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Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
Worker injured after Quarry living quarters goes up in flames A
34-year-old w o r k e r attached to BK Quarries Inc. on Thursday afternoon suffered first and second degree burns about his body after the company’s apartment building he was staying in went up in flames. According to information released by the police, the fire reportedly started sometime around 14:45hrs. that day, when the Venezuelan worker (who was not named) was asleep at the time. The worker who was the only one in the building at the time reported that he was awakened by the fire which had already started to destroy a section of the building. Upon seeing this, he immediately raised an alarm with other workers who then responded with an onsite water tender to extinguish the fire. After efforts were made to extinguish the fire, the worker who managed to escape the
burning building with burns about his body was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital for treatment and was subsequently admitted. In the aftermath, 10 rooms in the building were completely destroyed. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, BK’s Public Relations Officer, Adam Harris, said that an investigation is still underway to determine the origin of the fire. He added that the injured worker is no longer a patient of the hospital as he was discharged. When asked where the workers who occupied the now destroyed building would be housed, Harris explained that there are other living quarters within the Quarry mines where they would be accommodated. The Guyana Fire Service and the police have since launched an investigation into the incident.
The aftermath of the fire at BK Quarry which occurred on Thursday.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
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After 10-year court battle...
ExxonMobil ordered to pay Puerto Rico US$25M for contaminating island U
nited States (US) Overseas Territory (OT)—Puerto Rico—has scored a win against US oil major ExxonMobil Corporation, following a decade long battle, in which the island’s administration had alleged that the company contaminated the island’s groundwater and environment through its operations there. The US District Court for Puerto Rico has since approved a US$25 million settlement in Puerto Rico’s favour as part of a lawsuit filed more than a decade ago against ExxonMobil Corp. and Esso Standard Oil Co. claiming that the companies contaminated the island’s groundwater. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, through the Environmental Quality Board, had filed a complaint against ExxonMobil twice
— in June 2007 and in September 2013 — which were moved to the US District Court for Puerto Rico. T h e i s l a n d ’ s administration in its complaints claimed that the company used methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a gasoline additive that permeated into the island’s groundwater, potentially through underground storage tanks. To this end, the judicial complaint order signed by Judge, Silvia Carreno-Coll, established that ExxonMobil will pay the Government of Puerto Rico the US$25 million settlement in five installments, with the first expected to be paid 30 days after the effective date of the settlement. The next four payments will take place on or before the first day of each successive quarter.
The order, according to international reports, “establishes that Puerto Rico will use the settlement to pay “to repair, restore and replace injured or lost natural resources…or permanently protect the natural resources…or to investigate and remediate contamination in Puerto Rico, including surveillance, monitoring and treatment of the waters…or for paying oversight and administrative costs,” among other requirements. M e a n w h i l e , ExxonMobil has since agreed to launch a Risk Based Corrective Action Pilot Program to investigate and complete clean-up actions throughout Puerto Rico in coordination with the EQB, which seeks to categorise the company’s sites and identify appropriate initial responses and provide guidance to Exxon on the
Agri. Minister signs $428M in contracts to boost the sector’s performance
O
n Thursday, the Ministry of Agriculture signed $428M in contracts to boost the sector’s performance. Of that amount, $84M will be used for the procurement of a pontoon and two hydraulic excavators which will operate in the Pomeroon River, Region Two. This will allow the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to execute critical drainage works, the Ministry stated. Kaieteur News understands that this project will be completed by VR construction Inc and Guyana Tractor and Equipment (Guytrac). Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha was keen to note that the foregoing is representative of the Government fulfilling its commitment to the people of Pomeroon. This newspaper understands that the remainder of the monies are to be used by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for the supply and
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha
delivery of asserted materials for the construction of new punts, which are fabricated at the central workshop, located at the Albion Estate, in EastBerbice Corentyne. David Persaud Investment Limited and Gafsons Industries Limited received these contracts for the development of the Rose Hall and Albion Sugar Estates.
steps needed for a timely completion of the clean-up agreed in the order. ExxonMobil Corp. has in recent years been plagued by a number of climate change related lawsuits including one here in Guyana filed by two Guyanese, through their lawyers. According to the case, which lists Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC, as a representative for the State, the High Court is being asked to determine whether ExxonMobil’s operations violate the
Constitutional right of current and future generations to a healthy environment. The first applicant, Dr. Troy Thomas—a Scientist and a University of Guyana lecturer—while the other, Quadad de Freitas, is a young man from the South Rupununi Region of Guyana, an area rich in biodiversity, now threatened by climate change. According to Dr. Thomas in the lawsuit, “Guyana is a carbon sink. The Guyanese people are not responsible
for climate change, but we are already suffering the effects. Climate change, ocean acidification and rising sea levels pose existential threats to the people and State of Guyana. As a scientist, I urge people to look at the evidence and to face reality.” The legal team consists of Attorneys-at-Law Melinda Janki and Ronald Burch-Smith, with support from Queens Counsel (QC) Richard Lord, at Brick Court and Joshua Jackson of Cloisters in the UK.
Region 7 man in custody for raping teen
T
he Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported on Thursday that a 25-year-old man from Region Seven was taken into custody for allegedly raping a teenage girl. According to the report, the act was committed during the month of April 2021, on a 16-year-old girl, at a local store in the Region. There, the man reportedly demanded sex from the young girl who refused. The media release stated that the suspect then overpowered the teen and allegedly raped her before making good his escape. After the matter was reported to the police, the suspect was later captured and taken into custody. An investigation was
subsequently launched into the alleged incident. It should be noted that this horrible episode occurred just days after Commander of Region Seven, Superintendent Dion Moore revealed that there is a 30 percent increase in rape matters in his district for the year so far. Commander Moore who made the disclosure during his appearance on the Police & You programme with moderator Stan Gouveia explained that for the year so far, there has been a record of 16 reported cases of rape when compared to 12 for the comparative period for last year. Additionally, yesterday the police in a release stated that a 32-year-old man was taken into custody for the alleged sexual assault
committed on a 15-year-old girl. According to the information reaching this publication, the act was committed on Thursday in the Region One. An investigation into that matter is underway. Also on the matter, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie at a recent award ceremony highlighted that overall the Force recorded a 70 percent increase in rape cases for the year thus far. The Top Cop had noted, “While there have been decreases in other serious crimes for the period January to June this year in comparison to the similar period last year, the offences of rape has seen an increase of 70% with figures of 90 last year compared to 153 this year.”
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Saturday July 24, 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
Why are legitimate complaints and disagreements unwelcomed? There is a growing danger in this country, which goes over the heads of most Guyanese. Citizens who dare to object and speak a different language are targeted for vilification, or worse. The independent media is targeted for squeezing and other punitive actions, some on the sly, others under official cover. And the latest is where Guyanese workers in the oil-related shore-based sector are targeted and made examples of, so that their former colleagues can beware and behave themselves. Surely, our democracy is, in different forms and to different degrees, becoming more and more a sinister reality, a dangerous one. Late last week, we shared the story of some brave, agitated Guyanese workers, who felt that they are being treated differently, with inequality and unfairness resulting. In a few short days, the axe fell: dismissal without any notice given, any reason tendered. What do we have here, but a managerial mentality more of medieval times, that brooks no objection, no disagreement? What do we have in Guyana, and now showing its ugly face, if not a low-level return to the oppressions of indentured labour, and where workers subject to inequitable treatment and dirty tricks of owners and operators had better keep their peace, or be ready to pay the price? That is, summary dismissal. We cannot have a government that condones the suppression of workers’ rights, the violations of rights of citizens to speak their mind, once they do so honestly and accurately. We cannot have, and we at this paper will not stand for, foreign companies and their foreign owners partnering with local political players in the PPP government to devastate the spirit of Guyanese workers fighting for what is due, and what should be, in fairness and rightness. The early attempts at fixing, by the Chinese owners and operators of Aurora Gold Mining, Inc. (AGM) of some of the serious issues raised by its Guyanese workers are welcomed as good first steps. AGM did right and is applauded. The expectation is that more of the same will follow and be sustained. On the other hand, what the owners and management of Guyana Shore Based Inc. (GYSBI) did in summarily dismissing Guyanese workers complaining about unequal treatment relative to pay is wrong every time. It is dead wrong, and we at this paper make no bones about where we stand: we condemn the company for this draconian action. Guyana is not a gulag, or slave labour camp. And for members of the management of GYSBI to be so audacious as to ignore our calls to get their side of the story says so much that is denounceable about them. We repeat the questions of before, if only to drive home the point, which we made earlier. What is really happening in this country, when foreigners come to exploit our riches and treat our people like serfs and beggars? Where are our government leaders, and where is the Ministry of Labour? What kind of bargains and assurances have been given to greedy foreign predators that they think and feel that they can do anything that pleases them, and then will be allowed to get away with it? Like we said, we are watching this to see where the Minister of Labour and his Ministry goes on this. Every step of the way, this ugly development will be followed, since we believe that if these dismissals are allowed to stand, then they would represent the beginning of more and more arrogant mistreatment of Guyanese workers by foreign companies and their onsite managers. It is our belief that an arrogant government fuels the actions of these foreign companies. After all, the managers at GYSBI are watching, and cannot miss how the PPP government operates in other areas, whenever Guyanese stand up and speak out. Local broadcasters are now at the centre of the bullseye of government leaders over licence fees. Many of those squeezed think it is a pressure tactic to compel silence and submission to the government’s line. In other words, no dissension, and no unpleasantness publicised. We know about that through workers poached and our own website under constant attack. We will not cave, we will not yield, we will fight.
Fear - a hidden Guyanese sickness Dear Editor, Something alarming registers about the paranoia that plagues and paralyses great numbers of Guyanese. It is a national secret that Guyanese are crippled by chronic fear, live in constant dread of leadership known, and unknowns. The source of their fears, believe it or not, is this current PPP government, and what allpowerful leaders can author, outsource. Citizens have justified fears about government’s handling of this oil wealth, but they are fearful of saying anything that could put them on the wrong side of PPP strongmen and their henchmen. Whatever PPP leaders say it must be (on anything) then that is, and heaven help those daring to dissent. Guyanese are so fearful that proven PPP supporters have difficulty taking a different tack in
public on issues they don’t agree with, or wrongdoing that disturbs. There exists the rational fear that party leaders would ‘get them’ and make them pay harsh prices, for their lapses, no matter how minute; most fear, even doctors, lawyers, accountants, others. It should be noticed that I didn’t say ‘irrational’ fear, because the fear that used to characterise PNC hegemony is now more widespread; the command-and-control mindset of PPP leaders is almost absolute in reach. Since PPP leaders watch everything, see and hear everything, and know everything, nobody is free to think anymore, and say what is on their minds, even when such is soaked through with incontestable truth. The only truths that Guyanese are comfortable of thinking about are those that they keep deep inside themselves,
those for which they must be loyal soldiers and join the bandwagon, even when obviously devious. The media fears lawsuits politically weaponised. Citizens fear political leadership retaliation for frankness. Civil society fears (few excepted) fears blacklisting from honest disagreement. Guyanese dread speaking openly on the phone, because of overpowering qualms about government agents listening and targeting later. This well-entrenched fear has been around under every government; but today, the PPP has carried to unprecedented heights. Citizens are uncomfortable speaking out against contractor, police officer, public servant, neighbour because he is a known PPP man; therefore, there could be hell to pay. Meaning untouchability and steep
prices for personal folly, with the law effectively neutralised. Public service professionals have been reduced to flunkies, for if they mutter a fair objection, there is the anxiety that such is being noted, could be blownup and misused with terrible consequences later. Hence, Guyanese have gone into self-protective modes when candor, courage, and conscience should be at a premium, since those are the pinnacles of any bona fide democracy. One observable fallout from such a frightened state is that conscientious citizens are only at home speaking in representative groups on any issue that troubles, including benign ones. Only a few step up, the rest refuse to be made into examples due to overwhelming fears, all wellfounded. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Energy sources should be a wide mix, from fossils to renewables Dear Editor, Much is being written about electricity supply, it is not going off too often, and its cost for households, commercial and industrial purposes. When I came to live in Manari in the Rupununi in 1993, the first things I sourced for a more comfortable lifestyle were solar panels and a wind charger to produce 110-
voltage electricity supply. I soon discovered I’d also need to have a 12-volt dc controller, a dc to ac inverter, and the most important of all, a 12-volt dc deep cycle battery or bank of batteries as large as I could afford. All this technical stuff is more readily available now than it was then. I learnt many things about the 12-volt dc high speed wind charger I bought, as well as the
knowledge one must acquire to understand how to take good care of the 17 solar panels I purchased, the controller, the inverter and, most important and very vulnerable of all, the battery. Solar panels and wind chargers are really fantastic inventions, once the sun and the wind are available. When the sun’s light shines on solar panels they produce
electricity. When that light from the sun is no longer there, they stop producing electricity. The same goes for the speed and power of the wind to spin the wind charger. Wind stops, or dies down, no electricity. The great challenge, then, and remains to this day, is to find a means of storage of this variable electricity that is far larger (Continued on page 5)
Amerindian Village Councils require training to account for all resources Dear Editor, Amerindian Village Council elections were held within the last few months across Guyana and without a shadow of a doubt, these high-stakes elections were critical for both the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC as the Indigenous vote is critical to the outcome of any general elections and both of the political heavyweights have their eyes set on 2025. Control the Village Councils and one’s party will control the Indigenous vote. That is why past and present governments have thrown financial and other resources at Indigenous communities in their quest for unwavering political support. But while this strategy has served the government of the day well, it has only increased the dependency syndrome which Indigenous people have long grown accustomed to. Over the years Village Councils across Guyana have rarely been audited, if at all,
despite receiving millions of dollars annually. In addition, other material resources such as tractors, buses, boats and engines and all-terrain vehicles have been given to villages almost on a yearly basis. Obviously, most of the funding that Village Councils receive are taxpayer dollars. As such, are the taxpayers of the country receiving value for their money? S u c c e s s i v e administrations have been hesitant, it seems, to touch village leaders who have gone rogue for the fear of losing political support. Many villages have suffered from years of financial mismanagement. Yet the status quo remains. An example would be the forty million dollars that recently went missing from the Orealla Village Council. No one from all indications has been held accountable. The Orealla Village Council example is just the tip of a very large iceberg. If audits were done of all
Councils across Guyana today, many would be shocked at the findings. What does this mean in the context of good governance that many Indigenous leaders get away with financial misdemeanours that would see others behind bars? The current administration, which has a questionable track record of dealing with corruption and a Minister of Amerindian Affairs who many have complained of as being aloof and out of sync with the realities of the many social and economic problems facing Indigenous communities, must make efforts to start streamlining Village Councils to be more efficient. Efficiency begins with greater financial accountability. Financial accountability means adopting financial best practices and dealing sternly with those who mismanage village funds. The government must also look at
raising the stipends of Toshoas and Senior Councillors, as those positions are full time and these village leaders often have to forsake family, educational and economic responsibilities to get the work of their communities done. A village leader who receives a stipend that he or she can live on is less likely to stick their fingers into the proverbial cookie jar. Village Treasurers should be adequately qualified, trained and remunerated to ensure quality of service. It is time to stop throwing money at our indigenous people but to start ensuring that they are adequately prepared to develop and better their villages. A holistic approach in this regard is needed instead of political shortsightedness, which continues to be a millstone around the necks of Guyana’s first people. Yours sincerely, S. Fredericks
Saturday July 24, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Opposition infighting reflective I wish Mr. David Granger of leadership failures at all levels would defend his good name Dear Editor, The motions of no confidence against the leader of the PNC/R and the Coalition, Mr. David Granger, are likely to backfire, in a big and ugly way, because those, who have tabled the motions, and are seeking to run for office, are part of the failings and failed leadership of the party. It is not only the leader who has failed but also the entire leadership; they must bear collective responsibility for the mess, which they have all created and for what they put this country through for months. Therefore, none among them has any moral standing to table those motions. The entire Central Executive Committee must go; they have failed the people. They attempted to rigged and then put the
country through five months of uncertainty. It cannot be right for them to now gang up against one when, in fact, they are the problem. Now they appear like knights in shining armour pretending to want to save the party from the path of destruction they set it upon. They should resign en bloc. The entire pack should go. In any case, what give those, who are challenging Mr. Granger for leadership, the idea that they are better than him or can actually do a better job than he did over the last decade? They must tell the people of this country. And if Granger is removed, which one of those challenging him can take the place of leadership. We have seen how some of them performed in ministerial positions, miserably poor.
Others are indiscipline. The current party chairman has shown a pattern of mistakes. Yet, they want Guyanese to show confidence in their unknown abilities to lead a formidable opposition and work with the government in a way that would benefit all. I believe that they are basically illusionary. Finally, any move by individual aspirants of leadership to oust Granger that is not in keeping with the party’s constitution will be discredited, fail and blow back in the faces of those who are involved. More importantly, they should tell us what the party’s constitution says about such matters of no confidence motions and publicly vilification of the leader. Anthony Subner
Total nonsense Dear Editor, I would like to bring to your attention the nonsense that is going on in this country. I took a loan a few years ago from Bank of Nova Scotia to construct my home. As a requirement, I had to get Fire Insurance of which I went to my insurance company and took out same. Recently, I received a call from my insurance company to remind me of the due date of my policy, in that conversation I was told by the representative that if I do not pay the premium on time, Scotia Bank will automatically take out the insurance at another company. I then contacted the bank and ask if this was so, I was advised by my loan officer that there’s a new system in place that once the bank pays the premium for the customer that will replace the coverage with another insurance company out of Trinidad. I honestly see this as being unfair and a case where Guyanese rights are being taking away from them slowly. I don’t know this
company, how can they tell me where to do my business? Isn’t this total nonsense? It seems like the government wants to see another CLICO fiasco. I will be sending a copy of this letter to the insurance regulator of Guyana. Concerned citizen
Blindsided Dear Editor, Two cases of public officials in private misdemeanours, caught my attention. In the first instance, it is posited the official allegedly involved in a shooting incident should be sent on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. In the other matter, the off duty police using a private vehicle while moonlighting as a taxi driver, offering a service, ought to know that it is illegal to use a private vehicle for public use. Shamshun Mohamed
...Energy sources should be a wide From page 4 and longer lasting, than even the best and biggest battery bank available in any part of the world. Unfortunately, human science presently has not come up with that much needed alternative to batteries, lead acid, lithium, or any other type. There’s plenty work to be done there. A similar situation faces human beings with our need for electricity through the use of a gasoline or diesel generator, and in particular electricity power companies large ac generators and alternators systems. Fuel must be fed to them, or they stop running. Wave power is no different. In other words, none is capable of continuously producing electricity without something being fed to them. This also goes for hydroelectricity. The water is abundant, we get electricity. The water stops,
or slows to a crawl, electricity goes out. Indeed, there is no such thing as any one electricity power source that just keeps on producing. None! Which brings me to the 1960s, when I lived in Barbados and a bit of crude oil and plenty natural gas were found in the parish of St. Philip? Pipes were amazingly quickly laid and natural gas was piped to ever more homes as time went by. What I remember vividly was the average gas bill for the average Bajan home plummeting to nine or 10 Bajan dollars per month. For Bajans that, too, will go on as long as the natural gas keeps flowing. The economics of how long the supply will go on has to be determined, and if found to be time feasible, the Barbadians did the right thing to invest in their gas. In our Guyanese context, with populations spread over a
larger area than Barbados, a sensible and variable mix of electricity supply power sources has to be the answer. The challenges are many, and our Ambassador to Washington, former Prime Minister and President Samuel Hinds has cleared those up for me. He has written about that need for that mix of renewables, hydro and gas. Yours truly, Eddie DaSilva
Dear Editor, The attempts by some members of the PNC executive to tarnish the character and attempt to oust former President David Granger from the party is something that cannot go unnoticed, for it is the act of sheer evil rooted in wickedness and deceit. Editor, since August 2020, I have seen a consistent attempt by many to publicly attack former president Granger. I am not usually one to write letters but it was shocking to note that instead of the usual well wishes that would greet us all on social media when it is our birthday, on Mr. Granger’s birthday, he was greeted by a distasteful letter speaking about his “character” and then an online programme where everyone sought to malign him even further. While I am a supporter of the coalition, I am not a member of any party and I believe that the coalition is what Guyana needs. I believe former president Granger is a man of integrity and honesty and it is for that reason I am penning this letter to confront the evil that I believe lies within the PNC. I believe that this attack on Mr. Granger has nothing to do with poor leadership but more so his stance against those in the PNC who assisted in leading him down a dangerous path during the 2020 elections. Let us examine what exactly transpired during that time, which I believe is the reason for the PNC’s current status quo. Based on the information that has been in the public domain, it was clear that Volda Lawrence was in charge of managing Georgetown for the elections, while Basil Williams was in charge of the East Coast. These two PNC “stalwarts” inability to manage an elections campaign led to the coalition doing worse in a Region that it has consistently won by large margins. While overall, the coalition won Region Four, the PPP, through rigging or not, was able to reduce the gap they would usually win by in the region. No one has even asked how Basil, who was in charge of Region Four, ECD allowed 49 ballot boxes to not have the information that is required. It is my view that
the mishandling of Region Four by those who were in charge must take some amount of responsibility for why we are where we are. I believe that President Granger was lied to during the declaration process by his own people, hence a lot of the decisions, which he made did not sit well with many and in some instances were contradictory. I believe he was told that the Coalition won the elections; however, with all of the craziness that was going on, he wanted the results to be declared in the most credible manner, hence his actions. As I said in the beginning, I believe Mr. Granger to be a man of integrity and honesty and had he been made aware of the true results, we would not have had to endure what we did in 2020. My belief is that Ms. Lawrence and her team tried to cover up their Region Four failures, while suggesting to Mr. Granger that the coalition won the elections. I do not believe that it is by coincidence that Ms. Lawrence hurriedly signed what appeared to be a doctored tabulation/ declaration of Region Four and couldn’t produce her party’s copies of the SOPs. I do not believe it was by coincidence that President Granger signed off on a recount order in an unusual manner and against the wishes of those challenging him now. I believe that he suspected that something was afoot, and he wanted to ensure that if he were declared president, it must be based on credible results, which is what he was saying all along. After the recount, I believe that President Granger got a clear understanding of what was going on in his camp, but he was also faced with what was obviously an orchestrated plan by the PPP to ensure election victory and so his members then chose to mount a fight for valid votes only. What was clear is that
both sides made a pass to secure a win, the recount has shown that the PPP plan was executed way before election day, while some PNC members recognising a loss was upon them made the most ridiculous attempt to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat. I do believe that after all that was exposed, former President Granger had developed trust issues with many in his rank as any honest and decent person would, and he realised that he had some serious decisions to make, hence the makeup of the current opposition MPs in parliament and the sidelining of many. Ask yourself this question, is it that only now some PNC executive members know of and experienced Mr. Granger’s leadership style? Why didn’t they oppose him running for a second term? My belief is that the issues came up after the elections based on his decisions not to go down the path some of his own PNC members wanted him to go and that is the very reason for the attacks on his leadership and character. They have managed to get members of the public to agree with them because there were those who lied to their supporters about winning the elections and then laid the eventual loss at the feet of Mr. Granger and his inability to fight against the purported enemy, the PPP and those from the west, when he also had to contend with the enemies within his own party. Why would Mr. Granger let go of the reins of power as president to fight his own party comrades? There must be more in the mortar than the pestle. While some may be deemed wicked and deceitful in the executive, Mr. Granger is certainly not one of them. I wish he would come publicly with the truth of the matter and defend his good name against those that seek power for selfpreservation. Yours respectfully, Andre Belgrave
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Saturday July 24, 2021
Kaieteur News
Open letter on NIS to Dr. Ashni Singh Dear Editor, I wish to commend H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and the entire Cabinet for their aggressive efforts to improve the lives of the Guyanese people. I share these remarks in light of Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh’s recent undertaking to journey the length and breadth of our beloved country in various outreaches to speak with and listen to those who have issues concerning NIS. This initiative resonates well with me because, for decades, I have been fervently advocating, via my many articles and commentaries, that serious attention be paid not only to the internal affairs of the NIS, but for issues that I hope to address in this letter. We have long heard of employees stealing from their employers, but in recent years, we are seeing a rise in the number of employers who steal from their employees. This occurs when they deduct NIS from their employees’ salaries and fail to pay them to the relevant authorities. This deceptive behaviour is a widespread and pervasive issue that directly affects thousands of workers each year. The lack of NIS benefits to contributors is of great concern because when they need them, they disproportionately harm workers, with many of them resorting to the streets in their senior years due to their inability to support themselves. Some persons even suffer from depression and frustration as a result of the bitter realisation that they have toiled all their lives and now, when it is time for them to get back something, they are devoid of the benefits to which they are legally entitled.
This is made even more painful by the fact that families, regrettably in current times, expel these persons who do not have any sort of money to augment the family’s financial circumstances. It is tragic when employers maliciously forsake workers in their golden years, expecting that the government would spring to their aid. Not everyone realises this but when NIS contributors are cheated out of their benefits, not only do they and their families suffer, but the government suffers as well. In this case, the government is obligated to provide more funding for social welfare programmes in order to cover the gaps left by employers. This heinous crime may even have an effect on the NIS’ balance sheet and ability to deliver services and collect payments on time, placing the NIS in jeopardy of bankruptcy. This is unfair to the NIS, while these unscrupulous employers profit at the expense of their employees. Years ago, we recall the government seeking to decentralise watchmen from the government security contract and, as a result, creating a system in which the union was given the option to start a security and cleaning company. While that Union was given tremendous support and opportunity at the time, the PPP/C government, which meant well, was abused by the Union, resulting in mass theft of workers monies for over seven years while workers were denied their rights and benefits. This consequently led to national chaos and crisis in people’s lives. This company later filed for bankruptcy and went out of business, causing misery for all of its
employees. Another security service in central Georgetown, after the former GRA Commissioner advised the government and the authorities that the security company should be wound down, the owner, being a late lawyer and military officer, simply declared bankruptcy, changed their name, and then went back into business with another name. Despite these atrocities, they still seem to be getting dozens of contracts, some with hundreds of security guards around the country in the regional system and other government contracts. Further, I believe that a lack of sufficient investigators is especially problematic, especially when there is no enforcement body to probe these matters. I am of the conviction that the penalties are inadequate to punish such unscrupulous employers. I have been advocating this for decades without receiving a response from any administration - present or
former – but I am pleased that this government is now taking action. To add to their efforts, I respectfully propose the following solutions: 1. The laws governing the NIS must be severely criminalised. 2. Heavy prison terms, confiscation of properties and bank accounts, not just to recover the debt but also to bolster the NIS’ finances. 3. There is a need for more dynamic, trustworthy investigators who cannot be corrupted. 4. Imprisonment. I am of the opinion that once these laws are criminalised, the money will start pouring in, and employers will start volunteering to pay. I trust that while the government examines people’s complaints through Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, they should focus on strengthening the laws and blocking these culprits, thieves, and bandits in suits and ties who pose as security services and businessmen in this country while defrauding the NIS and the working
class. From 1992 until now, I have indicated to the previous governments that they can proceed to private criminal suits for the time being, while the laws are being reviewed and prepared for parliament so that the president may affix his signature. Nonetheless, Dr. Irfaan Ali appears to be the only President since then, who has the strength and spiritual fortitude to ensure that these actions are taken, and laws are modified to suit. It must also be known, that many such security services and other similar sectors have mastered the technique of bidding below cost to win projects, as we have witnessed with this one security services. They are able to do so because they recurrently steal from employees to make up for their deficit. This, in my opinion, disadvantages competitors who adhere to the law, like my company. I implore Dr. Ashni Singh to look into this matter. Examine if workers are
receiving the NIS benefits to which they are entitled. Further, I wish to reiterate that this writer advocates for stricter laws that would punish employers who steal their employee’s NIS. I advocated for this in one of my previous articles, “Jail the thieves of NIS, PAYE, and VAT,” which was published in the various print media entities on November 28, 2020, in which I expressed that employers who steal from their employees should face a penalty of jail or an extremely heavy fine. I, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan, believe that no company should be allowed to obtain a competitive edge by defrauding its workforce. A business should not exist if it cannot succeed without breaching the law. Consequently, these fraudulent companies must be blacklisted! Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.
Because we care programme is an investment in the future Dear Editor, On July 15, President Ali Administration launched its “Because We Care” programme, which will benefit 172,000 students across Guyana. The government will inject a record G$3.2 billion into assisting families by providing $4000 to buy school uniforms and an additional grant of $15,000 to help with other supplies. I can’t think about a better way to spend taxpayers’ dollars. In one stroke, the Administration is setting out a plan for the continued development of Guyana by having a skilled and educated workforce. Sadly, almost immediately APNU-AFC came out shooting from the hip. Their criticism is that the programme is a “waste” of the State’s resources. I would have
expected that from the APNUAFC, everything is seen through the lens of politics, but not from the Guyana Teachers Union. Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) General Secretary, Coretta McDonald is quoted in one of the dailies as saying “If you do that for five years, check and see how much money this Government is wasting foolishly.” She offers no alternative to this plan. I would like to point Ms. McDonald to some recent studies that were done by the Brookings Institute (Pulliam and Reeves, 2021), which clearly documents the rewards to society and economy by investments in education. While the study was done to evaluate the Biden child tax credit plan, we can extrapolate to also see the benefits for us
in Guyana. President Ali’s plan does exactly this, which is impacting future generations. According to the study, when you invest in children, you cut child poverty significantly, especially among the poorest in our society. Helping our children will have immediate benefits such as improving educational outcomes through higher test scores, improved socio emotional health for children and their relationships with parents. In addition, the student’s body mass index increases. The study also suggests that the long-term effects are improved human capital, which benefits everyone in our society. Some will argue that the allowance disincentives
parents from securing employment. There are no studies that I have come across that show any correlation. This is a red herring argument. In fact, several reputable peer reviewed studies show that unconditional payments for children show the opposite. As an educator and parent, I do agree that more needs to be done. The Ali Administration should increase future grants to students and may want to consider a monthly grant, as oil revenue increases, to children who are in school. Investment in our children and their education is the best way to improve our nation. Sincerely, Sherlock Depoo, MBA; M.S. Ed.
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N L U BL BLUNT. B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B . T L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . . LU ...BLUN B T . . . N T U N L U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B . L . . B . T . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday July 24, 2021
Kaieteur News
It seems like it is hunting season on Guyanese workers.
Company after company, all foreign, take advantage of Guyanese workers, treat them like dogs, and then kick them out the door. The latest such company is Troy Resources which operates in our natural resources sector. Locals are fired to make way for foreign expatriates. Where is our Labour Ministry? Where is our labour movement? Isn’t it time for a showdown with these foreign predators that come here and rip our wealth from the land, and then kick our people in the teeth?
When will this eye-pass stop?
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Saturday July 24, 2021
Kaieteur News
Ex-cop committed to stand trial, other walks free Sagga murder …
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our years after b e i n g c h a rg e d with the October 2017 killing of Godfrey Scipio known as “Sagga,” former ‘Best Cop’ Derwin Eastman, was yesterday committed to stand trial in
the High Court for murder. However, the matter was discharged against former constable of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Jameson Williams. Eastman and Williams were jointly charged in
December 2017. The matter was being heard in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Senior Magistrate, Fabayo Azore. On November 27, 2020, Magistrate Azore had stated that sufficient evidence was
Ex-con, Aubrey Bobb. presented to the court for the duo to be implicated in the murder – a prima facie case was made out against Eastman and Williams. As a result of the ruling, Eastman and Williams opted to lead their defence. Earlier this year, both men commenced calling witnesses to lead their defence. Following this process, Magistrate Azore committed Eastman to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes, before a judge and jury, and the matter was discharged against Williams. According to reports, Scipio of Lot ‘ZZ’ 22 D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, had been selling at the Berbice car park for several years, and was known for wearing lots of gold jewellery. According to the police, he was shot in the chest as he was leaving a city hotel on October 27, 2017. Ex-con, Aubrey Bobb, 27, of Kitty, Georgetown, was the first to be committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of the businessman. After Bobb was arrested for the murder, he implicated Eastman and Williams in the crime. Bobb alleged that Eastman was the
Dead, Godfrey Scipio known as “Sagga.”
Walks free, former cop, Jameson Williams.
Former ‘Best Cop’ Derwin Eastman.
mastermind behind Sagga’s murder, since he allegedly provided the weapon. Police had stated that Bobb was nabbed at his William Street, Kitty, Georgetown home, which is located a few buildings from where the killing occurred. Kaieteur News had reported that CCTV footage of the attack helped investigators to identify and track him down. Bobb allegedly told detectives that he was in the area, and saw
Scipio, who was wearing a gold chain, enter the hotel. At the time, Bobb claimed he was armed with an icepick, but later decided that a gun would be more effective. It was also reported that when Scipio exited the hotel, Bobb relieved the businessman of a gold chain and shot him. Bobb was committed in 2019 to stand trial in the High Court, but is still in jail awaiting the commencement of his trial.
Playing with matches causes house to go up in flames After returning home from his aunt with a box of matches, curiosity caused a young boy to set fire to his parent’s residence. According to a police report, 33-year-old Odessa Limerick, resided with her reputed husband and her son, in a two storey wooden and concrete building at Lot 12 Calcutta, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The woman reportedly left home for work on Thursday at 06:00hrs., leaving her son at home with her husband. However, about 09:30hrs., Limerick received a cell phone call from her aunt stating that her house was on fire. As a result,
the victim left work and went to confirm her aunt’s words. When she arrived, she saw that the house was completely engulfed in flames. The Mahaica Fire Station was summoned and its firefighters managed to extinguish the fire. When questioned about the origins of the fire, the victim’s six-year-old son stated, in the presence of his mother, that he went over to his aunt’s house and picked up a box of matches which he took home and lit on the mattress in the back room of the upper flat. No casualties were recorded and investigations are ongoing.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
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More children will die Herd immunity is needed to arrest the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Herd immunity refers to the threshold of persons needed to develop immunity in order to stem the spread of the virus. Once a certain number of persons in a community become immunised, either through vaccination or having being infected and recovered, then the disease spread is slowed. For example if 80 percent of the population develops immunity, it means four out of every five persons will not get sick, and eventually this will stop the spread of the disease. This is why the government is seeking to vaccinate 80 percent of the population. This is their threshold for herd immunity. If they achieve this target through vaccination or through immunity developed by recovered patients, then the pandemic will end and normalcy restored. The evidence shows that vaccination is extremely effective in preventing the severe form of the disease which can lead to hospitalisation and deaths. In fact, while a vaccinated person may still get sick from the virus, he or she is rarely likely to be hospitalised or die. Just recently the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA said that 99.5% of those who died over the past six months were not vaccinated.
Dem
boys seh...
Vaccination is working. While the infections due to the Delta variant have been increasing, for example, in the United Kingdom, deaths h a v e b e e n l o w. On Wednesday, the United Kingdom (UK) recorded a staggering 43,907 new infections but only 73 deaths. In contrast, Brazil had 27,896 new cases on Tuesday and 1,425 deaths. The reason for the low death toll in the UK is vaccination. While only 17.1 percent of Brazilians have been fully vaccinated, 54.8 p e r c e n t o f t h e U K ’s population have been fully vaccinated. Almost 70 percent of the population of the UK have received at least a first dose as compared to 45.8 percent in Brazil. Less than two weeks ago, 70,000 persons were able to attend the Euro 2020 soccer finals in Wembley. And just recently England and Pakistan played to full house in a T20 match at Old Trafford. Vaccination is allowing the British people to return to normalcy; it is doing the same in the United States. In the meantime, the second limited overs match between Australia and the West Indies, which was scheduled to play to an empty stadium in Barbados, had to be postponed because of a non-playing member of the West Indies Team tested positive. Vaccination, however, is not perfect. No vaccine is 100 percent fool proof. You can still contract the virus if
you are vaccinated. But given the high efficacy levels of the vaccines available, it is not likely that more than two out of every 10 persons vaccinated will contract the virus being fully vaccinated. Vaccination is also necessary to achieve herd immunity. Once Guyana reaches herd immunity, the virus will be unable to spread. But herd immunity appears now to be impossible given the high incidence of vaccine hesitancy. But even if everyone who was eligible to take the vaccine did so, herd immunity would still not be achieved. Herd immunity cannot be achieved at present because more than 30 percent of the population is under the age of 18 years. There are no vaccines for the under 18s. What this means is that if every adult takes the vaccine, the maximum number of persons who can be vaccinated will only be 70 percent. The government says that 80 percent is the target for herd immunity. Presently 244,365 persons have had first doses in Guyana. This is less than one-third of the population. And in terms of second doses, only 129,361 persons have had their second dose; this is 17 percent of the population. Guyana is therefore a long way from reaching 70 percent of the population. Even so, the numbers who are presently vaccinated would help to drive down deaths. Deaths may be high
People get accustomed to cash grant
When de Worst Possible Alternative seh dat de people must get cash grant from de oil money, de HAP-New was nat pleased. Dem know dat de contract dem sign nah gan be able to pay much, so when it comes to mekkin a decision about de cash grant dem start fuh pussyfoot. But people done get excited. People thinking oil deh; big money deh. And dem want dem share. So dem start fuh press fuh cash grant. And so de Hap-New talk how dem nah rule it out. De Pee Pee Pee See now tek over and dem start sharing out cash grant. And dem nah touch de oil money yet. Under de law, dem can’t touch um, until it reach a certain sum. But dem finding money here and there fuh pay cash grant. Dem start with a $25,000 per household. And now dem paying $19,000 per child. And de Vee Pee seh it gan reach $50,000. But wah mek dem boys surprise if how de
Hap-New nah like de school cash grant. But dem too bin promise a grant fuh education. Dem bin talk how if yuh send yuh pickney to school, yuh gan get de grant. Some parents did seh how dis is like putting de cart before de horse. Dem seh dem need de grant fuh buy uniform and pencil and fuh pay transportation. So dem nah want no money after register mark in school. Is all of dah mek Soulja Bai lose. He gat fuh know dat when people accustomed to the Pee Pee Pee freeness, yuh can’t tek it away. Dat is why nuff ah dem solider and police did vex when he tek back de one month salary bonus. And dem get mo acid when de Hap-New pay a Christmas bonus and den de next year chap it in half and den de next year seh no money nah deh fuh pay bonus. Talk half and enjoy de lil cash grants wah sharing out!
now but imagine how higher it would have been had there not been this tremendous effort to provide vaccines. The unvaccinated section of the population will continue to be exposed to the risk of contracting the virus, getting severely sick and even dying. This will happen until the country gets to herd immunity. We know that a few children have succumbed to this vaccine. And the Ministry of Health is saying that younger persons are now becoming more severely infected and requiring hospitalisation. Even in the best-case scenario, some more children will die. We can
help to reduce the deaths of children by ensuring that every adult is vaccinated. The closer the country gets to the herd immunity threshold, more children lives can be saved. The figure for herd immunity can be lowered if there is a reduction in the reproduction number – the number of persons each person infects. A lower reproduction number would mean a lower herd immunity number. This is why wearing masks, staying at home and keeping social distance and lockdowns are just as important as having everyone vaccinated. The voter turnout in Guyana was over 70 percent
at the last elections. But the turnout for vaccines so far is only 50 percent. Politics it seems is more important than safety. Until herd immunity is achieved, every adult has a duty to get vaccinated. If persons do not want to get vaccinated, at least they should do it for those children who will die until the herd immunity threshold is reached. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
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Saturday July 24, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The GHRA and the indecency in and of Guyanese society
T
he Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has replied to my “constant banging,” that is, m y c o n s i s t e n t condemnations of its silence the past two decades. Not by any standard, can a researcher or analyst conclude that the GHRA has functionalism. I have always postulated a position on the proliferation of knowledge in Guyana which I will continue to do – citizens, social activists and intellectuals must respond to the echoes of society by
people whose questionable record needs to be highlighted. In its response to me in yesterday’s KN, the GHRA has displayed a certain type of attitude which has confirmed all my accusations against it the past umpteen years. I will enumerate each manifestation of pathetic emanations 1- GHRA indicates that it is false to say that it did not condemn the 2020 rigged elections. Whoever wrote the GHRA’s letter is a barefaced person. From December 2018 with the no-
confidence vote (NCV) all through the horrible manipulations of the Region Four tabulation in 2020, the GHRA has been silent. 2- The GHRA noted “More objectionable are the attacks on the many decent people – not powerful people of course, they’re offlimits.” I would give my very soul for the GHRA to tell me who are the decent people my pen has been directed against in this society. All the board members (if they exist) could easily access the work of French p h i l o s o p h e r, J a c q u e s Derrida. He birthed the
philosophical methodology of “deconstruction.” If the GHRA reads Derrida, they will see that all those words and terms that we inhered from centuries ago had false premises. When we deconstruct them we see the deceptive nature and we arrive at clearer meanings. So who is decent in Guyanese society? What does “decency” denotes? What are its essential features? 3- GHRA announces that it has a 12-person board. I am betting the continuation of this column that those 12 persons will never, never come forward and identity themselves publicly. The reason is fear of facing accusation of being indecent, of being associated with a defunct organisation, of being accused of silence when incredible constitutional corrugation and rigged national election almost destroyed Guyana. 4 –The GHRA revealed that successive editors of the Kaieteur News have not published its press releases (20 per annum). Maybe the GHRA does not have friends in Kaieteur News like the Stabroek News who are willing to use journalism to keep paper organisations alive. Journalism has obligations to its sacred
principles. Why should a nonexistent human rights body be given coverage in the media Frederick Kissoon when the purpose of its press releases is to p owerful people since the deceive the citizenry t h a t i t i s a l i v e a n d NCV in December 2018 right up to this moment. But I functioning? A political party, a have to apologise to the human rights entity, a civil GHRA for accusing them of society organisation must n o t c r i t i c i s i n g t h e s e earn its publicity by its powerful persons. You see all the press releases that the activism in society. In a country like Guyana, Kaieteur News did not carry where all types of rights did indeed carry criticisms of violations from all types of these powerful people. But people cascade like fountain the Guyanese people will water, a human rights never know about these organisation will not have things because the Stabroek News which is a friend of the time to scratch its head. 5– The GHRA says that I GHRA did not publish those eschew commentaries on condemnations either. So powerful people. Well that what is the explanation? Those condemnations were has to be a joke. P o w e r f u l p e o p l e never made. F i n a l l y, t h e G H R A disregarded the NCV for one entire year. Powerful people accuses me of castigating the attempted to rig Guyana’s Stabroek News. In my 33 national elections for five years of media experience, I c o n s e c u t i v e m o n t h s . am competent to comment Powerful people lied to on the media. Glenn Lall, Adam Harris Guyanese and told them a Russian team came to rig the and other well placed people 2020 poll. Powerful people in the media have their went up Region Five and faults. But give me them any day in preference to the incited violence. T h e r e s u l t s w e r e editorial leadership of the mayhem and destruction in Stabroek News. (The views expressed in which all the victims, who were beaten and properties this article are those of the destroyed, were East a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the Indians. I condemned those opinions of this newspaper.)
Saturday July 24, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Saturday July 24, 2021
Kaieteur News
G20 countries struggle to honour climate change commitments - Pumped US$3 trillion into fossil fuel projects since 2015
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n July 22, v a r i o u s Environment a n d E n e rg y M i n i s t e r s convened in Naples, Italy, to participate in the recently held G20 Summit, the first for this year. The G20 Group r e p r e s e n t s a n intergovernmental forum comprising 19 of the world’s most powerful countries and the European Union. It works to address major issues related to the global e c o n o m y, s u c h a s international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. In spite of its established intentions, the first day of the summit made little progress especially as it relates to reaching climate goals with a cluster of countries resisting firm commitments. This was noted by internationally renowned news agency, The Guardian. While the countries debated over climate change action, thousands of flagwaving marchers protested against what they said was a lack of action on addressing global warming. I t a l y ’s E c o l o g i c a l Transition Minister, Roberto Cingolani, in response to the
protests said, “I don’t know why there should be scuffles…when 20 nations of the world gather together to commit to seeking solutions.” The two day G20 meeting was hinged upon the discussion of biodiversity and the natural environment; energy and climate change. However, diplomats have struggled for days to find meaningful common ground on these topics with some advocates saying this speaks to the lack of dedicated commitment to the pressing issues of climate change. I t a l y ’s E c o l o g i c a l Transition Minister said that the ministers could not agree on two disputed issues which would now have to be discussed at a summit in Rome in October. These two issues related to the phasing out of coal power by 2025 and to the timeline that had been set to achieve the 2015 Paris agreement goals for controlling global temperature increase. He also stated that the countries present at the summit were responsible for 85 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. Environmental activists had hoped that the G20
Flags of countries that are in the G20 gathering would lead to a strengthening of climate targets, new commitments on climate financing, and an increase in countries committing to net zero emissions by 2050 as the urgency of climate action has been brought home this month by deadly floods in Europe, fires in the United States and sweltering temperatures in Siberia, but countries remain at odds on how to pay for costly policies to reduce global warming. “It looks like there will be a complete lack of any
commitments on money,” said Oscar Soria of the USbased online activist group, Avaaz. “The north is telling the south ‘we need to protect the environment’ and the south is saying ‘we need money for that,’ and the Italian presidency isn’t proving very good at getting everyone on the same page,” they said. According to a Reuters Article on the issue, developed countries agreed at the United Nations in 2009 to together contribute
US$100 billion each year by 2020 in climate finance to poorer countries, many of whom are grappling with rising seas, storms and droughts made worse by climate change, however this has to date proven to be challenging. “ F i n a n c i n g commitments made by developed countries have not been honoured, affecting trust between parties,” said Argentina’s Environment Minister, Juan Cabandie. With the aforementioned in consideration, this publication has become aware of a new Climate Policy Fact Book outlining the progress that each G-20 member country has made toward moving to a lowcarbon economy that was released on July 20 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and BloombergNEF. The report was released to increase transparency and inform policy priorities ahead of upcoming international climate negotiations. It highlights three concrete areas in which immediate government action is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius: 1) phasing out support for fossil fuels,
2) putting a price on emissions, and 3) encouraging climate risk disclosure. The report says all G20 member states continue to provide substantial financial support for fossil-fuel p r o d u c t i o n a n d consumption, which over a four year period from 2015 – 2019 has amounted to over $3 Trillion despite agreeing in 2009 to phase out “inefficient” fossil fuel subsidies. Antha Williams, the environment lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies, has stated that “On paper, global leaders and governments are recognising the urgency of the climate challenge and the G20 countries have all made ambitious commitments to scale down fossil fuel development and transition to a low-carbon economy. But, in reality, the action taken by these countries up until this point is a far cry from what is needed. As a host of climate e m e rg e n c i e s i n t e n s i f y around the world, the continued development of fossil fuel infrastructure is nothing short of reckless. We need more than just words – we need action.”
Newly accredited British High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Agri. Minister
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e w l y accredited, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller (OBE), yesterday paid a courtesy call on Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture. During the meeting, Minister Mustapha u p d a t e d H i g h Commissioner Miller on G u y a n a ’s a g r i c u l t u r e sector and the advances made since the government took office last year. They also discussed some of the plans government has for the sugar industry. “Guyana is an agriculture-based country. This sector plays a very
important role in terms of foreign exchange and economic development. We would’ve suffered some setbacks because of the recent flooding, but as a government, we have been working to help our farmers to get back to the land.” “As a government, we are working aggressively to resuscitate GuySuCo and the entire industry because GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation) is beyond sugar. We are looking at diversification so areas like ethanol production and packaged and refined sugar are some of the commodities that will be targeted,” Minister
Mustapha said. The official also told High Commissioner Miller that Guyana has resumed the leading role in CARICOM as it relates to speaking on and directing agricultural development. “In CARICOM, Guyana is one of the main agriculture producing countries. We produce rice, sugar, other non-traditional crops, poultry, livestock, and aquaculture. We are also working with the private sector to commence large-scale production of corn and soya bean. Guyana has always played a leading role in CARICOM. When we resumed office last
y e a r, P r e s i d e n t A l i presented a paper to the CARICOM Heads of Government and Guyana is once again playing that leading role. A Ministerial Ta s k f o r c e w a s subsequently established to discuss Food Production and Food Security in CARICOM that I am chairing as Minister of Agriculture,” Minister Mustapha said. The officials also discussed advances in livestock, aquaculture, rice, agro-processing, research and technology. High Commissioner Miller is the first female B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner to serve in Guyana.
Newly accredited, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller (OBE), and Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
PAGE 13
K/News unearths deleted EPA 2020 Guidelines O
n June 22, 2021, t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had issued a notice alerting the public that the 2020 guidelines for reviewing and conducting Environmental Impact Assessments were repealed and that in the interim, its EIA Guidelines that date back to 2000 would apply. After this publication carried an article which highlighted the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency had withdrawn its revised 2020 EIA guidelines a mere six days before it had mandated ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, to conduct an EIA for its proposed US$900M gas-to-energy project, the
EPA responded with a media release stating, “The new set of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines were retracted pending more extensive consultation to adequately reflect the contributions from diverse stakeholders through wider public participation. This action is not related to any project seeking environmental authorisation from the Agency.” In the same press release the agency also stated that “The Environmental Protection Act and terms and scope developed for each project seeking environmental authorisation are what’s important to guide the conduct of an EIA and not only any available Guidelines.” This was said
despite the regulator previously communicating
that the purpose of the EIA guidelines are “to provide to
the EPA, EAB, sector agencies, private sector, NGOs, members of the public and consultants a set of approved guidelines for the conduct and review of Environmental Impact Assessments in Guyana.” Additionally, it had stated prior that the “guidelines are meant to be applied consistently to projects requiring EIAs and allows for transparent decisionmaking.” In a July 19 article in this n e w s p a p e r, G u y a n e s e Environmentalist, Simone Mangal, had questioned the logic behind the EPA’s decision to withdraw a set of guidelines that included new oil industry specific guidelines that were championed by the EPA as being all encompassing,
revised and updated mere days before requiring EEPGL to conduct an EIA. She also questioned the EPA’s justification for opting to utilise an outdated set of guidelines from over 20 years ago that fail to speak to a multitude of issues that would have been addressed in the new guidelines. She noted that “the Agency also removed sight of the 2020 guidelines from its website rather than leaving them up in accordance with transparency best practice.” It is in this regard that Kaieteur News undertook the challenge of finding the deleted guidelines. These guidelines will be available for the public eye from today on the Kaieteur News website.
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Saturday July 24, 2021
Kaieteur News
Man caught on video chopping puppy…
‘Tails of Hope’ protest animal cruelty A screenshot from the video.
Scenes from yesterday’s protest.
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ollowing a video that was published on social media platforms showing a man allegedly chopping a puppy; animal rights activists yesterday protested in front of the Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara. To stand in solidarity against animal cruelty, several animal activist groups came out and protest. Those groups are; Paws for a cause, Rosewood Foundation, Guyana Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals and Tails of Hope. Independent activists and national awardee Ms. Syeada Manbodh, were also a part of the protest. The protest was arranged by Tails of Hope Guyana, an agency that promotes animal health care awareness, provides rescue aids and housing to
protect animals, and helps prevent animal cruelty. The agency had posted on its Facebook page that the identity and address of the alleged perpetrator was revealed and that the video was sent to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Since the video surfaced, there has been no statement from the GPF in relation to the incident. However, this publication was told that ranks visited the home of the suspect on two occasions, but he was not at home. Moreover, the Animal Welfare Act, Section 5 (C) stipulates that an owner who inflicts pain, suffering or injury upon animal during training, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $50,000, along with three months imprisonment.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
PAGE 15
Int’l Advisory Group says…
Guyana risks overreliance on Gas Plant as primary source of electricity …disruption in supply would substantially increase GPL costs
G
uyana runs the risk of being overly reliant on the proposed gas-to-energy initiative which is being pursued by the PPP/C administration in cohorts with Stabroek Block Operator—Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) for its electricity supply. This is according to K&M Advisors, an international consultancy group that was commissioned to conduct a study on this matter by the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) back in 2019. In fact, should the proposed gas fired power generation plant be faced
the country’s generation capacity should be bumped up to 317 megawatts (MW) in 2023 when the gas plant is projected to come online. B y 2 0 3 5 h o w e v e r, g e n e r a t i n g c a p a c i t y, according to the study, will be revved up to 459MW. The report projects, that of this, GPL would still be generating some 116MW using Heavy Fuel Oil, Solar power would be contributing 24MW, Wind 40MW and Biomass 24MW with the additional 255MW coming from the proposed gas plant lending to the overreliance on that source of power. The report had indicated that despite GPL’s reduced generating capacity from the
255MW and while adding that “there is sufficient firm generation capacity till 2035 to cover the peak load.” It was noted, that even though the firm capacity in 2035 is below the peak load plus 15 percent reserve margin by 9MW, at 41MW the reserve margin is still above 34MW (two times the capacity of the largest unit) and, therefore considered to be adequate. The scenario outlined by the consultants, is predicated on the use of dual fuel Wa r t s i l a r e c i p r o c a t i n g internal combustion engines (RICE) each at 17MW generating capacity. Importantly however, the report noted that it is likely
Int’l Advisory Group says, Guyana risks overreliance on Gas Plant as primary source of electricity and that a disruption in Natural gas supply would substantially increase GPL costs. with a supply challenge, K&M said it will require burning significantly more expensive backup fuel, which would substantially increase the cost of electricity generation to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). With regards the level of risk, it was noted that with the gas plant, the country would be utilising up to 77 percent of generated electricity from Natural gas. The advisor group said, “This risk could be significantly reduced in case of implementation of the Arco Norte transmission interconnection project connecting Guyana, Northern Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana.” Furthermore, it was noted in the report that based on an Expansion Study that was done, in a 50 million cubic feet per day scenario,
time the gas plant comes online in 2023, the utility company would have to still install additional capacity in 14 years’ time in 2035 at which time, the country’s generation capacity would be fully utilised. This is in addition to the initial expenditure of installing two high powered distribution cables ahead of any such project. The report done by K&M Advisors had outlined that utilising the committed amounts of 50 million cubic feet of gas daily from the Liza Destiny in the Stabroek Block, the project could see a new plant being constructed initially at a capacity of 102MW including two dual fuel engines with a total capacity of 34MW installed prior to 2023. According to the report, the capacity will then gradually increase to
that GPL will be required to start adding new firm capacity in 2035 to cover increasing peak loads beyond 2035. According to the consultants, the demand growth data and generation capacity additions presented in its analysis are based on the “Delayed Base Case” Scenario in the Expansion Study. The Delayed Base Case Scenario assumes that the electricity demand growth in Guyana would lag behind the expected growth in GDP resulting from the recent oil discoveries off Guyana’s coast and the associated investments. The report said too, that generation capacity analysis is based on the data provided by GPL on the existing generators, firm, and renewable capacity additions forecast by the Expansion Study. The
additional Natural gas capacity, according to K&M’s analysis, is modified based on technology options, and the maximum capacity that can be supported by the proposed 50 million cubic per day Natural gas supply scenarios, “based on heat
and material balance c a l c u l a t i o n s . ” The additional generation capacity to be installed would represent additional spending by the utility company in order to support the success of the gas-toenergy initiative. This publication has
reported that much 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 GPL would have had to incur its own spending to complement the project.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
Saturday July 24, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 17
14 patients admitted in COVID-19 ICU, 43 new infections recorded The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday via its daily COVID-19 dashboard reported that 14 persons were recently admitted to the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Liliendaal Infectious Disease Hospital. Although no new deaths have been reported, the Ministry recorded 43 new COVID-19 infections within the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases
to 21,850. Out of the number of confirmed cases, 11,190 persons are women while 10,660 are men. The dashboard also shows that 101 persons are in institutional isolation, 851 in home isolation and one person is in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 20,366 persons have recovered after being infected with the virus.
PAGE 18 VACANCY
Technical Assistant and Pitmenforinterior location.Applicants must be experienced.Call:231-2250. FOR RENT Large Property with Huge Concrete Bond, Prime Location Cumberland, Canje. Ideal for Business. Sale or rent.Call 679-2497.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 We repair Fridge, Freezer, A C , Wa s h e r, D r y e r Call#231-0655/683-8734 Omar. Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine,Stove etc.Call Nick#630-1600.
Gas Station in working condition.Call:275-0367/ 683-7225. 1 J e t B o a t $40,000,000.Call:695-1356/ 671-2486. 2&3bedroomhomes. Onderneeming, WBD,Tuschen,EBE H a s l i n g t o n , ECD.Whatsapp:673-6210/ 694-9793. For Sale – 4.018 acres of prime land in New Amsterdam, Berbice.Call 679-2497.
WANTED 1 Male sales representative. Apply in person with written applicationTo ARK Enterprise container house. Call 225-3580, for more information. Wanted land to buy in Parfaithe Harmonie, Zeelugt or anywhere on the West Coast Tel# 673-7089/ 6421252
We l d e r s , S e c u r i t y, S a n d T r u c k D r i v e r s & Handyman.Contact 2235273/223-5274. 1Live in Nanny.Attractive salary.Call:637-4605. Grader Operator,China Railway First Group.Salary $7000-$8000 per day overtime is x1.5.Contact:6321122. M i n i b u s & Ta x i Drivers.Contact:225-3234/ 628-1183. Wanted one maid.Call:6376700. One female secretary wanted.Age21& above.Tel:660-8905. One trainee refrigerator washer technician.Tel:6549711.
LAND FOR SALE Residential lot at 33F BushlotW.C.B.1 acre.Land has all bearingfruit trees.Contact:672-6817.
VACANCY Vacancy for two(2) dispatcher@Confidential Cabs.Contact:231-5784. Maid to cook & clean for East Bank Call 615-9132
FOR RENT Two bedroom apartment for a working couple.95 Middle Road.Tel:619-2800. Vreed-en-hoop junction.Place for hair salon,pedicure, manicure,other.Call:6036400.$15,000 per month. Self-Contained rooms in Lodge for working Couple/ Single person $32,000 monthly.Light & water 1 month's security.623-0076.
Porter,Prep(Meat/ Ve g e t a b l e ) , C o u n t e r S t a f f , K i t c h e n Assistant.Apply:Bettencourt's Diner,call for information:231-1368/223-1938. Are you a graduate, 23 years and older, looking for acareer?Attractive benefits.Call 679-2497. LEGAL NOTICE
Wanted puri roti cook apply @ Shanta's 225 Camp & New Market st
FOR SALE
Saturday July 24, 2021
Kaieteur News
One experience hair dresser.Contact Magic Touch Salon.95 Middleroad Georgetown.Tel:682-9463/ 225-6492. Puri and roti maker,Cooks/ GrillChef,Counter Servers,Kitchen assistants.Apply at Beacon Cafe,225-9409. Driver must be able to assistinworkshopat Eccles,age 25-50,Car/Van licence,642-9823.
2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-31 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.:FD-31 BETWEENBOYCE (ARREFA MELINDA) nee WELLINGTON Petitioner and- BOYCE (GARREN ROSSLYN)RespondentTO: GARREN ROSSLYN BOYCE (Last Known Address) Dem Amstel, West Coast Demerara, Guyana. AND 301 w 111th Street Apartment 1 A NY 10026, United States of America, TAKE NOTICE that on the 13lh day of January, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ARREFA MELINDA BOYCE nee WELLINGTON, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 6th day of April, 2021 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown,
LEGAL NOTICE Demerara within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 23rd day of June, 2021 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court atGeorgetown via Zoom Meeting 10: 503 218 6789 and Password: courtla. IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 12th day of April,2021.
2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-668 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-668 BETWEEN:- ADAMS (SUEANN) nee OSBORNE Petitioner -andADAMS (MARK ANTHONY) Respondent TO: MARK ANTHONY ADAMS Lot 1279 Spurwing Drive, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, Guyana. TAKE NOTlCE that on the 20th day of May, 202 J a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SUEANN ADAMS nee OSBORNE the Petitioner in the Family Division of the HighCourt in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 2nd day of July, 2021, thePetitioner wasdirected to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of Kaieteur
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
News Newspapers, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified
2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-699 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD- 699 BETWEEN: HENRY (YULANDE MARVENA) NEE ADAMS Petitioner/Applicant -andHENRY (BRADFORD NELSON) Respondent TO: BRADFORD NELSON HENRY (Last Known Address) Lot 847 Kaneville, East Bank Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 27th day of May, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by YULANDE MARVENA HENRY nee Adams, the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 12th day of July, 2021, the Petitioner! Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online).
copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 29th day of September ,2021 at 9:00 am bcfo.·c the Honourable Madam Justice Pdya Sewnarine-Bcha’TYvia Zoom Meeting 1D: 503 218 6789 and Password: courtla. IN DEFAULT of your tiling an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce . The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on publicholidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 8thday of July, 2021.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you’ desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 20th day of September, 2021 at 9:15 am before the Honorable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
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Nine Guyanese Youths chosen for 2021 Youth Ambassadors Programme N
ine young Guyanese, ages 15 to 18, will be representing Guyana in a virtual five-week Youth Ambassadors Programme from Monday, July 26 to Friday, August 27, 2021. According to a release from the United States Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana will this year be represented by Anjalita Palaniandi, Rachel Chesney, Krystal McLean, Victor Nandlall, Juel Johnson, Ayushi Nandalall, Divya Nandalall, Kanye Blades and Jahnavi Tuluram. André Romaldho, an alumnus of the Youth Ambassadors Programme, 2018 will serve as mentor for the 2021 cohort. The virtual programme brings together outstanding young people between the ages of 15 and 18 from across the Americas for an enrichment programme to explore themes such as civic education, leadership, crosscultural connections, community service, and youth and social
US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch with the 2021 Youth Ambassador Programme’s cohort.
transformation through experiential learning activities, leadership training, civic participation at the community level, and mentoring by community, business, and NGO leaders; engaging with host families,
and volunteering. The youths were shortlisted from a large pool of applicants after going through an interview process. They join a cadre of 56 youth leaders and 10 adult
mentors who have been part of the Youth Ambassadors Programme (YAP) since September 2012. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch met with the 2021 cohort on Thursday, July 22, 2021.
During the meeting, the participants shared their aspirations to address issues affecting youth within their respective communities. A m b a s s a d o r Ly n c h congratulated the group and highlighted the importance
of engaging and networking with other youth across the Caribbean during the programme, as this will develop their leadership skills as active and engaged citizens through service.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
Saturday July 24, 2021
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Kaieteur News
LEGAL NOTICE an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 13th day of July, 2021.
...MVP Sports and Urban Life - Hybrid Store From page 23 our customers and community through continued support of our talented athletes through the fitness ambassador programme at MVP Sports, and this year my wife Crystal will be launching a few community initiatives via Urban Life, including a scholarship programme,” Ramdeo expressed in his speech at the launch event. Proprietor, Crystal Ramdeo, further stated that the company has been continuously supporting local athletes with their studies abroad. “For MVP Sports, we feel that it is our obligation to assist local athletes in being able to achieve their goals,” she proudly announced. Ramdeo further stated that they would be continu-
ing their efforts to assist athletes that are selected to study abroad with tuition and travel expenses. Under the MVP Sports umbrella, ten (10) athletes are set to benefit from scholarships provided by the company over the next year. The family-led business indicated that there is much more to look forward to from MVP Sports and Urban Life. In addition to their notable charitable contributions, the stores are well-known for their high-quality brands and clothing lines. At the end of the event, Nike, Everlast and Under Armour prizes were given away to add to the launch celebration. MVP Sports and Urban Life at the Amazonia Mall will soon be open to the public.
...Armadillo Earth Farm catering for From page 23 and connections, no play, no fun. Basically the world that children have been forced to live in is ironically very bad for their immune systems and of course their health. Diane has indicated that the mission of Armadillo Earth Farm is to create a space that is aligned with how children naturally learn. “We are focusing on developing children’s creative skills. The goal is to help each child actualise their unique potential and God given passion. For us this requires that
...Why was Hetmyer dropped and Mohammed
Saturday July 24, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may have some issues with food, Aries. Maybe your sense of self-worth isn't at its highest, and you're trying to make up for this by sabotaging your relationship with your body.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Stop trying to feel everyone else's emotions and focus on yours, Libra. Being empathetic is certainly laudable, but at some point you need to face the music and look in the mirror.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If there's an issue with your partner that needs airing, this is a good time to do it, Taurus. Don't hold back just to maintain the equilibrium in the relationship.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It may seem like neither side of the bed is the right side to wake up on today, Scorpio. The only solution may be is to just go back to dreamland if you can.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The intensity of the day may bring unexpected opposition, Gemini. Whether it's verbalized or not, the confrontations are quite real. Don't underestimate a loved one's emotions.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It may seem like neither side of the bed is the right side to wake up on today, Scorpio. The only solution may be is to just go back to dreamland if you can.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Give your loved ones the attention they need today, Cancer. Don't let another day go by without saying you love them. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't run away from the tension today, Leo. Any emotional stress you feel will be compounded if it isn't dealt with right away. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Stop hiding behind your intellectual barrier, Virgo. Playing games will get you nowhere. True strength is standing up and demonstrating that you can say what you feel in any situation.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may say one thing one minute and the opposite the next, Capricorn. Most of the time you jump from one issue to the next with no hassle, but today people probably will call you on it. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The tension in the air might be what you need in order to become more aware of subconscious issues that affect your behavior. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Stop being an enabler to someone you care about, Pisces. You may let someone continue a dangerous addictive behavior simply because you want to avoid a confrontation.
Jason Mohammed From page 22 speculation among West Indies fans as to the reason for his removal from the team. Mohammed has played 35 ODIs, averages 22.10 and is yet make an ODI century while managing just four fifties since making his debut in this format against India in December 2011. He has taken just eight wickets with innocuous off spin from his 35 ODIs with three of them coming in one game. Mohammed has scores of 2 against Australia, 8 and 13 against Sri Lanka in ODI series and 1 against Guyana in the Regional Super50 in Antigua in his last four innings. It is time that Chairman of the CWI selection panel, Roger Harper, explains why Hetymer, who seems not an automatic pick for the 50-over World Cup, was omitted and Mohammed retained. West Indies need to get valuable points to stay in contention for automatic qualification for the 50-over World Cup and their bowling dose not really depends on Mohammed’s ordinary offspin. However, the batting is the problem and Mohammed looked at sea at number 3, a position that Hetymer could have occupied.
in addition to academics children must sing, dance, paint, learn basic life skills such as cooking, sewing, wood working, planting their own food, know the importance of composting, protecting the forest and understanding that they are no different from the natural world.” “Our current high tech, modern, civilised world has come at a high price. We are disconnected from the wisdom of our own bodies, our spirit and our creative intuitions and from nature herself from which our very bodies are birthed and from which all our substance comes.” Diane further informed that after the first camp, parents have been reaching out to enquire about other camps and other activities for the August holidays and beyond. She stated that the idea of overnight camping facilities where children can be immersed in nature, learning basic survival skills, how to take care of animals and plants on a farm, how to grow their own food, do yoga and meditation are all areas that are being looked at by the Armadillo Earth Farm team for the
future. The second camp on August 7th will see collaboration with professional Scouts who will be there to teach the children a number of forest survival techniques, wildlife exploration/education, basic pioneering (building structures out of the natural surroundings) and much more. The buildings at the farm have all been built with materials from the surrounding areas. A bus leaves Georgetown at 08:15hrs to transport the children along with their parents. Every child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. “The camps are a wonderful relaxation opportunity for the parents as they get a chance to relax in an enchanted natural setting, read a book from the extensive library at the AEF while their children are being taken care of by professional teachers.” The camp caters for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years-old and spaces are limited as the organisers are ensuring that there is no overcrowding and all Covid-19 protocols are being observed.
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Saturday July 24, 2021
Let’s celebrate our athletes, allow them the space to shine at Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Minister Ramson
M
inister of Culture, Yo u t h a n d Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. is has called on all Guyanese to rally behind the nations athletes who are competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics which is now underway after a one-year delay due to the covid-19 pandemic. Minister Ramson made the call yesterday whilst voicing concerns at critical comments which made the rounds on social media yesterday regarding the colour of the uniform the athletes and officials wore for the impressive opening ceremony which was broadcast live around the world. Minister Ramson also took note of the spurious allegations directed towards his Ministry for attempting to politicise the uniform in party colours. “First, allow me to remind everyone that this is a time to celebrate the achievements of our young Guyanese who made it to the world stage to shine the spotlight on our beautiful country. For those young Guyanese Olympians, this is the fulfillment of one of their lifelong dreams. Are we really going to allow our petty political allegiance to diminish their deserving moment of glorious
achievement? Are we that selfish? We must not be and we must never be. There are times to fight and there are times to unite. Internally we may have our differences, but on the world stage we must always remember “We Are One Guyana”. Never forget that! Minister Ramson stated that his Ministry was never involved with the design of the uniform which includes the choice of colours. He said that is strictly the domain of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and he had been advised that all of the national colours were represented. “As everyone is aware, I have been critical for five years of the APNU-AFC’s attempt to brainwash Guyanese with their deliberate saturation of their green and yellow party colours which even callously made its way on to state institutions and buildings. It would, therefore, be hypocritical of me to do exactly as I criticised.” “It is important to note too that the discontent now being expressed by some persons from the political arena were noticeably absent when “green and yellow” became the order of the day. It may very well be that this is the reason why this discussion may have taken place in the first place. Nonetheless, the public can
Team Guyana at the opening ceremony be assured that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will never seek to direct that uniforms, state buildings or state paraphernalia be dominated by any political party colours. Guyana and Guyanese, it is our time to shine – shine bright – shine as one!” Guyana’s first player
(male or female) to ever compete in Table Tennis at the Olympics, Chelsea Edghill and swimmer Andrew Fowler were the nations Flag Bearers at yesterday’s opening. Edghill was the first athlete to be in action when she competed against Fiji’s Sally Yee in the first match of the Women’s
Singles tournament. Boxer, Keevin Allicock will take center stage today when he enters the ring to match gloves with Alexy de la Cruz of the Dominican Republic in the Men’s Featherweight division from 06:06hrs. Te a m G u y a n a (Athletes) in Tokyo - Aliyah
Abrams (Women’s 400m), Jasmine Abrams (Women’s 100m), Emanuel Archibald (Men’s 100m), Chelsea Edghill (Women’s Table Tennis), Keevin Allicock (Boxing - 52-57kg class), Aleka Persaud (Swimming 50m Freestyle), Andrew Fowler (Swimming - 100m Freestyle).
CWI confirm negative PCR-Test results Kensington Oval, Barbados
Bridgetown, Barbados – Cricket West Indies (CWI) is pleased to announce that all 152 persons tested for COVID-19 on Thursday evening returned negative results, following the suspension of Thursday’s second CG Insurance One-Day International (ODI) before a ball was bowled at Kensington Oval, Barbados. All members of the West Indies and Australia teams and coaching staff, as well as match officials, event staff and TV production crew were tested back at the hotel with everyone being in room isolation since. Following confirmation from the Ministry of Health officials in Barbados that all the results are negative, CWI will now hold meetings with Cricket Australia (CA), the Barbados Cricket Association, and Government of Barbados officials to agree when the resumption of the CG Insurance ODI Series at Kensington Oval can begin. On Thursday, the second CG Insurance ODI between West Indies and Australia was suspended after the toss due to a positive COVID19 test result from a non-playing member of the West Indies squad following discussions between the local health officials and the CWI and CA Medical Teams before the start of play. CWI has been working closely with Local Ministries of Health to operate strict bio-secure bubbles successfully during the past year, and will continue to prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing for all concerned.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
PAGE 23
The Covid Games have begun!
Naomi Osaka lights Olympic cauldron to start Tokyo Games after spectacular opening ceremony MailOnline - The Tokyo Olympics have finally opened after a year of delays caused by the Covid pandemic with Naomi Osaka handed the honour of lighting the cauldron following a spectacular opening ceremony. Delayed by a year due to Covid and beset by scandals that have shaken public faith in the event, organisers will be hoping the ceremony will start the process of unifying the country behind the £13billion sporting spectacular. The ceremony was at times sombre - including a moment of silence for Covid victims - and held on a much smaller scale than previous years, but still packed a number of show-stoppers, including the formation of a giant floating globe made out of drones hovering over the stadium. There were just 950 guests in the 68,000-capacity arena due to virus restrictions with US First Lady Jill Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron joined by Japanese Emperor
Naruhito and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. But the arena soon filled with excited athletes as hundreds of competitors trooped in during the Parade of Nations, though numbers were also largely reduced from previous years. The ceremony paid tribute to Japan’s history and traditional crafts such as woodworking, as well as modern culture - the athletes processed to a score made up of video game themes from popular Japanese games. The ceremony was also broken up by large made-for-TV segments featuring videos of past Olympics, and artists from across the globe singing John Lennon’s Imagine co-written by Japanese wife and artist Yoko Ono. Other poignant moments included the release of thousands of paper doves into the arena in a symbol of the peaceful intention of the Games. Another set-piece included actors replicating each of the 50
pictograms that depict the Olympic sports - an impressive feat of speed and coordination only slightly let down when a tennis racquet was dropped. Undercutting it all was a message of strength through adversity and togetherness, exemplified by IOC president T h o m a s B a c h ’s s p e e c h emphasizing ‘solidarity’. Trepidations throughout Japan have threatened for months to drown out the usual carefully packaged glitz of the opening. Inside the stadium after dusk Friday, however, a precisely calibrated ceremony sought to portray that the Games - and their spirit - are going on. Early on, an ethereal blue light bathed the empty seats as loud music muted the shouts of scattered protesters outside calling for the Games to be canceled - a widespread sentiment here. A single stage held an octagon shape meant to resemble the country’s fabled Mount Fuji.
First lady Jill Biden (left) speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron (right) at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo summer Olympic Games. Organizers held a moment of silence for those who had died of COVID; as it ticked off and the music paused, the sounds of the protests echoed in the distance. Athletes marched into the stadium in their usual parade of nations, some socially distanced, others clustering together in ways utterly contrary to organizers’ hopes. They waved enthusiastically to thousands of empty seats, and to a world hungry to watch them compete but surely wondering
what to make of it all. Their shouts raise a fundamental question about these Games as Japan, and large parts of the world, reel from the continuing gut punch of a pandemic that is stretching well into its second year, with cases in Tokyo approaching record highs this week: Will the deep, intrinsic human attachment to the spectacle of sporting competition at the highest possible level be enough to salvage these Games?
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Saturday July 24, 2021
2021 Concacaf Gold Cup: Quarterfinals Why was Hetmyer dropped kick off as El Salvador clash with Qatar and Mohammed retained?
Phoenix, Arizona – The 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals kick off today with El Salvador facing Qatar at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. While the match marks the first ever Gold Cup meeting between the two sides, El Salvador and Qatar are already familiar with each other from their friendly last month played in Croatia in which Qatar emerged with a 1-0 victory. El Salvador have already made history in this Gold Cup by winning two group stage matches for the first time ever, finishing second in Group A, and now they will be seeking another historical mark with a first ever quarterfinal victory. Under new Head Coach Hugo Perez, El Salvador have found their attacking stride and players like Jairo Henriquez and Joaquin Rivas have each found a goal thus far in the tournament, while Walmer Martinez has provided a spark off the bench, including with a goal in the group stage versus
Trinidad and Tobago. Guest nation Qatar are also capable of setting off fireworks in the attacking third. No team scored more goals than the reigning Asian champions in the group stage, with nine goals as they took the top spot in Group D. Almoez Ali already has two goals in the tournament and was the man that provided that winning score in the friendly versus El Salvador last month. Meanwhile, Akram Afif has two goals and two assists and Pedro Miguel has a pair of assists as well, in addition to leading the team with most fouls received (8). With every step Qatar take in the Gold Cup, they are making history, while for El Salvador, a first ever semifinal appearance beckons with a victory. Mexico vs Honduras Mexico continue their quest for a ninth Concacaf Gold Cup title today with a quarterfinal clash against Honduras in Glendale, Arizona. Mexico are fresh
Action between Maynor Figueroa (R) and Jesus Corona (L) of the last Mexico and Honduras game on June 12, 2021.
off a group stage in which they conceded zero goals in their three matches. A key member of that Mexico back line is center back Nestor Araujo, who played in the 0-0 draw with Trinidad and Tobago and the 3-0 win over Guatemala. Speaking in an exclusive i n t e r v i e w w i t h Concacaf.com, Araujo spoke about what has made the Mexican defense such an impenetrable force of late. “It’s important for all of us to work together defensively, to have the ball and to make sure the opponent doesn’t get to our area. The more we have the ball, the more possibilities we have of scoring. The fact that we haven’t allowed a goal makes us happy and shows that all of us are doing a good job defensively and not allowing goals,” said Araujo, who added that the clean sheet mindset of the Mexican team begins with Head Coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. Mexico and Honduras share a long history, and not just in Gold Cup action but across all competitions in Concacaf, with Mexico leading the all-time series 22W-9D-7L and 3W-2D-1L in Gold Cup play. Like always, Araujo expects today’s quarterfinal to be a close one. Just three victories separate Mexico from not only a ninth Gold Cup crown, but their second consecutive title, and for Araujo, there is no better feeling than to lift the Gold Cup trophy after such a long tournament.
By Sean Devers When Shimron Hetymer twice failed his fitness tests and failed to produce the runs his obvious natural talent suggested he should due to his erratic shotselection and was not selected in the 30-man Test squad, I was not surprised. But after the Guyanese left-hander returned from the IPL and after his conversations with white ball Skipper Kerion Pollard, he demonstrated a vast improvement mentally during his batting. He looked fitter and stronger and showed tremendous maturity and his 61 against Australia was wonderfully constructed. He played balls along the ground and picked the right ball to hit out of it. It was an innings of superb temperament and responsibility. Hetymer has played 46 ODIs, averages 36.02 and has five centuries and four half-centuries since making his ODI debut against Pakistan in Jamaica in 2017. In his last ODI match against Australia in Barbados, the 24-year-old left-handed Guyanese scored 11 in the unfamiliar opening position when the entire top order failed and were tottering at 27-6. In that game Evin Lewis got a first ball duck, Jason M o h a m m e d w a s comprehensively bowled for 2, Dwayne Bravo fell for 2,
Shimron Hetymer
Nicolas Pooran was LBW for a duck and Jason Holder also made a duck as Australia destroyed the West Indies by 133 runs. The Berbician scored a wonderfully constructed innings against Australia after making 20 in the previous T20I before he was rested. In the last T20I games in the series against South Africa Hetmyer made 33 and virtually secured his place for the T20 World Cup later this year. With his vastly superior ODI record in comparison to that of Trinidadian Jason Mohammed, 10 years his senior, it was baffling that
Hetymer who scored more than every other specialist batsman in the first ODI debacle at the Kensington oval, was left out of the next game. What was perplexing is the fact that Hetymer, a middle order batsman, was used as make shift opener in the absence of the injured Shai Hope and then dropped. This brings to mind the way that Guyanese Leon Johnson and Assad Fudadin were asked to open and then discarded. Not getting any CWI press release that Hetymer is injured only fuels (Continued on page 21)
Tickets still available for MSC Emancipation Day fundraiser Tickets are still available for the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) fundraiser which is set for Emancipation Day, August 1, 2021. Emancipation Day is Guyana’s oldest holiday since Slavery was abolished in 1934. Steven Jacobs, Chairman of Fundraising Committee and Vice-President of the Thomas Road Club which was founded in 1902 is encouraging patrons to get their tickets early to avoid the last minute rush. Jacobs, a former West Indies U-19 Captain and Guyana First-Class Cricketer, explained that this year’s Event will run from 11:00hrs to 17:00hrs. “Tickets for the Emancipation Day lunch can be bought at the MSC clubhouse on Thomas Road, Thomas Lands (Tel# 2256509), Jacobs Jewellery & Pawn Shop at 16 Pike Street Kitty, Star Party Rentals at 21 Craig Street Campbellville and Exotic Prints,” informed Jacobs who has five fifties and 54 wickets from 26 First-Class games between 2006 & 2017. Lunches will include Cook-up with all
meats or Veggie, Fried Fish, Conkie and Metemgee and cost $1,500. Lunches could be take-away, while outdoor dining is offered. “There will also be prizes for best African wear and children, men, women and people of all races can vie for prizes, while those desirous of becoming members of the club will benefit from reduced membership fees for a year and MSC t-shirts and caps at registration,” added Jacobs. This fundraiser and membership drive is aimed at improving the Club’s facilities, especially the all-weather practice nets, and getting more people to join the club, which has several members who have played for Guyana and the West Indies at all levels. Malteenoes recently got its first Olympian when Table Tennis player Chelsea Edghill, who is participating in the Tokyo Olympics, became the first Guyanese Olympian in that sport. Edghill will make history when she plays her first match in Tokyo today.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 24, 2021
MVP Sports and Urban Life - Hybrid Store launched at Amazonia Mall
The Ramdeo Family cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open their new hybrid store location, MVP Sports and Urban Life at the Shopping Plaza, Amazonia Mall, Providence, EBD. (NewsRoom photo) MVP Sports and Urban Life, two well established retail stores launched a new hybrid store location on Thursday last in the highly anticipated Shopping Plaza, Amazonia Mall, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Vurlon Mills, renowned football public figure, addressed the media and
special invitees on Thursday morning, highlighting the success and charitable, supportive efforts of MVP Sports and Urban Life over the past three years. Following their passion for retail, business owners, Ian and Crystal Ramdeo have opened three stores in two years with this location at the
Amazonia Mall being the third. Giving back to Guyanese athletes has been the family’s passion from the outset of their business venture. “We will continue to strive to improve the standards of our service to (Continued on page 19)
Kiddies browsing through the many books in the Library at Armadillo Earth Farm.
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Armadillo Earth Farm (AEF), a 10 acre ecological safe space located on the Linden Soesdyke Highway is hosting its second Kiddies Day Camp on Saturday August 7th, next. The first camp which was held on July 5th last, saw kids taking part in activities such askid’s yoga, sewing craft, nature hikes and other fun games. Diane Chin, one of the organisers of the camp indicated that the current situation in our world has escalated the mental health c r i s i s t h e w o r l d o v e r. Recognising that children were substantially more likely to suffer long term physical, mental and emotional effects of the current pandemic, Diane along with her husband Joseph Chin teamed up with a group of persons who comprise professional teachers in various areas, to create solutions that could help children navigate the harsh realities of our current world. The camps are taking into consideration that children have been forced to sit in front of a screen for hours on end, Children during the that they have lost friends, that First Kiddies Camp at there’s no social interactions (Continued on page 21) Armadillo Earth Farm.
Armadillo Earth Farm catering for children’s health during these challenging times with Kiddies Day Camps