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June 17, 2022 - Vol. 24 No. 27 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 71,503

...President to empanel commissioners Tuesday

Unable to honour work commitments…

Govt. instructs CGX to give up Demerara,

Berbice oil blocks School girl ends life after being raped by taxi driver

Jagdeo hoping non-oil sectors will meet growth projections New Bail Foreigners using Bill quashes local banking police 72 hour system to exploit custody rule domestic economy ...suspect must be taken before the court within 24 hours for serious offences

Oil companies recover US$355.7M to be for decommissioning ...more taken out costs in two years annually

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Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

Oil companies recover US$355.7M for decommissioning costs in two years

The Liza Destiny operating in the Liza Phase One Project .

...more to be taken out annually For 2020 and 2021, ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Group, have recovered a whopping U S $ 3 5 5 . 7 M f o r

decommissioning costs which would be incurred in another 18 years for the Liza Phase One Project.

Decommissioning entails the removal of all equipment used for the extraction and production of oil and gas resources as well as the safe abandonment of wells involved. The activity takes place when the life of the project comes to an end.

Based on its 2021 financial statements, Exxon's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) recovered $15.2B in 2020 and $17B in 2021 for decommissioning costs associated with the Liza One Project. It therefore means that its total take for the two years was US$160M. Its partners also recovered monies too.

Though their financial results have not been made public as yet, Kaieteur News was able to calculate their take based on the percentage of working interest they hold in the Stabroek Block. With Hess' 30 percent stake, it recovered approximately US$106.7M while CNOOC's 25 percent working interest would be equivalent to US$89M being r e c o v e r e d f o r decommissioning.

During a recent engagement with media operatives, ExxonMobil Guyana acknowledged that decommissioning funds are not needed until 20 to 30 years down the line. Be that as it may, the company noted that the provisions of the 2016 Stabroek Block deal allow for early recovery. The oil giant assured nonetheless that when Guyana needs that money for clean up. It said

the country would not be left to handle same.

It said too that a Decommissioning Security Agreement is being sorted with government to ensure only the companies are held liable and that the country is indemnified. The company said, “This agreement will ensure all the funds are in place to pay for the costs when they are needed couple decades from now.” EEPGL concluded that neither the people Guyana nor the Government have no reason to be worried.

In a previous interview, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had said that he has no qualms about early r e c o v e r y o f decommissioning costs as long as the companies are using it to reduce loans taken to support the Stabroek Block development. Once it is put to productive use, the VP said he has no issue. “It is all fungible,” he had said.

WARNING Given the magnitude of the money to be recovered a n n u a l l y f o r decommissioning, Guyana has been warned by international actors to put the necessary provisions in place to ensure what is being deducted is not inflated and that when the time comes, Guyana would not be left to foot any part of the bill.

Such a warning has been issued time and again by Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo. If Guyana does not safeguard itself, Sanzillo warned that Exxon could easily walk away with more than it deserves on decommissioning.

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

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Foreigners using local banking system to exploit domestic economy

By Gary Eleazar Foreigners are currently in Guyana undercutting locals with regards the provision of goods and services for the country's nascent oil and gas sector to the point where the local banking system is also being to exploit the domestic economy.

The development has since been described as c o n c e r n i n g b y Vi c e President Bharrat Jagdeo when pressed with the state of affairs during a press engagement at the Office of the President.

The Vice President was presented with a hypothetical state of affairs wherein a foreigner travels to Guyana, invests US$1M in the country, takes a loan from the country and repatriates that money back to his homeland.

To this end, it would mean that Guyana's currency taken from its domestic banking system would now be used to carry on the business, earning more profits to be also be repatriated from Guyana.

Under the laws of Guyana, a foreign investor is prohibited from borrowing from the domestic banking system in order to invest locally, unless permission is had.

According to the Vice President, “I understand the concern, I understand it.”

He sought to explain however saying “when you operate and open economy in most countries, there are no restrictions on borrowing

based on nationality; they are based on the project so it's up to the bank to secure good projects and to make money available to people.”

Borrowing, he insisted is “not based on nationality, if that's the case, a lot of our people may not be able to borrow. Like you go and invest in the US, you have a company here, they can do the same thing here, a Guyanese going to the US will be able to do the very same thing.”

He noted however, “I understand the point about people bringing in money if they are coming here, understand that point fully.”

Vice President Jagdeo elaborated further saying, “as a Guyanese, I subscribe to that but as Vice President and member of the government, it's a different issue.”According to Jagdeo, “when you run a country and an economy, you can't make these prohibitions, if we do that then there is no reciprocity.”

Speaking to measures that have been taken to prevent foreigners undermining the local economy, Jagdeo pointed to the fact that in over two decades, there has been no issuance of Licences for Commercial Banks as against that of a Merchant Bank.

He explained saying that in the case of a Merchant Bank, it would have to use its own funds to provide loans and not take deposits.

“Since I was at the Ministry of Finance (pre1999), we have not issued a

new commercial bank license because that means if you issue a commercial bank license from a company from abroad, a bank they will come here and take Guyanese deposits and could put our deposits at risk.”

He said, “we have licensed a merchant bank where they can only bring money into the country; they are non-depositary taking institutions so they can collect deposits from Guyanese. They can only bring in money to lend to people.”

According to Jagdeo, this was because of the same reasons highlighted and cited as example the same thing happening in Jamaica s o m e d e c a d e s ago.Elucidating further, Jagdeo used the occasion to recall that during the 80s and 90s, Jamaica “issued so many commercial bank licenses that they balkanize t h e s e c t o r, ” a n d t h e government ended up with

the debt because they couldn't allow the investors to lose their money.

He told reporters that faced with such a situation, the Jamaican government ended up having to pay out some US$3B which ended up sapping economic growth in the country for some time.

As such, “we have been very cautious on these commercial bank licenses but we are a bit more liberal now on the merchant banking.”According to Jagdeo, this was in reaction to the concerns raised, “putting our own depositor's money at risk.”

He told members of the media, that there are some foreigners that have come to Guyana and have sought and received permission to secure loans from the domestic banking system According to Jagdeo, there are presently many people trying to bypass the local content legislation but cautioned that, “The banks

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

too want to lend to a lot of these people.”

He explained saying banks make money by lending, “they are looking for any project; they don't d i s c r i m i n a t e .

The Vice President did express the view, “…would prefer people bring in capital but the reality is sometimes people do come and sometimes they do borrow here.”

Friday June 17, 2022

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

The VP promises, we shall see

T

he Hon. Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, made a promise in a press conference he held on Wednesday (June 15) (“Secretive largescale mining contracts must be made public on request Jagdeo…promises to activate Freedom of Information Act” KN June 16).

It is not the first time the Vice President has made a promise involving serious matters with national significance, and our hope is that this time, he will honour his promise.

Time will tell soon enough and one way or another.

We have every intention of holding Mr. Jagdeo to that promise given in clear language, on this occasion, a most refreshing change from how he has been in the past. Mr. Jagdeo said that, “the contracts are with the agencies”, which means the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the office of the Commissioner of Information; he expressed a thought that the contracts in question might be with the Guyana and Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) which, like the GRA, were the agencies of the State that would have signed off on them, since they involved concessions, among other things.

When taken together, and if this is accurate, then three national entities, at least, have copies of these contracts with large-scale mining companies that are mainly foreign in origins.

The fact that the contracts were in such hands, and that there have been ongoing public calls to put them into the open, but those have failed to gain any reaction (until the VP's Wednesday press conference) from any place or anyone is not reassuring in the least.

It as if the official stance was 'ask for it first, then come and get it, if it is really wanted.' We will not make any judgments about why this was so, or why this is only coming out now.

The point is that Vice President Jagdeo has spoken, and his word was that the contracts are there, and they should be made available for inspection and more. After all, those contracts are the property of the Guyanese people, and they have a right to any kind of scrutiny that they determine to be fit.

Specifically, the Vice President was also keen to note that “we passed just before I left office a Freedom of Information Act” and “I am going to talk to the President (Irfaan Ali) that we put in place a mechanism to operationalise (the freedom of information provisions) if it is not in place already.” There ought to be no question, or issue, about the urgency “to operationalise” the FOIA if this was not already done.

Regardless of what is the state with this possible spanner in the works (“operationalise”), we will not criticise, but take at face value what the Vice President said. We do regret, however, that getting an understanding of where issues of these kinds stand, and gaining access to what is due, has become the equivalent of pulling teeth. In a truly functioning democracy and with what comes from the mouths of powerful leaders, this just should not be.

We find it hard to believe, much more to digest, that despite the public clamor from this paper and other dogged Guyanese and outside sources, nobody was forthcoming, not a single senior public servant (or politician) said a word. We take that in stride, and agree with the Vice President when he said that, “I think that the reporters have to start utilising more that provision, I am going to make sure that we discuss this seriously.” We react to this in three ways.

The first is that media professionals must do more digging to get to the source of information possibly there, and waiting for the unearthing.

The second is that we are surprised that the Vice President himself could have failed to hear the loud and repeated calls to make public the contracts signed with large-scale foreign mining companies. We know that we have done so more than a handful of times. And the third is that the Vice President shared that he will “make sure that we discuss this seriously.”

We take him seriously, and will study where all this leads, if only to ensure that it is not just talk.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

A contract is a contract

DEAR EDITOR, As a person initially on the side of getting Exxon to renegotiate for a better oil contract, the bottom line is that signed contracts are legally binding documents.

Again, they are legally binding.

We can't just have contracts changed because they are totally in favour of one side.

I would bet that the Exxon team that negotiated the one sided oil deal, all got bonuses for what they were able to get out of Guyana.

The oil companies brought the brightest who are well versed in negotiation tactics.

It's done all the time in developing countries.

The white man is ruthless when it comes to business deals.

They aim to win, and at all costs, especially if they

know the opposing side is weak.

Guyana obviously was represented by someone and other individuals who were easily duped, and truly ignorant on how business is conducted by international conglomerates.

Totally clueless. Should Exxon be blamed for rolling over Guyana, with their oil deals; because the Guyanese representation was totally unprepared?

That is a fair question to ask. We should also be concerned with the many international deals currently being signed.

We don't exactly have a professional habit of reading through the fine details of complex contracts until 03:00a.m, like the international businessmen; and I would bet that most of the ministerial heads - DO

NOT have the seasoned staff that are up until the early hours in the morning making sure that international signed contracts are in the countries favour.

Guyana's public service is lacking these kinds of personnel, besides they seem to prefer posing for pictures in the papers, with contracts in hand.

Somehow, I doubt there are seasoned international advisors either. Maybe that is why so many contracts are secret.

We obviously still have a lot to learn on the global stage.

Picketing on the road in Guyana for a better oil contract gets little traction with the likes of Exxon.

If we need Exxon to budge on their contract (maybe), then the terms of the contract need to be in the

International News print, so the world can see how bad it is for this country.

American companies, no matter how small, hate bad publicity, and tend to react when they are viewed negatively in the news.

Someone has to write an article about the contract in the international news media, to bring attention to it.

But then again, as bad as the contract is, we should be prepared to answer this question: Whose fault is it, that Exxon and the other oil companies have gotten the very best from these signed deals, when the game is to play to win and that G u y a n a w a s represented by a "team" that was hopelessly incompetent?

Chi Kansi

We support Glenn Lall DEAR EDITOR, I read with intense interest the response by Attorney-at-Law Mohamed R. Ali in response to the Attorney General's attempt to prevent the Court from hearing a case brought by Kaieteur News Publisher,

Glenn Lall challenging what too many of us seem to be a lopsided agreement and us not obtaining taxes due to us by the oil giants.

I am not a lawyer but providing this letter is not in breach of our judicial system, I hereby state that

everyone I have spoken to and here I speak for them and myself, support Publisher Glenn Lall's bravery and patriotism.

For many of us, this is a matter of public interest and all we ask, as we support Glenn Lall, is for justice to

be done, come what may, so that our children and their children can benefit from this oil given to us by a good and generous God. Let the struggle continue.

Hamilton Green

Friday June 17, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Minister Edghill responds to We need a bipartisan/national inaccuracies and falsehoods committee to decide allocation of national assets of Annette Ferguson DEAR EDITOR, I respond to a letter published on June 13, 2022 in this publication captioned “An attempt to erase the legacy of the Coalition Government because of political immaturity” I must say, this is indeed another failed attempt by the author of the letter to bring some redemption to a former administration which can only be remembered for its blatant attempt to trick the Guyanese people. In the author’s first line, “Sometimes it bothers me to comprehend the level a few Political Leaders will stoop to propagate lies to confuse the minds of Guyanese.”

I believe that line best suits the former administration, to which the author belongs.

Editor, I will not respond line for line, but I bring to your attention documented evidence by way of records from the Transport and Harbours Department in response to the accusations made by Ms. Ferguson in her letter.

1. People’s Progressive Party Civic Government, failed to address high costs of vehicular fares for residents of Mahaica-Berbice and East Berbice-Corentyne Regions., 2. The People’s Progressive Party Civic Government, under President Donald Ramotar did not lower the tolls for the Berbice Bridge Crossing and 3. Former Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, was adamant in opposing the calls for fare reductions. All of which, she stated occurred on or before May 17, 2014.

Editor, here are those documented records from T&HD operations in Regions Five and Six. -From March 2012 to January 2013, Shanti (contracted) and Alford’C’ (MARAD speed boat) provided service to residents of both regions.

-From March 5th2012 to January 25th2013, the M.B. Sandaka operated between New Amsterdam and Rosignol.

-And from 2013 to 2015, the M.B. Bonasika operated between New Amsterdam and Rosignol

Now, let me remind Ms. Ferguson that on April 6th, 2020, that it was the CARETAKER APNU Government which restricted the movement of citizens from those regions when it callously instructed that the T&HD Berbice operations be suspended.

Editor, the evidence has been laid out and it will show that there can be no attempt to erase any legacy of anything or anyone, especially that Ms. Ferguson’s accusations are riddled with inaccuracies and falsehoods.

Editor, this statement:”On taking office in August 2020, without any justifiable reason, the Ministry of Public Works pulled the water taxis, returning hardship and challenges to those who benefitted from the services.”…

Again, I must refer Ms. Ferguson to the records of the T&HD. Those records show clearly that it was the CARETAKER APNU Government, to which she belongs who brought hardship on the Guyanese people when it suspended the Berbice Ferry Service.

Editor, I implore Ms. Ferguson to get her facts straight, as the PPP/C Administration never stopped the Berbice Ferry Service, maybe the former minister believes that a lie spoken over and over can become truth.

Russian novelist, Fyodor Dostoevsky said: “Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others.

Editor, the PPP/C Admin-

istration, under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will continue to engage citizens and form policies for the benefit of every man, woman and child in this great nation.

If Ms. Ferguson desires to be credited as the first to commission the water taxis, then by all means, take that credit, as I have no desire to receive such credits, but only to work for the people of Guyana, who have placed their confidence in the PPP/C Administration when they voted us into office. I believe service to people is service to God, and that I will continue doing.

Allow me time to also update Ms. Ferguson, even if she refuses to acknowledge this truth. Since coming into office, the PPP/C Administration has been focused on ways to better the lives of Guyanese: In 2020, over $50 billion in disposable income returned to citizens by way of reversal of measures which caused much hardships to citizens. VAT on data was removed, VAT on water and electricity was removed. Government also reduced the cost of licensing and permits annually in 2020 as well.

In 2021, $2.6 billion was set aside to assist pensioners, persons benefitting from public assistance and persons living with disabilities. A oneoff cash grant of $25,000 for over 65,000 pensioners and an additional 25,000 for public assistance recipients and persons living with disabilities.

This year, $1.8 billion in relief measures was allocated for persons living in hinterland communities, as well as for farmers. $1 billion worth of fertilizer was set aside for (Continued on page 6)

DEAR EDITOR, The recent debacle of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) losing its land on which its new head office would have been built is cause for concern about how State assets are doled out, the lack of transparency, and lack of full disclosure.

It w a s r e p o r t e d t h a t when GRA Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia was contacted by Stabroek News and asked about the developments, he responded, “that question is best answered by the Ministry of Finance.”Probed furt h e r, h e t e r s e l y s a i d , “Like I said, that question is best answered by the Ministry of Finance.”

The Government was not answering newspaper questions about the deal b u t t h e a l m i g h t y Vi c e President disclosed this week that the new GRA Headquarters will be constructed at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and three hotels will be built on the State land, which was previously earmarked for this project at Pattensen, ECD. The State-earmarked land at Pattensen for the GRA Headquarters had been transferred to hotel developer Pasha Global of Suriname.

Jagdeo revealed that the two other hotels, that will occupy the State land at Pattensen, belong to Edmond Braithwaite, a Guyanese living overseas and a Barbadian company.

I do not think the needs

of private and foreign businesses trounces the national interest.

GRA is the most important agency collecting revenue for the Government.

How do private hotels have priority over Guyana’s needs?

Why would the Government go out of its way to commandeer State land for private hotels by moving a national project?

This Government does not yet understand that transpare n c y i s i m portant and when you act in a secretive manner, people think you h a v e something to hide. It w as the lack of transparency that put Guyana in a mess when the PNC signed the bad oil contracts, which were kept secret.

The Opposition was n o t c o nsulted or involved. N e v e r a g a i n should any one party in Government make such major unilateral action involving high value national resources – natural resources, minerals, land. Any Third Force party must promise to create a transparent mechanism for allocation and award of national assets, through a committee or board with broad representation.

This will bring t r a n s p a r e n c y, d i s c l o sure, and consensus, as

well as preventing a situation where one Government plans projects and a new Government cancelling such plans as happened with the Amaila Project and the Specialty Hospital.

When Government g i v e s a way national assets, they must release the documents showing the terms and conditions.

We have no disclosures on the GRA land about whether it’s a sale, a lease and what Guyana is getting.

We a l s o d o n o t know what Guyana is getting from the deal in which the Enmore Packaging Plant was given to private intere s ts.

The Packaging Plant was supposed to help GuySuCo turn around its fortunes, yet the Government was willing to give that away to private interests.

We hear of three big new foreign companies coming in to cart away our gold, but do not have full disclosures of the deals.

Maybe the “Maytag Man,” the Information C o m m i s s i o n e r, c an take time from his hectic schedule to get all this information for us.

It’s our wealth and our country, and we should care about how national assets are doled out. Wake up Guyana!

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

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Kaieteur News

Presidents must comport themselves with a modicum decorum DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the article titled, “Oil blocks question by farmer angers Pres. Ali in Bartica” (KN June 16). If only for a lingering moment, this country’s head of state lost his head, had difficulty maintaining an even keel, and forgot to remember the high office that he holds. I remind His Excellency that he should take the greatest care, exercise the utmost patience, not to come across as a low street brawler, or a regular rum shop quarreler.

After all, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is the President, and both protocol and the etiquette of statesmanship, compels him to afford digni-

fied reception to any question from any corner on any subject. Including those from naysayers; and no matter how controversial the question, or the seeming provocation that interferes with his spirit, that should never be enough for him to lose his cool in the raucous manner that he did.

Editor, Presidents are obliged to conduct themselves with a modicum of decorum.

I remind Guyana’s President that he is not the lord of some feudal manner, who can talk down to citizens, or in any way that suits his whims and moods of the moment. His bearing must at all times be dignified, but of that, I do not

have any expectations. End of story. Obviously, the current President has learned well from the past one about the abrasive and abusive; and if all that it takes is a simple inquiry to send him off the deep end, then I would humbly caution him not to try that with people made of sterner stuff, and maybe higher learning than his sole female questioner.

If a question about oil blocks can get our grand leader to this heaving state, then he may have inadvertently opened the door to a barrage of relentless probing ones that are sure to get under his skin, and make him want to get even with verbal

Blessings from a sincere Minister DEAR EDITOR, One could not help but be impressed by the sincerity of expression by the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources in his address to the Guyana Marine Conservation Society. His was this conviction that “Guyana is blessed…we are all blessed”. Some listeners would however observe that he totally overlooked his colleagues’ hesitancy in urging the Private Sector to agreeing a minimum wage of the ridiculous sum of $60,000 per month, while their respective members boast of how profitable are their operations, while ignoring the increasing cost of daily survival. They certainly lead their Caricom counterparts in this undesirable compensation competition.

But the Honourable Minister could not have taken into account the stilted amounts doled out monthly to (disabled) pensioners, too many of whom are bereft of any family or other support.

On the other hand, there are the more vigorous and insightful observers who point to the concentration of investment in the development

in Regions Three and Six – the latest being $2Bn in road works – by 57 selected contractors.

Apart from wondering where and how the latter existed before, the observant would miss any reference to prospects of comparable development in Regions Four and Ten, blessed as these communities are supposed to be. Notably also the citizens of Region Four have not been ‘blessed’ with any ‘grants’ – a gesture indicative of a (blessed) selective ‘unity’ of our peoples! Incidentally, the French word ‘blesser’ means ‘to wound’. If that interpretation is however correct then the (former) security guard,

who is reduced to making a personal complaint about being assaulted by the ‘secured’ resident, should be considered as truly ‘blessée’.

When was her employment terminated, by whom, and how?

What compensation was offered to this spiritually ‘blessée’ human being? Do we have a choice – between being ‘blessed’ and ‘blessé’? Of the ten interpretations seen in edition of the Oxford Dictionary the word ‘blessed’ is said to mean ‘not have a penny to bless oneself with’, ‘to be desperately poor’.

Elijah Bijay

Explanations bring much clarity to contentious issues DEAR EDITOR, The clear, lucid and sound explanations offered b y t h e C h a i r as to why GECOM cannot investigate the 2020 Elections, based on the Constitution, GECOM’s mandate and legal thinking and reasoning, brings much clarity and understanding to a contentious issue.

The bottom line is,

GECOM is not an elections court and cannot investigate an election. However, it can look at and review its processes, systems and procedures with a view to strengthening weaknesses in the conduct of elections. So now that is out of the way, GECOM can move on to matters in keeping with its mandate.

Shamshun Mohamed

tormentors.

As I wrap my arms around what took place, it was that the President would brook no heresy (as identified by him alone) that collides with his script; and, indeed, it is a script that he has, the product of other people’s powers and pens.

All the person asked for was a straightforward answer, and more importantly, a clean, convincing one. Instead of the honest answer, what the female farmer got was a propaganda seminar that spoke of someone who lacks the instincts for graciousness, and decided to go on either a marketing or elections campaign.

I may be wrong, but I think I

heard the President speak something that sounded like “moral infrastructure” being established, which has to be the biggest laugh around these parts, since what has been happening under his leadership has no relationship to a single thing that could speak persuasively to what is of the moral, other than some possibly make-believe kind.

It alarms that the President could get so worked up over a question about oil blocks that no reasonable person would categorise as a challenge, or demeaning. He had a duty to say this is where we are with old, disputed ones (if such was the objective); and this is what we are

doing with the ones coming up for auction in a short while.

I am perplexed that the President could be so thin-skinned over the thick secrecies and thicker controversies involving the management of oil under his headship.

I wonder what is there to hide, there to fear, there to jab him in some sensitive part of his anatomy that what came from the President’s lips and pores was all rancid, rank, and riotous.

Despite my low expectations of the nation’s leader, I had not given up on him. I still expected better in these situations.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

No citizen should be treated in this of alleged incurred wrath and maybe in humiliation and emmanner anger evoking a harsh and barrassment.

DEAR EDITOR, One media house tells of a glorifying rousing and affectionate welcome...popularity on display...plan and vision among other eloquent terms including a poem, (News Room June 16).

Another media house tells of a disturbing episode

loud response over a simple oil block question amid the swell mood and hype, (KN June 16).

If the latter report is true why would a simple question be met with such harsh and perceived umbrage?

The report also speaks of the audience and emcee laughing forcing the female farmer to leave the event,

No citizen should be treated in this manner and belittled, where again it is alleged during the response on oil blocks it was stated, ‘if she wants she could submit a bid fuh one’.

Such ill-humour and unbecoming, like the hand shake episode, of a statesman.

Shamshun Mohamed

Minister Edghill responds to...

From page 5 free distribution to farmers for use in their planting and replanting activities. The mining community also received relief to the tune of $2 billion.

In the area of transport and infrastructure development: In 2021, a US$12.7 million ($2.6 billion) contract was signed with Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers Limited (GRSEL) for an oceangoing passenger and cargo vessel for the Barima-Waini (Region One) route, which has been completed and will be delivered in the coming

months.

In 2022 - $96.1 billion was allocated to this sector, $76.7 billion for development of roads and bridges, $8.3 billion to facilitate upgrade of the highway from Palmyra to Moleson Creek and construction of the Corentyne River Bridge, $6 billion to commence work on the LindenMabura Hill Road, $4.1 billion for re-construction of several bridges along the Kurupukari to Lethem corridor, $2.3 billion for the East Bank-East Coast Demerara Road linkage between Ogle

and Eccles, $2.1 billion to commence the widening and paving of the East Bank Highway from Grove to Timehri, $2.6 billion for the rehabilitation of the entire SoesdykeLinden Highway and $15.2 billion to upgrade urban roads.

These are only a few of what the PPP/C Administration has planned for the country’s development, and there is no time wasting in getting our work done.

Sincerely, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

We are heartened by President Irfaan Ali's announcement on Thursday that he will be naming the members to sit on an International Commission of Inquiry into the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

This move, coming after much public speculations and statements would put to rest some of the allegations leveled against both the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC Coalition regarding their conduct at the 2022 elections.

We at this newspaper stand on the side of democracy and so it was not difficult for us to take the principled position that we took during the five-month impasse over the polls.

We now fully embrace the search for the truth and encourage full participation of all interested parties in bringing clarity and finality to this sore issue.

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Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

CDB focused on increasing the Region's access to financing C

a r i b b e a n Development Bank (CDB) President, Dr. Gene Leon, committed the organisation to accelerating efforts to access the projected US$100 billon required to achieve the development envisioned for the region.

Speaking at the Bank's 52nd Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Dr. Leon said the Bank will explore new mechanisms and leverage existing sources to crowd in funding for an ambitious development agenda over the next 3 years. “We estimate that sustainable energy will require at least US$40 bn, water and sanitation US$22 bn, transportation US$11.5 bn, agriculture and food security US$13bn, and digital transformation another US$12 bn.” the CDB

President told the Board of Governors at the opening session of the meeting.

Adding that priority will be placed on improving regional food, energy and water security which are tied to resilience buckets in the institution's corporate strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

While indicating that the Bank is looking at SDG themed bonds, private equity, contingent debt, derivative based instruments - similar to the Belize debt swap - and concessional funding, President Leon expressed a desire to introduce mechanisms to increase the affordability of funding to the Bank's Borrowing Member Countries. Strategies and tools to be utilised by the Bank to address this issue, include the Recovery

Duration Adjuster, (RDA) a mechanism which considers and incorporates the impact of economic shocks on countries and the time and resources required to recover in order to achieve development goals. The RDA can assist many small island developing states that are limited in accessing funding under current vulnerability assessment regimes. C Although the Bank has committed to innovate to source funds for regional and national development, Dr. Leon also stated that capacity issues need to be addressed at the national level, “Having adequate and affordable finance, creating opportunities of demand, and promoting partnerships will not yield optimal, sustainable outcomes without effective

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President, Dr. Gene Leon

implementation capacity” he told the gathering. Adding that decisive steps to address bottlenecks impacting effective implementation including legislative reform to facilitate investment and innovation; reducing bureaucracy and increasing the efficiency of procurement while enhancing project and

people management, expanding skill sets, and encouraging a cultural change in mindset are required to facilitate anticipated increases in development related activities nationally.

He outlined to the Board of Governors that the Bank is energized and ready to support the mammoth

undertaking ahead while seeking support from the membership.

“I ask us all to recommit to action, to not allow the optimism of the will to be overcome by the pessimism of the intellect. CDB is the Caribbean's Development Bank and I pledge our readiness to act,” he said, “let us match words with action and transform our reimagined visions into reality for our people. Let's move forward with deliberate haste.”

The Bank's highest decision-making body, its Board of Governors, has convened in the Turks and Caicos Islands for its 52nd Annual Meeting which concludes on June 16.

Friday June 17, 2022

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Kaieteur News

WHAT IS HARDER TO FIND THAN LOVE? My first job interview required that I produce some form of identification and proof that I was of working age.

Since I did not have a Guyana identification card at the time, I took along my driver ’s licence and my birth certificate.

I hoped that the former would identify me and at the same time allow me to get into the transport section, while my birth certificate would show that I was of working age.

The interviewing officer took my driver’s licence and wrote something down on a sheet of paper.

He then picked up my birth certificate and took a long time looking over it.

So long that I decided to ask, “Is anything wrong, sir?”

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

At one time, the General Register Office, in one month alone in 2010, issued some 25,000 birth certificates.

One may be tempted to believe that birth certificates now carry an expiry date, because the sheer number of applications being made would suggest that persons are of the view that every few years they need to apply for a new birth certificate.

The problem is that too many persons in Guyana are no longer taking care of their important documents.

They are misplacing them much too easily, with the result that every few years they need to apply to have replacements issued.

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

Even for one year, this quantity would be simply too much in a small country like Guyana.

It places undue pressure on the system, with the result that processing times are bound to be extended.

It is unacceptable, and the only persons to blame are those who are losing their certificates.

This was hardly the case up to 30 years ago.

People took good care of their documents.

Many of them may not have had even a file folder to store their documents, but they resorted to keeping them in plastic bags or used envelopes.

M o r e i m p o r t a n t l y, t hey had a fixed place, usually some drawer, where all their important papers were kept.

And keep them safely, they did.

Today, there are persons who still have their British Guiana birth certificates.

Somebody should runoff a competition in Guyana to see who can produce the oldest birth certificate.

I am sure that quite a few birth certificates dating back to the early 1900’s can still be found.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, n o t many of these older certificates are accepted for use.

There are many places in Guyana, including embassies, which refuse to accept a British Guiana birth certificate as proof of birth.

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

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

In the old days, there was no photocopying and persons had to take their documents, for example, when applying for a passport.

They did not lose these documents.

Ye t t o d a y, w i t h t h e luxury of photocopying, people are still losing their original documents. Perhaps it is because replacements come too easily.

All it takes, according to the General Register Office, is for an application to be made and an inexpensive fee to be paid for a replacement c o p y.

If, however, the replacement fee was $1,000, then perhaps persons would lose their original certificates less.

It is something that should be considered, for in as much as Guyana would like its citizens to be able to afford to have replacements of important documents such as birth or marriage certificates, there needs to be some controls and disin c e n t i v e s against persons losing their original documents.

An increase in the cost of these certificates will do the trick, because if there is anything that dissuades Guyanese from losing anything, it is the high cost of replacement.

Guyanese need to keep their documents safely and ensure they are stored in an easily accessible place. A good way to know how organised someone is, would be to see whether when at home they can find their birth certificate within five minutes.

Dem boys seh...

De Prezzie get rattle!

A young woman mash Prezzie corn. He bin Bartica and he bin in he element, enjoying heself while announcing de construction of 500 houses fuh young professionals. De Prezzie like he nah realise dat Bartica nah gat 500 young professionals.

Is a small town, de gateway to de interior, with some police, teachers and nurses and odda professionals. But not 500, unless yuh counting dem Venezuelans.

But is nat dat promise of homes which mek de headlines.

Is when a young female farmer ask de Prezzie bout de oil blocks. De man

throw a fit and start to get nervy. When de man hear de word oil is like he see a jumbie.

He start talking all kinda irrelevance.

He seh how people does want things but dem can only get dem things if de country get revenue from de oil. But dat is all de more reason why de people should be concern as to who get de oil blocks and wah de nation getting from it?

De Prezzie talk how seven hotels under construction which gan create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Dem boys wan feel dat de question get he so rattle dat he mek a mistake. Dem boys feel dat he really mean hundreds of jobs.

But if all dese jobs getting created, why de guvament hustling fuh give people temporary jobs.

It show dat all de oil money wah we collecting, and wah we never had before, nah solving de unemployment situation.

De Prezzie even talk how he nah deh pon gaff story. He could ah fool dem boys. He seh if people want gaff dem should try with Critic.

Dem Boys hope dat de Critic wake up and realise dat de guvament see he as a gaff man. But when it comes to oil, de Prezzie nah want even gaff!

Talk half. Leff half.

If they cannot, then it says that they need to get themselves better organised.

In May 2010, President Obama quipped at a dinner that there were a few things in life harder to find and

more important than love.

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

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

MondayJune Friday May17, 02,2022 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Jumbies in the PNC, 2007; jumbies in the AFC and GOA, 2022

T

he Guyana O l y m p i c Association (GOA) is reported in the press as saying that the GOA has association-memberships that are non-functional. The GOA went on to add that they hold no sporting events, have no physiology but simply turn up at voting time to decide the shape of the GOA's governing body.

Looked at from any angle, this is immoral and a cancer to be excised from any society in the modern world.

Nevertheless, it is a

ubiquitous characteristic in this country. To write on fictional entities that exist in name only will take several columns.

That characteristic was last seen as recent as a week ago, last Saturday at the AFC's congress. But before we deal with the horror story of fictional delegates inside the AFC's house, let's rewind the tape to the delegates who had to vote in the contest between Robert Corbin and Vincent Alexander for the leader position of the PNC in 2007.

Alexander withdrew because the controversies over the bonafide delegates were overwhelming. For e x a m p l e , t h e Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust PNC group that was dormant for decades suddenly got life and sent dozens of delegates to the congress. For more on these non-existent groups at the PNC's congress, see my two articles of 2007: “The PNC implodes today,” of Saturday, July 21, and “Shared governance or shared rigging,” of Tuesday, July 24.

What happened at the PNC's congress in 2007 was repeated in 2022 in identical fashion at the AFC's congress. This country has demonic tentacles that keep stretching.

Long before it lost power in August 2020, the AFC's active groups around Guyana were dying. How do I know this? Personally, I knew hundreds (yes, not dozens) that had moved on.

By the time August 2020 came and Guyana had a new president, the AFC's groups became spent shells. Its

groups around Guyana were long dead. Not even in Frederick Kissoon Georgetown could the AFC resurrect a viable group. Last Saturday, what c ountry is an entity named h a p p e n e d a t t h e P N C APNU. While typing this congress in 2007 was on full column, I deliberately chose not to look up the name of the display. political party of Keith Scott The sudden appearance that is part of the APNU. I of new delegates was a don't know it. Guyanese pappy-show. They were don't know it.

There are nonhandpicked.

What is stupid about existent groups that make up those that praise the AFC is the formation of APNU and it do they think that the PPP insults the members of the leaders do not know about PNC because it is the PNC these phantom groups that that is giving credibility to created a stage-managed these fictions.

Ms. Tabitha Sarab-Halley election at the AFC's s i t s as an APNU congress last Saturday. In the parliamentarian. small population of Guyana, She has founded her own there are no secrets. political party. Where is it?

Do people out there Mr. Jaipaul Sharma has believe that PPP activists in birthed his own political Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, etc., do not know that AFC party, where is it?

T h e r e i s a groups in their areas do not c o n g l o m e r a t i o n o f exist? organisations that goes under The GOA must be the only active organisation in the name Policy Forum. No this country that is prepared one knows anything about to take a stand on this t h e a c t i v i t i e s o f t h e cancerous malady that has constituents that make up this been plaguing this country. body.

This is the story about Groups, associations, p o l itics and political organisations, political discourse in Guyana. parties are given press It will not stop. In two coverage and prance around in the eyes of citizen when year's time, just before the general election, more of they are virtual ghosts. these fictional constructs will I have written on this be born.

No one knows how absolute moral repugnancy that really is a stink feature of to stop it. But the media keeps the social landscape of this giving them coverage.

The WPA got huge press country. coverage a few days ago that One man has headed an was headlined: “WPA ready organisation for the past 47 to form broad-based antiyears. No one in this land dictatorial movement to push knows who the other persons in his outfit are. There are no for power-sharing.” Really! publications of their names. Come on man! If the WPA They do not write or speak got more than six members, I publicly, so the Guyanese will stop being a columnist.

(The views expressed in people can know who they this article are those of the are. They can't. They do not author and do not necessarily exist.

One of the ongoing reflect the opinions of this political masquerades of this newspaper.)

Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

Jagdeo hoping non-oil sectors will meet growth projections

G

uyana's non-oil economy such as its gold, forestry, agriculture and other sectors have in recent years failed to meet its growth projection but Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is hopeful that the projections made will be met this year.

The Vice President was at the time speaking to members of the media during a press engagement at the Office of the President when he spoke to the growth of the economy this year, growth to also be experienced in the non-oil economy.

He told members of the domestic media corps, “we have seen growth in several sector, we anticipate that the target will be met before the end of the year.”

He did note however, “we have had some setbacks because of the incessant rainfall in some areas but non-oil growth is crucial.”

To this end, the Vice President sought to explain

saying, “what I am talking about is the policy that has to support the growth of the non-oil sector and that is why we are putting so much emphasis on food security, agriculture, on mining.”

Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance in his budget presentation this year had reported that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have grown by 19.9 percent, while non-oil GDP is estimated to have grown by 4.6 percent in 2021, despite the persistence of COVID- 19 as well as the impact of the floods.

He noted too that, “the very creditable performance of the non-oil productive sector reflects the delicate and dynamic policy balance struck between aggressive containment of COVID-19 on the one hand and phased reopening of the economy on the other hand.”

According to Dr. Singh, the performances also

reflects the prompt and proactive flood mitigation measures which helped limit the fallout in the agriculture sector and supported the sector in resuming activity in the shortest possible time.

He said, additionally, the services sector recorded extraordinarily strong performances in response to a policy framework that has stimulated historic levels of demand for services and that has facilitated a commensurate response on the supply side.

Oil export earnings amounted to US$1,376.5 million last year, he said, noting that “as a new oil and gas producer and the country with the 17th largest oil reserves in the world to date, the oil and gas sector promises to be the driver of historically high levels of growth in the Guyanese economy with strong positive spillovers into the non-oil economy.”

171 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Guyana On Thursday, the Ministry of Health via its dashboard reported that within the last 24hour period, they have recorded a total of 171 new COVID-19 cases across the country.

The new infections now bring the total number of confirmed cases to 66,300.

The dashboard also shows that one

patient is admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (IUC), 19 persons are in institutional isolation, 938 are in home isolation and two are quarantined institutionally.

To date, a total of 64,098 persons have recovered from the virus.

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

PAGE 13

Opposition mulls formal motion in pursuit of review of 2020 elections people” charged for election skullduggery would not want to participate in the CoI by claiming that their responses would incriminate them in court. “…as their defense, they will say, I don't

By Zena Henry

O

pposition Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are not backing down from their call to have a review of the controversial 2 0 2 0 e l e c t i o n s commissioned. Vincent Alexander who represents the former Coalition government, is now considering a formal motion to be laid to have the GECOM look at its procedures, and other areas where things went wrong to cause a five -month delay in declaring an election winner.

Alexander told the Kaieteur News that Chairwoman Justice (retired) Claudette Singh had agreed “in principle” to the proposal that was made earlier this year to have an internal review of GECOM's systems. Now he said, she has declared that, “the only review that is permissible is a discussion of the CEO's (Chief Executive Officer) report.”

Alexander noted however, that the Opposition's request for a review never entailed one consisting judicial procedures. “We never requested a review that would be equivalent to a judicial review and that is what she ruled against,” Alexander clarified. He told the newspaper that what was requested was a “simple review” by GECOM of its systems and procedures, which would highlight any inconsistencies and areas to b e s tr en g th en ed . Th is review, Alexander noted would lend support to any reform of the Representation of the Peoples Act (RoPA).

As such, Alexander said, “I am looking at the option of a formal motion.” The GECOM Commissioner indicated that he is lost as to why GECOM would not want to have a review, and why as an independent body, it would not want to delve deeper into its own affairs.

“Remember even (President) Irfaan (Ali) promised one,” Alexander reminded. He said he has nonetheless reserved the right of a written response after the Chair makes her written ruling on the review available.

At his press conference We d n e s d a y l a s t , Vi c e President Bharrat Jagdeo

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Chairperson of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh

GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander again questioned the need for a review of the 2020 elections given that the “riggers” are no longer around. At his previous press conference, the VP said that a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the 2020 election fiasco is not the route the government wished at this time since the matter is before the court and that “key figures,”, “a lot of

want to appear at the COI, [that] whatever I say there will incriminate me in the court case. So, you may lose the key figures that are in charge of the rigging…,” the VP had stated.

H o w e v e r, l i k e t h e GECOM chairperson, Jagdeo has also declared that it would be the CEO's report that would take centre stage in the review. He said that, “the same people who were

at the centre of the rigging controversy at GECOM suddenly are the ones who want a review. And I think the people are right to say what are you gonna review (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 14

Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

Liza Unity safely commissioned ...Exxon says flaring woes plaguing Liza Destiny to end mid-July

E

xxonMobil Guyana said on Thursday that the gas compression and injection systems on the Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel have been safely commissioned in around half the normal industry time.

It is also flaring one million or less standard cubic feet of gas per day, also known as background flare, as designed and within the 60-day period outlined in the Liza Phase Two Environmental Permit.

The company said the start-up period involved temporary, nonroutine flaring to safely commission the production and gas compression systems.

“This achievement is a testament to the team's dedication to steady, safe operations.

It also demonstrates ExxonMobil's capabilities as an industry leader and our commitment to operational excellence,” ExxonMobil Guyana Production Manager Mike Ryan said.

Kaieteur News understands that the Liza Phase Two project design eliminates routine flaring by using produced gas to power the FPSO and by reinjecting gas into the reservoir to conserve the gas and to improve oil recovery, thereby reducing emissions compared with traditional methods.

The team said it was also able to commission the water-injection system, which is now online and operational.

The next step is to start up additional new wells in the ramp

up to full production of 220,000 barrels of oil per day during the third quarter.

Meanwhile, a new, redesigned Flash Gas Compressor for the Liza Destiny FPSO has arrived in country for installation after extensive testing in Germany.

The team said it is working towards start up in mid-July with the aim of also achieving background flare on that vessel as designed.

“We have relentlessly pursued a solution to this highly complex issue and have never lost sight of that goal.

We are pleased that the newly designed machine is now offshore and the teams are methodically removing the original machine in preparation for the upgraded Flash Gas Compressor installation and startup,” the production manager indicated.

Ove r t h e l a s t s e v e r a l months, Exxon said the performance of the secondand third-stage flash gas compressor on the Liza Destiny has been stable and more than 96 percent of the gas produced was reinjected and/or used to power the vessel.

ExxonMobil Guyana Production Manager, Mike Ryan

“Recent optimisation tests have confirmed the performance of the previously upgraded equipment and we were able to boost production to more than 140,000 barrels of oil per day, while maintaining the flare rates to a minimum,” Ryan added.

“Contrary to reports, with the previously installed machine, production on the Destiny would have had to be zero in order to achieve background flare.

Since start up in December 2019, we have managed production in a manner that balances the environmental commitment and economic needs of the country, in alignment with government priorities.”

ExxonMobil Guyana said it continues to work with the relevant government agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and responsible development of the country's natural resources.

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

Schoolgirl ends life after being raped by taxi driver

R

elatives are mourning the death of a 14year-old girl of East Berbice Corentyne who ended her life after she was allegedly raped by a taxi driver last week.

The teenager succumbed days after ingesting a poisonous substance. She had consumed the poison after she was reportedly sexually assaulted by taxi driver Ameer Inshanally of Sand Reef, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice.

Kaieteur News was informed that the child died at approximately 21:15 hrs on Wednesday 15th June 2022 at the Port Mourant Hospital.

Her body is presently at the Ramoo's Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem.

The accused, Inshanally, was charged with the rape of a child under 16 years old.

He appeared at the Reliance Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh and was remanded to prison for the offence. He will return to court on 13th July 2022. According to the police, the incident occurred on 6th June 2022. The school girl, from her hospital bed, told police that she had left home for school that day and w h i l e a w a i t i n g transportation, Inshanally stopped to pick her up. The teen told police that she knew him as a hire car driver and as such, she got into the car. However, Inshanally reportedly drove past her school street and instead took her down a dam in

'Hot Skull' pleads guilty to killing Better Hope pensioner

Dead, David Ramkissoon Sherwin Clarke, 33, called “Hot Skull” on Tuesday pleaded guilty to killing 76-year-old David Ramkissoon, a businessman of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara.

On June 9, 2022, Clarke was arraigned before Justice, Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court. On that occasion, he had denied that he murdered the pensioner and a jury was empanelled to hear the testimony of the eight witnesses.

However, when the matter continued on Tuesday, Clarke's lawyer indicated to the court that his client has opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Clarke admitted that on August 21, 2016, he killed Ramkissoon during the course or furtherance of a robbery. The accused is expected to be sentenced later this month.

Clarke was charged

Sherwin Clarke jointly with Godfrey Gill, 28, for the murder of the pensioner. However, in April, Gill was sentenced to 11 years and four months for the offence. Gill had pleaded not guilty to the capital offence, but admitted guilt on the lesser charge that he, in the company of others, killed Ramkissoon during a robbery on August 21, 2016 According to reports, the body of Ramkissoon, 76, also known as 'Short Man', a father of five, was discovered in a pool of blood with his throat slit in the living room of his home by his son.

It was reported that the man's son had just returned home after spending a day at the creek with family, when he made the gruesome discovery. It was reported that there was a dispute over money stolen from Ramkissoon's house, not being shared equally and this led to the police arresting the suspects.

Albion where he removed her undergarments and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her.

After committing the act, he then drove to New Amsterdam with her still in the car and returned to the Corentyne where he dropped her off at her street.

The teen detailed that when she got home, she spoke with her mother but was afraid to tell her what had occurred.

She then waited until her mother fell asleep and she ventured into the kitchen where she grabbed the bottle of the poisonous substance and consumed a mouthful of it.

It was not long after that she began vomiting and her mother rushed her to the Port Mourant Hospital where she was admitted in the serious condition. Inshanally was later arrested and told of the offence, which he denied.

PAGE 15

Rape accused, Ameer Inshanally

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

Friday June 17, 2022

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

The owner of the rifles that were stolen.

Friday June 17, 2022

High powered rifles found in mining camp were stolen from security firm ...If you are travelling, lodge all weapons at police station Region Seven were

By Shervin Belgrave - President Ali says reportedly stolen from a

T

he high-powered rifles that were discovered recently by police at a mining camp in the Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River,

security firm.

This detail was revealed during a meeting between President Irfaan Ali and the Private Sector in Bartica, Region Seven on Wednesday.

P olice had found the first weapon, a Rockriver 5.56 mm riffle with 27 rounds on May 31 last after ranks responded to reports that an individual was shooting up in the backdam.

As the ranks approached the suspect, he dropped the gun and escaped in the bushes.

Police ranks had later received information that the suspect was hiding out at a mining camp in the area.

Officers turned up at the location June 4 last and the camp owner told them that the suspect had left but had buried more rifles at his camp. The investigators dug

up the area and found four more guns: one Benelli ARMI rifle, one 13 gauge magnum shot gun, one FN rifle, another Rickrover 5.56 MM rifle and 37 .223 rounds of ammunition.

A wanted bulletin has since been issued for the suspect, Navindra Ramsammy of First Avenue, Bartica. It was also stated in the bulletin that he is also a suspect for break and enter and larceny but investigators did not divulge any more details about the second offence, which he is accused of committing. However, (Continued on page 22)

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali speaking at Wednesday's meeting with the Bartica Private Sector.

The rifles recovered by police.

Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Unable to honour work commitments…

Govt. instructs CGX to give up Demerara, Berbice oil blocks

F

rontera Energy Corporation and CGX Energy Inc. have been instructed by the Government of Guyana to relinquish the Demerara and Berbice oil blocks after failing to honour work commitments for both c o n c e s s i o n s .

In the Demerara Block, the partners were expected to drill two wells. In Berbice, they were required to drill one well and complete acquisition of seismic data. These tasks were to be completed b e f o r e 2 0 2 3 .

In a statement to the press, Frontera and CGX said they have, in principle, reached an agreement with the Government to allow for the relinquishment of the Demerara Block through a mutual termination agreement which terms remain to be (Continued on page 22)

An injured Tilawattie Singh

Corentyne couple brutally chopped by abusive neighbour After weeks of torment and threats, a woman and her husband from Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice were severely chopped about their bodies by their neighbour on Wednesday night.

The woman, Tilawattie Singh called 'Angela', 44, a livestock farmer was dealt two chops to her left arm, right, leg and two to her hip while her husband, who attempted to save her from the attack, sustained a chop wound to his hand. Singh was attacked while she was in her hammock with her threeyear-old granddaughter.

The man stormed the premises of Singh armed with a cutlass and tried to chop his wife who was present. She escaped unhurt but he turned his attention to Singh and fired several chops, injuring her about her body. Singh's husband who tried to intervene also got chopped. Following the attack, both were rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital where Singh was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, she has since been discharged.

Regional Commander (Continued on page 22)

Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

CoI into 2020 elections to open next week ...President to empanel commissioners Tuesday

I

n what can be seen as an about-face decision, President Irfaan Ali announced on Thursday that next week Tuesday, he will be naming the persons to sit on an international panel to inquire into the chaotic 2020 General and Regional elections.

A l i m a d e t h e announcement while wrapping up his speech at the Enmore Martyrs' Commemoration Service.

“In honour of these martyrs and all Guyanese who fought relentlessly to ensure that our country did not go down as an undemocratic state…we will have an international CoI into the last elections. Not a review…we promise, particularly your President promise a CoI and I say to all of you before dawn on Tuesday, your President will name the members of that CoI and those who sought to subvert democracy… the COI will set the truth from the untruth…” Ali declared.

Ali's announcement comes a few days after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had indicated that this (CoI) is not the route the government wishes to take at this time. He then doubled down on his position on Wednesday when he told a news conference that he believes the decision by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission to not allow the review is the right one.

He said for such a review to take place, persons no longer in the employ of GECOM and who are before the Court for alleged wrongdoings would be relied on for information. Jagdeo said he believes that the matters which face the Elections Commission can be accommodated in the amendment to the Representation of the People's Act. “It's nonsense, it's before the court now. And then, they are trying to link this review with support for the

amendment for the Representation of the People's Act. Now clearly, they don't want the Representation of the People Act to be amended even after going through a public process and everybody recognizes now that we have to put arrangements in place in the Act to avoid some of the things we have had,” Mr. Jagdeo said.

At a previous news conference, Jagdeo had told Kaieteur News that the government actually wanted to conduct the CoI, but ran into some difficulty when court cases were filed against “key figures.”

He explained that the government was advised by “a lot of people” that those charged for election skullduggery would not want to participate in the CoI by claiming that their responses would incriminate them in court. He said that those charged for the 2020 events are some of the central

figures in any COI. “And when they are charged, as their defense, they will say, I don't want to appear at the COI, [that] whatever I say there will incriminate me in the court case. So, you may lose the key figures that are in charge of the rigging…,” Jagdeo opined.

He submitted that since the possibility of nonparticipation or noncorporation by the “key figures” exists, it is the government's rationale for not holding the CoI. On the matter of rigging accusations by both the government and the opposition, Jagdeo said that the governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has already put forward its Statement of Polls (SoPS); while the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has not done so.

Jagdeo said nonetheless that it still needs to be proven

President Irfaan Ali

where (Region 4 Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont) Mingo got the numbers that showed a victory for the Coalition. “But Mingo will not be able to tell the people at the CoI since he would say, he is not coming there because he has a court case filed against him,” Jagdeo assumed. He said, and if Mingo does not say where he got the figures, then it would be unclear how former Health Minister, Volda Lawrence's signature ended up on the RO report.

Following the contentious 2020 General and Regional election, President Ali had committed to having a CoI into the actions that led to accusations of rigging and eventually the prosecuting several persons.

Given the number of unanswered questions such as the ones put forward by the Vice President, Article 13 member Dr. Yog Mahadeo had stressed the serious need for the CoI to be conducted.

He told the Kaieteur News (Continued on page 22)

Hospitals are prepared to deal with increasing COVID-19 cases - Health Minister The Infectious Diseases Hospital located at Liliendaal.

M

inister of Health, Dr. F r a n k Anthony on Thursday assured that with the increasing number of new COVID-19 cases being recorded, hospitals across the country are prepared to treat and handle those cases of persons requiring hospitalisation.

During his daily COVID-19 update yesterday, he said that there is enough beds for patients and that the ministry is currently in the process of installing a new oxygen plant at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal to treat persons who would need intensive care.

As reported on, health

authorities have started to record an increase in cases again from May which have since increased the number of hospitalization in the country. For the year so far, over 25,000 persons have gotten infected with the virus. Majority of the cases have been recorded in areas such as Region Four, Three and Six. “We have a lot of capacity in terms of treatment of patients not only at the Infectious Diseases Hospital but in every region. At each one of the regional hospitals, we have established a number of beds to treat COVID persons, so we have a very large capacity in terms of treatment of patients,” he said.

He briefed also that at the Ocean View Hospital, they have approximately 198 beds equipped with the relevant equipment and 52 of those are in the Intensive Care Unit for patients.

Apart from that, the Ministry is in the process of installing an oxygen plant at the hospital to better assist persons who have trouble breathing on their own. As previously stated, when patients at the Infectious Hospital needed oxygen, they were being supplied it through cylinders. This way, the Minister had stated was too costly.

So to help reduce the cost being spent on oxygen daily, a non-governmental organization called the (Continued on page 22)

Friday June 17, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

GAWU calls on govt. to fire GuySuCo CEO - Ali blames rains, opposition for poor state of company

By Shervin Belgrave Against backdrop of recording its lowest ever first crop output, President of the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine on Thursday said the Guyana Sugar Corporation is in dire straits and he called on the President Irfaan Ali administration to fire the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sasenarine Singh.

Narine made the call during his address at the commemoration of the 74th Anniversary of Enmore Martyrs.

Enmore Martyrs’ Day is an annual wreath laying ceremony at the Martyrs’ Monument erected at Enmore, East Coast of Demerara (ECD), in remembrance of five sugar workers: Lallabagee Kissoon, Pooran, Rambarran, Dookie and Harry who were slaughtered in 1948 by colonial officers while on strike. They had staged the strike because they wanted better living and working conditions at the sugar plantations.

Thursday’s commemoration ceremony was attended

by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and GAWU’s boss, Narine sought to highlight the current situation of the

GuySuCo and how it affects sugar workers in this modern era. While delivering his speech, Narine said that sugar is in such a dire state because of poor leadership and management of the industry and called for the removal of the topmost executive. “As the saying goes, ‘Heads must roll’ and this should start from the topmost executive”, Narine said while making the call for the reshuffling of GuySuCo, the company that manages the sugar industry.

Narine told the audience, “Comrades, in reflecting on sugar, we remain apprehensive as we considered the recently concluded first crop. It simply was an appalling performance, the lowest first crop output in the history of the corporation”. “We have heard the explanations of weather, labour and machinery. Such rationales, we contend, are over exemplified to obscure the real issue which is poor leadership and management of the industry”, continued the GAWU president. He noted that, “the degeneration has reached to the point where workers Credit Union savings deducted from their wages are not remitted”.

Narine did not forget to

acknowledge that his union was pleased that President Ali had made efforts to address the current leadership of GuySuCo about some of the shortcomings; however, he wants the President to take action quickly. “It was pleasing, therefore, to recognise the President taking a proactive approach when we saw a few days ago, His Excellency reportedly reading the Riot Act to the current leadership of the Corporation. Indeed, it appears, the President and the GAWU’s views are aligned.

However, we say to you sir, action must be taken as a matter of urgency”, Narine said.

He then pointed out to Ali, “We cannot allow the slide to continue. As the saying goes, ‘Heads must roll’ and this should start from the topmost executive. Mr. President, you summed it up rightly when you said revitalizing the industry was serious business. Do not allow the ineptness to embarrass your Government any longer”.

In response to Narine’s call, Ali did not agree that the leadership of GuySuCo is the reason for the poor state of the sugar industry. Instead, he blamed the opposition and

President Ali questioning GAWU President, Seepaul Narine during the commemoration ceremony of the 74th Anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs. the rains for GuySuCo’s poor performance. When it was time to deliver his speech, Ali called Narine to stand beside him and asked, “Is it true that Guyana experienced its highest rainfall for decades, a number of decades over the last two years?” Narine responded that, “it is true” but said, “We have had more rainfalls than that with better production”. Ali then proceeded to ask a second question: “What percentage of the land when we came into government was available for cultivation, what percentage was

in a deplorable condition?”

Narine responded: “You are right that there had been less replanting less than 20 percent of what was the required amount,” but before the GAWU President could have defended his point, Ali shut him up and said, “You had your chance, I just want you to answer these few questions…just these few questions”.

Ali then said, “I am not saying to you that management issue must not be addressed but we need to have an honest conversation and

that is all.” After asking the questions, the President developed his speech and said that his government is not to be blamed for the state of the sugar industry but rather the opposition that shut down estates and took away 7000 jobs. He told Narine that he must be reminded that his government is pumping billions into the industry just to revitalise it and bring back jobs. The President also spoke about cash grants his government has been handing out to the affected sugar workers.

Who is Colombia’s ‘Old Man of TikTok’ that could become the next president?

Bogota, Colombia (CNN) When Colombia’s presidential campaign race started back in January, few expected that Rodolfo Hernandez would reach the final lap.

But the septuagenarian real estate magnate-turned-politician has a chance of becoming the country’s next president if he wins the battle against competitor Gustavo Petro in Sunday’s runoff vote.

The Americas have seen a number of populist outsiders shake up national politics recently, and Hernandez seeks to do the same in Colombia.

He doesn’t mind comparisons to far-right populist Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro or former US President Donald Trump, telling CNN in early June: “What I will do is defeat corruption. If they call me ‘the Colombian Trump’ for that, it’s magnificent.”

Hernandez, who is 77, is known as el ingeniero (the engineer) for his degree in civil engineering from Colombia’s national public

university — or el viejito del TikTok (the old man of TikTok), for his active social media presence.

His presidential campaign shunned traditional broadcast debates and political rallies, focusing instead on appealing to voters through their phones.

The result is that, apart from introducing the electorate to his gaffe-prone style — he once called Adolf Hitler a great German thinker and later apologized, saying he meant to say Albert Einstein — few really know what a Hernandez presidency would look like.

His platform contains few specific reforms to achieve when in office, with Hernandez himself admitting that even he is not up to speed on every issue on the government’s agenda.

To describe his presidency, he compared himself to the CEO of an airline, explaining that he may not know how an airplane engine works, but has the skills to manage the company for

profit.

His personal story is one of rags-to-riches. Born to a lower middle class family in 1945, Hernandez made a fortune building real estate in the 1990s, as millions of Colombians migrated from the countryside to urban areas. He later entered politics, becoming the mayor of Bucaramanga, Colombia’s seventh largest city, in 2016.

Hernandez has also personally experienced the tragedy of Colombia’s decadeslong armed conflict, which left at least 220,000 people dead.

In 2004, his daughter Juliana was kidnapped, allegedly by the National Liberation Army (ELN), one of several left-wing guerrilla groups that have mounted insurgencies against the Colombian state over the past 60 years.

Hernandez recently revealed that her body was never found.

A series of U-turns Hernandez’s clearest pitch has been his promise to “get rid of corruption.”

It’s a pressing issue: 80% of Colombians say corruption

is widespread in the government, according to a recent Gallup poll.

But how Hernandez intends to do just that remains a mystery. He has vowed to slash government costs by grounding the presidential plane or turning the presidential palace into a museum, for example.

However, he has not proposed any legal solutions to tackle corruption more broadly — although he did tell CNN that he would invoke a state of emergency to fast-track any necessary laws.

Hernandez has had his own troubles with allegations of corruption — and some are ongoing. By his own admission, Hernandez is the subject of 38 investigations for corruption, including one which is expected to go to court next month.

Hernandez has denied that charge, telling CNN that “with the current laws, every candidate can be sued by anyone.”

If he wins the presidential election this Sunday, the case will likely come to a halt, as Colombian law requires congressional approval to put a

sitting president on trial.

Much of Hernandez’s political trajectory can be characterized as a series of Uturns.

In 2016 he revealed that he voted against the historic peace agreement between the Colombian state and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

But in his presidential campaign pledge, he said that he would respect the treaty, and even proposed “a copy-paste solution” to negotiate with the ELN — the same group who allegedly murdered his daughter 18 years ago.

Speaking on the environment — specifically around the issue of fracking —Hernandez has changed his mind throughout his campaign, first declaring himself in favor of exploration projects and then appearing in a TikTok video shouting “F**k fracking!”

When it comes to foreign policy, his campaign has been opaque. One of Hernandez’s closest advisors, Angel Beccassino, told CNN that Hernandez planned to align his administration with left-wing leaders like Brazil’s Ignacio

Lula da Silva or Argentinian president Alberto Fernandez.

But Hernandez himself has also said that his focus would be to improve Colombia’s relationship with the United States.

By continuously changing his positions, the selfdeclared “King of TikTok” can come off as indecisive, but skipping over ideological lines is also a part of his brand.

He is in favor, for example, of thawing C o l o mbia’s relationship with Venezuela and ending the war on drugs, two issues that are important to Colombia’s left.

However, economically speaking, he stands for the free-market a central tenant of the country’s right.

And on other key issues, including security, fiscal reform or infrastructure, he has said little to nothing at all.

As the savvy salesman that he is, Hernandez has managed to sell himself to enough Colombians to reach the final round of voting.

But with all his confusing branding and marketing strategies, it remains a blind sale.

PAGE 22

Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

Corentyne couple brutally chopped by abusive...

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From page 19 Boodnarine Persaud confirmed that the suspect has since been arrested.

Kaieteur News understands that the attacker who has been living at a house behind Singh for nearly two years has been abusive to his wife and stepchildren, physically and verbally.

On several occasions, Singh intervened to help the abused w o m a n . H o w e v e r, i n March of this year, the wife of the man decided to file a report with the

police after he reportedly behaved inappropriately with a 14-year-old girl and during that investigation, Singh had given a statement to the police.

The wife of the man also obtained a restraining order for the abuse meted out to her and he was ordered to move out of the house.

Following his removal from the house, about two weeks ago, the man tried to break and enter the house of his wife and stepchil-

dren, the police were called in and he was arrested. The man was however placed on bail not long after.

This publication was told that since the accused breached the restraining order, the woman and her children have been seeking refuge at the home of Singh and her husband since they are fearful that he would return and mak e good on the threats, which he made in the past to kill her and the children. Singh men-

tioned that the police from Wh i m P o l i c e S t a t i o n w e r e c alled multiple times but on almost all of those occasions, they were told that no patrol vehicle was available. In the inciden t t h a t t o o k p l a c e o n We dnesday, while the man was firing the chops, he kept shouting that she (Singh) gave evidence to the police and he also called the name of the police that reportedly told him that she gave evidence against him.

Govt. instructs CGX to give up Demerara, Berbice...

From page 19 defined and documented.

They said such termination agreement would allow relinquishment of the Demerara Block in a timely manner, allowing the people of Guyana to benefit from exploration activities under the stewardship of interested parties.

ON Energy, a 62.5% owned subsidiary of CGX and holder of the Petroleum

Prospective Licence of the Berbice block has also been in discussions with the Government of Guyana, and has reached an agreement similar to that made for the Demerara relinquishment application.

The attention of the Canadian partners will now be focused on the Corentyne Block saw an oil discovery being made at the Kawa-1 well earlier this year.

Frontera said it will continue to integrate its findings from the Kawa-1 well into preparations for its second exploration well, called Wei-1, in the third quarter of 2022. The Wei-1 exploration well will be located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of the Kawa-1 exploration well in the Corentyne block, approximately 200 kilometres offshore

from Georgetown, Guyana.

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CoI into 2020 elections to open next...

From page 20 that the VP, and by extension the government, “cannot be judge and jury in determining beforehand that persons will not want to speak [at the CoI] for fear

of incriminating themselves. Dr. Mahadeo in full support of the 2020 CoI insisted that it should be a government mandate to inform the citizens as to what happened during the

election; not to just say the guilty persons will not want to testify. Dr. Mahadeo had told this newspaper that he was working on letters to dispatch to the international missions that

played an oversight role in the 2020 elections calling on them to lobby the administration.

It is not clear whether those letters influenced Ali's announcement.

Hospitals are prepared to deal with...

From page 20 Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and Sewa Guyana had donated a $31 million oxygen plant to the Ministry in its fight against COVID-19.

The plant, which was

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sourced from India had arrived in the country last week, is now being installed at the hospital.

“So that container with the oxygen plant arrived in the country last week and

right now, we are in the process of offloading and doing the installation of the plant so that we would be able to generate our own oxygen on site,” he mentioned.

Apart from noting that

there is large capacity in terms of treatment, the Minister is encouraging persons to get vaccinated against the virus. To date, vaccines are available for persons five years and older.

Opposition mulls formal motion in pursuit...

From page 13 now. You have to review a report from the CEO. So, you gonna take (former CEO Keith) Lowenfield …the guy who tried to disenfranchise on his own 175,000 (People's Progressive Party) PPP supporters… by certifying an election and numbers that he knew were wrong because he had the original SOPs which he supplied to the Chief Justice...the same person who got 200 acres of land at Millie's Hideout when the people in Linden couldn't get a quarter of an acre to build a house on. And you're gonna ask him to do a report now.

He's already gone, who is gonna prepare this report and the other would-be riggers are out too. And they are before the court. What are you gonna ask him to do, prepare a report to say he did a great job and review that? It is nonsense,” the Vice President stated.

Support for RoPA

He added too that the opposition trying to link the 2020 election review with support for the RoPA amendment is them trying to “kill any opportunity to improve the framework for holding elections.” The government's proposal to the RoPA amendment included numerous procedures to be followed by presiding officers and others after the counting of votes at polling stations such as making public Statement of Polls (SOP) on polling stations after counting and the publishing of SOPs before counting at GECOM among others. To this, Alexander had said that these proposals were functions already done administratively by GECOM. He added that some of the proposals offered by the government to be made law also restricts the Commission's flexibility in conducting elections.

Almost all small parties who contested the 2020 elections as recent as last week

declared their support for the holding of the elections review. They told this newspaper that GECOM should have had its own review to ascertain the loopholes in its systems. Civil Society group Article 13 is writing to the international community to have them lend their voice to the COI call as they played a vital role in 2020 to ensure the conduct of a clean election.

Article 13 is saying that allegations were made against both main political parties.

For example, the Region 4 Returning Officer is accused of instructing staff to omit supporting documents from the ballot box while the now Attorney General was accused of handing out identification cards on the East Coast to name a few. To get the bottom of the 2020 fiasco, the civil group says persons should be given a chance to provide their evidence and give their statements for GECOM to check itself.

Friday June 17, 2022

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

New Bail Bill quashes police 72hour custody rule

By Renay Sambach The new Bail Bill that is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly soon, quashes the Guyana Police Force (GPF) 72 hour custody rule, as it outlines that suspects placed in custody for serious offences, must be taken before the court within 24 hours.

This is according the Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC. On Tuesday night, the AG disclosed that the longawaited Bail Bill is finally completed and is slated to be tabled in the National Assembly possibly by the next sitting of Parliament.

Nandlall made the announcement during his weekly show aired on Facebook, ‘Issues in the News.’

While the new piece of legislation focuses largely on a regulatory framework for a magistrate’s discretion in granting or refusing bail– it has provisions that outline how the police handle suspects before they pass through court.

According to the Attorney General, the Bill addresses bail at the police station and states very clearly that persons charged for offences that do not carry a custodial sentence, “must be granted bail immediately by the police officer in charge of the police station or an inspector.”

He pointed out that anyone charged for an offence that does not carry jail time, should not be kept in police custody but rather released on bail.

On the other hand, he said that suspects can only be kept in custody if he/she was arrested for serious offences.

However, while the police can keep the suspect in custody, the new legislation states that the suspect must be taken before a magistrate within 24 hours.

The AG said, “Our constitution says our police can detain you for 72 hours, our experience is though the police can conclude the investigation in five hours because they have that constitutional coverage, they hold you for 72 hours that ought not to happen.”

Nandlall further disclosed that the new Bill imposes an obligation on the police to act with alacrity and expediency.

To this end, he noted that if the investigation can be conducted within a short period of time, the police do not have to wait 72 hours before they charge the suspect.

He pointed out that the approach by members of the GPF to arrest and keep the suspect in custody for 72 hours despite it being pos-

- suspect must be taken before the court within 24 hours for serious offence cism over the years.

He added, “there is now a regulatory framework that will govern the exercise of this discretion and it’s a framework that is in accordance with established legal principles.”

In closing, the Attorney

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC.

sible for them to be charged before that time reaches, will not be tolerated.

In relation to the framework for the granting or refusal of bail, the Bail Bill makes provision for a magistrate or judge decision on bail to be appealed.

In fact, the appeal of the grant or refusal of bail can go as far as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Nandlall said that bail has long attrac t e d g r e a t public sentiments and criticism and have been an issue in the public domain for a long time.

“Persons have complained about the inconsistent grant of bail as well as the inconsistent refusal of bail.

This Bail Bill will seek to bring a statutory framework and will intend to fashion the exercise of discretion,” he added.

The AG explained that bail is a discretionary issue and while it will remain that way – like every other discretion, the discretion to grant or refuse bail is not an absolute one, with the new Bill.

He said, “It is not an untrammelled discretion, it is a discretion that must be exercised in accordance with certain principles and must exercise reasonably well those principals are now laid down in the law.”

As a result, the Bail Bill provides for the decision to grant or refuse bail, to be appealed or undergo a judicial review.

It was stated that in instances where the defendant bail application is denied, the defendant can appeal the magistrate’s decision or there can be a judicial review of the decision.

On the other hand, if bail is granted to a defendant and the prosecutor is aggrieved, the prosecutor too can also appeal the magistrate’s decision or ask for a judicial review.

The Bill also makes provision for the defendant to appeal the magistrate’s decision

if he/she believes that the quantum of bail is too high.

Notably, it was highlighted that if a magistrate refuses bail for a defendant that is charged with a bailable offence; there must be evidence that the defendant is likely to: contaminate witnesses, flee the jurisdiction, likely to commit more crimes or the crime that the defendant allegedly committed is of grave frequency or of profound gravity among other factors.

In addition, there are other provisions that deal with the conditionality of granting bail, whereas, if bail is granted by the magistrate with the condition attached that the defendant lodge his/her passport, or any other condition – the bill allows for an application to be made to waive or vacate the condition(s) imposed.

According to Nandlall, the Bill also outlines that persons who were convicted but had appealed the matter can also request bail.

He said, “so if you are convicted, you can still get bail once an appeal is lodged and your lawyer makes an application to the court in which the appeal is pending. Of course the test for granting bail postconviction will be a high one for you to satisfy.”

Notably, the AG was keen to note that the Bill also recognises the presumption of innocence as a constitutional right.

As such, he stated that the legal truth that bail is intricately bound to the assumption of innocence, therefore bail should be granted unless there are certain factors present. To this, he added that those factors are listed in the bill.

It was also pointed out that the new Bill is in conformity with Guyana’s constitutional ethos.

Nandlall explained that the Bill is aimed at reducing the wide discretion the magistrates in relation to bail, which has faced heavy criti-

General explained that his ministry looked at laws from around the Caribbean, England, Canada and some countries in the Pacific area, which aided in the drafting of the Bill.

He stated too that the Bill underwent wide consulta-

tions which have resulted in it being in the pipeline for so long. According to him, there were also consultations with the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) and the B e r b ice Bar Association (BBA), who made tremendous contribution to the Bill.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

PAGE 25

Cop gets bail for allegedly stealing ganja from station P

olice Detective S e r g e a n t , Elfannando Newman of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, was on Wednesday charged for allegedly stealing cannabis from a police station.

The charge was brought against the police rank by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Newman appeared in the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

He was charged with larceny by public officer.

The Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied to the charge and Newman pleaded not guilty to the charge .

The charge stated that between Saturday February 27, 2021 and March 1, 2021, at the Timehri Police Station, E a s t B a n k D e m e r a ra, while being employed by the GPF, he stole three large bulky parcels of Cannabis Sativa

allege to weigh 3,122 grams, received or taken into possession by him by virtue of his employment.

The police rank was represented by attorney-atlaw Siand Dhurjon.

He was placed on $100,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to July 8, 2022.

According to SOCU, as a result of a civil forfeiture, an investigation was carried out by the agency.

In September 2021, SOCU ranks visited the Timehri Police Station to conduct their investigations and it was revealed that a quantity of cannabis that should have been lodged by Newman on February 27, 2021, was never lodged but was stolen.

On Saturday February 27, 2021, the ranks stationed at

the Highway Police Patrol Base searched a motorcar that had three occupants inside; two males and a female and found three large parcels of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be narcotics, weighing about 45 to 50 pounds.

Elfannando Newman

The narcotics.

One of the males, said to be the driver had offered the rank who found the narcotics two million dollars cash and three ounces of gold but

the rank refused his offer.

The rank then escorted the narcotic and suspects to the Timehri Police Station and then handed over to Sergeant Newman who weighed the narcotic and claimed that it was 3,122 grams.

It is alleged that Newman failed to lodge the narcotics that were handed over to him and allegedly stole same. Based on information, an investigation was carried out by SOCU and this led to Newman being charged.

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

Volodímir Zelenski

Friday June 17, 2022

Four-time WNBA champion Bird to retire after this season (Reuters) - Four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird said yesterday that the 2022 season will be her last in professional basketball, after a two decade-long career.

The 12-times Women’s National Basketball Association All-Star was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm, where she has played the entirety of her career in the top-flight North American league.

“I’ve decided this will be my final year.

I have loved every single minute, and still do, so gonna play my last year, just like this little girl played her first,” the 41-year-old point guard wrote

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird (10) (Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports) in a tweet, accompanied by a one of the most decorated caphoto of herself playing bas- reers in the sport and was ketball as a child. named USA Basketball’s FeA five-times Olympic gold male Athlete of the year in medallist, Bird has enjoyed 2021.

Friday June 17, 2022

The Insider - Fans of the Brazilian soccer team Botafogo stormed the club’s training ground on Wednesday to confront players about the team’s poor run this season.

Botafogo is historically one of Brazilian soccer’s best teams but has found itself bouncing between the country’s two top divisions, Serie A and Serie B, in recent years.

After 12 matches this season, the club is currently 17th in Serie A and on course for relegation.

Footage shared on social media shows a group of fans known as the Torcida Furia Jovem do Botafogo – the Young Fury of Botafogo – marching into the club’s Espaco Lonier training facility and arguing with players as they were receiving medical treatments.

Local police were called to the scene, but no arrests

were made, according to Sportsmail. Botafogo condemned the invasion of its training facility in a statement Wednesday.

“The club vehemently repudiates the way employees and athletes have been threatened, intimidated, and harassed within a private work environment, and in the exercise of their functions,” it said.

“Protests are valid and accepted, but as long as they do not go beyond the environment of civility.

Fans have every right to demonstrate, but attitudes like this, with invasion and threats, harm the team and the projects that are underway.”

The club added that it was now working with police to ensure “appropriate” action is taken against those responsible.

Following Botafogo’s statement, the Young Fury of Botafogo tweeted to say it was granted entry to the

club’s premises by club employees.

“All players, staff, and managers stopped their car to talk to us willingly, none were forced to do anything,” said the fan group. “There was no violence, depredation, or any kind of threat or intimidation to any person.”

Botafogo is the former home of a number of Brazil’s greatest ever players, including many of those in the country’s World Cup winning squads in 1958, 1968, and 1970, such as Garrincha and Jairzinho.

However, it has faced serious financial troubles in the past two decades, leading to its being relegated from Serie A on three occasions.

In J a n u a r y, Botafogo’s board voted to sell the club to the American businessman John Textor, who also co-owns the English Premier League team Crystal Palace FC.

Matthews (99), Kycia Knight (72) power Bajans...

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside.

You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you're unstoppable!

You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days.

Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

Brazilian soccer team’s fans storm training ground, confront players over poor performance

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

From page 32 and without their skipper and most experienced batter Afy Flectcher, were wobbling on the ropes.

Jannillea Glasgow (11) and Japhina Joseph, who hit three fours in 18, offered some fight with a 32-run seventh wicket partnership before Glasgow was removed

by Bruce.

Glendeen Turtin, un-

West Indies...

From page 32 arrived in North America, Nandu continued to play on a regular basis.“Well, is about keep playing cricket and staying motivated,” Nandu related. Quizzed on his developmental aspect, Nandu responded: “When we were at the World Cup, my Head-Coach Floyd Reifer helped me out a lot along with Sir Curtly Ambrose and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and again is about hard-work and commitment,” Nandu said.

He also took the opportunity to thank his dad and mom and all who have contributed in various ways to keep his impressive cricketing career going, including his sibling Marcus.

Asked about his experience at the World Cup which was won by India, Nandu stated it was memorable even though the result was disappointing.

He further declared that his century (128) off 134 balls against Papua New Guinea in the Plate segment was also remarkable but thought generally that West Indies did not produce good scores to

beaten on 10 and Etienne (16) put together 24 for the last wicket before Aaliyah Williams ended the innings.

The tournament continues today with Trinidad & Tobago facing the Leewards from 09:30 hrs at Providence.

PAGE 28

Friday June 17, 2022

Kaieteur News

GFF Leagues continue with All the talks to be settled tomorrow night games around the associations The Magnum ‘Unfin- with the Guyana Police Force whelming support of the pre-

Magnum ‘Unfinished Business’ Futsal Championship…

ished Business’ Futsal Championship was officially launched yesterday at the Ansa McAl headquarters in Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara.

The competition, which commences tomorrow at the National Park tarmac, will feature the top four finishers from the previously concluded Magnum Independence Cup. Defending champion Back Circle will oppose Gold is Money, whilst Sparta Boss will lock horns with Bent Street. The respective winners will advance to the final, with the loser contesting the third place playoff.

Edison Jefford, coordinator of the tournament, said that the event is the ultimate rematch of the top four teams, adding that the organizing crew will be working closely

to ensure that no stone is left unturned on ensuring security for all patrons.

He further stated that the previous tournament was incident free which is a narrative that the organizing committee wants to maintain, noting that the event continues the historic rivalry between the competing teams and communities. Meanwhile, Magnum Brand Manager Jamal Baird stated that all systems are in place for the staging of the tournament, adding that the previous tournament was a tremendous success, and that brand will be aiming to “Tek Charge” tomorrow in an effort to provide another exhilarating evening of action.

Similarly, Triston Freeman, Lucozade Brand Manager, revealed the brand is synonymous with grassroots development, and that the over-

vious tournament made it easy for their continued partnership with the event.

Also, Aliyah Hamilton, Ansa McAl Corporate Communications Officer, disclosed that the company which will be celebrating its 30 year anniversary, has consistently invested in youth and sport development, adding that the Magnum Independence Cup is evidence of the company’s commitment to the development of the local human capital. She further stated that football has a positive future locally, and that brands such as Lucozade and Magnum would have certainly played their part in cultivating a positive environment. The winner of the mini championship will pocket $300,000, while the second, third and fourth place sides will walk away with $150,000, $100,000, and 50,000 respectively.

Play in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League will continue this weekend w i t h s e v e r a l matches starting today.

Berbice games have been cancelled due to the current weather leaving venues unsuitable for play and matches at Linden are still to be verified as a result of damage to one of the lighting poles.

Attached are the fixtures for schedule matches in the various associations.

Slingerz FC make winning return...

From page 32 players, mixed with some seniors and to bring away a 3 – 0 victory is a tremendous achievement for the bunch, playing at the senior level.”

Before winning the 2 0 1 5 / 2 0 1 6 S TA G E l i t e League, Slingerz won back-to-back WDFA league titles in 2013 and 2014.

Meanwhile, in the open-

ing game of the WDFA double-header, Pouderoyen Football Club brushed aside Wales Football Club, 4 – 1.

Dwayne St Kitts, Corwin Wright, Tyshawn Halley and Eon Sullivan were the scorers for Pouderoyen.

Wales United were the beneficiary of Pouderoyen's generosity after Alex Softliegh scored an own goal.

The WDFA STAG League will continue on Father's Day (Sunday), with four matches.

From 12 hours, Pouderoyen will come up against Eagles, followed by Uitvlugt battling Wales from 14 hours 30.

Den Amstel is set to play Bel West FC at 18 hrs and Slingerz FC will look to score three more points against #1 All-Stars from 20 hours.

Friday June 17, 2022

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Bangladesh crash as West Indies dominate slow motion Test AFP - Bangladesh’s wellestablished vulnerability to fast bowling was in evidence again with the visitors crashing to 103 all out off fewer than 33 overs after being put in to bat against the West Indies on the opening day of the first Test yesterday.

Compounding their woes after an innings which featured six ducks — only the seventh time that has occurred in the 145-year history of Test cricket –- was Kraigg Brathwaite being dropped before he had scored with the home captain unbeaten on 42 as they crawled to the close of play at 95 for two in reply.

Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph were the most successful West Indies bowlers with identical figures of three for 33. However, it was double strikes by Kemar Roach and Kyle Mayers which took the early spotlight to have Bangladesh tottering at 45 for six in the morning.

Returning captain Shakib Al Hasan then played an adventurous innings of 51 to ensure his team avoided a debacle similar to when they were routed for 43 at the same venue at the start of the 2018 series.

With Brathwaite having no hesitation in opting to bowl first, Roach was immediately among the wickets.

Passed fit just the day before, the senior seamer struck with the second ball of the match as Mahmudul Hasan pushed carelessly at a wide delivery for Nkrumah Bonner to take the diving catch at third slip.

Roach then bowled Najmul Hossain between bat and pad

in his next over to increase the burden on the shoulders of Tamim Iqbal.

“I thought all the bowlers adjusted well to the conditions because it is not an easy pitch to bowl on,” said Roach in reflecting on the swift work which lifted his tally of Test wickets to 244, seventh on the all-time list of West Indian wicket-takers in Test cricket.

- ‘Always bowl first’ “We saw the pitch yesterday and knew it would be a little soft. It’s always best to bowl first here in Antigua.

“It’s a tough pitch to bat on as well and obviously Kraigg has led the way so hopefully we can build a good lead on the second day.”

Fresh from a century in the lone warm-up match against a Cricket West Indies President’s XI, Tamim looked in the mood for the challenge and went past 5,000 runs in Test cricket, joining the absent Mushfiqur Rahim as the only Bangladeshis to reach the landmark.

However he lost Monimul Haque to Seales, Jermaine Blackwood snaring the chance at second slip, before falling himself for 29 when a loose leg-side flick at Joseph gave wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva a straightforward catch.

Mayers, West Indies’ bowling star in the 10-wicket, series-clinching victory over England two months earlier, then picked up from where he left off in Grenada with two wickets in his opening over.

An indecisive Liton Das prodded forward to give da Silva a simple catch and two balls later, replacement

Captain Shakib Al Hasan watches the ball till the last second.

(Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty Images) wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan fell leg-before offering no shot to a big inswinger to become the fourth batsman who failed to score.

Shakib, whose future in Test cricket remained in doubt for most of the past 12 months, lived dangerously in playing some expansive shots.

He was lucky to escape when Seales could only get his fingertips to the ball running back from mid-on when the Bangladesh captain heaved at Roach.

He made the most of the reprieve, striking six fours and a six to get to a 28th half-century in Test cricket before being ninth out attempting another big hit off Joseph for Roach to take the catch at long-on.

Joseph then dispatched last man Khaled Ahmed to end the innings 40 minutes after lunch and claim his best Test figures.

West Indies survived an early alarm in their reply when Mominul missed a sharp catch at leg-slip offered by Brathwaite off Mustafizur

Sri Lanka’s quicks help level...

From page 30 across. When Alex Carey was run out not long after that Maxwell dismissal Karunaratne racing after the ball from his follow through into midwicket - Australia had lost all their recognised batters, and Sri Lanka were in the hunt for a victory. Chameera’s pace helped blast out the lower or d e r , e v e n o n t h i s sluggli s h s u r f a c e . E arlier, Cummins had rocked it with the ball. He’d taken wickets with the new ball, through the middle overs, and then at the death, using his various cutters and slower balls to excellent effect.

Debutant left-arm-spin-

ner Kuhnemmann took 2 for 48, while Maxwell returned even better figures, claiming 2 for 35 from his full quota. Legspinner Mitchell Swepson claimed one scalp too. Together, they never really let Sri L a n k a ’s i n n i n g s h i t i t s straps, outside of that 61run third wicket stand.

Alth o u gh their bowlers have made a habit of bailing them out, Sri Lanka’s batters may perhaps reflect that they needn’t have been so aggressive on such a bowler-friendly track. Six of Sri Lanka’s top seven were out attempting to play expansive strokes, and seemed not to trust their defense even against

Australia’s relatively inexperienced spinners.

Aside from Mendis, two others breached the 30s de Silva making 34 off 41, and Dasun Shanaka hitting 34 off 36. In fact, no batter in either top seven failed to reach double f igures. Everyone found survival tough, though.

And Sri Lanka’s bowlers took better advantage of a dry pitch, even if the balls they were using were slightly damp on account of the rain that had fallen.

Scores Sri Lanka 220 for 9 (Mendis 36, de Silva 34, Shanaka 34, Cummins 4-35) beat Australia 189 (Karunaratne 3-47) by 26 runs (DLS method).

Rahman.

Bangladesh were left to rue that miss with the opener plodding through 149 deliveries in the type of innings which has become his trademark.

He lost John Campbell after an opening stand of 44 when the left-hander, who was almost as pedestrian as his captain, played on to Mustafizur.

Raymon Reifer, batting at number three in his second Test four-and-a-half years after his first, fell to a wicketkeeper’s catch via an excellent delivery from

Kraigg Brathwaite was unbeaten on 42 at the close.

Ebadot Hossain.

Scores: Bangladesh 103 (Shakib Al Hasan 51, Tamim Iqbal 29; Jayden Seales 3-33,

Alzarri Joseph 3-33: West Indies 95/2 Kraigg Brathwaite 49*, John Campbell 24. West Indies trail by 8 runs.

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

Sri Lanka’s quicks help level the series as Australia lose 5 for 19 David Warner was beaten by a delivery that skidding through. (AFP)

ESPNcricinfo - The bowlers ruled all day on a slow Pallekele pitch, but in the end Sri Lanka’s bowlers ruled harder.

Australia were chasing 216 in 43 overs after rain curtailed the first innings. They only got to 189. Sri Lanka’s spinners were big threats on a big-spinning surface Dhananjaya de Silva claiming the first two dismissals with his offspin, before Dunith Wellalage took vital middle order wickets later on.

But their quicks were major contributors as well.

Dushmantha Chameera took 2 for 19 from his 6.1 overs, deservedly bowling the delivery that won Sri Lanka the match. Chamika Karunaratne was far more expensive, conceding 47 from seven overs, but took three wickets, including the vital one of Glenn Maxwell.

While we’re on bowlers, though, Pat Cummins was probably the best on show, weaponising his slower ball

to take 4 for 35 from his 8.4 overs. Maxwell and debutant left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, took two wickets apiece.

The batters? On this track, they didn’t do a lot. The highest score of the match was David Warner’s 37. The highest partnership for either team was the 61-run stand between de Silva and Kusal Mendis for the third wicket.

Australia didn’t have one stand that got to 40. This is after they’d won the toss and chosen to bowl, by the way, perhaps buoyed by their win in the first ODI, or maybe by the theory that chasing teams have an edge in rain-hit matches, as this was always bound to be.

But Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept their nerve. de Silva was excellent through the early overs, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay got substantial turn through the middle (even if neither of them took a wicket). Although this wasn’t a classic spin-bowling

strangle, Sri Lanka’s quicks came through to close out the match, as Wellalage also made important strikes. A packed Pallekele crowd flew into ecstasy as Chameera delivered the winning delivery, which burst through Kuhnemann’s defenses and clipped the top of middle stump. Although Warner had earlier hit 37, and Steven Smith 28 - while also appearing to tweak a leg muscle it was Maxwell that Sri Lanka were perhaps most worried about, after he’d taken the first game away from them on Tuesday. At one stage, it seemed as if he would cruise it, especially as Australia’s required rate never climbed much above a run-a-ball. By the end of the 34th over, Maxwell had hit 26 off 23, and Australia needed 56 off 54 balls. He’d hit a four to start that over, but then Karunaratne went short two balls later, and had Maxwell top edge one high, to be caught by cover shuffling (Continued on page 29)

Dushmantha Chameera celebrates after taking the final wicket. (AFP)

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

PAGE 31

West Indies Under-19 player Nandu enjoying his cricket in Canada

C

anada-born, Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman Matthew Nandu has expressed satisfaction with his performances so far after being back in Canada recently.

The left-handed batsman and occasional off-spinner whose parents are Guyanese, mentioned he was delighted with a few outstanding innings so far and promised to work hard continuously on his game.

Nandu, the second son of former Guyana under-19 skipper and first-class player Arjune Nandu, made this declaration last Sunday at the

Ajax Cricket Ground, Toronto, where his team Kaieteur International Sports Club was competing with the hosts in the 2022 Scarborough Cricket Association Premier Regular Season 50-overs competition.

“I want to stay focused and keep working hard on my game; yes I [am] enjoying my cricket so far here and eager to keep performing,” Nandu mentioned after the game in which his team won by 120 runs.

He only made five but two previous innings in a different competition, the BramptonEtobicoke and District Cricket League 50-over

CG Insurance Women's Super50

Matthews (99), Kycia Knight (72) power Bajans to win Bruce grabs 4-for as W/Wards skittled out for 78

By Sean Devers

A

magnificent 177-opening stand between Skipper Haley Matthews (99) and Kycia Knight (72) powered defending Champions Barbados to an emphatic 149 runs win against the Windwards yesterday at Providence in the opening round of the CB Insurance Women's Super50.

The 24-year-old Matthews faced 133 balls and hit eight boundaries in magnificent 99, while Knight hammered seven four in a well compiled 72 from 108 balls while Kyshona Knight, Kycia's twin sister, scored an unbeaten 27 with three fours as Barbados reached 227-2 before dismissing the Windwards for 78 in 23.1 overs.

Japhina Joseph (18) and

Hayley Matthews (cricket. com.au)

Pearl Etienne (16) were the only batters to reach 15 as Shanika Bruce with 4-48, Shamilia Connell (3-9) and Aaliyah Alleyne (2-14) conspired to bowl out the Windwards.

Opting to bat first, Kycia Knight and Matthews dominated the bowling with several exquisite shots as the runs came easily before Knight was finally removed

by Jannillea Glasgow in the Kycia 38th over.

Knight The other Knight joined (ICC her captain and together they cricket.com) carried the score to 192 on a good track and fast outfield before Matthews, one short of what would have been a welldeserved century, the classy right hander was LBW to the 40-year-old pacer Etienne.

Knight (27) and Alisa Scantlebury (10) added were both unbeaten when the 50 overs expired for Barbados; winners of both title in 2018 and 2019.

Windwards slumped to 96 in the 8th over (Continued on page 25)

tournament, Nandu made 51 and 69 while representing Kaiteur Cricket Club.

Additionally, the 19-year-old Nandu turned out for Royal Panthers Toronto and scored 110 to help his team defeat RC in the Mississauga Cricket League competition as well.

After the World Cup campaign that ended in February, Matthew travelled to Canada but there was no cricket due to the Winter Season.

He was in Guyana with the Guyana Harpy Eagles team which was in preparation for the regional four-day tournament. But since he (Continued on page 25)

Matthew Nandu

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Friday June 17, 2022

GABF withdraws U15 National Team from the FIBA Centrobasket in Puerto Rico (Georgetown, Guyana) – A release from the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation has announced, “The Guyana Basketball Federation (GABF) regrettably announces the pending withdrawal of the Guyana Basketball U15 National Team from the FIBA Centrobasket U15 Championship scheduled for June 18-22 in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

The withdrawal is due to US Embassy in Guyana being unable to accommodate expedited interviews for seven (7) members of our delegation.

The request for the expedited interviews followed the process of team selection.”

It continued, “The US Embassy in Georgetown has on previous occasions facilitated the expedited interviews for national basketball teams but was unable to do so on this occasion.

While the Embassy did offer to interview the delegation members at a later date there is only a window of one day remaining for the team to make it to Puerto Rico in time for the first game against the Bahamas.

After several interventions by the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) America's

The U15 basketballers and parents at a meeting.

Regional Office, the GABF remains unsuccessful in securing appointments before the end of the week.

The fourteen (14) member delegation is already in possession of roundtrip airline tickets, as they must arrive two (2) days before their matches, which begin on 18 June, and will depart the US Territory on 23 June 2022.

The National Teams were previously placed in pairs taking into account their

N i k e Yo u t h R a n k i n g position.

Then the teams and their spot were drawn to define the matchups.”

The groups were: Group A: 1. Costa Rica 2. Mexico 3. Dominican Republic 4. Turks and Caicos Group B: 1. Panama

2. Guyana 3. Bahamas 4. Puerto Rico The competition is being held at the Fernando "Rube" Hernandez Colosseum.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Semi-Finals while the rest will compete for the 5-8 spots.

In the Semi-Finals, the top two teams from each

group will face the second team of each opposing group (1A vs 2B and 1B vs 2A).

The Semi-Final winners will qualify for the gold medal game, while the losers will play for third place and the bronze medal.

The three best teams at the end of the tournament will qualify for the FIBA U16 Americas Championship in 2023.

Slingerz FC make winning return to football - Pouderoyen beat Wales 4 – 1 After much hype and fanfare, Slingerz Football Club made their return to the pitch for the first time in six years and their fans were not disappointed.

A massive crowd showed up at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora for the inaugural Guyana Football Federations (GFF) Elite League Champions in their first game in the West Demerara Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( W D FA Stage-sponsored league.

Deon Alfred netted a double, while national U17 player, Matrim Martin scored the other in the side's 3 – 0 one-sided encounter with Uitvlugt United.

It was a physical but entertaining match in which Slingerz FC dominated from the opening whistle.

Had Slingerz FC been more clinical in their finishing, the score could've easily ballooned to one that would've been classified a 'trashing'.

Nonetheless, Slingerz FC Head Coach, Vurlon Mills, said the positive result is all they needed to start their quest for supremacy in Guyana's football.

National U17 player Matrim Martin (L), along with Deon Alfred after Slingerz FC 3 – 0 over Uitvlugt FC win.

“The first game is the most important game and that three points will set the tempo for us going forward in the season,” Mills said following his first win as the side's Head Coach.

Mills said taking the team's preparation leading

up to the game on Wednesday, he's not too worried about how the team played, since “it was our first game together. We have a very young team. Our average age is 19. We have a few U16, U17 and U20 (Continued on page 26)

Kaieteur News

Friday June 17, 2022

Women's CPL Teams Drafted The local players have been drafted ahead of the historic first running of the i n a u g u r a l Wo m e n ' s Caribbean Premier League with the tournament set to get underway on 30 August.

The three teams will be captained by Hayley Matthews (Barbados Royals), Stafanie Taylor (Guyana Amazon Warriors) and Deandra Dottin (Trinbago Knight Riders).

With Matthews and Taylor rated in the top 10 T20 all-rounders in the world and Dottin one of the most destructive batters in the women's game, all three players have shown their quality for the West Indies and in domestic competitions around the globe.

The teams have been drafted from a pool of players that was put together by Cricket West Indies' selection committee and the 33 cricketers picked represent the best talent from across the region with the squads full of experienced internationals as well as the next generation of female players.

Each team will also sign three exciting overseas players bringing the total squad size to 14 and further bolstering the quality of cricketers on show in this exciting new event. These overseas signings will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ricky Skerritt, Cricket West Indies President, said: “This inaugural Women's version of the CPL represents a huge upward step for West Indies cricket.

I am grateful to all those in CPL and CWI who made it happen, especially the three pioneering franchises who have so willingly got on board.”

Jake Lush McCrum, CEO, Barbados Royals and Rajasthan Royals, said: "The Caribbean and particularly Barbados is a destination which has always been so deeply invested in cricket, and to have a team in the region which will serve as a pillar of growth for the women's game in and around the island nation, w a s such an exciting opportunity for us at the Barbados Royals.

Having attracted huge popularity, not just in the

Caribbean, but also in cricket-playing nations around the world, the CPL has been able to realise its value and also the impact it can create on grassroots development.

With this new competition for women, it gives us the opportunity to accelerate the growth and development of female players and coaches, while attracting the next generation of talent to the sport."

Dr. Bobby Ramroop, owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, said, “We are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Women's CPL and we would like to thank CPL and CWI for making this happen.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) family is excited to be at the forefront of advancing Women's cricket, both in the region and worldwide, and we are hopeful that this newest format will provide a platform for empowering female athletes, as well as highlighting inspiring role models for young girls.

T h e d y n a m i c G AW Women's team, led by the impressive Stafanie Taylor, is a welcome and powerful addition to the CPL.” Venky Mysore, Director, Trinbago Knight Riders, said, "We are proud to announce our first women's team under the Knight Riders banner, and are eagerly looking forward to watching the ladies represent TKR in the inaugural Women's T20 competition in this year's Caribbean Premier League.

We a r e a l w a y s m o s t supportive of such initiatives and are on a continuous lookout to expand the sport across the globe and across demographics.

We a r e t h e r e f o r e particularly thrilled to support the launch of women's T20 in the Caribbean and would like to congratulate and thank CWI and CPL for taking the initiative to launch the Women's editions this year."

Pete Russell, Hero CPL's CEO, said: “A Women's CPL is the next logical step as we grow the brand, and we are very pleased that we have been able to make this a reality in 2022.

We are grateful to the

CWI, the Barbados Royals, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinbago Knight Riders for working with us on this ground breaking tournament and we look forward to showcasing the tremendous skills of all these talented players.”

PAGE 33

Gudakesh Motie gets his Test cap from Kemar Roach.

(AFP/Getty Images)

Jayden Seales sent back Mominul Haque early. (Randy Brooks /AFP via Getty Images)

Bangladesh crash as West Indies dominate slow motion Test Guyana Amazon Warriors captain, Stafanie Taylor

t r o Sp Magnum 'Unfinished Business' Futsal Championship…

Members of the launch party for the Magnum Tonic Wine 'Unfinished Business' tournament.

All the talks to be Women's CPL settled tomorrow night Teams Drafted Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.