Kaieteur News

K

GCCI calls on NEWS leaders to urgently pursue electoral reform AIETEUR

p.

13

Thursday Edition June 03, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 20

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 78,948

ExxonMobil given another blow as Small Hedge Fund wins another Board seat p.

3

81 more GWI employees to be sacked in three months’ time p.

8

- Company says trying to find other jobs for them

Minibuses, taxis operating from DHB tarmac to relocate p.

2

- move intended to reduce congestion

GEA gives out KN’s Publisher fuel licence to begins protest for companies not renegotiation of all meeting basic foreign contracts requirements p.

2

p. 12

Listen @11:00hrs The foreigners and their families are living like kings with our God given wealth, on Kaieteur Radio while our brothers and sisters are snatching umbrella to feed there families 99.1/99.5FM

PAGE 02

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

Minibuses, taxis GEA gives out fuel licence operating from DHB to companies not meeting tarmac to relocate basic requirements

- move intended to reduce congestion

M

inibus and taxi operators who use the Peter's Hall tarmac of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) as their base will soon have to relocate. This is according to information released by the Ministry of Public Works.

In a release, the Ministry revealed that Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, met yesterday with the operators to inform them that their relocation is necessary to minimise traffic congestion and to allow emergency vehicles easier access to the bridge.

Minister Edghill further stated that he preferred to speak with the operators rather than implement policies that would put them out of business.

It has been proposed that the bus drivers relocate to the parking lot (opposite the DHB head office) on the northern side of the bridge, while the taxi drivers operate

from the street before the bridge, near the overpass.

One of the drivers informed the Minister that he is concerned that when they are repositioned, passengers may be unable to see or locate them. Minister Edghill, on the other hand, assured the drivers that a notification would be disseminated to the commuters.

The Minister further reassured the operators that commuters would find them wherever they are relocated to and that the changes were absolutely necessary at this time.

He told the operators that the necessary infrastructure would be put in place to make the service comfortable.

This will include asphalt paving of the locations, adequate lighting and proper drainage.

“The issue is making a smooth transition.

We want to ensure that economic activity continues,” the Minister said.

T

he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is being accused of issuing fuel import licences to at least two companies that have no demonstrable storage capacity or other mandatory requirements.

The companies have since been identified as Global Commercial Import and Transport that is located in P arika, Eas t Bank Essequibo (EBE) and the other is Global Petroleum Inc., a company located at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

Neither of the companies are presently in possession of a fuel storage depot for fuel imports—a requirement to be met before any such licence is issued. According to the application requirements for receiving such a licence, applicants, in addition to having a storage depot meeting the required specifications, are also expected to have completed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The Global Commercial Import and Transport location in Parika, East Bank Essequibo, where there is also no storage facility for fuel imports.

Companies requiring an import licence are also required to provide a Petroleum Licence from Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in the case of wholesale and importing wholesale application.

This publication understands that none of the companies named have met any of the outlined requirements but would have been given import licences.

Kaiete u r N e w s h a s since been told that the granting of the licences

A fuel tank stored at the Wales, WBD, Global Petroleum Inc., site was done prior to the first meeting of the entity's new Chairman of the Board, attorney-at-law, Jerome Khan. Undoubtedly, the two

companies mentioned have not shown that they are capable of meeting the criteria to obtain fuel legally nor to acquire a licence.

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 03, 2021

PAGE 03

ExxonMobil given another blow as Small Hedge Fund wins another Board seat E ngine No. 1, the small hedge fund that dared to challenge ExxonMobil over the past few months on its weak response to climate change, has dealt the oil giant another blow as it yesterday won another seat on the Board of Directors. This was disclosed by ExxonMobil after it updated the preliminary results for the election of directors at its annual meeting of shareholders held on May

26, 2021.

Kaieteur News had initially reported after the elections that the preliminary results of ExxonMobil's elections saw two of Engine No. 1's four nominees being elected to serve. That has now increased to three with Alexander Karsner, former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Engine No. 1's board nominees elected last week were Greg

G o f f , f o r m e r Andeavor/Tesoro CEO, and Kaisa Hietala, former head of renewable fuels at Finnish refiner Neste.

Re-elected ExxonMobil Directors are Chairman, Darren Woods; Michael Angelakis, Susan Avery, Angela Braly, Ursula Burns, Kenneth Frazier, Joseph Hooley, Douglas Oberhelman and Jeffrey Ubben.

Since December last, Kaieteur News had reported

that Engine No. 1's challenge for board seats was rooted in its dissatisfaction with ExxonMobil's emissions output.

According to Bloomberg, the oil giant's annual emissions from its operations are set to increase from 122 million metric tons in 2017 to 143 million metric tons in 2025.

The investment firm was also concerned about the company's decisions, which have led to its declining fiscal health.

In a statement to industry stakeholders, Engine No. 1 had said, “Investors increasingly want to see companies focused on the

long-term and ExxonMobil is no exception.

We b e l i e v e t h a t ExxonMobil's Board needs new members who have proven success positioning energy companies for today as well as tomorrow, and who are sufficiently independent from the current Board to ensure a clean break from a strategy and mindset that have led to years of value destruction and poorly positioned the Company for the future.”

While ExxonMobil has recently taken incremental steps to improve its performance in the face of financial and shareholder pressure, Engine One said it is

of the firm belief that a reactive short-term approach is no substitute for a proactive longterm strategy that addresses the threats and opportunities facing the company in a changing world.

Ta k i n g t h i s i n t o consideration, among other factors, the new investment firm had proposed four independent nominees – each of whom it said brought a differentiated skill set that made them uniquely suited to help the Board chart a new value-creating path, including better long-term capital discipline, strategic planning, and management incentives.

Region Three Commander gets tough on ranks over vehicle tint ExxonMobil Guyana contributes

C

ommander of Region Three, S e n i o r Superintendent Errol Watts, on Tuesday announced that no member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) under his decree is permitted to have tint on their vehicle.

A day after Watts made this announcement on the Police & You programme, which was moderated by Stan Gouveia, an officer in his division was caught on camera removing tint from his vehicle while in the compound of the Vreed-enHoop Police Station.

In the video, the rank was joined by two others who watched on as he continued to strip his vehicle.

The rank, while removing the tint was heard saying, “We have to do the right thing” followed by another comment made similarly to that of the Commander, “We got to lead by example.”

Addressing the issue with tint, Commander Watts said that ranks of the Police Force are not authorised to have tints on their vehicle.

He added that when the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, took office, he held a meeting with senior officials of the GPF, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and told them that they should comply with all the laws of the country.

Watts said, “I have led by example, my staff car that I use has no tint, my personal vehicle that I use has no tint, no rank under my command is authorised to have tint.”

He further noted that ranks found breaching this

Commander of Region Three, Errol Watts

law can face possible prosecution.

A screen grab from a video showing a police rank removing tint from his vehicle

“Any junior rank in the Police Force who has tint on their vehicle and they cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge on the western side, they also will be arrested and they either take off those tints or they face prosecution,” he disclosed.

Already some matters with ranks were dealt with where most of them were brought before the courts, while some were dealt with internally, Watts said.

Ye s t e r d a y, t h e Commander also sent out a notice in which he advised the public to contact him directly if they see any ranks within his division with tinted vehicles.

The Commander can be contacted on telephone number (592) 620-6863.

$10M to CDC for flood relief

E

xxonMobil Guyana yesterday m a d e a contribution of more than G$10M to the Civil Defence Commission in support of flood relief efforts across Guyana.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, handed over the cheque to Director General of the CDC, Lt. Col. Kester Craig, at CDC headquarters. In brief remarks, Routledge said, “The magnitude of this flood and how it continues to affect so many people across Guyana is truly sad to see.

We recognise that there are so many needs at this time, and we are pleased to support the efforts of the Civil Defence Commission in bringing much needed relief to those affected.”

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, hands over the cheque to Director General of the CDC, Lt. Col. Kester Craig.

ExxonMobil Guyana was keen to note that it has supported training for the CDC's Voluntary Emergency Response Team (VERT), which Lt. Col Craig indicated is instrumental to

the Agency's response efforts. Craig also pointed to other areas of support over the years, such as the CDC's oil spill response capabilities and labelled the company a true partner.

Missing Brazilian miner found floating in Mazaruni River

A

Brazilian miner w h o h a d reportedly disappeared some three days ago, was on Tuesday found floating face down in the vicinity of Surinamo Landing, Mazaruni River, Region Seven.

The dead man has been identified as 37-year-old Allesandro Foss. Detectives believe that he might have drowned after they found his boat drifting down river.

They also reported that marks of violence were observed on his remains.

Foss was reportedly left by his boss to watch over a

Dead: Allesandro Foss water dredge, which is commonly called a 'dragger.'

That dragger, according to police, is located in the vicinity of “Puppy Show Landing,” Middle Mazaruni.

Foss' boss and other persons became worried after they did not see or hear from him for three days.

As a result, they notified the cops that he was missing since Saturday and a search was launched.

That search ended when they found his remains floating in the river. His body was removed from the river and taken to the Bartica Hospital mortuary where it awaits an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

PAGE 4

Thursday June 03, 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

Ponzi scheme the latest round We at this paper have always suspected that this was going to be the proverbial royal run around. We have said so repeatedly and here we are again, with fleeced Guyanese investors being passed from hand to hand and kicked from pillar to post. Many fervent promises have been made, and the more we study this, the more it is confirmed that none has been kept. Not one promise has been honoured.

Instead, what longsuffering Guyanese investors, long out of pocket and struggling to be made whole for their trust and troubles today rather than tomorrow, have been faced with is this unending soap opera, with new and newer episodes almost daily, and still without them getting anywhere. Where the local investors want to arrive is that place where the money invested, mismanaged and owed is handed over, so that they can then turn their backs from this shabbiest of experiences in their investing life, and move on with some hard lessons learned.

But the only thing that local investors are learning, is how to absorb more and more delays, deeper and deeper disappointment that this sorry affair keeps dragging on and on, with no end in sight. The courts have spoken and so have the lawyers and the Guyana Police Force. Yet this dirty and costly business negatively impacting thousands of Guyanese somehow continues to evade a satisfactory resolution; one that is timely, meaningful where it counts (in the pocket), and final. They all want to be done with this embarrassing and nerve wracking and draining matter.

Nonetheless, they seem to be powerless given that it is one tricky, time consuming, and cunning delaying tactic that is brought to bear, and which keeps them hanging on thin air. The great fear is, that they will wake up one day to the news, that there is nothing, everybody has disappeared, and that it is over. Other than for their financial loss and pain, it is over. That does not seem so farfetched, so out of place, since nothing is adding up, and no one can be trusted to come clean and tell the whole story as to what is really going on, what is actually going to come down, and how this will settle, if it ever does.

In our Monday May 24 edition, we informed the public via our front-page headline “Agents withholding repayments to investors - Alleged Ponzi schemer Yuri.” This is more than frustrating and disappointing for the jilted again Guyanese investors. It has to be severely distressing, and continuously so, since hopes of repayment are looking bleaker and bleaker. Any confidence that repayment will definitely happen, has to be at a very low ebb at this time.

After all these startups, pushbacks, and setbacks, it cannot be otherwise, since things do not appear to be on the up and up.

Where repayment was promised with much publicity and repeatedly, there has been little by way of actions in support of those promises, which look more and more hollow, with each new development. For, here it is, and rather suddenly, that the finger is now pointed at the offending and foot-dragging parties being these “agents” that are “withholding repayments.”

Something does not ring right or true with this one at this time. Somehow, the only ringing sound that comes is that something like this has been heard before, in one form or another, from one of the involved (or surrounding) parties or the next. And they all come to rest at the same sickening place.

That is, it is of something that is tricky and falls short of expectations, that leaves hanging on a string that threatens to snap. Something that is soaked through with intentions of shortchanging. Something that adds to the piled up suspicions and conclusions that, when this is finally over, there are some Guyanese investors in the mix, highly likely many of them, who will be cheated and left with nothing but their burning anger and bitterness.

The continually deceived Guyanese investors have neither interest nor time anymore in these concoctions about mysterious agents and the like. All they want is their money back, and the peace of mind that comes from the harsh lessons they learned for their hard-earned money.

Strong legislation, firm policies and effective implementation provide protection for victims of sexual harassment Dear Editor, The recent report of sexual harassment allegations brought against the current head of SOCU, Senior Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh is alarming. We understand that Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh is denying these allegations, referring to them as ‘trumped up.’

Sexual harassment, a form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), is rampant in Guyana. Since 2017, the Women & Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) has called for a sexual harassment policy to be instituted in all workplaces and has recommended the introduction of separate sexual harassment legislation to protect victims and hold accountable perpetrators.

The current legislative provisions are tucked away in the Prevention of Discrimination Act and are far too limited.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted and unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted requests and pressure for sexual favours, unwanted, deliberately sexual, physical harassment such as touching, leaning over, cornering, or pinching, unwanted letters, telephone calls, or materials of a sexual nature, unwanted verbal comments or looks or gestures that are sexual in nature. Sexual harassment can also include actual or attempted rape or sexual assault and can result in murder. It can also involve threats, insults, intimidation, exploitation, lack of promotion, demotion, firing and retaliation by perpetrators, most often senior employees towards junior employees.

The effects of sexual harassment can be far reaching and include anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, decreased morale, fear and

suicide.

The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Guyana signed and ratified since 1981, directs State Parties to take appropriate measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, of which sexual harassment is one. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2019 passed Convention 190, which addressed genderbased violence and specifically harassment in the work environment. Guyana has not yet signed/ratified this convention. We call on the Government to more vigorously implement the CEDAW and to expeditiously sign/ratify ILO 190.

Strong legislation, firm policies and effective implementation provide better protection and justice for victims of sexual harassment. Presently, few

cases are reported and many more never see the light of day. Sexual harassment offenders need to be prosecuted and their reprehensible behaviour stopped.

The many recent reports of sexual misconduct including rape and sexual exploitation committed by serving members of security forces and this most recent allegation against a senior police officer are cause for great concern.

We call for an independent investigation to be carried out immediately into the allegations of sexual harassment brought against Senior Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh.

We also call for a thorough and far-reaching review of policies and practices, which are a contributing factor towards SGBV offences among Guyana’s security forces. We (Continued on page 6)

Leaders speak from both sides of their mouth simultaneously Dear Editor, I think SN’s editorial of May 31 covered a lot of territory and did not leave much untouched. Spot on, I would say. It reflects how the business of this country is piloted by government.

In his inauguration address, Guyana’s leader made a firm commitment to the nation, which he has been silky enough to keep respectable distance from, since that heraldic day. His Excellency vowed to deliver transparency, which I thought was utterly lovely.

Since that celebratory hour, it is now incontestable that transparency was a combination of hot air and empty calories, which collides with a slippery slope. The birth certificate of that slippery slope identifies it: Secret Confidential Governance; born August 2,

2020.

This child – Secret Confidential Governance – is one fast learner, the most calculating student anywhere. Look around.

Lend an ear. Spare a minute to read and the same national abominations occur and recur, with material national things. Raise hand and question settlement specifics of questionable land deals involving three Guyanese businessmen, and the curtains come down – confidential, buster; sit down and shut up. Dare to press for a little light on natural resources contracts, and the Kremlin is encountered secrecy reigns. Who let those people inside? Call out on gold or oil, what the nation needs to know, and the tear gas canisters travel: secret and confidential. It is confidential, stupid. Now be

gone! That is never so easy in a true democracy, with what SN termed “copout.” Even when the wellbeing of the people is menaced, there are these political hijinks with secrecy and confidentiality.

Clearly, leaders, from top to bottom, succeed at the near impossible: they speak from both sides of their mouth simultaneously. Given the repetitions of these ominous political practices, secret and confidential have been refined to where they are the norm; in fact, they have combined forces to vise this country in a monopoly, with the two functioning as co-heads. Just as Guyana is headed, with one head pretending at urbane Dr. Jekyll (promising much), while the other tries to conceal the spasms of a manic Mr. Hyde (hiding everything). It has been topnotch political theater, costarring confidentiality and secrecy.

I would not care about this culture of secrecy and

confidentiality, but the president promised; presidents must honor their word: unbreakable, sacred.

The president promised transparency, which could have been his finest hour, save that he has crashed head-on into his government’s self-erected roadblocks of secrecy and confidentiality on everything.

I, an infidel, share this reminder from the Holy Koran, I share Surah 24, verse 15: “Behold, you received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things of which you have no knowledge; you thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in the sight of Allah.” In my own humble layman’s words, do not swear transparency, and then turn right around, and be nothing other than that of taut confidentiality and secrecy. I rest my case and mosey on along.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

Aid to flood victims Dear Editor, Firstly, let me congratulate the government on its aid to those affected by the flood.

Indeed, these are very difficult times for many. The recent flooding nationwide is a very serious indicator of what is to come. Nature works the same way regardless of who is in charge. Our leaders should not expect an exception in the case of Guyana. It is time to take a hard look at the reality

of our nation’s situation on the coast and the true vulnerability of the entire country.

More importantly, the Ministry with responsibility for infrastructure has failed miserably in preparing the country for this rainy season.

Someone needs to be held accountable and accountability must start at the top. A new bypass road was the primary focus of

recent efforts instead of the drainage & irrigation and sea defence systems. Our national budget needs to reflect a shift in priorities to ensure that Guyana is less vulnerable to extensive flooding as has been experienced over the past several days. International trends point towards an urgent need for a shift in energy consumption. It is time for Guyana to get on board

and push for payment of our oil & gas sector resources to be left in the ground.

In the realm of climate change, no low-lying nation such as Guyana will be able to escape the unfortunate and negative consequences of increased temperature unless we strive for a change in how energy is attained and consumed.

Yours truly, Jamil Changlee

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 5

Response to Retired Professor of Business & Economics, Dr. Ganga Ramdas Dear Editor, Please permit me to respond to retired professor, Dr. Ganga Ramdas, who wrote a letter in the print media on June 2, 2021 that appeared in the Kaieteur News with the caption… “How much taxes should Exxon and the oil companies have paid?”

The learned retired professor ’s analysis is unfortunately inherently weak with very poor analogies to substantiate his arguments. Dr. Ramdas failed to acknowledge that the fiscal regime, which Exxon enjoys, inter alia, the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) – though outside of the normal (national) fiscal regime which other companies are subjected to – is so designed to cater for the nature of the industry. That is to say, it is a new industry for Guyana, one that is highly capital intensive, and the scale of investment activities is many times larger than Guyana’s GDP. Wherein, for example, Exxon’s projections for Guyana is US$60 billion over a period of 30 years – which is equivalent to 8.5 times 2020 GDP (inclusive of the oil economy) and 15 times Guyana’s non-oil GDP using 2018 real GDP. Dr. Ramdas argued that should Exxon pay taxes on its share of profit oil – by applying the tax rate to companies involved in commercial activities of 25%, “the oil companies should have paid approximately $62 million in taxes” contending that this is a revenue loss for Guyana. To put his argument into perspective, he implicitly argued that the taxes paid by

pensioners and other companies subject to the normal income taxes applied to commercial and noncommercial firms in Guyana, contributes towards building the infrastructure that exist such as airports, roads, hospitals etc., which everyone utilises and that effectively, the oil companies are using our airports and roads etc., for free by virtue of being exempted from paying corporate taxes. This is a very misleading and noncontextual reasoning by Dr. Ramdas, to say the least. To support this view, let’s understand the PSA and Guyana’s true potential profit share during cost recovery and post cost recovery.

Having said that, let’s look at some analysis using Liza Phase 1 project alone. Liza phase 1 has a production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day, total investment cost of US$4.3 billion, and comprise of 450 MMbl. Dr. Ramdas does not seem to comprehend that because of the 75% cost recovery threshold, the recovery period for these investments will be very short.

Liza phase 1 in the above illustration for example, using an average price per barrel of US$45 at an annual production capacity of 43.8 million barrels of crude, the investment cost of US$4.3 billion will be recovered within 3 years using the payback method. With the Net Present Value (NPV) investment appraisal method and a discount rate of 10%, the investment can be recovered within 4 years. As such, from the Liza 1 alone

Guyana can earn over US$2 billion in the first five years and up to US$6 billion within ten years – taking the postrecovery period into the equation. In other words, Guyana’s projected earnings from the Liza 1 development alone over the first decade is equivalent to 120% of current GDP; 3.5 times current level of total public debt and 5 times Government’s revenue using 2019 figures.

The highest cost is usually the development cost and, therefore, when the development cost is recovered, the operating cost is typically minimal since the infrastructure to extract the crude is already in place. To substantiate this view with reasonable certainty, a perusal of Exxon’s 2018 annual report confirmed that total operating cost was just about 27% of total revenue.

Hence, this means that in the post recovery period profit share will be greater assuming for example, that operating cost will be 30% of total revenue, then effectively there will be 70% of revenue for profit share of which 50% is Guyana’s share.

Consequently, Guyana’s profit share can be as much as 35% post recovery period + 2% royalty resulting in a total take of 37%; up from 14.5% during the recovery period in the first three to four years for Liza Phase 1 development alone; and greater than the 25% corporate tax applicable to companies involved in commercial activities. Then there is Liza phase 2 and many other FPSOs and development fields that will

be operationalised over the decade.

Dr. Ramdas is also incorrect to assert that the oil companies are using the existing infrastructure for free given the aforementioned analysis. Further to note, the revenues earned from Guyana’s oil resources will in fact be utilised to propel Guyana’s transformational development and, in particular, infrastructure and education as alluded to by His Excellency, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. It should be noted as well that the Administration of the day is keen on implementing a strong local content policy, which will ensure that Guyanese firms, professionals and the people at large – are given maximum benefit in the sector as well as the opportunity to participate in the emerging sectors. When more local firms participate in the sector, capitalising on the emerging opportunities as well as in the value chain and other sectors, the firms perform better – enjoy increase profits and in turn pay more taxes – to put this simply.

It is against these backgrounds, that the analysis put forward by Dr. Ramdas is far from being credibly sound and robust – ignoring the ‘country and global contexts’ altogether.

Yours faithfully, J.C Bhagwandin Financial & Economic Analyst; and Adjunct Professor, Texila American University, Business College

Why does the Department of Labour not have a visible strategy in place, to retrain laid off workers?

Dear Editor, Another horror story to see more workers dismissed, as reported in KN 2nd “GWI begins process of laying off workers....”; but what is clearly evident is that this government – the Ministry of Labour to be exact – has no strategy in place to have dismissed workers reskilled and retrained into different upcoming areas, or is it not the Government’s responsibility? Another

situation of wild financial mismanagement and operations by top management results in employee layoffs in Guyana, so this should not be a surprise. What is obvious is that the modern concept of retraining and reskilling laid off employees isn’t part of the thought process of the top echelons here. We read headlines of thousands of jobs in the near future. Those jobs unless they are very

technical or specialised will not be filled by the Diaspora.

Granted, most still have a third world mentality, but the question remains – unless the news flash isn’t out on this issue, why does the Department of Labour not have a visible strategy in place, to retrain laid off workers, to fit and match them with these upcoming jobs in the future?

In closing, Mr. Patterson’s belief that all layoffs are due

to the voting preference of those being laid off a “witchhunt” is sheer nonsense. We will remain in the category of a banana republic, (even with oil) for some if we still do not and cannot understand the (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Why these men were only charged with one offence?

Dear Editor, After reading this story, ‘Two remanded for robbing, assaulting Land of Canaan woman,’ in which you stated that two men were charged with the offence of robbery under arms, to which they pleaded not guilty, I wondered why they were only charged with one offence

when there are several offences being committed at the same time: 1) Impersonating a Police Officer.

2) Home Invasion 3) Assault with a deadly weapon 4) Possession of Illegal weapon 5) Robbery

I am most curious why the perpetrators were only charged with one of the five offences.

Can the Department of Public Prosecution please explain to the Guyanese public why they have chosen to take this path in their prosecution of this case?

Yours truly, Dennis Balgobin

...Strong legislation, firm policies and From page 4 further call for sexual harassment legislation to be drafted and enacted as soon as possible and for policies against sexual harassment to be swiftly introduced into all public and private sector workplaces, agencies, labour unions, religious and faithbased organisations, schools and educational institutions, NGOs and CSOs. Help & Shelter- Pamela Nauth & Gaitrie Shivsankar Blossom Inc. – Ayo

Dalgety-Dean Red Thread - Susan Collymore & Halima Khan Institute of Gender Studies (IGS) - Director, Dr. Pauline Bullen SASOD – Joel Simpson & Mishka Puran Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation - CEO, Rev. Patricia SheerattanBisnauth ChildLink - Omattie Madray Danuta Radzik Alissa Trotz

Vanda Radzik Josephine Whitehead Carol Innis-Baptiste Salima Bacchus-Hinds Vidyaratha Kissoon Sherlina Nageer Janette Bulkan Renata Chuck-A-Sang Nicole Cole Karen de Souza Joy Marcus Vanessa Ross Wintress White Janice M. Jackson Christian Vargas Charlie Tokeley

...Why does the Department of Labour not From page 5 basic concepts and criteria of successful business operations; and that is revenue intake has to be more than costs else there are obvious consequences. In simple English, an entity needs to bring in money to

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

stay afloat. I suspect we are to see a continuous pattern of mismanagement – financial, operational and everything in between in many government sectors, including the Mayor and City Council’s Office. That would mean the government should

seriously consider hiring Japanese as consultants for every one of these sectors, since they have a global reputation for well-rounded excellence. We still seem to be struggling with the basics.

Yours truly, Chi Kansi

There needs to be a Commission of Inquiry into what took place during the elections Dear Editor, A deep probe, a Commission of Inquiry (COI), is required on the fraud that complicit GECOM officials and persons from the PNC/ AFC and poli c e f o r c e attempted to unleash on our young nation, one that citizens can point to in years and decades ahead.

It should capture all matters leading up to, during and post-election.

From a personal perspective, mental fatigue/torture over what the PNC/AFC in collusion with GECOM officials did to me over the 5-month period (March to July 2020 inclusive) cannot be put into words.

I still cannot comprehend how so called independent and intellectual persons turned a blind eye while the miscreants in GECOM and APNU+AFC personnel blatantly trampled on the most basic and fundamental right of our citizens.

The constitutional and statutory office holders, along with other low to highlevel operatives who provided the necessary support to effectuate the fraud, must be held to account.

Some police officers, I presume under the direction of others, were blatantly flouting the law as the machinery to subvert the will of the people was in full swing. Simply put, who had the authority to instruct the police to remove Commissioner(s) from the GECOM Headquarters? The Police Force must be made a party to the COI. Too many questions on roles, responsibilities, complicity, crowd management and press security.

The Commissioners for the COI must be foreigners of international repute and of course qualified in law on election matters – foreigners are required to remove perceived political bias. The terms of reference for the COI must be clearly set out to ensure the Statutory, Commissioners and other staff at GECOM along with the obliging members of the Police Force where applicable to present themselves for questioning at the Commission.

Parties not testifying before the Commission do not absolve or remove their culpability. The Terms for the COI must capture and give the Commissioners the

requisite latitude to pronounce on those who do not report to the Commission when requested to be present.

I am of the strong opinion that the COI can lay the groundwork and provide recommendations on lawsuits for negligence/ dereliction of duties and additional charges for criminal conduct where applicable.

The COI will also provide guidance on the strengthening of laws, loopholes, etc. to remove the potential for this to recur.

The current status quo is a recipe for similar action for any further elections.

On a separate note, what is the justification to continue to spend billions of taxpayers’ dollars on such a nefarious body with a proven record of abysmal failure? Let us put this in context - imagine the Statutory body responsible for the conduct of a job is paid for the job, carries out the job then says it was not done correctly and is still currently being paid by the employer. What part of the world does this happen? Is GECOM accountable to the people of Guyana?

Yours truly, Andrew Budhram

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N B T .

U .

L .

L T B . .

N .

U N U T L N B .

U T . .

L N N U T B .

U .

N L U BL BLUNT. B . .

T .

T T N N U .

U L . .

L B .

T B . . . .

N .

T U T N N T U N U L L U B .

L B . . . .

B .

T . .

T .

N N T U N L LU U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B .

T L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B .

T .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . . .

LU ...BLUN B T . . .

N T U N L U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T .

U B . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B .

L . .

B .

T . .

N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . .

N .

B .

T . .

N T U N N N U L U U B L .

BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

Neither of the parties is saying why, but as reported by Bloomberg on May 31, Exxon is out of Ghana after conducting seismic work in a 2,200 sq. kilometers area. Clearly, something is not adding up, something was not acceptable; we would think and say mainly to the host nation, Ghana. Thus, it was out with Exxon.

Why is the same thing happening here in Guyana? Ghanaian leaders had the foresight and courage to be rid of unwanted partner, but not the same here from Guyanese leaders?

What happened to their guts? What happened to all the noise that they make when dealing with little locals?

What happened to their cojones?

Guyanese leaders need to show how much of patriots they are, how manly and courageous they can be.

Get Exxon to work with us, or get rid of the company.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

81 more GWI employees to be sacked - Company says trying to in three months' time find other jobs for them U

n d e r t h e Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) intends to dismiss another 81 of its employees within a three-month timeframe.

In a statement issued yesterday, the company disclosed that a total of 157 staffers are listed to be sent off as part of its restructuring plans and rationalising of the staffing establishment.

GWI posited in the statement that the workers must go in order to “ensure the efficient and productive management of our daily operations.”

The process of sending home workers started Monday with 76 staff members receiving their termination letters. GWI noted that the 76 will officially be off the job by June 30 and they will receive their severance benefits by month end.

The remaining 81, according to GWI, are slated to be sent off within a threemonth period.

GWI claimed too that it has been trying to find other jobs for the laid off workers.

In the statement, it was noted that, “The Board of Directors and Management of GWI have been making

efforts to place employees in public and private organisations and will continue to engage more entities for this purpose.”

Though unable to share evidence that the company is actively working to reemploy the terminated workers, GWI's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Leanna Bradshaw, assured that the process is being done in “various forms.”

GWI's decision to sack some of its staffers was made known by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh, during a recently held press conference.

GWI's Main office

He had disclosed that the company was sacking employees because of its high wages bill and related production.

Baksh had claimed that the staffing complement was doubled by the Coalition Administration under the leadership of then CEO, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles.

“When we compare 2015 to August 2020, we

found that the employment numbers moved from about just over 600 in 2015 to over 1,300 in 2020,” he had told reporters.

The doubling up of the staff complement, according to Baksh, has driven the employment costs from being $96 million in 2015 to $240 million in 2020. He noted that there was a staggering 140 percent

increase as at August 2020, and related that a decision was taken to undertake the rationalising of staff because it was just not sustainable for GWI. The CEO had added too, that GWI needed to address its financial operations saying, “We have to look at the expenses – not only employment costs, energy (continued on page 17)

COVID-19 claims lives of 5 more persons, 19 in ICU

T

he Ministry of Health (MoH) y e s t e r d a y announced that another five persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

Their deaths have now brought Guyana's COVID19 death toll to 396.

Those who died are a 90y e a r- o l d w o m a n f r o m Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who passed away on May 21,

while a 65-year-old man from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), a 65year-old woman from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), a 68-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, both from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), passed away on May 31. According to the Health Ministry, the persons died while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Further, the Ministry in

its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 143 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 17,257.

The dashboard also shows that 19 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 97 are in institutional isolation, 1,718 in home isolation and four persons are quarantined institutionally. To date, 15,027 recoveries have been recorded.

Miners, loggers urged to take extreme precautions …in light of intense rainfall

I

n a notice yesterday, the Ministry of Natural Resources urged miners and loggers to take extreme precautions in their operations and use of hinterland infrastructure in light of the ongoing intense weather conditions.

The Ministry noted that through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Forestry Commission, it is cognisant that such conditions will

pose great challenges and will impact the natural resources sector and its productivity.

As such, the Ministry said that it is “urging all stakeholders to exercise caution and observe all necessary safety practices in keeping with sustainable logging and mining guidelines to prevent accidents.”

While the current weather conditions pose a

threat to the sector, it was noted, that the Ministry and its agencies, remain committed to developing the sector responsibly while achieving its targets.

Stakeholders in need of technical guidance can make contact with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Forestry Commission respectively via telephone numbers 225-2865 and 2267272.

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 03, 2021

PAGE 09

One billion dollars and counting…

D

id you know that the annual Budget of Guyana is more than G$350 billion. And did you know that the National Assembly approves almost G$1 billion for the Office of the Auditor General to audit the spending of this G$350 billion.

This means that it costs us taxpayers $1 for every $350 spent. This is ridiculous. If the ratio was $1 to every $10,000 that would have been far more acceptable, but to spend $1 to audit spending of $350 shows how inefficient we have become with public expenditure.

But the greatest waste is taking place in respect to some of our other constitutional agencies, which are gobbling up billions of dollars each year.

In 2020, more than 11 billion dollars were approved for the constitutional agencies.

Some of these agencies are necessary but the majority can be dispensed with. This latter category represents a huge burden on taxpayers and the public does not derive the value for money from these commissions.

Last year, almost 1 billion dollars was approved for the following constitutional commissions: Public and Police Service Commission, Teaching

Dem

boys seh...

D

e law of demand and supply don't wuk in Guyana.

De law states dat if yuh increase de supply of goods and de demand nah increase, de prices supposed to drop.

And it also seh de more prices rise, de less people gan demand.

Plenty livestock farmers complaining how dem losing birds because of de floods. But why when dem see de water raising, dem nah sell out dem birds cheap and cut dem losses. Instead, some of dem raise dem prices and crying how much dem lose because of de floods.

Is de same thing with

Service Commission, Office of the Ombudsman, Public Service Appellate Tribunal, Ethnic Relations Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Indigenous Commission, Human Rights Commission, Rights of the Child Commission, Public Procurement Commission and the Gender and Equality Commission.

A great deal can be done with one billion dollars.

There is no reason why the government should be spending this inordinate sum of money on commissions, which really have had little impact in society.

T h e S e r v i c e Commissions, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Public Service Appellate Commission, were institutions which were inherited from our colonial masters. But these bodies have not worked in the manner in which they were contemplated; they should be dissolved forthwith and the savings put to better use.

The Public, Police and Te a c h i n g S e r v i c e Commissions were intended to insulate public servants, the police and teachers from political influence. But the Commissions themselves are products of political influence. Each successive government attempts to ensure, not that these Commissions reflect a

balance in favour of government. So how does one expect these Commissions to be perceived as being truly independent?

In the case of the Judicial Service Commission, the APNU+AFC did not appoint a new commission once the life of the previous Commission had expired. As such, important appointments to the Court of Appeal cannot benefit from the input of the Judicial Service Commission.

The idea behind the Public, Police and Teaching Service Commissions, is that these bodies are supposed to make appointments and to promote and discipline workers in the public, police and teaching professions.

But when it comes to appointments, the Commissions have delegated much of their powers to the government. It is for these reasons that the public service continues to be stacked with political loyalists.

Many of these constitutional commissions have outlived their usefulness. They are an implant from our colonial masters and have not worked in post-colonial societies.

Last year an independent Senator in Trinidad and To b a g o c a l l e d f o r a n updating of these constitutional commissions.

Shine rice good fuh rainy weather dem greens. Dem sellers increase de prices pun de greens.

Now if yuh gat flood and yuh hustling fuh sell out yuh stock, it means dat de supply plenty and prices should drop. But de opposite happening.

As soon as de rain start, de price jump. And next week, when dem gan gat a shortage of greens pun de market, de prices gan raise mo high.

Dem boys nah tekkin' worries. Who want raise dem price deh pun dem own.

Dem boys gan eat 'shine rice'till dem sellers learn sense and drop dem prices.

Because of de

coronavirus pandemic, dem shipping companies raise dem freight. De price of shipping a container almost triple.

And so fuh some items yuh gan gat fuh pay more.

But de way some people behaving, yuh would believe dat prices gone through de roof pun everything.

But yuh know in Guyana some people gan tek advantage. But dem boys gat de cure fuh duh. Whenever price increase too much pun one item, dem boys don't buy it and by de next week, de predators does be forced to drop dem prices.

Talk half and look up de recipe fuh 'shine rice!'

He noted that the alleged deficiencies in these bodies have negatively impacted the Public Service, such as long delays in the systems of appointment, promotion and disciplinary control of public officials.

And he urged that action be taken by government to restructure the systems and operations of Service Commissions to better regulate the functions of the Public Service and improve service delivery to citizens.

When the matter was debated, the Senator characterised the Service Commissions as follows:

“I would describe the Service Commissions as a boat designed with noble and ambitious intentions.

However, having sailed for 58 years since Independence in the last century the vessel is now aged and may be faulty and leaking.

While the hands on deck may be labouring hard to keep the vessel afloat and on course, the country has an interest in determining whether it is still fit for purpose, whether it is in need of upgrade and repair, or whether it has outlived its usefulness and should be replaced with a craft which is

sleeker, more fuel efficient, and better suited to the needs and circumstances of the time.”

He may have been too generous. It may have been better if he had simply called for them to be scrapped in their entirety.

It is time for a similar debate in Guyana based on the premise that our Service Commissions are out dated, archaic and that taxpayers are not receiving value for money.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday June 03, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Election fraud and $350,000 alleged bribery T

here are shocking things in this country that would make a social activist with a conscience find it hard to keep his/her sanity. The AFC has an email string, which is available to dozens of persons in this country.

On that string, there was a torrid exchange of views on the pronouncement by a sitting parliamentarian of the AFC that Guyana should be partitioned along ethnic lines because of the way the two major races reacted to the election drama.

I have written about this repulsion and criminal offence four times within the past few months citing one of the AFC's leaders, Dr. Vincent Adams, as the person who disagreed with the parliamentarian. The ERC has not reacted. The AFC condones this person. This person is guilty of a criminal offence.

A prosecutor with the Guyana Geology and Mines

Commission (GGMC) has been charged for alleged bribery of $350,000 (see my column of Tuesday May 25, 2021, “$300,000 bribery and rich Guyanese that rape the law.”).

Using criteria to compare the destructive nature of criminal behaviour, which one of the following two acts are more detrimental to Guyana's well-being and undermines the very moral and legal foundation upon which society rests - an officer in one of the public sector organisations taking a small bribe or election officials before the eyes of the world through live streaming discarding legal votes in a national election to declare the loser or the winner?

If you do a poll among citizens in a number of countries without naming Guyana and you put the comparison to them and solicit a response to the criteria, the majority would

respond that election officials accused of engaging in criminal tampering with the election are more a threat to the existence of society than an alleged bribe taker.

What is available on video for the world to see is the behaviour of the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; his deputy, Roxanne Myers, and the Returning Officer for Region Four during the five months of election rigging. The State has charged them with criminal misconduct in the election drama.

Magistrates deny bail to the accused for offences a million times less dangerous than what this conspiratorial triumvirate has been charged with. The prosecutor did not object to bail. Why isn't the triumvirate a flight risk? There was no ruling that they have deposit their passports to and visit the CID each week.

What a contorted legal system we have. Criminal

indictments millions of times less detrimental to the integrity of the social fabric of this society are met with rulings that the accused is a flight risk and when bail is granted, those accused have to lodge their passport at the police station and report weekly.

In many instances, they wait for hours at the stations they are assigned to be present because the commanding officer that has to speak to them is not there.

In this country, teenagers placed before the courts are remanded for possession of three or four grams of ganja.

Keifer Burnett spent the whole of Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then Monday morning in the Kitty police station lockup for possession of one gram of ganja (see my column of Tuesday January 8, 2019, “African Guyanese 52 years after Independence.”).

We come now to yet another horror show in Guyana. Lowenfield, Myers

and Mingo have not been interdicted from duty at the GECOM Frederick Kissoon Secretariat. Between i njustices being played out Lowenfield as CEO and Myers as Deputy CEO, before their very eyes? One the monthly earnings run into of the mysterious figures in more than two million the five-month election dollars. They are still at drama is the just retired GECOM and if we have Commissioner of Police, local government elections, Leslie James. The Force's these very people will conduct in the five-month preside over the process. Draculean devouring of the The MP that called for ethnic votes of citizens cast on partition last year is still in March 2, 2020 needs investigating. parliament.

Videos for the world to see What an insane existence of the rule of law in a country. and that are available, show Senior officers of the police that police ranks took over the Force have been charged GECOM Command Centre recently with financial fraud on March 4, 2020 and were and are off the job. The carrying out illegal orders. prosecutor at the GGMC is off Mr. James needs to answer the job but one of the AFC the mysterious question – if leaders is an untouchable. The not him, who was giving those GECOM triumvirate is an orders?

(The views expressed in untouchable group.

How can young people this article are those of the cultivate an attitude of moral a u t h o r a n d d o n o t respect for their country when necessarily reflect the they see these bizarre opinions of this newspaper.)

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

KN's Publisher begins protest for renegotiation of all foreign contracts K

aieteur News' Publisher, Glenn Lall, has started a public demonstration to get the authorities to renegotiate all foreign contracts.

Lall was joined by m e m b e r s o f h i s s t a ff yesterday as they held placards and stood in front of the Kaieteur News Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown office, in a peaceful protest calling for all contracts to be renegotiated in a manner that favours Guyana and its citizens.

The Publisher, who has been an advocate for

queens in their countries with our wealth while the citizens of this country are driving old cars, rented cars, company cars, riding bicycles and donkey carts.

It is time we wear Gucci, Nike and Louis Vuitton just like them and not rubber slippers and cork ball,” the publisher said as he alluded to the fact that many foreign companies continue to benefit from Guyana's vast wealth and mineral resources.

He noted that with the kind of wealth that Guyana has, all its citizens should be better off.

However,

Publisher stressed as he pointed out that almost all the African and Asian countries are living in extreme poverty after the oil companies raped and robbed them of their resources.

In addition, Lall said there are instances, where the activities of the oil companies continue to affect human life long after exploration would have ended.

“The 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has affected human life. A study has shown the harmful effects years later. Thousands of unborn babies have been

Staff on the protest line in front Kaieteur News, Saffon Street Headquarters, yesterday

that meetings are being held with oil companies for the Yellowtail project.

But according to him, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and President, Irfaan Ali, are keeping those meetings a secret.

“They are planning to throw on us the mother of all evils, the Yellowtail project and they are using the COVID-19 restrictions to keep us away from participating or having a say,” he said calling for Guyanese to take action.

renegotiation of the contracts, called on other Guyanese to join in the action.

To this end, he has called for citizens to leave their homes and places of work and stand on the road for five minutes to talk about the renegotiation of the contracts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 09:00hrs. Additionally, he has asked all drivers to show their support by blowing their horns during the fiveminute period.

“No more should we as a nation allow these foreigners to drive Mercedes Benz and Jaguars, fly in private jets, live the lives of kings and

according to Lall, for the living conditions in the country to get better, the citizens must stand up and demand better – better contracts with these foreigners.

“We have a lot of foreign gold companies in this country raking in billions (of dollars) and throwing the 'cush, cush' at us. We have Exxon in this country that throw US$20 billion in loans on us and our leaders don't know the interest rate Guyana is paying on that. No Guyana! No! Don't let that happen to us! Don't sit back quietly and allow them to take us back to slavery,” the

affected and 91 species of fish are still dangerous for human consumption. As of today, the chemical level of the fish is 8,000 times higher than usual. Still Guyana has no insurance,” Lall pointed out.

He revealed further, “US$71 billion is spent on that country (Gulf of Mexico) to clean up and they say they are still cleaning.

Guyana will never see US$71 billion and the oil will finish…when that happens who will suffer the cost brothers and sisters, you and I will have to plant rice and cut cane to pay.”

At present, Lall noted

A Kaieteur News staffer holds a placard calling for renegotiation of all foreign contracts.

“My fellow citizens let us not allow them to entrap us like Ghana, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea and other countries. We are living in the 21st century, all the tricks, games, skullduggery and thievery can be seen, just Google it.

If we don't get a renegotiation, Guyana will face worse situations than these countries. Stand with me and help in the struggle for better for us and the generations to come,” Lall added.

Another staffer calls for immediate protest action

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 03, 2021

PAGE 13

Region 10 RDC inks over $600M in contracts A

s the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 executes spending of $4.7 billion that was approved for this year, 30 contracts have been awarded and signed for projects under the different programme heads. Just r e c e n t l y, t h e r e g i o n a l administration signed $460 million in contracts, with the largest contract being a security contract valued at $389 million.

The contract was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to Home Safe S e c u r i t y. S i g n i n g t h e contract was General Manager (GM) of the company, Robert Johnson.

The current contractor, Kalibur Security, completed its services on May 31, 2021.

Johnson assured current employees of Kalibur that their jobs are not in jeopardy and that systems are in place for a smooth transition.

Johnson said too, that he would be working closely with the RDC to ensure timely payment so that workers in turn will be paid on time.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dwight John, told the media that the RDC would also monitor the working conditions under which employees are to operate.

He also noted that, "we will be employing checkers to see that all our facilities have security when they're

REO, Dwight John, looks on as General Manager of Home Safe Security, Robert Johnson, signs the security contract. supposed to be there, and we will also be working with the accounts department to ensure that there will be prompt payment on a monthly basis," John said.

Johnson, the Home Safe Security GM, also assured that employees will not be paid below the minimum wage and they will receive all benefits.

The firm is expected to provide security services to all government buildings in Region 10 and all buildings and facilities that fall under the purview of the RDC. In addition to the security contract, the RDC also signed three contracts with N&S General Engineering and Contracting Services to the tune of $70 million.

These contracts were awarded at the level of the

National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

The three contracts are extension of the 47 Miles Health Centre to the tune of $14 million, construction of Hururu Nursery School to the tune of $38 million and construction of Teacher's Quarters at Wiruni to the tune of $18 million.

General Manager of the company, Shazad Sattaur, said that workers would be sourced from the communities where the projects will be executed.

He said materials for the projects such as form board and concrete blocks will also be sourced in Region 10.

While these contracts were awarded by the NPTAB, the Regional Tender Board has thus far

GCCI calls on leaders to urgently pursue electoral reform

M

oves to hold recalcitrant officers of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) accountable for their partial and perverse actions during the March 2020 General and Regional elections, have found favour with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

In a release the GCCI, which was an accredited observer of the elections, said that it is pleased with the efforts.

According to the Chamber, its officials witnessed several acts of obfuscation, open defiance

to the instructions of the Commission and the Courts by agents who are dutybound to uphold the law.

“Their open defiance and abdication of their statutory responsibility placed Guyana in a precarious situation where attempts at subverting the will of the people could have placed our country in the league of pariah states,” the release added.

As such, the GCCI is urging, “this stark reminder of our difficult history during undemocratic days be used as the impetus to undertake the necessary reforms to the electoral process.”

Moreover, the GCCI is

calling on the leadership of Guyana to ensure that the electoral reform process is undertaken with greatest of urgency.

According to the GCCI, it anticipates that the input and involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, so as to be able to solicit ideas on the strongest sets of reforms as possible.

The body stressed too, “It is imperative that these reforms are undertaken to ensure that the inalienable rights of every citizen of Guyana are protected, and that our democracy - a precondition to a growing economy - is fortified in its safeguarding.”

REO, Dwight John, poses with Shazad Sattaur, the General Manager of N&S General Engineering and Contracting Services, after signing the contracts.

awarded 26 contracts to the tune of $168 million for 2021.

The contracts fall under Education, Agriculture, Health and Public Works programme heads. Under Public Works, several community access roads will be rehabilitated. These include First Street, Rainbow City; Oronoque Drive; Retrieve; Ituni internal access road, Yuriballi Street, Retrieve; Pine Street Nursery School entrance; Industrial Area, Mackenzie; Access Road, Block 22; Access Road, Silvertown, among others.

Under Education, contracts awarded include repairs to the Teacher's Quarters Aroaima, repairs and maintenance of the Calcuni Primary School, the Blue Berry Hill Nursery School, Canvas City Nursery School, C h r i s t i a n b u rg Wi s m a r Secondary School, Regma

Primary School, among others.

Under Health, contracts, including for the repairs and maintenance of the Kimbia Health Centre, the Coomacka Health Centre and 58 Miles Health Centre, have been awarded.

Under Agriculture, a contract for the upgrading of the farm to market road in We s t Wa t o o k a w a s awarded.

While the REO stressed that the Regional Tender Board is operating in a fair, unbiased and professional m a n n e r, t h e R D C i s a c c u s i n g t h e administration of awarding contracts to non-residents of Region 10 and not recognising the local content policy.

In a recent statement, Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, said that 70 percent of the contracts are awarded to persons out of Region 10.

"Make no mistake; these are

not unduly technical contracts. Our residents are equally capable of constructing drains, building schools and health posts, constructing security huts and building revetments," the statement added.

It continued, “Other persons coming into these communities and leaving with the income they make are insulated by distance from the work they put out, and are not as intimately familiar with the tides of the rivers and its effect on the revetments and wharves to be built, the soil composition, swampy history and drainage patterns of some of our areas and the effect (or lack thereof) of the drains they build.

Th e R eg io n al Democratic Council of Region 10 will continue to also press forward with our demand to decide on our representatives on the Regional Tender Board."

PAGE 14

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

Addressing Region's cultural, economic and social development issues high on agenda

W

ith over 1,000 professionals and youths from across the globe, participating in the 45 th Annual Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) Conference officially declared open on Monday May 31, 2021 in Georgetown, Guyana via a virtual webinar.

The Conference is being held virtually and is for the first time hosted by Guyana from May 31 – June 4, 2021 with the University of Guyana (UG) being the local organising partner.

This year the event will feature many concurrent discussions on issues related to three major sub-themes, namely, 1. “Identity, Politics and Caribbean Development, 2.

“Industry and Ecology” and 3. “Industry and the Intelligent Economy.”

During the opening ceremony, remarks were made by CSA President, Dr. Tavis Jules; UG ViceChancellor xi, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin and United States of America Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch.

Professor Mohamed Martin, in her welcoming remarks, explained that for 45 years the CSA had never made it to Guyana until now and the University community and other local stakeholders are delighted that the event is finally here even though in a virtual format. She noted that having taken this long; the Conference has arrived at a “special and most historically momentous period of our time.”

She highlighted, “It is to the credit of the planners,

...As CSA Conference continues at UG who, with great determination and unstinting focus, ensured through their diligent work that we will be able in these next few days, to experience a conference which can boast many significant firsts.

Amongst those, first in a pandemic, first virtual, first time open at no cost to students and teachers from Guyana and across the Region and the first time in Guyana.”

“The University of Guyana has been privileged to work with the various CSA teams over the last 24 months under the leadership of the current association President, Dr. Tavis Jules, of Loyola University and Conference Chair, Dr. Kristina Hinds, of UWI's Cave Hill Campus, amongst many others,” she added.

The VC also expressed gratitude to all the other local stakeholders and staff members of UG who have been working very hard and in difficult circumstances to ensure that the Conference is successfully held.

Ambassador Lynch, in her remarks, said she is proud of the partnerships that are being created in the Region through the Caribbean Studies Association and the University of Guyana.

“Despite the challenges that arose from the COVID19 pandemic, you have managed to come together for your annual conference, which I am sure will be filled with interesting ideas and spark plans for further

UG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin

CSA President, Dr. Tavis Jules

collaboration and research,” the Ambassador expressed.

A m b a s s a d o r Ly n c h posited “The Embassy was proud to support this Conference through its public diplomacy funding - a source of support for peopleto-people ties between the United States and Guyana.

We are keen to strengthen partnerships, especially with those who share the same v a l u e s o f d e m o c r a c y, security and shared prosperity.

It is my hope that your interactions spur further development in the academic arena, and I thank

US Ambassador, Ms. Sarah-Ann Lynch you for all you have done to build the body of knowledge for the Caribbean Region.”

President of the CSA, Dr. Jules, highlighted that the Caribbean Region is “slowly cracking the glass ceiling,” and this was achieved by the appointment of the first woman Secretary-General of

C A R I C O M , D r. C a r l a Barnette, and prior to that, the appointment of Prof.

Mohamed Martin as the first female to hold such a post in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The opening ceremony also featured a rich cultural presentation titled “Recollections,” which included traditional dances and poetry. The performances reflected that Guyana is a diverse country in every way, culturally, geographically, environmentally and otherwise.

“Recollections” pays homage to that diversity and to those old civilisations from which our people came and met the peoples who had already been here. It shows that our existence does not begin with slavery or i n d e n t u r e s h i p .

“Recollections” locates agency and memory through the work of notable Guyanese poets, all of whom have passed to the ancestors. (continued on page 17)

DDL donates $11.5M in supplies to aid flood relief efforts

CDC Deputy Director General, Major Loring Benons (left), with Larry Wills, DDL Brand Manager, at the handing over of the items.

O

ver $11.5 million in supplies were on Tuesday handed over to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Human S e r v i c e s M i n i s t r y, compliments of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

According to a DDL release, the endowment is intended for citizens affected

by recent floods caused by heavy rainfall.

The company's donation to the CDC included 1,000 cases of its bottled 20oz Diamond Mineral Water, 700 cases of 1.14 litres alcohol-based Environ Sanitising Cleaner and 2,000 cases of TOPCO 1L juice.

Also 50 cases of Environ Sanitising Cleaner were donated to the Ministry of

Human Service and Social Security's flood relief drive.

Commenting on the donation, Chairman of DDL, Komal Samaroo, said, “DDL would like to be supportive of the many citizens who are affected by the heavy rains and flooding at this time. We hope that our contribution will help in some measure to alleviate their pain and suffering at this difficult

time. We stand ready and committed to supporting the CDC through their national efforts to provide much needed aid to affected families.”

The donation is intended to provide affected families with access to clean drinking water and sanitising agents, especially as the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

VACANCY Vacancies for Experienced Driver, Labourer/Porter, apply in person. Wieting & Richter Water Street,Georgetown.

Hotel Attendants.Call: 2277714, 223-3448 & 640-0631.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Massey Ferguson Tractor( Foreign used). MF165$1.5M, MF 135-$1.1M, Pickup Ford Ranger-$1.1m, F150-$1.2M. 682-5230, 6154414.

FOR RENT 1-2 bedroom fully furnished apartment- 237 Gorden St.Kitty, $190,000 monthly.

Water included. Contact 6967163.

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

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

Furnish apt one bedroom,two bedroom, three bedroom, Providence and Diamond Tel#604-6664, 6826238, 216-2299.

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

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

Keep Clean Powerwashing buildings and yards lawn scaping. Tel# 216-2951,6721680.

Toyota Allion PMM 7380 for sale. Cash $1,000,000. Call: 667-1375/666-5634.

LAND FOR SALE Land for sale at 102 Good Hope mahaica 500ft x 42ft at the Roadside 691-8420

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 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

Have your LFS in Parfaite,Tushen,Farm, Eccles,Providence,Uivulght,ZealughtCash- Call: 666-2326.

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

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

PENPAL

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

1 Male 35 seeking female to share a home. Tel# 686-8046.

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

Security officers male and female 18 years and above.

Contact 223-4172,632-0101 or 632-0909.

Maid to cook and clean. Call: 615-9132.

Junior Accounts Clerk, Marketing Clerk. Contact via e m a i l : (chungsvacancy@gmail.com).

Tel# 640-4522,624-3048.

Project Clerk, Junior Engineer. Contact via email: (chungsvacancy@gmail.com).

Tel #640-4522,624-3048.

Hauler/Trailer Driver,Truck Driver, Building Foreman.

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

Tel# 624-3048.

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.

One male able bodied clerk.

Tel#231-2029 & 616-5954.

Female Domestic daily for house keeping $3500.Daily wardrobe $10,000 empty wayer barrel $5000. 6825230, 615-4414.

FOR SALE

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

Call 642-9823.

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

Tel#624-3048.

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

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

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

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.

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

...Food For The Poor celebrates 30 years From page 11 organisation's Wheelchair Programme in 2015.

In the release, it was noted that over the years, the organisation has shifted its strategy to include capacity building and empowerment.

Its agricultural projects initiaVACANCY VACANCY

Two upholsterers and a frame builder needed. Please contact 227-3660. Must have NIS and TIN number.

tive, has allowed individuals and groups to enter into sustainable areas of small businesses in poultry, pig and sheep rearing, and apiculture.

As part of its planned anniversary programme, FFTP will hand-over another 30 homes to those with difficult housing circumstances, distribute student support packages to schools in Regions Four, Five, and Six. Food distribution would be done in the Parika, Hubu, Zeelugt, Skull City, Viva-la-Force, Riverview, Albouystown, Tiger

Bay and D'urban Backlands squatting areas. The Guyana Prison Service and the Board of Industrial Training is also slated to receive agricultural equipment and sewing machines to enhance the skills training programmes of the two institutions. But to achieve all that it has over the years, FFTP noted that donors, both local and overseas, were faithful in their support, even as it appealed for continued donations and volunteers to sustain the work of the organisation.

Thursday June 03, 2021

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

EU 9M for Caribbean Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation The European Union (EU) and the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) have partnered to support the countries in the Caribbean in their efforts in building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change. This assistance is being provided through a new grant agreement recently signed between the EU and the CMO on 1 June 2021, for a regional initiative to be implemented by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).

With a budget of €9 million, new climate products and data platforms will be developed to improve access to and uptake of climate information, which will benefit practitioners in the region in climate-sensitive sectors as well as citizens across the Caribbean ACP countries.

These improvements will

support more targeted use of climate data in a number of sectors that are key to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities in the Caribbean including health, water, and agriculture.

The initiative will also accelerate the adoption and implementation of the emerging Caribbean Framework for Climate Services (CFCS) at the regional and national level.

Led by the CIMH, the CFCS will improve climate forecasts and strengthen the capacity of Caribbean countries to deliver sector specific climate services and information.

This user driven information will support actions to reduce vulnerability the tourism, energy and other key sectors.

CIMH Principle, Dr. David A. Farrell noted, “this Action will advance climate services value chains in the agriculture and food security, water and health sectors in three

selected countries, Guyana, Jamaica and Dominica respectively.

However, all CMO Member States will benefit from the transfer of knowledge and knowhow from these pilots. The action will also promote exchanges among producers and end users of climate information and services and will expose both CIMH and NMHS’s staff to capacity building opportunities and new partnerships with international research and development institutions.”

Dr. Farrell added, “The investment will ultimately enhance the competence of regional professionals to develop, deliver and utilize climate services to advance the region’s climate resilience.”

During her visit to the CIMH EU’s Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska stated, “The provision of

...Addressing Region's cultural, economic From page 14 Seymour, Dass, Khalicarran and Carter's reflections on our identity and evolution as a people are performed in music, dance, oratory and shot on historical locations in Guyana, especially for this Conference.

The cultural presentation was produced by the Theatre Guild of Guyana with the Department of Events, Conferences and Communications (DECC) of the University, collaborating with Unique

Arts, Waves of Emotions, Roshini Bhodoo, the Confucius Centre at the University of Guyana, and Nadre Designs.

Over the next few days, several high-profile speakers will join participants to discuss and find solutions to various issues impacting the Caribbean's cultural, economic and social development, including Professor Mohamed Martin and London-based Guyanese novelists, Dr. Michelle Yaa

Asantewa.

There will also be a highlevel plenary (panel) of past CSA Presidents headed by UG Chancellor, Professor Edward Greene, titled “Reflecting on the Future of the CSA through the Lenses of the Past,” and another titled, “The Life and Legacy of George Simon.” US Ambassador Lynch and SecretaryGeneral (Designate) Barnette will also appear on a highlighted panel on women and leadership.

...'Two Colours' faces 2nd trial for From page 11 shot and killed on July 10, 2014. Wayne, who was incarcerated along with his former co-accused, Melroy Doris, has been in jail since then.

He recently sought to challenge the State over the length of time he has been in prison, but his application was turned down by High Court Judge, Navindra Singh.

In his ruling last month, Justice Singh ordered that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack, SC, present the indict-

ment against Wayne within 30 days of the judgment.

This is Wayne's second trial in the High Court; he had previously faced a trial with his former co-accused Doris that ended in a hung jury.

Last March, Doris appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds and pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for the crime after the Court considered the time he already spent in pretrial custody, among other factors.

However, Wayne chose

not to go that route and filed civil proceedings against the State claiming a breach of right to a fair hearing.

That case ended when the Judge found inter alia that Wayne's constitutional right to a fair trial within a reasonable time has not been infringed.

Further, the Court found that Wayne had indicated his willingness to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter, and has been engaged in discussions about such a plea with the DPP that effectively waived any period of delay.

...81 more GWI employees to be sacked From page 8 cost, we're looking at other areas of operations, chemical uses and all of these things. Therefore, we had to proceed in this and we reached a stage where a number of employees will have to be terminated in accordance with the law.”

Kaieteur News had reported recently, however, that GWI is “cash-strapped” and could not pay its electricity bill in 2018, a year under the Coalition Administration, when the company under then boss, Dr. Van WestCharles, spent some $30 million on a Christmas party and

anniversary celebrations.

It was also reported last year that the company owed the Guyana Power and Light Inc. a total of $7 billion from 2018-2020.

GWI's expenditure had come under the spotlight because of its 'cashstrapped' state.

sector-specific climate information builds the resilience of vulnerable groups. For example, climate services for the agriculture sector provides the foundation for vulnerable groups to make risk informed decisions that safeguard their livelihoods in a context of increasing climate variability, extremes and change”. She added, “This project is in line with the support that the European Union is offering to the Region to increase the resilience and capacity of the

Caribbean.

Therefore, coordination between the different organizations is key to achieving our common goal.”

The CIMH provides climate services, and In some cases co-produce and codeliver, to technical organizations such as the Caribbean Agricultural Research & Development Institute (CARDI), the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), the Caribbean Public Health Agency

(CARPHA), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

Since 2010, with the reestablishment of the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum, the climate sensitive sectors have been better able to access and integrate sector-tailored climate early warning information to enhance their decisionmaking processes.

PAGE 18

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

Food For The Poor celebrates 30 years of charitable service to Guyana

T

oday, June 3, 2021, marks the 30th anniversary of Food For The Poor (FFTP) (Guyana) Inc., the largest charitable non-profit organisation in Guyana.

FFTP has transformed the lives of individuals and communities across Guyana by providing food and other necessities for those in need, housing for persons with difficult housing circumstances, medical supplies for health facilities, school feeding, donation of farming and other equipment, skills training and agricultural projects, over the years.

In a release it was noted that FFTP (Guyana) is one of several branches established in the Caribbean and Latin America, by its founder, Ferdinand Mafood, a Jamaican businessman, who, after rededicating his life to God, utilised his business expertise to serve the poor.

Reflecting on its establishment, FFTP's Chairman, Paul Chan-ASue, said, “we were given the opportunity of saving lives, transforming communities and we have been consistently doing that."

Through its committed donors, the charity has built more than 3,500 housing units. And to date, it has positively impacted the lives of thousands of Guyanese through the distribution of over 1,000 containers of goods, inclusive of food, medical equipment, educational supplies and sporting equipment.

It was revealed too, that FFTP's Angels of Hope Programme serves 195 children from nine orphanages. A monthly supply of food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies is donated to the homes. This programme is sponsored by donors from the United States of America. Also 418 children from the Enterprise, Sophia, Kuru Kuru and Dora schools benefit daily from FFTP's School Feeding Programme. The children are provided with hot, nutritious meals with beverages and fruits and the parents of the children also receive monthly hampers.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, 2 , 0 0 0 wheelchairs were distributed to disabled persons in the 10 administrative regions since the launch of the (continued on page 16)

'Two Colours' faces 2nd trial for murder of Lusignan cosmetologist

Murdered, Ashmini Harriram

T

he trial of murder accused Lennox Wa y n e c a l l e d ' Tw o C o l o u r s , ' h a s commenced at the Georgetown High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a mixed 12member jury.

Wayne is facing the court a second

Murder accused, Lennox Wayne called 'Two Colours.' time for the murder of cosmetologist, Ashmini Harriram.

The 19-year-old cosmetologist of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was (continued on page 17)

The Ministry of Health has over the years been one of the many beneficiaries of support from FFTP (Guyana).

Thursday June 03, 2021

CWI fully supports ‘freedom of choice’ policy but refusing COVID shots could cost players in the future SportsMax - Dr. Akshai Mansingh, a member of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Medical Advisory Committee, has cautioned that unvaccinated players could eventually find it difficult to take part in leagues around the world as more of the global population gets vaccinated.

At current, there are no cricket leagues around the world that require players to be vaccinated in order to take part in a competition.

However, with the risk and expense attached to the current model of staging tournaments in a biosecure environment and increasing evidence of the positive effect of vaccination on preventing

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

the spread of the virus, there is no guarantee things will stay the same.

At current, a few members of the squad have taken the vaccine, but some remain hesitant at this point in time.

Mansingh pointed out that it was the duty of the medical team to educate the players on the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated but, at the end of the day, the freedom to make individual choices had to be respected. He speculated, however, that the choices could plausibly, in the near future, affect an individual’s ability to earn income.

“We live in a free society, and we have to respect the decisions of people. But

- Seales bags four

Dr. Akshai Mansingh there may be leagues around the world who say if you are not vaccinated then we will not take you and that is when personal decisions will have to made,” Mansingh told the Mason and Guest Radio

Thursday June 03, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You could get upsetting news regarding your job.

There could be a shakeup in the hierarchy or someone in a position of authority could abruptly leave.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Expect to fall in love at first sight today, Taurus. Someone new will come on the scene and you'll feel an instant attraction.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The wonders of technology may come to your home today.

You might purchase some new equipment like a computer or phone, or decide to go for a state-of-the-art home entertainment center.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Valuable and interesting information could come your way through modern technology. You might discover new information online that awakens an exciting new interest in you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Finances could take on a new dimension as you look to technology to help you increase your bank balance.

You could decide to invest online or try some new means of recordkeeping.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Bizarre, unexpected developments might turn your life upside down today, Virgo.

Money could be involved.

New people could arrive who open doors that eventually lead to a new life.

Powell presses Test case with 95

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Bizarre, unexpected developments might turn your life upside down today, Virgo.

Money could be involved.

New people could arrive who open doors that eventually lead to a new life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You could have a strong urge to seek adventure, Scorpio. You might want to take a spontaneous trip to an exotic place, meet new people in exciting fields.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) An unexpected career break could come your way, Sagittarius. It should be exciting and encouraging - and a little scary! Don't let apprehension get to you.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) An unexpected career break could come your way, Sagittarius. It should be exciting and encouraging - and a little scary! Don't let apprehension get to you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Unusual experiences may give rise to a new interest in the sciences or occult practices like magic or alchemy.

This is an excellent time to start perusing such subjects, or embark on a formal study of astrology.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Upsets in the home or neighborhood could lead to a sudden decision to move, causing a great deal of activity.

You might not yet be sure where you're going.

programme.

“We have erred on the side of freedom of choice, etc., etc. and we will entertain the discussion but there are leagues that are going to pop up, which will not entertain the discussion,” he added.

“We allowed people to opt-out of bubbles that we knew were safe and some of the people that opted out at that time made a completely different choice when they went to India, which was the second most infected country in the world.”

...Suriname, T&T & Barbados From page 20 with the guidance of the National Covid-19 task force, and with strict guidelines, have managed to run off a few successful and incident-free meets this year.

During the interview yesterday, Hutson confirmed that the three nations have written to him seeking the participation of their elite athlete(s) at the Guyana national championships, something which the AAG and its executive will discuss.

As is customary, athletes from first to third place will be awarded prize monies in the region of $10,000, $6,000 and $4,000, respectively.

The AAG has a steep budget for the National senior championships and although it’s just over two weeks away, Hutson is calling on the support of the corporate community to help make the event a success.

He posited that, “The AAG with major help from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) would’ve been able to send one of the largest contingents we have ever fielded at the South American seniors and the results speak for themselves with a record 5 medal haul. Guyanese athletes have proven that they can compete with the best in South America once given the opportunity so we are asking the corporate community to stand with us and our athletes that I’m certain will continue to make the nation proud.”

Cricnation592 - Kieran Powell last played a Test match for the West Indies in December 2018. The lefthander gave the selectors something to think about after hitting 95 on the third day of the Best v Best 4-Day match in St Lucia.

West Indies continued their preparation for the first Test against South Africa starting on June 10 which will be played at the Darren Sammy National Stadium.

Jahmar Hamilton XI ended the day on 218-4, requiring another 93 runs to win on the final day.

Resuming day three on 197-3 with a lead of 283 runs, Jermaine Blackwood’s XI suffered a meltdown and were bundled out for 224 in 55.3 overs. Shai Hope resumed on 104 but added only two runs to his tally while Blackwood fell for 24.

The remaining batsmen fell for single-digit scores as Blackwood XI lost their final five wickets for 21 runs.

Jayden Seales was the standout bowler with 4-40 in 11.3

overs while Raymon Reifer and Preston McSween had two wickets each.

Jahmar Hamilton’s XI required 311 runs for victory with more than five sessions to bat. In reply, openers Shayne Moseley and Kieran Powell started solid, adding 63 runs together. Moseley made 36, while Shamrah Brooks made 39 before he was trapped by Veerasammy Permaul.

Powell’s knock of 95 came off 175 balls and included 11 fours and one six. Roston Chase retired hurt for one while Paul Palmer (15) and Reifer (22) will resume the final day.

Rahkeem Cornwall picked up 2-61 in 20 overs thus far.

Both Nial Smith and Shannon Gabriel left the field. Gabriel is experiencing some tightness in his right hamstring and Smith has some discomfort in his left lower back.

The final day of the match will commence today, June 2 from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time.

PAGE 20 Head of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson.

(Calvin Chapman photo)

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 03, 2021

Suriname, T&T & Barbados interested in National C/Ships - Cash Prizes for first to third

By Calvin Chapman Plans are afoot by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) for the hosting of the National senior athletics championships which is

scheduled to run off on the weekend of June 18 to 20 at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara.

In an interview with Kaieteur Sport, the president of the body; Aubrey Hutson, reiterated that this meet may be the last chance for Guyanese athletes to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics with June 30th being the close off

date for hopefuls to register Olympic Standards (OS).

Hutson confirmed that although Guyana had arguably their most successful outing at the South American Senior Championships last weekend, no athlete managed to make OS and 400m star Aliyah Abrams remains the only athlete to have qualified for the Tokyo games thus far.

It is evident that not only Guyana has been hit hard with the negative and lingering impacts of the covid-19 pandemic on sport, while some territories have managed to deal with the virus others have struggled.

Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname and Barbados have had their struggles with their athletes being unable to compete, while the AAG (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 03, 2021

PAGE 21

2021 CPL to feature West Indies future stars for the third year in succession - CWI and CPL continue emerging players’ pathway collaboration

S

T JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will continue to offer development opportunities to some of the best young West Indians in the ninth edition of the CPL, which takes place in St Kitts later this year. Since 2019, and for the third consecutive season, twelve (12) players have been drafted, retained or signed into the two mandatory Emerging Player positions in each of the six CPL franchises.

Each CPL franchise will have to field an Emerging Player a minimum of five times during the tournament, ensuring that these players get at least some competitive playing experience and the opportunity to train with some of the best players and coaches from across the Caribbean, and around the world.

The list of 12 retained and drafted players includes recent West Indies Men’s Test and T20I debutants Joshua Da Silva and Kevin Sinclair who will feature for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Guyana Amazon Warriors respectively. At relatively young ages, these two players have notably risen through the CWI development ranks in the last 18 months since featuring for the victorious West Indies Emerging team in the 2019 CG Insurance Super50 Cup. Four of the Emerging Players will be experiencing the CPL for the first time: Joshua James, Kirk McKenzie, Kadeem Alleyne and Leonardo Julien.

McKenzie and James were members of the West Indies Under-19 side that featured in the last ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, held in South Africa in 2020, who now have a chance to develop their white ball skills with the Jamaica Tallawahs.

C W I ’s D i r e c t o r o f Cricket, Jimmy Adams congratulated the selected players saying: “CWI is

extremely happy for the 12 Emerging Players who will participate in this year’s CPL tournament. The Emerging Player programme is now a focal point of our elite player pathway and the CPL plays a critical role in exposing these young players to elite players and high level competition. We have no doubt that the experience gained by these young players will be a significant factor in establishing the next generation of international players within this format of the game.”

Reflecting on the third year of the CWI and CPL collaboration, CWI’s HighPerformance Manager Graeme West said: “The Emerging Player Programme underlines the growth and strength of the CWI and CPL partnership.

In a year where running high-performance activities for our talented young players has been challenging, CPL will provide the 12 emerging players a great learning and development opportunity.”

He continued: “With seven players retained from the 2020 CPL, this draft represents a reward for the performances and potential that the franchises saw from the Emerging Players in Trinidad last year. I’m delighted that three players from last year’s West Indies Under-19 squad have been drafted for the first time with McKenzie, James and Julian joining team-mates Nedd, Young and Seales who will look to build on their performances in 2020. The drafting of Kadeem Alleyne is really significant as it demonstrates to all young cricketers in the Caribbean that outstanding performances in local tournaments can be recognized and rewarded.”

The full list of drafted, retained and signed Emerging Players for their respective CPL teams is as follows (Home Territory Cricket Board in brackets): Joshua Bishop (Barbados) - Retained by Barbados Tridents

N y e e m Yo u n g (Barbados) - Retained by Barbados Tridents Ashmead Nedd (Guyana) - Retained by Guyana Warriors Kevin Sinclair (Guyana) - Retained by Guyana Warriors

Joshua James* (Trinidad & Tobago) - Drafted by Jamaica Tallawahs Kirk McKenzie * (Jamaica) - Drafted by Jamaica Tallawahs Dominic Drakes (Barbados) - Retained by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots

Joshua Da Silva (Trinidad & Tobago) Retained by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Kadeem Alleyne* (Barbados) - Drafted by St Lucia Zouks Jeavor Royal (Jamaica) Drafted by St Lucia Zouks

Leonardo Julien* (Trinidad & Tobago) Signed by Trinbago Knight Riders Jayden Seales (Trinidad & Tobago) - Retained by Trinbago Knight Riders *denotes players drafted to CPL for the first time

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Thursday June 03, 2021

Letter to the Sports Editor

Why the GAPLF not holding overdue AGM P

Dear Editor, lease permit us some space in your daily newspaper to pen a concern against The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation.

Why the non-compliance of GAPLF to hold constitutionally overdue AGM?

It is with serious concern that this letter is being penned to highlight a grave constitutional lapse on the part of the Ed Caesar led Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation which has not held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) well past the constitutional time frame.

The last AGM took place

on February 8th, 2020 when Mr. Caesar and his entire executive committee was reelected en-block, Caesar, for his fifth consecutive oneyear term.

Section 5 (Election of GAPLF officers) Article 1 of the GAPLF constitution speaks to the election being held yearly and (a) of the said section states that, ‘The

election of the GAPLF will take place at an Annual General Meeting.

Section 5 Article 3 (1) makes reference to the terms of office which states that it is one (1) year.

It specifically states: 1.

The term of office for all officers of the GAPLF shall be for one year and the mandate of all officers, even those who were elected between electoral General Assemblies, shall expire at the electoral General Assembly. All officers shall be eligible for re-election.

So then, the question has to be asked, why the GAPLF has not seen it fit to adhere to the constitutional requirements?

But yet they held athletes accountable when they breached the same

constitution and that of the IPF. We are all well aware that covid-19 would have presented challenges in terms of large gatherings but this is no excuse for noncompliance. A number of other associations and federations have fulfilled their constitutional mandates and held their AGM’s; coming to mind readily are the GFF and the Guyana Tennis Association.

A venue should not be an issue with the National Racquet Centre being available as the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport which controls that facility would be more than willing to make it available once they are approached.

As a matter of fact, previous GAPLF AGM’s

would have taken place at this same venue. Another option can be a virtual event with members being made to pay their annual subscriptions via other mediums prior to the AGM. It is very bad that the Federation has not followed the constitution and must be held accountable for this as athletes would be held accountable for breaches of the constitution.

M r. P r e s i d e n t a n d executive members, you are the servants of this sport and you must never lose sight of this fact.

The AGM, which is long overdue, must be called or the international body will be contacted to highlight this grave situation.

Respectfully, Concerned Athletes

Guyanese Shereeda Yusuf wins WAA’s Gender Equity Committee’s Logo Competition

T

he World Archery Americas’ Gender Equity Committee commemorated the International Women’s Day 2021 by launching their ‘Logo Competition” which received a large number of entries from across the Americas.

The Panel commended the participants for their creativity and beautiful submissions and as Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon the Chair of the WAA’s Gender Equity Committee, noted they considered several criteria for the successful Logo for the WA A G e n d e r E q u i t y Committee. These include that it must encompass promoting Archery as a sport for everyone: men and women in the Americas.

Further the Logo design must express equity, archery, inclusion, the Americas all together under one depiction.

In this regard, the Panel unanimously decided upon the winner of what will be the International entity’s future Logo which uses similar colours of WAA to show the linkage. The winning logo easily met all the Criteria. It is composed of a map of the Americas overlayed by lay a circular design of four

arrows and bow to depicting the diversity but oneness in the Americas. There is a tiny hand-print in multi-colour as a dot on the “i” to not just add artistic flare but to demonstrate that everyone is entitled and treated the same regardless origin, race, creed ethnicity or personal circumstance: reiterating the theme we are one: WAA Gender Equity Committee proudly announced that the winner of the Logo Competition as Ms. S h e re e d a Yu s u f f r o m Guyana who was thereby awarded bragging rights for what will become a familiar

Logo to be used across the Americas! In addition, a presentation will be made to her from World Archery Americas of a US$100 monetary prize.

Upon receiving the great news Ms. Yusuf indicated

Shereeda Yusuf: Winner of the WAA Gender Equity Committee’s Logo Competition.

she was “shocked and happy” that her humble effort was so well received.

President of Archery Guyana, Mr. Mohamed Khan expressed delight at this news, stating that he is enthused at the women putting Guyana on the world stage and extended congratulations to Ms. Yusuf.

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 03, 2021

PAGE 23

Inaugural GCB Under-19 One Day 50 Overs Franchise Tournament

Rescheduled first round set for tomorrow with live streaming and commentary The first round of the inaugural Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 One Day 50 Overs Franchise Tournament which was severely affected by rain, has been rescheduled to tomorrow, Friday June 4, 2021 from 0930 hours. All matches to be played in the tournament are scheduled for the National Stadium, Providence, and have been realized through GCB’s partnership with General Marine, Tropical Spring, 4R Bearings and Trophy Stall.

T h e To u r n a m e n t includes the three (3) teams of Falcons, Eagles and Amazon Hawks which are being captained by Matthew Nandu, Zeynul Ramsammy and Marvan Prasad, respectively.

As a result of the rescheduled first round match between Falcons and Eagles, Eagles second round

win over Amazon Hawks, places them at the top of the points table with 8 points.

Meanwhile, Amazon Hawks sit quietly in the trees in the cellar position, awaiting their second and final round match against the Falcons. This match is scheduled for Saturday June 5, 2021.

In indicating their decision to provide additional funding for the rescheduled first round match, the sponsors collectively expressed their satisfaction with the concept of the Under-19 Franchise Tournament, the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the players and their belief that their investment is going towards a worthy cause.

The sponsors indicated that the Under-19 players are at an important stage in their cricket development pathways. They indicated

President-GCB (right) receiving Sponsorship of Falcons, Aravinda Gainda (Tropical Spring). that the current Under-19 Tournament structure will help to adequately prepare the players for the progressive stages of West Indies Under-19, Guyana Senior and West Indies Senior teams. The sponsors posited that the supportive environment which they seek to provide is necessary

Sports in Guyana need new approach and the prospects are good

Letter to the Sports Editor

Dear Mr. Editor, Sports in Guyana need to be revamped and a new approach has to be implemented. Guyana is on the threshold of achieving same.

The Sporting Associations of the various disciplines has been trying to operate under a tight budget, lack of the essentials facilities and equipment and sometimes harsh criticism.

Change is soon coming, just be patient.

Quite recently a new fresh air of enthusiasm and excitement has been flowing across the sporting arena.

T h i s p r e s e n t Government seems to be heading in the correct direction in terms of Sports in Guyana. Quite recently a new enthused, young and vigorous Sports Minister was appointed. After a period of soul searching a new Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) was also appointed with the full blessing of the Cabinet and to complete the third side of the triangle a Director of Sports was also appointed by the newly formed NSC in conjunction with the Minister of Sports.

Mr. Editor with the triangle complete Sports

will be governed by these Administrators who have proven in the past that they are excellent in the field of Organising and Promoting Sports.

Much is not known of the Honorable Minister Ramson (jr) past Sporting achievement or accomplishment but from the time this well learned Lawyer entered in this field he seems to be operating like if he was preparing for this job, this well articulated and knowledgeable young man has gotten the Guyana Sporting World buzzing with excitement.

E n t e r K a s h i f Mohammad and the ingredients are getting tastier. As we all know of the achievement Kashif of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation. For over two decades these two gentlemen has been promoting and organsation the best Sporting Event in Guyana annually, they have also been promoting Culture Shows at a high level with International Artist visiting G u y a n a , We s a w t h e Arguably the Greatest Footballer of all time visit these shores, I speak of King Pele, Edson Arantes do Nascimento. That was a great feat to accomplish. We also say Brother Louis

Farrakhan came here. I can speak of much more great stuff these guys did for Guyana Sporting and Culture World.

Cometh the hour cometh the man: Steve Ninvalle was the third man to enter the arena and he has the enviable task of implementing all the policies of the Ministry of Sports and the NSC. He is also a tried and proven professional, he started as a Sports Journalist, then Sports Editor, then Deputy PS, then MP, then Amateur Boxing President, then VP of an International Boxing Organisation and the list goes on.

Mr. Editor, Guyana stands to gain with this Triangle of Sports Personnel who has entered with vigor, vision, veracity and vitality (VVVV).

Only time will tell and I am confident when the final bell rings Guyana will be an outstanding example in the Sporting World due to the fact that three gentlemen will change the landscape of Sports in Guyana.

Thanks for your patience and understanding and may God bless all.

Yours Truly, Lawrence Llewlyn Griffith M.S AKA “Sparrow”.

for the growth and development of Guyana.

They encouraged the GCB to continue to build partnerships with the private business and to use the Livestream system to facilitate private business advertisements at reasonable prices. They remarked that based on feedback from family members, and with the current COVID-19 situation, a number of persons are likely to tune into the Livestream with commentary feed on Youtube and Facebook. This feature will now be enhanced by employing the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s high Speed Fibre Optic Internet Service.

The sponsors concluded

that with this sort of player development approach, Guyana and West Indies cricket has a bright future.

The tournament began on Saturday May 29, 2021, with Falcons taking on the Eagles, but was heavily affected by persistent rainfall, and eventually abandoned. On Sunday May 30, 2021, although there was torrential rainfall until 11:00 hours, play was possible in the scheduled One Day 50 Overs match between Eagles and Amazon Hawks, which was reduced to 27 overs aside, and Eagles emerging as the winner.

The remaining matches for the Tournament will be held on Friday June 4, 2021, with the rescheduled match

between Falcons and Eagles.

On Saturday June 5, 2021 the Amazon Hawks will challenge Falcons. Both matches begin at 09:30 hours.

The GCB trusts that this tournament will help to give the U-19 players an opportunity to be selected in the CWI U-19 Preparatory activities for the 2022 World Cup. The GCB has arranged for an additional match to be played upon conclusion of the tournament on Sunday June 6, 2021 to involve the best performers from the tournament.

All matches will commence at 10:00 hours.

The link for the livestream will be provided later.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Qatar 2022

‘Golden Jaguars’ focused on St. Kitts clash tomorrow as first session held in host country

By Franklin Wilson in Antigua with the compliments of the GFF and Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. After arriving on the island of St. Kitts and Nevis just after midday yesterday, Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Team (SMNT), the ‘Golden Jaguars’ hit the road running as they held another intense training session at the Kim Collins Athletic Stadium.

Despite not being the best of surfaces for this level of competition, the players and staff put that behind them and were focused on getting work in ahead of tomorrow’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying match against the home team from 16:00hrs.

Head Coach Márcio Máximo informed that the session centered around defending and attacking as well as transition to deal with their opponents tomorrow.

Set pieces were also part of the session.

“Once again the players were all focused on what was being done and executed well as they continued to show good form as they did in our short camp in Antigua.

It is now for them to transfer what we have been doing into the game tomorrow and we are very optimistic that we can do it.”

Máximo said that with the group being a very young one as the GFF looks ahead to the future, concentration by the players for long periods is something that has to be worked on.

“We should maintain the concentration all ninety minutes because we came here for a win of course against St. Kitts and Puerto Rico to keep our chances alive to qualify. I think the guys have understood the message and training has been coming well. The group is very united and I hope we can do a good job here.”

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 03, 2021

Thursday June 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25