KaieteurNews

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E’bo family turns Saturday Edition p. up to bury male 12 NEWS relative but finds body of 73-year-old woman instead

AIETEUR

June 12, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 22

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 81,030

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

Over 100 economists call on G7 countries to end funding for fossil fuel projects p.

3

Linden man dies days after beating mother to death

Guyanese in NY joins fight for renegotiation of ExxonMobil contract

p.

16

Bandits chop husband but leave pregnant woman alone during robbery p.

12

Man, 45, found dead in home with head injuries p.

3

Pres. orders probe into drug shortage in Berbice p.

14

Placards posted on traffic lights in Queens.

Opposition leader Joe Harmon responded to Glenn Lall’s questions

Listen @11am, 4pm and 7pm on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Saturday June 12, 2021

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Agri. Ministry inks close to $500 - tells contractors delays, substandard million in contracts work will not be tolerated O

n Friday last, the Ministry of Agriculture inked close to $500 million in contracts for the supply of various goods and services to advance the works of the sector.

During a simple exercise in the Ministry's main boardroom, six companies inked the contracts with the Ministry's National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), and Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU).

Kascon Engineering Services signed a contract

totaling $58,880.860 to execute rehabilitation works on the drainage and irrigation channels in Black Bush Polder, Region Six. Khan's Construction and Transportation Services Inc. inked a $27,071,500 contract for the execution of repairs to the intake structure located at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, Region Three.

Kallco Guyana Inc. signed a contract totaling $55,880,620 for the construction of a drainage channel and to activate a new sluice on the right bank of the Abary Creek in Region Five.

Furthermore, as part of ASDU's Rural Agriculture Infrastructure Development (RAID) Project, two contracts were signed for the supply and delivery of tractors, trailers, and implements to assist with agricultural development in the hinterland.

Furthermore, Massy Motors (Guyana) Limited inked a contract for $186,700,000 for the supply of 28 units consisting of tractors and trailers to assist with farm-to-market transport for vulnerable communities in Regions

One, Eight, and Nine.

General Equipment Guyana Inc. also inked a contract totaling $111,443,298 for the supply and delivery of a tractor, a disc plough, two roam ploughs, and three seed planters as part of ASDU's RAID project.

A contract was also signed with Sheriff Security for the supply of security services for the Ministry totaling $14,227,200.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha while offering remarks said the structures being constructed

are considered significant.

“Some of the works that will be executed are drainage structures in very vulnerable areas. We are currently experiencing severe flooding across the country because of the excessive rainfall over the last few weeks. These structures that will be constructed in places like Black Bush Polder and Abary Creek are deemed critical and significant,” Minister Mustapha said.

The subject Minister further stressed the need for the timely completion of (continued on page 11)

Agri. Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Saturday June 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

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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

Dumbing down education in the name of equity Holding back high-fliers, so that strugglers can catch up can be interpreted to be visionary and noble. On the other hand, it is misguided and does more harm than good. One size does not fit all, since all cannot be scientists and doctors, or Carl Lewis and John Steinbeck. It makes little sense to slowdown the academically gifted, while compelling others to function above their heads.

Put differently, don’t put featherweights in the same ring with heavyweights. It is better to keep in their own respective weight divisions, in a bow to commonsense. If not, somebody will get crushed, even killed. This is relevant and has significance in sports, nature, business and, what is the main focus today, education.

When steps are deployed to favour minorities, it conveys that they are unable to compete strongly and fairly in the upper tiers of academics on their own, so handouts are necessary. It is called equity, levelling the playing field. But it is wrongheaded to hold back the talented, who could be difference-makers in possibly groundbreaking and cuttingedge technologies and expertise in numerous fields of endeavour. Why yoke a regular above average racehorse to a thoroughbred, such as a Secretariat, or the merely good to a Kevin Durant? Why shackle the latter two?

This was what sent parents over the edge in New York recently, as was reflected in the caption, “Parents rage as top NYC school plans to end advanced math programme” (New York Post June 8). As reported by the Post, when Lab Middle School for Collaborative Studies”announced that it was junking accelerated math classes”, parents lost it, in what they concluded was the dismantling of yet another plank of topnotch education.

Former Lab teacher Maggie Feurtado, who founded the programme roughly a decade ago before retiring this year, said she was “simply appalled” by the weekend announcement. “It’s like not allowing any kids in a daycare to walk until all of them learn to walk,” she said. “It doesn’t work. Advanced kids don’t want to belabour the same material. And the kids who need the extra attention won’t get what they need.”

Ms. Feurtado opined that, “Children have different interests and abilities and we should foster their individuality…we need to push them. The one-size-fits-all doesn’t work for middle schoolers and math in particular if we want to train the next generation of scientists.” We need to teach them to “get hungry” which was how many low-income immigrant children succeeded against the odds. Some see it as insulting to both those being held back (deliberately) and those being spoon fed lesser academic fare, so that they can pass muster. Soon enough, there will be only the mediocrity of the barely good, as opposed to the outstanding, and exceptional, who can compete globally against all comers.

In the same vein, Columbia University linguist, John McWhorter, didn’t take too kindly to the removal of the requirement of “intermediate level Latin or Greek…” or that they will “even have to learn either language to receive a degree in the classics” (“The problem with dropping standards in the name of racial equality” The Atlantic June 7). He contends that this is a disservice to minority students, and we agree with this position. According to McWhorter, removing this language requirement as part of the “basis for countering white supremacy is gravely thin.” He sees this language elimination as a “one note clarion call that discourages anything but assent.” And that it also “leads to no further questions…and the unscholarly.”

McWhorter is both renowned linguist and Ivy League professor, and insists that this “disses” Black people like him, by talking down to him, through different condescending measures. Here he was specifically referring to an “anti-racism” book by Robin DiAngelo, titled “White Fragility”. In a May 2021 programme with Bill Maher, Professor McWhorter objected to what he believes “tiptoes around Black people” as though they are “so delicate” and, hence, in need of every consideration that can be given, despite surviving slavery, lynching, and Jim Crow.

Our position is that this levelling degrades some students. Such continual dumbing down of education is non-intuitive, renders aspiring societies non-competitive, and should be a nonstarter.

Diaspora Group creates Guyana’s Oil & Gas Jobs Directory and Educational Materials DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is in its infancy in being an oil and gas country.

Thus, widespread education about the industry among Guyanese is essential, and a diaspora group of Guyanese Americans, Canadians and others - the Oil & Gas Governance Network (www.oggn.org/about) - has created some educational materials including a Directory of Jobs in the oil and gas industry, educational videos, infographics and some articles. There is no comparable site seeking to educate Guyanese about Guyana’s oil and gas. This is admirable and it is indeed commendable that a Diasporan group is supportive of Guyana in this area. The group has championed the cause for greater benefits from Exxon.

The groups says that its OGGN Oil and Gas Jobs Directory, www.oggn.org/ jobs-resources/, is an introductory attempt to provide information on some major companies operating in Guyana so citizens may know where to apply for oil related jobs. The Directory gives an overview of what types of jobs are available, brief descriptions of the companies and the contact information of those companies. The OGGN site is the only place that attempts to pull together the information into a portal.

The educational YouTube videos created by the OGGN

can be viewed at www.oggn.org/education/ and cover these topics: 1.

Understanding Guyana’s oil and gas industry: Some basic oil terms to know.

2.

What jobs are available from oil and gas and how can you apply and prepare for oil and gas jobs?

3.

What women and hinterland and rural residents need to know about opportunities in oil and gas?

How to access information on training, education and jobs.

4.

Understanding oil production costs in Guyana.

5.

Environmental concerns: How flaring of gas, oil spills and environmental pollution contribute to climate change problems.

6. A comparison of key aspects of the Guyana 2016 and Suriname 2011 petroleum oil contracts – is Guyana getting a fair deal? “What do we mean by ‘the resource curse’ and how does it apply to Guyana.”

7.

Describing the resource curse and how it applies to Guyana.

8.

The economic dimensions of the resource curse with respect to Guyana.

9.

The political dimensions of the resource curse with respect to Guyana.

The videos are 5-7 minutes each and are very user friendly and informative as introduction to these basic oil and gas topics. The educational materials are

useful for school children and college students looking for quick, basic information on oil and gas pertaining to the Guyana context.

The “Infographics” created by OGGN, found at www.oggn.org/education, are a collection of imagery, charts and minimal text that gives an easy-to-understand, visual, user friendly overview of a topic. The topics include: 1. A map of the Guyana oil blocks with information about how much oil has been discovered in a particular block. Also, it links to the respective PSA or Prospecting License, if available.

2. A timeline graph of when the various oil contracts were signed, their renewal and expiry.

3.

Bar and pie charts comparing the Suriname and Guyana oil contracts.

4.

Graphic showing which oil producing countries have the ability to regulate the amount of oil being produced versus which

do not.

5.

Geographical location of oil blocks and wells including explored wells, p r o d u c i n g w e l l s , approved wells, abandoned wells, etc. with links to any Field Development Plans and EPA approvals.

Some articles created for the educational project (see www.oggn.org), include the following: 1.

Article explaining, “How much taxes should Exxon and the oil companies have paid?”

2. Article summarising, “Which of Guyana’s laws may have been violated by the Stabroek Block Contract.”

3. Article explains why it is “Time for Guyana to consider hedging as oil prices recover.”

The group’s contributions are laudable. I thank Diasporans in the OGGN for their contribution towards oil and gas education in Guyana.

Sincerely, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Question for the GPSU DEAR EDITOR, Can the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) tell us what it has done in the past, or intends to do to ensure that we, the public, get the efficient professional and credible Public Service that is committed to the delivery of Quality Public

Services to us, the people of Guyana? Over the decades, we have seen no evidence that the Union is also on our side to get the quality of service we deserve, while we continue to pay civil servants to deliver.

Sincerely, Muhammad Alli

J. C. Bhagwandin responds to Shawn Simmons DEAR EDITOR, I am writing in response to Mr. Simmons letter which was published in Kaieteur News on June 11, 2021.

Mr. Simmons failed once more to offer any credible counter arguments on the ISSUES which I challenged Dr. Ramdas and/or point out any weakness in my argument and continued to spew his personal vendetta, a behaviour which I established is typical by a certain political grouping.

However, I will say that the concerns he sought to raise about my credentials revealed that he is highly misinformed.

I should point out as well that in my letter responding to Dr. Ramdas, I never attacked the person neither did I veered into his credentials: What I did was to critique his work – and I was careful to use language that is well in order in academia. It is normal for academics to critique the work of other academics in the

academia sphere and point out whether the analyses are weak, or omit any important variable and/or context for example. The caveat of my argument was that Dr. Ramdas’ analysis did not take into consideration certain contexts and rather focused on a singular element. For example, the basis of his argument was that ExxonMobil is using Guyana’s public infrastructure for free. This is a completely flawed interpretation because Guyana is benefitting economically from ExxonMobil’s operation and through the fiscal terms of the PSA. Further, there are many other considerations when in negotiation of any deal or any contract. Up to this point, Dr. Ramdas has not responded to my challenge or counter argument on his views. Yet, Mr. Simmons chooses to attack personalities rather than be objective.

Having said that, I do not intend to engage in a personal battle with Mr. Simmons because I think my previous response to him was pellucid. I will, however, address Mr. Simmons and the media house that allowed him space to publish his personal vendetta which is misplaced within the appropriate forum.

To this end, I am currently seeking legal advice and at this point in time, I will urge the media house, Kaieteur News, to offer a public

apology to the undersigned.

Failure to so do, I will strongly consider legal action.

Yours faithfully, J. C. Bhagwandin Editor’s note: Mr. Bhagwandin, the publication of Mr. Simmons’ letter was neither on the basis of malice nor disrespect. The aim was merely to facilitate an exchange between intellectuals. If legal advice suggests otherwise, an unequivocal apology is hereby offered.

Wrongs now righted DEAR EDITOR, Finally, on the eve of his 41st death anniversary, the many wrongs against our iconic historian will be righted and his memory properly honoured.

The slew of well-thoughtout measures outlined to right grievous wrongs might be late in coming, but come it has. Of

particular note is the cause of death, the restoration of Walter Rodney Chair at UG and the perverse findings of the inquest.

The family can feel vindicated and at last their loved one can now rest in peace.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Saturday June 12, 2021

Angry at those who manage and govern the affairs of this country DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is fast becoming the most corrupt country in the CARICOM of countries.

Beginning with those in government ministries making secret contracts of our natural resources, misappropriating public funds, reckless spending on parties and the greedy, falsely claiming of expenditures that do not exist, while the poor in Guyana suffers the consequences by additional taxation and charges for services when the coffers are depleted. The sad part is these dishonesties are only discovered years after the deed is done and no one seems to be held accountable and prosecuted for their criminal exploitation of our resources, both monetary and natural.

These criminals (that’s what they are) are robbing us without mercy while they sit in their lofty offices enjoying the good life, while the man in the street goes to jail for petty crimes.

Such shenanigans are destroying the happiness, comfort, and prosperity of all Guyana and must not be allowed to ever happen again.

The solution to stamp out any further fraudulent deceit, a special unit of auditors of

good character should be set up to randomly audit every ministry within the government so that any corruption will be caught ahead of time and the perpetrator/s prosecuted and given several years in jail.

This special unit could be called Guyana Bureau of Investigations (GBI) answerable to the Attorney General of Guyana and work along similar lines of the FBI in the US. At first, the US hired private detectives when it needed federal crimes investigated and later rented out investigators from other federal agencies, such as the Secret Service, which was created by the Department of the Treasury in 1865 to investigate counterfeiting. In the early part of the 20th century, the Attorney General was authorised to hire a few permanent investigators, and the Office of the Chief Examiner, which consisted mostly of accountants, was created to review financial transactions of the federal courts.

Am I angry at those we put in trust to manage and govern the affairs of this country?

You bet I am!

Yours truly, An old timer

We can also learn from Wismar DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to letter “Tulsa is a stark example from which Guyana must learn” (KN Jun. 9) by Hamilton Green. I could not agree more!

But there is a more pointed, direct, greater reference to race violence here in our homeland – the Wismar Massacre. Why go to far-off Oklahoma when lessons can be learned closer at home from the Wismar Massacre, which happened 40 years after Oklahoma. I recently published comparisons on

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both race massacres.

Perhaps Mr. Green can enlighten us on his role in that Wismar violence and what he and his PNC/R government have done from 1964 onwards to assist the victims and their families. The Oklahoma Massacre victims are allowed back in their community and compensation is contemplated. What lessons did Mr. Green learn and what he thinks can be done to prevent a repeat?

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

What pious hypocrites we have all become DEAR EDITOR, I think that all of us, almost without exception, are utter sanctimonious frauds.

Elaboration follows.

A man or a woman engaged in dangerous words in a more accommodating time is made an example by those who presumably never uttered a slur in their pure and perfect lives.

Not a single one of any kind whatsoever.

Is somebody taking me and the rest of the world for jackasses? Not even a moment of rare weakness and anger.

Why is such hypocrisy allowed to stand?

I am appalled that American, European and increasingly copycat Guyanese are part of the modern inquisitorial nobility and flourish with these patented frauds and pathological deceptions. I thought we had folks honest enough and principled enough to acknowledge that

we can be all too human and too rash; succumb to flashes of anger, to barbarisms of uncontrolled meanness and gothic darkness. Saints can be loutish and brutish; woundingly so. I refuse to accept such deviousness that brooks no dissent that seeks to overpower contrition, any voice of reason of wrongdoing, and progressing. We have to grow up, be truly enlightened and transformed, and not let past excesses so consume that some blood must be spilled. We rail against the punitive, but will not hear of the rehabilitative for serious errors from decades-old history.

I make no exception for aged sexual predations; I could for those ousted for the raunchy and insult, what is now absolutely off-limits. We live in today’s unreal world, where I (and the whole world) must surrender to the fallacy

that current denouncers (white, black, Indian)-whose sensitivities are so shattered, so offended-have never uttered one such racial or sexist barbarisms. Never of what is found so offensive today. I confess to having so failed in some respects; I have a long time ago, in moments of rage and disgust. Though rare, they shouldn’t have been.

Whether they were about a certain kind of lifestyle orientation, a momentary lapse of judgment, part of furious retaliatory thrust for some malice returned with doubled vehemence in the combustion of overheated moments.

Since it is confession time, I admit that this was reserved for forgettable occasions when pushed to the edge, and lack of self-control resulted.

Regret, yes; excuses, no.

Wisdom comes.

I further admit that such

recklessness and immaturity have been all but eliminated.

Still, everlasting discipline, care, and patience must be guiding stars, if I am to reach still higher ground.

We have ranking politicians in this country that live a different orientation, whether in the closet or openly, I accept them for what they are: fellow human beings.

They are people whose aura and attributes speak to what I have serious issues with-some ethical, some racial, some sexual, some class, some misogynistic, all inhuman - but I learn to live with, criticise, differently. To understand even, yet neither appreciates nor tolerate.

But I will not jump on the bandwagon with the gotchas so prevalent, gleefully embraced; thus, surrounding mobs of accusers live lies.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

When Walter Rodney died, national reconciliation died also DEAR EDITOR, Sunday June 13, 2021, makes the 41st Anniversary since the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney by a bomb blast on the night of June 13, 1980, in the vicinity of Bent Street Werk-en-Rust.

Rodney’s academic scholarship bordered on genius. Internationally acclaimed in the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and the Americas as a revolutionary intellectual alongside Franz Fanon, Hubert Marcus, and Regis Debray, whose dialectical interpretation of history fuelled the Movement for National Liberation.

His assassination was a blow to the liberation movements the world over and a victory for world reactionaries. Those who knew Walter Rodney were touched most by his love of humanity, his concern for the poor and the oppressed. In spite of his intellectual

achievements, Walter Rodney was denied a post at the University of Guyana and had to earn his living by lecturing overseas and writing historical papers.

During the early 1970’s when he became politically active in Guyana, Walter Rodney was perceived by most Guyanese to be the leader who possessed the charisma and the honesty to unite the two major races of our country.

Now 41 years have passed since that dreadful night that changed the course of Guyana’s history and the fate of our Nation. Following the assassination of Walter Rodney, racial and sectarian politics again surfaced and has since gained dominance

of the Guyanese political landscape. Most Guyanese are no longer deceived by the mealy-mouthed utterances of national unity by the leaders of the two major race-based parties.

Walter Rodney remains a

symbol of national reconciliation, equal rights and justice. Walter Rodney Lives!

Yours Faithfully Desmond Alli (General Secretary, Guyana United Artists GUA)

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Hamilton Green failed to exhort us on lessons from his own history DEAR EDITOR, I read Hamilton Green’s letter “Tulsa is a stark example from which Guyana must learn” published on June 9, 2021, and am left to wonder why Mr. Green feels the need to travel all the way to the United States to learn lessons about: an “environment of envy;” guarding and overcoming prejudices; the reality of polarisation; racial tension; “real or perceived racial incidents;” and about the care needed to “prevent any sparks from flying that lead to trouble.”

He writes, supposedly with a straight face, about Tulsa, Serbia, World War I, and about police needing to “avoid being misguided by a political directorate as happened in Tulsa” as if he was not present here in Guyana when the race riots of the 1960s rocked the very foundation of this country.

Mr. Green knows all about the Wismar Massacre of 1964. He does not have to read about it in the news. It is not someone else’s history.

It’s his very own history. Yet he has never written to exhort us to learn lessons from that massacre which involved arson, looting, assault, rape and murder, a massacre as violent and despicable as any that has happened anywhere in the world.

Was that massacre in Wismar perpetrated

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Kaieteur News

by the violators because of an environment of envy, prejudice, racial tension and polarisation that existed right here, Mr. Green?

And where was the political directorate to the police coming from that directed them to look the other way as Indian Guyanese homes and businesses were razed to the ground, Indian Guyanese women brutally raped; and Indian Guyanese murdered?

Given the size of Guyana’s population in the 1960s compared to that of the US in the 1920s, the Wismar Massacre is in comparative terms worse than the Tulsa Race Massacre.

No massacre of any people is any good for any country. Mr. Green has been part of the PNC Government, and still belongs to the party; and the list of atrocities perpetrated by the PNC on this nation – racial, economic, social and political – that brought this country to its knees is very, very long, the latest being the barefaced attempt at election rigging and the violent attacks on Indian Guyanese in West Coast Berbice just last year.

No one expects anything better from Mr. Green and his colleagues but to use the real pain of African Americans to try and whitewash their own history and bamboozle the public is nothing short of shamelessness.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

Taking a stand against corruption DEAR EDITOR, Charging toll to use a road is one thing, but converting those charges into personal gains is lawless; yet this is precisely what is happening at 70km Buckhall Check Point.

Vehicular traffic using the Buckhall Road to access the North West Region and some parts of the Cuyuni, is required to pay a hefty toll unlike other interior roadways such as, the Itaballi to Puruni Road.

This practice was first introduced by Barama Company Limited. many

years ago so as to ensure the road is properly maintained while Guyana Goldfields Inc. later continued maintenance.

However, sometime after Barama Company Ltd. closed their operations at Buckhall in 2016, the Guyana Forestry Commission began collecting exorbitant tolls although maintenance is carried out by stakeholders using the road.

Ever since, elements within the Guyana Forestry Commission along with personnel in charge of the 70km checkpoint have been defrauding the Government of

the toll they collect by charging road users exorbitant fees and understating the charges on receipts among other things.

We, the road users and citizens of this land, are taking a stand against this corruption by calling on our President, His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, to immediately launch an investigation into this act and bring those perpetrators to justice.

Yours faithfully, Justin Singh

Every cloud has a silver lining DEAR EDITOR, There is an opportunity before us; the silver lining in the dark rain clouds is becoming apparent.

Although unfortunate and stressful at the moment, the flooding does provide an opportunity to survey the country by air to identify the best location for the new Capital City.

It is imperative that we start to move to higher ground inland that is also very fertile and can sustain our flood-affected population over the long term.

The funds in the bank that has been accumulated over the course of the drilling can start the process of laying the foundation for the new Capital City. Given the new Eco-Friendly members of the

Exxon Board, there is an opportunity to negotiate the decommissioning of the offshore wells and the conversion of the agreement into a wave energyharvesting project. This will be beneficial to both Exxon and Guyana, while also boosting Exxon’s image as a responsible corporate citizen and accelerating its sustainable energy development initiatives.

Once an agreement is made between the United Nations and other interested affected parties for the payment of oil resources being left in the ground, these additional resources will help fund the continued development of the new capital city. It was encouraging to read

President Ali’s message on World Environment Day and his emphasis on our commitment to prevent deforestation for which we are being compensated. This No Drill policy will echo the success of anti-deforestation efforts that have been implemented by Guyana with European Nations and will support the Administration’s commitment to the expansion and strengthening of our National System of Protected Areas. Many of us look forward to the current administration leveraging its influence, as the previous Chair of the G77 & China, to bring about the urgently needed change for our continually flooding nation.

Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee

Wharfage development at Malgre The plot of foreshore in expansion.

Toute question approved for In the not too distant DEAR EDITOR, In an article in the news media of June 7, the view was expressed that the President of Guyana did not seem duly concerned about the destruction of mangroves at Malgre Toute on the West Bank of Demerara for the construction of a port facility to service the oil, gas and other industries although Guyanese environmentalists have expressed a hue and cry about the proposal.

The President’s apparent indifference appears to contradict his June 5 World Environmental Day speech wherein he stated, “as we continue to protect our environment whilst expanding economic opportunities for our people and in the process my Government has established a natural strategy for mangrove protection and restoration along our coastline and rivers.

Unfortunately this strategy was never elucidated to show that there were unmitigated circumstances.

development is overgrown with mangroves and infested with mosquitoes and crustaceans. Removal of the mangroves will improve the health of the people living in this neighbourhood as well as enhance their properties values with the scenic beauty of the river in full view and the cooling effects of the NE Tradewinds.

Hence, clearing of the mangroves will improve their environment provided that the foreshore is adequately protected with a river defence that protects the adjoining land from high tide flooding and erosion from tidal currents.

Construction of the wharfage facility at Malge Toute will assist in the economic development of Guyana in several ways since it will provide much needed wharfage capabilities for the newly developing oil and gas industries as well as the country’s import and export trades. Georgetown’s port facilities are at their limits and have little or no room for

future, the Government will be awarding a contract to build a permanent bridge across the Demerara River in close proximity of the Malge Toute wharfage.

The contractor for the bridge will be foreign based and much of the bridge’s components will be manufactured abroad and shipped to the site for assembly.

Therefore, temporary wharfage facilities will have to be found to moor vessels as well as to store components for the bridge and the Malge Toute facility will be ideally suited for this purpose and importantly, it should affect the final cost for constructing the bridge.

The Malge Toute wharfage project should not be considered as a clandestine pillaging of a mangrove swamp but a carefully considered effort to develop Guyana’s economy and improve the well-being of its people.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

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Kaieteur News

How many prisoners have to escape from the Lusignan facility before we get that dangerous and congested presence from out of our midst?

Do some innocent Guyanese have to get killed, or severely wounded, before government gets into high gear and do something meaningful? That is, get the inmates and that porous holding pen out of there?

Billions is being spent willy-nilly, and a modern prison far away from populated places has to be of the highest urgency and just as quickly delivered. Guyanese don't want to hear of what the previous government did, or should have done, but never did or finished.

Just do it! Get it done!

PAGE 07

Saturday June 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Decision to close sugar estates ‘callous and unconscionable’ S

enior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, says the Coalition's decision to close the Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall and Skeldon sugar estates in 2016 and 2017 was “ill-considered, c a l l o u s a n d unconscionable.”

The decision, he said, has left families, communities and Guyana's economy still reeling from the economic blow.

Dr. Singh was at the time a d d r e s s i n g t h e commissioning of a study

by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Thursday, on the “SocioEconomic Impact of the Closure of GuySuCo Sugar Estates on Sugar Workers in Guyana.”

The report gives a comprehensive overview of the vast economic impact the estates' closure have had on workers, sugar producing communities and the economy as a whole.

Dr. Singh said the sugar industry has been integral in the village and Guyanese economy. The closure of the four estates resulted in dramatic economic

- Dr. Singh tells ILO meeting hardships, especially in rural Demerara and Berbice, with ripple effects across Guyana.

“What was striking was that this decision was taken without the benefit of any prior social and economic analysis and indeed, it conflicted with the report or the findings reported by the Commission of Inquiry which was commissioned by our predecessors in office, which stopped

short of recommending the closure of any estates.

It is particularly perplexing that having commissioned an Inquiry into the industry, which did not recommend the closure of any estate, the then Government proceeded with the closure of the estates.”

Some 7,000 Guyanese were placed on the breadline following the estates' closures.

Dr. Singh said the Government welcomes the ILO's study, which he said recounts the turmoil of the sugar workers and the sector beginning in February 2016.

He said the three remaining estates, Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt were then starved of investments, resulting in sugar production reaching its lowest level in history.

The Senior Minister said the Government has already begun restructuring the industry, which will see the

r eopening of the estates in an orderly fashion.

T h e p r o c e s s commenced with the appointment of a new board and management. The Board has been tasked with developing a master plan that will guide the development of each estate, Dr. Singh relayed.

He said the Government expects the plan will restore some socio-economic balance in the sugar belt, i n c l u d i n g t h e recapitalisation of the industry, promoting product diversification and valueadded production.

M r. D e n n i s Z u l u , Director, of ILO's Decent Work Team and Office – Caribbean, said the study involved many months of hard work between consultants and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union.

U N R e s i d e n t Coordinator, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, said the study

revealed that behind every sugar worker is a family whose life, home and community has been the sugar estate.

“The sugar industry is a valuable part of the legacy and heritage of Guyana and is also a symbol of resilience of the painstaking labour, intergenerational, dedication, sacrifices encouraged overtime.

It is heart-breaking to read the painful consequences of commodity market fluctuations and sugar estate closures that have impacted workers and their families economically, socially and personally,” she said.

Ms. Tanaka also said the study offers many lessons for policy making and implementation and hopes it would inform decisions on the future of the industry.

In 2016, the Coalition Government closed the Skeldon and Rose Hall estates in Region Six; Enmore, East Coast Demerara, and Wales on the West Bank of Demerara.

US$112.4M Linden-Mabura Road loan document presented to National Assembly

S

enior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Thursday presented the $22.5 billion (US$112,432,000) loan for the construction of the Linden-Mabura Hill Road in National Assembly.

Minister Singh told the House that the loan agreement for the 121kilometre thoroughfare was signed on February 24, 2021 between the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The road project ranks high on the PPP/C Administration's development agenda, as it will revolutionise travel between Region Ten and the hinterland, since the existing thoroughfare is difficult to use during the rainy seasons.

Construction is expected to begin during the last quarter of 2021 and completed by the end of 2024. The upgraded road

will improve connectivity between the coast and the hinterland.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, 2 2 consultants have submitted Expressions of Interest (EOI) and several of them have been shortlisted. The Administration expects a consultant to be on board for the project by September this year.

The Ministry of Public Works is conducting the project and has retained Mott McDonald UK in association with SRKN'gineering as supervisory consultant.

L ast December, Dr. Singh commended the President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Government for nurturing a stable political climate that facilitates funding from foreign financial institutions. “ Since the return of democracy to Guyana on August 2, last, as you would have seen President Irfaan

Ali, his Government, has set about in a very, very diligent way to re-engage the international community with a view to restoring the relationships with our major development partners, multilateral and bilateral…The discussion on this project has been going on for a long time so the conversation on the project in fact predates our demitting of office in 2015,” Minister Singh had said.

At the time, Dr. Singh lauded the spinoff benefits from the project, which includes but is not limited to the bolstering of ecotourism through the improved access to tourist hotspots, such as the Iwokrama Rain Forest. The US$190 million road is being funded jointly by the CDB, the United Kingdom (UK), and Guyana.

The UK is providing US$66 million and Guyana, the remaining US$12 million.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 12, 2021

PAGE 09

The elephant is still in the room L

ast year's election debacle has cast a spotlight on Guyana's dysfunctional parliamentary and electoral systems. Now that the vitriol surrounding Charrandass Persaud's assenting vote has waned (though not entirely subsided) Guyanese felt able to suggest alternatives for the electoral system without fear of rebuke.

Commentators have noted that parliamentarians are not accountable to their constituents but instead pay homage at the altars of their parties. As suggested in Gilbert and Sullivan's “When I was a lad” many a successful Guyanese politician “… always voted at his party's call and never thought of thinking for himself at all.”

One idea which seems to be in vogue is a switch to a

Dem

boys seh...

D

e boss of a big c o m p a n y needed to call one of he employees about wan urgent problem at wuk.

He dialed de employee home phone number and a child whisper – “Hello?”

“Is your Daddy home?”

“Yes.” May I talk with him?” de man asked.

To de surprise of de boss, the child whispered, “No.” Wanting to talk with an adult, de boss asked, “Is your Mommy there?” “ Ye s , ” d e c h i l d answered.

“May I talk with her?”

Again the child say, “No.”

direct constituency representation, used in the United States and United Kingdom. This is, of course, a case of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire – these countries are famous internationally for their d y s f u n c t i o n a l , unrepresentative legislatures.

In the United Kingdom's 2019 parliamentary elections, for example, the Liberal Democrats secured 11.6 percent of the votes but gained a mere 1.6 percent of the seats. In the United States, each state sends two senators to Congress, meaning that Wyoming with a population of around 573,000 has as much representation in the Upper House as California with a population of 39.3 million.

Furthermore the system is open to boundary gerrymandering.

More palatable has been the call for a mixed-member system of direct apportioned seats. Under this system, the country is divided in a number of constituencies and a voter casts two votes: one for his or her constituency representative and the other the political party of his or her choice.

Whoever wins the constituency seats fills those positions in the parliament while the other seats are apportioned in relation to the percentage of votes each national or regional candidate obtains. Indeed, this is the way some Guyanese believe our Parliament is constituted due to the confusingly named regional and top-up lists.

All candidates for election to parliament must be part of a party's list. Not much traction is given to the

We leaders in hiding “Is there anyone else there besides you,” asked de boss.

“Yes,” whispered de child “A policeman.”

Wo n d e r i n g w h a t a policeman would be doing at his employee's home, de boss asked, “May I speak with the policeman?”

“No, he's busy”, whispered de child.

“Busy doing what?” asked de boss.

“Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman.”

Growing concerned and even worried as he heard what sounded like a helicopter through de

receiver, de boss asked, “What is that noise?”

“A hello-copper,” de whispering child said.

“What is going on there?” asked de boss, now alarmed.

In an awed, whispering voice de child said, “The search team just landed the h e l l o - c o p p e r ! ” Alarmed, concerned and more dan just a little frustrated de boss asked, “Why are they there?”

Still whispering, de child said, “They're looking for me!”

Talk half and find out why we leaders stonewalling when it comes to we oil!

EPA takes La Penitence man to court for failing to close auto body workshop

T

he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday took a man to court after he failed to cease activities at his auto body workshop which poses a serious risk to the environment and that of public health.

Anthony Singh, 33, of Lots 29-32 Cactus Road, We s t R u i m v e l d t , L a Penitence, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before

Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

The charge alleges that between December 9, 2020, and May 27, 2021, Singh operated an auto body workshop, which is located at his address, and continued to operate and conduct activities that pose a risk of serious pollution of the environment and damage to public health.

The charge further alleged that even though the defendant does not have an

environmental authorisation and or any approvals from the relevant authorities as required and while a probation notice that was served on March 18, 2019 is in effect, he continues to operate.

Singh denied the charge and his lawyer made an application for him to be released on his own recognizance. However, Chief Magistrate McLennan granted bail in the sum of $30,000 bail and adjourned the matter to July 22, 2021.

criticism that the system as presently stands limit Independent candidates from running for election to the National Assembly.

Also not much talked about is the idea of scrapping the closed-list and allowing post-elections coalitions, though given the events of the past year, some psychic dread of coalitions or weakening the power of o n e ' s p a r t y, i s understandable.

Under the closed-list system, voters vote for the political parties of their choice, based on a list which the parties present. There is no hierarchical ranking of members so that the voters would be assured that if, for example, 10 seats are won by a party, that the top 10 listed persons would be selected for parliament.

As the Carter Centre

pointed out in its Observer Mission Report for the 2015 Elections which was won by the APNU+AFC, after seats are allocated, the political parties are free to determine which of their candidates will be granted a seat. The people vote in the elections but subrogate the choice of their candidate to the political party.

The voter therefore has no guarantee that someone whom they feel should represent them will do so.

The only certainty is who will become President should their party win.

Consequently, as the Carter Centre Report observes “the choice of the voter is largely limited to the selection of the political party.”

All of these proposals – direct constituency, mixedmembers system and a close-

list system – miss the dart board entirely. Reform for reform sake is no panacea.

The fundamental defect in Guyanese politics is the fact that this is a country of two nations, both professing mutual love for each other.

H o w e v e r, w h i c h e v e r political party is elected, the supporters of the other party feel alienated. Thus, so long as ethnic tribalism forms the basis for political organisation, the ballot box will remain an empty tabernacle offering no salvation.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday June 12, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The Rodney family request has destroyed Clive Thomas and Rupert Roopnaraine F

amous cultural icon of Guyana, Clairmont Taitt, died in Barbados a few days ago. It is predictable that his life will be celebrated. His contribution to Guyana's cultural life was large. When many other prominent Guyanese who are in advanced age leave this world, recognition and admiration will come from all parts of this nation. Not so for Drs. Clive Thomas and Rupert Roopnaraine.

I, in my own little way since the WPA (that both

men founded) became part of the 2015 government which lasted until 2020, have tried to expose the political frauds these two men have become. The deportment of these two men in power offers a priceless insight into how power can literally rip the soul and heart out of the human.

It has been revealed by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, that the Rodney family, consisting of wife and three children, has approached President Irfaan Ali to have Walter Rodney's

legacy be officially recognised and concretised on the fabric of this nation.

The President has agreed.

When I looked at Mr. Nandlall informing the nation of the family's request, horrible anger penetrated my emotions.

Rodney was the face and physiology of the WPA. Rodney's three most intimate revolutionary comrades were Clive Thomas, Rupert Roopnaraine and Eusi Kwayana. Today, look at the uninspiring, betraying, political life of this

miserable trio.

Kwayana even wrote a book about Rodney. Last Monday, in the National Park, the publisher of Kwayana's book, Robert L a l l j i e , c a m e u p and introduced himself informing me that he is the publisher of Kwayana's book on Rodney.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e conversation was not as smooth as it should have been because I gave Mr. Lalljie a piece of my mind of what a political mischief-maker Kwayana turned out to be. I don't want to hear anything about Kwayana.

Roopnaraine described the extreme closeness, which he shared with Rodney by revealing that only he, Rodney's wife and Kwayana knew that Walter was leaving the country illegally to go to Zimbabwe where he, Walter, would confront President Forbes Burnham who would be there (see, Clairmont Chung, “Walter Rodney: A Promise of Revolution”).

Rodney's three children no doubt have deep memories of their father sharing close emotional moments with Thomas and Roopnaraine. They must be filled with immeasurable memories of Thomas and Roopnaraine playing with them when they were kids.

These very children grew up and saw their father's comrades become part of the Guyana Government.

Imagine what they felt when both men never lifted a

finger to honour their father when they were in power between 2015 and 2020. To crown it all, Roopnaraine voted in Parliament against the public release of the report into their father's death.

It is obvious to a school child that the fact that the Rodney family waited until

Frederick Kissoon the PPP came into power in 2020 to ask that Walter's legacy be part of the official policy of the government showed the contempt and dislike they have for Thomas and Roopnaraine.

I will not mention the other WPA members who were part of the APNU+AFC regime – Dr. Maurice Odle, Tacuma Ogunseye, and D e s m o n d Tr o t m a n – because they were literal nobodies in the government without recognition shown them by the PNC leadership.

It is incredible to think that the WPA shared power with the PNC, yet each year from 2015 to 2020, PNC leaders held an annual ceremony in honour of two PNC leaders – Burnham and

Desmond Hoyte – yet in those five years, only one event was held to mark Rodney's assassination and it was sponsored by a private group and none of the WPA well known personalities were present.

I will end with a little story that happened a night at the now defunct Celine's Atlantic Resort at Vlissengen Road and Clive Lloyd's Drive next to the Kitty pump station. I was having dinner with two of my Kaieteur News colleagues from the sports department – Rawle Welch and Edison Jefford. A person that will remain unnamed who was at the table said something that startled all of us.

He said he believes that the WPA was involved in the assassination of Rodney.

There were wild talks about the PPP being involved.

ACDA about 12 years ago, made such a silly reference for which I pounced on them.

But it was never mentioned that the WPA was involved.

This gentleman is a prominent citizen who as far as I know is not PNC, PPP or ever dabbled in politics.

Rawle and Edison and were all smiling but I was in hilarious laughter. This was said 15 years ago. Today, I look back and I believe the story of Walter's death is yet to be told.

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

Saturday June 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday June 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

E'bo family turns up to bury male relative but finds body of 73-year-old woman instead

A

s the James family was preparing to lay their dead relative to rest yesterday, they got the shock of their lives as they subsequently learned that their loved one was had already been buried almost a week ago.

Information reaching Kaieteur News revealed that the body of forty-one-yearold Renold James was buried in the place of seventy-sixyear-old Bibi Sazeedah Jalleal since last Sunday.

This publication understands that both bodies were at the Charity Hospital Morgue where the mix up had occurred. The man's body was taken to Queenstown, where it was buried by the woman's family.

James' family members told Kaieteur News that the discovery was made last Thursday night, as they commenced preparations for

The deceased, Renold James the funeral. One of James' aunt said during an interview yesterday morning, that when family members turned up at the Charity morgue to thaw off the body, they found body of a woman instead.

She went on to say, “We say that we want to bury this boy early, and we want he

look fresh for the burial, so the night before the funeral, we called the mortuary and we tell them that around 9 or 10 o' clock, we will come thaw off the body… When we show up the said night to take out the body, there's no Renold, but the body of a seventy-six-year-old woman.”

Shelly Henry, who had been in a common law relationship with the man for the past nine years, told this publication that the situation has added immensely to her grief. The 31-year-old woman said that the last thing she wanted to do for her husband was to give him a sendoff, which he deserves.

As she attempted to hold back her tears yesterday, the woman told the media, “We put a lot of planning into this funeral. We'd hope that by 10 am, the body would've been home, and then at the ground at 2 pm.” Henry said that her

The deceased's grieving family

only wish was that her husband can have a proper burial by his loved ones. She

added, “If they can bring up the body, that is all I want.”

She went on to say, “That is

not the right place for he, and not the right people to bury he.”

Bandits chop husband but leave pregnant woman alone during robbery

C

utlass wielding bandits who on Wednesday night broke into a couple's home, assaulted and chopped the husband, but escaped without harming his pregnant wife.

According to a police report, the incident occurred in St. Ignatius Village,

Central Rupununi, Region Nine.

The report stated that around 20:30 hrs., the pregnant woman, 18, a teacher, and her husband, a 26-year-old mechanic were asleep when three bandits kicked down their door and dealt the mechanic several lashes and chops

to his body. The attack forced the man to escape leaving his pregnant wife behind.

The pregnant woman related to the police that after her husband escaped the bandits then proceeded to search their home.

She reported that the bandits stole a quantity of

silver and gold jewellery valued at $45,000; one music box valued, $20,000 and one black Samsung cell phone valued at $70,000.

They also took a hammock valued at $5,000 and a black Honda XR motorcycle CG 4118.

The bandits then made good their escape and the

missing and damaged items were later discovered by the pregnant woman, who then reported the matter to the police.

On Thursday, ranks acting on information conducted raid exercises on three houses in Tabatinga, St. Ignatius, and Lethem. Four males ages; 18, 22, 23 and

49, were arrested and taken to the Lethem Police Station.

The three suspects who assaulted the mechanic, destroyed and stole several items from the couple's home are among the four persons in custody. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Three more die of COVID-19 Three persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), the latest fatalities are that of a 72-year-old man from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), a 65-year-old woman from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and a 97-year-old woman from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

The Health Ministry in its press release said their deaths have increased the country's COVID-19 death toll to 422. All three persons died over a three-day period while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Further, the Ministry in its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 108 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 18,196.

The dashboard also shows that 21 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 102 persons are in institutional isolation, 1,541 in home isolation and three persons are quarantined institutionally.

To date, a total of 16,110 recoveries have been recorded.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 12, 2021

PAGE 13

$500M contracts signed to improve Hopetown, Beterverwagting Practical Instruction Centres T

wo contracts worth over $500M were signed yesterday in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education's Lot 26 Brickdam office for the expansion and rehabilitation of the Hopetown and Beterverwagting Practical Instruction Centres.

In a release to the media, it was noted that each facility will benefit from improved practical instruction departments to offer C a r i b b e a n Vo c a t i o n a l Qualification (CVQ) Level One training in Commercial Food Preparation, Masonry/Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Graphic Design and Home Economics / House Keeping.

The Ministry said this will improve the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) options offered to students in Region Five (Hopetown) and R e g i o n F o u r (Beterverwagting).

Kaieteur News understands that the two projects fall under the Guyana Skills Development and Employability Project (GSDEP), which is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank.

The GSDEP is aimed at improving Guyana's capacity to deliver TVET programmes equitably across the education sector.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson said that yesterday's signing speaks to how the Ministry views TVET. “Part of our strategic plan has to do with Technical Vocational Education and Training because we see how important this education is in terms of developing our nation and how important it is to offering an alternative pathway to our students in the school system”, Dr. Hutson noted.

(From left) Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, representatives from the two contracting companies M&P Investment Guyana Inc. and KALLCO Guyana Inc., Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alfred King, DCEO (Technical), Mr. Patrick Onwuzirike and GSDEP Coordinator, Mr. Theron Siebs following the contract signing yesterday.

Speaking directly to the contractors, Dr. Hutson said that when executing these projects, they need to move with alacrity and avoid any delays since these projects are important to the development of our students.

Also commenting on the event was Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical) Mr. Patrick Onwuzirike. The official said that yesterday's signing moves the Ministry closer to realising the objective of the GSDEP. He said that students that will be trained at the two facilities will earn the C a r i b b e a n Vo c a t i o n a l Qualification Certificate.

He said that he would like the contractors to complete their work within the contractual timeline which is 12 months so that next year, students can be admitted into the institutions.

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

Onwuzirike, the Ministry has a strategic objective to offer every secondary school student some options in TVET to leave the system

with a skilled certificate.

Further to this, Permanent Secretary Mr. Alfred King reminded the contractors of the Government's zerotolerance for delinquent contractors.

He said, “We have been experiencing very often contractors who would win these contracts fairly but then trying to get the implementation going is always a problem.”

He said that timely delivery of the project is key to quality control. Mr. King said that if the projects are not completed on time, students will be deprived of quality experiences that are to be provided from these projects.

The Project Coordinator of the GSDEP, Mr. Theron Siebs said that each school will have five occupational areas and offer CVQ Level 1 certification.

He said that it is very important that each contractor sticks to the specifications of the contract, failing which the schools will not fulfil the requirement of the

Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities (CANTA) which is the arm of CARICOM responsible for coordinating TVET in CARICOM states.

He said that the entire project is being funded through a partnership with the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean

Development Bank (CDB).

The cost for the expansion and rehabilitation of the Beterverwagting PIC is GY$186,478,810.

This contract was awarded to KALLCO Guyana Inc. The cost for the expansion and rehabilitation of the Hopetown PIC is US$1,567,340.

This contract was awarded to M&P Investment Guyana Inc. with MTSUL Construcoes LTDA and Construtora Cobra Eireli.

The consultancy firm for both projects is VIKAB Engineering Consultants Limited in association with VIKAB (Guyana) Limited and Jain Consultants.

Saturday June 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Work restarts on solar energy project at CARICOM Secretariat costs including implementation of: energy efficient applications, an energy management system; and renewable energy production. This formed the basis for the application for grant aid support to the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

When completed, the Secretariat headquarters building is expected to derive 100 percent of its energy from solar based sources on a

W

o r k i s restarting on t h e construction of a 400 kw solar photovoltaic power generation system at the CARICOM Secretariat.

Project activities on the grounds of the Secretariat at Turkeyen in Guyana, which began in January last year were halted three short months later as a result of the protocols that were adopted to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project is funded through a Grant Agreement for US$17.8M between the Government of Japan and the Government of Guyana. It is intended to demonstrate the tangible benefits of advanced technology use in the production and management of energy in commercial buildings within the

Community.

The construction and works phase began in January 2020 and was expected to be completed over a six-month period, with commissioning scheduled for September 2020. To date, site preparation and foundations for the PV installation have been completed. The project is now expected to be commissioned by the end of 2021, as long as there are no other unforeseen interruptions.

CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Amb. Manorma Soeknandan, has oversight of the project and she provided an update to CARICOM. A team from Japan is currently among the officials on the project site.

The power generation initiative was borne out of the acknowledgement of the

significant amount of energy that is consumed by the building sector, on the global, regional and national levels. It forms part of an ongoing coordinated effort by the CARICOM Secretariat to support policy development and demonstration interventions related to building energy use.

In November 2014, the Energy Unit of the CARICOM Secretariat designed the CARICOM Building Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP). The gestation of the BEEP commenced with a 2010 Energy Audit Report of the CARICOM Secretariat, which described the energy use for the operations of the Secretariat Headquarters and provided recommendations to reduce energy consumption and operation

President orders probe into drug shortage in Berbice

F

ollowing several complaints from residents about the shortage of basic drugs and other pharmaceutical supplies at the Mibicuri Hospital, Port Mourant Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali read the proverbial riot Act to Regional Health Officer, Dr. Vishalya Sharma.

This occurred during the Head of State's visit to Johanna, Black Bush Polder on Wednesday. The visit was part of the President's initiative to assess floodaffected areas.

During that exercise, residents wasted no time to expose the state of health care at some of the hospitals.

President Ali then called on Dr. Vishalya Sharma to come forward and said,

“ T h e r e i s n o communication...this is not what was communicated to us.

When we came into government, we had billions of dollars in expired drugs dumped, we are investing to get drugs and I have asked all the Regional Health Officers to give us a list of all the drugs and I was assured that you don't have any shortage here, that was the last thing that was told to me...you were at a meeting with me, this lady is saying since January, they don't have the drugs, this is ridiculous now."

Residents mentioned that medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, and gas was among some they were told are not available.

Kampattie Samaroo was one of the residents who told

the President that she went Mibicuri Hospital with high blood pressure and was not able to get any of the medication, which she needed since the hospital did not have any. She said she was forced to purchase the medication at a pharmacy in Rose Hall.

After hearing the testimonies of the residents, the RHO said she was not aware of the shortage. But the President quickly retorted, “How difficult is it for you to call up the health centres every day?"

As Sharma stood before the Head of State in silence, Dr. Ali gave instructions to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall to conduct an investigation into the state of health affairs in Region Six.

majority of its operating days.

Overall, the Secretariat is expected to have a net-zero energy balance on the basis of the fact that there would be available excess energy, that could provide power to the national grid, during its offpeak operations.

The Deputy SecretaryGeneral said the Secretariat can become an example in the Region of how to achieve a reduction in costs through the use of solar power generation.

She also sought the support of s t a ff m e m b e r s o f t h e

Secretariat to adopt what she characterised as “effective, efficient use of productive working hours”.

The Secretariat already measures its use of energy.

As she noted that what was being undertaken at the Secretariat was an example of investment being made in the green economy, she pointed to the challenge of accessing funding for projects. She added, “we cannot do it alone; we really depend on f u n d i n g ” . (https://today.caricom.org/)

Digicel Guyana fulfills promise to help outstanding Guyanese student

D

igicel Guyana recently met with S h e r l o c k Langevine to fulfill its promise of a brand new Mac Book Pro to help him pursue his studies at Stanford University.

The 19-year-old scholarship awardee expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support, which he has received so far and assured that he will make Guyana proud.

Digicel Guyana wished him nothing but success in his endeavours.

Digicel reaches out to flood affected customers with over $25M in credit to keep them connected

D

igicel Guyana on June 7, provided over $25M in credit to its customers living in the flood-affected communities throughout Guyana.

Customers in communities such as Aishalton, Aroraima, Black Bush Polder, El Paso, Itabali, Kamarang, Kwakwani, Lethem, Mahaicony Creek, Patentia, Pomeroon, Puruni, Salem and Tumatumari received credit.

In a statement to the press, the company said it continues to support the efforts of the Government and the Civil Defence Commission during this

natural disaster. Gregory Dean, CEO of Digicel, noted that keeping connected to loved ones is essential.

He assured that the company is doing everything in its power to ensure that connectivity in the floodaffected communities is maintained.

He further sought to apologise to customers in Puruni and Kamarang for the delays in resolving recent network outages. This was as a result of difficulties experienced in travelling to these communities.

The communications provider has also donated handsets equipped with data and minutes to the Civil

Defence Commission for their officers to use as they go out into the fields to assist flood affected residents.

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 31 markets throughout the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets, including Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago, which focuses on educational, cultural and social development programs. Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.

Saturday June 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Linden man dies days after beating mother to death PROPERTY FOR SALE

8 7 - E - A l b e r t St,Albertown,third building from Lamaha in Albert Street.

Price 24 Million(Land 82x20) negotiable.

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

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: F R I D G E S , A I R CONDITIONER,WASHING MACHINE,FREEZER,SALE OF AC'S. TEL#6294946,225-4822.

Large Property with huge concrete bond,Prime Location Cumberland,Canje.Ideal for business.Call:679-2497.

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2 bedroom downstairs apartment for rent at 'C' Field Nurse Quarter,Sophia.Call 658-4478.

Couples only,$30,000$40,000 monthly.

WANTED Wanted one experienced Gold Smith, Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn shop 16 Pike street Kitty Tel#622-4970

FOR SALE Shares in Regent Street Property @8am. Tel# 6537628.

3 Combines,132 fiatgari John Deere. 7300 tractors 399 and 290 massy. Cal: 6952220.

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

1 Toyota Allion PWW Series $1.8M & 1 Honda CRV $3.2 negotiable.Contact 649-0956 for more info.

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Wanted (2) experienced Welder/Fabricator. Contact Tel#222-3844.

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One (1) female able bodied sales clerk. Call#225-2313,2261497.

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Saturday June 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Female sales representative experience in P.O.S system would be an asset.Contact Tel#227-3580.

Driver for Route 42 Minibus.Call# 649-7371.

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

A mentally-ill man died on Friday at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), while he was assisting with investigations into the murder of his mother, Wanda Patricia Wilson, which occurred on Tuesday evening, at Kara Kara Linden. He has been identified as Hosea Ajadai, a 24-year-old man.

According to the police, the man passed away around 08:15 hrs, at LHC. He was taken to the hospital after he complained of feeling unwell while he was sitting on the bench of the MacKenzie Police Station. He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

Commander of Region 10 Hugh Winter told Kaieteur News, that the man was never placed in a cell since he was taken into custody. He remained on the bench for the three days. He also claimed that the man was given food and water by the police.

Meanwhile, the post mortem investigation conducted on his VACANCY Security officers male and female 18 years and above.

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mother, Wanda Wilson, concluded that she died from multiple injuries and multiple blunt trauma to the head and body.

The battered body of the 56year-old woman was discovered

by Linden police in her Kara Kara residence. The body was discovered in a bed with a door on top of it. The police were summoned to the house by a friend of the

family, who was asked by the woman's brother, who lives overseas, to check on her since she too was mentally ill. The friend told Kaieteur News that when he visited the home, the son approached him at the door but was not allowing him access to the building.

He was acting very suspicious, the man told the police. He

related as well that when he peeped into the house, the entire place was ransacked.

“I can't believe that people living in there; table, chair everything turn over,” the friend related.

The friend then proceeded to the Mackenzie Police Station where he reported his observation and the ranks left with him to investigate further.

Saturday June 12, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Int’l foundation launches multi-faith fundraising campaign to aid flood relief efforts Guyanese whose homes, livelihoods and community infrastructure were destroyed by recent floods are receiving emergency aid through a campaign started by IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) in partnership with the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), and supported by a Canadian of Guyanese descent, and a variety of faith groups and organisations.

Through these combined efforts, IDRF said it will raise more than $12 million with additional monies expected as mosques, Hindu organisations and businesses continue to raise additional funds.

While most Muslims give the bulk of their donations as Zakat during Ramadan and that money would have been earmarked for other charitable

causes, a number of mosques have pledged to renew their fundraising efforts in support of the Guyanese relief effort.

Mosques that have donated or pledged to donate include: Malton Islamic Centre; Sunatul Jamaat of Ontario, Canada; Islamic Institute of Toronto; TARIC Islamic Centre; Brampton Islamic Centre; Jamiat Ul Ansar of Brampton; Imdadul Islamic Centre; International Muslims Organisation; Islamic Society of Markham and the Islamic Foundation of Toronto. Other organisations donating or pledging include the Global Care Outreach (Vishnu Mandir).

“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from Canadians for Guyanese people in critical need because of this terrible flooding,” said Winston Kassim, IDRF’s Chair of

Global Monitoring and a Canadian of Guyanese heritage, who is a Member of the Order of Canada. He said, “In particular, I want to thank all the mosques who have so generously pledged to raise funds again throughout the summer. It is wonderful to see so many people of diverse backgrounds and faiths come together with a single purpose to help others who are suffering and in great need.”

M r. K a s s i m a n d t h e IDRF team have been in close coordination with the President’s office to ensure its humanitarian relief is meeting the most urgent needs of the affected communities and to sustain that support for an extended period.

The team is already providing emergency relief across Guyana including in Barima-Waini, Essequibo islands; Goed Fortuin and

Canals Polder, West Bank Demerara; MahaicaMahaicony-Abary and B l a c k B u s h P o l d e r, Corentyne, Berbice; which are some of the hardest hit regions.

The funds raised are being used to provide humanitarian assistance to victims of the flooding, with an emphasis on food and the distribution to farmers of livestock such as chickens that will sustain them in future. Donations to support these efforts can be made on the IDRF website at: https://idrf.ca/project/ guyana-flood-relief/. Tax receipts will be issued for donations.

Guyana has been inundated with heavy rains since May, which has caused widespread flooding. This has caused serious flooding which has submerged roads, buildings and vehicles, and adversely affected crops and livestock, creating food

shortages and health issues.

“With the rainy season expected to continue through July, it is urgent to respond now while also developing the capacity to mitigate further suffering that additional flooding may cause,” said Shaykh Moeenul Hack, the Director of Education and Dawah for CIOG. “One of the most beautiful things we can do is to be kind to one another. Canadians have always generously responded to urgent relief appeals and we are very grateful that you are responding to the one in Guyana now.”

About International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF): IDRF is a Canadian registered charitable organisation dedicated to empowering disadvantaged people in Canada and around the world.

Founded in 1984, IDRF

has an enviable reputation as one of Canada’s best-run charities and has been recognised by third-party organisations such as the Financial Post and Money Sense for its effectiveness, efficiency and results. Find out more about IDRF’s work in its Annual Report and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. About Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG): CIOG is an organisation that is committed to the development of every section of the Guyanese society with a particular emphasis on the most vulnerable groups, and with a focus in a variety of sectors including health, education, culture, sports, housing and water. For the past 42 years, CIOG has improved the lives of thousands of poor and less fortunate people in hundreds of communities across Guyana.

...Over 100 economists call on G7 countries to end funding for fossil From page 3 Institutions, Brandeis University 20. Catherine Boemare, Research Engineer, CIRED, EHESS 21. Christian Kerschner, Dr., Assistant Professor, Modul University Vienna 22. Clair Brown, Professor, University of California Berkeley 23. Claude Henry, Professor of Sustainable Development, Sciences Po Paris and Columbia University 24. Danielle Hirsch, MSc, Both ENDS 25. Denis Dupre, Enseignant-chercheur en éthique, finance et écologie, Université de Grenoble-Alpes 26. Dirk Bezemer, Professor in Economics, University of Groningen 27. Dirk Schoenmaker, Professor, Erasmus University Rotterdam 28. Eban Goodstein, Dr., Director, MBA in Sustainability at Bard College 29. Elena Hofferberth, Dr., University of Leeds 30. Emilie Pacemakers, Dr., Assistant Professor, Utrecht University 31. Eric Pineault, Professor, Institute of Environmental Sciences, UQAM 32. Evan Friedman, Assistant Professor, University of Essex 33. Friedemann Polzin, Dr., Professor, Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) and Sustainable Finance Lab (SFL) 34. Gail Blattenberger, Associate Professor Merita, University of Utah 35. G a y l o r Montmasson-Clair, Senior Economist, Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) 36. Geoffrey Clarke, Dr., Lecturer in Economics,

Brandeis University 37. Gilles Rotillon, Professor in Economics, Université Paris Nanterre 38. Gunseli Berik, Professor, University of Utah 39. Guppi Bola, Co-director of Decolonising Economics 40. Henri Sterdyniak, Economist, Les Economistes Atterrés 41. Herman Wijffels, Dr., Professor, Utrecht University 42. Igor Shishlov, Dr., PhD in Environmental Economics, Perspectives Climate Research 43. Inge Røpke, Professor, Aalborg University 44. Irene van Staveren, Dr., Professor of Pluralist Development Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam 45. James K Boyce, Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst 46. Jason Hickel, Dr., Economic Anthropologist, Royal Society of Arts and London School of Economics 47. Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor, Columbia University 48. Jens van 't Klooster, Postdoctoral Fellow, KU Leuven 49. Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh, Dr., Professor, Univ. Autonoma de Barcelona & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 50. Jesper Jespersen, Dr., Professor, Roskilde University 51. Jim Stanford, Dr., Economist and Director, Centre for Future Work 52. John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, University of Queensland 53. Jonas Van der Slycken, Dr., Ghent University 54. Jørgen Lindgaard Pedersen, Assistant Profes-

sor Emeritus, Technical University of Denmark 55. Josh Ryan-Collins, Dr., Head of Finance and Macroeconomics and Senior Research Fellow, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) 56. Juliet Schor, PhD in Economics, Professor in Sociology, Boston College 57. Karl Behrendt, Elizabeth Creak Chair in Agri-Tech Economic Modelling, Professor, Harper Adams University 58. Kate Raworth, Senior Teaching Associate, University of Oxford 59. Keroboto B. Za'Ngoti Ogutu, Dr., Chair Energy & Prosperity postdoctoral fellow in Mathematics of Macro-economic, Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, School of Science, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri, Kenya 60. Kerstin Hötte, Dr., Oxford Martin Fellow, University of Oxford 61. Kimon Keramidas, MSc, Energy Analyst European Commission, Joint Research Centre 62. Knut Einar Rosendahl, Professor, Norwegian University of Life Sciences 63. Lukas Peter, Dr. 64. Lynda Gagne, Emeritus Professor, University of Victoria 65. Mark Campanale, Founder & Executive Chair, Carbon Tracker Initiative 66. Mark Paul, Assistant Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies, New College of Florida 67. Mark Stelzner, Assistant Professor of Economics, Connecticut College 68. Markus Krecik, Dr., Free University Berlin 69. Maxime Combes,

Economist, Author of "Let's get out of the fossil age!

Manifesto for the transition" (Seuil) 70. Maximilian Krahé, Dr., Research Assistant, Institute for Socio-Economics, University of Duisburg-Essen 71. Michael Jacobs, Professor, SPERI, University of Sheffield, U.K. 72. Michael Pirson, Associate Professor of Management, Global Sustainability, and Social Entrepreneurship, Fordham University 73. Michel Husson, Economist 74. Miklós Antal, Dr., Ecological Economist, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences 75. Mohammad Jabbar, Independent Agriculture and Food Policy Adviser/Consultant 76. Nader Habibi, Henry J. Leir Professor of the Economics of the Middle East, in the Crown Center, and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics, Brandeis University 77. Neva Goodwin, Codirector, Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University 78. Nick Fitzpatrick, Manager at Frontier Economics, Nova University

79. Noni Makuyana, CoDirector, Decolonising Economics 80. Óscar Carpintero, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Valladolid 81. Peter Newell, Professor, University of Sussex 82. Philippe Delacote, Research Director, INRAE 83. Philippe Quirion, Dr., Senior researcher, CNRS 84. Quentin Perrier, Dr., PhD in Environmental Economics 85. Rens van Tilburg, Director, Sustainable Finance Lab the Netherlands 86. Reyer Gerlagh, Professor of Environmental Economics, Tilburg University Richard Denniss, Chief Economist, Australia Institute 87. Richard Wilkinson, Professor Emeritus, University of Nottingham Medical School 88. Rick van der Ploeg, Professor of Economics, University of Oxford 89. Robert Costanza, Vice-Chancellor's Chair in Public Policy, Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University 90. Robert Freund, Theresa Seles Professor in Management Science, MIT

Sloan School of Management 91. Roebyem Anders, Social Entrepreneur, Founder Sungevity International, Stichting Schooldak en Huurdakrevolutie 92. Steve Keen, Professor, Institute for Strategy, Resilience & Security, University College London 93. Sunanda Sen, Former Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 94. Tapen Sinha, Dr., ING Commercial America Chair Professor, Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), Mexico and Chennai Mathematical Institute 95. Tate Soller, Policy Advisor - Economist, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions 96. Thimas E. Weisskopf, Professor Emeritus of Economics, University of Michigan 97. Thomas Steiner, Director, FluxusTime 98. Thomas Sterner, Professor of Environmental Economics, University of Gothenburg 99. Thure Traber, Dr., Chief Economist, Energywatchgroup 100. Tom Kompas, Professor, University of Melbourne

Saturday June 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

IPED salutes Dr. Yesu Persaud's contribution to business development T

he Institute of P r i v a t e Enterprise Development (IPED) recently unveiled a life-sized bust of Dr. Yesu Persaud, who is the Founding Chairman of IPED and served the institution from October 1985 to January 2018.

According to IPED, Dr. Persaud is a chartered accountant and a master entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to recreating and nurturing the small and micro business sector in Guyana. Kaieteur News understands that his vision led to the creation of IPED and his leadership has ensured improved livelihoods and sustainable micro and small enterprises for over 4,000 entrepreneurs across Guyana.

The unveiling of the bust, sculpted by Guyanese artist, Mr. Ivor Thom, was held at IPED's headquarters, South Road, Georgetown, and was attended by several high ranking officials including the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa; Members of the Private Sector including immediate past CEO of IPED and now Managing

Bust of Dr. Yesu Persaud being unveiled by immediate past CEO of IPED, Mr. Ramesh Persaud (left) and Senior Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh (right).

Director of DDL, Mr. Ramesh Persaud; members of the IPED Board of Directors and other special invitees.

M r. J a g e d e s h Harriprashad, CEO of IPED (Ag), in his welcoming remarks, said “Dr. Yesu Persaud served us for thirtythree of the 35 years of IPED'S existence as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Today, IPED has 96 team members and 14 offices around Guyana

Agri. Ministry inks...

From page 2 projects. He also stated that the Ministry has no intention to extend contract periods as it moves towards completing its work programme for 2021.

“I want to urge contractors to ensure these works start and finish on time. We will not be extending the time for these contracts. We want to ensure that our work programme for this year is completed. These works must also be done up to standard and according to the contract specification.

The beneficiaries of these goods and services are depending on these projects and equipment. As such, government will ensure steps are taken to guarantee the effective execution of these programmes.

We will not tolerate contractors not fulfilling their contractual obligations.

In the past, persons have expressed frustration with the delay in the completion

of contracts.

Again, I want to make it clear that delays and substandard work will not be tolerated,” Minister Mustapha said.

where we serve our country, improving livelihoods and building sustainable micro and small enterprises.”

Mr. Harriprashad added, “The unveiling of this lifesized bust is in honour of Dr. Persaud's vision, his love for country and community, his service to micro and small entrepreneurs and his leadership here at IPED.” Immediate past CEO of IPED, Mr. Ramesh Persaud, in his remarks at the c e r e m o n y s a i d , “ D r.

Persaud's great desire of helping people to help themselves is why the Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited exists today. IPED was created to ensure that micro and small business entrepreneurs improve their

livelihoods by building sustainable enterprises.”

He further expressed that “IPED is one small part of the greater accomplishments of Dr. Persaud's lifetime but I will claim unreservedly, it is one of the most meaningful contributions of his, as IPED is sustainable and will grow to benefit many more generations to come.”

T h e f e a t u r e d presentation was done by Senior Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, who said “In the very early days when the language of microenterprising was very new and people didn't even know what it meant, Dr. Yesu Persaud spotted the potential for small loans to be provided to new and emerging and aspiring

entrepreneurs and saw the tremendous impact that can have in promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and helping small businesses to grow and to emerge.”

Minister Singh remarked that Dr. Persaud is a shining example of what pushing the frontier and testing the boundaries can achieve.

Dr. Yesu Persaud in his

remarks to the gathering said, “Let me say thank you very much to the Board of Directors for setting up this event today, I am very honoured.

Over the years I have done many things in my life and since my return to Guyana one of my major accomplishments was rallying for the business community and challenging governments for the rights of business people and that is something that should never be forgotten.”

He added “I have had the honour of working with some of the greatest minds in Guyana to help build our business sector, ensuring that businesses were able to realise their potential and become what they are today.

The work was never easy, but it was needed, so that all Guyanese, no matter their geographical location could live better lives and be able to provide for their families. We must continue on our upward trajectory especially as Guyana is on the brink of economic prosperity.”

The bust remains on display in the lobby of IPED's headquarters on South Road, Georgetown.

Saturday June 12, 2021

...Quinton de Kock 141* gives South Africa From page 21 outswingers and inducing the edge, but the chance fell short of Holder at second slip.

Mulder made it to lunch but was dismissed in the third over after the break when he half-heartedly attempted a backfoot punch of Holder and was caught behind. de Kock brought up fifty in the over after that, with a push through the covers, off 98 balls. He almost lost another partner in Keshav Maharaj five balls later when Rahkeem Cornwall reviewed for a catch at short leg but the ball ballooned up off the front pad. But the bowler didn’t have to wait long to get the same dismissal: Maharaj inside-edged the next ball he faced from Cornwall to concussion substitute Kieran Powell, who took a superb one-handed low catch and brought the South African tail

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

in to bat.West Indies took the second new ball as soon as it became available and de Kock duly drove Roach for four. Rabada was less convincing and managed to clear Seales over the slips for a boundary but edged Roach to Holder at second slip four balls later. It could easily have unraveled for South Africa from there and de Kock shifted gears in anticipation. He slogged Seales or four and then plundered two sixes off the next three balls to suggest he wanted to get big runs quickly. But Nortje hung tough and worked well to keep de Kock on strike, with the pair refusing singles more than taking them. They shared in a stand of 79, the joint-highest of the match so far.

Nortje was at the other end when de Kock smashed Kyle Mayers over square leg to reach his century. He cel-

Rassie van der Dussen hits through the off side during his innings of 46 © AFP/Getty Images ebrated the milestone in the same way he did his fifty, with a gesture for rhino conservation, in which he held his bat sideways to show a Rockwood sticker - an organisation involved in sav-

Saturday June 12, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a good day to look at the big picture and discuss your ideas with others. As you walk down the street, make sure you pay attention to what's going on around you.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will be in an excellent mood, and find your positive attitude amplified as you communicate with more and more people.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Speak your mind clearly, Gemini. Other people aren't mind readers like you are. If you keep waiting for someone to figure out what you're thinking, it will be a long time before the truth comes out.

CANCER(June21–July22) You can soar to great heights on a moment's notice today, Cancer. There's a fast-paced, socially minded quality to the day that will encourage people to share more of themselves with others.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Try to see the positive in people, Leo. Relax and don't get so worked up over your internal drama. You're the one responsible for creating this turmoil. Find comfort in a creative project.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You should find that the adventurous side of you has the support of your emotions, Virgo. These two parts of your spirit are working in harmony to help you stretch beyond your limits.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Dress in your very best today, Libra. Feel free to kick up your heels and have some fun. This is a great time to communicate with friends, socialize if possible, and have a fabulous time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will find that the more peaceful and understanding you are today, the better off you will be in general. Doors will open and people will welcome you with great fanfare.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Make sure you leave things in better condition than you found them. This is a good time to tidy your personal space and the environment.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This is one of those days in which it's easier to be yourself. Don't feel like you need to change your personality to fit a situation. You naturally add an important dynamic to the group.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Communication is a key part of the day, Aquarius. You will find that a great deal of information is available to you when you ask for it.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Bring things back into balance. You've probably been so focused on yourself that you've completely forgotten about others. It's time to fill in the rest of the equation and take into account what other people feel.

ing the rhino - and made a signal with his hand, with ring finger and thumb joined and the other three fingers spread. de Kock was the only South African in the XI not to make a gesture for anti-racism at the start of the match.

Reaching the hundred freed de Kock up even more and he cleared the rope twice more against Cornwall. Then, on 118, he top-edged Holder to fine leg where Mayers took the catch, but Holder had overstepped. To add insult to injury, de Kock went on to his highest score in Test cricket with a pull over deep square, off Holder.

Holder had some cheer when Nortje lobbed a catch to Shai Hope at gully and Lungi Ngidi nicked off. In-between those dismissals de Kock boshed him over extra cover for six, his seventh of the innings, the joint-most by a South African in Tests with AB de Villiers. de Kock did not initially take the field with South Africa and Kyle Verreynne stood in as wicket-keeper for the first six overs. Verreynne was behind the stumps when Dean Elgar called for a review after Rabada hit Brathwaite on the front pad and Joel Wilson gave it not out.

Hawk-Eye showed that the ball would have gone on to hit middle stump.

The gloves had returned to de Kock when Powell ducked into a Rabada short ball and had to be checked for concussion.

Rabada would not let up and hit Powell on the knee roll with an inswinger - Elgar reviewed again, but without success. Rabada eventually got what he wanted when Powell missed a flick and was given out lbw, confirmed on review.

Nortje’s spell had started by then and he was soon in on the action. He had Hope caught at third slip, surprised by the lack of bounce on a back-of-a-length delivery, and Mayers going the same way to leave West Indies 51 for 4. Chase and Jermaine Blackwood took West Indies to the close but have plenty more to do on the third day.

...Concacaf Gold Cup Final on From page 20 the best available rates: https://book.passkey.com/ go/concacaf21.

The Gold Cup Final will be broadcast live through the Confederation’s partner networks, including Fox Sports (USA-English), Univision (USA-Spanish), OneSoccer (Canada-English), Televisa (MexicoSpanish), Futbol de Primera (USA-Spanish Radio) and other local partners in the Caribbean, Central America and the world.

The 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup will officially kick off with a new Preliminary Round (Prelims) at DRV PNK Stadium, home of Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF, between July 2-6, 2021.

In the Prelims, 12 nations

who qualified through their Concacaf Nations League performances will compete for the final three spots in the 16 team Gold Cup Group Stage.

2021 is Concacaf’s 60th anniversary year and the Gold Cup is its flagship men’s competition. The first edition was played in 1991 and the 2021 edition will be the 16th Concacaf Gold Cup. Mexico is the most successful team in Gold Cup history with eight Gold Cup titles, followed by the USA with six and Canada with one.

The current Gold Cup champion is Mexico who lifted the Cup in 2019 after defeating the US Men’s National Team 1-0 in a hardfought final at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

...Saint Kitts and Nevis seek From page 22 qualifying, as they allowed zero goals in their three matches to punch their ticket to the next round.

That resolute Haiti defense will get a massive test though against a Canada side that outscored everyone in the First Round, with a whopping 27 goals in four

games. Paced by newly crowned Ligue 1 champion Jonathan David of Lille and 2019-20 UEFA Champions League winner Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, each of whom had four goals in the First Round, Canada have the tools to come away with a good result in the first leg.

...Former GNDF President From page 23 April 2013 following a robbery just outside his home at Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt Park.

On Faye’s calendar, were the traditional Mother’s and Father’s Day competition.

She also sponsored a number of local teams for tournaments in Puerto Rico, Antigua & Barbuda and Barbados. Mrs. Joseph is survived by her five sons and two daughters. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Saturday June 12, 2021

BCB unveil historic Grounds Enhancement Project in the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association “The Berbice Cricket Board is very committed to making a positive difference and to take our cricket to another level. We accepted your decision to vote us in as

your executives and it is a mandate we take very seriously. In the history of Berbice Cricket no administration has ever worked so hard to assist

clubs as the current one and I wish to assure that in the coming months, your d i ff e r e n t c l u b s w o u l d continue to benefit even more as we unveil more

projects” Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he launched another historic programme under his leadership at the Scottsburg Cricket Ground in the Upper Corentyne SubAssociation.

The programme launched was the BCB Grounds Enhancement Project, the brainchild of Foster who disclosed that during his countywide travel, the main concern of club executives was their inability to properly prepare venues due to the lack of grass cutting equipment.

He noted that many matches in the past had to be postponed due to this problem and as such the BCB was determined to correct it.

Under the programme, the BCB would be distributing at least 24 grass cutters to the four SubAssociations in the county.

Foster stated that West Berbice, Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne and New Amsterdam/ Canje would share the cutters with the two

Corentyne areas getting more due to the large amount teams playing there.

Five of the cutters were handed over to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association on Thursday to launch the programme and Foster committed himself to donating another three in the near future. He disclosed that the BCB had received assistance from long time sponsor Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, Businessman Jason Sripal of J Supermarket and had also used some of its own funds for the much needed project.

The BCB President cautioned the clubs present to take care of the equipment and not to use them for personal work and to appreciate the hard work of his executive over the last three years. Clubs in the Ancient County have benefitted from donations of cricket gears, water pitchers, coaching equipment, bicycles, stumps, scoring books, educational materials, trophies, medals and balls among other items from the Board at a combined cost of over 15

million dollars.

The BCB season for 2021 would restart as soon as the weather improves and most importantly, when the majority of players are fully vaccinated against the covid19 virus. The board has successfully hosted 19 finals for this year before the season was suspended due to the rising covid-19 cases and another 23 tournaments are on hold at the junior, female and senior levels. Public Relations Officer, Simon Naidu expressed thanks to Dr Singh and Jason Sripal for their support of the special project. UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade hailed the outstanding leadership of the BCB and described Foster as a remarkable leader who is always on the ground to listen, advice and offer solutions.

He stated that no other BCB leader has visited his Sub-Association as much as the current President who has paid over 100 visits since his election in 2018.

Presentations of cutters would be made shortly to the other Sub-Associations.

Concacaf Gold Cup Final on August 1 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium sells out in 90 minutes Miami, FL - Las Vegas yesterday proved unequivocally that it IS a “soccer town,” and it only took 90 minutes. Only days after a capacity crowd and huge TV audience witnessed a thrilling Concacaf Nations League Final in Denver, Colorado, Concacaf yesterday announced that the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Final scheduled for August 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is sold out.

The Gold Cup Final becomes the fastest sellout in tournament history, and the first sellout for a sporting event at Allegiant Stadium.

All general seating tickets sold in just 90 minutes after going on sale to the general public. More than 60,000 fans are expected at the Final.

Limited suite and premium seating opportunities are still available by calling 1-800RAIDERS (select option 2) or via email at allegiantstadiumsales@raid ers.com. For more information regarding VIP

hospitality packages, please visit this link.

Tickets for all other Gold Cup matches, including the group stage and knockout games are still on sale by v i s i t i n g https://www.concacaf.com/ gold-cup/tickets/.

“After a week that saw a compelling Concacaf Nations League Final attended by a capacity crowd and viewed on TV by millions of fans, we look forward to what will surely be an unforgettable 2021 Gold Cup this summer,” said Concacaf General Secretary, Philippe Moggio. “The pinnacle of the tournament will be the Gold Cup Final at Las Vegas’ brand new Allegiant Stadium. We know that we are in a fortunate position to have fans back in stadiums, and we are thrilled with such a fast sell-out as we can now look forward to a great crowd enjoying the competition’s championship match. The huge demand is a testament to Las Vegas being a first-class destination, Allegiant Stadium being a

spectacular venue and of course the commitment of fans who love the game and passionately follow the Gold Cup,” added Moggio.

“The Concacaf Gold Cup Final is another marquee event at Allegiant Stadium and we’re excited that the event sold out in record time,” said Raiders President Marc Badain.

“The success of the Gold Cup Final speaks volumes about the allure of Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium for global sports and entertainment.”

As part of the day’s festivities, fans with tickets will be urged to arrive early to avoid traffic and long waits, and to stop by the Fan Zone presented by Toyota for a chance to win premium items, play games and take a picture with the Gold Cup trophy.

Fans with tickets planning to attend the Gold Cup Final in Las Vegas should book their rooms with MGM Resorts International via this link for (Continued on page 19)

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Quinton de Kock 141* gives South Africa control - Rabada, Nortje strike twice after before West Indies stutter again home side concede 225-run deficit ESPNcricinfo - South Africa were six wickets away from an innings victory in the first Test in St Lucia after Quinton de Kock’s career-best 141 not out gave them a lead of 225.

In his first innings since being relieved of the captaincy, de Kock batted with freedom and assurance to take South Africa to their third total over 300 in their last nine Tests.

After de Kock brought up his sixth Test century, and first since October 2019, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje took two each to leave West Indies well behind on a surface that had improved for batting. Though there was early seam movement on offer, it lessened as the ball got older and West Indies’ attack was unable to cause the same problems

they encountered on day one.

The hosts were also less disciplined in line and length than their visitors and only Roston Chase conceded at fewer than three runs an over. Contrastingly, across both West Indies innings so far, only Nortje’s economy rate was above three runs an over. And West Indies had to contend with the brilliance of de Kock, who appeared unburdened from last season, when leadership weighed on him. de Kock set the tone when he cut the first ball of the day, short and wide from Kemar Roach, through point for four and then drove the last ball of the over, full on middle, past mid-off for four more. It took West Indies five overs to find their rhythm and they conceded 24 runs in that period, before

Jayden Seales sent down a maiden.

Kraigg Brathwaite took that as his cue to introduce spin and brought Chase on at the other end. In his second over, Chase almost got rid of

de Kock, who missed a sweep, was hit on the pads and given out lbw by Gregory Brathwaite but reviewed. Replays showed de Kock, on 23 at the time, gloved the ball onto his pad

and the decision was overturned.

Jason Holder kept the pressure on with a tight line outside off and was rewarded with the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen, who outside-

edged to gully before Brathwaite brought back Roach and Seales for bursts before lunch. Seales was particularly impressive, testing Wiaan Mulder with (Continued on page 19)

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Saturday June 12, 2021

Saint Kitts and Nevis seek new heights vs. El Salvador ‘Golden Jaguar’ Omari Glasgow challenges a Kittian player for the ball in their FIFA WCQ match on Friday June 4th at Warner Park in St. Kitts. Franklin Wilson photo

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iami, Florida – The Second Round of C o n c a c a f Wo r l d C u p Qualifying for Qatar 2022 kicks off today with Saint Kitts and Nevis hosting El Salvador in the first leg of their two-legged series at Warner Park in Basseterre.

The Sugar Boyz have not been this close to the final round of CWCQ since Germany 2006 when they reached the Third Round. A new generation of players is now looking to lift the Caribbean side to new heights after an impressive first-place finish in their group in the First Round in which they finished ahead of the likes of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

A stingy defense that yielded just two goals in four games served as the bedrock, while Keithroy Freeman’s four goals provided a spark up top. In El Salvador, the islanders can expect a very sturdy test. The Cuscatlecos are no strangers to this stage of WCQ and will be aiming to reach the final round of qualifying since South Africa 2010.

With 13 goals scored and just one conceded, El Salvador marched to a firstplace finish in Group A, as David Rugamas led the way

with six goals. A positive result on Saturday would make for a more comfortable return leg at home for the Central Americans.

Curacao out to block Panama’s World Cup return - 2018 FIFA World Cup participant Panama’s quest for a return to football’s biggest stage continues today when they face Curacao in the first leg of the Second Round of C o n c a c a f Wo r l d C u p Qualifying for Qatar 2022 at the Estadio Nacional Rod Carew in Panama City, Panama.

The Canaleros advanced past the First Round of WCQ with great authority, winning Group D with a perfect 4W0D-0L record, scoring 19 goals and conceding just one. Among the players leading the way was Gabriel Torres, who scored four goals and was one of 11 different goalscorers for Panama in the First Round.

Panama are always strong at home in WCQ and have won their last four WCQ while playing on home soil. Curacao will be a unique challenge in that it will be the first ever meeting between the two nations.

The Caribbean side nosed out Guatemala for first-place in Group C in the

First Round, scoring 15 goals and conceding one along the way. Charlison Benschop provided three goals in the First Round to lead the team, while the likes of Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna also add plenty of spark to the attack.

Familiar foes Haiti and Canada set to duel in WCQ - A pair of familiar foes will take to the field today to start the Second Round of C o n c a c a f Wo r l d C u p Qualifying for Qatar 2022, with Haiti hosting Canada at the Stade Sylvio Cator in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

While there isn’t a very long history between the two nations, there is no shortage of excitement when they meet on the field. Nearly two years ago, Haiti and Canada produced one of the most memorable Concacaf Gold Cup matches in history when Les Grenadiers rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to top Canada 3-2 in the 2019 Gold Cup quarterfinals.

With that match still fresh in everyone’s memory, this two-legged series should make for a dramatic 180 minutes of football, beginning with Haiti’s home leg today. Haiti’s defense could not have been better in the First Round of (Continued on page 19)

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Key findings from Women in Basketball survey

A

release from the G u y a n a A m a t e u r Basketball Federation (GABF) has detailed that FIBA is committed to having more Women in Basketball across all sectors of the sport and as such has published a comprehensive survey that provides critical insight into the current state of the women’s game.

The baseline survey, presented to FIBA’s 213 National Federation members, has enabled FIBA to measure and evaluate the global landscape of women’s basketball, with the purpose of the review to aid in informing and tailoring strategic implementation plans for FIBA. FIBA’s aim is to increase the number of women playing, coaching and officiating, to grow the number of fans of the women’s game and to ensure that more women are involved in the governance

Patrick Haynes of the sport within the FIBA family.

In 2019, FIBA identified eight strategic objectives for the 2019-2027 cycle at its Congress.

As part of the strategic p r i o r i t y, Wo m e n i n Basketball, FIBA has published the Women in Basketball Survey Report 2020, which provides updates on key activities for FIBA’s Regional Offices and fact sheets detailing specifics for each National Federation, as well as a global snapshot focusing on how the survey results will

feed into the goals of the Wo m e n i n B a s k e t b a l l strategy.

The survey featured 130 questions, which covered several topics from players and national teams, clubs and domestic competitions, t o g o v e r n a n c e , communications, marketing and operational structures.

The online survey was sent to all National Federations in May 2020 and completed by 172 members with data collection finishing in November 2020.

The data received regarding competitions and National Federation’s status referred to the season of 2019/20, prior to the COVID outbreak.

Some of the key highlights from the report include: 83% of National Federations have a senior women’s national team; 3x3 popularity is growing incredibly fast, with 23 nations represented at the first season of the FIBA 3x3

Flashback! Jada Mohan (left) and Coach Lugard Mohan during a session in 2017.

Women’s Series in 2019, with stops at 15 different locations around the world; 8.1 million fans on FIBA’s women’s events websites in 2019; USA tops the standings with 1.8 million licensed female players registered by their National Federation, with Japan, France, Spain, Australia and Russia.

The GABF’s General

RHTY&SC cricket teams continue to make a positive difference

RHTY&SC’s Hilbert Foster hands over one of the fans to Father Ramesh Vanan of St Francis.

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he eleven (11) cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) over the past week continued their community developmental programmes by reaching out to two organisations in the Ancient County.

The club’s Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu who has direct responsibility for the teams, informed that they strongly believe that the more you give, the more blessings you would receive. Most importantly, the club wants its members to understand that it is their civil duty to make a positive difference in society while being positive role models and mentors to their peers.

The teams handed over six overhead fans to the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church of Port Mourant and a grass cutter to the Humanitarian Mission of Babu John, Port Mourant.

The teams also donated 60

food hampers to the Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall Town for distribution to residents of the Township affected by flooding.

Naidu stated that the Catholic Community of Port Mourant holds a special place in the history of Guyana’s leading youth and sports club as it was the church youth club that founded the RHTY&SC in 1990. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster also remains a committed Roman Catholic who is determined to return his church to its former glory in Port Mourant.

The fans were installed and handed over to Parish Priest Ramesh Vanan who expressed gratitude to the club. Head of the Humanitarian Mission, Suresh Sugrim contacted the club for assistance in the form of a grass cutter and his request was granted within two hours.

Foster and Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall handed over the grass cutters

Foster and Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall hands over grass cutter to the Administrator of the Humanitarian Mission. on behalf of the teams to Administrator of the Mission, Ms Raj Sugrim who explained that with a very large compound, the mission is forced to use limited funds to clean the compound on a regular basis. The donation of the grass cutter would be a major boost to the work of the Mission and he {Sugrim} wished the 11 teams of the club all the success on and off the cricket field.

Foster who is also President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), stated that no other club in the history of cricket in Guyana has made a positive difference like the RHTY&SC and he called on his fellow members to uphold their proud record of serving others.

RHTY&SC has produced a combined 107 players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies. Among the players currently playing

for the club are Kevin Sincalir, Kevlon Anderson, Keith Simpson, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Jonathan Rampersaud, Slyus Ty n d a l l , S h e n e e t a Grimmond, Shabaki Gajnabi and Delbert Hicks.

The official sponsors of the teams who over the past 25 years have won a combined 101 tournaments are Poonai Pharmacy, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Pepsi, Metro, Vitality Inc and the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO).

The teams are - Poonai Pharmacy U-12 and 13, Farfan and Mendes U-15, Bakewell U-17 and Second Division, Pepsi U-19 and Intermediate, Vitality Inc. U23, Metro Females, Namilco Thunderbolt Flour U-21 and First Division are mandated by the management of the club to successfully complete over three hundred small projects each year as part of their personal development programmes.

Secretary Patrick Haynes in a release to the media noted that, “The GABF is determined to promote gender equality in basketball and to use the potential of the sport to promote equality in its broadest sense.

We intend to use this report as an invaluable input into the GABF’s strategic priorities. We are confident that will lead to the

implementation of a women’s national championship and increased number of women playing basketball and 3x3 basketball in Guyana.”

The survey report gives detailed insights into the current state of play and will be used to develop future initiatives to further increase the role of women across all levels of the sport.

Former GNDF President Faye Joseph laid to rest ‘Former President of Guyana National Dominoes Federation (GNDF), 54 year-old Faye Joseph was laid to rest yesterday at the La Repentir cemetery following a funeral service which was held at the Transport Sports Club.

Joseph, who transitioned on July 4, last, served as President of the Georgetown Dominoes Association for a number of years before being elected as President of the GNDF; she also served as a Vice President of the World Council of Dominoes Federation.

Many lauded her for the strength and courage she showed both as a citizen and while serving the dominoes fraternity. Radio and TV Personality Allan Fenty and dominoes veteran Orrin Boston gave remarks while members of her family and the dominoes fraternity paid tribute. Joseph’s daughter, Oshantti recalled many lessons taught by her late mother and said they will ensure her legacy lives on.

She said Faye used to repeat the words, “Honour thy mother and father and your days will be good,” on many occasions whilst thanking her relatives and friends for their support.

Pastor Dil Mohamed delivered the sermon and

told those present that while there is no guarantee on life, they must put their trust in God. He urged the mourners to be prepared for the challenges ahead stating that while time and opportunity is given to all we must make full use of it, and reminded that the words of God will remain forever.

Joseph, who served the dominoes fraternity with excellence, took the game to another level with her astute leadership. She sponsored many tournaments and rendered support to the national female team that won the World Council of Dominoes Federation threehand title in Antigua in 2008.

The late Joseph also served as President of the Blue Bird Club and represented Guyana at the World Council tournament held in 2012 in Orlando, Florida USA whilst also turning 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 gunshot wounds in (Continued on page 19)

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