Kaieteur News

More oil money can be beneficial if managed wisely

Thursday Edition July 21, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 29

- as Economists rebut VP Jagdeo’s opposing claim

Online readership yesterday, 69,962

Guyana being fastest growing economy in the world nothing but a mirage ...Dismal non-oil growth tells the truth - former Finance Minister

Alert cleaner helps save teacher, students from burning city school Govt. announces Proper conduct will availability of sugar be rewarded with better pay, housing at reduced prices - Pres. Ali to Joint Services members APNU+AFC moves to court to block suspension of 8 parliamentarians 35-well Stabroek Block campaign…

The protest for a better oil deal continues daily at Houston, East Bank Demerara

EPA weakens regulatory discipline for Exxon’s benefit ...approach spells danger for Guyana - former EPA Head

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Kaieteur News

Thursday July 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 21, 2022

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Guyana being fastest growing economy in ...Dismal non-oil growth tells the the world nothing but a mirage truth - former Finance Minister W

By Kiana Wilburg

ith two oil ships, namely the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity in operation and producing approximately 300,000 barrels a day, Guyana’s growth rate is forecast to jump from the initially projected 47.5 percent to 57.8 percent. This was recently noted by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh who has also stated that Guyana’s pace of development and production makes it one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Many institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank and even the Caribbean Development Bank have agreed with this perspective.

However, former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has categorically stated that he is one who does not fall into this category.

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan For him, the mantra that Guyana is supposedly the fastest growing economy is nothing but a mirage, adding that the real truth can be found in an examination of the dismal performance of the non-oil economy.

Speaking on the management of the economy while a guest on GlobeSpan24X7, Jordan said, “Over the last two years, the government has

literally destroyed the tax base and it is now in a scenario where it has run out of options in an economy that is supposedly the fastest growing in the world but that is a mask.”

Jordan said in 2020 when the economy grew by 43.5 percent buoyed by a full year of oil production, the non-oil economy contracted by 7.3 percent. “So it would have declined from 5.2 percent in 2019 to a negative 7.3 percent even though the overall growth of the economy was a positive 43.5 percent,” expressed the economist.

He further noted that in 2021, growth was 20.9 percent while the non-oil economy’s growth was pegged at 6.1 percent. “So you will have to compare the 5.2 with the 6.1. This year, the economy is supposed to grow 57.8 percent and the non-oil is projected to grow about 7 percent but that will have its own challenges because rice, sugar performed dismally at half year. So those non-oil figures

rice can be attributed to the effects of the flooding in 2021, which prevented farmers from sowing all available lands for the first crop of 2022 along with higher input costs.

Kaieteur News understands that sugar production decreased as a result of the halt on grinding at the Uitvlugt sugar estate, caused by mechanical issues, which impacted production, as this estate was responsible for 25 percent of

Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh will have to be reviewed,” expressed the former Finance Minister.

FIRST QUARTER REPORT According to Bank of Guyana’s 2022 first quarter report, the rice and sugar industries experienced declines in production by 53.1 and 47.7 percent, respectively. The institution explained that the substantial decline in the production of

output.

NOTE TO READERS With respect to stats provided by the former Finance Minister for 2021, Kaieteur News’ perusal of the Bank of Guyana records showed that the Guyanese economy registered real oil and non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 19.9 percent and 4.6 percent respectively, despite the devastating mid-year floods that affected the agriculture (Continued on page 9)

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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Guyanese desperately need cheap, reliable electricity On Sunday last, large patches of Georgetown was visited by the sound of generators going full blast, where those were available. This was because there was a blackout that lasted for most of the morning and kept going way into the afternoon. It helped that there was considerable sunshine, which gave some relief to those who have the luxury of solar power. How other residents managed is a matter of guesswork, but it couldn’t have been pleasantly, with fridges possibly loaded from weekend stock-ups out of action, microwaves gone dead, and fans all stopped and silent. The basics of modern life missing due to the blackout, and sapping the spirit, if not life, out of longsuffering citizens existing under a blanket of blackouts for ages now.

Though it is almost the repetition of a cliché, it is worth saying again: Guyanese can use some cheap, reliable electricity for a change, if only to give them a little peace of mind, and empower them to get on with the many other hard demands of local life. After billions have been spent, almost as many promises from leaders, changes in government, and changes in management at the nation’s electricity company, we are in the same place, as we have always been – blackouts and more blackouts in many parts of the country.

Some areas are more blackout prone than some but, overall, the electricity picture is pretty grim.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL), as it stands, is not the answer to our electricity woes. Projects hailed as the solutions may be the answers urgently needed, but there is great uncertainty as to whether leaders in the present PPP/ C Government are telling Guyanese the full story, and an accurate one.

Gas-to-energy and the Amaila Falls Hydro Project have been held out as the remedies to our woes. We have heard about cheaper and cleaner than what we have now, but that has been greeted with much skepticism because so much is still unknown about both projects. The reaction of citizens is a direct byproduct of leaders who have made a living by lying to them, either through commission or omission.

When pressed for answers with what they present, they clam up and close up shop, leaving citizens hanging.

Meanwhile, the blackouts roll on, and Guyanese swelter or curse over their spoilage and losses, and the general quality of their lives.

Guyana’s Vice President and his energy team have been talking up the benefits of planned energy projects, but whenever he puts these kinds of things on the table, citizens get the impression that he is selling them a pig in a bag. In other words, he pushes the positives, while keeping the negatives to himself, that is, if he himself has the most complete grasp of all the components of these U.S. billiondollar projects.

We know how much we need currently, and how much we will demand in the next few years, with due consideration given to national economic development and expansion. It would help to know what the true cost is end-to-end of energy projects being sold and the maximum output of electricity, as well as what our visions and plans are for any excess electricity or energy produced. Trinidad has a huge demand for electricity, and could serve as a potential market for any spare capacity in our inventory.

How would we get such to them?

What would it cost us to do so? Would such costs still keep any possible supply to Trinidad within an acceptable price range? Meaning that the final cost would still make sense for our CARICOM neighbours and partners to benefit from what we sell them. And, at the same time, we also make some money from what is transported to the Trinis.

If we have excess and have no market for it, then that becomes a worrying and burdening proposition, a wasteful one. Certainly, the nice sounds coming out of leaders about energy make for good listening. But we have to be careful that what starts out as a hymn does not transform into a funeral song, another mournful one. We all want cheap, reliable electricity, but only if we get all the pieces right.

Since the British Guiana Labour Union DEAR EDITOR, It is most disappointing to note that none of its comrades has remembered that July 11, 2022 represented the 100th anniversary of the recognition of the British Guiana Labour Union b y t h e B r i t i s h Government – as the first in the British Empire. The Union was actually established in the country on January 11, 1919 by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow whose statue, designed by the artist E.R. Burrowes, can be seen erected in the compound of Parliament Building.

Interestingly, Critchlow was reported to have given Ayube Edun some help in the founding of Manpower Citizens’ Association (MPCA) in November 1937, to represent workers in the sugar industry.

The MPCA however was not given recognition by the British Guiana Sugar Producers’ Association until 1939; but it took the Union some 20 years to obtain the l a t t e r ’s agreement to the deduction of union dues from workers’ wages – c a l l e d t h e ‘ c h e c k - o ff ’ system.

By 1976 the MPCA, then led by Richard Ishmael, Principal of Indian Education Trust College, lost in a poll, conducted by the Ministry of Labour, to the PPP – backed Guyana Industrial Workers’ Union

(GIWU), soon after renamed Guyana A g r i c u l t u r a l Wo r k e r s ’ U n i o n ( G AW U ) . O t h e r Unions of the day included: - Sugar Estates Clerk Association (SECA) - Guiana Headmen’s Union – which represented the first level of supervision in the field.

The position was properly re-titled Field Foreman, and the membership extended to lower level ‘Chargehands’.

- The Sugar Estates Supervisors’ Association (SESA) – represented Field and Factory Supervisors.

- Alongside was another group that represented itself not only in Guiana, but throughout t h e We s t I n d i e s w h e r e their members worked, with great credit to the local sugar industry. Members of the Guiana and West Indies Sugar Boilers Union (G&WISBU) were particularly popular in Barbados, Antigua and St. Kitts.

Their prowess was further acknowledged by their selection by Bookers to work in new factories in Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania and to prepare the local staff to succeed them.

- The Sick nurses and Dispensers’ Association was also a recognised Union, with their

membership including Certified Nurses, Nurse/ Midwives, Midwives and of course Dispensers By 1977, except for the GAWU worker categories all the abovementioned unions had coalesced into a new multi-disciplinary bargaining entity called the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). It was this Union which confronted the GSPA and won the reduction of a 48 hour to a 40 hour work week for its membership.

Unfortunately at this time of reporting, NAACIE is not as dynamic a representative entity as it used to be in the sugar industry.

Meanwhile, to its credit, even before its formal r e c o g n i t i o n , G AW U ’s activism resulted in the Zaman Ali Advisory Committee being assigned in 1970 to investigate conditions of work in the s u g a r i n d u s t r y. T h e Committee highlighted and consequently had the industry redress the following deficits, amongst others: 1. Water Supply; 2.

Labour Transportation 3. Loading ramps; 4. First Aid facilities – including emergency transport for injured workers 5. Provision of safety

equipment The Board of Bookers Sugar Estates responded by having developed and i m p l e m e n t e d , a most comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Programme that is operative to this day in the sugar industry.

It is regrettable that current fulminations have overclouded the memory of the country’s first Labour Union – a most historic contribution to the foundation of our society, reflecting a contradictory lack of self-respect when compared to the perfunctory spouting of acclamations of anniversaries of distant international occasions/ services about which the very spokespersons are unfamiliar.

The new-comer Minister of Labour would be in order to chide the following for not briefing in time to celebrate a most fundamental component of the history of this ‘ONE NATION’: - Guyana Labour Union - Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union - Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union - Guyana Teachers’ Union - Guyana Public Service Union and other later Unions E.B. John Retired Human Resources Director BSE/GuySuCo

CoP Felix Austin was fired by Burnham because he was a professional DEAR EDITOR, I refer to your article “Police in moves to erase Felix Austin from college’s name” (KN 7-2-22) wherein you quoted from a letter of Paul Slowe, Asst. Com. of Police (Ret’d), for the powers that be to reconsider the decision to rename “Felix Austin Police College” as the “Guyana Police Academy”.

Mr. Slowe enumerated some of the sterling contributions of our first Guyanese Commissioner of Police (CoP) Felix Austin, who broke the colonial practice of the role being filled only by Britishers.

Mr. Felix Austin had been appointed to that post on Jan 1, 1967 by the PNC/UF government even though he was not the most senior officer. However, he was succeeded by Mr. Carl Austin (no relation to Felix) just a year later on Jan 10, 1968. And therein lies my homily which is based on a sitting of the National Assembly of Tuesday, 19th September,

1967 in which a Bill intituled: “An Act to prescribe the age for the vacation of office by the holders of certain offices as authorised by the Constitution of Guyana” was introduced by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. Up to that point, on the age of retirement of the CoP, Article 107 (3) of the Constitution provided that: “Subject to the provisions of the next following paragraph, the Commissioner of Police shall vacate his office when he attains such age as may be prescribed by Parliament.”

What Burnham was proposing was the age of retirement be now fixed at 55 years with a possibility of being extended to 60 years.

While this was presented as being an innocuous change, in reality it was a devious ploy to constructively fire CoP Felix Austin and replace him with a more pliable Carl Austin, who would serve until 1973.

It appears from the parliamentary debate, that on

his appointment, the 54-yearold Mr. Felix Austin was given a list of policemen who he was supposed to promote but the veteran officer balked.

He was then immediately sent at that age on a training course in the US but he maintained his position and the Bill was promptly introduced. During his absence, the Acting CoP Carl Austin made a slew of “on the spot” promotions across the country.

In the debate, Burnham denied, of course, that the reason for the Bill was to get rid of Felix Austin and replace him with Carl Felix. But no one was surprised when, three months later, the deed was done.

As Mr. Burnham was fond of saying, “There are many ways to kill a cat.” The callousness of Burnham on his Machiavellian move was exemplified by response to MP Boysie Rankarran, who worried how Felix Austin would earn a living after his long service to the state. Mr.

Burnham replied, “Selling panties like Lambert.”

A month ago, I wrote a letter to the press, “Burnham’s firing of Major Sattaur triggered the deprofessionalisation of our Disciplined Forces”. Maj Sattaur had been fired in March 1966, and with the axing of CoP Felix Austin in Jan 1968, the deprofessionalisation continued to metastasize into the cancer it is today.

Burnham never forgave those who crossed him. As Mister Slowe stated, “The Police Training School gained the status of a college and was renamed the Felix Austin Police College on August 28, 1987.”

This was done by President Hoyte, a year after Mr. Burnham’s demise.

Unless we know our history, we’re doomed to repeat it.

CoP Felix Austin was fired

by Burnham because he was a professional.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

Thursday July 21, 2022

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Kaieteur News

America knows better, still must go Mr. Ramjattan continues to I move to wrap-up this.

In its post-elections report, European Union spoke of The Americans can sponsor, on record the a certain kind of money, which facilitate, and conduct all the regurgitate shameful narratives DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the article titled, “U.S. urges Guyana to go after assets of money launderers -launches two-day workshop on asset recovery” (KN July 20). The U.S. is now on record and has initiated another part of its dogged, ongoing, and resistance-plagued programme in this country where laundering is concerned. It is about as much as it can do, with a bow to nation-to-nation relationships, but I think it knows better about what the score is here whenever the matter of money laundering comes up for discussion.

In the textbooks, expert guidance, policies, programmes, step-by-step sweeps, and escalations of how to combat money laundering, asset recovery certainly qualifies as a way to get to the heart of the issue, and disrupt if not arrest the operations of launderers. It makes sense to go to where the nasty money is, unravel the successful efforts of those so engaged, and combat what is nothing but a national plague that remains on the backburner at low temperature where the PPP Government and its leaders are concerned.

I ask myself whether those who were part of the audience politely listening to Her Excellency had to fight to stifle a yawn, and maintain an interested face. This is because most of the people in that audience know fully well who the major launderers are in this country; and the higher the people, the more they know.

Editor, officials don’t only know who, but also how, and with whose help. Before it slips me the American Ambassador to Guyana also knows. In fact, she knows more, has bigger, more complete files, and possesses more of the connecting threads than the Guyana Government. So, everybody knows where everybody stands. Since policies, procedures, standards, and protocols restrain local and foreign luminaries from speaking openly (or out of turn), I do them all a favour by giving a helping hand. The citizens who are on radars, who have been fingered, who have earned their laundering records well are powerful friends of the PPP Government and its leaders.

Government brass knows that, and the Ambassador knows that, too. Both also know what kind of money (hundreds of millions from the loaded ‘big-shots’) went into the campaign coffers of the PPP during the last elections.

I leave to the imagination. In identical fashion, the PNC was offered and accepted the same kind of nasty, dirty, bloody money.

The difference between the PPP and PNC regarding this kind of money was that the latter got way less, but it still received. To bring this to its natural conclusion, I assert that major segments of our system of governance was and is infused with laundered money. It was not free money, which means in the usual scheme of quid pro quo human endeavours that the expectations of givers/ donors are that their generosity was well invested.

I think it would be timely for me to insert protection money into the bargain.

So, when I read about a workshop on asset recovery, I want to laugh out loud, but out of respect for my fellow American, I stifle the inclination. The rich, pungent skeletons are all over and in plain sight due to access to top tier government leaders, Guyanese laundrymen (and women) no longer bother to conceal their tracks. They flaunt their political muscle, and they have the political leadership gifts to prove their point.

Thus, to make a comprehensive go at genuine asset recovery would expose a lot of highly connected people, expose and embarrass the PPP Government, especially its big dogs, and expose and bring down a whole slew of interconnected businesses in diverse sectors.

Her Excellency knows so, the people in her audience also, and the people so occupied too. In terms of the latter, we can spare the Chinese for their presence is middling (read any way that suits).

seminars, workshops, and training required, but when all is over, I think it would be discovered that it is time to go back to the start because those assets and people would still be place, largely untouched. The launderers would enjoy a good, long belly laugh at government’s pretenses. Last, I understand that the Americans are concerned (even angry) and that the Ambassador has her role to play, but let us all face reality honestly: this is another exercise in futility or to present laundering in more scorching terms, it is a joke, and nothing but a joke and waste of time. But it is still necessary.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

DEAR EDITOR, The July 19, 2022, Kaieteur News reported that AFC Leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan in speaking on the sugar industry, among other things, once again sought to justify, shamelessly, the former Coalition Government downsizing of the sugar industry. This narrative from Mr. Ramjattan is not new and is largely a regurgitation of what he and others of his ilk had said in the past.

Though it was drawn to his attention on several occasions, the erstwhile gentleman continues to see sugar from a narrow perspective. As we and others have pointed on several occasions, sugar has

Prudent observations DEAR EDITOR, The Apex Court drew attention to a flaw in our court system in criticising the slow handling of electoral cases, during oral arguments in the dismissed petition case.

This criticism is very pointed and has bearing in a now dead 2015 elections petition, which never had its day in court. As alluded to by the eminent judge, the delay in these matters constitutes a grave injustice.

In the same court hearing of the same matter another judge (Justice Jamandar) made the point that the constitution on election petitions should be written in language the ordinary person can understand, instead of it being couched in language which requires technical assistance.

This is another prudent observation and should be considered.

Shamshun Mohamed

opportunities far beyond the bulk market. We note GuySuCo’s efforts on this front which it says is bearing fruit though we may not see eye-to-eye with the Corporation on other issues.

In advancing his rhetoric, Mr. Ramjattan seems to advance a very dim view of sugar workers and their families. He charges that a continuation of sugar seems to condemn the workers and their families to a poor life.

This is unfortunate given the immense contribution of sugar workers and their families. Of course, while the AFC leader maybe correct to say that sugar workers and their families have dreams of betterment and improvement, didn’t he and his colleagues of the Coalition when in office rob them of those aspirations? Mr. Ramjattan charged that workers were being conditioned to use cutlasses as it appeared he took a derisive tone. But then, it was the same person who in collaboration with others robbed thousands of workers of even being able to use a cutlass.

The AFC leader spoke about giving young men and women in the sugar belt opportunities to stem intergenerational poverty.

This on the surface sounds pleasing to the ears. But alas

Mr. Ramjattan should advise what actions were taken in that regard? The ILOsponsored socio-economic study that examined the lives of workers and their families after the callous closure of estates demonstrated the hardship and destitution that faced thousands of Guyanese.

We sincerely hope that Mr. Ramjattan, in his quiet moments, will reflect on what closure really brought and what it did to many persons.

At this time, we are aware that some among us still advance that the industry should be forgotten. Such intentions are not altruistic but are grounded in their innate desire to engage in all manner of speculation with the industry’s prized land holdings. It is saddening that in these times, there are men and women among us who are prepared to trample on thousands to satisfy their lusty greed.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine President GAWU

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Hindu community in general has lost a stalwart DEAR EDITOR, Our Guyanese community in New York and the Hindu community in general have lost a stalwart when Dharmacharya Ji, Pandit Beni Madho Misra aka Pandit Rishi Misir Ji passed away on July 18th 2022, at the age of 82 years. He was the grandson of Sri Beni Madho Misra Ji of whom he was named after. Aji Ji went to British Guiana on December 21, 1889 on the ship Rohilla and took his Ramayan with him. This Ramayan was passed onto his son Pandit Kalika Misra Ji who was the father of Dharmacharya Ji. This very Ramayana is in New York City. Pandit Rishi Ji explained to me that with time and people at the registry not being familiar with Samskrit, names were changed and misspelt and thus Misra became Misir.

Dharmacharya Ji was the spiritual leader of the major Hindus groups in New York and he took his responsibilities to heart. Pandit Rishi Ji was bestowed with the title of Dharma Acharya for his contribution to Hinduism. Many are given titles and do not deserve or live up to them but not in the case of Dharmacharya Ji. He was an Acharya/ teacher/mentor in its essence.

He was teaching as recent as last October. I got introduced to Dharmacharya Ji, while working on a project about the Ramayana.

Dharmacharya Ji was very happy to speak to me and

took time out of his precious schedule to chat with me. He was teaching online via Zoom which I felt was remarkable for someone who was not born in the age of the internet. What is striking when you talk with Dharmacharya Ji, is his honestly, sense of humour, straightforwardness in speaking his mind.

He took his responsibilities towards the community very seriously and did not suffer fools easily.

A soul like Dharmacharya Ji is very rare indeed and in these times, priceless!

Dharmachaya Ji told me that he admired that I am continuing the work and teachings of my own late father, Sri Mohanlal Sahadeo Ji. He said that my father must have been a great soul to have raised a daughter like me...if you know Dharmacharya Ji, you would recognise that this is a great compliment as he does not offer word salad. I treasure these words and can tell you that great souls live on forever in our hearts and memories. Decades after my father has gone, strangers

and people whose lives he touched, still remember and talk about him. Last week, another Hindu activist and I were talking about Dharmacharya Ji and both of us were admiring what he stood for and his amazing personality. I will remember and talk about Dharmacharya Ji for he has touched my life and the many, many other souls whose lives he touched; will also do same. I am already missing you Dharmacharchya Ji. You never referred to yourself by your title and just called yourself Pandit Rishi.

Such was your humility.

I called his phone last Saturday and it went to voice mail. I waited for him to return my call as he always did. This time, he did not and then I learnt why. I will always treasure our conversations about Ramayana, your history, your advice on people that I must be wary of and your dry wit. Be with your Blessed Lord now, dear Pandit Rishi Ji. Mrtyor twam Amritam gamaya.

Yours sincerely, N. Sahadeo

Would relaxed protocols be needed again?

DEAR EDITOR, With the increase and upsurge of COVID cases and attendant deaths, it is apt to wonder if the relaxed or put aside guidelines and protocols, once mandatory in public life, would be called for again, as a means of curbing

the spread?

Other considerations, such as employees working from home, more virtual meetings and limitations to public gatherings are some measures which should be examined.

Shamshun Mohamed

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Kaieteur News

It is good that the President himself has heard the cries of the people and has put measures in place to make sugar available, and at reduced prices.

It is, however, saddening that a big-ticket issue as the renegotiation of the Exxon contract could not have commanded such interest and urgency from the Head of State.

Our leaders are eager to help citizens save a few hundred Guyana dollars but seem unconcerned that the country is haemorrhaging millions in American dollars.

If only our leaders had the will to do right by this nation, our piece of the world would have been further along the path of development.

But thankfully, we don’t have to depend on them for through divine intervention, change must come!

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Kaieteur News

35-well Stabroek Block campaign…

Thursday July 21, 2022

EPA weakens regulatory discipline - approach spells danger for for ExxonMobil’s benefit Guyana - former EPA Head

By Davina Bagot The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that a 35-well exploration drilling campaign that US oil giant ExxonMobil has applied for will not, by itself, significantly affect the environment. However, the former head of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams believes that this decision could spell danger for Guyana.

He presented his reasons during an exclusive interview with this publication on Tuesday evening. To begin with, Dr. Adams pointed out that a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for the project has been ordered by the EPA, but this study is usually included in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which points out the dangers that can be caused as a result of a specific project, as well as point to mitigative measures.

Importantly, the former Executive Director for the regulator body explained that the EPA’s decision to merely order a CIA is not

enough for such a rigorous campaign to be pursued. In fact, this new campaign may entail the highest number of wells to be drilled to date by the developer in one project.

The drilling of the exploration/appraisal well(s) 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 programme and production operations; The Payara Development Project well drilling programme, installation, and start of production; Ongoing exploration/appraisal well drilling operations in the Stabroek Block covered under a 25-well campaign approved on October 1, 2 0 1 9 ; T h e Ye l l o w t a i l Development Project well drilling programme and installation operations; and two 12-well campaigns in the Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks for which environmental authorisation is currently being sought.

Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams The cumulative impacts of a project, as explained by Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly, has to do with a project developer considering ongoing or potential projects to occur within the district of that planned development. For instance, she said, “A cumulative impact assessment would entail considering the project itself along with the presence of other factors or stressors in that environment. For example, if you are putting a

factory in a place where they have two other factories you must not only think of the pollution coming from your factory but also think of how it’s going to add up with the pollution coming from the other two factories to affect p e o p l e a n d t h e environment.”

To this end, Dr. Vincent Adams has argued that the new campaign must be subject to an EIA, as the EPA does not have information to determine the significance of this development. For one, he reasoned that each new reservoir that is drilled contains different pressures.

As such, he explained that Exxon would not know what to expect at the new locations to be drilled. “It’s dangerous because we don’t know the characteristics of the well.

The EPA claims that these impacts are known but this absolutely cannot be so!

They (EPA) said that the impacts would be local, but do they think that the pressures beneath the surface care about staying local? When Exxon goes to punch a hole into a new reservoir, they are now going to find out what is there, so they themselves don’t know.”

The EPA in a notice to the public shared that, “It has been determined that the proposed project/activity, by itself will not significantly affect the environment. The reasons for this decision include: the impacts from the proposed project/activity will be temporary; and the

impacts from the proposed project/activity will be localised.”

However, the former Agency head is of a different view, arguing that the impacts of exploration wells pose the highest risk due to the developer launching into new zones. To this end, he told Kaieteur News that an EIA would be the best decision in the interest of ensuring safety of the environment.

He argued, “The CIA is just part of the whole study that should be required. How are they going to address the other risks involved in the project? Based on what information are they saying that the impacts would be local when they don’t even know anything about this reservoir? How did they determine this? This is not even one well, this is 35.”

In further presenting his point, Dr. Adams noted that the EPA must be able to defend the reason for the decision made, since it is impossible to conclude that possible impacts from the 35-well campaign would be local and temporary.

According to him, “They need to show us the documents that they used to make this decision. Are they using some past document?

What does localised mean?

It cannot be localised because if they have a spill during the operation, the spill will not stay localised and when you say temporary, nothing there is temporary.”

He is adamant that an

environmental impact assessment would, for example, consider worst case scenarios for such events and help dive into what may be considered the unknown presently.

35- well Stabroek Block drilling campaign The Project Summary for the ambitious campaign was uploaded to the regulator’s website on Friday last, while the Screening Report compiled by the EPA for the project was uploaded on the same day then amended and updated on Sunday.

The document explains, “The exact locations of the 35 exploration/appraisal wells comprising the Project have not yet been finalised.

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.”

EEPGL, commonly referred to as ExxonMobil Guyana, intends to commence the 35 well campaign in the third quarter of 2023, signalling that if discoveries are made, well tests may be performed.

Conclusion of the proposed drilling campaign is expected by the fourth quarter of 2028.

Man remanded to prison for killing ‘Deportee’

O

n Wednesday, 40-year-old Dexroy Ogleton of Winkle Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court before Magistrate Renita Singh and was charged with the capital offence of murder.

According to the charge, on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Main and Kent Street, New Amsterdam, Ogleton murdered Jermaine Elias called ‘Deportee’. He was not required to enter a plea and was remanded until August 21, 2022.

The accused, Dexroy Ogleton

Dead, Jermaine Elias called ‘Deportee’

Eyewitness, 26-year-old Kevin Chesney, had said that sometime around noon, he

was sitting at the Superbet outlet located at Main and (Continued on page 9)

Thursday July 21, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The President is confusing himself This column does not usually reply to criticisms made of its contents. There are two main exceptions: when there is a dispute over facts or where misrepresentation is claimed.

The President of Guyana has indicated that the proposal to invite the Saudis to establish a Desk at the Guyana’s Ministry of Finance was not a diplomatic blunder but instead was a strategic decision. It was this column which – as far as is known – was the only source which was critical of the proposal.

In justifying his invitation to the Saudis to establish a Desk, the President pointed to desks which he claims have been established at the said Ministry of Finance. He said that desks were established for bilateral programmes.

The Head of State pointed to a Japanese Grant Aid Desk, a CIDA Desk and what he says was a USAID Desk. He could have pointed also to the CDB Desk which he headed, or to the EU Desk in the Ministry.

None of these so-called “Desks” are country Desks.

These were all Project Execution and Implementation Units. In the case of the USAID Desk, it was part of a capacitybuilding consultancy.

These implementation units were deformities. They were established because of the need to ensure that the foreign projects were properly implemented and funds disbursed and accounted for. Guyana opted for these mechanisms because it lacked the capacity to effectively manage the funds available under the project cycle units at the various ministries.

In 1995, for example, the Government of Guyana signed an agreement with the International Development Association (IDA) for a loan for a Financial Sector and Business Environment Development project. The terms of that project required that the government establish a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at the Ministry of Finance to help manage that project. The government was required to ensure adequate and suitably qualified staff.

PIUs have also been established in other Ministries. The Ministry of Education had a PIU for the Guyana Education Sector Programme project. The Ministry of Health had PIUs for projects. The Ministry of Legal Affairs has had PIUs. PIUs have their uses, both good and bad. They do allow the government to attract

highly qualified staff that could otherwise not have been attracted by the public service salary scales. And they do allow for those persons to be paid from the project. But the downside is that some PIUs have been used as conduits for cronyism: to employ favoured persons at highpaying salaries.

The project implementation units are not country desks. They are the responsibility of the sovereign state and managed and staffed by locals, with, at times, foreign consultants.

The desks at the Ministry of Finance, which the President referred to are project implementation desks.

They are unlike the desks at the Department of State, which are set aside for countries which have relations with the USA. Guyana does not have a desk for every bilateral programme. If that were the case, the Ministry of Finance would have to possibly seek new quarters, possibly at Houston where we are told the Ministry of Housing and Water, and the Ministry of Education are likely to be relocated.

When Guyana’s President proposed a Saudi Desk at the Ministry of Finance he was

Dem boys seh...

Guyanese ain’t easy eh!

Imagine before de price of sugar raise, all dem Guyanese used to pay $160 per lb. De price raise and de sugar get short pon de market. De price reach $300 per lb…if yuh lucky.

Nuff ah dem supermarket nah had sugar. De fuss time in a lang time dat sugar scarce.

Now de guvament seh how dem nah gat no sugar shortage. Dem boys nah believe suh. Dem boys also nah buying dah story bout sugar getting smuggle to

Venezuela. If Venezuela bin want sugar, dem woulda smuggle it from Brazil where it far cheaper dan Guyana.

Dem boys feel dat because de West Demerara factory was down fuh a lang time dat it lead to a shortfall.

Dat is wah dem boys feel. But dat nah give nobody de right fuh increase de price fuh sugar to G$300 per lb.

Dem wah bin hoping to profit from de shortage get a rude awakening. De Prezzie intervene and tell GMC fuh

sell de sugar. De GMC set de price at G140 per lb fuh bag sugar and G$150 per lb fuh packet sugar.

Guess wah? Dem gat some people who complaining how de Prezzie shoulda set de price at G$80 per lb. Yuh just can’t please Guyanese.

Imagine nuff people nah had sugar fuh put in dem tea and now dem getting lil and dem want de price be half wah dem use to pay when de sugar nah bin short.

Talk half. Leff half.

Man remanded to prison for killing...

From page 8 Kent Streets, New Amsterdam “playing games” while Elias was also at the Superbet “just hanging around” as he usually would.

Chesney said at some point, Elias ventured out on the main road and seemed to be involved in an argument with the accused who was on his bicycle at the time.

He added that Elias

grabbed a mop stick and started to “fire lashes” about Ogleton’s body.

The accused, he said, reached into a bag he had on his person, pulled out a “grass knife” and “started firing back at him.”

According to Chesney, one of the chops fired connected to the victim’s throat in the process. The victim fell onto the public road and re-

portedly bled to death in a matter of minutes.

Chesney revealed that the accused then picked up his bicycle and rode to the Central Police Station to report the matter and turn himself in.

Police turned up at the scene approximately 10 minutes after the incident and transported Elias’ lifeless, bloody corpse to the Arokium Funeral Home.

Guyana being fastest growing economy in...

From page 3 sector and the gold industry.

It should be noted as well that

during the 2020 period, many sectors such as rice and forestry were hard-hit due to

lock-down measures and restrictions that followed from the COVID-19 pandemic.

proposing a desk even before any project had been decided upon. And even if there were projects agreed upon, it does not follow that there is need for a project implementation unit (PIU).

By now, the Government of Guyana should have done away with these PIUs. These units add to the cost of the projects and divert scarce resources to administrative costs.

The World Bank, as far back at 2005, had suggested the need for greater capacity building. In this regard, it identified a reduction in the number of parallel PIUs as one of actions to be taken.

The Bank went as far as

urging that parallel PIUs be phased out as a means of building local capacity.

The President, however, wants to establish a desk for the Saudi’s in the Ministry of Finance. But there is no agreement for any project as yet. So what is purpose of the Desk?

The President says that these desks help to do away with bureaucracy. What he probably means is that they help to do away with red tape.

Bureaucracy is needed. It is the bureaucracy which has to implement but the bureaucracy needs to be efficient and lean.

It does not require the bias associated with

Islamophobia for persons to realise that the invitation to set up a Saudi desk at the Ministry of Finance was premature and ill-conceived.

The President was placing the cart before the horse, and in a situation in which there may not even have been a cart.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday July 21, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

People with hidden agenda who are ignorant There are two sectors in the society that unleash relentless criticism of the government of the day. One is the opposition that is hoping to form the government in the near future. They constantly confront and seek to expose because that is their raison d’être.

You can’t expect them to praise the ruling party in a continuous mode. If they do that then they will erase themselves electorally. Then there is that vicious compartment of society – those who have either a class or race agenda in seeking to weaken the ruling group.

They are not into electoral politics but they are driven by the instinct to reject those in power who they feel are not suitable for power. There may be also an ethnic agenda at work.

People of a certain religion, culture and/or ethnicity reject the government and want their own kind to govern.

This theory in brief has been a constant theme in my

Quindon Bacchus murder…

columns. I have consistently argued since the election tsunami of 2020, certain sections of society have composed a class and ethnic agenda to oppose the Ali presidency.

There are times when acceptable lines are crossed and personal focus gets expanded. One example was the unsavoury criticism from some quarters about the cost of the ticket for a fundraising event of the First Lady. Please see my column of Wednesday, May 18, 2022 titled, “Peeping Tom on the Stabroek News.”

The same columnist, last Sunday, has rejected from the same quarters the ridiculing remarks on the Muslim clothes the president wore when the Saudi delegation visited Guyana last week.

Not only was this ignorance because many western leaders have donned the traditional wear of the countries they are visiting but it turned the symbolism of the clothes in the opposite direction.

Instead of seeing it as a mark of cultural respect for the visiting dignitaries, it denigrated the president for showing such respect.

There is another dimension to this attack on the president. Why pick on an inconsequential thing like the president’s clothes? This is a manifestation of a petty mind.

Then came another attack. The government is berated for establishing trade relations with Saudi Arabia because that Arab nation is not democratic.

I know of no Third World scholar and politician that would argue that small states that face impossible barriers to trade from the rich countries should take the lead in chastising wealthy nations for not having a democratic system and thus avoid trading with them. It is pathetic ignorance of the worst kind.

The raison d’être of small states in the international system is survival. They cannot take a lead role in shaping global

affairs because that is not their role and they do not have and will not have the capacity in hundreds of years to come to do so. The small states in the international system need to have trade relations with nations that can sustain their survivability. It was for this reason, the Non-Aligned Movement was born. Given the way geopolitical competition among great powers is intensifying, the idea of non-alignment may be in for resuscitation.

Poor nations in international political economy have no business inserting themselves into the power rivalry of gigantic countries. Their role is to seek trade and aid without sycophantic embrace. They must pursue economic assistance from states that offer them it and stay clear of any form of attachment.

There are different types of nations in the world – superpower (the US, China); great power (UK, France, Russia India, Germany, Japan, Brazil, among

Prosecution to disclose statements on October 5

T

he prosecution in the matter i n v o l v i n g K r i s t o f f DeNobrega, a 22-year-old member of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch, who is on remand for the murder of 23-year-old Quindon Bacchus, is expected to disclose statements to the defence on October 5, 2022.

DeNobrega of Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, had made his first court appearance on July 5, last, via Zoom before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which states that on June 10, 2022, he shot and killed Bacchus at Haslington Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

On Tuesday, the accused appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Bernard DaSilva.

The Magistrate set the date in October, when the defence is slated to receive disclosure of the evidence

others); middle power (Mexico, Turkey, Nigeria, South Korea, the Southern Cone of South America, South Africa, etc; small power (Israel, Singapore, Kenya, Frederick Kissoon Mauritius, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, etc; and shun Saudi Arabia. It is finally, poor states that abysmal ignorance to even emerged from colonialism attempt to offer it as a and need developmental suggestion. That is not the assistance. way the international system In all of those categories, operates. there are diplomatic and The criticism of the trade relations with countries Guyana Government for that do not have sound trying to establish trade links democratic credentials. with Saudi Arabia was Saudi Arabia is a Middle designed to get at President East powerhouse. A majority Ali. It is symptomatic of the of developed countries that class and ethnic structure are democratic have trade that emerged after 2020. and diplomatic relations The mainstream w i t h M i d d l e E a s t opposition did not criticise autocracies. the president clothes or the I t i s u n a d u l t e r a t e d Saudi trade link. They are ignorance to posit that a poor not driven by class and economy that has decades ethnic hate. more to catch up with even (The views expressed in small nations with sound this article are those of the economy should take the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t moral high ground in necessarily reflect the international relations and opinions of this newspaper.)

Remanded for murder, Kristoff DeNobrega and from there, a date will be set to commence the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the matter.

DeNobrega alleged in his initial statement to police that Bacchus had shot at him first during a sting operation and he was forced to return fire.

However, on the first

hearing the court heard from the police prosecutor that after ballistic tests were done, it is possible that Bacchus never shot at the policeman because the gun found in his possession was “not in working order”.

The court had also heard that Bacchus was shot seven times and not six as was

Shot dead by a policeman, Quindon Bacchus initially reported.

According to reports, Bacchus was shot during an alleged ‘sting operation’.

Police had alleged that Bacchus was in possession of an illegal weapon and wanted to sell it. DeNobrega, who was said to be undercover at the time, had gone to transact business

with him.

During the transaction, the police rank reportedly shot Bacchus dead. CCTV footage captured the moment shots were fired.

After Bacchus’ death, family members had staged a protest and called for a thorough investigation into the shooting of their loved one.

It was later announced that the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) was investigating the matter.

Reports that the accused had been released from custody had led to Bacchus’ relatives staging a another protest on the lower East Coast Demerara which had erupted into violence.

Vendors at Mon Repos were robbed, stalls were looted, vehicles were destroyed and some individuals were even beaten.

Bacchus’ relatives had condemned the violence and publicly stated that they had no part to play in it. They even made a public call for persons to desist from such actions.

Police had stated that the reports were false and

assured them that DeNobrega was still in custody on “open arrest”.

On Sunday July 3, the PCA, in announcing that its probe into Bacchus’ shooting was over, recommended that three officers be charged for their role in his death. A report was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali Hack, SC, for her to advice on the charges for each officer.

While reviewing the report, family members had joined opposition members of parliament on for yet another protest at Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

There they told Kaieteur News that they will not stop in their pursuit for justice until DeNobrega is convicted and placed behind bars. They also made a public call for police brutality in Guyana to end.

In her advice, the DPP recommended that DeNobrega be charged with murder and two other policemen, Thurston Simon and Dameion McLennan, be charged with obstruction of justice. The two have also been remanded.

Thursday July 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday July 21, 2022

Dutch company providing new subsea equipment for Yellowtail project - first delivery targets Liza Phase 2

By Zena Henry

A

s Guyana races ahead with its oil and gas sector development, the country’s Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil subsidiary, Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Ltd. (EEPGL), is set to utilise new subsea equipment that will push oil and gas development in the upcoming Yellowtail project – the largest in nation’s oil and gas industry so far.

Yellowtail was expected to come on stream by 2025, after the development of the Payara field which was set f o r 2 0 2 3 . H o w e v e r, determined to accelerate the oil industry development locally, positive prospects have seen the field being scheduled for a 2024 development especially since the Stabroek Block partners have declared their intension to add on a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) every year after the deployment of the Prosperity FPSO which is

currently under construction for use in the Payara Field.

The Stabroek Block operator is nonetheless preparing to install the subsea water alternating gas (WAG) jumper made by the Netherlands based, Strohm’s Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP).

The equipment will first be installed on the Liza Phase 2 project offshore Guyana, replacing previously used steel jumpers. Strohm said that it is the first time the equipment will be used in South America and Guyana is also the first to implement the technology which provides injection services.

“In a first for the Americas region, ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Ltd (“EEPGL”) is set to install a subsea water alternating gas (WAG) jumper made from Strohm’s Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) on the Liza Phase 2 project in Guyana,” the company said in a public statement.

It said that the implementation of the

equipment will be followed by “a multi-jumper deployment campaign on E E P G L’s a n d i t s c o venturers’ Yellowtail project using the TCP market l e a d e r ’s ‘ J u m p e r o n Demand’ procurement model.” The ‘Jumper on Demand’ procurement model, it said, takes advantage of volume cost savings in the entire supply chain and involves shipping a continuous section of pipe to the in-country site where it is subsequently cut to length, terminated, and tested by the client.

It added that what is provided is an enhanced oil recovery process whereby water injection and gas injection are carried out alternately for periods of time to provide better sweep efficiency and reduce gas channelling from injector to producer. This process is used mostly in CO2 floods to improve hydrocarbon contact time and sweep efficiency of the CO2, the company said.

It noted further that under a recently established

Credit: Strohm: WAG jumper long-term agreement framework contract with EEPGL as operator, “Strohm has delivered the TCP Jumper for a planned installation this year. As well as marking the first use of TCP in South America, it will also be one of the first for Strohm’s Carbon Fibre PA12 TCP material group of pipes.”

The company related that the Liza Phase 2 TCP Jumper, which will be used in place of a steel jumper, will be installed in deepwater at depths of approximately 1,700m, and will be utilised for water and gas injection services for the operator’s high pressure well injection application.

The award of the jumper, it said, follows on from a successful feasibility engineering project and

qualification programme for TCP. Where the Liza field award for the WAG jumper is concerned, Strohm said it was also awarded “a contract to supply Carbon Fibre PA12 TCP for all WAG jumpers to be delivered to the Yellowtail project in 2024.”

Gavin Leiper, vice president Americas (excluding Brazil) for Strohm, said, “This first award in the Americas for such a prestigious project as Liza Phase 2 has made everyone at Strohm extremely proud, with the additional contract for ‘Jumper on Demand’ for Yellowtail giving true credibility to the advantages and increasing popularity of TCP around the world”.

This is testament to the multi-disciplined work

carried out to date by the company, where every aspect of the jumper design, delivery, and installation has been reviewed, assessed, and agreed. “We are very pleased to be supporting this exciting regional first deployment,” the Dutch agency posited.

It said that Strohm is a leading manufacturer of TCP with a long track record. The technology provides a strong, corrosion free, and field-proven solution for operators around the world.

The use of TCP manufactured by Strohm also allows clients the ability to significantly reduce the CO2 footprint of their pipeline infrastructure, the company claimed. It said that the TCP Jumpers will be manufactured in Strohm’s facility and headquarters in Ijmuiden, Netherlands.

More oil money can be beneficial if managed wisely - as Economists rebut Jagdeo’s opposing claim

By Davina Bagot Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo recently addressed a private sector organised function in which he posited that a bigger share of the oil money can drive up inflation

both believe that wise management of the resources garnered from the oil and gas sector can be beneficial to the country.

Gaskin for instance shared five areas in which he believes the natural resource

increases in production costs, such as raw materials.

He explained, “It is my opinion that when this socalled oil money comes into this economy and to the people, the money has to be spent in a certain way. Not all

“If you take all this money and start spending like you wild, like a drunken sailor, it will be inflationary and the reason why the Vice President can say he doesn’t want this inflation is because he doesn’t have a proper plan in mind on what to do with this money”- Gaskin rates in the country, but two economists are arguing that this statement is grossly misleading to the Guyanese public.

The economists, Elson Lowe and Ramon Gaskin,

funds should be used, that will not drive up inflation.

Inflation is a measure of the rate of rising prices of goods and services in an economy. This can occur when prices rise due to

Economist, Ramon Gaskin

of it has to be spent on infrastructure. Not all of it has to be spent on projects in the budget. The money has to be spent in five different areas.”

Topping his list as a

priority, Gaskin noted that more money from the oil and gas resources can be used to service the country’s present external debt. The recent Bank of Guyana (BoG) quarterly report indicated that in the first three months of the year, the state took on an additional US$124.4 million in debt, bringing the total to US$3.248 billion.

Secondly, the economist believes that Guyana should set aside some of the money for a “rainy day” to ensure that even when the oil boom ends, future generations would be able to benefit.

“We have to put aside some of this money into the savings. All over the world, and its common sense, you don’t have to be a scientist for that, when you have a lot of money and you don’t know if it will end or if you will get it forever and ever so you put aside money for a rainy day,” Gaskin said.

Economist, Elson Low Thirdly, he believes that an investment should be made to boost the country’s health and education systems. Fourth on his list of suggestions to properly manage the funds, the economist stated that separate from the national budget, the Government of Guyana should embark on long-term capital projects, such as solar power projects and a bridge across the Essequibo River. According to him, “You want to build capital projects over the next

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo 10 or 30 years whatever - that money goes there. It is my view that Guyana should spend money on renewable energy and we should spend money to bridge the Essequibo River for example. Something like that would need help from the oil money.” In qualifying his case for a bridge across the Essequibo River, Gaskin noted that the non-oil economy will not flourish unless the three counties in the country are connected.

(Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 21, 2022

PAGE 13

Agri. Ministry inks $600M in contracts

By Allyiah Allicock

A

lmost reaching its budgetary quota for this year, the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday signed a total of 13 contracts with three of its agencies valuing approximately $605,094,510.

The projects, which were signed in the Ministry’s boardroom, are aimed at ensuring that the Ministry enhances agriculture production in the country.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, who supervised the signing, told the heads of agencies and contractors that these projects make-up critical aspects of the budget and that they should ensure these works commence on time and finish in a timely manner.

Aiming to conclude his Ministry’s work programme before the year ends, Minister Mustapha said, “I want to implore on contractors that you all execute your work with the specification and also do it on time.” He warned them too that the Ministry will now ext nd any of the contracts deadline and that “when you have the opportunity of the days, please ensure you make full use of it because we are still continuing to have the heavy rainfall but some of the works that are stated here, you can work on a continuous basis.”

At the boardroom, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA)

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha is flanked by the 13 contractors and heads of the various agencies

The contracts were signed in the Boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture inked a total of nine contracts with the largest being $251,440,000 which was given to Associated Construction Service for the extension of works on the Tacama road located in Region 10. This project, which falls under the Agriculture Development Initiatives, will provide the

construction of 25km of road that will provide access to over 30,000 acres of savannah lands and grain cultivations.

NDIA also signed a contract with R. Kissoon Contracting Service worth $6,637,000 for the supply of irrigation pipes for Naburity Karasabai, Region Nine, a

contract with United Contracting and Services worth $30,748,300 for ethe construction of a Head Regulator in Reliance, Essequibo Coast, a contract with M. Sukhai Contracting Service worth $13,849,800 for the rehabilitation of drainage structure at Dartmouth, a contract with

Reliance Inc. worth $35,274,200 for the construction of a access road to Hope High Level Drainage Structure, Region Four, and a contract with Raj Civil Engineering Construction worth $34,967,920 for the construction of an intake structure at Naamryck, Region Three.

Also, three contracts were inked with the agency for the construction of a head regulator and tail wall at C1C6 Area, Essequibo Coast.

This project was divided into three lots. Lot one was awarded to H. Ramballi General Construction for $38,776,600 and Lots two and three were awarded to Technocon Investment for $59,864,200 each.

Another agency, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), signed two contracts – one with Triple A Construction Supplies & Services which is worth $14,354,640 for the construction of a Dehydration Facility at

Hope and the other with NK Engineering Services worth $8,735,503 for the retrofitting agro processing at Charity.

The Fruit and Vegetable Dehydration Facility is aimed at transforming the country’s Agriculture and manufacturing sector. The facility when constructed will be used to convert fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables into dehydrated products.

This facility will assist local producers in tapping into local and regional for dehydrated fruits and therefore, reduce products imported to the local and regional markets.

Lastly, two contracts worth $50,582,147 were a w a r d e d t o We s t e r n Scientific from the Hydrometeorological Service. These contracts are for the supply, delivery and testing of Hydromet equipment Lot one automatic absorption spectrometer and Lot two geophysical resistivity meter.

Scenes of the fire at the St. George’s High School

Alert cleaner helps save teacher, students from burning city school

By Renay Sambach

A

teacher and six students were able to escape unharmed from the St. George’s High School on Wednesday before it was completely engulfed in flames thanks to an alert cleaner who noticed smoke

coming from a classroom and raised an alarm.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene on Wednesday, the wooden tophalf of the school was already engulfed in flames – as members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) were working expeditiously to contain the blaze.

Speaking with reporters on the scene of the fire, the teacher, Miss Mattis (only name provided), related how she and her students were able to escape unharmed from the building, which is situated in the heart of the city behind the St. George’s Cathedral.

She first disclosed, “I

was doing reading with them, because reading is a problem with the transition class and so I was doing some extra reading session with them even though school has closed…”

The teacher added, “We were resuming the second half of the day’s reading (Continued on page 16)

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand [left] and Miss Mattis at the scene of the fire

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 21, 2022

APNU+AFC moves to court to block suspension of 8 parliamentarians

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton is flanked by party members after filing the court action on Wednesday

By Rehanna Ramsay Mere hours before the planned tabling of a Motion in the National Assembly for the suspension of eight Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), a court case was filed in an attempt to prevent the move.

This was announced at a press conference held by Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Opposition, Aubrey Norton on Wednesday.

According to the document which was seen by this newspaper, the High Court has also been asked to issue an order to all the eight opposition parliamentarians to perform their duties as Members of the National Assembly until they have been afforded the right to be heard The parliamentarians want the High Court to block the Speaker and the Clerk of the National Assembly from permitting, causing or allowing any consideration of the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee of Privileges.

The lawsuit was filed jointly before today’s sitting of the National Assembly at which the Report could be brought up for discussion and decision.

The Opposition MPs say they were not given a right to a hearing by the bipartisan Privileges Committee which has since recommended that they be suspended.

The report of the committee shows that they were invited to show cause why they should not be punished but the MPs denied having committed any of the acts that they have been accused of. They instead asked for details of the offences. The Committee relied on live video recordings and testimonies by the media and staff of the Parliamentary Office.

The incident occurred on December 29 in an effort to block the debate and passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) legislation.

Based on the report of the Privileges Committee, MPs Annette Ferguson, Maureen A. Philadelphia and Vinceroy Jordan would be suspended for six consecutive sittings for committing serious violations which were severe and egregious by unauthorisedly removing the Parliamentary Mace from its rightful position in a disorderly fashion, causing damage to the Mace, injuring and assaulting a staff of the Parliament Office, while attempting to remove the Mace from the Chamber.

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, it was revealed, would be suspended for six consecutive sittings for unauthorisedly entering the communication control room of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and destroying several pieces of audio-visual equipment, being public property.

The report recommended further that Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, Sherod Duncan, Natasha Singh-Lewis and Ganesh Mahipaul would be suspended from four consecutive sittings for conducting themselves in a gross disorderly, disrespectful manner, and repeatedly ignoring the authority of the Assembly and that of the Speaker, and thereby committing contempt and breaches of privileges.

However during the press briefing on Wednesday Norton accused the government for attempting to sanction the opposition MPs while at the same time violating the laws of Guyana.

Leader of Alliance For Change, Khemraj Ramjattan

said that in his view the opposition MPs are justified in their actions.

He noted that “When Bishop Juan Edghill’s trial was being conducted on the Committee of Privileges when he was an opposition member, a certain ‘precedence’ was set at the behest of the opposition members at that time.”

According to Ramjattan, “they [the PPP/C while in opposition] demanded that Edghill must be given the right to counsel namely the lawyers, Anil Nandall and Priya Manickand.”

Additionally, he said “they had asked about the particular of the charge against the Bishop which the committee had to produce to make their case against the then opposition MP.” Ramjattan explained that t h e A P N U + A F C Government were literally forced to create precedence for them. “…And that is why we are very pained at the fact that when it now comes to apply to the eight parliamentarians up for suspension, none of this precedence was applied. It is discriminatory for the law to be applied the way it is,” he said.

Meanwhile, opposition MP and Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde also called out the Government for callously and wantonly ignoring the precedence set.

He stated that “The court action will centre on the illegalities that would have been committed by the Committee of Privileges which will deal with the fact that there has been a consistent failure from the time these proceedings would have been filed…by the speaker and the government members of that committee to allow the eight MPs of an opportunity to be heard.”

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Another COVID-19 death, 114 new cases

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A 68-year-old man from Region Two is the country’s latest COVID-19 fatality. This is according to the Ministry of Health, which on Wednesday reported that as a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,268.

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confirmed cases in the country to 69,172. The dashboard data shows that three patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 31 persons are in institutional isolation, 874 are in home isolation and one person is in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 66,996 persons have recovered from the virus.

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Kaieteur News

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formed her of the smoke, “I told everybody immediately to grab everything and let’s get out of the building and so we did just that.

I didn’t remember where my key was because my vehicle was i n t h e c o m pound but thank God, eventually I was able t o f i n d it in a bag because I was so confused.”

Moreover, as members of the GFS were working to contain the fire, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn arrived on the scene.

During an interview with reporters at the scene, Minister Manickchand said that as a result of the fire, hundreds of students are now displaced. She noted that while space is a major issue, particularly in Georgetown, her ministry will have to find accommodation for the now displaced 421 students.

“This is a secondary school in the middle of Georgetown and it is going to affect a large number of persons. It is extremely sad and it is very hard to watch this.

We have to make sure we cater for these children and quickly,” the minister added. In a statement, the GFS noted that around 13:25hrs, the GFS received a call about a f i r e a t t h e St. George’s High School.

As such, six water tenders from the Central, Alberttown, Campbellville and West Ruimveldt fire stations were dispatched to the location.

According to the statement, the school was destroyed, with only a few items being saved.

Notably, investigations are ongoing by the Fire Prevention Department to ascertain the cause of the fire.

More oil money can be...

From page 12 He believes that such an infrastructural project could help the economy take off as the movement of goods and people will not be dependent on marine vessels, which presently deter some Guyanese from travelling to Region Two. Meanwhile, on his fifth suggestion, the economist told this publication that the funds raked in from the oil and gas resources should be invested. He pointed out, “They can have a separate fund for investments and if you do that with the money, it would not be inflationary.”

Mr. Gaskin is confident that if the government makes use of these five points, more money from the oil and gas sector would not land the country into a financial crisis.

However, he insisted “if you take all this money and start spending like you wild, like a drunken sailor, it will be inflationary and the reason why the Vice President can say he doesn’t want this inflation is because he doesn’t have a proper plan in mind on what to do with this money.”

He argued that if the Vice President had a proper management plan for the natural resource funds, the money would not become inflationary.

“He should know that if he plans it properly, it will not be inflationary and I have to disagree with the Vice President on this matter. It is not true that if you get more oil money, it would be inflationary,” the economist concluded.

Similarly, Elson Low, the Economic and Youth Policy Advisor to the Opposition Leader, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in political Science and Economics from a United States College, Amherst, said more earnings from the oil and gas sector will not necessarily cause inflation. In justifying his response, Low explained, “the NRF holds Guyana’s oil funds offshore, that is to say, outside of the Guyanese economy. Jagdeo appears to be making the comment about inflation as if all the additional funds in the NRF (if more revenue were available earlier) would immediately be spent.

That would indeed cause inflation.”

To this end, he told this newspaper that the VP’s attitude is concerning as it does not take into account saving for future generations. At the same time, Low reasoned that as much as Guyana is aiming

to produce as much oil as it can to cash in on the high oil prices, the country must also be mindful that the risks of an oil spill will also increase as accelerated production takes place.

He pointed out, “An oil spill would jeopardise Guyana’s future because of potentially huge costs associated with it as well as our insufficient insurance coverage, not to mention delaying the development of planned fields.

Thus, while speed is important, we must also manage our risks so it does not become counterproductive.”

Vice President Jagdeo, who is spearheading the development of Guyana’s oil and gas industry, believes 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.

He in fact he argues that this could introduce added inflationary pressures to the country’s domestic economy.

Jagdeo was at the time addressing guests at the annual Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) dinner, held on July 12, last, at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. He was asked whether capping other industries in Guyana would be a good idea “since we have all this money from oil.” To this end, the Vice President drew reference to calls from sections of society to not licence any new projects for development just yet.

According to the Vice President, “so many people are saying, why you are going to licence, why would the government licence say any new FPSO, why don’t we cap the number there so that we can get a faster flow or larger sums of money into the sovereign wealth fund.”

To this end, Jagdeo noted that, “if you cap that, you will pay back for the four FPSO faster and then the government share grows.”

He argued nonetheless that in such a situation “…what does that do, and is that the best thing to do, because if the money comes in, we can’t spend it all.” As such, he posited “it becomes inflationary. “ With this in mind, the Vice President said, “we have to save greater portions of it, but what will that do, we will run out, we are trying to build a private sector now with the capacity to service this industry.”

Thursday July 21, 2022

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Proper conduct will be rewarded with better pay, housing - Pres. Ali to Joint Services members at Commissioning Parade

By Shervin Belgrave Apart from the awards and other celebratory activities at W e d n e s d a y ’ s Commissioning Parade held at Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown for graduating officers of the Standard Officer Course 53 and Reserve Officer Course 17, perhaps the most memorable aspect for the joint services members was when President Irfaan Ali promised to reward them with better salaries and housing.

However, for them to reap these rewards and more, President Ali pointed out that they must conduct themselves properly as members of the Joint Services.

During his keynote address to the parade, the President said, “As your Commander in Chief, I will lead the charge to ensure that in the coming years, the dignity and honour and pride that comes with this uniform will be upheld in a way in which your welfare, your salary will reflect the honour which you truly deserve.”

As the President came to the end of his 10-minute long speech, he added that he and the respective leaders of the joint services are working on a strategic plan for them (Joint Services members) to be involved in the development of the country.

According to President Ali, part of that plan entails assisting Joint Services members in owning their own homes and achieving all their academic aspirations.

But for this to happen, he said, “they must be the best they can be” by representing the Force in a disciplined manner and as true patriots of the country.

“We will support your aspirations to help you in owning your own homes, we will support your aspirations of achieving academic excellence…All we ask of you is to be the best you can be and be true patriots and a true representation of the dignity that comes with the uniform you carry,” the President said.

He noted that since becoming Commander in Chief, he has heard stories of disturbing and unacceptable incidents involving “serving members of the Force.” He told the graduating officers, “Discipline is the key to success in military training” even as he urged them to learn from past mistakes and be the best examples to others who may want to follow in their footsteps.

“You have to learn to withstand every storm that may come your way in defence of what is right in

President Irfaan Ali addressing the Commissioning Parade on Wednesday

Scenes from the Commissioning Parade at Base Camp Ayanganna

defence of honour, in defence of dignity and in defence of this beautiful land, we call home here in Guyana,” he added.

At Wednesday’s Commissioning Parade, 27 officers graduated from the Standard Officer Course 53 and 40 officers graduated

from the Reserve Officer Course 17.

Among those who graduated were two prison officers, two officers from the Fire Service and a member of the Guyana Police Force.

Graduating from the Reserve Officer Course were 32 males and eight females.

Awards were handed out to the best graduating students from the respective courses along with other awards for best fitness student and best drill student.

Their relatives, some of them with emotions running high, turned up in their numbers to show support.

PAGE 18

Thursday July 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

Hicken’s appointment was necessary to fill police force vacuum - AG

By Rehanna Ramsay

I

n seeking to carry out the constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and safeguard national security in Guyana, President Irfaan Ali was left with no choice, in the absence of an Opposition Leader and a Police Service Commission (PSC) but to act on the basis of necessity and appoint an acting Commissioner of Police to lead the Guyana Police Force.

This was the crux of the arguments presented by Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC, as he addressed Chief Justice (ag) Roxane GeorgeWiltshire on Wednesday in the matter which was filed to challenge the appointment of Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken.

Nandlall noted that the “The Constitution declares that the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Guyana…the President in making his decision had regard to the preponderance of statutory functions and duties which devolve upon the Office of the Commissioner of Police and by extension the Police including the preservation of law and order.”

He continued that “Having this overall command of the armed

forces and direct responsibility for national security interests, the President is empowered to appoint a Commissioner of Police and even the Deputy Commissioner of Police pursuant to Article 211 of the Constitution.”

The Attorney General noted that in the absence of the Opposition Leader and a PSC, the President is empowered to appoint someone to lead the police force.

“That empowerment,” he said, is legally secured by “the doctrine of necessity.”

Nandlall was at the time seeking to respond to the contentions raised by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, who is the attorney for A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For C h a n g e ’s (APNU+AFC) Chief Whip, Christopher Jones.

Jones brought the court action challenging Hicken’s appointment as Commission of Police (ag).

Through his lawyers, Jones contended that the President breached the Constitution by appointing an acting P0lice C o m m i s s i o n e r. I n h i s arguments before the Court, Forde noted that the President acted in breach of the provisions article 211 of the Constitution which requires that the President does such appointment after he consults with the Chairman of the Police

Service Commission (PSC) and the Leader of the Opposition.

Forde noted that given neither the opposition leader nor the PSC were in place the President had a number of other options than to confer an appointment on Hicken as acting Commissioner.

He said, “The constitution clearly spells out that these persons must be in place if the president were to appoint a substantive Commissioner of Police of an acting Commissioner of Police… In the absence of these required functionaries, the President had several options. One of which he could have assigned someone to carry out the function of the Police Commissioner.”

According to Forde, this option is catered for under Article 232 of the Constitution. The Senior Counsel alluded to the manner in which the previous head of the police force Nigel Hoppie was in place to perform the functions of Police Commissioner by the APNU+AFC administration in 2020 after then substantive Police Commissioner Leslie James had proceeded on preretirement leave. He pointed to a letter which signalled Hoppie assignment to the post. But

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde

N a n d l a ll questioned the constitutionality of that correspondence to Mr. Hoppie. According to him, the fact that the letter had been signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, Daniella McAlmon, rather than the President is a matter for concern. The Attorney General noted too that the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary to perform the functions of the Police Commissioner was without the due regard for the circumstances.

“This power is being exercised by a Permanent Secretary instructing a person to perform the functions of Commissioner of Police, completely subverting Article 211 and Mr. Forde relies on this document. Your Honour, this characterises the entire case that is before the Court,” he said.

Nandlall pointed out too that at the time, the option would not have been necessary since the Opposition Leader and PSC were in place.

The Chief Justice agreed that the contention on that point lacked merit because at that time there had been a sitting Opposition Leader and Police Service Commission on July 30, 2020. But Forde was adamant that Ali had other options one of wish was to allow Hoppie, who was then proceeding on preretirement leave, to remain in place.

Nandlall, nevertheless, stated that the position taken by Senior Counsel Forde was preposterous, since this option would depend on whether Hoppie was willing to stay in position until the President was able to appoint a Commissioner or Acting Commissioner following consultations with the

Opposition Leader who has only been in place for the past two months.

Meanwhile, Forde attempted to convince the court that “all decisions” taken by Hicken should be declared as “unlawful”. He, however, had no evidence of “all” the decisions. The lawyer said instead that all recent promotions should be reversed.

“I would have to know what those ‘all acts’ are because they may have some serious repercussions…You would have to produce the evidence in relation to ‘all” otherwise that can create chaos,” the Chief Justice said.

Forde said he and his client could not produce evidence of all those acts because they do not have the database, a collection of all acts done by Mr. Hicken.

In this regard, he said, “We seek to rely and to have that order amended to reflect that we can only produce evidence in relation to this (police promotions) so that any other act, necessarily by consequence, will not be affected by it.”

Toward the end of his presentation, Forde held that the issue of the matter is whether the President had wrongfully invoked the doctrine of necessity to appoint Hicken as top cop. To this end, Justice GeorgeWiltshire set August 11, 2022 as the date to hand down her determination on this and other merits of the case.

Opposition files adjournment motion to address Jagdeo corruption, bribery allegations …delivers motion to National Assembly Clerk

By Zena Henry

T

he Parliamentary Opposition has written to Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir seeking a special adjournment of today’s National Assembly sitting to address a “definite matter of urgent public importance’, that is, “two reports which allege that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is involved in bribery, corruption and money laundering.” The Opposition has submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, the adjournment motion which seeks to have Parliament’s intervention in ensuring an independent investigation is held into the allegations amplified in two reports by US agency, Vice News after conducting weeks of investigations into the manner of Chinese nationals conducting business in the country. The damning reports highlighted numerous Chinese nations who were unaware that they were being filmed, calling out mainly, VP Bharrat Jagdeo as the “boss”

who must be bribed to get state contracts.

In a brief meeting with the press at Parliament Building on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton said that the Parliament is being provided with the opportunity to act correctly in addressing the revelations concerning the Vice President.

He said that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is also being given an opportunity to take a stance against corruption and their response will allow citizens to see the true nature of the party.

He related that the motion deals with the ‘Sugate’ issues, “particularly, the calls for a credible international investigative team to investigate the allegations of bribery and corruption levelled against VP Bharrat Jagdeo.”

The motion wants the National Assembly to call on the government to take immediate action in ensuring this “independent, credible and impartial investigation by international investigators… “ The motion says that if the Vice News allegations against

Jagdeo are true, it constitutes a violation of the Laws of Guyana; that it is reported daily where individuals and organisations have expressed concern regarding the contents of the Vice News report and that they have called on the President to dismiss the VP if he refuses to vacate his post to facilitate the impartial investigation; that the Opposition itself has also called for the investigation into the allegations and that Guyana is a signatory to the UN Convention on Corruption and is obligated to honour its commitment to the said Convention.

“Guyana has an obligation to live by that convention which no doubt established the need for action against corrupt activities,” the opposition leader asserted.

Alliance For Change Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, in his submission on the matter said that the allegations come at a time when the government is currently involved in anti-corruption and anti-money laundering workshops.

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton (right) and AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan (left) with other MPs, deliver the adjournment motion to Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs “…And you have a VP of a country who literally is being baby seated by the president in connection with such serious allegations.

You can’t go after the middle men or the investor when you got the boss man so much involved,” Ramjattan opined. He reiterated his party’s position to make sure there is an independent inquiry or a World Bank investigation into the matter, “and that he (VP) removes as vice president just

like every other public servant who would have been interdicted, until he is clear and exonerated.”

The opposition’s motion is being put in the public domain as a way of citizens seeing that help was sought from the Parliament to ensure the law is followed and it takes its course. “So, if they (government) close the door, then they themselves are creating the conditions for other political actions which will have to be taken.”

Norton opined that he believes the diplomatic community is now waking up to what the country is dealing with when it comes to the government.

He said that they are seeing that the government is a lawless one. He said the diplomatic community is waking up to the understanding that the resources that will come from oil and gas are in danger because of incompetence and corruption.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 21, 2022

PAGE 19

Govt. announces availability of sugar at reduced prices Following numerous complaints relating to the lack of sugar and a resulting hike in the commodity, President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announced that as of July 21, 2022 (today) the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) will not only be making sugar available across the country but at reduce prices – $150 per pound package and $140 per pound bulk.

For a number of weeks, consumers have been complaining about the shortage of sugar on the local market which triggered an increase in prices. Kaieteur News had visited a few supermarkets and found that sugar was indeed in short supply. Popular supermarkets such as Bounty, Massy, DSL and Mattai’s had been reporting a shortage of the packaged Demerara Gold sugar and were uncertain as to when they would be able to replenish their stock.

In announcing that the availability of sugar in the

country, the President in an official announcement via a Facebook post on Wednesday said, “My

brothers and sisters, I have heard your concerns about the availability and price of sugar in Guyana. To this end

and to avoid price gouging, the Guyana Marketing Corporation will be selling sugar at $150/pound for

packaged and $140/pound for bulk.”

Therefore, the GMC, f r o m t o d a y, w i l l b e distributing sugar to different agencies and consumers in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. Despite evidence of a sugar shortage, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Sasenarine Singh, had explained that there was no shortage of bulk sugar but rather a shortage of packaged sugar.

The CEO had explained that “GuySuCo doesn’t have shortage of bagged sugar, what GuySuCo has is a shortage of its packaged sugar, but you can only do packaged sugar when we are grinding.”

In fact, he noted that the corporation has not been able to grind sugar cane since the end of May 2022. “So we had stocks put aside but all of it was sold out in the local market and unfortunately, we got wind

that some of our sugar is being smuggled to a foreign country by the backtrack. So we had to take control of that, because Guyanese sugar has to go first to Guyanese,” he’d explained.

The Bank of Guyana in its quarterly report stated that this year there were decreases in the production of sugar by 47.7 percent.

The decrease recorded this year by the Bank was attributed to the halt in grinding at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, caused by mechanical issues, which impacted production, as this estate was responsible for 25 percent of output.

The Uitvlugt Estate was inoperable since March due to mechanical issues of its #1Mill turbine gearbox. The gearbox had to be replaced with a new one from overseas. After being recently replaced and installed, the Estate has since recommenced its bagging operation and had reportedly accumulated over 2,000 bags of sugar.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 21, 2022

Thursday July 21, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Canada-based Guyanese Balram GCB U-19 two-day inter-county cricket hits another ton (102) in Canada Berbice reach 142-8 against Rising Stars

Canada-based Guyanese right-handed batsman Vishal Balram chalked up another century for the second week in succession representing Leguan Warriors against AllStars in the 2022 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs over-40, 20-overs competition.

Playing at Littles ground in Scarborough, Balram struck 102 to help his team reached 155-3 from 15.4 overs replying to All-Stars’ challenging 154-6 from the allotment of 20-overs.

The previous Sunday, Balram, who hailed from Ca-

nal number 1 West Bank Demerara, scored 118 not out.

This time Balram (also known as Vee) clobbered 8 sixes and six fours, while he participated in a steady 115-run second-wicket stand with Moses Takoordeen who contributed 18.

C a p t a i n a n d We s t Indies over-50 player Kenny Girdharry grabbed two wickets for 23 runs from two overs.

When All-Stars batted, another Canada-based Guyanese Chintaram

Vishal Balram Ramroop made 24, while Wayne Barret scored 21 as Terry Panday took two wickets for 11 runs from his maximum three overs.

Details from the other matches in this second-division competition were not available. However, the eightteam competition will continue on Sunday with a bunch of matches across the Greater Toronto Area. Leguan Warriors will clash with Pegasus at Ashtonbee Park also in Scarborough.

Meanwhile, Balram is the leading runs scorer with 396 runs so far from seven games, while former Guyana first-class opening batsman Krishna Arjune is occupying the second spot with 165 runs.

Berbice were asked to bat on a slow track and a beachlike outfield which did not give the batters value for their for their shots.

By stumps on a truncated opening day in which the entire first session was lost due to overnight and morning rain, Berbice had reached 143-8.

Tommaui Ceaser (19) and Hemendra Gurdyal (17) added 33 for the first wicket before they were b o th removed by Sanjay

Algoo.

Mahendra Gopilall (20) and Rashad Gaffoor, who has so far top scored with 33 from 94 balls with three fours and a six, batted well before they were removed.

Romesh Bharat was u n b e a t e n o n 1 7 , while Algoo (2-23) and Ezekiel Wilson (2-24) were the main wicket takers.

To d a y i s t h e s e c o n d and final day and play is scheduled to start at 9:30am. (Sean Devers)

Pogacar takes Tour stage 17...

Thursday July 21, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may have that awful feeling that you really need to get down to work yet something seems to stand square in the way of progress. Perhaps you feel like you're at a four-way stop with three other cars.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your heart has been active, Libra, and you're probably feeling the need to take charge of a certain relationship. Instead of being too hasty in your pursuit of this romance, you should probably do more planning.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You're anxious to take action, Taurus, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Be careful about acting too hastily. It's important that you and your loved one.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There is solid grounding to your emotions right now that is helping you stabilize your sensitive feelings, Scorpio. As you become more attuned to your internal needs,. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your relationships are going well from an intellectual perspective, Sagittarius, but from an emotional one, you might feel like they aren't as fulfilling as you'd like.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It may feel as if something or someone is trying to keep you from moving ahead with your ambitious goals and aggressive nature, Gemini.

At first you may resent this ball and chain attached to your ankle.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You're apt to feel more talkative than usual, Cancer.

There are many times when you may shrink from a situation in disgust or perhaps boredom.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Concentrate on nurturing your needs right now instead of trying to accommodate the needs of others, Capricorn. There is a difficult tension that arises when you try to comfort someone.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may be anxious to try an uncharted path that speaks to your sense of risk and adventure, Leo. It's important to temper these actions with realistic planning.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Things may roll along nicely in love and romance and then suddenly run into a snag, Aquarius. Perhaps you failed to recognize an important birthday or anniversary.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Other people are likely to be anxious to get up and moving with their plans, Virgo. It might be better for you to hang back a bit and see how things pan out before you take action.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Here's a reminder that it's OK to be you. You may feel more centered than usual, which encourages you to stand up for yourself and say the things you must to people who need to hear them.

From page 22 fought until the finish. Of course I lost four seconds but I’m still happy,” said Vingegaard. “We never know when Tadej will attack, often he attacks when you least expect it. You just need to be vigilant and I was today.”

Pogacar, who lost another two team mates after Marc Soler finished outside the time limit on Tuesday and Rafal Majka pulled out injured in the morning, showed he would not go down without a fight.

DEVILISH PACE “I don’t think (Vingegaard) is too strong. It was a good day for us. We were strong as a team even if there’s just four of us (left in the team). We stay positive and today’s victory gives us a lot of motivation for tomorrow,” Pogacar said.

“We still have means to fight and we will give everything to get the yellow jersey back.” In the early kilometres, Thibaut Pinot surged ahead, followed by Kazakhstan’s Alexei Lutsenko, in the ascent to the Col d’Aspin (12km at 6.5%) as the Groupama-FDJ rider hoped to give France their first stage win of this Tour. They were chased by a dozen riders who were hovering 30 seconds behind and were joined by Romain Bardet after the Frenchman jumped away from the peloton near the top of the climb.

Mikkel Bjerg’s acceleration at the front of the main bunch in the Hourquette Ancizan set up a potential attack by Pogacar as riders popped out of the back like corn. Among the casualties featured Adam Yates while Pinot and Lutsenko’s lead was slashed down to 1:20 from two minutes at the top.

The leading duo were caught by the chasing group in the early slopes of the Col de Val

Louron-Azet (10.7km at 6.8%). McNulty’s devilish pace in that penultimate climb was too much to handle for France’s David Gaudu, and then Colombian Nairo Quintana before they caught and dropped all the breakaway riders. Sepp Kuss, the only team mate left with Vingegaard, cracked as Pogacar ’s lieutenant McNulty continued his demo-

lition work, which ejected Thomas from the back.

Pogacar attacked near the top but Vingegaard covered easily and the duo started the final climb with McNulty 1:20 ahead of Thomas and Bardet.

The Briton dropped Bardet in the final part of the ascent and he now leads fourth-placed Quintana by a massive 2:57 and fifth-placed Gaudu by 3:01.

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Thursday July 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

Couchman, Clement win National Under-14 Rapid Chess Tournaments

The top male and female performers pose with their awards.

Kyle Couchman and Ciel Clement were the top male and female finishers, respectively, in the National U14 Rapid Open and Girls Chess Tournament which concluded on Saturday, July 16, at the Queen’s College Auditorium.

Twelve-year old, Kyle Couchman, was victorious ahead of 31 other boys playing in the tournament. Kyle continues to display his excellence over the board, having finished in fourth place earlier this year at the National Junior Championship, where he was also the youngest player to qualify for the event.

Meanwhile, second place went to up and coming twelve-year old, Micaiah Enoe. In third place was eightyear old, Aquilani Swaminadha, who played splendidly also taking home the prize for Best Under-12 player in the Open Tournament.

Siblings Julian Mohabir and Landon Mohabir won Best Under-10 and Best Under-8 players, respectively.

The Mohabir boys continue

to dominate in these categories as they both won previously in the National Junior Qualifiers Tournament earlier this year.

On the girls’ side, Clement from Region 6, who also played earlier this year in the Junior Qualifiers showed her improved skills by winning the girls category of the U14 nationals.

In second place was Maliha Rajkumar who has been competing consistently throughout the year. Third place went to Anaya Lall who is set to depart in a few days with the National Chess team that will be representing Guyana in India at the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad.

Chelsea Harrison was the Best Under-10 girl while Arianna Binda copped the Best Under-8 female award.

The forty young players competed in seven rounds of rapid matches with 15 minutes plus five minutes increments.

Trophies were presented by Queen’s College teacher, Ms. Henry, who also serves as chess coordinator at the school, along with Chief Edu-

cation Officer at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Marcel Hutson.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) continues to offer weekly online classes to students who are taught the basics of chess, various chess tactics and how to solve chess puzzles. The GCF also offers free membership on Chesskid.com to registered students of the federation.

The tournament was conducted by FIDE Arbiters, John Lee and Anand Raghunauth. The GCF wishes to thank the board of directors of Queen’s College for providing the venue to host the tournament.

The GCF will be also be hosting the National Under16 Rapid Chess Tournament on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Marian Academy.

Registration will be done online at guyanachess.org and the tournament will consist of the same format; 7 rounds: 15 mins+5 sec increments. Children who are not yet 16 years as of January 1, 2022, can participate.

Pogacar takes Tour stage 17 as Vingegaard stays in control PEYRAGUDES, France, (Reuters) - Tadej Pogacar claimed victory in the 17th stage of the Tour de France but it was Jonas Vingegaard who came a step closer to the title as he finished on the defending champion’s wheel to retain the overall leader’s yellow jersey yesterday.

Pogacar’s late acceleration at the top of the final climb, a 8-km effort at 7.8%, earned him his third win in this year’s Tour and gave him a 10-second time bonus.

Vingegaard, however, picked up six seconds with his second place, meaning he

still leads the Slovenian by a comfortable two minutes and 18 seconds going into Thursday final mountain stage, a gruelling Pyrenean trek to Hautacam.

Geraint Thomas, the 2018 champion, again limited the damage to finish fourth behind Pogacar’s UAE Emirates team mate Brandon McNulty and cement his third place in the general classification as the final podium took shape.

Thomas, who crossed the line 2:07 behind Pogacar, lags 4:56 off Vingegaard’s pace in the overall standings.

Today’s stage was yet

another opportunity for Pogacar to make the Danish rider crack, but last year’s runner-up Vingegaard looked unflappable through the three category-one ascents peppering the second part of the 129.7-km ride from Saint Gaudens.

It was only in the final metres that Pogacar took a slight advantage on a ramp at 13% to take the day’s laurels but he now faces a seemingly insurmountable task with only today’s stage and Saturday’s final time trial to overturn the situation. “I (Continued on page 21)

Thursday July 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

GFF/MCYS kick off Kool Kidz Summer Futsal Festival

Some of the youngsters take part in warm up drills.

The value of Futsal is beginning to be realized with a collaborative effort between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) as they launched the Kool Kidz Summer Futsal Festival.

The Cliff Anderson Sport Hall is the venue for the inaugural run of the event, entirely sponsored by Guyana Beverages Incorporated (GBI), for children ages 6 – 10 for a period of six weeks.

Present at the significant ceremony was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., GFF President, Wayne Forde and GBI Gene r a l M a n a g e r, S a m u e l Arjoon.

In Forde’s brief opening remarks, he expressed his elation at being able to successfully begin the venture which has been in the making for some time.

F o r d e t h o u ght, “We wanted to have something to engage the youths over the school break and we thought how interesting it would be to introduce these young ones to the sport of football through the futsal format.”

The GFF President was

Some of the youngsters take part in warm up drills.

very appreciative of the support he received for the MCYS and long-standing partner, GBI, for the tremendous roles they played in bring the idea to fruition.

GBI’s GM, no stranger to the football fraternity and honouring the company’s social responsibility, disclosed that it was a pleasure to once again support the youths of Guyana and assist in the development of the sport.

Arjoon, who is quite aware of the decades GBI has partn e r e d w i t h t h e GFF, stressed on the importance of building trust in partnerships so that room for development can be facilitated.

The GM disclosed that Human Development and Governance are of upmost importance in his company’s index for supporting partnerships and commended the Federation for the astute governance they have displayed.

He then proceed to surprise the GFF Boss in the presence of the Minister by revealing a contract that states GBI will be sponsoring the programme for the next three years.

In 2018, the GFF and GBI collaborated to initiate the countrywide GFF Kool Kidz Grassroots Programme.

It offered free, weekly and fun football sessions with qualified coaches for boys and girls aged 5-12 across the country until the pandemic made its presence felt.

Delivering the feature address was M i n i s t e r Ramson, who immediately commended the works of the Federation and the input of the sponsor before he stressed on the importance of fostering good partnerships.

Minister stated that he sees the need for programmers as such and knows it is important to invest in the future of Guyana.

He also mentioned the utter importance of how it is for parents to be present in their child’s development.

Mea n w h i l e , f o r t his programme all the coaches involved are at least D-Licensed with the likes of Wayne Dover and Vurlon Mills, among others, that will educate the lot of about 40-50 participants.

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

Thursday July 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

CWI Academy Players Begin their Coaching Journey

Archery Guyana returns to St. Ignatius village to conduct training exercise. Sets up base in Region 9

The Academy players engage in a session with the coach.

St. Ignatius officials take a photo with the donated archery equipment.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – All 15 members of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Emerging Players Academy are now accredited cricket coaches after successfully completing both the Foundation Coaching and CWI Competition Coaching (Level 1) accreditation courses. CWI Coach Development Manager, Chris Brabazon and CWI’s High Performance Manager, Graeme West recently guided the players through the assessments which formed a crucial component of the initial academy camp that is currently taking place in Antigua.

The key aims of incorporating these development opportunities into the camp schedule was to provide players with a greater understanding and appreciation of the role of a coach whilst also providing the players with the practical skills required to deliver quality coaching sessions. As part of their involvement in the CWI Emerging Player Academy, the players will soon be assisting in the delivery of grass roots cricket programmes in their respective communities.

These community projects will provide them with opportunities to utlilise their new found coaching skills whilst inspiring the next generation of young cricketers to follow in their footsteps.

Keegan Simmons, the lefthanded batter, spoke on be-

half of the group and said he was delighted to be part of the education – which included practical elements on the field as well as interactive classroom sessions.

Simmons said: “Now we have a better understanding of more aspects of the game, and exactly goes into coaching. Also, we have a greater understanding of what the coaches are hoping to implement. We can now share the knowledge in our communities, and we have developed better ways of working on our game.” He added: “For us as players we are looking forward to sharing the knowledge and newly acquired skills in our territories and communities. This is something we discussed and will look to implement. Overall our time here so far has been amazing, as we have focused on a lot of ‘off the field’ stuff as well. The attention to details has been great and we really appreciate. Everyday has been a learning experience.”

Brabazon had the following to say on the initiative.

“We have some fantastic young role models amongst this group and going forward we hope that they feel well prepared to deliver some quality sessions for the next crop of youngsters coming through. The long-term goal is to have these players developing their coaching skills

throughout their playing careers in preparation for a smooth transition into full time coaching or talent development roles once they finish playing.”

The plan for a CWI Emerging Players Academy was first announced in March. It is a nexus between regional junior and senior teams while supporting the development of talented players between the ages of 19 and 25. The Academy has five primary objectives: Building capacity of players, support staff and high-performance resources, Management of Talent, Personal Development – develop person first and then the player, Demonstrate Best Practice, including recruitment, selection and preparation and Accelerating Player Development and increasing readiness of players for international cricket.

FULL SQUAD: Kevlon Anderson, Keagan Simmons, Kirk McKenzie, Kevin Wickham, Teddy Bishop, Ackeem Auguste, Ramon Simmonds, McKenny Clarke, Johann Layne, Kelvin Pitman, Ashmead Nedd, Joshua Bishop, Nyeem Young, Joshua James, Leonardo Julien. For more information on the CWI Coach Development Programme, please visit the website below: https:// www.windiescricket.com/ news/coaching/

In a recently concluded successful event, Archery Guyana met with the Toshao and Village Councillors of St. Ignatius village to continue to develop archery training for residents of St. Ignatius and Lethem.

Key representative and trainer for Archery Guyana, Mr. Robert Singh met with Toshao Mr. Wilson Laurentino, Deputy Toshao Mr. Allan Ambrose, Councillors: Ms. Sherry Fredrick, Mr. Roldon Welcome, Mr Jonathan Joseph and Mr. Moris Campion to discuss the new initiative.

Archery Guyana provided the village with targets, stands and equipment for training sessions Coach Robert Singh assisted by Coach Shunette

Thompson also demonstrated the shooting techniques using soft rubbers.

Participants were trained from St Ignatius and Lethem on the different types of archery equipment, safety rules in archery, shooting stance positioning and much more at Wilson Laurentino’s sport ground in St. Ignatius Village, Region 9 on Sunday the 1st, July 2022 from 14:00 17:30hrs.

The persons who participated in two hours training exercise are as follow: 1. Ted Juan 18 years 2. Jad Juan 16 years 3. Eziekel Hernandez 17 years 4. Bert Paul 17 years 5. Waidan Hernandez 18 years 6. Rea Juan 15 years

7. Ethan Lennan 16 years 8. Renaldo Kishun 17 years 9. Junior Martin 17 years 10. Alicock Juan 39 years 11. Ryan Gittens 17 years With this new venture, Archery Guyana will be providing training on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 15:00 - 17:00hrs at the Wilson Laurentino’s sport ground.

The council was very happy and supportive as this initiative continues to develop in the Region and will see the involvement of youths to learn and participate in archery in a more formalised manner.

This will also provide opportunity to compete in local and international competitions in the future.

Boxing Association names shortlist for Caribbean Schoolboys/girls/Junior Championships The Guyana Boxing Association has shortlisted a team of boxers for possible selection to represent Guyana at the upcoming Caribbean Schoolboys/girls/Junior Championships. The event is scheduled for August in Guyana. Terrence Poole MS, Technical Director Guyana Boxing Association released the names and the respective gyms those chosen.

The boxers and respective gyms are as follows: Vergenoegen boxing gym - 1.

Glaston Winter 2. Jemuel Jones 3. Keyon Britton 4.

Markel Blue 5. Garvel Hyman 6. Jevon Anthony Pace and Power boxing gym - 1. Stephon Clarence 2.

Tofina Barker (female) Young Achievers boxing

Terrence Poole gym - 1. Ceaafa Chris 2. Ezekiel Bancroft 3. Shamaria Isaacs 4.

Kendel De Monic 5. Eon Bancroft Jnr Forgotten Youth Foundation - 1. Tequan Sampson 2.

Chance Niles 3. Shaquian James 4. Josiah McPherson 5.

Seon Graham 6. Dwane Baptise 7. Yusdiel Gala Rose Hall Jammers boxing gym - 1. Roopesh Balgobin 2.

Jadon Lewis 3. Isaiah Nurse 4. Shawn Sabola 5. Travis Sancho 6. Matthew Thomas 7. Joshua Thambarain 8. Ar-

lington Johnson 9. Jahuan Haniff 10. Akhan English The coaches chosen to prepare these young fighters are: Lennox Daniels, Francisco Roldon (Cuba), Sebert Blake, Gregory Cort and Clifton Moore.

Training will commence from Monday July 25th from 05.30hours at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and 16.00 hours at the Andrew Lewis boxing gym. All coaches of the respective gyms are asked to take note.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 21, 2022

PAGE 25

Internationally acclaimed horse racing commentator arrives for Guyana Cup The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee has contracted the services of the internationally acclaimed horseracing commentator Nic Chadee. The Trinidadian has a broad career spanning over 23 years in horseracing, holding the positions of commentator and administrator. His formal training was received from the legendary track announcer Tom Durkin at Belmont Park in New York and has been a guest announcer at the Ellis Park Kentucky, Caymanas Park Jamaica and Royal St. Lucia Turf Club.

A track announcer is an integral part of Horseracing and the overall race experience. The track announcer is the equivalent of a sportscaster that you can hear or see on TV, radio, or live at the track. His function is to describe the progress of a race, either for on-track or radio and TV fans. Each commentator is given a list of each day’s entrants for each race for example, the horses names, numbers, the jockeys’ names, colours, owners’ names and trainers names, etc.

Then it’s a matter of practice and experience to keep all that information available, while the race is being run. Mostly, the commentators use the horses’ names only during a race - that is pretty much all that the bettors are interested in. Each racehorse has a fairly large number attached to either the side of the saddle or a bit further up closer to the reins. These numbers are given to the visitors at horse races on a script, most likely giving the horse’s name and how adept he is at racing or which

Parbatie Winter, the club’s equipment and executive member and the club’s founder and head Coach Devnon Winter present the shoes to players Xavi Atkinson and Shamar Haynes.

Herstelling Raiders FC assist players Herstelling Raiders FC of East Bank Demerara has lent assistance to two of its U17 players.

The players that benefitted were Xavi Atkinson and Shamar Haynes; they both received playing shoes from the club.

Nic Chadee position he won on his last race.

The entire structure and execution of the Guyana Cup races are paramount to the JJTRC for 2022. Countless man hours are being put in to ensure there are no hiccups that will in turn set the wrong president for future racing events.

When contacted Mr. Chadee outlined, “I have been an announcer in horseracing in Guyana for over 10 racing events. No stranger to the Guyana Cup, my experience has been nothing short of exciting.

This year the buzz around Guyana Cup has been tremendous and I am honoured to host such a prestigious event for the JJTRC and by extension Guyana. The thousand of screaming voices is what actually fuels my drive and enthusiasm on race day.

Because of the two year gap in racing, patrons have been starving and now the wait is over. I intend to offer my administrative assistance to ensure horse owners, groomers, jockeys and the

fans receive the best Guyana Cup ever.”

The journey continues to the biggest Horse Racing Event in the Caribbean carded for Sunday 14th August at the Rising Sun turf C l u b .

O v e r GUY$30,000,000 in cash and prizes are to be won so this year the competition is expected to be stiff. The organisers are saying, ‘Get there before noon to avoid the rush and remember indoor parking is available for over 1,000 cars. Let’s all join together for this spectacular presentation, Guyana Cup 2022!’

This event was made possible through our title sponsor Banks DIH and supporting sponsors Guinness, XM Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Hop House 13, Johnny Walker, S. Jagmohan, A&R Security, Vals Construction, Forester Lumber Yard, Air Services, Kings Jewelry World, K&P Project Management, JS Guyana, Aronco, Auto Toy Store, BM Soat, Club Neutraal, Japarts, AJM Enterprise & Jumbo Jet.

Both presentations were made recently at Block V ground, Herstelling where the club usually stage its training sessions.

The club’s head Coach Devnon Winter urged both players to work hard on their game so as to achieve their goals.

The kids were intrigued to play football on an entirely new surface.

s t r o Sp

GFF/MCYS kick off Kool Kidz Summer Futsal Festival

The participants take a photo op with the Minister of Sport, Hon Charles Ramson Jr, GFF President, Wayne Forde and GBI GM, Samuel Arjoon.

Archery Guyana returns to St. Ignatius village to conduct training exercise

The equipment being handed over during the event at St. Ignatius.

- Sets up base in Region 9 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.