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Guyana facing NEWS worst disaster in country’s history - Pres. Ali

Monday Edition

AIETEUR

June 07, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 22

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 79,926

With Yellowtail project, ExxonMobil proposes to continue trend of dumping

toxic water into ocean

Floods destroy homes, farms, Driver charged for causing roads, and mining camps in Reg. 8 death of GRA guard Alleged rapist turns self in Barbed wire fence 8 Psych patients re-captured; 11 remain captures hospitalised with burns and injuries bandit One of the homes in Region 8 submerged in flood waters.

In two years, GWI spent

$103M on overseas travel and food

- former boss says it was for studies, overtime meals

Listen @11am, 4pm Don’t take us back to slaver y days, renegotiate those lopsided foreign contracts, and 7pm on Kaieteur so we can get our fair share of our natural resources. Protest continues today @ 9AM Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Monday June 07, 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

What does the writing on the wall say for oil companies?

Amidst our excitement about oil, the billions of barrels discovered, the billion-dollar projects competing for priority, and the likely billions of dreams sloshing around in Guyanese heads, some icy reminders came recently to relay what the future looks like. This was what was made clear in an article in The Week on June 4th that was titled, “Oil companies begin to face reality.” Whether we like it or not, the reality of oil companies, the good and not so good, are also ours. It is because so much of our future prospects are tied at the navel to oil. The oil companies can still make money today, but their future is not as rosy and everlastingly prosperous as it has always been.

Exxon has a quarter of its board now represented by a ‘foreign’ possibly hostile presence. Royal Dutch Shell was rocked by a judicial decision, and Chevron’s investors confronted the company successfully. Some details should be helpful in giving the lay of the land.

First, Chevron’s investors voted to cut emissions, even after its board urged them not, which is unprecedented.

Next, Shell fell in a Dutch court, when judges ruled that the company has to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2030 (relative to their 2019 levels). The menace is of countless lawsuits demanding more companies cut more and everywhere. Third, there was great cheer when the tiny Engine 1 triumphed with its 25 percent board membership at Exxon. But, as The Week pointed out, the hidden gem is “that Exxon is ignoring easy profits and threatening its own long-term viability by continuing to focus on digging up and burning fossil fuels.” The news for Guyana’s long-term prospects took a hit, with clouds gathering.

This is because “the world is in the middle of a rapid energy transition where the use of coal has fallen by 62 percent and “the cost of wind power fell by about 70 percent, and solar power by 89 percent.” And The International Energy Agency estimate is that solar photovoltaic is the “the cheapest source of electricity” versus its main competition (coal, natural gas), and with further economies expected. As The Week noted, “it may take decades, but the long-term business prospects of oil and gas are dismal. It follows that a sensible oil company should be pivoting hard to other kinds of energy business — taking its oil profits and investing them in wind, solar, advanced nuclear, carbon capture. If Exxon and all the other Big Carbon companies don’t get with the programme, they are going to die.” But it is far from over.

For it would be irresponsible to think that the era of Big Oil and big profits are over. But, “much more aggressive action is needed to attack climate change anywhere near fast enough to prevent severe disruptions to human society.” There has been applause over President Joe Biden’s push for climate change. But he has to get the kind of infrastructure bill passed that would make a difference. At present, this is bleak, with the U.S Congress weighing. Further, President Biden’s must spend more on research towards a green economy. According to one report, Americans spend more on pet food annually, than what the president contemplates for green economy research dollars.

This is the sum of the existing contexts of our oil discoveries and prospects, near term and longer term.

Technology has introduced new forms of energy that are threatening the continuing viability of carbon profits. The worry for oil companies is that, if a small hedge fund like Engine 1 can successfully challenge an Exxon for board seats, and with intentions of influencing the mindsets, strategies, and behaviour of a global oil powerhouse, like Exxon, even in drops and small steps, then there is so much more that could occur. Meaning, when activists put heads together to launch a full-scale war in favor of climate change.

And the corresponding attitudes that wean away from so much fossil fuel dependency. The Guyana government and Guyanese people must pause and take note. And then go a rung higher: how do we partner domestically and externally to get the most and best for us, amidst a sea of changing circumstances?

What qualification does one need to debate issues of national importance?

DEAR EDITOR, I usually ignore politicians who demonstrate absurdity when they speak or write. However, I am hardpressed to respond to a politician or someone who appears to be a politician, Mr. Shawn Simmons, whose letter was carried in Kaieteur News on June 5, 2021.

On June 3, 2021 and June 4, 2021, I wrote two letters to the editor in response to two distinguished professors (retired), who appeared to be residing in the diaspora.

These letters were carried widely in the press and they constitute – what I regard, healthy and critical public debates on an issue of national importance.

Mr. Simmons, instead of contributing in any meaningful and substantive manner to the debate or the subject matter, sought to question my credentials. Mr. Simmons appeared to have enquired as to

who I am and what qualifications I hold and from his description – he visited my LinkedIn profile as well. But if he so did, I am wondering why was he dishonest to state that he did not find which university (ies) I studied with, or maybe it was a case where he did not look thoroughly; or he was being deliberately mischievous.

One does not need a specific qualification to contribute, comment, discuss or critically analyze any issue of national importance. As a young Guyanese, taxpaying young professional, I am, and in fact any citizen of this country is entitled to and has a right to comment, debate, criticize and/or critically discuss issues of national importance, publicly.

Further, I am well aware of the profiles of the professors whose writings I have challenged and like I usually tell my students, to be a critical

thinker, one has to have a mind of their own and ought to be able to critically examine complex issues. Not because someone is regarded as distinguished and holds five degrees it means what they say is gospel. It doesn’t work like that.

Regardless of how many degrees one holds or whatever you are regarded as or whoever you are or think you are – what you say is not gospel. Guyanese professionals, and Guyanese in general, are a people with a mind of their own – that is, being able to do one’s own independent assessment of information, and facts presented to them and / or at their disposal.

Finally, the fact that Mr. Simmons did not address my argument in any meaningful and substantive manner is not an unusual style by Guyanese politicians of a certain political entity. It is a sad affair when a country has an

intelligibly weak political entity that is required to work through the National Assembly to shape the development path of a country and the governance of a country irrespective of which side they sit in the National Assembly.

And, if one is associated with an intellectually weak and bankrupt political organization and when they speak or write, that weakness is so reflected, such an undesirable and unfortunate situation speaks volumes and leaves much to be desired.

In other words, it is not an unusual practice by some politicians in Guyana that when they do not have anything of substance to say or contribute on an issue – they resort to attacking the person. Look at the quality of the budget (2020 & 2021) debates in the National Assembly, for example.

Yours truly, J.C Bhagwandin

If we want to rid the world of crime, we need to look at the root causes of delinquency DEAR EDITOR, I am very fascinated with the intricacies of psychology.

The fact that it is one of the sciences that cannot be fully unraveled or even understood, makes it more appealing to me. I am also drawn to philosophy and the contemporaneous nuisances that go with this field of study. Of course, I am also trained in Theology – the mother of all the sciences. However, what beckons my intimacy with these three schools of thought, whose premises are all academically elusive, is my innate desire for redemption and rehabilitation, both personally and communally.

Over the years of my study and work in the field of criminology, prison chaplaincy and ex-offender rehabilitation, I have discovered many things, both satisfying and troubling. For instance, I have found out that the people who commit the largest and more organized crimes are the least prosecuted. While the folks involved in crimes at the lower spectrum of the criminal curve fill the prisons and jails across the world, disproportionately.

I have also found out – and I believe it to be true – that if we can solve the causes of delinquency, we can rid the world of crime. Yet neither the definition for, nor the solution to, delinquency, has sufficiently been studied.

Another thing that I have come to realize through my research, is that most of the blue-collar (low-end) crimes are tangent and predicated to

white collar (high-end) crimes. Let me explain. The criminals in the ghettos and hoods justify their criminality by comparing and contrasting their criminal behaviours to the behaviours of more ‘connected’ persons.

While I am very interested in the rehabilitation of the blue-collar criminals, I have a very wary eye on the whitecollar criminals, because as a retired blue-collar criminal, I too realize that the judicial systems in most countries, favor white-collar criminals.

Ask any criminologist to define or explain the causative factors for crime and most will default to highlighting that poverty, drug addiction, truancy, environmental upbringing, mental challenges, and the likes, are the culprits. And while I don’t fault these professionals for their biased conclusions, I also don’t agree with them.

I believe that the number one causative factor for crime is a weak ego. And this is where my psychological aspirations kick in. Most crimes are initially committed to satisfy an egotistically driven lack or need. Most crimes have nothing to do with the crime itself.

E.g. When you go to a store and you put all your groceries on the convey belt and the cashier misses a pack of nuts. You do not refuse to tell the cashier that she missed that pack of nuts because you cannot afford to pay for it, or because you need it. There is something inside of you that triggers and

immediately makes you justify why you should refuse to pay for that pack of nuts. And I have concluded that is as a result of one’s egotistical lack or need.

Again. You drive above the speed limit, no matter what the limit is. I guarantee you that unless you are a chronic procrastinator or you are in demand above the requirements of the President of the US, most of the times you are speeding have nothing to do with you being late for an appointment. You see that posted speed limit sign and something in you triggers and makes you justify why you should refuse to abide by that law. And I have concluded that that is as a result of some egotistical lack or need. So crime really has nothing to do with the act, or the violation of the act, but more about the satisfaction of an egotistically driven need.

Many times folks would advise someone, or reprimand someone, or condemn someone, hurt or harm someone, even maim or kill someone for engaging in an act that they themselves engage in. So they would commit a crime against another for doing something that they have justified and rational in their minds as a behavior that they could or should be engaged in. Which means that the crime is not the act but the result of some egotistical lack or need of the actor.

There are guys who would break into a home, beat and rob the occupants, then go on the block and drink and

smoke, or gamble out all the money they abused other individuals and risked their lives and freedoms to acquire.

Most blue-collar criminals have nothing to show for their oft-repeated criminal practices. Most “old-crooks” die in poverty.

So to default to the assumption that poverty, drug addiction, truancy, environmental upbringing and mental challenges are the causative factors of crime, is to look past the real reasons and hamstring ourselves from enacting approaches for the solution to crime. This sophomoric rationalization to the explanation and definition of crime – rather than explaining the phenomena – lends to the perpetuation of the phenomena.

It is largely believed and repeated, that thieves come from the ghettoes because poor people live in the ghettoes. Well, I am from the ghettoes and I can prove to you that only a small fraction of us in the ghettoes were thieves. The majority of the people in the ghettoes are poor however; the majority of the residents in any ghetto are not criminals.

If thieving and deviancy were unique to the ghettoes, why aren’t all the people in the ghettoes criminals, even thou most of them are poor?

And more particularly, why are most of the crimes in any country perpetuated by people who are not poor? I submit that there are more white-collar crimes being (Continued on page 5)

Monday June 07, 2021

Every decision we make in the name of progress will be felt by Guyanese for generations DEAR EDITOR, The Caribbean Youth Environment Network extends greetings to all on World Environment Day 2021. The theme for this year is “Ecosystem Restoration.” Humans and the environment are interdependent systems; the preservation of our environment indefinitely protects our very existence. Guyanese have a moral obligation and a constitution obligation in articles 26 and 36 of our supreme constitution to protect our environment. The article 26 states “Every citizen has a duty to participate in activities designed to improve the environment and protect the health of the nation” and article 36 states “In the interests of the present and future generations, the state will protect and make rational use of its land, mineral and water resources, as well as its fauna and flora, and will take all appropriate measures to conserve and improve the environment.”

With the introduction of the oil sector, the steps Guyana takes towards development puts us at an unprecedented crossroads. Every decision we make in the name of progress will be felt by Guyanese for generations, whether or not the principles of sustainability are incorporated in the decision-making processes.

Within the last six years following the decision to pursue oil as a revenue stream for the country, we have seen the advertisement and execution of many developmental projects that can affect the

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Kaieteur News

environment. Four of which are the US$1.4B oceanfront mega-project ‘Moraiko Bay’, the wharf construction at Bartica, the illegal concrete plant in South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown and the Global Oil Environmental Services (GOES) Guyana Waste Treatment, Recycling & Reuse facility in Coverden.

The Moraiko Bay Golf and Country Club in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, will have their sea defense and environmental protection, (budgeted at more than G$430M) overseen by Earth and Marine Environmental Consultants. While there are many aesthetic and developmental advantages to such a project, there are still many areas to monitor. Such as loss of semi-natural and natural land, destruction and fragmentation of coastal habitats, and is also related to increased erosion levels and increased discharge of diffuse pollution and marine litter to the marine environment. The Bartica wharf construction has seen the submission of numerous complaints of pollution not only from the construction materials but also from oil and other fuels which in and of itself is disastrous.

Additionally, the illegal concrete plant, the development of which is ongoing despite not receiving permission by the relevant authorities, is a gross disrespect to the people of Guyana not to mention the potential human health and environment repercussions that could emanate from the plants’ air pollutants.

Finally, the Global Oil Environmental Services (GOES) Guyana Waste Treatment, Recycling & Reuse facility in Coverden. This project has attracted much attention and worries from those living in Coverden especially since there was no EIA completed.

Citizens of the community are requesting a halt be placed on the project until they can better evaluate the environmental and social impacts of said project on their surroundings.

Without question, there will be more incidents in the not-so-distant future where the Government, or companies both local and foreign will, in an effort to strike while oil is hot, make decisions that may compromise the environmental integrity of the country. Though there are numerous tools and strategies which aim at supporting development policies and preserving the environment including strategic environmental assessment, environmental social impact assessment, remote sensing, and geographical information systems, what we consider to be of utmost importance is the need for the public to understand the role they plan in every aspect of decision making.

What is hoped through this article is that citizens understand that they possess rights where development impacts the environment.

These rights emanate from the first environmental treaty of Latin America and the Caribbean- The Escazu Agreement.

The Escazu Agreement

was signed, ratified, and later entered into force on April 22, 2021. It is important to note that Guyana was the first signatory to ratify this agreement. This agreement represents a groundbreaking, legally binding instrument for the protection and preservation of the environment. It is a mechanism for the voices of the environmental advocates to be sounded without fear of intimation. It also represents accountability and culpability for Governments to take environmental matters into consideration in the course of development.

The rights described by this Agreement are the right to access information; the right of participation and the right to access justice in environmental matters. The right to access information means any citizen has the right to request environmental information without presenting any major justification and to receive it within the next 30 days. (Article 5 of Escazu Agreement) Moreover, according to the Agreement, every actor that could be affected by decisions regarding environmental projects must be taken into account and summoned for participating so that due consideration can be given to the observations of the public.

Thus, authorities are expected to go beyond the inclusion of actors directly connected to the environment and members of the opposition as we have seen in the (Continued on page 6)

We are free to do what’s right, not marginalize the vulnerable DEAR EDITOR, Kindly publish this ‘ Cry out’ to our Motherland’.

“Dear land of Guyana, of rivers and plains”, When your plains become rivers, there’re more losses than gains.

“Made rich by the sunshine and lush by the rains.”

When lush becomes slush, there is so much pain. “ Set gem-like and fair between mountains and sea.”

When sea covers mountains, wha’ gon happen to we?

Seems like time to take stock, to acknowledge God reigns, He’s a God of compassion , and His judgement He restrains...

God bless you, dear

Mother, and make us to be True patriots - living in love and unity!

“Your children salute you, dear land of the free.”

FREE...yes free to do what’s right! Free to pursue progress, guided by justice, equity and truth. Not free to marginalize the vulnerable; not free to pillage and plunder our natural resources, but to be our brother’s keeper, ensuring that all get a piece of the pie. We applaud every human effort that speaks of progress and to potential, and as we acknowledge that we are a nation under God, we will experience this reality as expressed by a Statesman of old: “Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord!”

Yours truly, Claudia Heywood

If we want to rid the world...

From page 4 committed at any moment of any day, by folks whom society would never ascribe as poor. I would submit also that there are far more white-collar criminals than blue-collar criminals, in any country.

I am therefore concluding, that if there will be a reduction in crime, the agreed explanation for the causative factors have to change. There needs to be a multi-faceted approach to crime reduction.

1. There needs to be a large and sustained drive to prosecute white-collar criminals. This will send a signal to blue-collar criminals that they will not escape the law if

they engage in criminal activities. 2. The youth in the ghettoes need to be told and reminded that being poor is not an automatic licence for them to engage in criminal behaviours and, 3. The wealthy must be told and reminded that they needn’t continue to engage in criminal behaviours to remain wealthy.

We need a mental reorientation as it pertains to deviancy and crime reduction and it begins by understanding and admitting that a criminal is a criminal, no matter what types of crimes they commit.

Yours truly, Wendell Jeffrey

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Kaieteur News

The two elections conducted by the police were unconstitutional DEAR EDITOR Recently i wrote a letter to the editor which was published in the Stabroek and Kaieteur News. I commented on the two elections that were held on the same day for the chairman and members of the Police Association. Two separate groups of ranks were elected to serve in the same capacity.

Inspectors Prem Narine and Roseann Forde were elected as chairpersons.

I posited that the process that elected Prem Narine massively violated the Laws of Guyana and the Police Standing Orders in a transparent way that the election should be null and void. I called for new election. Since then, l have not found any evidence that will cause me to change my views of the illegal elections. However, an article in Stabroek News dated Saturday May 29, 2021 under the caption “ Brutus says police association election was legitimately held, “ gave me a mental shock, but I am not mentally lazy.

Therefore, it would be remiss of me if I do not comment on the missive. The article is riddled with irrelevancies, irregularities, inconsistencies and fabrications. It is a horrible attempt to mislead the readers.

I am happy that during the

interview Snr. Supt. Brutus, quoted extensively from the Police Act Chapter 16:01and more so the Police Standing Orders number 35. I am au fait with the Police Act and more particularly the Police Standing Orders. You may recall that Commissioner of Police, Leslie James selected myself and a team of retired, experienced and knowledgeable senior police officers under the dynamic leadership of Paul Slowe who is like myself is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

We are still in contact with that world class law enforcement body. We reviewed the Standing Orders utilising over one hundred and seventy-five combined years of experience, expertise, knowledge and international best practices. We were rewarded for our excellent work with phantom charges. Yes, the present Standing Orders which was not reviewed and documented for years stated that elections for the Police Association must be held once per year. If Brutus had done a bit of research, he would have found out that Commissioner Laurie Lewis with the approval of Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj amended the Standing Orders for the election of office bearers of the Police As-

sociation to be held every three years instead of yearly.

I am aware of this, as I was part of the decision-making process.

This was in compliance with section 44 of the Police Act Chapter 16:01. Subsequent Commissioners, Floyd McDonald, Winston Felix, Henry Greene, Leroy Brummel, Seelall Persaud and Leslie James all accepted the status quo. However, a Senior Superintendent named Calvin Brutus unlawfully changed that status quo. Election was not held on a yearly basis since Commissioner Lewis amended the Standing Orders. Some elected chairmen served in excess of three years without any new election being held every year.

Brutus submitted that his only interaction with the election was to be present, to perform his function. He skillfully did not mention what was his function. Let me tell you what it was. His function was that of a self-appointed returning officer.

Brutus stated that a Force Orders was published for the information of all ranks and each rank received a copy of the Force Orders in relation to the election of the Police Association. This is far from the truth. My research revealed that prior to the illegal election no Force Order was

The government has moved with astounding speed and skill to manipulate the levers of power DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the article titled, “Online talk show host charged under cybercrime law with causing damage to Minister Ramson’s reputation” (SN June 4). As this registers, I struggle to grope the depths of this, and the possible implications of what could lead anywhere, and impact others. If my thinking is accurate, this is chilling.

I do not know Mr. Gavin Matthews, never heard of him prior to this matter when it became public in March.

I am grappling to recall what it was that he said or wrote that caused consternation on the part of Minister Ramson. Apparently, it was demeaning enough, that the editors of both SN and KN saw it fit to not include the specific language in their covering articles of June 4th.

Why rebroadcast what is damaging, keep the fires raging? I understand it has been deemed derogatory, humiliating. Whatever it was, and if, indeed, it was so, by any reasonable interpretation, then Mr. Matthews should be brought to book. We must

be more prudent, more disciplined, more possessing of understandings of what is malicious, hence injurious reputationally; of those, we must strive constantly to refrain from, to call out others who engage in such, and to distance from similar settings and people.

On the other hand, I have a little difficulty in appreciating the problem with the title of the video (title only, not contents), which was “You are still de facto and if you want to do Something about it just Resign.” My position is that the PPP government was legitimately victorious, which is the only thing legitimate about its being. If saying so infuriates, then we have more serious problems than what the embattled talk show host faces.

For, if it is an offense to say that the government is illegitimate or “de facto” or “must resign” then I shudder to think where the creep of this could lead.

I take this elsewhere. If I say that I dislike or don’t have any regard for this or that government (or opposition)

leader or parliamentarian, then I have to wonder whether I must look over my shoulder.

When I say or write that I am terribly short on trust for ranking political figures, then there is the probability that this could lead to imprisonment, followed by charges, adjudicated by penalties.

It doesn’t have to be limited to the political or governmental segments; anywhere is in play, and every opponent and critically expressive citizen could be subject to judicial firing squads, kangaroo courts, or political oppression. I trust that this is seen for where it terminates.

Already the PPP government has moved with astounding speed and skill to manipulate the levers of power. I invite attention to the state of the security apparatus, public service (permissible to a point), media, and speech in general.

There is no opposition today; soon there could be no dissenting speech. Do I dare say the dirty word? Dictatorship?

Yours truly, GHK Lall

published for the information of all the ranks. d Department Heads did not see the Force Orders prior to the election. As a result, they could not have informed the ranks of the election and conduct voters’ education for them. Contrary to what Brutus explained each rank does not receive a copy of the Force Orders. The Force Orders is done electronically and sent to Regional Commanders and Department Heads who are required to put systems in place for the information contained in the Force Orders and other issues and concerns to be discussed at stations and offices with ranks under their control at what is known as Instruction Class.

This is seldom done, so most ranks are not aware of the Force Orders. Scores of ranks particularly those in the interior and other locations have challenges with internet connectivity. In the past there was a system whereby hard copies of the Force Orders were sent to each police station and office but not as Brutus alleged that each rank received a copy.

The process of sending out hard copies stopped a long time ago as there are some serious problems at the Police Copying Center at Eve Leary. This was discussed at the Police Officers’ Annual Conference 2021. The situation has not improved since then. An electronic copy of the Force Orders is also sent to the Police Service Commission. I make it my duty to read the Force Orders. I did not see any Force Orders relating to the election of the Police Association prior to the election nor thereafter.

According to Brutus in relation to the election, he followed the Standing Orders step by step. This is complete inaccuracy and total distortion of facts. He had several missteps.

He moved the election process from ground zero to the apex in one Tarzan leap, thus bypassing all the established steps required to be taken before and on E Day. Let me explain. The arrange-

ments for voting are enshrined in the Police Standing Orders number 35. Sections 2, 3, 4 (a), (b) (c), (d) and(e), 5 (a), (b), (c)and (d), 6 and 7 (a) - (l) -the rules for procedure at meetings of branch boards, central conference and the central committee were totally disregarded by Brutus. Space does not permit me to go into details of each section but they clearly state what steps must be followed before, during and after election and who must be involved.

Not a one man show as was done by Brutus. The various sections speak about ballot boxes to be sent to all the divisions and branches, security and movement of such boxes, election materials, who is empowered to open the boxes, counting of votes, roles of Division Commanders, Officer in charge of the Tactical Services Unit, Second in Command of Administration, the Branch Board, Central Conference, the Central Committee the Force Training Officer and many other directions. None of them came into play.

What Brutus did was send a correspondence to the Regional Commanders and some Department Heads for delegates to attend the illegal election without first complying with the established foundation to be laid before the election is held. He even influenced who were to attend.

He then as the self-appointed returning officer conducted the election which was rigged.

Believe me when I say that I have documentary and other credible evidence to show that the two elections were unlawful.

Brutus stated that he wrote Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie seeking his advice on the way forward to hold the election. What he did not say is that Hoppie did not approve the holding of election because the next election was legally due in March, 2023. Brutus then went on to hold the illegal election with him serving as self-elected returning officer. This caused

Hoppie to order Roseann Forde to hold an election the same day. He also detailed Deputy Superintendent Richard Emptage to serve as returning officer which he did.

It is apposite to note that the very next day Brutus then realised that Emptage had passed the age of employment in the Special Constabulary where he was employed and he sent him a letter terminating his service. He replaced him with Assistant Superintendent John Singh. John Singh has not yet taken up the posting.

The vexed question is why did Hoppie vitiate both elections including the one he ordered Forde to conduct and the next day directed that the one that elected Prem Narine was legal. Hoppie is in an unsafe position. He is not acting as Commissioner of Police.

He is performing the duties of the COP. He was not given the instrument to act.

He is surrounded by some senior police officers who are dangerously ambitious and politically inclined. They are all aspirants.

They are all aspiring to be appointed as the next Commissioner of Police in a hurry.

Hoppie is not being paid an acting allowance. Hoppie wants to be confirmed as Commissioner. This is natural. Who in the GPF does not want to become Commissioner? Hoppie is my friend.

He is an honest police officer.

I wish him and family well.

I remember that Deputy Commissioner Maxine Grahame acted as Commissioner for less than a week when Commissioner Leslie James went overseas on duty.

You want to hear something?

She was given the instrument to act. She became the first and only female to act as Commissioner in the Guyana Police Force. She has since framed that instrument. It is hanging proudly in her home.

I agree with what the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Association (CFPWA) wrote, “It is our view that this level of (Continued on page 17)

Every decision we make in the name...

From page 5 past but members of the public. Accordingly, state parties have the obligation to provide the necessary information about the projects to be discussed to those who participate, in order to grant informed participation. (Article 7)The Agreement (Article 8) also establishes obligations regarding the right to access to administrative or judicial mechanisms in order to appeal and challenge decisions concerning the access to environmental information, or participation in environmental decision-making processes.

This is fundamental for the full implementation of the other rights. Also, states must guarantee the existence of competent state entities with access to expertise in environmental

matters. These entities must be able to provide precautionary measures to prevent environmental harm as well as providing effective remedies and redress to victims of environmental harm.

At a bare minimum, it is expected that international agreements are signed and thereafter represent a tokenistic ideal of progress, but are effectively implemented and understood by the Government and citizens alike.

We all have our part to play in ensuring that all the pillars of sustainable development people, profit and the planet - are incorporated.

Yours truly, Caribbean Youth Environment Network - Guyana

Monday June 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Monday June 07, 2021

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Kaieteur News

WHAT IS HARDER TO FIND THAN LOVE? My first job interview required that I produce some form of identification and proof that I was of working age. Since I did not have a Guyana identification card at the time, I took along my driver’s licence and my birth certificate.

I hoped that the former would identify me and at the same time allow me to get into the transport section, while my birth certificate would show that I was of working age.The interviewing officer took my driver’s licence and wrote something down on a sheet of paper. He then picked up my birth certificate and took a long time looking over it. So long that I decided to ask, “Is anything wrong, sir?”

To which he replied, “Yes, I cannot find the expiration date.”

From the number of birth certificates which the General Register Office issues each year, one may be tempted to believe that birth certificates now carry an expiry date. The sheer number of applications would suggest that persons are of the view that every few years they need to apply for a new birth certificate.

The problem is that too many persons in Guyana are no longer taking care of their important documents. They are misplacing them much too easily, with the result that every few years they need to apply to have replacements issued.

It is simply unacceptable for such large numbers of applications to be made in any

one month. Even for one year, this number would be simply too much in a small country like Guyana. It places undue pressure on the system, with the result that processing times are bound to be extended. It is unacceptable, and the only persons to blame are those who are losing their certificates.

This was hardly the case up to 30 years ago. People took good care of their documents. Many of them may not have had even a file folder to store their documents, but they resorted to keeping them in plastic bags or used envelopes. More importantly they had a fixed place, usually some drawer, where all their important papers were kept.

And keep them safely they did. Today there are persons who still have their British Guiana birth certificates.

Somebody should run-off a competition in Guyana to see who can produce the oldest birth certificate. I am sure that quite a few birth certificates dating back to the early 1900s can still be found.

Unfortunately, not many of these older certificates are accepted for use. There are many places in Guyana, including embassies, which refuse to accept a British Guiana birth certificate as proof of birth.

It is not clear what position the Registration Office took during the national registration exercise a few years ago, but no one should be denied registration simply because they have a British

Guiana birth certificate. In fact, anyone who can produce such a certificate should be given an award for being able to safely keep that document.

In the old days there was no photocopying and persons had to take their documents, for example, when applying for a passport. They did not lose these documents.

Yet today, with the luxury of photocopying, people are still losing their original documents. Perhaps it is because replacements come too easily. All it takes, according to the General Registrar Office, is for an application to be made and an inexpensive fee to be paid for a replacement copy.

If however, the replacement fee was $1,000, then perhaps persons would lose their original certificates less. It is something that should be considered, for in as much as Guyana would like its citizens to be able to afford to have replacements of important documents such as birth or marriage certificates, there needs to be some controls and disincentives against persons losing their original documents.

An increase in the cost of these certificates will do the trick, because if there is anything that dissuades Guyanese from losing anything, it is the high cost of replacement.Guyanese need to keep their documents safely and ensure they are stored in an easily accessible place. A good way to know

Dem Boys Seh…

Blow yuh horn!

Tens of thousands of Guyanese – dem wah deh hay and dem wah deh overseas – tuning in every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to de hottest radio show in Guyana – The Glenn Lall Show. De show is also stream pon Facebook and last Friday alone more dan 24,000 persons viewed de show.

De publisher of de Waterfall newspaper leading de charge calling fuh a better deal for de oil contracts. He been explaining in simple language how dem foreign oil companies and we leaders sell we out. He calling pun Guyanese to demand dat we get a better deal.

What could be wrong

with dat? Both de government and de Opposition should be pleased dat it gat somebody mustering public support to force a renegotiation.

But it look like de Pee Pee Pee vex. Dem trying fuh go after de Waterfall newspaper.

Over de past couple months, de government been poaching pun dem reporters of de Waterfall paper.

Dem luring dem away from de Waterfall paper. Is all part of de plan fuh try fuh weaken de boss man.

But de boss man seh dat de Creator put he hay fuh a purpose and he want to see a better deal fuh we, we children and dem children, including dem wah nah born yet.

So he does gat a five

minute protest every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

All he does ask is fuh people come to dem bridge and gaff with dem neighbour.

He does stand up in front of de Waterfall paper. He nah blowing he trumpet. But he does call pun dem car driver man fuh blow dem horn.

So dem boys want tell everybody fuh blow yuh horn, one time, between 9:00 am and 9:05 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

It will send a message to we leaders dat de people want a better deal and dem should ensure dat ExxonMobil return to de negotiating table.

Talk half and blow yuh horn dis marnin’.

how organised someone is, would be to see whether when at home they can find their birth certificate within five minutes. If they cannot, then it says that they need to get themselves better organised.

A while back, President Obama quipped at a dinner

that there were a few things in life harder to find and more important to keep than love.

Then he added, “Well, love and a birth certificate.”

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

Monday June 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Monday June 07, 2021

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

The two elections conducted by the police were...

From page 6 skullduggery and highhanded action by the administration of the Police Service is designed to the determent of the legitimate body led by Inspector Roseanne Forde. “ CFPWA further demanded that the election of the association must be free, fair, and transparent in keeping with the prescribed rules.In conclusion, let

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

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

Customs house brokerage service. For Motor vehicles i n d u s t r i a l equipment,barrels. Registered broker asycuda certified.661-3043.

WANTED Wanted one experienced Gold Smith, Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn shop 16 Pike street Kitty Tel#622-4970 One male able bodied clerk.

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VACANCY

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

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

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

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.

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

me be pellucid and reiterate that the two elections conducted by the police were un-

Barbed wire fence...

From page 11 reportedly sped east along Church Street and then turned North onto the eastern half of Vlissengen road.

As the cops continued the “high speed” chase behind them, they decided to make another turn onto Irving Street, Queenstown but did not get far as they crashed into a car.Not giving up their bid to escape, police reported that the bandits left their motorcycle behind and ran, jumping into separate yards at the corner of Irving and Forshaw Streets. The pillion rider, who police later identified as Anthony Prince, a wanted man, managed to escape. Eyewitnesses on the scene said that his accomplice, the rider of the motorcycle, was not so lucky. He reportedly got stuck in the barbed wire fence of the yard he had jumped into.Videos surfaced on the various social media platforms of the apprehended bandit lying on the ground and groaning as if he was severely injured and could not move. He was seen bleeding from some wounds to his legs. As the patrol ranks got hold of the bandit and placed him in the back of a police pick-up, persons could be heard congratulating the ranks for their quick response.“Great job officer, good job officers, excellent job,” they said.Kaieteur News understands that the bandit was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was treated for his injuries. He has since been discharged and is presently in police custody as ranks hunt for his accomplice Anthony Prince.

VACANCY

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Must have NIS and TIN number.

Hotel Attendants.Call: 2277714 & 223-3448.

Security officers male and female 18 years and above.

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

Workers for P.S.G.C.S cleaner, labourers and maintenance workers Contact 621-6969/ 615-7784 serious inquiries only

constitutional and has struck at the very root of democracy.

The elections were not free, fair and transparent. Hundreds of policemen were disenfranchised in the election process conducted

by Brutus. They did not get

the lawful opportunity to select persons of their choice to be nominated to represent

them as members of the Police Association. The Police Act Chapter 16:01 and the Police Standing Orders number 35 in relation to the process of electing office bearers for the Police Association were massively violated in a transparent way. The elections must be declared null

and void. New election must be held in accordance with the Police Act Chapter 16:01 and the Police Standing Orders number 35. I rest my case.

Yours truly, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Monday June 07, 2021

Monday June 07, 2021

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Govt. working on additional funds to bring relief to flood-affected farmers - President Ali President, Irfaan Ali recently told flood-affected farmers in several communities in Region Three, that his Government is working assiduously to find additional funds to bring relief to them and others who are experiencing difficulties across the country.

“To the farmers who are affected, we are already working…I was on the phone with the Vice President [Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo] and the Minister of Finance [Dr. Ashni Singh], and we are working now on finding additional re-

sources to go to the parliament for a supplementary so that we can bring relief to you.”

Canal Number One, where the President disclosed the information, was one of several stops for the Head of State and a team of Government officials, including the Minister of Education, the Honourable Priya Manickchand and the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, the Honourable Deodat Indar.

The group first journeyed to Naamryck and Parika,

where the President assessed the Bonaserie Conservancy that is almost filled to its brim due to the heavy and consistent rainfall.

He then made his way to Canal Number One before travelling to Canal Number Two, where he again spoke with flood-affected residents and reassured them of his Government’s commitment in helping to alleviate their current woes.

The President explained to the residents, that the Government fully understands the impact that the high flood-

Driver charged for causing death of GRA guard The 32-year-old driver, who was involved in the vehicular accident that claimed the life of a 41-year-old security guard attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Springlands, was recently charged for her death after appearing in court.

The defendant, Dhanny Nankoo of Port Mourant, Corentyne, made his first court appearance in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh where he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Nankoo was not required to plead to the charge which alleges, that on May 26, on the No.77 Public Road, Upper

Corentyne, Berbice, he drove motorcar HC 3098 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Norma Rose of Scottsburg, Corentyne.

Magistrate Singh released him on $100,000 bail and adjourned the matter to July 1, for report.

According to reports, the tragic accident occurred around 21:30hrs on the No. 77 Public Road. According to police, Nankoo was traveling south along the eastern side of the public road reportedly at a fast rate when tragedy struck. He collided with Rose who was standing on the eastern side of the road. As a result of the hit, she was flung

onto the left side bonnet of his car then onto the nearby parapet where she received injuries about her body.

The police report further stated that the man fled the scene, and the injured woman was picked up and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital by public spirited persons.

There she was examined and pronounced dead on arrival.

Her body was removed and taken to the hospital’s mortuary where a post mortem examination was conducted.

Nankoo was later apprehended at the No.79 Public Road, Corentyne, and was taken to the Springlands Police Station where an investigation was launched.

Alleged rapist turns self in The taxi-driver, who is accused of taking a teenage girl to a location she did not request and allegedly raped her, has since turned himself in after he was informed that he was wanted by police for questioning.

This new development was confirmed by Region Seven, Commander Dion Moore, who related that contact was made with the man for him to return to custody so that he can be charged with the offence.

The Commander added that he returned last Thursday and is expected to be charged with rape on Wednesday.At the time of his arrest, police had filed the case with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack for advice on the way forward on the matter. The file was returned for him to be charged with rape but he was already released from police custody and could not be located.

According to the police

report, the incident occurred on the night of May 11, 2021 in Bartica.

The young woman had told detectives that on that same night, sometime around 23:00hrs, instead of carrying her to the destination she requested, the taxi driver drove some distance away in another direction where he committed the act. After filing a report, she was taken to the hospital for a medical examination. The taxi driver was arrested the following day.

More Covid vaccines expected in June Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony says, Guyana is set to receive several batches of COVID-19 vaccines through various partnerships during the month of June.

Minister Anthony made this disclosure on Friday last during the daily COVID-19 update.

“We have vaccines from multiple sources that would be coming in at different points during the month.”

Guyana is expecting another shipment of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine soon. Additionally, the Government through a partnership with CARICOM and the African Union has procured vaccines from Johnson and Johnson.

A consignment of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is also expected to arrive this month through the COVAX facility. Additional

Sinopharm vaccines are expected as well.

Minister Anthony said there will be enough vaccines to immunise the country’s entire adult population.

“We have enough vaccines for the adult population of Guyana. We hope that people would come out and get their vaccines as quickly as possible so that we can all work to achieve herd immunity,” he said.

Guyana rolled out its vaccination campaign in March 2021 after receiving vaccines from Barbados, India, China and through COVAX. To date, the Government has seen 207,889 persons or approximately 42.7 per cent of the adult population receiving the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine. Some 73,471 persons or 15 per cent of the adult population is fully immunised.

waters have had on their livelihoods since the current flooding is not an isolated situation but one the entire country is facing together.

He also indicated that the relief efforts, including food and cleaning supplies, would be continuous.

“Whilst we may not be able to give 100% help in what may be required, you can be assured that the Government will be providing assistance in getting back your lives together and livelihood together.”

IMMEDIATE INTERVENTIONS Giving an update about the intermediate interventions, Minister Indar said, that the Government is fully aware of the damages to farms and pointed out that excavators will be mobilised and that pumps will be used to help ease the flow.

Four excavators, according to the Minister, will be used to build a dam to block the conservancy water from leading back into Naamryck.

“Food and making sure that the place is good to live are the main concerns right now. So, we will come throughout the region and give people as much with respect to hampers and so but, the intervention on the draining of the water, cleaning of the trenches, putting the excavators in place so that they can have a swift drawdown of the water is also a prior-

ity… We are putting the tractors and the pumps at the various sluices so that when the koker locks you still have the water being thrown off,” the Minister added.

EXCESSIVE RAINFALL President Ali gave the residents from the communities a chance to air their opinions. Most of them expressed their gratitude for the Head of State’s visit and said that it has brought them “some relief”.The residents and farmers related that they are aware that the flooding has been caused by excessive rainfall and water coming down from the highlands.

“First of all, let me say to you, we are here because we understand what is happening. This is a natural occurrence,” the President pointed out. “It is affecting lives all across the country. What is our immediate task is to bring relief, to help you now. From what I am seeing, you require immediate help for quite a few things. One, you would need to have some support in food supplies. Two, you will need some support in medical supplies, and three, we are going to do some assessment for some emergency works on drains and so on.”

INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS The President added that climate change and urbanisation are causing major changes. “With climate

change, one of the things that we have to look at, especially with our farming community, is future patterns and then look at how we reintegrate the drainage system because the fact of the matter is, and this is one of the challenges of development— housing is going to grow here in Region Three.”

President Ali said that the area where the Parfaite Harmonie housing scheme is now located used to act as a natural reservoir to some extent.

“As you continue and expand housing, the challenge becomes greater. That is why I said earlier we have to look at innovative technology, sound engineering solutions like the one we have at Hope Canal. You need, sometimes, unimpeded discharge for situations like these. We cannot deny climate change. Climate change would bring more and more unplanned disasters, more and more natural disasters like these and in higher scales.”

President Ali added, that a team of ministers would return tomorrow to continue the assessment and bring immediate relief to the residents.

Regional Engineer from the National Drainage Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mr. Lall Piterahdaue and the Head of the Private Sector Commission, Mr. Paul Cheong joined the President and the Ministers on the trip.

Four more persons succumb to COVID-19 The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday reported that four persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll is now 409.

The Ministry in its press release stated that the latest fatalities are a 45-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), a 51year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), a 68year-old man from Region Two (Pomeroon- Supernaam) and an 82-year-old female from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). They passed away over a three-day period while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Further, the Health Ministry in its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 48 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 17,665.

The dashboard also revealed that 20 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 103 persons are in institutional isolation, 1,759 in home isolation and six are quarantined institutionally.

To date, a total of 15,374 recoveries have been recorded.

PAGE 20

Floods destroy homes, farms, roads, and mining camps in Reg. 8 Representatives from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Ministry of Health (MOH), Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) conducted flood assessments in several communities in Region 8 over the weekend.

An assessment conducted in Sub-District 2, Mahdia found that several homes, farms, roads and mining equipment have been destroyed by flood waters.

Tumatumari Hill Foot to Two Miles is flooded, making it difficult for vehicles to traverse. Food prices have hiked due to shortages and access to drinking water is a concern with water harvesting being a challenge in hardto-reach communities.

According to a joint statement from the agencies, five households Tumatumari, with a total of 21 persons were independently evacuated to the homes of relatives who reside on higher ground. The team also assessed the flood impact at El Passo which is home to approximately 35 families (160 persons). Five households (16 persons) which are located on the water front were severely impacted by flood water which rose to about 15 feet. This resulted

in contamination of drinking water, damage to food, household items, boats and engines among other things. As a result, families were relocated to higher ground. Those who reside on the hills experienced flash floods, but water has since receded.

Among the immediate needs of the affected households are food and cleaning hampers, drinking water, water tanks, life jackets, mattresses and kerosene. The CDC said it is currently working with the RDC to address these immediate needs.

It was further noted that during a meeting between the CDC, RDC and GGMC to discuss the impact of the flood on mining operations, it was noted that affected miners in the Mining District from Potaro Mouth to Koribrung and Kaiteur had moved to Mahdia.

Approximately 360 mining operations in Sub-District 2 at Mabura, Kanawaruk, Mahdia, Issano and Miniaha Landing have been disrupted as a result of flooding.

CDC’s Preparedness and Response Manager, Major Salim October said the team discovered that the bridges at Mowasi Landing and White Water have been washed away while others are dam-

aged.

Major October said there is evidence that some mining camps were abandoned and the assessment team was told that equipment was submerged in flood waters.

Some miners who remained in the area were in the process of pumping water from the land in preparation to recommence operation as early as today.

Among the request from miners are cleaning supplies, treated mosquito nets, face masks and malaria medication.

Kaieteur News understands that the Ministry of Health has embarked on a mission to deliver Covid-19 vaccines, malaria tests and treated mosquito nets to miners.

Furthermore, monitoring and assessment in Sub-District 2 will continue with the assessment moving to SubDistrict 1 to assess the impact of the flood in those communities.

Additionally, information reaching the team indicated that areas of concern include Paramakatoi which has approximately 10 families and Mountain Foot which has approximately 140 residents.

Reports are that the trail between Paramakatoi to Kato is impassable.

Regional systems activated to help mitigate flooding – Minister Dharamlall Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall says regional systems have been activated across the 10 Administrative Regions, to help monitor and bring relief to communities affected by flood.

These interventions have seen many residents experiencing tremendous relief especially those in Regions Five and Six. Minister Dharamlall said local authorities have been tasked with conducting assessments to ensure there is no such recurrence.

“The resources are geared towards the emergency support that we are providing to households in the first phase, and secondly, they are also doing an assessment of what needs to be done in the future, and how resources will be garnered to support the rebuilding after this phase is over.”

The Minister said persons

Monday June 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

across the regions have been following the Government’s health guidelines and promoting the relief measures.

“One of the good things about this is that, the residents themselves have come out in support of the measures and are a part of addressing the situation,” the Minister added.

Minister Dharamlall is part of the Government’s ongoing massive outreach exercise to flood-affected communities nationwide. The effort is spearheaded by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The PPP/C Administration is sparing no effort in ensuring adequate systems are in place to bring immediate relief to residents. Its priority now, is to ensure excess water is drained from the lands.

President Ali has given assurance that when this is done, the Government will commence discussions with communities on long-term

support.Moreover, with major emphasis on agriculture, Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha has made meaningful interventions to secure cash crop, livestock and other produce for farmers.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) have already deployed several excavators countrywide to help clear drains and canals. Minister Mustapha said, while most of the NDIA’s machines have been exhausted in the process, others are being sourced from private entities to carry out the work.

Pumps were also mobilised to assist with the drainage systems in communities severely affected.

Additionally, the Civil Defence Commission has been distributing relief and cleaning hampers to residents. Over 15,000 food hampers and 13,000 cleaning hampers have been distributed to date. (DPI)

$14M upgrades at East Ruimveldt, East La Penitence markets to be completed soon - Minister Dharamlall Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall says the ongoing works at the East Ruimveldt and East La Penitence markets will be completed soon.

The projects, which commenced in 2020, included repairs to the roof, lighting and other fixtures at both markets at a cost of $14 million.

With regard to the Kitty market, Minister Dharamlall said the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has said the facility cannot be used at this time. “The Mayor and City Council presented a budget of $2.2 billion and so we would have expected that they had put resources in that budget for the total completion of Kitty market. But, as far as we are concerned, Government resources have been expended through the City Council to get the market constructed and we hoped that vendors can start taking up their places and start vending within the market.”

The then Ministry of Communities had signed a $25 million contract in 2018 with BML Architects and Engineers Consultancy and Contracting Services to conduct the first phase of the renovations.

Based on the engineer’s estimate, the $240-million-

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

project catered for over 100 stalls for fresh fruits and vegetables, a fish/meat section, clothing and grocery vending. It also included the establishment of a public health department, market clerk’s office and revenue collection section, among others.

Minister Dharamlall said, while the Ministry hopes for a speedy resolution to the Kitty market issue, the Council has more pressing matters, including the sanitation and management of the Stabroek and Bourda markets.

“The sanitary facilities in those markets are in an atrocious condition, and every day we are getting reports from members of the public as well as vendors for those markets about the condition. I hope that the Clerk of Mar-

“Partner with us” - Minister Bharrat urges current, prospective investors Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat is encouraging current and prospective investors to work with the Government to continue the development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

The Minister was at the time addressing the opening ceremony of the launch of Saipem Guyana’s Offshore Construction Facility on Saturday.

“Partner with us and let us ensure that benefits are derived to every single Guyanese throughout our beautiful country.”

Minister Bharrat said Saturday’s event is an indication that Guyana is open for business and that confidence has been restored in the Government.

“It is a demonstration that Guyana’s oil and gas industry will be one that will be a model in this part of the world, and one that is moving towards developing a hub in the Guiana basin.”

Government is currently finalising its Local Content Policy. Minister Bharrat said the policy will require firms to use locally manufactured goods and services in their

operations. He said Guyana will also build its local capacity.

“We as a government need to build capacity. Not only to ensure that there are workers in technical managerial sectors in the oil and gas field, but to build capacity within our local businesses so that we can compete regionally and internationally; so that we can provide goods and services that many other countries can provide at the same standard and at competitive prices too.”

The Natural Resources Minister said, local content does not detract from a company’s investments, but will ensure Guyanese benefit from Guyana’s newest resource.

“So, let us work together to ensure that we can bring benefits to not only investors but all Guyanese,” he appealed.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Ministers of Government and representatives of the diplomatic community, along with several representatives of oil companies were also present at the opening ceremony.

kets as well as the City Councillors themselves will spend some time to ensure that the sanitation facilities are upgraded,” he said.

The Minister also said the responsibility of keeping the markets open for business lies with the M&CC. “We have completed what we had budgeted to have the market where it is, and if there are additional works that the City Council would like to get done then, the city council will have to put its resources towards those,” he added.

In 2020, the Ministry assessed several markets across the country to determine the needs. The Parika, Charity and Mon Repos markets were identified for rehabilitation. Some $70 million was earmarked to continue work at Mon Repos market, while $30 million was allocated to start rehabilitation works on the Charity market.

With Yellowtail project, Exxon...

From page 15 risks to the reservoir from injection, a full cost benefit analysis, and the recommendations of the permit holder.

Within 180 days of the date of the EPA’s approval of the said terms, ExxonMobil is expected to complete the study’s final reports. The study is also expected to be conducted by an independent consultant approved by the agency.

Following the perusal of the results, the permit notes that the treatment of produced water at the Payara project “may be amended by the agency in consideration of the aforementioned approved study and the conclusions of the EPA, the Permit Holder and the Minister of Natural Resources…”

It therefore means that Guyana has no guarantee that ExxonMobil would be forced to re-inject all of the produced water if the study shows that the dumping of the water would be harmful to marine life.

To date, the EPA has been silent about the status of the said study.

Monday June 07, 2021

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Sergio Perez wins Azerbaijan GP after Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton crash PA Media - Sergio Perez won a dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Max Verstappen crashed out from the lead with just five laps remaining following a horror tyre failure at 200mph and Lewis Hamilton threw away second place to finish 15th.

Verstappen looked poised to race to the flag following a slow pit stop for Hamilton.

But a terrifying rear-left puncture sent the Red Bull driver out of control and into the concrete wall on the righthand side of the start-finish straight.

Verstappen was able to walk away from the highspeed crash, kicking the tyre

which had failed, with the safety car deployed.

The race was then suspended on lap 49 of 51 after Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley urged FIA race chief Michal Masi to red-flag the event fearing another devastating puncture.

Indeed, questions will now be asked of Formula One’s tyre supplier, Pirelli, after Lance Stroll also suffered a high-speed blowout on lap 31.

The drivers were permitted to take on fresh rubber for what was effectively a twolap race before Hamilton launched a gung-ho move on Perez for the win only to run

down the escape road at the opening corner in a plume of tyre smoke.

“I am so sorry, guys,” said the world champion.

Sebastian Vettel rolled back the years to drive from 11th to second to claim Aston Martin’s best result of their return with Pierre Gasly third for AlphaTauri.

Hamilton’s late mistake means Verstappen remains four points ahead of the British driver after the opening six rounds.

Hamilton started from second before taking the lead at the beginning of the third lap when he roared past polesitter Charles Leclerc on the

Monday June 07, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) It may be difficult to stay grounded today with all the information flying around and all the emotion roiling in your heart. Try not to take things too seriously, Aries.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) People are apt to be quite emotional when it comes to the image they wish to project today, Libra. Be careful where you step.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may be pushed around by two very powerful camps today, Taurus. Since you're the kind, diplomatic, and sensitive type, you make the perfect target for the more abrasive and opinionated.

SCORPIO (Oct.23–Nov. 21) Scorpio, don't be surprised if some of your fantasies and dreams are put on trial by a harsh force that cuts right to the truth of the matter.

People may be extra passionate, and most aren't going to be impressed with unrealistic plans.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're apt to feel a bit wilder today, Gemini. There's a wave of powerful energy working to strengthen your ego and self-confidence.

Use this boost to the best of your ability. You will need it.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're at an emotionally climactic point now, Sagittarius, and you might find that harsh opposition is coming at you for no clear reason.

CANCER(June21–July22) A good tactic today would be to convert your fears to motivation for positive action. You have a great deal of energy at your disposal, Cancer. Don't waste it.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're likely to be faced with conflicting reports today, Leo. Information may be tainted with emotion, so be careful about going with the choice that shouts the loudest.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be seduced by fantastic promises that offer wonderful rewards. Beware of lots of bells and whistles, Virgo.

There may be a great deal of talk but not much to substantiate such wonderful claims.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Be careful to not be too cavalier today, Capricorn. It would be wise to adopt a more serious tone than usual.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have the sensitivity to pick up on what's going on in every situation today, Aquarius. Powerful emotions may conflict with extremely strong opinions.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The fantasy world that you've built for yourself is a pleasure, Pisces. People frolic in it and have a grand time. Your presence delights people. Today, however, this world may be threatened by harsh realities that are coming in the form of electronic information.

The checkered flag waves for Red Bull driver Sergio Perez in Baku (Maxim Shemetov/AP)

start-finish straight.

Verstappen and team-mate Perez followed suit on laps seven and eight to put the pressure on Hamilton, who had been unable to build a gap in a Mercedes which has largely been off the pace this weekend.

Hamilton then made his sole stop on lap 11, but with Gasly pitting at the same time, the seven-time world champion’s release was delayed.

The Mercedes driver’s pit-stop took 4.6 seconds,

paving the way for Verstappen to take the lead of the race when he pitted for fresh rubber on the following lap. Hamilton’s slow stop also enabled Perez to leapfrog him.

While Verstappen remained unchallenged at the front, Hamilton hustled Perez, but despite being faster than the Mexican in the final sector he was unable to find a way past.

On lap 31, Stroll suffered the first terrifying puncture.

The high-speed failure sent Stroll’s Aston Martin into the

concrete wall on the left-hand side of the pit-straight, but while the Canadian sustained extensive damage to the front of his car he emerged unscathed from the horror crash.

The safety car was deployed for five laps to clean up the debris, with Verstappen executing the perfect re-start to leave Perez trailing.

Behind, Vettel, who ran longer in his first stint to lead the race for a brief period, then fought his way past Leclerc and Gasly to move up to fourth.

Verstappen was in complete cruise control – on course to move 16 points ahead of Hamilton – until the dramatic late turn of events on the Caspian Sea. The race was suspended for 30 minutes and ahead of the re-start Hamilton told his team “you have to remember this is a marathon not a sprint”, seemingly content to take second and his 18-point haul.But the seven-time world champion sensed an opportunity to pass Perez and win the race at the first bend only to run off the circuit.

Leclerc finished fourth ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris with Fernando Alonso sixth. On a day to forget for Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas was only 12th.

“I am so happy,” Perez said. “Normally Baku is pretty crazy. I am sorry for Max because he did a tremendous race and deserved the win.

“At the restart, I had a poor start and Lewis was alongside me but I broke as late as I could and it didn’t work for him.”

Vettel said: “It means a great deal to finish on the podium.

“It has been a tough start (to the season for Aston Martin) but we had good pace and that was the key.

“It is a great day and I am over the moon. We didn’t expect to be on the podium.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Monday June 07, 2021

Thompson-Herah runs 10.87, Briana Williams breaks 100m U20 record, again, at New Life Invitational SportsMax - Elaine Thompson-Herah won both the 100 and 200m at the inaugural NACAC New Life Invitational in Miramar, Florida, on Saturday.

Also, at the meet held at the Ansin Sports Complex, the training ground of Briana Williams, the 19-year-old emerging star broke her national U20 record for the third time in what was her sixth race in a week.

Thompson-Herah led from start to finish to take the 100m in 10.87. The USA’s Tiana Bartoletta established a season-best 10.96, just ahead of Williams. The 2018 Wo r l d U 2 0 C h a m p i o n lowered her previous best of 10.98 set on May 30, to 10.97.

The reigning Olympic 200m champion would end the day unbeaten running a

season-best 22.54 to win the 200m. The USA’s Kyra Jefferson was second in 22.77 with Great Britain’s Jodie Williams third in 23.10.

Trayvon Bromell ran a world-leading 9.77 to win the 100m ahead of Marvin Bracy, who clocked a season-best 9.85 for second place. Chris Royster was third in 10.08.

Daveon Collins won the men’s 200m in 20.73 beating Kyle Greaux of Trinidad and Tobago and Teray Smith of the Bahamas who ran 20.84 and 20.92 for second and third, respectively.

Deon Lendore of Trinidad and Tobago won the 400m in 45.48 to beat 2008 Olympic champion Lashawn Merritt, who ran a modest 46.22. Alonzo Russell of the Bahamas ran 46.44 for third.

Elaine ThompsonHerah (left) and Briana Williams at the inaugural NACAC New Life Invitational in Miramar, Florida.

The USA’s Wadeline Jonathas won the women’s one-lap sprint in 51.91.

Jamaica’s Tiffany James-

Rose was second in 52.74 while Nnenya Hailey was third in 52.90.

In the field, Fedrick

Williams stunned by Rybakina in French Open fourth round (Reuters) Serena Williams’ wait for a recordequalling 24th Grand Slam singles title goes on after the American was beaten 6-3 75 by an inspired Elena Rybakina in the French Open fourth round yesterday.

From the moment the 21year-old Rybakina, playing in only her seventh Grand Slam main draw, held her opening two service games without dropping a point, Williams looked in peril.

And so it proved as seventh seed Williams bowed out to add yet another twist to a wildly unpredictable women’s event.

With so many big names having fallen, including Victoria Azarenka early in the day, a prospective quarter-final opponent for Williams, the path to the final looked enticing But Williams, whose last Grand Slam title came in 2017 at the Australian Open, was unable to find her A game.She remained philosophical in defeat, however, saying that her expectations coming into the tournament had not been high.

“I’m in a much better place than when I got here,” the American told reporters.

“You know, I was just literally trying to win a

match, because it had been a really difficult season for me on the clay. Although I love the clay, I was, like, if I could just win a match. That’s kind of where I was kind of coming in.”

FEARLESS RYBAKINA The 39-year-old Williams never really found her range but she recovered from an early service break

Williams serve at 3-3 in the second set but immediately dropped her own as she betrayed the first sign of nerves.

It was Williams, contesting the round of 16 at a Slam for the 64th time, who faltered though. She looked hesitant and sluggish and dropped her serve to love in the next game.

Rybakina, who was born

some clay dust — a hint perhaps that she feels time is running out to add to her three French Open titles.

She will, however, arrive at Wimbledon as one of the favourites as she tries to match Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

Williams played down suggestions her gesture was a farewell to Roland Garros.

“I’m definitely not

Serena Williams of the U.S. shakes hands with Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina after losing their fourth round match.

(REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier)

in the opening set.

However, a fearless Rybakina, who hit 21 winners to the 15 of Williams throughout the contest, responded superbly to break again and pocket the opener in confident fashion.

The calm-headed and clean-hitting Rybakina, seeded 21, broke the

in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan, then calmly served out for the biggest win of her career, offering only a restrained celebration a s Wi l l i a m s b e l t e d a backhand long after one hour 17 minutes.

As she walked off Court Philippe Chatrier, the beaten Williams stooped to pick up

thinking about it at all,” she said. “I’m definitely thinking just about other things, not about that.”

Rybakina will go on to face the number 31 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova for a place in the semi-finals after the Russian earlier beat 15th-seeded Azarenka 5-7 63 6-2.

Dacres threw a season-best 66.01m in the men’s discus but lost to Samoa’s Alex Rose who threw 67.12m to win. Kai Chang threw 63.33m for third place.

In the 400m hurdles, world champion Dalilah Mohammad was an easy winner in 54.50. Jamaica’s Ronda Whyte finished second in 55.65 with Yanique Haye-Smith of the Turks and Caicos Islands clocking 56.12 for third.

The men’s race was won

by Costa Rica’s Gerald Drummond in 49.47 over Jamaica’s Shawn Rowe who ran 49.53 for second place.

Eric Cray from the Philippines was third in

49.68.

Ajee Wilson ran out an easy winner in the 800m clocking 2:01.50, more than a second faster than Jamaica’s Jasmine Fray who came home in 2:02.60.

Siofra Cleirigh Buttner ran 2:02.71 for third.

Michael Dixon won the 110m hurdles in 13.16 over Ronald Levy, who clocked 13.23. Zaza Wellington ran 13.44 for third.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan ran 12.44 for her victory in the 100m hurdles, winning by the proverbial city-block over Costa Rica’s Andrea Vargas, who clocked 12.76 and the Bahamas’ Pedrya Seymour, 12.86.

Hassan smashes women’s 10,000 metres world record (Reuters) Dutch longdistance runner Sifan Hassan broke the women’s 10,000 metres world record yesterday, clocking 29 minutes 6.82 seconds in a Continental Tour meeting on home soil in Hengelo, World Athletics said.

Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana held the previous record of 29:17.45, set at the 2016 Rio Olympics, but Hassan shaved more than 10 seconds off that mark.

Hassan is the reigning world champion having won gold in Doha in 2019 and the 28-year-old set down a marker before next month’s Tokyo Games,

blowing away the competition and sprinting solo across the line with her arms outstretched in celebration.

“Wow, to run this world record here today in Hengelo is something I could only dream of,” the Ethiopian-born Hassan said. “ I t ’s t h e p e r f e c t confirmation of the hard work we’ve put in getting ready for Tokyo.

I am so happy to share this record in front of my Dutch fans.”

Hassan also holds the record for the mile, onehour event and fivekilometre road race.

Kaieteur News

Monday June 07, 2021

PAGE 23

Sheltez Jnr tournament closing ceremony held last Saturday Lack of facilities biggest challenge

By Sean Devers The closing ceremony of the Sheltez Independence junior tennis tournament was held last Saturday at LeRessouviner on the East Coast of Demerara after days of adverse weather conditions.The tournament commenced on May 1 and was scheduled to climax on G u y a n a ’ s 5 5 t h Independence Anniversary on May 26, but because of torrential rainfall on most of the days, the tournament was rescheduled many times.

The tournament, which was not held last year due the Covid -19 pandemic, eventually concluded with the final match being contested last Friday, while the presentation was held the next day.The categories that were contested included the boys’ and girls’ U12, boys’ and girls’ U14, boys’u18 and girls’ U16.

Over 60 matches were played over four weekends at two courts in GBTI ( d i a m o n d ) a n d LeRessouviner Club.

This is the fifth edition of the tournament at the club level and this year’s edition

was sponsored by Trophy Stall, BK &Sons Distributors, Gopie Investment, Supreme Laundromat, Martina’s Cambio, LeRessouviner and Gopie investments Inc. Results: girls’ U12 Winner Madison Plumber, Runner up Malia Maikoo B o y s ’ U 1 2 Wi n n e r Nathan DeNobrega, Runner up Elwyn Levius Girls’ U14 Winner Renola Jordan, Runner up Paula Kalekyezi B o y s ’ U 1 4 Wi n n e r Gerald Scotland, Runner up Hayden Mentore Girls’ U16 Winner Paula Kalekyezi, Runner up Saskia Persaud Boys’ U18, Winner Viraj Sharma, Runner up Wayne Baker In an interview with Kaieteur Sport after the presentation ceremony, National Coach Shelly Daley said she was very happy and pleased that the club was able to host the tournament this year despite the COVID-19 and restrictions.

“The young players cooperated with all the

for local Tennis says Nat Coach

National Tennis Coach Shelly Daly.

requirements, it was something challenging for them to use different venues since they were in opposite directions. LeRessouviner on the East Coast and GBTI on the East Bank (Diamond) but they managed to adjust.

The officials had to

repeatedly remind all participants of the Covid guidelines,” informed Daley.

The coach, who was National Champion for four successive years during the 1990s further mentioned that, “Since 2017, 2020 was the first year we didn’t host

the tournament and that was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We have plans to host a senior, junior, doubles and if possible a goodwill competition with another club in 2021.”“We are also preparing our players for the National Association’s events this year,” added Daley, who started her career at 19 and never played as a Junior.“As I have said many times, our players are performing at a very competitive level and they are competing evenly with the players from the other regions and in many cases winning matches.

What we are lacking is participation in more international matches and also having proper facilities... that will soon change,” the Coach continued with a lot of optimism.

Daley, who officially got involved in coaching when she started the first P&P sponsored Tennis camp with Debbie Bunbury in 2005, said the most important

component of improving local tennis and promoting Guyana as a Sports Tourism destination is facilities.

“Once that is available, then we can invite other countries at all levels and ages to participate in tournaments here. I would like to see a tennis court at international competition standard and more programmes and clubs not only in Georgetown but in other regions. More grassroots programmes in communities that have playing space... that’s where my passion is because that’s where you’ll see more interests and talent.

Once schools reopen we can restart those programmes through the National Association… most if not all our top juniors came out of those programmes,” disclosed Daley, whose Her eldest daughter Nicola, has a tennis scholarship in the USA.Coach Daley thanked the GTA for endorsing the event and the Task Force for permission to host the tournament.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Faye Joseph served the dominoes fraternity with excellence

Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his third round match against Germany’s Dominik Koepfer.

(REUTERS/Chris tian Hartmann)

Federer withdraws from French Open with Wimbledon in mind (Reuters) Former world number one Roger Federer, who is targeting a record 21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, withdrew from the French Open yesterday, a day after winning a tough third-round match, opting to save himself for the grasscourt season.

“After discussions with my team, I decided that I should withdraw from the French Open today,” Federer said in a statement released by the French Tennis Federation.

“After two knee operations and more than a year of rehabilitation, it’s

Monday June 07, 2021

important that I listen to my body and not rush back into competition,” the 39-yearold Swiss added.

Federer, who has hardly played in the last 17 months because of a knee injury, suffered physically in his four-set, late-night victory over German Dominik Koepfer on Saturday and decided to end his Roland Garros campaign ahead of what would have been a punishing fourth-round match against Italian Matteo Berrettini.

He had said after Saturday’s match that he was pondering whether to

participate in the second week of the claycourt Grand Slam as his season goal was Wimbledon, the grass-court major starting on June 28.

“We go through these matches... we analyse them highly and look on what’s next and we’ll do the same tonight and tomorrow,” he said.

“Because I need to decide if I keep on playing or not, or is it not too much risk at this moment to keep pushing or is this just a perfect way to just take a rest.”

Tournament director Guy Forget said: “The French Open is sorry to see Roger Federer withdraw from the tournament but he put up a great fight last night.

“We were all delighted to see him back in Paris, where he played three top-level matches. We wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”

Seven-time Grand Slam Champion Mats Wilander said Federer’s decision made sense as the eight-time Wimbledon champion had more chance to succeed on grass.

“It proves that it’s a longterm project for him to come back. For me, that’s good news because it shows he’s going to be around for a bit longer,” Wilander, a tennis expert for Eurosport, said.

“Obviously, he got the matches that he needed and he wanted. The main period for him over the years is the grass-court season –- he obviously enjoys all the Grand Slams and different surfaces but grass comes so naturally to him and that’s where he has had the most success.

“So, yes, obviously perfect for him. I think it’s absolutely perfect preparation.”

The passing of Faye Joseph on Friday last has sent shock waves throughout the dominoes fraternity in and out of Guyana. Up to her time of demise, Joseph was the President of the Guyana National Dominoes Federation (GNDF) and was an executive member on the World Council of Dominoes Federation. Faye’s passion for dominoes was second to none and she had served with distinction.

Faye got involved in dominoes in 2008 when the rendered support the national female team that competed in the World Council of Dominoes Federation tournament in Antigua. The team went on to win the three-hand title. In 2010 Faye provided financial support for the team to defend their title in St. Lucia and she subsequently formed the Blue Bird club and started to play competitively. Faye went on to represent Guyana at the World Council Tournament held in 2012 in Orlando and also turned out for her country in 2014.

She took over the presidency of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) in 2013 following the passing of her husband Orin Joseph who served at the helm of that body for a number of years.

Orin Joseph succumbed to three gun- shot wounds in April 2013 following a robbery just outside his home at Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt Park.

During her tenure at the helm of the GDA, Faye

sponsored many tournaments including the traditional mother’s and father’s day competitions and the game grew tremendously. Faye served as a role model and motivated many as Guyana won the World Council male three-hand title. Her astute leadership impressed many and persuaded the business community to lend support which was instrumental in Guyana hosting the World Council tournament.

She sponsored a number of local teams for tournaments in Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbados and in 2015 she was elected President of the Guyana National Dominoes Federation (GNDF). Faye continued to impress and in 2019 she was elected as one of the Vice Presidents of the World Council of Dominoes Federation.

Treasurer of the GNDF Yonette Christmas said Faye has left a void that will be very difficult to fill. “She served with distinction. She was always willing to give support especially to the less fortunate. Faye sponsored many teams and tournaments and was a determined individual. Her passing came as a shock to us and this will be very difficult to overcome,” she stated.

President of the GDA Lyndon Boston said in a release, “Faye has made an indelible mark on where we are today and we will keep her legacy of great service, personal relationships and outstanding stewardship alive and well, we the

Faye Joseph executives will honour her with a great home going ceremony fit for a queen.”

Dominoes stalwart Orin Boston said Faye took the game to another level with her leadership skills and practiced zero tolerance to indiscipline. “Faye was a strong woman she was always willing to assist players and teams. She has left a rich legacy.”

Boston further stated, “Ms. Faye Joseph will be remembered as a big thinker, who actualised the thoughts.

She led Guyana into participating twice in the Spanish League.

Her Benevolence to those in need was unmatched.

Her positivity was another great hallmark. Simply she was a woman for all seasons.”

When news of her sudden demise reached the fraternity, there was an outpouring of sadness and grief as fellow domino captains, players, supporters and family members pledged support to keep her legacy alive.

Faye Joseph is survived by her five sons and two daughters.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

Silver for Archibald in NACAC New Life Invitational

F

ollowing a bad outing in his pet event at the South America Senior Championships, Guyana’s Emanuel Archibald bounced back excellently to finish second in the men’s Long Jump event at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association’s (NACAC) New Life Invitational on S a t u r d a y i n M i r a m a r, Florida.

The event is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour.

Archibald, the national record-holder in the long

Jump, leaped a distance of 7.95 metres to finish behind the United States’ Damarcus Simpson (8.06m), but ahead of Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye (7.69m) from Turks and Caicos Islands.

In the event that Archibald doesn’t reach the Olympic Standard of 8.22m, he will have to hope that he has enough ranking points to get the nod from the IOC. Archibald set the country’s new national record in the men’s long Jump (8.12m) in 2019 in Jamaica.

He started his seasons this year with an 8.10m leap

which at the time was worldleading in the Long Jump.

And, this 7.95m distance is his fourth best legal jump of all-time.

According to World Athletics last update on May 31, Archibald is currently ranked 59th in the world in the Long Jump event.

Highlighting the NACAC New Life Invitational, USA’s Trayvon Bromell clocked the seventh fastest time in the men’s 100m by running 9.77 (1.5m/s).

It was the fastest recorded 100m time in the world this year.

Kaieteur News

Monday June 07, 2021

PAGE 25

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Qatar 2022

Fine tuning strategy for Puerto Rico clash took center stage at penultimate training session

By Franklin Wilson in Antigua with the compliments of the GFF and Industrial Safety Supplies Inc.

W

ith St. Kitts and Nevis already securing the lone spot in the next round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifying in the Concacaf campaign, playing for pride is what the remaining nations in Group F will be aiming for in their final matches, including Guyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’.

Guyana will host Puerto Rico at Warner Park here in Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, the game which will kick off at 16:00hrs tomorrow is Guyana’s home match which the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) had to switch to this island because of covid-19 challenges.

G u y a n a ’s h o m e g a m e against the Bahamas in the March window of qualifiers was also not played in the ‘Land of Many Waters’, it was contested in the

Dominican Republic which Guyana won, 4-0.

The final match of this group will be between Trinidad and Tobago and group winner’s St. Kitts & Nevis and would be played in the Dominican Republic from 17:00hrs.

Tomorrow’s match against Puerto Rico will also serve, according to Head Coach Márcio Máximo, as preparation for Guyana’s 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Preliminary Round clash against Guatemala on Saturday July 3, 2021 from 21:30hrs at the DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Puerto Rico have a win, a draw and a loss in their previous matches with Guyana securing a single win apart from two defeats, conceding a total of 6 goal in the process.

The propensity to concede early goals in their two defeats is something that the Head Coach and his staff has been working on to avoid and have been working with the players to

‘Golden Jaguars’ Assistant Coach Wilson Toledo observing his charges during some short sprints yesterday at the Warner Park Ground in St. Kitts. (Franklin Wilson photo) be more focused in at least the first quarter hour of the match.

The strategy that would be used against the Puerto Ricans took center stage at yesterday’s training session at Warner Park.

The focus of the players Máximo disclosed is on the match and it is up to them now to once again prove that they belong.

Golden Jaguars’ Head Coach Márcio Máximo caught during yesterday’s indoor session with his player and other Technical Staff when the St. Kitts match was reviewed. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Hassan smashes Silver for Archibald women’s 10,000 in NACAC New metres world record

Life Invitational

Netherland’s Sifan Hassan celebrates after winning the Women’s 5000 Metres at the Golden Spike Meeting last year.

(REUTERS/David W Cerny)

Emanuel Archibald during one his jumps at the South American Championships last month.

t r o Sp

Sheltez Jnr tournament closing ceremony held last Saturday Lack of facilities biggest challenge for local Tennis says Nat Coach The prize winners with GTA President Cristy Campbell (2nd from right) and other officials on Saturday.

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