Kaieteur News

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Thursday Edition GPL to spend NEWS additional money to support US$900M gas-to-shore project - Report says

AIETEUR

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

July 22, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 26

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 67,250

Audit of ExxonMobil’s US$460M pre-contract costs an abomination - Govt. should make report public - Source Venezuelan gangs increase attacks on Guyanese miners - Region 7 Police Commander

GEA’s licensing practices worrying - Int’l Bank Reg. 9 teacher’s naked body found with marks of violence

This citizen has joined the protest for a change to the ExxonMobil contract.

Nigeria unable to pin Exxon to oil spill lawsuit - subsidiary ordered to pay US$200M

Troy Resources mines out surface gold reserves then fires locals …to use expats to focus on underground mining @11:00hrs on Suriname and Trinidad paying US$12,000 a day Kaieteur Radio for supply boats, while Guyana pays US$55,000 99.1/99.5FM

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Thursday July 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

Transparency advocate documents 2020 elections aftermath in new book F

ormer Auditor General turned Transparency advocate, Dr. Swatantra Anand Goolsaran, has published a book comprising the contents of columns, which he authored that were published in the local media in relation to the contentious 2020 General and Regional Elections held locally and its aftermath.

Titled ‘Triumph of Democracy and the Rule of Law: Guyana 2020 Election and their aftermath’, the book recounts his A c c o u n t a b i l i t y Wa t c h articles between the period December 21, 2018, when a No-Confidence Motion was successfully passed against the then David Granger led government and August 2, last, when Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President of the country.

Introducing his latest publication, the author cites as motivation his strict belief in the adherence to the rule of law and to subscription to the

highest form of public accountability.

He asserts that, “for countries that embrace democratic forms of government, it is fair to state that a strong positive correlation exists between d e m o c r a c y a n d accountability.”

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Goolsarran, “democracy and accountability can be viewed as the twin sides of the same coin.

In the most rigorous analysis of the relationship between the two, more often than not, it will be found that democracy leads to accountability which in turn leads to development.”

He noted, however, that on the other hand, “a lack of democracy leads to a lack of accountability which in turn s t a g n a t e s development...Accountabilit y is indispensable to any form of democratic governance.”

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Goolsarran, by tracking the

“A lack of democracy leads to a lack of accountability which in turn stagnates development...Accountability is indispensable to any form of democratic governance.” developments during the 20month period, he was able to provide a weekly account of what transpired, as both sides of the political divide battled tooth and nail in an attempt to accede to political office.

Wi t h h i s n e w publication, Dr. Goolsarran contends that those with an interest in what transpired during that period would be able to access the information from one source—the new book.

Consisting 41 chapters,

the book firstly chronicles the events from the date of the no confidence vote to just prior to the March 2 elections to the swearing in of the new president.

Additionally, the book “ c a r e f u l l y a n d comprehensively analyses all the court cases relating to the elections, identifying the legal issues involved; and highlighting the arguments from the lawyers on both sides, the judges’ comments and the rulings of the court.”

Former Auditor General turned Transparency advocate, Dr. Swatantra Anand Goolsaran (right), hands over a copy of his latest publication to Kaieteur News’ Publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall.

Dr. Goolsarran in his latest publication has also made generous use of comments from prominent

personalities, both locally and internationally, as events relating to the elections unfolded

Troy Resources mines out surface gold …to use expats to focus reserves then fires locals on underground mining

H

aving mined out the gold from w h a t i s considered the minimal subsurface area in the Hicks and Spearpoint pits of the Karouni gold mine, Australian owned Troy Resources has upped the ante with regards the firing of locals, in order to use expatriates to focus on an underground mining operation.

This much is evident from a recent circular disseminated to local employees attached to the mines which underscored that the company is currently “evaluating our manpower requirements and preparing the plans for stepping down these members of our staff.

The process has already started to occur with the reduction in the size of the mining and processing departments.”

The circular to

employees was signed by the mines General Manager, Colin Connors, a week ago, and sought to address the “discussion and uncertainty” about the future of the company and the employees.

According to Connors in his missive, “I also realize that many of you have seen the recent news article about Troy’s downsizing; as of the end of June, mining in both Hicks and Spearpoint has ceased due to reaching the extent of the current designs.”

He said, the operations plan “had us continuing the mining in the Goldstar area from June -August along with low grade stockpiles being used to provide the m i l l f e e d ; h o w e v e r, sampling of the Hicks low grade stockpile showed the gold grade was not economic to process.”

It was noted too that additionally, the processing

The massive processing plant set up by Troy Resources at Karouni.

of the Goldstar material showed that the amount of gold produced was significantly lower than predicted.

“The combination of these two factors significantly reduced the cash flow of continuing operations” that led to a

decision was made by the Senior Management to cease mining/milling operations and move into Care and Maintenance.

Connors noted that as stated in the news reports, “we have notified the Ministry of Labour that we will be laying off a

significant portion of our workforce, but the final amount has not been finalised.”

Seeking to underscore that Troy is closing the mine, Connors used the occasion to disclose that “we are working to progress with the development of the

SMARTS Underground project and are evaluating an expansion of Hicks pit to access deeper portions of the ore body.”

He said too that “ a d d i t i o n a l l y, w e a r e continuing to explore within Troy’s vast concessions and (Continued on page 8)

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

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Audit of ExxonMobil’s US$460M pre-contract costs an abomination - Govt. should make report public - Source Upon reviewing reports pertaining to the audit of US$460M ExxonMobil claimed was spent prior to the discovery of oil in 2015, a reliable source has deemed the findings to be “an abomination.” In fact, the source urged this newspaper to challenge the government to make the audit report public as it would expose how many loopholes have been left unaddressed.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that the audit of the pre-contract costs was done by IHS Markit, a British firm, at a cost of US$300,000 ($62.6 million) in 2019.

The contract had to be extended in May 2020 at no cost, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, former Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe, had said this was mainly due to flight restrictions.

Following the audit, a final report was awaiting c o m m e n t s f r o m ExxonMobil for some time but those have been received. The source said it is quite saddening, especially in the interest of transparency and accountability, that the

government has been silent about the results thus far. The reputable industry stakeholder who is also a trusted advisor to the administration further noted that the political opposition should utilise the powers of special select committees on natural resources to demand answers on these audits which will cost Guyanese taxpayers billions of dollars.

The government advisor further questioned, “If these reports are not made public, how else will the Guyanese people know that the company selected for these audits did their job and gave the country value for money? How else will the public be able to have confidence that the government can be trusted to be a prudent overseer?”

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had revealed during previous interviews that Guyana has in excess of US$6 billion in oil related expenses to audit from petrogiant ExxonMobil and other Stabroek Block partners, affiliates and subc o n t r a c t o r s .

The country has a long way to go with little window to conduct its audits. Per the Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with ExxonMobil in 2016, the Minister with responsibility for the oil sector has only two years to audit the expenses incurred by the US supermajor at the end of each fiscal year.

That is to say, the Minister would have had only up to 2017 to audit expenses incurred in 2015. And not only that, the government would also have to foot the bill for all costs associated with that very audit. If the government fails to honour the contractual timelines, it would have to accept all costs as correct.

Jagdeo had said too that costs incurred up to 2017, which total approximately US$1B, have also been audited but he has yet to provide the public with an update on this front.

It was only yesterday that Kaieteur News reported that several companies have submitted bids to audit costs incurred by ExxonMobil and its partners for the period 2018 to 2020. Eclisar Financial and Professional Services, which provides accounting assistance and financial advice for Guyanese businesses, was the only local bidder among

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

five companies which submitted bids to provide consulting services for cost recovery audit and validation of the Government’s profit oil share.

Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants; Rosa, Correia & Associados (RCA) Inc. in partnership with Swale House Partners; Gaffney Cline and Associates in partnership with Squire Patton Boggs; and Calender Law Firm were the other firms which expressed their interest in working for Guyana.

Bayphase, which was established in 1986, is a

United Kingdom (UK) company that is a recognised leader in the assessment of all costs associated with oil and gas projects. The UK firm was hired by Guyana back in 2019 to review and evaluate the Payara Field Development Plans.

Rosa, Correia and Associados Inc., which is a Portugal based company, established in 1980, provides auditing and consulting services. It is registered with the Association of Chartered Accountants, which is a part of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). Meanwhile, Swale House – RCA’s partner in the

bid – is a US company that claims to provide natural resource risk management services. According to the company’s page, “we are a team of risk, technical and management specialists with extensive experience assisting government managers improve outcomes during natural resources and public finance transitions.”

As for Gaffney Cline and Associates, it considers itself to be a petroleum consulting company that is headquartered in the UK and is a subsidiary of Baker Hughes. Baker Hughes is an American international industrial service company that has dealings in Guyana.

It is also one of ExxonMobil’s strategic business partners. Squire Patton Boggs is a US law firm that was established in 2014.

Calendar Law Firm is also a US-based law firm.

The cost audit will require the provision of onthe-job training for the employees of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and the Natural Resources Ministry and agencies as directed by the Government.

President lauds E-Networks’ Submarine cable as major wealth generation platform for Essequibo

P

resident Irfaan Ali is of the firm belief that the ENetworks’ Submarine Cable will be a significant development for Essequibo since it will create numerous opportunities for socio-economic development, job creation and wealth generation in the county.

The Head of State made these remarks during a recent meeting with E-Networks’ Chairman Rakesh Puri; Chief Executive Officer (CEO),Vishok Persaud, and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, at the Office of the President.

President Ali applauded ENetworks’ achievement and noted that the project aligns with the G o v e r n m e n t ’s n a t i o n a l development agenda, which aims to create jobs and generate wealth for all citizens across Guyana.

He said that “this improved connectivity in Essequibo enables the region to support advanced technologies, allowing for the

establishment of new ICT businesses in the region, such as call centres, which will offer employment to hundreds, if not thousands, of Guyanese.”

Prime Minister Phillips also commended E-Networks for its commitment to the development of the telecommunications sector as well as its progressive contributions to liberalisation by expanding its services.

Further to this, the Prime Minister encouraged the company to ensure that the hinterland and rural areas do not escape its attention as the Government is focused on connecting everyone.

During the visit, Puri and Persaud provided key updates on ENetworks’ inves tments and expansion plans, including l a n d i n g E s s e q u i b o ’s f i r s t submarine cable.

In his remarks, Puri reiterated that President Ali’s call to improve connectivity in Essequibo was the

(From left): E-Networks’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vishok Persaud; President, Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, and E-Networks’ Chairman Rakesh Puri. motivation for making the large ICT investment just nine months after the liberalisation of the

telecommunication sector.

He also expressed that ENetwork is “a 100 percent

Guyanese-owned company” and is committed to extending its services to Guyanese across the country.

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Thursday July 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Attacks on KN’s website We at this paper will continue to do our best with every sinew at our disposal to serve our Guyanese brothers and sisters, through sharing the truths of life in Guyana, as they really are. We appreciate that there are those who, because of our efforts, view us and hold us as enemy.

We recognise that they are not passive in their anger and enmity, but very much on the move, through one criminal act or another directed at us. We have been there before, and we will persevere today and all the tomorrows beyond.

As those who don’t like the work that we do for Guyanese citizens persist in their efforts to sabotage us (“Kaieteur News” website under constant attack” KN July 20), this is our pledge to our fellow Guyanese. This work of fact finding and speaking to truth and accuracy, on what is really occurring in this country, will go on, come what may.

Our detractors and our underminers are strong and powerful. They have money and resources, and are willing to spend freely to bring us down. But they will not succeed, since we will not cave in to their assaults, but continue to fight and carry on the struggle for Guyanese.

What is happening today, for a while now, has been experienced before in one form or another, and from sources both local and foreign. We know, as we have felt the sharp attention, the frequent jabs. We have lived with them, and found legitimate ways to overcome them, which we will do again. The illegal and villainous are left to them, which is what they are all about anyway.

There was a time, not too long ago, when one of the main revenue streams to a newspaper, this one included, was cutoff in a vindictive manner. We have managed and we have survived.

The premises and people of this paper have come under fire, and the worst of prices have been paid. We have kept our head aboveground, and kept plugging along, confident that the work done is blessed and wellreceived.

So, we keep on following this calling of ours, and paying homage to its hard demands. That is, report on what is taking place out of sight and under the table, without fear or favour, and present how corrupt politicians and their cronies join with outside groups and their leaders to devastate the wealth and treasury of this country.

This is being revealed almost daily in several ways. In how they rob this country of its wealth, and desire to have the predatory nature of their work remain hidden and unknown.

In how they partner with local political leaders and groups to steal from us by the billions, and then turn around and tell us how much good they are all, local and foreign, doing for Guyanese. In how they mistreat and maul our workers, be it through food or pay or working conditions or even basic respect.

These are among the things, which we have made it our duty to shed much light on, and put before the Guyanese public. If in doing so, we incur the rages and sabotages of those who think poorly of our endeavours, then we have no wish for such persons or groups to number among our friends, allies, and well-wishers.

We at this paper can do without such friendships, of what is assessed and believed to be conspiratorial relations that do severe damage, both directly and indirectly, to the present welfare and future prospects of our country and all of its citizens. We welcome friendships, but not of this kind that betrays Guyanese.

It is said that no good deed goes unpunished. There is some truth to that saying, because it has been our experience. But there is, also, much good that comes from doing what is right for our fellow citizens. So, we take the good with the bad, roll up our sleeves and roll with the punches.

We absorb them, this instance, they are these constant attacks on our website, a main artery of communication today. Before, it was the gutting of workforce, and curtailing cashflow. We are still here, and we intend to be.

“Because We Care” should be more aptly named “Because It’s Yours” Dear Editor, Further debate on the Government’s education cash grant must be encouraged. I, for one, hope the debate develops into a national conversation on the need for and the nature of a comprehensive social protection system, aimed at the quadruple goals of poverty elimination, social inclusion, equality, and economic development. The political party that most seriously commits to using Guyana’s oil wealth to urgently achieve these goals is the party most likely to expand its public support.

Despite the stinginess of the PPP’s “Because We Care” program, it has taken first jump.

I write here to rebut a few misguided positions on the subject I noted in the local media.

First, the modern progressive view of social protection has long moved on “from paupers receiving doles to citizens claiming rights.” Modern social protection is now driven by the desire to give real meaning to those lofty but dormant constitutional and global commitments on social and

economic rights of citizens. The Guyana Constitution, for example, speaks about freedom from “hunger, ignorance, and want” (Article 40). It speaks about rights to housing, education, health, leisure, and so on. It speaks about the State intervening to prevent the harmful effects of economic competition on groups and individuals (Article 15). The goals of modern social welfare have long outgrown the concerns of William Beveridge, regarded as the father of the British welfare state, that the phrase implied a “Santa Claus state.” The government’s current education cash grant is therefore not charity. It is an entitlement of citizenship. As such, “Because We Care” should be more aptly named “Because It’s Yours.”

Second, some have bemoaned the risk of dependency—that cash grants and other such support are a dreadful and stigmatising thing because recipients can become dependent on the government.

But citizens depend on their government for a lot of help. So, I am not sure where is the divide (if any should exist) between good dependency and bad

dependency. No one has ever complained that free education, free health, school-nutrition programs, or state pensions are dependency-creating? How does such state assistance differ fundamentally from cash grants? Arguments that paint any form of social provision as handouts and dependency-forming heartlessly stigmatise recipients. People must not be made to feel ashamed to receive their share of the national wealth. Third, critics of the education cash grant have mostly ignored the economic benefits to local communities and small businesses of releasing billions of dollars of cash into the hands of citizens.

As the government rolls out its limited “Because we care” program with fanfare, it is evident that creating a comprehensive social protection system is not on its mind. We hear absolutely no talk of how our oil wealth would be used to create a Scandinavian-style care society. Such a society must be based upfront on a holistic social protection policy. At

the moment, Guyana has no such policy. Filling this vacuum gives the opposition parties a golden opportunity to both gain greater relevance and to capture the public imagination and support. The policy’s core principles must include (i) no Guyanese must be left behind, (ii) social protection as a right of citizenship, and (iii) social protection as a life cycle guarantee (from womb to tomb). The policy should identify the specific goals of social protection to be (i) poverty elimination, (ii) social inclusion, (iii) equality for all, (iv) economic development, and (v) national disaster and emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

Coverage should strive towards universalism (all citizens must be entitled, such as in the recent COVID relief), with programs targeting special groups only where effective. The forms of social protection should include social insurance/security, social assistance, subsidies, tax relief, and social services.

Let us build a total care society.

Yours truly, Sherwood Lowe

GECOM Commissioner’s suggestion for special tribunal sounds familiar Dear Editor, As the opposition continues on its mission to thwart the work of GECOM, it was allegedly posited by one of its commissioners, in the matter of the motions brought against the electoral fraud trio, that a “neutral tribunal” could be set up probably by an Order which would state mandate, composition and

procedure (Demerara Waves, July 20) . Sounds familiar? An Order was established in the recount of votes, which was agreed upon and which was later challenged in the courts.

Are we going down that road again? Hell no!

Additionally, it has to be wondered if a meeting is fully and legally convened and agenda items are being dealt

with, but as soon as an unfavourable item on the agenda comes up and one section walks out or log out, the meeting cannot continue for lack of quorum and has to be aborted. Why is this? The meeting was legally called to order, why can’t it continue?

The meeting has a legal chair, so discussions and decisions have to be seen as legal and

binding. I feel that once the meeting was properly called to order in keeping with all protocols, the walking out of some should not hinder its continuation. The options at the disposal of the chair should be invoked so legitimate business is not held up.

Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed

Some questions regarding vaccination Dear Editor, Should vaccines be mandatory for incoming travellers? Should there be a vaccination passport among other issues surrounding Covid-19 in the Land of Many Waters?

While we see studies suggesting that vaccines may help us in fighting off the virus, we are still at risk of contracting Covid-19. Only accepting travellers with vaccinations is a good and bad thing.

It is almost as discriminating against those without, as well as which vaccines will we accept.

When we have only secured three types of vaccines, will we just accept persons who got the Pfizer, etc.?

With regards to a work place Covid-19 vaccination passport – what information

will be placed in this passport?

Will we discriminate against those that has that democratic right to choose against not taking the jab? Will a penalty be imposed? Will they be fired for not taking the jab?

Vaccines help but how much do they help when our Covid19 protocols and enforcement are lacking.

I am not an anti-vaxxer as I took both doses of the Sputnik V and my entire family is fully vaccinated because we understand vaccines do help, but we are still concerned for those with a choice. Everyone should be able to make the choices they want to.

Getting persons vaxxed seems to be the priority of the Government but we can all be vaxxed and probably still get Covid-19 such as the case of the Health Minister of the

U K ( h t t p s : / / www.reuters.com/world/uk/ uk-health-minister-javidtests-positive-covid-19-202107-17/).

They are questions the public would need answered, such as, do we have mutations of the virus in Guyana, and if yes, what are they? What are we doing to ensure these cases decline?

In closing, because I

believe persons should have the right to choose what they want to and should not be penalised for it, sufficient consideration and consultation must be given before any decision is made regarding any sort of mandatory vaccination mechanism is put in place for Guyana.

Yours truly, Tanya Niamatali

Has WPA’s Trotman gotten the memo?

Dear Editor, Why is Desmond Trotman behaving like a born again PNC acolyte. He is supposed to be the WPA representative on GECOM. Hello! Has Trotman got the memo that the WPA has

withdrawn from APNU. He, along with Vincent Alexander walked out of the recent GECOM meeting effectively depriving it of a quorum.

Yours truly, Sultan Mohamed

Thursday July 22, 2021

The EEPGL document does not discuss how waste products will be safely disposed Dear Editor, The Gas-to-Energy Project Summary document was referenced in notices for public engagement on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the subject project. The purpose of the document prepared by Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), was to provide technical information to the EPA for project environmental authorisation.

The document was the only written source of public information and clearly by itself, lacked sufficient information for public engagement on the project EIA. The document provided basic high-level information on the construction and installation of an NPS 12-inch diameter offshore and onshore pipeline.

A preliminary layout drawing of the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant with some identified process equipment was included. Basic process flow description was provided for NGL plant operations before concluding with seven pages of tables (pages 20-26) which included human and environmental impacts during the life cycle of the project.

One can conclude the tables in pages 20-26 to be a qualitative EIA, which would be confusing since the public notices stated the EIA was still to be completed. Tables

on pages 20-26 combined the human and environmental impacts from both construction activities and plant operations. The effect was plant operation impacts masked with verbiage skewed to the impacts from construction activities.

What was clearly lacking from the EEPGL document in the pages 20-26 tables, was the basis for human and environmental impacts from plant operations. Such a basis would at a minimum identify and quantify the waste products in the process streams and the methods of disposal. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), mercury (Hg) and process waste water are clearly the high consequence waste products that will require effective management.

Other chemicals used in the separation process may also require disposal on some frequency during the plant’s operating life cycle. Since the identity and quantity of these waste products and chemicals, as well as the disposal methods were never provided in the technical information, how can the public have confidence that a competent EIA assurance review will be completed.

What production rate was the environmental application been sought for? Table 2.1 of the document stated onshore and offshore pipeline gas flow as 50 MSCFD; however, a maximum permissible

pipeline flow of 120 MSCFD was also documented. No production rate for the NGL plant was given. This language would appear to give plant operators the discretion to increase raw gas processing up to 120 MSCFD without revising the environmental permit after an initial flow rate is 50 MSCFD. Surely, this would be unacceptable.

There was a contradiction in the EEPGL document on the removal of H2S from the raw Natural gas. In Table 2.1, describing NGL plant operations, it was stated that propane, butane and pentane+ liquids will be removed from the Natural gas and then the “remaining gas” will be treated before being sent to the power plant.

However, later on page 13, it was stated the Natural gas stream received from the FPSO will be treated to remove H2S before separation of hydrocarbon components begins. The latter sequence of processing was more likely to meet Sulphur specifications for the propane, butane and pentane + fuels if the intent is to use these fuels locally. Sulphur will be released to the environment as Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) when the fuels are combusted.

As mentioned before, the EEPGL document, with some exception to water management, does not

prescriptively discuss how waste products will be safely disposed. However, from the preliminary NGL plant design, it can be deduced H2S will be removed from the process by amine treating. Once the H2S leaves the amine regenerator, all indications are the H2S will be incinerated, converting the H2S to Sulphur dioxide (SO2).

SO2 is less hazardous than H2S, however SO2 is far from benign, known to affect the human respiratory system, impact trees, plants and waterways. Depending on the daily SO2 production, a dispersion analysis may be required to understand the impact area.

Process waste water will contain residual hydrocarbon and may have small quantities of other contaminants such as H2S, mercury and Helium, a radioactive element. The EEPGL document did not provide the gas composition; the quantity of toxic compounds and impurities are unknown. The current contemplation in the EEPGL document was treating process waste water in oil water separators and the ‘clean water’ from the oil separators will be released into detention ponds created primarily to collect rainwater from the plant premises. The question is what will be the specification for the so-called clean water from the oil water (Continued on page 6)

GPOC responds to article on pension payments Dear Editor, The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) is refuting statements made in an article published in the Tuesday July 20, 2021 edition of the Kaieteur News newspaper, captioned ‘hundreds of millions in old age pension payments unaccounted for at GPOC.’ The article not only misrepresents the Corporation but insinuates poor accounting and accountability practices.

This contravenes our standard operating procedures since the accounts for the pension payment are reconciled monthly and sent to the

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Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. This is a standard practice that has been in place prior to 2016.

To further clarify the issue at hand, it is necessary to note that the pension payment system operates as a revolving imprest. To this end, GPOC must submit coupons on a weekly basis to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, which are then forwarded to the Ministry of Finance. This forms the cyclical process of the pension payments since coupons can be cashed throughout the month.

GPOC receives money from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security

which are paid out via coupons, these are then submitted to the Ministry for reimbursement. All coupons are verified and submitted.

However, since pension becomes payable at the beginning of every month, GPOC will have an advance of cash on hand to seamlessly continue the facilitation of pension payment at our 62 offices countrywide.

Additionally, there are times when GPOC would cash coupons in good faith in advance of the cash provided to the Corporation. Thus, as at December 30, 2016 the advance amount as stated was utilised to encash coupons from the first

working day of January 2017.

Over the years, additional systems were implemented to monitor the payment process and we are working with the ministry to implement a computerised system to facilitate daily financial updates.

The financial team at GPOC is prepared to sit with the Auditor General and the Ministry to address and clarify these inaccuracies and purported irreconcilable balance as highlighted in the article.

Yours truly, Thalissa Grant-McClure Public Relations Officer Guyana Post Office Corporation

Constant repairs to La Parfaite Harmonie Road is flagrant misuse of taxpayer dollars Dear Editor, The residents of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, continue to feel aggrieved by the horrendous condition of the main access road into the housing scheme. This three-kilometre road was constructed at a cost of over $600 million in 2014, and has deteriorated rapidly within a few months of being commissioned.

Thereafter, frequent and woefully inadequate repairs to an unending plethora of potholes have been effected every few months, with new potholes appearing within days of the old ones being remedied. This has continued in an ad nauseum loop for the last seven years. I estimate that this road has been repaired no less than thirty times with over one hundred and fifty different patches to potholes since its construction. Does this not represent an egregious and flagrant misuse of our precious tax dollars?

Surely, by now the Ministry of Public Works should have conducted an assessment into the structural integrity of this stretch of road that was purported to be a highway. A current traversal would reveal the horrors that motorists experience daily including inadequate lighting, no reflective markings, non-existent drainage and a gaping pothole that has now spread across the entire width of the road. If you drive on this road at night, you choose to do so at your own peril. Regrettably, many drivers have now been forced to use alternate routes through La Grange and Canal Number One in order to mitigate against potential damage to their vehicles from the use of this road.

La Parfaite Harmonie is one of the largest housing schemes in the country and this situation has become untenable. The residents deserve better and demand better.

Yours truly, Edson Grenville

On late Marriage Certificates Dear Editor, I have one question for our Registrar General – why is it marriage certificates

applied for since January 2021 are not yet delivered?

Yours truly, Ovid Schultz

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Even if this project is right for Guyana, something stinks Dear Editor, I would like to support the Wales gas-to-shore project, but whatever the leaders of the PPP government provide as enlightenment only adds more darkness and slyness to what is present. The latest example of underhanded premeditations came from a most unusual source: advertisement for Expressions of Interest (EOI), through what was labelled ‘gas related investments’ for the project. Several things trouble, because they tell so much of what is wrong about this project, especially as pushed from the inception.

Even if this project is right for Guyana, something stinks.

First, there is unfinished business with the Wales location itself, which is before the courts. How NICIL handled some of the land collided with a judicial roadblock. Second, there is this fanfare and hullabaloo about public consultations re. the gas-to-shore project, but

Thursday July 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

which more and more assumes the characteristics of an infant pretending at intellect and looking like an imbecile. When questions are asked, they are dodged.

When basic insights are sought, fluff and bluff reigns; or, worse yet, dodging and cartwheeling. So, it has been from Exxon’s participants; and, so stands the tawdry litany of what is best described as the shadowy, and has been the substance of this project from the start.

Third, there comes this media advertisement for EOIs for gas related investments. I cut through the baseline narrative about pipeline, power plant, and industrial park, and reach the heart.

This is where the rubber meets the road. Or, as Guyanese say: mouth open, story jump out.

This is not jump out, but flush out. The related bolded and underlined and blackback grounded language (for extra emphasis and

sharpness) is worth representing: “The GoG is not bound to accept any Expression of Interest and reserves the right to select any parties for any specific element of the EoI and to annul the process at any time prior to further direction, without thereby incurring any liability to affected interested parties.”

The lawyers certainly went to town and did earn every cent of their pay on that big mama of a disclosure. I dissect. “Not bound to” and “reserves the right” are standard, and though warning bells go off, no hackles are raised yet. But it is not for the usual liberty or right to reject the highest or best or most skilled, but things more perverse. It is the starkness of “any parties” for “any specific element” and “to annul” without “any liability.” Is that going overboard with crossing Ts and dotting Is, or what?

Definitely overkill, but with a purpose.

My reasoning leads to these conclusions: we (GoG) will partner with and reward who we want, and do what we will, and that is that, so stop the complaining and crying.

Site was always done; the consultations were done before they began; and the EoI selections foregone.

Now, don’t let the door hit you in the behind on the way out.

There goes my baby (billiondollar one), and I am not the Drifters.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

We must get on with the business of Constitutional and Electoral reforms Dear Editor, Was Guyana’s Constitution crafted to allow the country to be held to ransom by individuals who do not put our country first?

The walk-out of GECOM meetings by some of its commissioners, when the discussion was on the removal of officials, seems to us that this may be the case.

However, the Constitution, at 226, provides for the Chairperson to reschedule the meeting within two days at the same time and place. At least four members,

including the Chairperson must be present to make up the quorum. It is expected that the Chairperson plus the three PPP/C representatives will attend the meeting.

Though the Chairperson does not have the casting vote when the issue is the removal of an officer, the historic voting record of the Political Party’s representatives should see a majority decision. Any majority decision at the reconvened meeting, shall be valid in law and binding.

The above appears to

give hope that there are provisions in the Law which allows the GECOM Chairperson to get on with the country’s business in the face of disrespect for the Laws and non-‘cooperative’ behaviour.

Is it too much for us to expect honourable conduct from those we put our belief and trust in? Let’s get the business done without further delays, including Constitutional and Electoral reforms.

Yours truly, Muhammad Alli

The late Patricia Pierre was a true humanitarian Dear Editor, It is with sadness and gratitude that I express a tribute to Ms. Patricia Pierre who has passed on to her heavenly abode.

Patricia, popularly known as Aunty Pat, was a true humanitarian who cared for the less fortunate and sick.

I have had many opportunities to accompany her at humanitarian and religious activities. She gave her life for the care and concern of others.

Through her friendly and humourous demeanor, she touched and inspired many persons. She had the gift of relating to children, youth and old without reservation.

One of her outstanding contributions to humanity is that of her care for children who were ill.

She reached out to them and their parents through listening, praying and caring for them.

She has touched persons across the country because she enjoyed travelling to the

hinterlands. She was also an outstanding photographer and had excellent advice to offer to the mobile photographer generation on how to get the perfect shot.

I can boldly say, Aunty Pat lived a true Christian life and lived it to the fullest.

She will be remembered as a ‘mother’ to many, especially the less fortunate children.

Guyana has lost a gem. I am grateful that our paths crossed.

Yours truly, Jerri Dias

...The EEPGL document does not discuss how waste products will be From page 5 separators before releasing into the detention ponds and how will this specification be enforced? Eventually, this water in the detention ponds will be released to the local waterways.

No information was provided on the separation

and disposal of mercury from the process stream.

Further being contemplated was shipping residual oil waste off-site for disposal.

EEPGL expressed concern over Guyana’s waste management capacity to store and treat off site waste. How

is this being addressed?

In good conscience, EPA management must address the concerns raised, so that the public would have trust in the agency’s ability to regulate industry and protect the environment.

Yours truly, Deryck Daly

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday July 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

Twenty-nine cops are before the courts charged with crimes.

Things don’t look good in the GPF when one cop is reported to have robbed another officer.

What is going on at the GPF? Who is going to protect citizens?

With officers like these, who is there in the Force to stand up against government criminality?

Or that of powerful, connected people?

‘Guyanese goose cook’, and it looks like the police are doing the cooking.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Region 9 teacher’s naked body found with marks of violence

Thursday July 22, 2021

Three remanded on robbery charge

Dead: Peter Christian who was a teacher for 10 years.

Peter Christian, a teacher attached to the Karasabai Primary School, was found dead late Sunday night in his home with several marks of violence about his body.

The 31-year-old’s lifeless body was discovered around 22:00hrs at his Karasabai, Region Nine home by his father with whom he resided.

According to police, Christian’s father, Rudy Christian, reported to them

that around 17:00hrs that day he had returned home from an outing and his son had complained that he was not feeling too well. After talking with his son, the man said that he went to sleep.The elder Christian further told the police that around 22:00hrs when he woke up, he checked for his son and found him lying naked on the concrete floor.Yesterday, the newly (Continued on page 16)

Remanded: Dane Bowen.

Joel Morrison called ‘Jako,’ 29, of Pike Street, Sophia, Georgetown; Dane Bowen called ‘Dane Boy,’ 2 5 , a n d E l i j a h Hollingsworth, 25, both of Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, Linden, were on Tuesday remanded for an armed robbery charge.

The trio appeared

Remanded: Joel Morrison.

virtually before Magistrate, Wanda Fortune, in the Linden Magistrate’s Court when the charge was read to them.

Morrison, Bowen and Hollingsworth were charged with robbery under arms, contrary to Section 222 (c) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01.

Remanded: Elijah Hollingsworth.

They were not required to plead to the indictable joint charge which alleges that while being armed and in the company of others; they robbed 57-year-old Diana

Ross.

Magistrate Fortune remanded the defendants to prison and the matter was adjourned to August 28, 2021.

Troy Resources mines...

From page 2 have recently signed an agreement with Barrick Gold for them to explore on part of our concession.”

He posited, “in other words, there is a strong potential sustained mining operations at Karouni; this shutdown is to allow the time to do the exploration and evaluation necessary to support a restart of operations.”Conceding the news of a shutdown would be met as a surprise, and in fact upsetting for all, Connors sought to explain that “this was not a decision that was made lightly but was a necessary one in light of the current business situation.”

It was in May last that the Australian-owned company announced that it faces temporary closure later in the year as a result of the depleted ore being obtained from its primary mining pits. At the time, it said it was exploring purchasing the feedstock for its mill from third party miners. The information was disclosed to shareholders.

Executives in an update had related to shareholders at the time that the primary source of ore delivered to the mill over the last 15

months has been the Hicks 4 open cut pit, while in recent months, a modest contribution also came from the Spearpoint open cut pit.

These pits, the company said, are likely to be exhausted by mid-June or early July 2021.

“The remaining volumes of ore in both pits,” it noted, “are somewhat lower than had previously been expected with a recent internal review of the calculation of model versus actual grade control data identifying a relatively modest unfavourable discrepancy.”

The company stated that in the interim, Troy is exploring the availability of third-party ore for toll treating or other opportunities and said, “…there is nothing further that can be reported at this stage.”

It reported that gold production for the month of April was 2,140 ounces while the production forecast for the months of May and June are 2,400 and 1,909 ounces.

The company said that its production rate is on track to realise at the end of June 2021, an average 2,200 ounces per month for the year.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

PAGE 09

No Congress this year T

he present conditions do not exist for the holding of a face-to-face Congress of the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R). Congress will require the coming together or more than 1,500 delegates, officials and observers.

The COVID-19 regulations would not permit such a large gathering. It is impossible for such a large number of persons to be hosted, with social distancing in place at Sophia.

A virtual congress is an attractive propos ition.

Virtual events have their advantages over face-to-face interactions.

For example, they allow for a large audience, can be less costly, provide greater reach and requires less organisational effort. But Congress is not about greater reach and technology comes at a price.

Hosting a virtual congress may appear to be cheaper if the necessary technological infrastructure is in place; and it avoids the expenses of having to bring large numbers of persons to one location and to provide boarding and lodging for them in addition to meeting their transportation costs.

But technology to host a virtual congress is also not cheap.

And unless virtual congress becomes the new normal within the party, it makes no sense making the financial investment.

There are international companies – none is known locally – which host large

virtual events. But for cyber security reasons, political parties would prefer to own and operate the technology for a virtual event rather than renting the service.

A virtual congress would also present logistical problems. The PNC/R is one of Guyana’s largest political parties with membership in all 10 administrative Regions.

Many communities in far-flung regions do not have internet access to facilitate members’ participation. And even if they can be brought to another location, it would defeat the cost- benefits of having a virtual conference and there is no guarantee also that internet service would be stable or reliable enough to allow their participation in a virtual event.

Congresses are not only about voting in a new executive. It is about reviewing the work of the party, debating issues and the passing of motions and resolutions.

Many of the major decisions to be taken are usually done in plenary. This will present logistical and technical difficulties in a virtual environment.

Voting for positions of a new executive cannot be done virtually. The voting process in the PNC/R is by secret ballot not the show of hands or the casting of lots.

A virtual voting process would violate the secrecy of the ballot. As such, virtual voting cannot be contemplated.

This means that Congress cannot be held under the present

circumstances. The speculation about an October 2021 Congress may be based on the assumption that by then, the pandemic would have abated and the country would have been returned to some form of normalcy.

Well, this is not likely to happen. In fact, the country may be heading into one of its worst waves ever by October given the high levels of vaccine hesitancy and the reopening of schools.

As the numbers indicate, the number of persons receiving their first dose has been increasing slower than moving molasses.

Instead of thousands of persons being vaccinated daily with first doses, only a few hundred are doing so.

With only half the population receiving at least a first dose, and with far less being fully vaccinated, the country is not going to be ready for reopening anytime this year. This is unless vaccines are made mandatory.

The reopening of schools is going to increase the spread of the virus. No virus spreads faster than in schools.

The possibility for a Congress this year is therefore remote. This will disappoint some persons but this is the reality which has to be faced.

No constitutional crisis will result within the PNC/R. The pandemic represents a force majeure to the holding of Congress and therefore the existing executive will have to hold the fort until such time as the situation in

When yuh boys big yuh big! seh...

Dem

Dem boys get invite to a high school reunion. Dem boys so old dat dem boys can’t even remember who is teacher from who is student and who is friends from who is stranger.

And worse of all, who gan come in wheelchair, crutches, with walking cane or who can’t come at all.

When old school friends ketch up after a lang time, de conversation does tun to bragging and boasting. Dem does want show-off how well dem do, how much dem achieve and how much wealth dem get.

Dat is why dem boys nah like guh dem high school reunion. Going to dem reunion is like going to de income tax department. Is sheer assessment tekkin’ place. And dem boys comfortable with de lil two cents wah dem gat and nat interested in nuff wealth. But still deh gat some persons does want to show-

off and exhibit demselves when dem meet dem old school buddies.

It mek dem boys remember de time when four school friends meet one another at a high school reunion. By de time dem greet one another de bragging and showing-off start.

De first friend say, “Yuh see dat bank building across de street? I gan buy it within de next six months.”

De second friend den say, “See dat hotel building next to de bank? I gan buy it within de next month.”

Not wanting to lose out, de third friend say, “See dat shopping Mall next to de hotel?

I gonna buy dat next week!”

All three look over to de fourth friend who, with a smile, tek a lang sip of he drink before saying, “I’m not selling!”

Talk half and remember show-off is for showcases!

the country allows for Congress’ convening.

Sometimes in the mad rush to overturn a barrel, we forget the costs of doing so.

Those who are therefore keen to have Congress to

topple the existing leadership may have a long wait by which time their moment – if ever there was any – would have passed.

(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 22, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Guyana and Cuba: When revolutionaries fade they become detestable Why did it take the Cuban people so long to rebel against a system that for 62 years denied them a decent living that all humans by natural law are entitled to? From 1959, the year of Fidel Castro’s overthrow of Cuba’s dictator Fulgencio Baptiste, to 2021, the Cuban people have lived without modern things of all kinds, including basic food items.

Cuban people have wondered all over this world looking for a better life. We, Guyanese, need to open our hearts to them. Burnham, like Castro, caused their people to become refugees,

desperately seeking survival from each country that took them in.

If there is any nationality that should understand how permanent power destroys the soul of a country, then it should be Guyanese. We, Guyanese, then should display prodigious empathy for the Cuban people. Fidel Castro was a failed revolutionary leader. He failed because liberation never came to Cuba.

What came to Cuba after 1959 was the exact thing Thomas Hobbes wrote about in his brilliant philosophy book, “The Leviathan.”

C a s t r o ’s f a v o u r i t e philosopher was Karl Marx.

But that was a deception.

Castro followed Hobbes’s teaching meticulously.

Castro was the 20th century’s only implementer of Hobbes’s philosophy.

Briefly, Hobbes argued that human nature is so flawed that people will not obey laws and accept a quota of resources that each human should have. Instead, humans will seek to snatch your quota leaving you without. Justice and access to resources are best guaranteed if you have an absolute leader who will

share a social contract with you. He will not harm you.

He will guarantee your access to resources and security. In turn, you must accept his absolutist rule.

But there is a part of Hobbes that readers fail to latch on to.

Hobbes said that once the Leviathan does not bring s e c u r i t y, j u s t i c e a n d resources, the subjects have a natural right to rebel. The Hobbesian social contract was never honoured by Castro. He never delivered stability to the Cuban people and they have gone without the things that the people of the modern world should have access to.

Everything was wrong about capitalist democracy for Fidel Castro. But he didn’t see the flaw in his rule that the world detested. In democratic society, a prince could be toppled by a pauper in free and fair elections. The examples are extraordinary.

A dock worker became the head of government in Poland. An Indian man who was an orphan with nowhere to sleep became prime minister of the largest democracy in the world. In London, an ordinary nonwealthy Muslim beat a billionaire in the mayoral election.

Castro ruled Cuba for 49 years, five months and only stopped governing because colon cancer intervened. In the end, he became a faded revolutionary. He spoke for

five hours at public rallies.

Each Cuban that r e a d a Ti m e magazine was a subversive.

Cubans are protesting and the o f f i c i a l government’s explanation for the Frederick Kissoon cause has been a stuck i n our own country, Moses record since 1959 - the Nagamootoo, Rupert Americans are instigating it.

The English 18th century Roopnaraine, Clive Thomas philosopher, Edmund Burke, a n d E u s i K w a y a n a . w a s d e a d s e t a g a i n s t Roopnaraine became an r e v o l u t i o n . H e s a i d advisor to several Caribbean revolution creates more revolutionary governments, chaos than freedom. The specifically Suriname and history of revolution is an Grenada. In 2015, his party ugly one – in France, Russia, came to power and he Egypt, Cuba, Libya, Algeria, exchanged his revolutionary Y e m e n , N i c a r a g u a , credentials for elitist power.

Suriname, Grenada, Iran, He told his party leaders in Upper Volta (Burkino Faso), the WPA, at the last statutory Ethiopia and Poland the meeting he was ever to revolution disintegrated so attend that as a Cabinet d i s a s t r o u s l y t h a t t h e minister, he cannot discuss revolutionaries killed more government’s business with people than the previous them.

Clive Thomas, whose rulers.

Here in Guyana, the only revolutionary approach to Marxist state in the English- economics, Prime Minister, speaking Caribbean saw its Michael Manley of Jamaica leader Forbes Burnham once sought, came to power transformed Guyana into the in 2015 and the rent he paid only fascist state in the for his office from one of the E n g l i s h - s p e a k i n g Caribbean’s wealthiest Caribbean. There was families is too vulgar to list nothing revolutionary or here suffice it to say it ran Marxist about Burnham. into millions.

Kwayana, in 2020 Everything about him resembled the mentality of discarded his revolutionary Castro – intoxication with clothes and supported rigged elections in order for Guyana power.

Should we not mention, to have a permanent Black government. Long standing r e v o l u t i o n a r y, M o s e s Nagamootoo came to power in 2015. All he did was share out watermelon earning the nickname “watermelon man.”

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

Thursday July 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

Nigeria unable to pin Exxon to oil spill lawsuit

The impacts of an oil spill on a Nigerian river.

- subsidiary ordered to pay US$200M

A

Nigerian court has ordered N i g e r i a n National Petroleum Corp.

(NNPC) and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), which is a subsidiary of Exxon, to pay 82 billion naira (US$199.5 million) in compensation to the Ibeno community of Akwa Ibom State for a series of oil spills occurring between 2000 and 2010. The lawsuit had attempted to directly include MPN’s parent company, ExxonMobil. However, the court disagreed.

According to media reports, the Plaintiffs’ contention was that ExxonMobil Corporation (EMC), though an American-based company, presides over or “holds itself” out as the parent organisation of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), a Nigerian company that engages in crude oil exploration and production in Nigeria. According to the Plaintiffs, MPNU is a shell company and an appendage of EMC and as such EMC should bear joint liability for

the tortuous claims of the Plaintiffs against NNPC and MPNU. The Plaintiffs further contended that the unlimited liability status of MPNU renders it incapable of satisfying any corporate debt that may accrue to the Plaintiffs in the event of a successful determination of the lawsuit in their favour and, therefore, EMC “being the parent company should be compelled to bear whatever liability that may arise from the Suit”.

The defendant in its arguments contended that ExxonMobil is not resident in and has no presence in Nigeria and consequently is not subject to the territorial jurisdiction of Court. In terms of physical residence, the EMC occupies no physical address in Nigeria, “whether as owner, lessee or licensee” of the said space.

The defense also argued that ExxonMobil holds no shares whatsoever in the Nigeria’s state owned Petroleum Company. In its judgment delivered on 21 June, 2021, the Court agreed completely w i t h t h e d e f e n d a n t ’s submissions and held that MPNU is not a subsidiary of

EMC and that the Plaintiffs’ action as it relates to EMC was speculative. The court held that MPNU is capable of defraying the judgment that may arise from the Suit against it, and also found that in any case the NNPC should share the liability with the MPNU and not the EMC. On the basis of the findings and reasoning, the Court held that the EMC was not a necessary party to the Suit and was accordingly struck out.

This in effect served to afford ExxonMobil a reprieve from the finding of the Abuja Federal High Court that the two companies had been negligent in how they responded to oil spills in the community, and consequently had to pay the damages within 14 days.

Failure to do so would result in accumulated interest added to the amount, at a rate of eight percent per year.

Nigeria’s Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) welcomed the court finding and indicated that the ruling aligns with the recent case against Shell, from the

Ejama-Ebubu community, in Eleme, Rivers State. Also reacting to the development is the Executive Director of The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, who described it as a landmark judgment on the long walk to environmental justice and protection of the environment and livelihoods.

“The judgment is significant because payment of compensation to victims of oil pollution will impact positively on the lives of the people of the Niger Delta suffering under the heavy burden of oil spills pollution and destruction of their livelihoods,” he said.

Ojo stated that this and other recent judgments in the Netherlands in favour of Goi and Ogale communities in Rivers State, Oruma in Bayelsa State, Ikot Ada Udo in Akwa Ibom State against Shell in London would galvanise communities to

redouble their efforts at holding all polluters accountable for their deleterious actions.

An Exxon representative had stated that “[MPN], operator of the joint venture with [NNPC], agree with the decision of the court dismissing [ExxonMobil] from the case. We disagree, however, with the court’s holding that MPN is liable for damages and we are considering next steps.”

This judgment is the latest amongst a series of apparent judicial determinations to hold polluters accountable for their actions, and comes on the heel of a recent finding by the Minister of Environment that the country has suffered almost 5000 spills and has lost over four trillion barrels of oil to theft from 2015 to present.

At a town hall meeting in early July organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture, on protecting oil

and gas infrastructure, Mohammad Abubakar, the Minister of Environment disclosed that according to the National Oil Spill D e t e c t i o n A g e n c y ’s (NOSDRA) data, Nigeria recorded 4,919 oil spills between 2015 to March 2021 and lost 4.5 trillion barrels of oil to theft over the past four years.

“Nigeria also lost approximately 4.75 trillion on oil activities in the four years between 2015 and 2018, as estimated by the Nigeria Natural Resources Charter and several statistics have emphasized Nigeria as the most notorious country in the world for oil spills, losing roughly 400,000 barrels per day. Attacks on oil facilities have become the innovation that replaced agitations in the Niger Delta region against perceived poor governance and neglect of the area.”

The Minister also added (Continued on page 15)

BOG to issue 50th Republic anniversary The $100 coin that will commemorate Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary. $100 and $10,000 commemorative coins The Bank of Guyana (BOG) will launch a $100 circulation coin and a $10,000 commemorative coin in observance of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary.

According to information posted in the official Gazette, the coins which feature characteristics of nationhood such as the Canje pheasant, which is the nation’s bird, and the jaguar, which is the national animal, were issued on July 19, 2021.

However the Bank of Guyana’s website noted that the coins will be officially launched

Wednesday, August 26, 2021, by the Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga. The coins will be issued as limited edition, which means just about 1,500 of them will be released for public circulation.

According to the Central Bank, the circulation coin which has a face value of $100 is the first coloured coin to be issued by the bank while the $10,000 commemorative coin is made of 99.99 percent pure silver with selective gold plating and has a selling price of $17,000. Both coins were minted by the Royal Canadian Mint.

The $10,000 commemorative coins to be released in observance of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

PAGE 13

GEA’s licensing practices worrying - Int’l Bank GEA Head, Dr. Mahender Sharma.

T

he actions of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) continue to come under scrutiny, now with an international banker with investments in the local petroleum industry publicly expressing concerns and a United States (US) citizen with investments locally, calling on the US Ambassador to intervene.

This publication over the past week reported on a number of questionable practices being employed by the agency with responsibility for the monitoring of fuel imports into the country and the licensing of dealers in their various classes.

The Energy Agency in a public missive on Monday sought to clear the air on just one of the issues raised by this publication out of a series of articles alleging skullduggery, at the least.

The GEA on Monday responded to an article where SBF International Inc.’s principal, Dorwain Bess, complained about being charged in relation to fuel transactions conducted in September last around the time his licence was cancelled by the GEA. Marlon Campbell, President of Osher International IDG Bank and Trust, in a public missive on Monday noted that, “with all the facts in hand from SBF, I am quite confused regarding the GEA’s intent.”

Deeper Question According to Campbell “If, in fact, there was malicious and/or fraudulent intent on behalf of Mr. Bess and SBF Petroleum, then of course the GEA has a responsibility to involve the proper parties and pursue legal recourse including the suspension of SBF’s licence; however, it is extremely clear that is not the case, here.”

He was adamant, “the instant disqualification of the GEA’s claim, based off an altered date of a lease between SBF and Omai Gold Mine—owners of the land—is the simple fact that the landowner continued receiving 13 months of additional payments from SBF.” According to the International Banker, “this verifies SBF’s position that

an understanding had been reached between the parties regarding the extension of the lease. Furthermore, the owner of the land refusal to issue a definitive statement, in support of the facts, implies that he has possibly been compromised.”

As such, the banker was adamant that “if that is, in fact, the case, then we need to ask the deeper question, why?”

He posited that, “immediately upon receiving all the facts, the GEA had the responsibility to re-activate SBF’s licence; to this day that still has not been done.”

According to Campbell, “as an investor into the

out on an investment(s) that would sincerely improve on the quality of his business, ability to provide additional jobs and opportunities, behind potential acts of maliciousness.”

As such, he has since requested, “that the GEA either re-activate SBF’s license or issue a formal statement, supported by facts, as to why they will not or have not re-activated SBF’s licence.”

He has since further c o m m i t t e d t o internationalising the affairs of the GEA saying, “I will bring this matter to all our American media resources, including CNN and Government Liaisons in

and cancellation of licences, conduct of investigations and institution of criminal charges against named individuals and companies.

According to the Energy Agency, “all decisions taken with regard to the grant and cancellation of licences and institution of charges are done fairly, transparently and in accordance with the Guyana Energy Agency Act and Petroleum and Petroleum Products Regulations which govern the Agency.”

Speaking directly to the S B F I n t e r n a t i o n a l ’s imbroglio, the GEA in its missive contends that the company and its Director, Bess, have been charged

SBF International Inc.’s Dorwain Bess.

Marlon Campbell, President of Osher Int’l IDG Bank & Trust.

Guyana Petroleum industry, I am personally concerned about the position of the GEA. He suggested, “I am extremely excited about the prospect of contributing to the growth of this wonderful country through creating additional jobs and opportunities” and that “Bess is Guyanese and directly affected by this act, which in-turn affects his ability to employ others and grow.”

As such, he posited, “this should not only concern me but all international investors into Guyana.”

Maliciousness According to Campbell, “I would be highly disappointed to see Bess lose

relate to selling the same fuel he was cleared and given permission by the GEA and the Prime Minister to discharge despite his licence challenges at the time.

GEA in its statement pointed out that the company, SBF International Inc., previously named Ly n w i l I n t e r n a t i o n a l (Guyana) Inc., was initially granted an Importing Wholesale Licence in 2011.

In June 2017, the Company submitted documents filed in the Commercial Registry to the GEA indicating that it was no l o n g e r n a m e d Ly n w i l I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tr a d i n g (Guyana) but was now SBF Petroleum Inc. and subsequently in 2019, renewed its licence in the name SBF International Inc., with additional documents filed in the Commercial Registry.

Name Change

both Congress and the Senate.”

Campbell did concede, “I am not aware of the reasons behind the GEA’s position; therefore, the request of a full statement, supported by facts is being requested.”

He noted “our intent is to support a fair and just outcome,” adding that “we hope the GEA will either reinstate the license or make a firm case, supported by facts, why they will not.”

Litigation The GEA in its formal response to the media on Monday said, it has noted with concern a series of articles published in the Kaieteur News between July 13 and July 19, 2021 on matters concerning the issue

separately with offences of wholesaling and importing of diesel without the required licences following investigations into their operations after the c o m p a n y ’s I m p o r t i n g Wholesale Licence was cancelled in September, 2020. The GEA did contend in its public statement that “the charges faced by the company and Mr. Bess for their unlicenced operations are unrelated to the shipment of fuel referred to by Mr. Bess, for which permission was granted by the Honourable Prime Minister in September, 2020.”

Bess in an invited comment reiterated that he calls the actions on the part of the GEA vindictiveness since the charges purport to

As such, Bess responded saying that the GEA’s reference to a name change of company inherently proves his point and contention that person or persons in the “GEA going after me, why?”

GEA in its statement referenced an incident in June 2020, where there was a spill of approximately 59,000 litres of diesel at its then storage facility at Christianburg, Linden and was issued a Prohibition Notice and fined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To this, Bess contends that this position being referenced by the GEA only seeks to reinforce his position, since the matter was fully investigated, the site cleaned and a fine paid to the EPA and as such is irrelevant to the matter at hand.

GEA in its missive claimed too that Omai, in a letter to the GEA signed by the Director, indicated that it had never signed any lease with SBF International Inc. for the period 2019/2020 and a subsequent investigation revealed that the lease submitted by SBF was altered.

To t h i s e n d , B e s s reminded that the said landlord for the facility, despite GEA’s claims, collected 13 months rent after the supposed altered date on the lease and that the police had failed to find any evidence to support the claims.

A criminal investigation into the matter was requested by the GEA.This publication understands that at the time the matter was investigated by the Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Omai Director never presented himself to contradict the allegations.

US Embassy Meanwhile, another fuel dealer, has since also written to the US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch, requesting an urgent intervention into the actions of the Energy Agency.

According to the investor in a letter to the Ambassador, he is a US citizen living in Guyana and investing in Guyana for some 10 years and has since taken control of a fuel trading company in Guyana and had applied to the GEA since April.

According to the investor, the recent reportage in the news with regards GEA is cause for concern, since there appears to be some “uncommon due diligence and awkward delays” in his application (Continued on page 13)

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News Part of the Eteringbang Community located along the Cuyuni River, which is situated opposite the Venezuelan Village of San Martin.

Thursday July 22, 2021

Venezuelan gangs increase attacks on Guyanese miners - Reg. 7 Police Commander Attacks by Venezuelan gangs on Guyanese – most of them miners – plying their trade in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven, have

increased to the point where they are reportedly being threatened to make forced payments.

Commander of the

Region Seven district, Dion Moore, during an interview on Tuesday with the Deputy Director of the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Stan Gouveia, said that the gangs “would stop Guyanese vessels and demand payments.”

Moore mentioned too that on some occasions, “they would threaten them as well” to make the payments. The Commander revealed that the two gangs involved in the attacks on Guyanese are the Sindicatos and the Guerrillas. These two gangs operate from the Venezuela shore mainly in the Eteringbang, Makapa and Kuruchi areas along the Cuyuni River.

In order to counter the attacks, the Commander detailed that joint river patrols conducted by police ranks and members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have been increased in the area. Based on credible information received by this media house, one gang commonly known as “Los Sindicatos” has been operating in the area for the last six years. Its base, according to sources, is located in the Venezuelan Mining town of El Dorado.

The gang’s operation in the Cuyuni district commenced after they invaded a Venezuelan mine called Botanamu. During the takeover of that mine, they had reportedly slaughtered members of a rival gang that was working there and took full control of the area extending their territory with checkpoints along the Cuyuni River on the Venezuela shore.Their checkpoints are located in the Makapa and Kurichi areas. Members of this gang have been accused of harassing and robbing Guyanese miners working in these areas. Some of them had in the past, invaded Guyanese mining camps and carted off many ounces of gold, this publication was informed.Apart from this, they would also attack Guyanese vessels that refuse to stop at their checkpoints.

In 2018, they had attacked a vessel and shot a police rank, Quincy Alexander, who was a passenger on board. That police rank was airlifted to a city hospital by helicopter from a nearby mining camp.

A few years ago, the other gang known as “los Guerrilleros” or “las Guerrillas” entered (Continued on page 16

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

PAGE 15

Elderly man is country’s GDF to help with natural latest COVID-19 fatality disaster plan - Pres. Ali Yesterday, the Ministry of Health announced that an 88-year-old man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, has died. According to the Ministry, the man died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at a medical institution.

As a result of this, the country’s COVID19 death toll has moved to 515.

Further, the Health Ministry in its COVID-19 dashboard reported that within

the last 24-hours, 65 new COVID-19 infections were recorded. This has brought the total number of confirmed cases to 21,733.

Presently, there are 15 patients admitted in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 101 persons are in institutional isolation, 1,093 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine.

To date, 20,009 persons have recovered from the virus.

Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be help in the development of a National Disaster plan to help protect Guyanese and the country’s resources from the effects of climate change.

This was underscored by President Irfaan Ali, according to a government release, as he addressed graduates of the GDF Standard Officers’ Course 52 at Base Camp Ayanganna.

The ranks were told that in addition to securing the c o u n t r y ’s t e r r i t o r i a l integrity, the GDF will play a bigger role in civil protection.

Ranks are currently involved in the Covid-19 vaccination campaign and members were involved in the national response to the

country-wide flooding.

The President noted that this proves that the GDF is suited to support civil protection, disaster preparedness and disaster response operations now and in the future.

He referenced his address at the recently concluded Annual GDF Officers’ Conference where he highlighted that the National Defence Policy will see greater involvement of the Guyana Defence Force in search and rescue operations, disaster response, provision of infrastructural services, in the defence and protection of border communities, in medical outreaches, in response to medical emergencies and in coaching and honing the talents of athletes.

“Guyana has no control over the forces of nature.

However, we can mitigate their effects and plan to better protect our people and assets. In this regard, Guyana will develop a comprehensive national disaster prevention, preparedness and response plan to help protect our people and our resources from natural and man-made disasters.

The Guyana Defence Force will have an integral role in developing and giving effect to this plan,” the President stated.

The new task would not diminish or detract attention from the GDF’s primary mission of protecting the country’s territorial integrity and defending its national sovereignty.

Region 9 REO arrested for allegedly shooting woman

Nigeria unable to pin Exxon to...

From page 12 that, “The impacts of vandalism of oil facilities have not only caused pollution of the environment, but had consequences on the local people, the national economy and security” and that the government had undertaken adequate mitigation measures, including enforcement of relevant laws, regulations and guidelines, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act which sought to ensure that measures were put in place to assist in the reduction of the negative effects and enhancement of the positive

effects on the ecology, health and social wellbeing of communities in project areas.

“It is in the light of this fact that over 1,300 oil and gas projects in Nigeria have been subjected to EIA process under the supervision of the Ministry,” Abubakar had said.

He further stated that the Ministry held periodic interactive sessions with oil and gas operators, focused on the continued degradation of the environment, fatalities and loss of revenue, attributable to the regular and incessant vandalism of oil facilities, particularly pipelines.

In light of the aforementioned,

commentators have recommended that the Government of Guyana take account of the experience of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas industry and seek to minimise the repetition of conditions and factors that have resulted in the deteriorating state of the industry in Nigeria. Both countries are already classified as petro-states, a term attributed to an oil producing country in which wealth, economic and political power are deemed to be in the hands of small portion of the country and in which the institutions are deemed to be widely ineffective or corrupt.

Karl Singh, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine, is currently in police custody after allegedly shooting a woman to her abdomen at Lethem, Region Nine. The incident occurred on Tuesday at about 23:00hrs in the vicinity of the Commercial Zone. The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Gladys Emmanuel.

According to police, Emmanuel was in the company of 33-year-old Singh in a motor pick-up when she was shot to her abdomen.

She was taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital by the suspect where a surgery was performed. The woman’s condition has been listed as stable.

According to reports, police, up to press time, had not interviewed the victim due to her condition.

The suspect was arrested and escorted to the Lethem Police Station and his licensed firearm was seized and lodged.

Investigations are ongoing.

Arrested: Karl Singh

PAGE 16

...Venezuelan gangs increase

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Thursday July 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

Vr e e d - e n - h o o p junction.Place for hair salon, p e d i c u r e , manicure,other.Call:6036400.$15,000 per month.

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Residence:Meadowbank & Ogle.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.

From page 14 the area and had setup its base in the Eteringbang area.

Kaieteur News was told that one of its checkpoints on the Venezuela shore is located not too far away from the Guyanese military base and the Eteringbang Police Station.

Both gangs in their respective territories along the Cuyuni River are said to be involved in fuel smuggling activities and would harass Guyanese miners who use the river to transport their fuel. They would demand that the miners pay ‘tax’ on each barrel. Based on recent information received, the rate is 0.2 to 0.3 grams of gold on each drum of fuel.

Moreover, if a miner or businessman passes through the territory of both gangs, then he has to pay double ‘tax’ - to the Guerrillas and Sindicatos.

According to information shared with this newspaper, a Guyanese who had refused to pay his ‘taxes’ was attacked by members of the Guerrilleros gang who tied him up and threw him into some bushes, leaving him there all day without food and water until he decided to pay.

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...Region 9 teacher’s naked body From page 8 appointed Toshao of Karasabai, Marlon Edwards, told Kaieteur News that just after 22:00hrs that day he was informed by one of the village councillors about the incident with Christian and immediately left for his residence.

Edwards said when he reached, he saw the man’s lifeless body lying at his home, “completely, completely naked.”

“There was a wound to his head and marks of violence to the right side of his abdo-

men,” the Toshao said he observed.

Police stated that the body was taken to the Karasabai Health Centre where it was examined and pronounced dead by the medex on duty.

The teacher’s body was later transported to the Lethem Mortuary where it awaits a post mortem examination.

Edwards, who shared a close friendship with the teacher, explained that he is not aware that he had any old grievance with anyone who

would want to harm him.

The Toshao revealed too that he, along with the village council, will work closely with the police in conducting a thorough investigation into the man’s dead.

The police have since suspected foul play and an investigation is underway.

The teacher, who leaves to mourn his three children and other relatives, was described as a friendly and willing person who showed a lot of devotion towards his profession.

...GEA’s licensing practices worrying From page 13 process.He qualified his position by pointing out to the Ambassador, “I have submitted all documents required plus several documents that were requested in a second request that are not typically part of the requirement per the GEA website.”

As such, the businessman in his letter to the Ambassador noted, “these articles (published in the KN) have raised concerns because during the (application) process there has been some uncommon due diligence and awkward delays.”

In seeking the Ambassador’s intervention, the investor in his letter contended “I respectfully ask for any assistance you can provide to get the import licence issued as soon as possible.”

Uneven hand SBF International Inc.’s Bess, had come forward this past week to bemoan what he insists is not only malicious prosecution, but also persecution by a person or persons inside of the Energy Agency.

This, Bess posited is since his licence was cancelled over an infraction that he concedes should attract a minimum fine that he is willing to pay and move on. But when contrasted against the actions meted out to other dealers caught publicly robbing the treasury of billions of dollars, “it has to be vindictiveness or some other thing.”

He said too, the cumulative actions by members of the GEA have led to his conviction that he is being persecuted by vindictive individuals.

Bess in an interview with this publication noted that his licence was cancelled by the GEA on September 14 last year, and from then to now, he has been unable to conduct any business and his facilities are being left to deteriorate.

The genesis of the licence being cancelled is muddled, but officially begins with that of an altered date on a lease agreement, purportedly with the knowledge of the landlord—a senior executive of Omai Gold Mine’s, the com-

pany that owns the property in Christianburg, Linden.

Permission Bess told this newspaper that at the time the documentation had to be submitted, the Omai Executive was out of the country but had given permission for the date on the lease be altered, in order to renew the lease between SBF International and Omai with the rental cheques being paid in the name of the landlord— the senior executive. This was done in 2019, according to Bess and business continued.

The GEA in a subsequent investigation had claimed to be in possession of a letter from the Omai executive that said, he had no intention renewing the lease. Bess’ counter, however, is that his company officials felt all was well since the landlord was accepting payments on the rented facility and was being provided with payment receipts up until April 2020.

This would mean that the same landlord who claimed to GEA he had no intention renewing the lease, in fact, collected payments for 13 more months to the tune of millions.

Rent at that time on the leased property was $1,590,000 per month. “Our company in representation of fraud allegations issued by the GEA in 2020, explained what had transpired, but our explanations were disregarded by officials of the agency…Instead, the GEA deemed the matter as one of fraudulent nature, and on September 14, last year cancelled, our licence.”

Investigation A criminal investigation was subsequently ordered by the GEA following its internal probe, and the matter handed over to the CID. This publication understands that not only did the police find there was no evidence to support any criminal charges, the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) also recommended that no criminal charges could be laid. This was in December 2020.

The State’s Attorney at the time had advised that no charges be instituted and no

suspension or revocation to follow.

Bess told this publication, he believes that the constant pursuit of court action against his company by the GEA is in order to hold them like a ‘sword of Damocles over his head, in order to ensure the licence is not returned to the company.

The GEA had in August 13 last written to SBF to ‘show cause’ why the licence should not be cancelled and at the same time, refused to clear fuel that had been ordered and paid for prior, and arrived in Guyana while the licence was still in force, “If this is not vindictiveness, what is,” Bess questioned rhetorically, telling this publication “our company in less than two years has paid about $2B dollars in taxes to Guyana’s economy.”

He again questioned rhetorically, “look at those large companies that are not even Guyanese owned that are being caught robbing this country billions through all kinds of means and what happens to them, they get a slap on the wrist.

You don’t hear GEA going after them, so why are they coming after me, a man who born in Belladrum, make a few dollars in the [United] States and come home and invest it.”

He reminded of his investments now lying dormant across the country that includes two gas stations and a number of storage facilities including one recently constructed for the sole supply of a bauxite company, four oil tankers—a contract to the tune of millions that he has lost out on for one year now since the contract imbroglio.

Additionally, the jobs of some 100 persons have been left in limbo during a global pandemic and a company now in debt with a number of investors and other creditors to be paid.

Bess has since exited the Omai facility and has already constructed another facility meeting all of the GEA’s requirements with vessels already certified to load at refineries.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

PAGE 17

GPL to spend additional money to support US$900M gas-to-shore project - Report says

M

uch like the case of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, the publicly touted price tag had always excluded—prior to being exposed by this publication—that the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) would have had to incur its own spending, to complement the project.

The same obtains this time around with the much vaunted gas-to-shore energy initiative being pursued by the Guyana Government along with Stabroek Block Operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana L i m i t e d (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana.

This much is evident in a report commissioned by the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank, into the feasibility of the proposed project estimated at US$900M and done by K&M Advisors which in its findings had recommended that GPL construct a 69 kilovolt (kV), “only evacuation system for initial (lower) plant output, over a single 1927 All Aluminum Alloy Conductor (AAAC) line

constructed between Good Hope and Columbia.”

This, it said, would be needed to be constructed at 115 kV insulation, clearance and strength, along with another 69 kV line constructed at 230 kV insulation, clearance and strength between the proposed gas fired plant and New Sophia.

When those line capacities are close to reaching their limit, the 230 kV evacuation system —according to the report—should be constructed to augment the 69 kV system, according to the report.

This would represent several millions more in additional costs to be added to the overall gas-to-shore initiative—information previously withheld from the project.

The Environmental Protection Agency is currently conducting scoping exercises following an application by the EEPGL for environmental authorisation to proceed with the construction of the pipeline from the Liza field.

Additionally, the Guyana

Government is currently seeking private partners with which to proceed with the onshore aspects of the project through a joint initiative, technically referred to as a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

The Government says it has finalised the Wales Development Zone (WDZ) as the termination point for the pipeline from the Liza Area in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana and as such is seeking private investors or a consortium to be part of the project.

This is according to an Expression of Interest (EOI) advertised by the Ministry of Natural Resources, which said in the invitation that it is calling for joint participation in the proposed gas-to-shore project with the government and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana.

According to the advertised EOI, the government and EEPGL are looking for partners “in designing or utilising the outputs from an NGL (Natural Gas Liquids)/LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

Woman dies after losing control of car on Mahaicony public road The car that was involved in the accident.

Dead, Chandramala ‘Alana’ Singh.

A

nother life was snuffed out following an accident on the Content, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara public road. Dead is 19-year-old Chandramala ‘Alana’ Singh, of Lot 13 Novar Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Singh was driving her motor car PVV 3507 east along the northern side of the road at

Content at a fast rate when she tried to negotiate a left turn. She reportedly lost control of the vehicle and ended up on the southern side of the parapet and collided with an erected Ministry of Public Works signboard before slamming into a utility pole. Public-spirited citizens removed Singh from the vehicle and rushed her to the Mahaicony Public Hospital

where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her body is at the Anthony’s Funeral Home at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice, awaiting a post mortem examination.

Kaieteur News understands that Singh was a former student of the Hindu College and was described as kindhearted and helpful by many who knew her.

An example of the onshore aspect of a natural gas pipeline.

facility and related facilities.”

This includes, according to the Ministry, design, construction, and financing of a power plant fuelled by Natural gas, where the power will be delivered into the GPL’s distribution grid. This is in addition to industries that can utilise Natural gas for, “Natural gas driven developments and growth.”

According to the invitation, interested parties can bid to take part in any of the elements individually or collectively. The Ministry in its invitation noted too, that the decision on Wales was taken after extensive evaluation of multiple sites

with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited/EEPGL. The WDZ encompasses 14,000 plus acres of land of which approximately 1,300 acres will be set aside for heavy industry/gas-related investments. The project, according to stakeholders, is expected to see some 27 kilometres of pipeline being buried from the Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) location to Wales, in addition to some 200 plus kilometres of pipeline from the Stabroek Block where the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel is located.

Additionally, the project will involve the

establishment of a gasprocessing plant (GPP) and a Natural gas liquids facility (NGL) capable of producing at least 4,000 bbl./day, including the fractionation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The private partners will also be expected to take part in the operations of the establishment of a power plant to generate 150 MW, with an additional 150 MW as a second phase in addition to the establishment of an industrial park comprising industries that can utilise gas, steam and/or electricity.

Interested parties have been given up to August 29 to submit proposals.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

Thursday July 22, 2021

Brisbane confirmed as host of 2032 Olympic Games SportsMax - Brisbane has been formally confirmed as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had already made the Australian city in the state of Queensland its preferred candidate and no other hosts were considered.

Brisbane is the first bid to win the right to host the Olympics uncontested since the 1984 Games staged in Los Angeles. The bid proposed 32 venues, with The Gabba stadium, a prominent international cricket venue, set to be refurbished as part of the proposals.

The Gabba is in line to host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the leading athletics events.

India, Indonesia, Qatar, Germany and Spain had all

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Brisbane has been formally confirmed as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games. been interested in hosting the Games but did not advance to IOC board approval, with Brisbane fast-tracked.

Australia has twice staged the Olympics previously, in Melbourne (1956) and Sydney (2000).

Following the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, which started on Wednesday, the Olympics will go to Paris in 2024 and LA in 2028 before Brisbane four years later.

...Edghill & Fowler will be Thursday July 22, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You have strong humanitarian instincts. You think of your fellow humans more than most. This, combined with your intuition and empathy, makes you well suited for the healing professions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You have tremendous creativity inside you, Libra.

Have you begun to use some of it? This creative cycle will last for the next month or so.

Don't let it pass without taking advantage of it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You've been more thoughtful lately and truer to yourself. This is due to your recent introspection. You really can change your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Get excited because this is going to be one great day!

Everything will go your way.

It will seem as if you simply can't lose. At work, team members look to you as the leader.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're feeling confident and more comfortable in your own skin than you have in a long time. You're so accomplished, why are you the last one to acknowledge it?

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It's time to loosen up, Cancer. The planetary aspects bring a new cycle of tolerance and understanding your way. You could use a bit of both.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Remember all those resolutions you made in the past?

It's time to recommit to them.

All signs indicate that you need to take better care of yourself. You've been so busy working that exercising has begun to feel like a luxury you can't afford.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is an auspicious time for you. It gives you the energy and enthusiasm to make the necessary changes in your life. There is a lot of work to do, but you're up to it!

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is a good day for quiet contemplation, Sagittarius.

You may have worried about finances lately, but there's no longer any need to concern yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Capricorn, you're bound to enjoy this day! It's full of possibilities and opportunities. It may begin routinely, but keep your eyes and ears open for hints of change.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Forget about work for a change and focus instead on your love life! This is one area that can really use some attention. There's no sense waiting for your partner to do it. It's up to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You greet the day energized!

Your confidence is at an alltime high because of recent events. You have every reason to be proud of what you've accomplished, especially at work.

From page 23 next will be Keevin Allicock whose first bout is also on July 24.

Even before team Guyana gets into action history will be made since 15-year-old Swimmer Persaud is the youngest ever Guyanese Olympian, while Siblings (400m runner Aliyah) and Jasmine (100m) Abrams are the first sisters to represent Guyana in the same Olympics.

At 22, Allicock is arguably Guyana’s best bet to win a medal for the first time in 41 years since Boxer Mike Parris won Bronze in the Moscow Games in 1980. Allicock is the first pugilist to qualify for the Olympics in 25 years since John Douglas lost in the first round of the 1996 Games.

This Country has participated in 16 previous Summer Olympics Games since its first as British Guiana in 1948.

Guyana’s Delegation: Garfield Wiltshire (Chef-deMission), Angelica Holder (COVID Liaison Officer/Physiotherapist), Deion Nurse (Secretary-General), Aliann Pompey (Athlete Representative), Julian Edmonds (Athletics manager/coach), Denzel Abrams (Athletics coach), Idi Lewis (Table Tennis coach), Sebert Blake (Boxing coach), Shyka Gonsalves (Swimming coach), Aliyah Abrams (athlete) Women’s 400m, Jasmine Abrams (athlete) Women’s 100m, Emanuel Archibald (athlete) Men’s 100m, Chelsea Edghill (athlete) Women’s Table Tennis, Keevin Allicock (athlete) 5257kg Boxing, Aleka Persaud (athlete) 50m Freestyle and Andrew Fowler (athlete) 100m Freestyle

The Brazilian soccer GOAT opened scoring in Tokyo to become the first player to score at 5 Olympic Games Insider - Nearly 20 years after her international debut, women’s soccer’s greatest of all time is still doing what she does best: Scoring goals.

Superstar Marta opened scoring across the entire women’s soccer tournament at the Tokyo Olympics in Brazil’s 5-0 rout of China yesterday. The 35-year-old striker buried a loose ball into the back of the net in the ninth minute of the contest to put her side on the board.

With the first-half strike, Marta became the only player - man or woman - to score a goal in five Olympic Games.

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer - and the record

holder across gender for most goals in World Cup history - furthered the distance between herself and other Brazilian scorers with her 111th career goal and her second of the match - 65 minutes later.

Marta spun her body towards the goal and used one touch to squeeze a leftfooted rocket between the keeper and the near post.

Marta and Brazil are sitting pretty atop Group F, but they’ll face a tougher opponent in just a few days’ time.

Brazil is set to take on the Netherlands - the runners-up in the 2019 World Cup and the fourth-ranked team in the world - on Saturday at 7 a.m.

ET.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday July 22, 2021

Paul De Nobrega wins senior class, Mario Washington cops junior div., Susan Hamilton is top female

Farmsup/Doosan/Team Alanis 45-mile Cycle Road Race

Female winner, Ms. Susan Hamilton being complimented by Farmsup/Doosan Sales Manager Dale Van Sluytman at left is 2nd place finisher, Aneisha Crandon. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Farmsup/Doosan Sales Manager Dale Van Sluytman (left) with the top three Masters Over-50. (Franklin Wilson photo)

By Franklin Wilson aul De Nobrega (Team Evolution) rode a smart race to come out victor of the inaugural Farm Supplies L t d .

F a r m s u p / D o o s a n / Te a m Alanis organised 45-mile cycle road race held on the West Demerara yesterday morning.

With a total of 46 cyclists facing starter’s orders, De Nobrega crossed the line 1 Hour 41 Minutes 25 Seconds to pocket the top prize of $75,000.

A race which was fiercely contested as almost the entire bunch that started ended coming home, quite an unusual tale but with the prize monies very attractive, one can understand. Chasing De Nobrega to the line was Master’s winner Paul Choo Wee Nam (2nd overall$55,000) followed by

P

Kemuel Moses ($45,000), Marcus Keiler ($35,000), Roy Wilson ($30,000) and Ralph Williams ($$25,000) to close out the top six.

The organiser along with the aid of others took some time to sort out the top performers as the amount of riders coming in at the same time posed some challenges to sort out in terms of the correct placing.

The junior winner was Berbice’ Mario Washington ($25,000) of Flying Ace Cycle Club who toped We Stand United Cycle Club’s Aaron Newton ($20,000) and Team Alanis’ Sherwin Sampson ($15,000).

Choo Wee Nam in taking the Masters Under-50 category pocketed $20,000 as he ended ahead of Williams ($15,000) and Monty Lewis ($10,000).

Continuing to dominate on the distaff side is National

Road Race and Time Trials champion, Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club’s Susan Hamilton ($20,000) whose 1:06:26 was well ahead of the second place finisher, 14 year-old Aneisha Crandon of Berbice. The ladies covered a distance of 30-miles as did the Masters Over-50 which was won by Talim Shaw ($20,000) in 1:05:58.

Second was Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson ($15,000) followed by Berbician, Gary Benjamin ($10,000).

The race pedaled off from Schoonard, West Bank Demerara and proceeded to Bushy Park, Parika, East Bank Essequibo before returning to the starting line for the finish. The Ladies and Masters Over-50 turned back at Uitvlugt on the upward journey.

The sprint prizes, worth $5000 apiece, saw Deeraj Garbarran claiming three

with two to Christopher Griffith and one each to Stephen Fernandes, Andrew Hicks, Roy Wilson, Adealie Hodge and De Nobrega.

Prior to the presentation of prizes which took place at Farm Supplies Limited, Rome Access Road, Mc Doom, Greater Georgetown, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle was on hand to deliver brief remarks. He expressed thanks to sponsors Farm Supplies Ltd. for the support to the sport whilst also thanking the cyclists for making the event a success.

“Farm Supplies we want to thank you ever so much and to also let you know, just as Farm Supplies is in your corner, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport is also in your corner.”

Ninvalle stated that what the Ministry has been doing led by the astute leadership of Minister Charles Ramson

Battle for 2nd to 6th places led by Paul Choo Wee Nam (left) and Kemuel Moses (right). (Franklin Wilson photo)

Jr. is to have regular meetings with the various association/federations.

“I can tell you, being in the ministry for among 14 or 15 years, this is the first time that I’m seeing this sort of vision, this sort of inclusiveness because of the fact that the ministry would not be able to sit by itself and understand what is going on in sports but we have to meet with the executives and the administrators to better see how we could support.”

Whilst advising that the nation can look forward to seeing a meteoric rise in the way sports is done in Guyana, Ninvalle implored on all present to see the value in being vaccinated against covid-19.

“It is a serious scourge that is hurting this country and the world and we could play our part by each and every one of you getting

vaccinated. I hope the administrators of cycling can meet with you and also try to pass this down again.”

Sales Manager of Farm Supplies Ltd., Dale Van Slutyman, a former National cyclist in his remarks expressed the company’s delight at being able to support the sport by hosting this event which they have promised to do on an annual basis.

“We are very, very proud to be a part of this and especially the Managing Director, Mr Renger van Dijk. It was pending for some time due to the covid which we are still experiencing but at the end of the day we came through as a company and the brand Doosan. We are going to try and hold this event every year and we are glad to be on board with the cycling federation.”

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

PAGE 21

Milwaukee win first NBA title since 1971, Antetokounmpo named Finals MVP (Reuters) - The Milwaukee Bucks, powered by a masterpiece from Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, ended their 50-year wait for a second NBA championship with a 105-98 win over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

With the victory, the small-market Bucks clinched the NBA Finals 4-2 and became only the fifth team to win the best-ofseven championship series after losing the first two games.

Antetokounmpo was named most valuable player of the series, making him only the fifth international winner, after scoring a playoff career-high 50 points in the clinching game that will surely soothe the Bucks’ recent history of playoff letdowns.

“This is a feeling, like

this is an addictive feeling,” Antetokounmpo, who was born in Greece to Nigerian parents, told reporters.

“I love playing in the playoffs. I love playing in the Finals. This is the moments I want to chase. I want the team to build off this and hopefully we can do it again.”

Phoenix overcame a slow start and led by as many as seven points early in the third quarter but could not contain the dominant and determined Antetokounmpo down the stretch.

Suns guard Chris Paul had a team-high 26 points.

For Phoenix, who were seeking their first championship in the team’s 53-year existence, the defeat marked the first time all season they have lost four consecutive games.

Unlike last year’s NBA

Finals when the celebratory screams of the Los Angeles Lakers echoed across an arena void of fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bucks’ win kicked off a wild party for both a capacity crowd of 17,000 inside and the 65,000 supporters who attended a watch party outside the arena. “ We m a d e i t , w e crowned a champion,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said during the trophy presentation.

“I have to say, playing through a pandemic required enormous resilience from all 30 teams. Thank you to every team and every player in the league for a tremendous season.”

SHAKY START Both teams got off to a shaky start that saw poor shooting on both ends of the court and plenty of turnovers

Brazil police release Boca Juniors team after stadium brawl Military police stand guard by a bus carrying Argentina’s Boca Juniors soccer team which is parked outside a police station in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Wednesday, July 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Players of Argentina’s Boca Juniors spent the night in a bus outside a Brazilian police station before being allowed to leave yesterday following a brawl with security after their Copa Libertadores penalty shootout loss to local Atletico Mineiro.

Police in the city of Belo Horizonte said they had questioned six members of the Argentine delegation, two of whom were fined 3,000 reals ($575) each for damages. The other four were charged with bodily injury and contempt and are supposed to appear in court at a later date.

Police did not release the names of those fined and charged.

The fight erupted as players from Boca Juniors returned to the locker room after the Tuesday night game. Video footage showed members of the team

throwing punches and portable railings at security personnel. The team apparently was infuriated by a goal that had been disallowed by a video review offside call.

The Brazilian club said on Twitter that Boca players had also tried to break into their locker room and that they destroyed water coolers and railings.

The Boca delegation had been expected to fly back to Argentina that same night, online news site G1 reported, but the team bus was taken to the police station instead.

The bus was finally allowed to leave the police station around midday local time.

On Tuesday, Atletico Mineiro had said its chairman, Sérgio Coelho, negotiated with security forces so that Boca players would testify to police about the incident without the risk

of getting arrested.

Santiago Mayor, spokesman for the military police in Belo Horizonte, told the Argentine TyC Sports channel that three Boca Juniors players had been identified as attacking security personnel, though he did not identify them.

Juan Román Riquelme, Boca’s vice president, complained to the same channel that security people weren’t letting the players return to the dressing rooms.

Both matches of the round-of-16 clash ended goalless, but Atletico Mineiro won 3-1 on penalties Tuesday night to advance. Boca Juniors players and executives were furious that a goal was annulled after a video review.

Atletico Mineiro will face one of two Argentinian clubs in the next stage. River Plate and Argentinos Juniors drew 0-0 last week.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the fourth quarter during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports) but Milwaukee, powered by Antetokounmpo, led 29-16 after the first quarter.

Phoenix, facing elimination for the first time in the 2021 playoffs, shook off their lowest-scoring first quarter of the postseason as they turned up the defense while Paul led the offense and the Suns took a 47-42 lead into the half.

The Suns opened up a seven-point lead early in the

third quarter but the Bucks responded with a 16-6 run that put them back in front.

From there the teams went back and forth and took a 77-77 tie into the final quarter.

But Milwaukee, whose only other championship was a four-game sweep of the Baltimore Bullets in 1971, never trailed the rest of the way as Antetokounmpo took over on the offensive

end to deny the Suns’ a chance to host a decisive seventh game.

“Everybody in that locker room knows we had enough, but it wasn’t enough,” Paul told reporters.

“So, we got to figure it out. I think for me I just look at myself and figure out how can I get better, what I could have done more and make sure I come back next season ready to do it again.”

‘When the lights shine bright, Shelly won’t back down, Shericka has something for somebody’ - Why former Olympic champ sees Jamaica 100m sweep SportsMax - Former 100m world record holder and Olympic champion Donovan Bailey believes Jamaica’s women could sweep the blue ribband event in Tokyo.

Heading into the women’s 100m, it is the Jamaican trio of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson who have clocked the fastest times over the distance this year.

Out front, is reigning world champion and twotime winner of the event Fraser-Pryce, with her best time of 10.63, which was recorded last month. The time was the second-fastest time ever recorded over the distance and fastest in 33 years.

Next up, reigning Olympic champion Thompson-Herah has a season-best of 10.71, a run that she recorded a few weeks ago.

American sprinter Sha’carri Richardson is next on the world’s top list with her time of 10.72, which was

recorded in April.

Richardson will, however, miss out on the Games after testing positive for marijuana last month.

Jackson, formerly a 400m specialist, had a breakout performance in the sprints last month where she recorded a personal best of 10.77, at the country’s national trials where she was second behind Fraser-Pryce.

The fourth-fastest this year, by an athlete, and certainly puts the 27-year-old firmly in the conversation.

“The women’s 100m will be won by Shelly-Ann Fraser, that’s my personal favourite. I really think Jamaica has the opportunity to sweep. I think Shericka Jackson has something up her sleeve,” Bailey said during the SportsMax.Tv special series Great Ones.

“We know Elaine will be there, but I think Shelly-Ann is going to get up and keep Elaine out, but I think Shericka Jackson has something for somebody,” he added.

In addition to their fast

times this season, all three Jamaicans have the experience of standing on the medal podium. Fraser-Pryce won the event at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, while Thompson-Herah won the 2016 edition. It will be J a c k s o n ’s f i r s t t i m e competing at the event, but she claimed a bronze medal in the 400m at the 2016 Rio Games.

“I was looking forward to this race because I really wanted to see Sha’Carri Richardson under the spotlight with the greatest sprinters of this generation. I was looking forward to that,” Bailey said.

“The men’s final is open but the women’s final for me is a little more straightforward. When the lights shine bright, ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce will not back down.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Sweden’s Costa Rica edge Jamaica to women claim Group C at Gold Cup stun U.S. with 3-0 thrashing in Tokyo opener

Madelen Janogy (left) of Sweden in action with Tierna Davidson of the United States.

(REUTERS/Edgar Su)

T

OKYO, (Reuters) - A pair of goals from Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius spelled catastrophe for the United States yesterday, as they suffered a shock 3-0 defeat in their Tokyo 2020 debut.

Fifth-ranked Sweden put the pressure on almost immediately with three shots in the first eight minutes, as the four-time Olympic gold medalists showed little sign of the stellar, 44-game unbeaten run they had enjoyed since 2019.

Forward Stina Blackstenius converted in the 25th minute, rocketing a header past U.S. keeper Alyssa Naeher with an assist from Sofia Jakobsson. The goalie had five saves in the first half as a dominant Swedish forward line crashed through the Americans’ defences.

Midfielder Rose Lavelle nearly equalised with a header in minute 45 off a corner kick from Christen Press but hit the post.

The addition of veteran midfielder Julie Ertz did little to revive the U.S. in the second half, as Blackstenius again scored in the 54th minute.

Thursday July 22, 2021

The match was personal for Team USA: The Swedes knocked the four-time World Cup winners out of the tournament on penalties in the quarter-finals in 2016.

But their much hoped-for revenge in front of 48,000 empty seats inside the Tokyo Stadium was not to be, as forward Christen Press missed a wide open net at close range midway through the second half.

Swedish midfielder Lina Hurtig then heaped on more pain with a clinical header to give her side a three-goal cushion a minute later, ending the United States’ hopes.

“We (have) developed our game and our play,” Blackstenius said after the match. “We have so much quality in every player.

Every player is also very different from the other.”

The Rio defeat marked the U.S. team’s earliest exit in Olympic history, after previously reaching the final of every edition of the Games since 1996, when the w o m e n ’s e v e n t w a s introduced.

The two sides drew 1-1 in an April friendly, the only blemish to the United States’ 2021 record of 11 wins in 12

matches and a prescient warning of the challenges the team would face in their 2020 Tokyo kickoff.

“We played a little bit tight and just hurt ourselves a lot,” said 2012 gold medallist and veteran forward Megan Rapinoe.

“They took their chances, got into better space and inevitably scored more goals.”

The defeat was the United States’ first under head coach Vlatko Andonovski, who took over from Jill Ellis in 2019.

“It is a tough result, a tough situation to be in. I don’t remember this team has ever been in a situation like that,” he told reporters after the match. “It is a bit of a shock but everyone is positive. We still have games ahead of us.”

The pandemicpostponed Games kicked off earlier Wednesday with a victory for the Olympic hosts, as Japan’s softball team walloped Australia 8-1 at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium.

The United States next face New Zealand in the group stage, while Sweden play Australia, both on Saturday.

Stina Blackstenius of the Sweden celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates as Alyssa Naeher and Abby Dahlkemper of the United States react. (REUTERS/Edgar Su)

Jamaica’s Lamar Walker (left) stumbles as he fights for the ball during the CONCACAF Gold Cup football match between Costa Rica and Jamaica in Orlando, Florida.

A

FP - Bryan Ruiz’s headed second-half goal was all Costa Rica would need to beat Jamaica 1-0 and claim first place in Group C at the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament on Tuesday at Exploria Stadium in Florida.

Costa Rica, who survived a red card to their goalkeeper Leonel Moreira, needed only a draw to win their group but got the win anyway.

Ruiz scored in the 53rd minute after taking a pass in the box from teammate Ariel Lassiter.

Moreira was sent off in the second half after being called for a handball outside the penalty box, in the match

which was delayed for over two hours due to bad weather in the Orlando area.

The loss of Moreira left Costa Rica with just 10 players on the field for the final 20 minutes of the match.

Elsewhere, Qatar shut out Honduras 2-0 to capture Group D and reach the quarter-finals.

Homam Ahmed and Abdelaziz Hatem both scored for Qatar, who will next face El Salvador in the quarter-finals.

Ahmed struck to give Qatar the lead in the 25th minute of the match. It marked the third straight match in which the champions of Asia opened the scoring. Hatem capped

the scoring with his second of the tournament, five minutes into second-half stoppage time.

Honduras needed just a point to win the group but instead they will now face Group A winner Mexico in the next round.

Suriname beat Guadeloupe 2-1 to record their first ever victory in the Gold Cup event in a game in which both sides were already eliminated from the knockout round.

Nigel Hasselbaink scored the winner in the 79th minute, dribbling through traffic to make it 2-1.

Neither team had a chance to advance after losing their first two Group C matches.

Lloyd Rollins supports Colin Mc Ewan dominoes Lloyd Rollins has supported the Colin Mc Ewan birth anniversary dominoes competition which is set to be played later this month at Turning Point.

Rollins has sponsored the second place trophy and said he is pleased to be part of the competition.

Among the teams set to take part are TNT, Gold is Money, All Season’s, Mix Up, Providence, West Side and Turning Point.

Lloyd Rollins displays the trophy.

Kaieteur News

Thursday July 22, 2021

PAGE 23

Sinclair’s fight night now set for December in Guyana O

Gairy St. Clair displays his belts.

Says focus remains putting Guyana’s boxing on the map

n a chilly w i n t e r ’ s morning in the southern Sydney suburb of Gymea, Gairy St. Clair sends his Saturday morning boxing cardio class on their way amid an exhausted, but upbeat, flurry of fist pumps and high fives.

As he gathers up the fitness equipment and prepares to close Gairy St. Clair’s Boxing Gym for the weekend, the former IBO and IBF world champion is feeling excited and content after the success of his Harper’s Superhero Fight Night and witnessing the achievements of his gym members and friends.

However, his homeland of Guyana is never far from his mind.

Not a day goes by where Gairy St. Clair doesn’t think about how fortunate he is, and how he is living a life beyond his wildest dreams.

As a young boy in Georgetown, he was aware that his future was uncertain and that every day was a blessing. It wasn’t until he first saw the sport of boxing on his uncle’s television at the age of nine that he allowed himself to dream of one-day becoming world champion.

It is these humble beginnings that are the drive behind St. Clair’s mission is to make sure that every boy and girl in Guyana believes that they can do whatever they want, and be whoever they want in life, regardless of where they come from.

“I want to give all these young kids a chance and I want to show them that if I can do it, they can do it,” St.

Clair says. “I was world champion, and I want to show these kids that as long as you put your head down and do the right thing, you can also become world champion. Not even a world champion in boxing, you can be whatever you want to be.

As long as you work hard and have the discipline, you can do it.”

St. Clair, who will receive the honour of being inducted into the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame later this year, is currently hard at work organising an international fight night in Guyana that he believes will put his country back on boxing’s world map.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19 in the past year, nothing will deter him from giving back to the country that he loves.

“I want to bring world titles to Guyana,” he says. “It goes back to the saying of ‘If you build it, they will come.

If we have these events in Guyana, it will bring the world there. Everyone will be watching. It will do amazing things for the sport and for the country.”

Born on February 2, 1975, in Georgetown Public Hospital, Gairy St. Clair is used to fighting for the things he wants, and not just in the boxing ring. Growing up as one of nine children with an absent father, he found his calling when legendary Guyanese fighter, Cliff Anderson saw promise in the young St. Clair and took him under his wing. Anderson became his first trainer and his (Anderson) wife welcomed the young boxer into their home after every

training session with a meal of bread and butter, cheese and milk; A meal which was a treat for St. Clair.

He represented Guyana on the world’s stage at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in British Columbia, Canada, and turned professional the same year.

Even though he had travelled to the United States to further his career, it was a call from Australia that sealed his d e s t i n y. S y d n e y - b a s e d boxer, Kostya Tszyu was in need of a sparring partner and St. Clair was ready to answer the call.

“I knew nothing about Australia,” he says with a laugh. “The only thing I knew about Australia then was that they played the West Indies in cricket!”

As he played an instrumental role in the Russian-Australian becoming world champion, St. Clair’s natural talent and skill caught the eye of Tszyu’s trainer, Johnny Lewis. Lewis believed that St. Clair had what it took to become a world champion himself and became his trainer.

“My journey to becoming world champion was very hard, and I worked harder than I ever had on anything in my whole life,” he said of his road to the top.

“The way I became world champion was the hard way, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

He achieved the greatest achievement in boxing in 2006 when he challenged and prevailed against Cassius Baloyi for the IBF Super Featherweight title.

The time following his win

and new world title was a time of jubilation among him and his team but was then followed by a time of uncertainty.

After achieving his dream, St. Clair was unsure about what to do next in his life. He had achieved the highest honour in his sport and, like many athletes in the same position, struggled to find a new purpose in his life.

It was a chance meeting in a Sydney club that changed his life.

“I didn’t know what I was doing with my life, and was wandering around getting in trouble until I met a wonderful, wonderful woman by the name of Alishar Tuhetoka,” he says with a smile, as he mentions the name of his partner and the mother of three of his children. “She told me that I had to put the same effort and dedication as I put into becoming world champion, into my life. It was then that everything started to turn around for me.”

St. Clair became a trainer himself at a corporate gym in Sydney City, following in the footsteps of those who had helped him along the way. With his knowledge, skills, and upbeat personality, he was instantly popular with aspiring young fighters and gym members.

It was inevitable that he would open his own boxing fitness gym, Gairy St. Clair Boxing Gym. Today, the gym is a southern Sydney breeding ground for some of boxing’s brightest rising stars and has seen such names as George Kambosos Jr train on site.

The next step for St. Clair

was to promote his own fight nights, which have grown to be a major calendar event.

The fights have been used to not only elevate the careers of promising fighters, but also to raise money for a cause that is very close to St. Clair’s heart.

At the beginning of 2019, Gairy and Alishar lost their young niece, Harper Wright to brain cancer. The first fight night of each year is now held in her memory, with proceeds going to the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick. The most recent Harper’s Superhero Fight Night was held on June 4, 2021, with $7,200 being donated to the children’s hospital. The next Gairy St. Clair Superhero Fight Night is scheduled to be held in Sydney in October.

Gairy St. Clair is a busy man, but his focus still remains on putting boxing on the map for Guyana.

Despite the obstacles caused by COVID-19, St. Clair and his team are looking towards holding an

international fight night in Georgetown in December of this year.

There have not been any boxing promotions in Guyana in over two years due to financial constraints.

For Guyanese fighters, this is a major problem, as boxing is a professional sport and they are losing their fighters to the United States as there is no money in the country for boxing.

St. Clair has been in talks with the Guyana Minister for Sport, Charles Ramson, who has said he will do everything he can to support the fight and bringing the sport back to the country.

“I love my country, and there are a lot of great kids there- a lot of great young boxers,” he says. “I want to bring two world titles to Guyana and by doing that it will do so much good for the country. It will bring money into the country, but it will also help bring the sport back there and make it a place that is known for quality boxing.”

Edghill & Fowler will be Guyana’s flag bearers - Allicock, Edghill to go into action on July 24 in Tokyo

Garfield Wishire

By Sean Devers Garfield Wiltshire, the Chef deMission of Team Guyana on Tuesday evening, informed that while the Officials are already in the Olympic Village the seven Athletes have not arrived in there as yet and are scheduled to do so on Friday July 23 (today in Guyana) since Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of Guyana.

Swimmers Aleka Persaud and Andrew Fowler and their Coach Shyka Gonsalves, arrived in Tokyo last week Wednesday but are at a preOlympic Training Camp at the Preparation Section Olympic &

Paralympic Division in Izumi-cho, Tachikawa-City, Tokyo, Japan.

Seven athletes, five coaches and four officials forms Guyana’s delegation to the Olympic Games which starts today (Guyana time) with the opening Ceremony and conclude on August 8.

According to Wilshire, speaking with Kaieteur Sports from the Olympic Village in Japan, the flag bearers of the Golden Arrow Head will be Chelsea Edghill, the first ever Table Tennis player to represent Guyana at the Olympics and Swimmer Andrew Fowler, who

participated in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Wiltshire, theTreasurer of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), revealed that the National Olympic appointees who will attend the Olympics are now mandated to have a COVID-19 Officer, and in consultation with the Guyana Physiotherapy Association they have identified Angelica Holder to perform both roles.

Wilshire, a former Southern Caribbean Squash Champion, added that four-time Olympian Aliann Pompey has travelled with the team

as the Athlete Representative.

“The biggest challenge to date was dealing with the issues and protocols associated with Covid 19 throughout of our trip and also to enter the Olympic Village. But I think we dealt with those issues very well,” posited Wilshire, son of the late former National Cricketer Colin Wilshire and father of National and Caribbean Junior Squash Champion Shomari Wilshire.

Wilshire said the first athletes who go into competition would be Chelsea Edghill on July 24 and then (Continued on page 19)