recent near miss in getting to the final eight of the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifiers are results our staff and team are proud of accomplishing,” he added.

“A special thank you to the domestic based players and local coaches who have elevated the women’s game to a significant level in Guyana over a very short time,” he said. “The best is yet to come.”

PAGE 22

Tuesday July 19, 2022

Kaieteur News

Amazing Fraser-Pryce leads Jamaican clean sweep

in women’s 100 metres EUGENE, Ore., (Reuters) Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce claimed an astonishing fifth world 100 metres title at the age of 35 on Sunday when she clocked 10.67 seconds to edge Shericka Jackson and Elaine ThompsonHerah in a brilliant Jamaican clean sweep.

Fraser-Pryce got her usual superb s t a r t a n d held her form as fast-finishing Jackson clocked a personal best 10.73 for silver and ThompsonHerah took bronze with 10.81.

No nation had completed a medal sweep in the women’s 100m at the worlds, though Jamaica did it at last year’s Olympics via the same three athletes - and also in 2008.

The United States did the same in the men’s event on Saturday, the first since 1991.

Fraser-Pryce now has five 100m world titles and two Olympic 100m golds and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down as Sunday’s mark was the fastest winning time of all those seven global victo-

ries. “It’s my favourite world title - doing it at 35, yes I said 35,” Fraser-Pryce said. “ W he n e v e r I’m healthy I’m going to compete. I’m hungry, I’m driven and I always believe I can run faster and I’m not going to stop until I stop believing that.”

She hoped that she could be an i n s p i r a t i o n to other women. “ I t ’s n o t e a s y, I don’t just turn up - I have to work,” she said. “I can’t even i m a g i n e t h e amount of times I’ve had setbacks and I’ve bounced back and I’m here again.

“To continue to do it at 35, having a baby, still going, hopefully I’m inspiring women that they can make their own journey.”

‘PART OF HISTORY’ Jackson said she was surprised to learn she is now the third-fastest Jamaican of all time.

“Last year when I switched to the 100 metres, I was scared but I took my time and here I am today and I feel good to be part

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, center, Shericka Jackson, right, and Elaine Thompson-Herah, after the final in the women’s 100-meter run (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

of history with the sweep.”

Thompson-Herah, who has won back to back Olympic sprint doubles and is second-fastest on the all-time list behind only F l o r e n c e Griffith-Joyner, is still without an individual world t i t l e , a d d i n g S u n d a y ’s bronze to a 200m silver in 2015.

“I’m not in the best shape of my life, I’ve had shoulder and Achilles injuries that have knocked me about a bit so I’m pleased to have overcome that,” she said.

“I’m a fighter, I’m always positive and my world championship journey does not stop here.”

Dina Asher-Smith, silver medallist in 2019, was fasted out of the blocks in lane eight but though she matched her British record of 10.83 she came up just short.

“You had to run a 10.9 low to mak e t h e f i n a l , which is crazy,” she said.

Her team mate Daryll Neita ran the fastest time ever by someone not making the final (10.97) in the semis.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won her record fifth world 100m title in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday.

CWI Rising Stars U17 to bowl off in Trinidad today - Guyana to face Barbados The future of West Indies cricket will be on show as Cricket West Indies (CWI) stages the Rising Stars Boys U17 tournament as part of the “Summer of Cricket” across the region. The tournament will be hosted by the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) from today, Tuesday 19 July to Wednesday 28 July.

During their time in the tournament the players will also get the golden opportunity to watch a match in the CG United ODI Series between West Indies and India at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Several members of the West Indies Rising Stars U19 team last year and earlier this year will feature in the event.

Among them are: left-handed batter Jordan Johnson, who will captain Jamaica; righthander Justin Jaggessar, who will lead the home team; and left-handed seam bowling allrounder Nathan Edward, who is captain of Leeward Islands. The tournament will feature 50-over matches and will be played on a roundrobin basis. Matches start at 9:30am (8:30am Jamaica Time) and will be played at Gilbert

Park, Inshan Ali Park, Powergen and the National Cricket Centre.

Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket, said: “We congratulate the young men who have been selected to represent their territories in this tournament, which is a stepping-stone towards their growth and development in our sport. This is a major part of CWI’s investment into the future. We missed a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore CWI sees it as vital that we re-start our age-group programmes and have our best young players participate in events such as these. We expect some highly competitive matches, but most of all we want to see our players improving and learning with each day on the field.” (CWI) FULL SQUADS Barbados: Nathan Sealy (Captain), Zion Brathwaite, Achilles Browne, Joshua Dorne, Kamario Grant, Kyron King, Jaden Lorde, Joshua Morris, Jatario Prescod, Micaiah Simmons, Dre Springer, Jaden Webster, Kobe Williams, Rashad

Guyana has been a regular set-up in the Under-17 Tournament.

Worrell; Dexter Toppin (Head Coach) Guyana: Alvin Mohabir (Captain), Jadon Campbell, Golcharran Chulai, Romeo Deonarine, Mavendra Dindyal, Sasnarine Haricharan, Zachary Jodah, Kevin Kisten, Anthony Khan, Nityanand Mathura, Rampertab Ramnauth, Dillon Ramsaroop, Jonathan van Lange, Bruce Vincent; Garvin Nedd (Head Coach) Jamaica: Jordan Johnson (Captain), Brian Barnes, Reon

Edwards, Deshawn James, Nashane Meade, Shevaun Morrison, Tamarie Redwood, Eejay Spence, Steven Wedderburn, Adrian Weir, Malique Williams, Marlon Williams, Trevaun Williams, Xavi Williams; Robert Turner (Head Coach) Leeward Islands: Nathan Edward (Captain), Jewel Andrew, Wilden Cornwall Jr., T’yanick Honore, Brent Joseph, Randel Longville, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Samuel Morton,

Michael Palmer, Carlton Pluck, Tihuani Stevens, Xaveek Toppin, Yanique Wattley; Sylvester Joseph (Head Coach) Trinidad & Tobago: Justin Jaggessar (Captain), Jacen Agard, Fareez Ali, Luke Ali, Verran Batchu, Kavir Boodoosingh, Abdullah Cambridge, Orlando James, Kevin Kanhai, Aadian Racha, Rikki Ragoonanan, Andrew Rambaran, Kyle Ramdoo, Samir Saroop; Rayad Emrit (Head Coach)

Windward Islands: Solomon Bascombe, Shanil Edward, Tarrique Edward, Kervin Gassie, Jerel Jeremiah, Divonie Joseph, Jelani Joseph, Mahid Lambert, Reshawn Lewis, Edmund Moranice, Kirsten Murray, Luke Wilson; Clyde Telesford (Head Coach) MATCH SCHEDULE Tuesday 19 July – 9:30am (8:30am Jamaica) Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands at Gilbert Park Barbados vs Guyana at National Cricket Centre Trinidad & Tobago vs Jamaica at Inshan Ali Park Thursday 21 July – 9:30am (8:30am Jamaica) Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana at Powergen Leeward Islands vs Barbados at Inshan Ali Park Jamaica vs Windward Islands at National Cricket Centre Saturday 23 July – 9:30am (8:30am Jamaica) Windward Islands vs Barbados at Gilbert Park Guyana vs Jamaica at Inshan Ali Park Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands at National Cricket Centre Monday 25 July – 9:30am (8:30am Jamaica) (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 19, 2022

PAGE 23

VP Boys claim two championships in one day VP Boys strike a pose after the win.

V

P Boys claimed two trophies in one day after beating Young Warriors on both occasions last Saturday at Andrew McCandless Park, Brampton as the curtains came down in the 10-10 and Rapid 100-ball competitions under the auspices of the Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL).

VP Boys first dethroned Young Warriors in the 10overs affair by a comfortable eight-wicket margin and then kept them by four runs in the next engagement.

In the 10-10 clash, Young Warriors took first strike and made 108-6, while VP Boys

safely and gleefully reached 113-2 in the penultimate over. Opener and Canadabased Guyanese Riaz Kadir led the way with 53 while another Guyanese-born Sharaz Hamid contributed a measurable 35.

The right-handed Kadir hit four sixes and five fours for VP Boys. When Young Warriors batted, opening batsman Satrohan Doodnauth made 45 laced with three sixes and five fours. Rakesh Gobardhan and Randalph Persaud grabbed 2-14 and 2-23 respectively.

In the Rapid 100-ball fixture, VP Boys batted first

on this occasion and galloped to the 100 in 51 balls while

Yo u n g Wa r r i o r s l e f t agonisingly short of four runs

More American racehorses arrive for Guyana Cup to take total to 40 Stable owners across Guyana are continuing to import thoroughbreds from abroad to ensure their chances of winning the prestigious Guyana Cup are e v e n g r e a t e r. T h e momentum continues to rise for the biggest horseracing event in the history of Guyana carded for Sunday 14th August, 2022.

Two popular racing stables, Night Eyes Racing Stable and Kris Jagdeo Racing have both imported horses that arrived in Guyana at approximately 2:00pm yesterday, Monday 18th July 2022.

Arriving via air stables six horses made their way onto Guyana soil to take the total amount imported to 40.

After the air stables were towed to the offloading area the six horses were offloaded and ushered to a moderate trot, “slow and steady” by the various groomers.

The four horses that arrived specifically for Night Eyes Stable were, “Jessica's Pride formally Yolandas Pride (5 year old dark bay filly), Arianas Pride formally Mizbaving Sis (3 year old bay filly), Giants princess (2 year old Chestnut filly) and Immortal Fame (4 year old bay gelding) all in immaculate shape. The remaining two horses to be cleared by members of the Kris Jagdeo

One of the horses imported for the Guyana Cup event on arrival yesterday.

Racing Stable were, “Wild Texas Tom (4 year old bay gelding) and Our Stuie (4 year old bay gelding).

Prior to this shipment Rising Sun Racing Stable shipped four horses from Trinidad that has put his stable in solid grounds to take home a win. The horses that were cleared were Oie Mon Omie, LiltoribelleAmicable, Summer Breeze & Signal Note.

Fazal Habibulla has been tight lipped on his imports as he

has a few tricks up his sleeve to take the title home.

When contacted Mr. Habibulla indicated, “I have built this Racing Track from the ground up and as a resident of the area I am proud to have this event on my door steps. This is a humble village 76 kilometres from Georgetown bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Abary River to the south. So for an event of this size to come home definitely

makes me proud. The competition indeed will be very hard as all of the stables are going the extra mile to ensure they all take home a trophy. My jockeys are ready and the horses are training daily to make this event a truly memorable one. So all I can say is come Sunday 14th August may the best horses win.”

The countdown has begun to the biggest Horse Racing Event in the Caribbean carded for Sunday 14th August at the Rising Sun turf Club. Over GUY$30,000,000 in cash and prizes are to be won, so this year's the competition is expected to be stiff.

The organisers are encouraging patrons, 'Get there before noon to avoid the rush and remember indoor parking is available for over 500 cars. Let's all join together for this spectacular presentation, Guyana Cup 2022!'

This event was made possible through title sponsor Banks DIH and supporting sponsors Guinness, XM Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Hop House 13, Johnny Walker, S. Jagmohan, A&R Security, Vals Construction, Air services, Kings Jewelry Wo r l d , K & P P r o j e c t Management, JS Guyana, Aronco, BM Soat, Club Neutraal, Japarts, AJM Enterprise & Jumbo Jet.

when the 51 deliveries used up.

Skipper and Berbician Rawle Scott led the way for VP Boys with an entertaining, unbeaten 56 which counted seven massive sixes.

I n Yo u n g Wa r r i o r s ' innings, Brandon Persaud offered a fight with 20 not out.

Meanwhile, president of the League, Patrick Singh, who hailed from Wakenaam, congratulated both teams for

reaching the finals and thanked the sponsors for their continued support to softball cricket. Some of the sponsors were Adana Homes, Fence Masters Constructions, Arisha Kitchen, Andy Building Services and Mortgage Squad.

Both sides received trophies, medals and cash incentives.

The presentation was ceremoniously after the games at the same facility.

Amazing Fraser-Pryce leads Jamaican clean sweep in women's 100 metres

s t r o Sp

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (far L) of Jamaica competes en route to winning the women's 100 meters final at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on July 17, 2022. (Pool photo) (Kyodo via AP Images)

MCYS/NSC swim camp commences

- We are focusing on building all our talent - Minister Ramson

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson addressed the gathering at the opening ceremony.

(Zaheer Mohamed photos) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.