Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

Popular media Tuesday Edition personality, Mondale Smith, Online readership succumbs p. 14 yesterday, 92,935 to COVID-19 June 01, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 22

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Guyana should have say in all oil companies’ spending - TT expert, Anthony Paul p.

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DPP wins appeal Pomeroon hit hard over Marcus Bisram by flood waters - Former murder accused likely to face charges again - relief measures underway Region 4 SOPs handed over to Police p.

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Over $1B in contracts CDC urges Region 7 inked for improved residents to move p. security and other p.2 to higher grounds12 works in Region Six - says mudslides expected

Pres. Ali wanted to influence police promotion list

Paul Slowe says...

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- Head of State denies allegation

We are borrowing money to pay salaries and pensioners when Guyana is rated the richest country on earth per capita and Listen @11:00hrs on yet our leaders are not talking about renegotiation of oil contracts. Join the protest Wednesday. (see p.7) Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday June 01, 2021

Over $1B in contracts inked for improved security and other works in Region Six

By Malisa Playter-Harry

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owards the improvement of the Region, close to $1 billion in contracts were signed on Friday in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) situated at Vryman's Erven, New Amsterdam, Region Six. At the simple signing ceremony were Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, and regional officials.

Among the contracts inked was a new security firm that will provide services for the RDC and government buildings in the region.

The security firm, Queensway Security, signed the contract valued at $988,786,754 to provide its services for a period of one year.

The new firm has taken over from the controversial Integrated Security firm.

Security guards that were attached to Integrated Security had staged several protests over late payments and the non-payments of NIS. However the newly signed security firm assured that such issues would be a thing of the past.

The other contracts signed included the extension of the Berbice High School, a contract valued at $14,828,118, which was awarded to N&S General and Contracting Engineering; the rehabilitation of the No.63 beach entrance, a contract valued at $31,408,110, which was awarded to Shaffeeullah Sawmill; and the rehabilitation of the No. 61 beach entrance, a contract valued at $28,738,190, which was awarded to Premium Asphalt. The contracts were signed by the Regional Executive Officer, Narindra Persaud.

With the Region Six budget being in excess of

From left: Regional Vice Chairman, Zamal Hussain; Regional Chairman, David Armogan; Minister Nigel Dharamlall; CEO of Queensway Security, Lancelot Khan; and REO, Narindra Persaud.

$6B, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Dharamlall, stated that there have been too many reports of poor quality of work being executed and poor service being given and “today we are signing a contract of $988,786,754 for security…when His Excellency (President Irfaan) came to this Region, one of the foremost complaints he received was that the security providers at that time were unjust to the people that were hired.”

He added that there have been too many complaints about NIS not being paid and stressed that deductions that

are being made must be in order so that those employees will reap the benefits in their old age. “…you should also see this as a form of open competition and that you have been able to get these contracts as you have gotten others so just make sure you do justice to the bills of quantities,” said the Minister as he added, “we have intensified our monitoring.”

Addressing the contractors who signed their contracts for the rehabilitation of the entrances to the two beaches and the extension of the Berbice High School, the Minister noted that much is expected from their performance. “We expect that site visits will be done.

We don't want to get to a point where they have issues

that lead to compromise that can affect the contract. We would like to see that documentation are in order and as contractors do not accept an instruction unless it is documented because we are not going to honour any variation or any change of scope or any payment deviation unless there is proper documentation,” said the Minister.

He continued, “You have to get yourself in order and ensure that your performance is based on well documented procedures.

We have had too many complaints where the contracting authority, in this case the region, where contractors depend too often on the engineers to prepare their documents so we expect that contractors will be in a position to at least

prepare their invoices, payment certificates. The engineers have a duty to ensure that contracts are monitored and are executed and in keeping with the specifications.”

The Minister also asked that the contractors use the opportunity to hire labourers or skilled persons within the areas where the projects are being executed to provide employment.

“You try to employ them as much as possible. In the security sector, that is a substantial amount and we hope too that from within their areas, they get the opportunity to be part of the service so that they don't have to travel far distances,” the Minister added.

On Friday too, $4.4 million was handed over to the Regional Health Service.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

PAGE 03

Guyana should have say in all - TT expert, oil companies' spending Anthony Paul

By Kiana Wilburg

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h e n t h e Stabroek Block deal was released in 2017, several international experts cringed upon noting the alarming loopholes the Coalition Government left unaddressed.

In previous articles, Kaieteur News had quoted international energy lawyer, J. Jay Park, as saying that Guyana is supposed to have a say in the approval of the budgets these oil companies draft.

It is the same as if a mother drafts a shopping list on how her daughter is supposed to spend $60,000 on groceries for the home.

Naturally, the mother is supposed to have some say over what her daughter

would purchase for the home, which supermarket she would go to so they can get the most value, and how many of the items she should get. The mother is supposed to have a say, after all, she is paying for it.

But this is not taking place in Guyana's case. Park found that Guyana's Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil gives the country no say over what the operator budgets to spend on the Stabroek Block.

This is in spite of the fact that Guyana will be footing the bill. The contract only gives the country the right to audit. One can also say that this is the same as the mother allowing her daughter to spend on whatever she wants, whether it is $60,000 or $1M and the daughter

saying, “If you have a problem, you can check all my receipts. The cost for the items is on par with international prices.”

The lawyer noted that the absence of legal approval for ExxonMobil's budgets is actually an odd feature in the Guyana-ExxonMobil PSA; He is not the only one who shares this view.

In agreement with him is Trinidadian expert, Anthony Paul.

During an interview on Kaieteur Radio's show, Guyana's Oil and You, Paul categorically stated that Guyana should have the power to influence how the oil companies spend the money and not only the power to audit what is already expended.

In fact, the petroleum consultant said that Guyana

Pres. Ali wanted to influence police - Paul promotion list Slowe - Head of State denies allegation

Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Paul Slowe

By Shervin Belgrave

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hairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Paul Slowe, yesterday claimed, that President Irfaan Ali wanted to influence the annual yearend promotion of senior ranks in the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Slowe, who is also a retired Assistant Commissioner of the Force, made his claim during a press conference he held via zoom. Ali has since denied Slowe's allegations in a statement that was sent out a few hours after the press

President Irfaan Ali

conference ended.

The PSC's promotion list was placed on a temporary hold when the Chief Justice, ( a g ) R o x a n e G e o rg e Wiltshire, granted an order to halt the procedure on December 31, 2020.

This was after Senior Superintendent, Calvin Brutus, who was reportedly overlooked by the PSC for promotion, had moved to the High court to block the Force's promotions until the decision to not promote him is recanted.

The order instructed that the current status quo in the GPF remains until the matter which was filed to challenge

the PSC's procedure for promotion is heard.

Slowe related yesterday, that before the whole court case surrounding the police promotion fiasco started, he had some encounters with Ali regarding the year-end promotion.

He said that the first was a meeting between him and Ali on September 16, 2020.

According to Slowe, during that meeting Ali tried to persuade him to use his (Slowe) influence in the PSC to promote some senior officers in the Force.

The PSC chairman named two of them as Senior (continued on page 18)

TT expert, Anthony Paul

should be able to do this for all oil companies.

He noted that several opportunities still exists for this to happen. “…Going forward, Guyana can say 'We want to participate in every single contract'.” This means that any investor coming in, Guyana will present an entity that it owns which would operate as a partner with that investor. The company representing Guyana's interest would be part of the approval process for work plans and budgets.”

The Trinidadian added, “It will also give Guyana the

opportunity to influence many other things. Because the state company is involved, you will also have more information available to access which can be shared with the citizenry.”

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT? Paul said that the partnership arrangement he proposed is just one of the many ways Guyana could have a say on budgets and work programmes. But the million-dollar question remains: “How badly do (continued on page 17)

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Tuesday June 01, 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

Pretended saviours - nothing more than perverted suckers of blood There was a news article in the New York Post on May 29 captioned, “Mothers criticise BLM activists for profiting off their dead sons” which should make Guyanese vigorously nod their heads in agreement. Though what the mothers claimed came as a bit of a surprise to us, it is not so unusual, and that is because, we live with that here in Guyana, and in many of our most crucial places. We take with a closer look at what the mothers said.

According to the New York Post’s article, “Grief-stricken mothers who have accused Black Lives Matter of profiting from the deaths of their sons” criticised the group’s embattled co-founder, Patrisse Cullors, after she announced she was stepping down from the movement.”

“I don’t believe she is going anywhere,” which was what one grieving mother, Samaria Rice, shared. “It’s all a facade.

She’s only saying that to get the heat off her right now.”

Another hurting Black American, Lisa Simpson, a Los Angeles-based mother whose son was slain by police in 2016, also blasted Cullors. “Now she doesn’t have to show her accountability. She can just take the money and run.”

They didn’t even have the time and care to meet face to face with those who felt the pain the most, the mothers mourning their loss. “They are benefitting off the blood of our loved ones, and they won’t even talk to us,” said Rice, who has also blasted activists Shaun King and Tamika Mallory. Other American BLM groups have lent their voices to the chorus of critics, who have spoken out against what was called “a lack of transparency and accountability” by those who are seen as seizing the moment and BLM programme for personal gain.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation has come in for sharp denunciation, with its co-founder and executive director, Patrisse Cullors, the recipient of the heaviest barrage of condemnation. Among the contentions raging against her are lifestyle, choice of real-estate residence, and concerns about the group’s finances. As two mothers railed, some BLM activists are “raising money in our dead sons’ names and giving us nothing in return.” Despite raising millions under the BLM banner and for the BLM cause, some mothers have been forced to fend for themselves to bury their sons, the victims of police brutalities that climaxed in murder. Police shootings for a toy gun suspected as the real thing. Police shootings with the dead shot in the back, while running away, among other such disturbing and enraging circumstances. But, as is almost always claimed by involved police officers, there was the fear of grave imminent personal danger. In these obviously questionable situations, undoubtedly criminally heinous and murderous ones, there is one person who feels those striking bullets more than anyone else. Those would be the mothers.

Mothers know the pain of rearing (despite the odds), the heartaches when things go wrong (through life’s limitations” or paths chosen (how they must cope), and the ache of being used and taken advantage of, by those who come forward to claim how much they care. As we at this paper think of the grimness of those mothers’ grief, we can empathise with them, because we, as Guyanese, also live with those betrayals in many levels of this society. Our political leaders, in one group after another, appeal to their own and crow about how much they have the backs of the people, how much they are there for them, and how much they are looking out for them, while all the time, what they are doing is looking out for themselves.

Just like those self-serving BLM activists. Similar to the dreadful examples of BLM activists, Guyanese leaders in the PPP, PNC, APNU+AFC, have disappointed and frustrated, and deceived, but all the while, doing well for themselves.

And just like the Black mothers, who were left on their own, Guyanese mothers and fathers have had no one to turn to, but themselves. Political leaders have been treacherous.

Professionals have sold out, time and again. And civil society is all for itself. Like Black American mothers, many Indian and African and other Guyanese have lived with the anguish of hurt, the truths that their own have failed them, while lying to them.

Don’t blame it on the rain, the pumps or the attendants!!

DEAR EDITOR, I have just seen a report where Edghill and Hamilton are reported to be claiming that the reason behind the flooding in Georgetown is because the M&CC pump attendants were asleep. I challenge these two gentlemen to provide proof of these mischievous claims as the root cause of the flooding. If not, they will be exposed once more as architects of deception – l!@rs.

I have been involved with the drainage of Georgetown from 2015 to 2020 and while there have been several reasons why our city floods during this period, it was never reported or discovered that the root cause was due to sleeping pump attendants.

I repeat, during this period, in Georgetown flooding was never attributed to pump attendants sleeping.

In 2015, mere days after the Coalition assumed office;

the country was drenched with rainfall, of even more intensity than our current patterns. An assessment of our drainage infrastructure discovered that: of the 13 sluices that drained Georgetown, only four were operable; of the seven pumps, only two were functioning; none of the outfalls were dredged in years; private businesses had paved over several important waterways. In fact, two sluices were actually controlled by private businesses; hence, we had to seek permission from the owners to even access these structures. Our entire drainage network had collapsed causing sections of our city to flood and remained so for days.

Without even casting blame on any entity, since our Capital City belongs to all Guyanese, we set about repairing and upgrading all the sluices, repairing or

replacing all the pumps and dredging all the waterways, thus bringing much needed relief to our city. Within a year, not only was the city cleaner, air fresher but our drainage network was able to effectively drain as much as 2.5" of rainfall in a single day.

This was not achieved by physical infrastructure work only. A reporting system was established, whereby engineers who resided near a sluice or pumping station were tasked with ensuring that the facility was operable whenever required. Not only was the government and city council involved, there also existed an informal group of “inspectors.” That’s right, so that any fault or downtime was immediately reported to the ministry via our contact numbers or social media, causing teams to be dispatched immediately.

It was important to note that during this period, there was no separation of responsibilities between government and local authorities since it was well

established that all local authorities required government assistance with respect to drainage. As such, politics was set aside and assistance was granted whenever needed, irrespective of which political party controlled the local authority.

Edghill and company, have disbanded the reporting network, redrawn the demarcation between government and local authorities knowing full well that these entities are incapable of handling this task on their own, especially since they cannot collect the revenue that they are owed.

Further, Edghill and company have even sunk so low, that they are now blaming pump attendants.

Most worrying is the reintroduction of politics into our drainage network.

This has to be some form of abuse or maybe a song – Blame it on the rain, the pumps or the attendants!!

Yours faithfully, David Patterson

Tacuma Ogunseye sets the record straight DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter published in Kaieteur News May 29, edition, captioned “People are likely to feel oppressed and disenfranchised if the Govt. is not of their choosing.” I normally avoid responding to letters written by writers whose convictions do not allow them to pen their names to their letters. I make an exception in this case, taking the view that ideas are more important than the messenger is. While I can take issue with much of what was written, I am also in agreement with many of the writer’s observations. This response is to contest the writer’s blanket statement that those who voted/supported the

PNC and Burnham were silent on the machinations of the government from 1966 to 1992. If there was an editorial note correcting this erroneous claim, I would have been spared the burden of having to pen this response.

The letter writer stated, “During this period from1966 to 1992, the supporters of this regime did not have any issues with their government.

There was no outcry about a lack of Freedom, Rights, basic foodstuff like flour, cooking oil, toilet paper, garlic and onions, split peas and canned goods, just to name a few. All the while, their supporters were revelling in the power their Government wielded and their destiny was held in the

palm of their hands.” The writer continues, “No one cared for free and fair Elections, there was no call for power sharing and none of the supporters cared to see the inequity and unfair treatment meted out to the rest of the population.”

Reading the letter, one can’t miss that the writer is intelligent and well informed on the matters related to the country. Therefore, he/she cannot at the same time be devoid of the knowledge that sections and individuals in the African community opposed Burnham and the PNC during the period 1966 to 1992. What is questionable is the writer ’s purpose, objectivity and sincerity. It is

painful in these circumstances to have to cite African resistance to the Burnham regime.

Notwithstanding here are a few examples that will suffice in making my point: (1) The split between the ASCRIA and the PNC and the organisation’s condemnation of the rigged 1973 elections; (2) land to the landless campaign on the lower East Coast Demerara (led by ASCRIA and Eusi Kwayana) which resulted in massive multi-racial squatting on lands owned by Bookers and the State; (3) massive public meetings renouncing the ban of Walter Rodney from employment at UG; (4) the (Continued on page 6)

The GDF should not make vaccination mandatory for prospective employees DEAR EDITOR, The COVID-19 vaccine isn’t mandatory in Guyana, but is required by the Guyana Defence Force’s prospective employees. We are seeking for the Minister of Health and other relevant authorities to look into this controversial decision made by the Guyana Defence Force.

The purpose of the COVID-19 vaccine is clearly understood, but it was also made clear by Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, in numerous press briefings that “the ministry is satisfied with the turnout for the COVID-19 vaccination drives, therefore, we see no need at this point

in time to make the vaccine mandatory.” It has recently become a requirement for all prospective employees of the Guyana Defence Force to be vaccinated before they can advance in the recruitment process.

Efforts were made to acquire further information from the Guyana Defence Force but responses were futile. When asked if it’s mandatory to be vaccinated before moving forward, the response was “yes I’d think so.”

Other responses received when asked if the prospects would be withdrawn from the

programme if they refused to get vaccinated were “we won’t be able to say” and “we don’t know we’re just following the instructions given.” It is quite shocking to have a decision as such being made by this prestige organisation since it is a clear human rights violation as evident in Article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states, “Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.”

The Guyana Defence

Force is being asked to kindly revise its decision for the sake of us exercising our rights freely. If this cannot be done, then the prospective employees that are required to take the vaccine before advancing should be provided with documentation stating that they are required by the Guyana Defence Force to be vaccinated. For a period (an amount of months) immediately after being vaccinated, the Guyana Defence Force should be held accountable in case that the effects of the vaccine prove to be life threatening.

Sincerely, Alana A. Nadir

Tuesday June 01, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Central Govt. has assumed many GWI seems to have lost its way 10 administration understands comment without seeking DEAR EDITOR, Local Govt. responsibilities In my desperation to the health hazards associated advice from GWI’s system DEAR EDITOR, Over the past few weeks, the Mayor of Georgetown has been expressing dissatisfaction about the manner in which Central Government has been doling out subventions to his City Council, a situation that has left quite a few citizens perplexed.

From his utterances, it would seem as though the Council would be left immobilised and incapacitated without these subventions.

I would first like to remind the Mayor, that since Georgetown gained official city status on August 24, 1842, and up until relatively recently, the city was managed very well without a subvention, but rather on its own revenue generated from municipal fees and taxes. Of course, at that time, it did not have a nearly 1,000 strong workforce that is extremely top heavy, it performed its own refuse collection and disposal services, did not depend on expensive contractors, and did not have a lot of fancy non-essential departments, which place a heavy financial burden on the citizenry. But, I think that it should be the Council that pays a subvention to Central Government and not the other way around. Let us look at just some of the services that the Council should be providing to the citizens of the capital from the property rates they collect, which have suddenly become the responsibility of the Central Government.

In the past, the Council

had its own incinerator and managed its own landfill sites around the city for refuse disposal. Old Smokey collapsed in ruins and the badly managed Le Repentir dumpsite would regularly burst into flames smoking out all nearby residents. The result was the government had to borrow US$20 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to develop the Haags Bosch sanitary landfill. All over the world, the role of the City Police is to maintain law and order in local areas, by protecting members of the public and their property, preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime, and improving the quality of life for all citizens of that city. Not here in Georgetown. Instead, the national police have had to assume that role in the city, whilst city policemen spend their time chasing vendors, harassing stallholders and other businesspersons, and searching out any would be litterer. Stray animals have been allowed to roam the city streets with wild abandon until the Ministry of Home Affairs got involved in stray catching.

Slaughtering of animals and meat inspection came to a crashing halt when a crane which was involved in supporting offshore operations for the oil and gas industry, toppled and crashed into the city abattoir; they seem to be awaiting a promise made by the Minister of Agriculture for the construction of a number of modern abattoirs across the

country with the aim of boosting beef and pork production. Most of the drainage pumps around the city have been left by the Council in a state of disrepair for a number of years. Central Government has had to purchase, install, manage and maintain dozens of mobile and stationary pumps to relieve flooding. Road construction and maintenance of city streets, and I am not talking about the declared and main roads that are the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Works, have long been abandoned by the City Council and again left to Central Government for remedy. Same with bridges.

And if we are to venture into city public health matters, fogging for mosquitoes is now done by Central Government, day care services have been shuttered and left up to private facilities, sanitary inspection around the city is no longer done by City Hall and the list goes on and on. In fact, the municipality has refused to even maintain its own buildings, including the historic City Hall edifice, and is, instead expecting Central Government to restore it and also construct an Administrative building for them.

Shouldn’t the city take a part of the billions, which they collect yearly from the citizenry and hand it over to Central Government for all the slack that the Government has taken up around the city?

Best regards, Deodarie Putulall

attract the attention of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), I beg that you publish this letter.

The management of GWI (Linden Operations) seems to have lost its way. I have always known GWI to be a customer-oriented organisation. However, things seem to have changed rapidly. This article should not be seen as an evaluation of the recently appointed CEO. I have worked with him and am fully aware of the high standards he sets on customer satisfaction. I take the opportunity to welcome the CEO back to the fold.

My wife and I reside at 2983 Central Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden. We journeyed to the GWI office (Mackenzie) to report a major water leak to GWI Region 10, Customer Service Representative, approximately 45 weeks ago. The magnitude and location of the leak poses a serious threat to the foundation of our front concrete fence.

Because the situation remained unchanged, we made several unsuccessful attempts to contact the GWI Region 10 Manager.

The leak has not been repaired.

Let me be the devil’s advocate and assume that the Linden GWI management does not care “A DAMN ABOUT THE IMMINENT DESTRUCTION OF MY FENCE.” The questions I am forced to ask from a GWI perspective are as follows: (1) Does the GWI Region 10 administration truly understand the cost associated with producing one gallon of treated water?

(2) Does the GWI Region

with the entry of harmful elements into its T&D system, due to leaks of this nature.

(3) Does the GWI Region 10 administration understand that a leak in a water T&D system reduces overall system pressure, resulting in unacceptable service levels?

(4) Does the GWI Region 10 administration understand that it is impossible to eliminate and/or reduce “Revenue Loss Water” or “Unaccounted for Water,” allowing leaks of this nature to exist for lengthy periods?

What I find extremely disturbing is GWI’s failure in adhering to its own service connection installation specification. In other words, our service connection does not have a disconnection valve. The presence of such valve would have allowed a temporary disconnection of the service, until GWI executes the necessary repairs. Now, when we went to the GWI’s office to report the leak, the customer service representative indicated to us that the only way a water leak can exist on our premises, is because some form of skullduggery (system tampering) would have taken place, since according to GWI’s record, our service was disconnected in the year 2019.

This I found to be very amusing, offensive and defamatory. She was totally out of place to make such

investigator. This young lady seems to be totally lost and her reckless comment, if allowed to continue will not serve GWI well. I further enquired from this individual, the reason for sending monthly invoices to us, for a service that was disconnected according to her records. Her response convinced me that we were communicating with the wrong person. I will never understand being advised to seek assistance from GWI’s Head Office in Georgetown, when a representative office is in Linden. Additionally the problem is Linden based. This is bizarre by any standard.

The famous Peter Drucker in one of his books wrote, “If we do not know where you are going, any road will take us there.” However, in this modern age we cannot allow any road to take us there.

Respectfully, Hector Lambert

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Tuesday June 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

Lincoln Lewis can answer whether he believes the elections were rigged DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to Lincoln Lewis’s retort “Free speech carries responsibilities – one is to speak truth” (May 29). Lewis contends that I lie in claiming that he supported the attempt to rig the 2020 election. Lewis is a prominent public figure.

People look to his words and actions on issues (and that of other major public figures) of national import to bring resolution. His views on the election are significant to a large segment of the population. I stated that by not speaking out against the fraud, then Lewis and other Africanists were condoning rigging. Acts or words of omission are tantamount to acquiesce. Why would someone seek and pursue the truth in all other matters of national issue but remain silent on the most important one that strikes at the heart of democracy and development?

Contrary to what Lewis concluded, the purpose of my missive on recognising the work of Freddie Kissoon was not a studious attempt “to malign Black leaders”, falsify information, demonise anyone, make anyone “persona non grata” or to lie

on Lewis or anyone. It is to help resolve differences with other Indian writers and activists, including Freddie, and reach common cause to make Guyana a democratic society for all Guyanese. It was not meant to target Lewis or any African but his name was included to give illustrative effect to the point being made that we all must condemn rigging. In fact, Lewis was praised for his Africanist position; clearly, he misinterprets my intent, which was honourable. Is Lewis upset because I praise his nemesis Freddie, a recognised scholar, and not him? (My letter was inadvertently published twice — same content but different caption).

I do not wish to engage in a debate with Lincoln on rigging. He writes with anger and is easily offended, takes critiques personally, and responds with venom. He comes across attacking rather than suave for an intellectual discourse for learning and understanding.

It is unfortunate that he does not write with objectivity to find solutions to nagging ethnic and other social problems. I remember well an imposing photo of Lewis with a farming

tool (I think) towering over a puny woman as he asserts claim of land which the woman claims she has farmed for years. With his kind of response to Freddie, others and me, it will be very difficult to find solutions to our ethnic problems.

I have not seen any media report or statement in which Lewis condemned electoral rigging in 2020. If I misunderstand him or “lie”, as he categorized my interpretation of his election position, this is the time for him to state categorically and unambivalently: “Did the PNC/R (APNU) led coalition or PPP/C rig the 2020 elections?” Or did the PPP/C win the 2020 elections?

The following are excerpted from various media outlets that speak for themselves and brief comments: “Lewis sees election as a process to be rigged to stay in power” – Freddie Kissoon (May 4, 2020).

Lewis’s statement: “I call on President David Granger not to allow history to record him as it did Nero. You have the power vested in your office to correct this public hijacking of Guyana’s elections, this confounded

brazen highway robbery, this piracy, this buccaneering politics unleashed on Guyana. …

This is no longer only about electoral victory. It is about our youth, our future.

It is a shame for GECOM to attempt to declare any election … If GECOM cannot declare election on credible votes or declarations never challenged or deemed invalid in a court of law, then Mr. President, it behoves you to cancel these elections. You have the power, you have the right to so do... Mr. President, for the good of Guyana, her laws ‘sand people, cancel these elections.” (Jul 28, 2020) (Lewis’s statement was

made when all the observers concluded that the election was free and fair and that the PPP won. In the first few days after the election, APNU coalition claimed victory but refused to make available SOPs to substantiate that claim).

“Lewis stated on a radio programme hosted by Mark Benschop that Granger was above the Constitution since he was an Executive President who can take action against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) if the Commission continues to insist on declaring the results of the recount” (which revealed that PPP won). (Jul 29, 2020) (Isn’t Lewis suggesting

nullification of the recount?

And just exactly what does he mean by action against GECOM – a constitutional body? A coup?)

Lewis asserts that it was the PPP that rigged the elections. “What they are asking us to do is reward those people who have stolen the elections… They have stuffed the ballot boxes; they have done what they feel should be done to win an election or to see regime change.” (Jul 28, 2020) (The entire world, including President Granger says it was Guyana’s best election – free and fair; how come after APNU’s purported defeat, it became a fraud?) “Former (Continued on page 17)

...Tacuma Ogunseye sets the record From page 4 infamous 1980 Referendum which was boycotted by 90% of the voting population; (5) the struggle to free Arnold Rampersaud supported by the African urban population; (6) the period of the civil rebellion led by the WPA that resulted in the government forces killing Ohene Koama, Edward Dublin, Father Darke and the assassination of Walter Rodney; (7) Rodney’s multi-racial funeral; (8) Post Rodney struggles when the WPA on two occasions initiated the closing down of the country to protest food shortages; (9) the PCD struggle for free and fair elections which led to the return of democracy with the defeat of the PNC in 1992 elections; (10) the Guard movement which the former PPP/C’s long-standing Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, was

associated with. These are but a few of the notable instances that manifested significant African opposition to the then regime. Your letter writer and editorial staff must have been aware of some of these public events but chose silence instead of a corrective footnote. Why? Your letter writer consciously or unconsciously points to a universal truth: “…it is my humble opinion that you will always feel oppressed and disenfranchised as long as the Government in place is not one of your choosing.”

Restricting this observation to Guyana applies to both Africans and Indians. As I said the observations are universal, it posed a major challenge to the evolution of democracy worldwide and of course, in Guyana. Hence, the imperative of political power

sharing thus ending the winner take all form of government.

This is necessary to deal with the human condition cited by your letter writer.

In closing, I wish to suggest the need for the establishment of a civil group committed to the promotion of “truth” in public discourse on national issues, calling out public officials, columnists, reporters and letter writers who disseminate information that is incorrect and false.

Perhaps something like what happens in US Presidential elections where the utterances of the candidates are subjected to tests for accuracy. This will enhance the quality of public discourse and contribute in a major way to building a better Guyana.

Yours faithfully Tacuma Ogunseye

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Tuesday June 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

Fellow Guyanese, we are all losing one million dollars every month that goes by with this oppressive Exxon contract.

We have no full coverage insurance from the oil people. Furthermore, this country does not know the interest rate we are paying on the $20B loans for Liza, I, II and Payara, and we do not even know how much they are taking out for clean-up cost.

This contract is worse than any oil contract in the last 100 years.

It must be noted however, that the contract allows for renegotiation. But our leaders, all of them, are not in favour of renegotiation!

We need that contract to be renegotiated!

We cannot sit back and allow this contract to throw us back into slavery or have us continue to look like beggars to the world.

But we cannot win this fight in isolation; we all have to do our part to demand that the contract is renegotiated.

Moreover, I, Glenn Lall, the publisher of this newspaper, am calling you out of your homes and offices or wherever you are at 9am tomorrow to gaff, only for five minutes, with your neighbours, friends and colleagues about the renegotiation of the contract. Drivers can also toot their horns from 09:00 – 09:05 hrs in support.

You can snap a few photos and post them to social media, and even send a few to my Whatsapp (624-6456) so that the world can know and see that together we are demanding the renegotiation of the Exxon contract Let's continue to do this every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until we overcome.

PAGE 07

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

PAGE 09

Back to the future: Georgetown's drainage woes T

he weather outlook does not a p p e a r favourable. Rains are forecast for the next week and over the next few days intense showers are expected.

High intensity rainfall poses the greatest threat to flooding. It is therefore critically important that there is the right coordination to ensure that as much water is cleared off the land and out of the primary drainage canals before the heavy showers descend.

The President has to be commended for his hands-on approach to the present crisis. It remains a crisis because of the slow rate at which the water is removed from the land through gravity and mechanical flow.

And with high intensity rainfall forecast and the soils saturated, there will be accumulation of water on the land since the rate of rainfall will be far higher than the rate of discharge. That is why the message of the President should be heeded; there can be no rest when it comes to pumping the water off the land or draining it by gravity flow. The trenches and main drainage canals must be kept low if we are going to avoid another 2005 flood.

In 2015 there was massive flooding in Georgetown following high-

Dem

boys seh...

N

uff ah we like cuss we colonial masters but dem people used to mek running a country look simple. All dis confusion about koker door and pump would ah never happen in colonial Guyana.

Dem colonial masters bin know de importance of dem koker opening and closing at de right time.

Dem nah had too much pump in dem days because dem used to keep de outfalls clear and dem trench had nuff water wah used to flush out dem outfall.

And dem used to send

intensity rainfall. A Dutch Flood Risk Reduction Team came and prepared a report.

Based on their report a group of students came and prepared another report. The recommendations of the two reports were not much different and both said that the country's residents have to learn to live with water.

The reports recommended attention be paid to upgrading the modelling capacity, developing a flood hazard map of the city, examining the feasibility of small-scale floating dredges for the city and to start operations, and improve data collection.

These types of recommendations are perhaps not what the APNU+AFC was anticipating. It may account for why little action was taken by them in respect to development of the capabilities recommended in the reports.

The Coalition may have been expecting a road map or a list of engineering projects as recommendations. But what the teams were telling them was that any recommendations had to be based on certain technical evidence and assessments and this is why there was the need for modelling flood risks, improving data collection and developing a map of flood risks areas in the city. These were the technical prerequisites

which would inform the right interventions.

As things happened, five years went by and the same old solutions which have never worked were pursued: putting in more pumps and occasionally cleaning a few drains. Nothing really has changed and five years onward, the city is no better prepared to deal with flooding than it was in 2015.

This is why what we are witnessing is this constant blame-game and excuse making. The APNU+AFC say that the flooding is as a result of the government's neglect of the country's drainage infrastructure. The Opposition in making this assessment is condemning itself because the present administration has only been in office for nine months and if there is any neglected drainage infrastructure it had to have been inherited from the APNU+AFC time in office.

When it comes to the city, the government is blaming the City Council for not supervising the operations of the kokers and pumps. The problem is however, not so simple.

It is far more complex.

The city's drainage system has been terribly compromised over the years.

The second Dutch team which came made the observation that the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown was in

If koker wuk good, yuh nah need pump around a man pun a bicycle fuh mek sure dat dem kokers open and close pun time. De man used to have he raincoat at hand because no matter if is drizzle or storm, he gat fuh ride around and mek sure dem koker open.

We tun Independent and we abandon all dem systems. We full up canal and leff de 40-foot trench fuh get silt up. Tall man could not touch bottom standing up in de middle of de 40-foot canal in de ole days. But these days, crab crass growing in de 40-foot trench.

Prezzie decide fuh tek

over de role of de man pun de bicycle. He tun up fuh see if dem open de koker door or de pump wukkin. But he nah know dat if pump tun on dem man can't sleep. Pump and pillow nah does gree. If de pump mekking noise dem man can't sleep so some of dem does tun off de pump fuh nod off.

But long ago yuh nah had dat problem because dem had a man riding around pun bicycle fuh ensure when koker door open and when it close.

Talk half and nah cuss dem ole people and dem systems!

possession of a map showing drains and canals in great detail. However, the team found that the accuracy and relevance of the map was checked and it did not resemble the system as it is functioning in 2016.

The city's primary drainage canals are not what they used to be like and now have to take off more water from expanded catchment areas as a result of the creation of new housing and industrial developments.

As a result of this, storage of water is a problem. The canals have long been silted and hold far less water than before. The outfalls no longer discharge as much water as they used to because they too are heavily silted.

The lessons of the 2005 floods have been overlooked. If since then one outfall each year had been dredged using a small floating pontoon and excavator, the problems of

flooding would have been mitigated. But here we are, 16 years later, facing the same problems: poor storage, poor discharge and poor modelling and mapping of flood risks.

The more things change in Guyana, the more they remain the same. We never learn.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday June 01, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

My dog almost bit off a man's head outside the AFC's office E

ach day when I go to the seawall and the National Park with my dog, I would stop at my friends' little snackette right next door to the AFC's head office. Dawn and Raymond Persaud are my personal friends.

Last Saturday afternoon was no exception.As I drove up, I saw something unusual at the AFC's headquarters. The place has been a ghost town since the APNU+AFC lost the March 2020 election. No one is ever there.

There were actually cars

and people outside the office.

There was a tent with some people under it. Raymond approached the car and told me that the AFC has a fundraising “curry lime.”

As Raymond left, longstanding AFC activist, Albert Crowell, who provided security for me during the 2015 campaign came up to the driver's window joking with me with out-of-control decibels. He didn't know my dog was sitting next to me.

The dog jumped at him.

While the dog was about to eat Cromwell, something unusual

happened. The clock was rewound to the long years prior to 2015 when David Patterson and I were very personal friends. David came out of the AFC building yelling to me, “Freydaay, Freydaay, come in maan, come in, Freydaay come in.” And he went on and on I watched as David with decibels that matched Crowwell's kept insisting I come in and join the lime. I drove away. I felt a tinge of sadness and contempt as I watched David and my foot

mashed the accelerator.

This man and so many of the big wigs in the AFC and I were very close personal friends. David Patterson and Khemraj Ramjattan were my intimate buddies. We limed, socialised and struggled in politics to change our country into having a blissful future. In the 2015 election battle, I spoke at more campaign meetings than any AFC speaker.

Then something happened in the second half of 2015, and I became a complete non-entity and a no-body to Khemraj Ramjattan and D a v i d Patterson. The AFC acquired state power and I never heard back from my two friends. I never got a call to attend a function, a birthday party, a quiet lime, a coffee, nothing.

I never even got a telephone call enquiring as to how I was doing.

Here now are two things I never revealed in these columns before. I know one day I will have to write on them, and I am doing so now. One relates to Cathy Hughes, the other to Khemraj Ramjatttan.

In relation to Ramjattan, I only told Norman Brown, PNC activist in the UK about the

incident during a recent interview.

Frederick Kissoon One day, during the early times of the AFC which lies in the compound in power, I went to see a close of Colgrain House, which is buddy of mine, Leonard Craig, Mrs. Hughes' ministry. who was the personal aide to Since I knew Hughes I told Minister Ramjattan at the my friend, I doubt that would be Public Security Ministry a problem. He asked me out of ( n o w H o m e A f f a i r s the supposed knowledge that I Ministry). The guard hut is knew the AFC lead right in front of the entrance. ers closely. I texted Hughes.

The rank told me to wait She took three days to reply and while she informs Craig. said she could not see me since Going up the stairs with his she was busy. But she will get in three-piece suit was Minister touch. She did three days Ramjattan. after and said she cannot He looked at me as if I was a meet because she has to complete stranger and asked attend a birthday. It was 10 formally, “are you getting days after my first text, she through.” Ramjattan didn't agreed to meet. greet me, didn't call my name, By then my friend had didn't smile. Anyone from gone. It is only now through this a n o t h e r p l a n e t w h o column, if Mrs. Hughes reads it, witnessed that encounter she will know what I wanted to would never believe that just talk to her about. Let me close a year before Ramjattan and I by boldly stating no PPP were close comrades.

Minister would have snubbed Now Cathy Hughes. A me the way Hughes and retired friend from the US Ramjattan did. Dominic invested a small sum in Gaskin and Winston Jordan agriculture and came home for a also thought after 2015, that I week to ink the deal. He stayed was a non-entity. More on at the Georgetown Club. He what they did some other time. told me he would love (The views expressed in this nothing better if he could article are those of the author walk across next door and and do not necessarily reflect swim at the Colgrain pool, the opinions of this newspaper.)

Region Four SOPs handed over to police

T

he controversial Region Four Statements of Poll (SOPs) for the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, were yesterday handed over to investigators at the Guyana Police Force's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Eve Leary.

Kaieteur News was able to confirm this development with Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum.

The handing over of the SOPs comes days after the Chief Justice (Ag), Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, ordered the Supreme Court's Registrar, Sueanna Lovell, to release certified copies of the SOPs and Statements of Recount (SORs) for a police investigation into election fraud cases currently being prosecuted.

These documents were being kept by Lovell after the Chief Justice (Ag) had ordered that they be released to her for safekeeping, following the dismissal of the first Elections Petition Case filed by the

opposition.

In April, an application was filed in the Court by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, and the Commissioner of Police (Ag), Nigel Hoppie, to have the documents released to investigators.

They requested an order directing the Registrar to certify the photocopies of the SOPs made by her as being true copies of the originals and taking other actions and steps as may be lawful, necessary and appropriate to render the photocopies admissible in a court of law.

Additionally, the applicants asked the Court to grant any order that may be necessary to facilitate the obtaining of the certified photocopies of the SOPs and SORs of the March 2, 2020 Regional and General elections in a lawful manner.

The DPP and the Commissioner had requested the elections documents in order to facilitate a fair hearing of the charges against key officials of

the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Those officials are the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxane Meyers and the Returning Officer (RO) for District Four, Clairmont Mingo, who are presently facing charges of Misconduct in Public Office in the Magistrates' Court.

It is believed that Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers misconducted themselves participating in an attempt to rig the elections by inflating the number of votes cast in Region Four.

A recount of ballots was conducted and showed that the numbers presented by Mingo were inflated.

The GPF and the DPP had contended in the application for the documents that the data contained in the Region Four SOPs and SORs forms relevant evidence for the prosecution to prove the commission of the offences.

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday June 01, 2021

CDC urges Region 7 residents to move to higher grounds - says mudslides expected

T

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in a notice yesterday, urged residents along the Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers in Region Seven, to move to higher grounds since they anticipate mudslides and more rainfalls.

For the past several days, multiple parts of Guyana

have been experiencing severe flooding.

The CDC in its notice said, that the National Weather Watch Centre predicts that conditions in Region Seven will likely lead to continuous flooding of areas already underwater.

Residents were moreover urged to take the necessary precautions to safeguard life

and property against flooding, heavy winds and mudslides.

Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, along with members from the Bartica Council, have been on the ground monitoring the situation and delivering flood relief to affected residents.

Marshall had even

Recent images of Bartica

received cleaning supplies from the Head of the CDC, Kester Craig, during his recent visit to the area.

According to a Facebook post made by Marshall, engineers from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) have completed an assessment of the river defence and all outfalls.

He said that the Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, M r. K e v i n S a m a d , completed an assessment of the breaches in preparation for timely remedial works and mechanics from the NDIA restored function of the water pump which had developed some issues after the floods on Independence

Day. Kaieteur News had reported that on Independence Day, the CDC in a statement had warned residents living on the coastline to be on the lookout for “above normal high tides which may result in overtopping of rivers and sea defences.”

Photographs and videos of the flooding situation were captured and posted on social media platforms by some affected residents. Based on those images and videos that were seen, streets appeared like rivers and business places, homes and government buildings were all flooded.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

PAGE 13

Pomeroon hit hard by - relief measures flood waters underway

By Romario Blair

A

fter days of consistent rain f a l l , communities across Guyana have recorded cases of severe flooding. The Pomeroon area, which is located on the northern end of the Essequibo Coast, has reportedly been hit the hardest in Region Two. Based on reports reaching Kaieteur News, both the Upper and Lower Pomeroon, have recorded unprecedented water levels over the past few days. The Pomeroon is a riverine area, which is accessible mainly by rivers and creeks. The area is also a major contributor to Guyana's agriculture sector, especially

in coconut and ground provision production.

According to residents living within the Pomeroon, water levels have reached 6ft. in some areas like Karawab. One resident, who has been living in Siriki for the past 53 years, told Kaieteur News that the homes of some residents have been flooded for days.

During an interview with this publication, that resident said, “Is like about two weeks already since the rain started falling, but this is the first time water came up so high...some people get water in their house and the water ain't coming off.”

The losses reported have been extensive as farms and homes of many residents are inundated. “Pomeroon

An affected home in Karawab

A farmer from Karawab stands in waist high water, which has affected his farm people do farming and livestock and with this water, we all losing crops and our livestock ...and due to this flood, the health worker can't go in the compound...water in the health centre and teachers can't go in the school compound either,” said another resident who spoke to Kaieteur News.

This publication was informed that the Pomeroon region was flooded due to extremely high spring tides and heavy rainfall. There were speculations that water from higher grounds was pumped into the Pomeroon River via the Dawa Pump Station.

This speculation was laid

The flooded compound of the Siriki Primary School

to rest by the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Devenand Ramdatt, who said that the findings of the Regional Administration have not confirmed what is being peddled. Ramdatt also said that the Regional Democratic Council has been conducting flood assessment not only in the Pomeroon but also in other areas across Region Two. The REO explained that, “One approach is to engage residents. So, it can guide us

[RDC] in making better decisions. What we will do is intervene and have relief measures implemented so persons within the Region can benefit from some sort of relief.”

In the meantime, relief works have commenced in several areas in the Pomeroon. According to the REO, over 1,000 food hampers have been distributed.

T h e R e g i o n a l Vi c e Chairman of Region Two,

Humace Oodit, said that hampers were distributed to the Charity squatting area, and communities in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon. “So far we've been into communities like Karawab, St. Monica, Siriki, Jacklow, Abrams Creek, Friendship, Aberdeen and others. We will be making additional trips to those communities, so we can ensure every deserving citizen benefits,” said the Vice Chairman.

PNC mourns loss of cultural icon, Daphne Rogers

T

he Leader of the People's National Congress (PNC), Mr. David Granger, is deeply saddened by the death of Ms. Daphne Elaine Rogers, MS. In a statement, the PNC noted that Rogers would be remembered as one of the country's most admired administrators and culturalists who dedicated her working life to the Arts, Culture and Education.

She served as Principal of the In-Service Teachers Training College, Administrator of the National Cultural Centre and in the Department of Culture for several years. She will be remembered for her efforts to modernise the National School of Dance, the Guyana School of Music and the Theatre Guild.

In fact, the PNC recalled that in 2016, Granger, at that time President, presented Rogers with the Medal of Service (MS) for her meritorious contributions in production and performance in the Theatre Arts.

Some have concluded that Rogers, who died at the age of 92, will forever be regarded

The dearly departed, Daphne Rogers as a cultural icon for her immense contributions over the years.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Popular media personality, Mondale Smith, succumbs to COVID-19

By Alliyah Allicock

P

opular media personality and 'chef,' Mondale Smith, has died after being infected with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. His death was confirmed by officials of the Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday.

The former journalist was last week admitted to the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Infectious

Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal after he developed serious complications as a result of the disease. Smith reportedly died while receiving treatment and is listed among the country's recent COVID-19 deaths. Earlier this year, Nameela Henry, another well-known media personality passed away as a result of the disease too.

Smith, who was 44 at the time of his death, was known for his jovial and resilient

persona. He was a former news anchor at Prime News and former journalist for several news entities including this publication.

He is formerly the owner and Chief Chef of Chef Mondale's Kitchen and former Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education.

The news of his death sent shock waves throughout the country yesterday, as hundreds of persons took to their social media pages to

express their sympathy to his loved ones. Some even uploaded their last moments spent with Smith and stories about Smith.

The Guyana Press A s s o c i a t i o n ( G PA ) i n expressing condolences remembered Smith for his “versatility and love for journalism.”

“He was known for his many stand-ups and for going after stories that showed the reality we lived (continued on page 15)

Former Journalist, Mondale Smith

Flood-affected Corentyne residents say NDCs failed to carry out mandate - Agri. Ministry steps in to assist with drainage as flooding continues Minister, Zulfikar - Bloomfield, Eversham, other areas visited Agri.

Mustapha, engaging affected residents.

A

s residents from East BerbiceCorentyne continue to grapple with severe flooding brought on by persistent rainfall and overtopping of the Canje Creek, calls are being made for the regional representatives, more so, the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils

(NDCs) to step up and do their job.

This common complaint was raised with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during day two of his regional flood assessment exercise in Region Six. This is according to a release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.

GLDA officers were tasked with treating animals in the Cookrite Savannah

Nalini Boodhoo, a resident of No. 59 Village, said that the NDC has failed the people. “The Chairman doesn't do anything. Look at the condition of the dam here. Look at this drain. If we bin get better drainage or them used to clean the drains, we would never get this kinda flooding. The man doesn't even come to meet

with the people,” Ms. Boodhoo said.

Another resident, Bergett McGregor, from No. 53 Village, also said that the NDC Chairman for her area has also failed to carry out the works needed to maintain the neighbourhood.

“Minister, I've been waiting to meet with you.

This situation is very hard on us and we need help. We appreciate what the Ministry is doing because I know pumps are being brought to the Region, but if the NDC was doing their job, we would be in a better state.

The NDC is not doing anything for us. Look at the drains. They don't even clean these drains. We are paying our rates and taxes and we are not getting any help.

When you go to the office, it is like you go there to waste time, because they do not put any effort into coming and seeing what the people are going through,” Ms. McGregor said.

Residents also raised issues with the operation of

certain structures in their communities. While efforts were being made to drain severely affected areas in Black Bush Polder, residents from other villages along the Coast have been accused of tampering with one of the structures in an attempt to allow the flow of water through their community.

Farmers were also of the opinion that relevant officials failed to engage both parties in a timely manner, which resulted in further conflict.

Minister Mustapha told residents, after conducting a comprehensive regional assessment; several immediate interventions will be implemented within the next 24 hours.

“This is day two of our regional flood assessment exercise. What I've noticed is that several areas are still flooded. We were able to, like yesterday; make some timely interventions in an effort to bring some amount of relief to residents. Those interventions would be

implemented within the next 24 hours. In some of the NDCs, I'm very dissatisfied.

Based on reports we received from many residents, these bodies have not been performing, as they should, especially the Nos. 52 - 74 NDC. Many issues were brought to my attention that we will be working to resolve at the level of the RDC. I've also asked the NDIA to look at issues relating to drainage that are affecting residents in those areas,” Minister Mustapha said.

As it relates to the operation of structures in the region, Minister Mustapha told residents that a system has to be in place to ensure water from severely affected areas does not drain into areas that are less affected.

He also cautioned residents against tampering with drainage and irrigation structures.

“When I met with residents from Black Bush Polder, I told them that we (continued on page 17)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

PAGE 15

Popular media personality, Mondale Smith...

From page 14 in,” the GPA highlighted.

Smith's journey in the local media industry started in the early 1990s when he worked at the Guyana Broadcasting Authority.

According to the GPA, there he produced as well as hosted radio programmes.

The Education Ministry in extending condolences and prayers to his family and friends, said that

Smith's presence and contribution to the Ministry would not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry yesterday announced that four more persons who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.

Their deaths have now increased Guyana's COVID-19 death toll to 389. This publication was informed that Smith's death

was not included in the daily update.

According to the Ministry, the latest fatalities are an 83-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and three men – an 81-year-old from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), a 65-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and a 30-year-old from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-

Upper Essequibo).

All four persons died over a two-day period (May 29 and 30) while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Further, the MoH via its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 42 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 16,952.

A breakdown of new cases per Region shows that Region Six leads

with 22 new cases, Region Four with 11, Region 10 with three and Regions One, Three and Seven with two each.

The dashboard also shows that 23 patients are in the COVID-19 ICU, 102 persons are in institutional isolation, 1,916 in home isolation and nine are quarantined institutionally. To date, 14,522 recoveries have been recorded.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

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Drawing of Building or house plan (Architectual) and also Estimate Call 2160671, 692-8464, whatsapp 622-0267

Two Apartment for rent, 1 bedroom $30,000, 2 bedroom $45,000. Contact number: 696-1680 in Herstelling.

Hauler/Trailer Driver,Truck Driver, Building Foreman.

Contact via email: (adowridge.chungs@gmail.com).

Tel# 624-3048.

Business: South Road, Saffon, Hadfield, Wellington, North Rd, Residene: Meadow Bank, North Ruimveldt Ray's Realty 627-9685

We l d e r / F a b r i c a t i n g .

Labourers, Road Foreman, Sand Truck Driver. Contact via email: (adowridge.chungs@gmail.com).

Tel# 624-3048.

Repairs and servicing, refridgerator, treadmill, washing machine, stove, pressure pump, filtration system dryer, deepfryer etc 694-9733 BUILDING CONTRACTOR HOUSE PLANS ESTIMATE BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION CALL 649-7114 guybuildersco@outlook.com

Fronted Loader Operator, Excavator Operator. Contact via email (adowridge.chungs@gmail.com).

Tel#624-3048.

Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#630-1600.

Vacancy exists for POULTRY/LIESTOCK FARMERS. Canal No.2 West Bank Demerara. Contact: 6214992,609-2995 or 227-5289.

For prompt reliable servicing repair of domestic industrial sewing machines. Call: 223-9106 or 619-3988.

TO LET Newly constructed 2 bedrooms apt in a safe and healthy environment. Call# 698-6496 & 622-6512 LAND FOR SALE Land for sale at 102 Good Hope mahaica 500ft x 42ft at the Roadside 691-8420 Carmichael St, Mc Doom, LaPenitence, Qeenstown, Beterverwagting, Canal No.1, Soesdyke Highway, East Coast Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685

Land for sale in Parfaite Harmonie. Tel# 681-1210.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 2461 Tuchen Housing scheme 3 bedroom house for sale Tel#682-1069 Developer in US selling custom built vacation homes in Berbice $25million CBG properties Tel# 001-346-8180822 Sheriff, Norton, Charlotte St, South Ruimveldt, L.B.I, Enterprise, Melanie, Diamond, Zeelugt & Uitvlugt, Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685 PENPAL

Male seek intelligent female, age 25-40, for marriage. Only serious callers are welcomed. Call: 603-9085.

WANTED Wanted one experienced Gold Smith, Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn shop 16 Pike street Kitty Tel#622-4970 Live- in domestic must know to cook and live in waitress salary start at $20,000 - 25,000 weekly Tel#610-3974 Experienced cashier apply @ Shanta's Puri Shop, 225 Camp & New Market Street.

One male and female able bodied clerks. Tel# 225-2313 & 226-1497.

(1 ) male to cut & pluck chicken on meat saw, salary $20,000 per week. Tel#6750587/ 219-2192

One male able bodied clerk.

Tel#231-2029 & 616-5954.

One male able bodied clerk.

Tel: 225-2313 & 226-1497.

Have your LFS in Parfaite,Tushen,Farm, Eccles,Providence, Uivlugt, Zealught- Cash- Call: 6662326.

Male sseks common law wife, 18-38. Light house work. Salary $80,000 monthly. Call: 695-0331.

VACANCY Filter/ Machinist, Welder fabricator, Mechanic & Male cleaner. Apply in person at: Technical Services 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles.

Vacancy exists for PM Shift Cashiers. Survival Supermarket Complex. Tel: 2275286,609-2995, email survival.humanresources @gmail.com.

Vacancy exists for Drivers with Motor Lorry license. 173 Sheriff Street. Tel:2275286,621-4992,609-2995.

Diswasher apply to Shanta’s.225 Camp & New Market street.

Workers for P.S.G.C.S cleaner, labourers and maintenance workers Contact 621-6969/ 615-7784 serious inquiries only One bond clerk requirement 3 CXC subjects Apply at Lens Tel#227-2486

Cleaner and kitchen help from Monday- Friday 7AM - 2:30 PM. Tel# 661-7639.

Good pay.

Clerical assistants live-in accommodation available for out of town applicants covid vaccinated persons only.223-7500.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 25-45, Car/Van licence. Call 642-9823.

One clerk for Eccles office English & Mathematics, Grade 1 or 2. Email application to techserigy@yahoo.com.

For Accounts clerks and Carpenters. Apply in person to Alabama Trading on Robb Street.

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Tuesday June 01, 2021

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

$3 million bridge contract inked for Wakapoa The Indigenous community of Wakapoa will soon benefit from the construction of a new bridge, which is pegged at $3 million.

The project will be undertaken from savings, derived from the Regional Democratic Council’s budget.

At a simple ceremony last Friday, the allocation was signed off by Regional Executive Officer of Region Two, Devenand Ramdatt.

The community is located on the western bank of the Lower Pomeroon River, and consists of over 20 islands.

The community’s Toshaos, Lloyd Pereira, said that the

bridging of the community’s islands would significantly benefit its population of nearly 2,000.

Kaieteur News understands that the bridge to be constructed will be placed in Curemeru. This area is reportedly located on the main land at Wakapoa and it also holds the community’s nursery school.

Toshao Pereira explained that the bridge construction would tremendously improve the access to education, as nursery school children have to journey a total of six miles to attend school.

The Toshao also pointed

out that the area can be dangerous for children, since it is located so close to the jungle, which is populated by jaguars. During a brief session with the press, the Toshao said, “During the dry season jaguars will usually come out of the rainforest in search of water and once we had one that came very close to the school.

Imagine what would have happened if these children were walking to or from school and this jaguar had attacked.”

With the construction of the bridge, this publication was informed that school

...Flood-affected Corentyne residents say From page 14 would work out a system to ensure we drain those areas as fast as possible. The water has to drain from the backlands so we have to come to a compromise. When we have heavy rainfall, the residents from Black Bush insist that we close that particular sluice because they believe it is bringing excess water into the system. We would not put a system in place to bring more flooding. I also want to make it clear - the ministry has not and will not authorise the tampering of any sluice. No one should interfere with these structures.

If we encounter persons tampering with any of the structures they will be arrested,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Minister also told residents that hampers with food items and cleaning supplies would be made available through the Civil Defence Commission. Residents expressed that, in the past, only a selected few would benefit from the relief. Minister

Mustapha asked that villagers identify representatives to work along with the team carrying out the distribution to ensure everyone benefits.

In addition, officers from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), on Sunday distributed feed to affected farmers in some parts of the Region.

During his visit to Black Bush Polder on Saturday, President Irfaan Ali, said that immediate assistance was needed to rescue animals that have been stranded in the Cookrite Savannah.

Farmers who usually graze their animals there had said that there were no other alternative areas in the Region for them to house their animals. They appealed to the Head of State to have some feed made available to feed their animals.

GLDA officers also treated a number of animals that would have suffered injuries while attempting to seek higher ground.

After the Minister would

have concluded the exercise, NDIA officials in the region provided an update on the interventions made thus far.

Residents from the Nos. 52 - 54 area had requested additional infrastructure, in the form of additional tubing, be made available to assist with draining the area. The NDIA was able to make those infrastructures available. An excavator was also sent to the area to assist with clearing the drains. A mobile pump was installed at Anchor Ville and two additional pumps have been installed at Whim and Letter Kenny. Two tractor pumps have been deployed to assist with drainage in Eversham and a mini-excavator has been sent to clear blocked internal drains in Bangladesh.

NAREI and GLDA have also commenced their assessment to determine the losses faced by cash crops and livestock farmers in the region.

GRDB officers have also commenced preliminary assessments in the region.

...Guyana should have say in all oil From page 3 your leaders want it?”

Paul said whether Guyana decides to increase its authority over oil companies' budgets is dependent on how the leadership of the country feels.

He also noted that one of the challenges Guyana will face is the type of advice it will receive on these matters.

Because of the lack of funding to get the required experts, Paul noted that Guyana would be in receipt of advice from non-governmental organisations and develop-

ment associations, which focus on anti-corruption.

The Trinidadian expert said while this is important, the focus of these organisations tend to be, “Let's avoid opportunities for corruption” rather than “let's strengthen systems to prevent it.”

“So in recent times, governments like Guyana have been advised to not have state companies for oil because it is an avenue for corruption.

That is true but countries that have done well in oil and gas, including Norway, have had

state companies with an interest in every block.

Why do they do that? Because they are not only able to oversee what is going to be spent and have a say, but they are also able to learn the business.”

The Trinidadian noted that Guyana could improve its position significantly. He said, however, that it is only doable to the extent that the government has the ability of understanding what the country deserves and the confidence to ask for it.

...Lincoln Lewis can answer whether From page 6 presidential advisor Ramon Gaskin was critical of the implication contained in Lewis’ utterances. If GECOM uses the recount to declare the winner, they will be operating in keeping with the decision of the CCJ. Lewis is seeking to mislead the public

on several grounds since Granger has no power to cancel this or any other elections… It would be unconstitutional.” (Jul 29, 2020).

In light of above statements, what conclusions can one draw?

Not everyone who makes

passing comments in reference to Lewis or critiques his position is out to get him (we are all not enemies). I did recognise his labour activism and his struggle on behalf of his African ancestors and people.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Devenand Ramdatt, the Regional Executive Officer [extreme left], along with Toshoa Lloyd Periera [extreme right] during the contract signing ceremony. children would be able to travel a shorter and safer distance when accessing education.

According to the REO, the money will be handed over to the Wakapoa Village

Council. The council will then undertake the project, under the supervision of the Regional Engineering Department. At the signing over, Ramdatt emphasised the need for accountability and

transparency, throughout the duration of the project.

The project is scheduled to commence after consultations conclude in the first week of June. (Romario Blair)

PAGE 18

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

Money changer and daughter murder PI…

Lawyer to submit written arguments, others still to lead defence The lawyer for one of the five men accused of murdering money changer, Aaron Latchman, and his daughter 18-year-old Arianna Latchman, is expected to submit his written arguments to the court, and other defendants are expected to lead their defence.

As the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Latchman and his daughter continues, Magistrate Alisha George in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court is conducting the final stages in the matter.

The five persons accused of the double murder are: 25year-old Mark Rufino called ‘Mark,’ a labourer of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo; 37-year-old Paul Chan called ‘Long Hair’ or ‘Anthony,’ a conductor of 10 Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Troy Abrams called ‘Troy’ or ‘Rasta Man,’ a vendor of 34 Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; and Lloyd Sadloo, self-employed of 220 Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara.

On May 15, 2021, Magistrate George ruled that a prima facie case was made out against the two defendants as she had discharged the matter against another accused. The prima facie was made out against Chan, Sadloo and Abrams.

Sadloo and Abrams had informed the court that they would lead their defence,

Arianna Latchman.

Dead: Aaron Latchman.

while Chan declined.

Sadloo is being represented by attorney-atlaw, Glenn Hanoman. Sadloo has since concluded leading his defence. He had also called two witnesses in his defence. Meanwhile, Abrams had also led his defence. He is expected to call witnesses today.

Kaieteur News had reported that the matter was discharged against Thomas, while the fifth accused, Rufino, is still on the run after escaping from the Lusignan Prison last October.

The indictable charge alleges that on July 4, 2019, at Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, the defendants murdered the Latchmans during a robbery.

According to the facts of the charge, on the day in question, Aaron Latchman arrived home around 15:15 hrs. and was attempting to park his car in his yard, when

two gunmen struck. One of the gunmen reportedly entered the house and shot Arianna Latchman. The other then attacked the father. The two men got into a scuffle, which resulted in a bag ending up in a neighbour’s yard.

The gunman, who had allegedly shot the young woman, then exited the house and came to his accomplice’s aid, shooting the older Latchman as well. After he fell to the ground, the attackers snatched a bag of cash and fled.

The gunmen escaped in a car. The money changer and his daughter were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they were both pronounced dead on arrival. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. The five accused were later arrested and subsequently charged jointly for murder.

Guyana to shortly receive single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines - to be administered in interior locations In a matter of weeks, the country is expected to receive approximately 150,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine that were procured by the Government. This is according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, as he made the disclosure during his daily COVID-19 update yesterday.

The Johnson & Johnson is a single-shot COVID-19 vaccine that was given emergency use authorisation earlier in the year by the United States of America Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is the third vaccine that was approved by the FDA and is said to prevent COVID-19 in persons 18 years of age and older.

Dr. Anthony in his update said that Guyana was able to source the vaccine through a partnership between CARICOM and the African Union. He added that the African Union has allocated a total of 1.5 million doses to the Caribbean and out of that set, the country is slated to receive 150,000 doses.

“Last week we made a down payment on those doses, so we are hopeful that during June, we are able to get those vaccines,” Dr. Anthony said.

He added that those vaccines, when received, would be distributed in the interior areas, since those areas are difficult to reach.

“It will be very appropriate to use that

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. especially in the interior areas, because some of those areas are very difficult to reach and if you give the one shot that will be very helpful for the staff out there. So we are very happy to source the J&J vaccine and as soon as we get them, we will start distributing them and rolling them out into those communities,” the Minister pointed out.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine now joins the other three types of COVID-19 vaccines that the country has procured that are currently being administered to the adult population. Those vaccines are the AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and the Sputnik V vaccines.

Covid: WHO renames UK and other variants with Greek letters (BBC) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a new naming system for variants of Covid19.

From now on the WHO will use Greek letters to refer to variants first detected in countries like the UK, South Africa and India.

The UK variant for instance is labelled as Alpha, the South African Beta, and the Indian as Delta.

The WHO said this was to simplify discussions but also to help remove some stigma from the names.

Earlier this month the Indian government criticised the naming of variant B.1.617.2 - first detected in the country last October - as the “Indian variant”, though the WHO had never officially labelled it as such.

“No country should be

stigmatised for detecting and reporting variants,” the WHO’s Covid-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove, tweeted. She also called for “robust surveillance” of variants, and for the sharing of scientific data to help stop the spread.

Letters will refer to both variants of concern, and variants of interest. A full list of names has been published on the WHO website.

These Greek letters will not replace existing scientific names. If more than 24 variants are officially identified, the system runs out of Greek letters, and a new naming programme will be announced, Ms Van Kerkhove told STAT News in an interview.

“We’re not saying replace B.1.1.7, but really just to try to help some of the dialogue

with the average person,” she told the US-based website.

“So that in public discourse, we could discuss some of these variants in more easyto-use language.”

On Monday, a scientist advising the UK government said the country was in the early stages of a third wave of coronavirus infections, in part driven by the Delta, or Indian variant.

It is thought to spread more quickly than the Alpha (UK; Kent) variant, which was responsible for the surge in cases in the UK over the winter.

Vietnam, meanwhile, has detected what appears to be a combination of those two variants. On Saturday, the country’s health minister said it could spread quickly through the air and described it as “very dangerous”.

...President Ali wanted to influence From page 3 Superintendents, Calvin Brutus and Fazil Karimbaksh.

“It was clear at that meeting that the President wanted me to use my influence at the Commission to have those persons promoted,” he related.

Slowe said that he had reminded Ali, that there is a process which must be followed before persons are promoted.

“I advised the president that the Commission has certain rules; one of those rules is that, if a person has a pending disciplinary matter, the person is not eligible for promotion,” Slowe stated.

He relat e d t h a t b o t h Brutus and Karimbaksh have disciplinary matters pending before the Commission. Slowe further alleged that Ali had even tried to “butter him up” in the attempts to persuade him. “He started off the meeting by saying that he wanted me to return as Chairman of the Commission.

I was told that he was instituting a Police Reform Commission and he wanted me to be part of that Commission. He even told me how much respect he has for me and how the members of the PPP/C (People's Progressive Party Civic) respected me”, Slowe added.

The PSC, according Slowe, had moved ahead to shortlist some recommended names from the GPF for promotion on December 23, last. It is believed that someone from within the PSC had leaked the document with the shortlisted names and it

was sent to Ali. Slowe alleged that on that same day during the evening hours, he received a phone call from the president.

He described the telephone conversation as a “rough one” and said that Ali was angry and wanted to know why “his people not on the list.”

“He wanted to know why it is that “his people” not on the list and I'm quoting him here; “his people” – Brutus and Karimbaksh were not on the shortlist.”

Slowe continued, “I went through the same thing with him about the disciplinary process and he was very upset. He said that “look the people have disciplinary matters, how long will they be pending? Why are they not completed so that the people can be considered for promotion?”

He added that immediately after the conversation, he notified the other members of the Commission about his “unpleasant encounter” with the president.

But Slowe's allegations were described by President Ali as disingenuous.

“I find it convenient and opportunistic that Mr. Paul Slowe would make the accusation that I tried to influence him and the work of the Police Service Commission. This is not only far from the truth, but it is a malicious attempt to change the narrative.”

In the statement Ali confirmed, the September 16th meeting with Slowe but claimed that it was not to influence promotions.

Instead, Ali said, “I raised various concerns with him that was brought to my attention without prejudice.”

The president, however, did not address the accusation regarding the “angry phone call” he allegedly made to Slowe on December 23.

Slowe's press conference was organised to focus on his response to a “show cause notice” that was sent to him by the Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier, Mark Phillips. According to reports, Phillips had written to Slowe and another member of the PSC, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clinton Conway, to show cause why he should not advice the president to have them removed.

The letter was sent to them after investigations conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) revealed that Slowe, Conway and others – some of them retired high ranking policemen and some ranks still serving the GPF – allegedly conspired to defraud the Force of over $10M. Slowe, although not present in the country, was charged jointly with the others with conspiracy to defraud the Force. The PSC chairman is also being accused of sexually assaulting a female Assistant Superintendent of the Force on three occasions and is expected to present himself for questioning at the GPF's Gender Based Violence Unit.

Slowe, during his press conference, denied both allegations.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

PAGE 19

DPP wins appeal over Marcus Bisram - Former murder accused likely to face charges again

By Rehanna Ramsay

T

he Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed a cross-appeal by former murder accused, Marcus Bisram, and handed down a ruling in favour of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, which is likely to see Bisram face fresh proceedings for the murder of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt.

Following a hearing of the matter in February, the Appeal Court had reserved its ruling as it relates to the mu r d er ch arg es b ein g reinstituted on the discharged Guyanese/US businessman and philanthropist.

Bisram, who was extradited from the United States to face charges for the 2016 crime, has faced a preliminary trial in the Magistrates' Court.

Magistrate Renita Singh, after a preliminary inquiry had ruled that there was insufficient evidence to send him to the High Court for trial.

The DPP had, however, invoked her powers under Section 72 (1) and (2) (ii) (b) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, and directed the Magistrate to reopen the inquiry with a view of committing Bisram to the High Court for trial.

Her directions were complied with but Bisram challenged the DPP's right to instruct the Magistrate in the High Court. In a subsequent decision, High Court Justice, Simone Morris-Ramlall, quashed the DPP's orders.

Justice Morris-Ramlall also ordered that the DPP should be prohibited from instituting the charges against Bisram again. It is this order that the DPP challenged in the Appeal Court. Bisram through his attorney Arudranauth Gossai, cross-appealed challenging the DPP's right to order the Magistrate.

Gossai had contended that the DPP stepped outside her realm in her order to the Magistrate given that Article 122 A of the Constitution “created an independent judiciary, and expressly provides that all courts and all persons presiding over the courts, shall exercise their functions

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC.

Former murder accused Marcus Bisram independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority; and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any form of direction and control.”

Gossai had contended essentially that the DPP powers falls outside the judiciary.

In her oral arguments, DPP Ali-Hack, SC, had maintained that she is legally empowered to order a Magistrate to reinstitute charges on Bisram, under Section 72 of the Criminal Law Offences Act. Given this right to direct the Magistrate to reopen the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) and commit the accused for trial, the DPP said that her directive for Bisram to be committed to stand trial was proper, reasonable and lawfully made.

She stressed, among other things, that the Magistrate erred in finding there was not enough evidence to commit Bisram for trial. “This was the function of the jury not the Magistrate,” she said.

“Section 72 (2) (1) and (2) (a) and (b) empowers the

DPP to direct the Magistrate…,” she emphasised.

She also stated, among other things that with a jury properly directed, there can

be a conviction for the murder of Narinedatt, who was killed between October 31, 2016 and November 1, 2016. The DPP had contended too, that there

were several errors in Justice Morris-Ramlall's judgment.

In response, Gossai had stressed that in his view, the provisions of Section 72 (2) (ii) (a) seek to encroach on

the judicial determination of a Magistrate. Such an encroachment, he pointed out, would offend the separation of powers doctrine.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Best V Best 4-Day

Runs for Blackwood, Hope; Chase bags 4 - Hamilton XI reeling at 44-4, trailing by 220 Cricnation592 - Jermaine Blackwood struck 85, while Shai Hope stroked 79 as Blackwood XI reached 264 all out in 62.3 overs on day one of the Best v Best 4-Day match in preparation for the South Africa Tests commencing on June 10 in St Lucia.

Roston Chase claimed 444, while Chemar Holder picked up 3-44, being the stand-out performers in the first innings.

Blackwood’s XI or the West Indies A lost John Campbell (20) at 62-1 and Darren Bravo (07) at 104-2. Hope continued to play

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

positive but he watched Kyle Mayers fell for a golden duck to young Holder who was on a hat trick with Blackwood’s XI being reduced to 104-3 in 18.2 overs.

At lunch, the score was 1093 in 21 overs with Hope on 70 (82 balls) and Blackwood on three. Hope added nine runs to his score in the morning session but was then caught at first slip attempting an expansive drive off young Jayden Seals at 123-4. Hope’s classy innings included 13 fours and one six.

Blackwood then dominated the 54-run stand with Da Silva

who scored only 13 and was bowled by Jomel Warrican. The attacking Blackwood again dominated the 77-run sixthwicket partnership with Kaveem Hodge. At tea, Blackwood’s XI were 228-5 with the captain on 70 and Hodge on 24.

In the final session, five wickets fell for 36 runs as Blackwood’s XI slumped to 264 all out. After hitting 10 fours and two sixes, Blackwood’s innings ended on 85 from 125 balls, when he was trapped at the wicket by the steady Warrican. Chase

Tuesday June 01, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might feel a little under the weather due to physical and emotional stress over the past few days. Take it easy today if you can. This isn't the day to be too busy or start new projects.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Disturbing dreams or unsettling moods could arise today, causing you to wonder if something is wrong or something bad is going to happen.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Disconcerting developments in the lives of family members could cause some stress at home. There could be some problems with the structure of the house itself.

CANCER(June21–July22) Don't be surprised if many visitors come to your door today. A relative or co-worker could be in a black mood, which could spill over to you, as you're feeling more intuitive than usual.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Low biorhythms could have you feeling a l i t t l e d e pressed. You may tend to doubt your goals and abilities. Don't let this send you into a fit of gloom. All is better than it seems.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Low biorhythms could have you feeling a little depressed. You may tend to doubt your goals and abilities. Don't let this send you into a fit of gloom, Leo. All is better than it seems. Realize that today you're likely to blow every little setback out of proportion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your intuition is likely to be operating at a very high level today, Libra. This isn't a good day to be around sick or depressed people. You will probably pick up their gloom and it could possibly spoil your day.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Fear about your financial security could plague you today.

Dissatisfaction with some of work you've been doing and delays in reaching some of your goals.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Have you been wondering if you're in the right profession? Disillusionment with your field could have you feeling mildly ill from stress and considering a total career change.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Unsettling news from far away could have you somewhat upset and a little depressed. The temptation to withdraw and brood might seem too strong to resist.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A friend might be ill, causing you considerable worry.

One of the goals you've been trying to reach could be delayed in some way, causing frustration.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Relations with colleagues could be a bit strained due to increased job stress. If you've been thinking of entering a business or romantic partnership, this isn't the day to decide. Your mind may be a bit muddled.

then removed three wickets in four balls.

He sent back Rahkeem Cornwall (06), Veerasammy Permaul (00), and Keon Harding (00) while Hodge who offered resistance, gifted his wicket, hitting one to long-on after scoring 34.

Despite a 12-minute rain interval earlier in the day, the outfield looked quick at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground. That was evident as Kieran Powell spanked Shannon Gabriel for two fours in the opening over of Jahmar Hamilton’s XI innings.

West Indies B or the Hamilton’s XI ended the day on 44-4 in 15 overs.

Gabriel, Harding and Smith were the bowlers who made inroads on the quick St Lucia pitch while Powell looked promising. The second day will commence from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean Time.

...Guyana claim five medals at From page 20 Emanuel Archibald, Akeem Stewart, Jeremy Bascom and Nolex Holder finished third in a time 40.02 seconds behind Colombia (39.65s) and Brazil (39.10s).

In the men’s 200m final, Akeem Stewart was disqualified for a false start after clocking an impressive 21.18s in his heat which was the second fastest qualifying time.

In other results, Jeremy Bascombe (men’s 100), Arinze Chance (men’s 200m) and Devaughn Barrington (men’s 800m) failed to make it to their respective finals.

Chance, who finished fourth in the 400m final, missing out narrowly on the bronze medal, told Kaieteur Sport that, “It wasn’t my fastest time of the season. The race was good and competitive. It was a good opportunity competing against the best in South America and I am happy for the experience which I believe will only help me get better moving forward.”

...Copa America to be held in From page 23 “CONMEBOL thanks the president Jair Bolsonaro and his team, as well as the Brazilian Football Confederation for opening the doors of that country to what is today the safest sporting event in the world.

“South America will shine in Brazil with all its stars!”

...Marcus Wilson, Javier From page 22 movements with regards to the system that he’s trying to incorporate into our game.”

He is advising all young players never to give up, always believe in themselves and keep working hard to better boost their game and improve their quality on the pitch. His parents and brother came in for high praise for always being there for him as well as his aunts here who take good care of him, Miss Carol and Sheena George.

And GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood, who has been guiding the development of the game on and off the field of play with a huge emphasis on youths, offered this comment: “The GFF’s focus on youth development and heavy investment into the Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme is geared towards producing a conveyor belt of talent for years to

come. High performance talent ID and recruitment is a key component of our strategic vision.

The recent successes of our youth national teams and ATC graduates such as Omari Glasgow performing and scoring for the Golden Jaguars is testament to the work being done on the ground by our ATC coaching staff. But this is a longterm Programme and there are no short cuts to the amount of training and game minutes’ players need to attain to become elite performers. Consistent investment from all stakeholders is vital for the sustainability of the programme.

The step up from the national youth teams to the Golden Jaguars and the FIFA WCQ is massive, so we have to ensure we monitor and support our young players through this transition. But it has to be stressed all the talented young players have been selected on merit.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Guyana claim five medals at Osaka withdraws from French Open South American Championships following row over media boycott

By Calvin Chapman Team Guyana finished with two bronze medals on the third and final day of the 2021 South America Senior athletics championships that was contested in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to earn a tally of five medals at the event.

Following Emanuel Archibald’s silver in the m e n ’s 1 0 0 , ( 1 0 . 2 3 s ) , Jasmine Abrams bronze in the women’s 100m and Jenea McCammon’s bronze in the women’s 100m on the opening day, Guyana added bronze in both the women’s 8 0 0 m a n d t h e m e n ’s 4x100m.

In an invited comment

with Kaieteur Sport, women’s 100m bronze winner; Abrams, noted that, “I wasn’t too excited about the time. I executed the race as I practiced and I think I could’ve done better in the last 20m of the race but I was very satisfied with my start.”

Meanwhile, the lone silver medalist on the team, Archibald shared with the publication that, “I just want thank God for the outcome. I always thought my first medal representing Guyana would have been in the long jump but to get a silver medal and showing that I can run with the best in South America is a great

accomplishment for me and I will be striving to keep getting better moving forward.”

Andrea Foster clocked 2m 05.93s to finish third in the women’s 800M finals.

Running out of lane five, started the race strong but U r u g u a y ’s D e b o r a h Rodriquez (2m 03s) and Brazil’s Flavia de Lima (2m 5s) proved too much for the Guyanese who did well to stave out a stern challenge from Ecuador’s Andrea Calderon (2m 6s) that ran hard on her heels since the 650m mark. The 4x100 relay team consisting of (Continued on page 19)

Reuters - Japan’s Naomi Osaka stunned the French Open yesterday when she announced she was withdrawing from the tournament in the wake of her decision to boycott postmatch media duties, explaining she had been suffering from depression for almost three years.

Osaka said in the buildup to the tournament that she would not attend the obligatory press conferences, citing that the way journalists quiz players adversely impacts her mental well-being.

The four-time Grand Slam champion made good on her threat on Sunday when, after winning her first round match, she did not hold a press conference.

She was fined $15,000 by the Roland Garros referee and Grand Slam organisers later issued a statement warning of possible expulsion from the French Open and future majors if she fails to change her stance. Yesterday, the world number two decided to take matters into her own hands to end the stand-off.

“This isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended

when I posted a few days ago,” the 23-year-old Osaka said on Twitter.

“I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my wellbeing is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.

“I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer.” Osaka, one of the biggest names in women’s sport, went on to say she had suffered from depression since 2018.

“The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the U.S. Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that,” she said.

“Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone that has seen me at the tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety.”

After beating Serena Williams to claim her first major at the 2018 U.S. Open, Osaka was booed by the crowd during the presentation ceremony as her victory was

overshadowed by the A m e r i c a n ’s o u t b u r s t following a row with the umpire. Osaka said that since then, she has struggled with being in the spotlight.

American Sofia Kenin, who won the Australian Open and finished runner-up at Roland Garros last year, said: “It’s definitely not easy.

I mean, this is what you signed up for. This is sport.

“There’s expectations from the outside, sponsors, and everyone. You just have to somehow manage it. You have to have a good team around you who support you.” There was no immediate response from tournament organisers.

Osaka added that she later wanted to meet the sport’s organisers to improve the system. “I wrote privately to the tournament apologising and saying that I would be more than happy to speak with them after the tournament as the slams are intense,” Osaka said.

“I’m gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans.”

Letter to the Sports Editor

Sports has a new lease of life in Guyana

Dear Sir, Permit me a space in your newspapers to first congratulate the Hon, Charles Ramson Jnr. in appointing a diverse sports commission and the appointment of the battle tested sporting Tzar, Steve Ninvalle as the Director of Sports. I believe as a citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, Gregory ‘Kashif Mohammad’ Charles should have long been in sporting administration in this country.

Yes, I agree he is no stranger to controversy, however, he is the most successful sports Administrator this country has ever produced, in offering my personal congratulations to him and the other members of the commission, I will like to see him apply the administrative skills in his new role and totally re-brand Guyana’s sporting image.

With Ninvalle as a trusted henchman, our sporting fraternity is now having what I consider, a new lease of life. We are moving from a position of a person who was practically clueless in sports, to people who are self starters and require little or no supervision. I will like to see this new team put certain systems in place immediately: · The re-introduction of every possible sporting discipline from the grassroots level, since more now than ever, students are writing Physical Education at the CXC level. · Team up with the University administration for the introduction of sporting administration courses at the tertiary level, both in the faculty of Health Sciences for sports Medicine and Psychology and

Social Sciences for Sports Management. · The recapitalization of all the neglected sports facilities countrywide, collaborate with the police force and the station management committees in each area and promote sports to reduce the occurrence crime in the neighborhoods. · Employ a proper media unit and publicize activities as often as possible, so the citizenry will always be informed. · Allow access to the relevant personnel by all and sundry, so you people will be au fait with the needs of each community countrywide. · Set key performance objectives for each area to ensure development at all cost. · Wherever necessary, replace any deadwood that will hinder the functioning of the organization. · Spend money allocated for the respective disciplines and avoid any chance of returning to treasury, the youths out there need all the support at this time.

As we look ahead with optimism, the public deserves to see a proper sports programme rolled out by this team, something we can monitor, because like me, the public is aware that there is no short of talent in the arena right now. As I say heartfelt congratulations to this team, in the same vein, I sincerely ask you to deliver, for expectation countrywide is extremely high at this time.

Please don’t disappoint Guyana.

Sincerely Yours, Ronald Shepherd.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

PAGE 23

BCCI’s top brass in UAE: IPL, T20 World Cup on the agenda BCCI’s top brass are currently in the UAE. (Getty Images)

Sourav Ganguly is expected to reach Dubai on Wednesday for meetings with the Emirates Cricket Board. (International Cricket Council) ESPNcricinfo - The BCCI’s top brass, led by board secretary Jay Shah, reached Dubai via a charter flight yesterday to finalise plans for the remainder of IPL 2021 as well as discuss the probability of the UAE hosting the men’s T20 World Cup this October-November.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly will reach Dubai on Wednesday to join talks with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

S h a h ’s c o n t i n g e n t comprises Arun Dhumal (board treasurer), Brijesh Patel (IPL governing council chairman), Jayesh George (board joint-secretary), Hemang Amin (BCCI’s interim chief executive officer) and Dhiraj Malhotra (BCCI’ general manager of operations and tournament

director for T20 World Cup).

On Saturday, the BCCI was authorised by its members - the state associations - to shift the second half of the IPL to the UAE in September-October after the tournament was abruptly and indefinitely suspended in the first week of May. The BCCI had been forced to pull the plug at the halfway stage due to the growing number of Covid19 cases in the bubble during the Ahmedabad and Delhi leg of the tournament. A total of 31 matches, including four playoffs, remain to be played.

In its talks with the ECB, the BCCI is expected to firstly get the approval of the UAE government to host the IPL there. The discussions are also likely to go into the

preparedness of the three UAE venues - Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah - and the mandatory requirements for creating the tournament bubble for the eight IPL teams.

With players arriving from different parts of the world, and not just India, both boards would need to look at the quarantine requirements that need to be satisfied before the BCCI finalises the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the IPL. One other significant point likely to be discussed is around the vaccination for all those that would be part of the IPL bubble. Recently, the Abu Dhabi government approved the hosting of the remainder of PSL 2021 in the emirate on the condition that

all six teams and rest of the stakeholders that will be part of the tournament bubble are vaccinated.

T20 World Cup moving to the UAE? The presence of the entire top wing of the BCCI in Dubai can be seen as a first move by the BCCI to shift the T20 World Cup to the UAE, which had been named as a cover for India. The ICC has not yet announced the final itinerary for the the 16team World Cup. While India are currently slated as hosts for the event, the state of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country and the suspension of the IPL has triggered strong doubts over the country’s readiness.

At the BCCI’s SGM on Saturday, Ganguly told the members that the BCCI

would seek another month’s time to finalise whether India could host the T20 World Cup. One key point the BCCI team is likely to discuss with the ECB would concern the revenue-sharing arrangement for the tournament should it be hosted in the UAE. Recently Malhotra had said on a BBC podcast that while moving the T20 World Cup to the UAE will be the “worst-case scenario”, the BCCI will still want to retain the hosting rights.

The main reason for that is the lucrative sum involved: every match in an ICC global event is worth about USD 250,000-300,000 for the hosting board. With 45 matches, that is a massive amount of money.

The other point for discussion would be, if the UAE ends up hosting both the IPL and T20 World Cup, can the venues handle two back-to-back marquee events and the fitness of the pitches in such a scenario. A total of 76 matches will be lined up for the venues if both the IPL and the T20 World Cup are played there, excluding the warm-up matches for the latter.

Both boards will also want to consider the prospect of opening up the IPL to crowds. In 2020, when the entire IPL was hosted in the UAE, the BCCI had opted not to allow crowds in. The upcoming PSL in Abu Dhabi, it has been confirmed, will also be played out behind closed doors.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Tuesday June 01, 2021

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Qatar 2022

Marcus Wilson, Javier George and Osafa Simpson aiming to make first call-up to senior duties springboard to great careers

By Franklin Wilson in Antigua with the compliments of the GFF and Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. With a policy to set a solid foundation for G u y a n a ’s f o o t b a l l b y exposing young talented players on a consistent basis at the highest levels, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Márcio Máximo, like he did in the first round of qualifying has given an opportunity to more young players to show that they deserve.

Former National Under15 and 17 Captain Marcus Wilson, who has also performed national duties at the Under-20 level, along w i t h f e l l o w U n d e r- 2 0 nationals Osafa Simpson and France based Javier George have all received their maiden call-ups to the senior ‘Golden Jaguars’ team and have all expressed delight.

They are in here putting in final preparations with their peers having put in consistent work for over five weeks in Guyana for these two crucial matches on June 4th against St. Kitts & Nevis and June 8th, versus Puerto Rico.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday at the team hotel, Hawksbill by Rex, the youngsters, who have exciting careers ahead of them as long as they keep the focus, exuded confidence that they are in for the long haul.

Midfielder, 19 year-old Marcus Wilson currently plays for GFF Premier League side Santos FC having also played with the

Javier George

Marcus Wilson

Ian Greenwood - GFF TD Georgetown Football Club, Guyana’s oldest club but initially started with Eastveldt FC. Not a big talker, but getting bolder with each p a s s i n g d a y, W i l s o n informed that he started playing the game at the age of four with his father, Andrew Wilson who was a member of the Houston Stars FC. He attended St. Pius Primary School before going on to Chase Academy where he wrote CXC. Wilson said that he is very grateful to be called up after knocking on the door for a while now and is even more happy that this is the fourth level of national teams that he would be playing for.

“This is a great opportunity for me, I’ve been knocking on the door for a while now, actually two years now and this is the first time I’m given the chance

Osafa Simpson

and I will make use of it.”

He is of the view that his consistency in training and keeping the focus have paid off: “Coach always spoke to me about being consistent, back then I was doing well one day in training then the next day I am off but now, I’ve been very consistent.

My plan is to keep going forward and not backward. I will do this by being consistent all the time.”

Wilson is crediting his father for pushing him through the years and being his number one supporter.

Acknowledging that he is in privileged company as many other youths would like to be in his position, Wilson is advising that they, “Keep focused, keep disciplined and don’t follow bad company. Take school seriously as your education is important in the football world.”

Asked if he is aiming to be a consistent pick in the senior national team, Wilson responded: “That’s the plan I have to be consistent from now on, being a part of this team for as long as can play football.”

And just what the Guyana Football Federation investment has meant to Wilson, “Football development has taken a turn for the better in this country and the GFF is doing everything in its power to make it better for us so I want to compliment them for what they are doing.”

Lanky Guyana Police Force forward, Osafa Simpson stated that the experience for him thus far

has been great. Mere months away from his 19th birthday in September, Simpson said that he first started playing the game at the tender age of three in the Tucville area, home of the Fruta Conquerors, which club he represented before transferring to the Guyana Police force.

At age six, he left the city with his mom for Mahdia where he attended the Secondary School there and also played for Mahdia Goal Getters FC. Simpson represented Guyana at the Under-20 level and is looking forward for even greater things in his career.

“I’ve been working very hard to make the team. With the teammates that I have and the coaches who give me the motivation, I am very glad that I am here and I’m here to make a difference and very happy that I have the opportunity to put out the works.”

Simpson is expressing gratitude to a number of persons who have impacted his football career in a positive way.

“First off Coach Márcio, he’s been pushing me all the time, he’s been giving me the motivation and he’s been telling me that I have great potential. I didn’t take it for granted because I know it’s true. My mom, Olitia Simpson, my grandmother also, Orlene Charles, they are my biggest supporters and I want to say I love you all.”

Twenty year-old Javier George was born in the town of New Amsterdam in

Berbice (#41 Scheme), his mother is from Canje Creek, Allison George, while his father, Mark George, hails from New Amsterdam.

The dreadlocked midfielder migrated to Canada at age six and there his love for the game grew stronger playing with and being trained by his father.

At age 16 he revealed that he started attending the Toronto Football Club Academy where his skills were further developed to the extent that after two years there, he ventured out and joined French side Stade Beaucairois.

There he was on his own playing the game he loves and even learned to cook for himself since he did not have a choice. But he noted that his disciplined upbringing served him in good stead whilst living and playing in France.

George whose elder brother was a promising track and field athlete, expressed thanks to God for allowing him the opportunity to represent his country at the Under-20 level and now as a senior, the highest one can reach. “ I t ’s a w o n d e r f u l experience, I’m looking forward to everything that’s presented in front of me and hope to take every opportunity that I’m given.

I’ll just continue to work hard and try my best, to do the best I can, not only for my teammates but for myself, my family and my country.”

The Berbician has been coming back home to keep in touch with his roots, saying

that, no matter how tall the tree gets, the roots are always there, noting that Guyana is always close to his heart. He said that he has always been following the progress of the ‘Golden Jaguars’.

“So when I was given the opportunity I was very excited and thankful, so I decided to come and play for the Golden Jaguars.”

Having represented Guyana at the Under-20 level in Nicaragua, George indicated that senior team representation was on his radar from then.

“So I came two months before the current selection to try and get acclimatized because Canada is a lot colder than Guyana to try and put in my effort and pay my dues with the work that I put out. So I am extremely happy that I have been called.”

George noted that he would continue to work hard and be committed to the programme since he has to intention of slipping up especially with the Head Coach making it pellucid that no one has a permanent place in the team.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing that the coach is allowing all of us not only to work hard but to push each other to be better individuals, better players on and off the field. So for me personally, I will continue to work on various aspects of my game that he tells me to focus on, tactical and technical that he wants form players in my position. Mostly less touches on the ball, tactical (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 01, 2021

Trim, Chapman returned to serve as MSC President and General Secretary respectively The Mackenzie Sports Club has retained Avery Trim to lead the leading sports institution in the town of Linden, while also gaining the approval of its members was General Secretary Joseph Chapman when the Club held its Annual General Meeting and Biennial Elections on Sunday evening at the MSC Lounge.

Trim spoke of persons who would just take up positions on the executive and fail to be part of the process in taking the club to higher heights. This he hoped will not continue as he pledged to do his best to bring back the heydays of the MSC. He promised to serve as a president for the benefit of all the members, the community as a whole and those who he know are in the diaspora and are willing to build the club back to its former glory.

While Trim and Chapman were re-elected there is a new 1st vice

MSC President Mr. Avery Trim president in Norris King who served as the Assistant Secretary Treasurer. Rawle Tony is new on this body as the 2nd vice president, while Keith Semple who was Public Relations Officer is now the 3rd vice president.

Assistant to the General Secretary is Ms Coretta Braithwaite Walton, while the new Treasurer is Derron John and his assistant is John Trim who was a committee member of the previous executive.

Ms Judy Gravesande Noel will serve as the new

Minister Nigel Dharamlall inducted as Sebai Sports Club Patron

Joseph Chapman, the MSC General Secretary Public Relations Officer, while the Committee Members are Audwin Rutherford, Compton London, Troy Roberts and Robert Langevine.

The Linden Mayor and Town Council, the Regional Democratic Council and the Government of Guyana are to be written to, to appoint their representatives to sit on what is known as the Management Committee of the MSC. Veteran trade unionist Mr. Charles Sampson served as the Returning Officer.

Copa America to be held in Brazil after Argentina removed as hosts

PAGE 25

Sebai sports club Chairman Wazim Hutson (left) accepts the equipment from Regional chairman Mr. Brentnol Ashley.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall was recently inducted as Sebai Sports Club Patron following the visit to the area.

Sebai Sports Club C h a i r m a n M r. Wa z i m Hutson at a public meeting made the request to which

the minister humbly accepted.

It is the first time that the club, which is rapidly growing, has a Government Minister as its patron.

Recently club members rebuilt the Cricket pitch, constructed a stage, benab, mini bleacher and flag pole to add to its Recreational ground.

The club is located about 22 miles from Port Kaituma.

Members of the club are elated that the minister has accepted the post and they have planned to seek support from the Regional Democratic Council to aid in

its development. They will also work closely with the village council as they continue to promote sports in the area.

Presently the club is registering cricketers and footballers for the beginning of the new season. They have also written to Exxon Mobil seeking assistance for sports gears and are asking the business community to render support.

Regional chairman Mr. Brentnol Ashley and Minister of Housing and Water Colin Croal presented cash and sports equipment to the club recently.

Roger Federer breezes into French Open second round on grand slam return

The 2021 Copa America will go ahead as planned, but in Brazil.

S p o r t s M a x CONMEBOL has confirmed the 2021 Copa America will go ahead as planned, with Brazil taking over hosting duties.

This year’s edition of the tournament – postponed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – had been due to be shared between Colombia and Argentina.

However, Colombia lost co-hosting status amid mounting political unrest in the country, while the event then needed to find a new location after a surge in coronavirus cases ruled out playing games in Argentina.

CONMEBOL met yesterday to determine the future of the competition, electing to move the

tournament to Brazil, who were crowned champions on home soil in 2019.

A post from the governing body’s official Twitter account read: “The CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil!

“Tournament start and end dates are confirmed. The venues and the fixture will be informed by CONMEBOL in the next few hours. The oldest national team tournament in the world will make the whole continent vibrate!”

The tournament will run from June 13 to July 10, though further details over locations and the exact schedule are to be released in the near future.

However, the decision to

move the Copa to Brazil does not come without controversy.

The nation has been one of the worst hit by the COVID-19 health crisis with nearly 460,000 deaths, according to figures from the World Health Organisation.

CONMEBOL’s decision also comes in the aftermath of protesters in cities across the country calling for Jair Bolsonaro’s impeachment, with Brazil’s president having previously played down the severity of the virus and also questioned the importance of vaccinations.

“The best soccer in the world will bring joy and passion to millions of South Americans,” CONMEBOL added in a further tweet.

(Continued on page 19)

Roger Federer

P

A Madia - Roger Federer returned to the grand slam stage with a swagger as he eased past Denis Istomin and into the second round of the French Open.

The 20-time grand slam champion, who turns 40 in August, is playing in his first major tournament since last year’s Australian Open after two knee operations.

He rated his expectations extremely low after losing his opening match to Pablo Andujar at the Geneva Open earlier this

month, with his only victory since the quarter-finals in Melbourne in 2020 coming over Dan Evans in Doha in March.

But those expectations will certainly be raised after a 6-2 6-4 6-3 victory over Istomin that, if not peak Federer, was not a bad impression.

He swept through the opening set in just over 20 minutes and wrapped up victory in a swift hour and 33 minutes, hitting 48 winners compared to just 20 unforced errors and not facing a break point.