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Guyana Medical Council supports use of Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 The Medical Council of Guyana (MCG) has added its voice in support of the use of the Sputnik V vaccines to
help immunise the population against the d e a d l y e ff e c t s o f t h e COVID-19.
Prompted by recent public debate over the effectiveness of the vaccine in the fight against the
disease, the MCG issued a statement endorsing its use. According to the Medical Council, the
Chairman of the Medical Council of Guyana, Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran vaccine was the first to be registered and while it is awaiting official approval of t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organisation (WHO), the data surrounding its use is reassuring. “Many countries – 74 to date – have started using this vaccine based on evaluation of the data on safety, efficacy and availability. There is no reason to expect denial of approval for this vaccine from the WHO and other authorities in the coming weeks,” the statement added. “This is the same process that has occurred with all of the other available vaccines prior to WHO approval where countries have
adopted a policy of use pending approval after careful evaluation by their own technical team,” the MCG statement continued. Further, the Council noted that Guyana and its neighbours have the requisite technical expertise to analyse scientific data and make appropriate recommendations to policy makers. The MCG said that “This was the basis for using the various vaccines in Guyana – independent technical analysis of risk versus benefits.” The Council stressed therefore that all of the vaccines available in Continued on page 3
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30 Guyanese Stakeholders BK sues GGMC, EPA and Hadi’s write Exxon’s shareholders on over quarry licence approval threats of Liza 1 Operations More than 30 Guyanese stakeholders Guyana, the Caribbean, the global climate, have written to ExxonMobil Corporation’s and the corresponding risk to the value of shareholders informing them of the your investments in Exxon, we urge you to ask mechanical issues that have lead to over 14 Exxon to disclose promptly and publicly: (1) The financial guarantees and billion standard cubic feet of gas being flared at the Liza Phase One operations in the assurances that Exxon has in place to cover the enormous response, recovery and Stabroek Block. In a missive to the press, the local remediation costs from an unplanned event stakeholders noted that the Exxon such as a well blowout; (2) An updated risk assessment in light shareholders should demand an updated risk assessment following the use of faulty of Exxon’s use of faulty equipment and equipment on the Liza Destiny vessel and failure to follow proper procedures; (3) A risk mitigation strategy for a well warned that a well blowout could be economically and environmentally blowout updated in light of the above catastrophic – with a comparable impact on systemic failures; (4) An updated oil spill response plan in shareholder investments in Exxon. The signatories to the letter include light of Guyana’s continuing limited ability activist, Ramon Gaskin; Chartered to take action to mitigate the impact of a well blow out; and Accountant and former (5) The total Auditor-General of amount of gas that Guyana, Anand Exxon has flared since Goolsarran; Fred first oil.” Collins, President of Furthermore, the Transparency Institute letter includes a map Guyana Inc.; and from the Payara Gerald Perreira of the Environmental Impact Organisation for the Assessment showing Victory of the People. that an unmitigated Other activists and release of 202, 192 stakeholders from barrels of oil per day academia, science, over 30 days could engineering, religious, reach as far as Jamaica. business backgrounds The letter also reminds have also joined the International Lawyer, the Exxon shareholders letter for action. Melinda Janki that the BP Macondo It was also endorsed well blowout cost BP by over 60 international over US$65 billion. organisations and International Attorney-at-Law, Melinda individuals from Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United States of Janki, who also signed the letter, said, America, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, “Exxon’s shareholders, the people who own Zambia, the Philippines, India, France, Exxon, say that Exxon’s strategy is out dated Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, and that the board under-estimates the scale Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United of the energy transition. The financial institutions, the people who lend the money, Kingdom. The letter was specifically addressed to are pulling out of fossil fuels. And yet, The Coalition United for a Responsible Guyana’s tiny business sector is looking Exxon (CURE) which represents a global backwards and trying to buck global market spectrum of stakeholders focused on trends. That way lies bankruptcy and big bills sustainability and committed to delivering for Guyanese taxpayers.” She added, “The business sector should long-term returns that account for the realities of a changing climate and energy be looking to the future and leading Guyana’s sector. As of March 3, 2021, CURE brings transformation to cheap and virtually together over 145 institutional members, who unlimited renewable energy for everybody.” The Guyana letter was sent to Andrew collectively represent approximately US$2.4 Behar of As You Sow, an Exxon shareholder, trillion in assets. The letter to the CURE Exxon who sent it to the CURE Exxon group on the shareholders concludes with a request for day of the ExxonMobil Annual General action stating, “In light of the threats to Meeting some weeks ago.
Guyana Medical Council supports use... From page 2 Guyana, including the Sputnik V, “have a 100% record in preventing severe COVID19 infection defined as admission to ICU, needing ventilator support or death.” The MCG said that none of the 442 deaths recorded in Guyana were seen in fully vaccinated persons. “There have been no overwhelming adverse events reported worldwide for any of the vaccines used in Guyana to date,” the release said. Further, the Council noted every person above the age of 18 is eligible for COVID19 vaccines in Guyana, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. “Persons with a history of severe allergic reactions should seek medical advice before considering the vaccines and are the only
group who may not be medically suitable,” the Council said. As a result, the Medical Council advocates that every resident of Guyana takes advantage of the same protection as frontline workers and therefore urges people to get vaccinated. “We are of the view that the best COVID-19 vaccine to take is the one that you have available right now. Vaccines help us to develop immunity which help us fight off infections. While we continue to recommend that persons follow the established guidelines of social distancing, hand washing and wearing of masks, there is now the additional measure of vaccines to protect us,” the MCG added in the statement.
B
K Quarries has filed a lawsuit enforced up to today. BK has been carrying against the Guyana Geology and out exploration and developmental works on Mines Commission (GGMC) and the prospecting licence since 2014. The prospecting licence is for an area Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over a decision to fully permit and issue four located on the left bank of the Mazaruni River quarrying licences to Hadi’s World Inc., a in the vicinity of Itaballi and covers 9,364 local company operating in the field. The acres. The purpose of the prospecting licence lawsuit also lists Hadi’s World as a is for the conduct of exploration and developmental activities, while the quarry respondent in the matter. Among other things, the lawsuit seeks an licence is for the extraction of rock and injunction to prevent Hadi’s World from production of aggregate. As such, the lawsuit alleges that the Board occupying or taking any steps to develop the 16,500 acres of land recently awarded to the of the GGMC was “biased in favour of Hadi’s company by the GGMC as four quarrying World Inc.’s applications.” Among the orders licences. applied for by Dhurjon According to on behalf of BK release from BK Quarries Inc. are Orders Quarries, GGMC and of Certiorari to quash the EPA took the the decisions of the decision to fully permit GGMC dated 15th June, and issue four 2021 to grant the four quarrying licences to quarry licences to Hadi’s World, which is Hadi’s World Inc. over owned by Mr. Nazar four areas of 3,713 ‘Shell’ Mohamed, acres, 5,152 acres, 3,220 despite several acres and 4,417 acres objections raised by the respectively, on the company. grounds that the The lawsuit was decisions are against the filed just one day after legitimate expectation the GGMC handed Brian ‘BK’ Tiwari, of the applicant, in 16,502 acres of land to breach of GGMC’s H a d i ’s Wo r l d f o r Owner of BK Quarries statutory duty, in breach quarrying operations. of natural justice, The lawsuit, which is filed by attorney, Siand Dhurjon, explains arbitrary, ultra vires, unreasonable, irrational, that the Notices of Intention to grant quarry and unfair, an abuse of power, whimsical, licences were published in the Official capricious, against their own policy and Gazette without the approval of the Board of without any legal foundation or authority. Further, the applicant seeks an injunction the GGMC as is required under law. The lawsuit also alleges that the EPA to forbid and restrain Hadi’s World Inc., their illegally waived the requirement for Hadi’s agents and servants from taking any steps in World Inc. to have to perform an assessment furtherance of the quarrying activities or of the environmental impact of the four occupation on the lands held under the quarry quarrying operations over 16,500 acres of licences granted on 15th June, 2021 covering land for the reason that the quarry operations the four designated areas; an Order of ‘would not significantly impact the Certiorari to quash the decisions of the EPA made 21st March, 2021 and 16th April, 2021 environment’. It states that the EPA arrived at this and upheld by the Environmental Assessment decision in spite of the understanding that the Board (EAB) made 14th June, 2021 to award quarry operations of Hadi’s World would four environmental authorisations to Hadi’s require the clearing of over a thousand acres World Inc. in respect of quarrying operations of vegetation and the use of explosives to over the four said areas encompassing about 16,502 acres; and an Order of Mandamus to destroy the face of the land. The document alleges too that the compel the GGMC to take all steps necessary decision to award a company, which does not to see to the favourable processing of BK’s own a single crusher, 16,502 acres of land for application made 16th August, 2018 for a quarrying was made although BK Quarries quarry licence over the area of 9,364 acres had applied for a quarry licence since August designated by the GGMC as LM40: B1000/000/18, upon the Applicant being 16, 2018 for a portion of the same area. Further, it said that BK Quarries Inc. was issued the requisite environmental issued a prospecting licence for the said authorisation by the EPA to conduct portion since 2014, a licence, which remains quarrying operations on the said area.
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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 G-7 Summit The just concluded G-7 Summit in Cornwall, England, was a big bust. As Summits go, this one aimed for a low height and then fell short of what was more of a bump than a bar of any significance. Perhaps, the writing was on the wall from the beginning, with the choice of that Cornwall location providing a clue. The location has earned a well-deserved reputation as a quaint, picturesque English seaside resort idyll, which meant that for the G-7 leaders, the G-7 Summit was one big lark throughout. Globally, the cry and concern are over the environment and the havoc wreaked by climate change. On this, the G-7 leaders delivered what is kindly considered as a frolic on the beach. They barely dipped their toes into the demanding waters of climate change with better, more comprehensive and honest, climate control policies and provisions. Mighty America and Great Britain and France and Germany settled for coal. As fossil fuels go, coal has the biggest black eye around, and the guiltiest of faces, so it is a safe enough pick, with some positive contributions promised from putting the kibosh on its existence and known contaminations. Therefore, some self-congratulations should be in order. At least, the G-7 leaders did do something about fossil fuel curtailments, even if it comes across as doing something for something sake, and then by taking the firmest hold on the lowest hanging fruit. Houston has to be rejoicing for this much-needed break, and reward for all of its powerful lobbying efforts. That would be the leaders of Exxon, and not the United States space people. The heat is on for serious and constructive climate change policies from the leading political governors in the world, and they were all out to lunch, on most likely what was farm reared marine life. Nothing but the best for the G-7 leaders, all smug and wrapped up in their self-righteous frauds, and for whom regular seafood would be too dangerous for them. Of course, that would be, as polluted by the heavy water runoffs and lethal seismic mapping practices from the likes of Exxon and others of its brand. This is what Guyanese know nowadays and live with, in the futile hope that their own leaders would come to their senses and be there for them. Except that it is not to be, just like those lethargic and irresponsible G-7 leaders, who have the world in their hands, and instead of clasping it protectively, all they could agree to do was keep their fingers wide apart, so that the really problematic things could pass through. To shift from environmental concerns and climate change alarms, the world of Third World nations is under unparalleled pressure from a combination of historic national leadership mismanagements, burdensome debt loads, struggling impoverished societies barely able to keep their noses above water, and the catastrophic consequences of a viral pandemic without a seeming end. On each occasion that a silver lining is believed to be behind the thunderclouds of grimness, there is a new discovery about mutations and variants, about the source and controversies over the origins of the virus, and about the degree of sustained assistance required to get the billions of people in poorer societies back on their feet. Given such a confluence of depressing and backbreaking circumstances, the least the heavily impacted Third World Governments and Third World peoples could have expected was some level of meaningful and progressive debt relief, some form of beneficial funding programme that addresses the trillions in shortfall that are necessary to give them a fighting chance at surviving and competing to give some hope to their people. What they got was a lot of talk, a lot of posturing and a lot of fakeries from G-7 leaders that expose them for being collaborators with the corporate exploiters called multinationals, which are housed in the territory of one or the other of those G-7 countries. When all of this is considered, and aside from the charity of a billion COVID-19 vaccines, the best that we at this publication can conclude about the G-7 Summit is that it was a dud, a major flop, from start to finish, and with results to prove.
Coalition cherry picked PM Rowley’s statement DEAR EDITOR, I have taken note of the press release, which was issued today by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and I would kindly ask that you permit me to voice a few concerns. From the time the release hit social media, I noticed coalition supporters and even opposition members condemning the Government for what was said on the matter. However, they are all negating the second paragraph which reads “At no point in time has Prime Minister Rowley ever disparaged the vaccine programme in Guyana, nor has he ever implied that the vaccines in use in Guyana are defective or unsafe”. The question must therefore be asked, why the opposition is not focusing on
the most important part of the press release. In my view, it is, because they are trying to push their own narrative to create confusion. From what I have observed over the last couple days and from what I read in the press release, there seems to be some contradictions because the Coalition blasted a video recording on social media of Trinidad’s PM, Mr. Rowley, claiming that his words support their false claims about Guyana’s vaccination
programme. However, the press release clearly states that the PM never said anything of the sort. Any right-thinking person would be able to decipher what is happening. The reality is that the APNU+AFC started an antivaccine campaign and as part of that, they circulated an edited recording of Mr. Rowley to bolster their false narratives on Guyana’s ongoing vaccination programme. It is ridiculous for these
Coalition members to go to all these lengths so as to prevent Guyanese from getting inoculated against the COVID-19 virus. They themselves have gotten the same vaccine they are now criticising. However, i t w o u l d appear that they do not care for others to be protected as well. That just shows how incompetent they are and reiterates the fact that they do not care for Guyanese. Respectfully yours, Alvin Hamilton
Opposition speaks from both sides of its mouth DEAR EDITOR, The opposition, it seems, is speaking from both sides of its mouth.
From one side now comes the call for vaccination, while the other corner spews the call not to be vaccinated, using,
an alleged fake brand. What does it hope to gain by sowing confusion and division? Shamshun Mohamed
Sunday June 20, 2021
PAC chair will come from opposition, but which one? DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the letter titled “GHK Lall has it wrong, PAC chair must come from Opposition benches” (KN June 19). Three things struck immediately: 1) difficulties of some with English; 2) the contorted “facts” for rank partisan purposes; and 3) people in glass houses undressing in sunlight. In life, one must occasionally step into dog turd; this is such a situation. The first fact bannered was that the PAC chair must be opposition-rooted, no issues there. The same position/ tradition obtained for Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, and here we are. He is not officially from PPP ranks; therefore, from opposition, by default. I trust the connecting is not too demanding. Further, I foresee the opposition rejecting any overture for its people for replacement chair. Though sunken, I disbelieve that it is so lacking in selfrespect; so soulless. A c c o r d i n g l y, that facilitates the jigs of skilled PPP jive talking leaders(s). I a m t r o u b l e d t h a t t h is eludes the writer’s grasp, which the evasions and escape confirm. So-called fact number two: that I uphold the misconduct of the ousted PAC chair, David Patterson, because of opposition bias. My position is in stone: “Step down, Mr. Patterson or Mr. Granger please step in” (Demerara Waves, January 21). The writer should not need linguistic subtitles from UN accredited interpreters.
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Instructive how this deceptive writer cherry picks from Demerara Waves; such are the distortions that reinforce the unwisdom of my condescending to reply. The third mangling of facts was that Mr. Nestor is 68 years old. He was not when hired, and he is not today. The next supposed fact was that Mr. Nestor was a political appointee. I conclude that, in small minds parroting Freedom House reflexes, his blackness automatically demonises him as a PNC/APNU/AFC loyalist; hence, not worthy of employment. Whatever fired Mr. Nestor’s politics, his entire work product furnished justification; I leave possible age discrimination alone. Somehow, ‘political appointee’ Nestor is dismissed, but the writer is comfortable with the glaring inconsistency of Messrs. Carl Greenidge’s and Hamilton’s respective ages and historic political pedigrees, with the latter once denigrated by the PPP for rough stuff. Incidentally, there were no more “connected” people to PNC leadership than Messrs. Greenidge and Hamilton. The writer’s hypocrisy stuns: my partisan is a patriot, others are terrorists. Regarding Mr. Knight’s political activities, I am enlightened that this now translates to automatic employment termination; thus, half Guyana’s population is firing bait. Who is next?
On training, the PPP has countless bureaucratic bumblers at every level, from leader to PS to other juveniles, who don’t know right foot from left, with training curve of years. Nothing costs this society more than its current leader groping around embarrassingly, and flailing around blindly, while imagining leading. On documentation, I am not so privy, but I am amazed at today’s concern over national blacklisting; this conflicts with the VP’s oath of no evidence of exposure. The new anxiety contradicts the VP’s insistence of no worries; somebody is fishing for a cover, and blacklisting is a lovely red herring. I would be more anxious about those financiers being protected by PPP leaders, due to elections assistance; there is real blacklisting, except America doesn’t care. When dirty money financed democracy, there was no concern about blacklisting. Nor were there any such pretended discomforts when His Excellency promised dismantling of regulations in the gold sector, and did in the subtlest fashions. With all these facts considered, this has degraded from freak show to peep show, someone pretending at commentator, but only cheap entertainer. I am done. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Badges of honour and ranks have their place and use DEAR EDITOR, I read with interest the letter which dealt with the categorisation of persons described as Very Important Persons (VIPs) written by Conrad Barrow. He proposes that this description be abolished. I take issue with his contention that his understanding of the UN Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 should lead us to end the categorisation of certain persons as VIPs. If it is the same Conrad Barrow who I know, I have the highest regard for that family, and believe he is well meaning. Second, since I no longer hold high public office. I feel free to disagree with perhaps the well-intentioned sentiments expressed in his letter published in the Stabroek News of 18thJune, 2021. But I believe there is a fundamental flaw in his argument. Let me refer to the quote from the United States, when he reminds us of the wellknown statement that we hold these truths to ‘be selfevident that all men are created equal.’ From early civilisation, society felt compelled to accept the idea that all men are created equal. However, this did not ignore while clinging to the philosophical underpinnings of men being created equal, that it ended there, meaning that it did not address the prowess or achievements thereafter. It was accepted and wisely so that certain persons who excelled either in the military, political,
cultural, religious, sporting, academic or intellectual level must be appropriately recognised and honoured. That is why the appropriate accolades, titles and recognition are given to persons who excel in any of the above categories. If in a society, persons who excel are not recognised, we run the risk of society where mediocrity prevails and there is no incentive to excel. That perhaps, for one reason why for centuries persons have been given titles, etc. It is unacceptable if the Olympic champions who train and excel are not awarded a gold medal and, hence, classified as a VIP. The young boy or girl who applies himself or herself to studies and gains from his/her university high degrees that person should be specially honoured and considered a VIP. In the Security Forces, the General or Commissioner or Chief of Staff wears a uniform with badges of rank setting him apart, and unnecessarily so, above the ordinary recruit. That makes him/her a VIP. And so, we must always honour those who occupy positions of high authority. Mind you, here I am not entering into the debate that we’ve had throughout history, monarchs and others who have abused their
status. I ignore their responsibility to behave in a dignified manner recognising the sanctity of human rights referred to by Conrad Barrow. Mr. Barrow’s argument is not new. Recall, in the height of the Socialist Revolution, at one time, leaders in the East, decided to do away with what some described as the bourgeoisie ‘Badges of Ranks.’ After a few short days of absolute confusion, where no one knew who to salute and who to take and give orders, the utility of ranking and VIPs was swiftly restored. Conrad Barrow’s contention particularly in a society, such as ours, can lead us to forms of anarchism as found in the Dictionary of Philosophy. Be reminded that the Dictionary of Philosophy traces “anarchism as follows, a social philosophy that rejects authoritarian government and maintains that voluntary institutions are best suited to express man’s natural social tendencies. What I urge my friend Conrad Barrow to advance is that VIPs should recognise the responsibility they carry. As we all know, it did not work and today all of those societies accept and are run on the concept of a pecking order. Hamilton Green Elder
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The first known casualty in the Wismar violence DEAR EDITOR, There has been a number of recent letters referring to the Wismar incident of May 25/26, 1964 but allow me to comment on the letter of June 19, 2021 titled: “Continued hurling of poisons hurt and not help” in which the writer, Eric Moseley, accused Ms. Ryhaan Shah of “inconsistencies” and stated that “yet she puts pen to paper and accuses the PNC of a number of absurdities”. I was born in Mackenzie and my mother’s parents and some of her siblings and their families belonged to that early group of Indians, who once lived at Wismar and survived the ‘Wismar ethnic cleansing”, except for one who was the first murdered on May 25 early in the morning. His name was Richard (Mohammad) Khan, 18 years old, lived in the village called “Valley of Tears” in Wismar. He was a columnist with the local PYO (youth support group of the PPP) newspaper – The Thunder, and known for the distribution of the
newspaper in Wismar. He was beaten to death outside of his house but in his yard. My maternal grandmother, who survived the violence, told me that young African women would come to her and begged her to leave Wismar immediately, that there will be “trouble coming soon”. My relatives were transported by the RH Carr Steamer to Georgetown. I also enclose pictures of my assassinated cousin as evidence. It must be noted that the violence against Indians was not only in Wismar; but Indians in Mackenzie and Christianburg were also brutalised. Indeed, the widow of a man – Mr. Nauth, told me that her husband was murdered that day in Mackenzie. From personal experience, I believe that more Indians died from the trauma of the violence experienced/ witnessed than the actual number of Indians murdered that day, a number which is still unknown. I have much more details of the terror
against Indians on those two days, but enough said, except to say that I am not aware of the PPP helping the terrorised Indians, but I know that Indians across Guyana stepped up and gave them shelter and assistance. The recovery was long and painful for my relatives – they do not talk about it. Mr. Moseley should ask himself, why would a known PYO member be the first to be assassinated, if the PNC was not involved? And Mr. Moseley needs to know that my uncle, Kadim Bacchus’, a known PPP organiser in Wismar, house was burnt to the ground, and he was beaten, and some were beaten and tied up and left on the bank of the Demerara River to be drowned (saved by a Christian Missionary plying the river in a boat collecting beaten Indians). My hope is that all Guyanese would learn from those sad historical facts and strive to make Guyana a better place. Thank you. Fizul Rahim
No amount of oil wealth will benefit us if City Hall’s leadership doesn’t change its approach DEAR EDITOR, As a resident of Region Four and as a prominent businessman in the city of Georgetown for over 40 years; words are inadequate to describe my frustration over the state of this entire ‘garden city’. I am confident that no amount of financial resources can uplift the city from this obnoxious state. What the city needs is young, enthusiastic and competent individuals not ‘geriatrics’ to run it. We all should stop the politics that has brought the city to this sad state of affairs. The opposition APNU+AFC has been in total control since independence in 1966. Looking at the edifice of the City Hall, it is irrefutable that this is a reflection of the leadership of the municipality. I have two business houses in Georgetown and I am paying Puran Brothers Incorporated one million dollars to remove and clear my
Sunday June 20, 2021
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garbage annually. Over the past 20 years, never one day has City Hall removed or cleared my establishments’ garbage and this is certainly the case of other businesses. I have to clean my drains, which costs me over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per year. City Hall has not been providing any services to the business community. However, what we are greeted constantly and bombarded with are threats of property re-evaluations and increase in taxes. Editor, I must bring to your attention that I am paying the sum of one million and five thousand dollars for two businesses in Georgetown. The big question is why I am paying this money and for what service? Georgetown is the home for thousands of businesses and tens of thousands of residences. The revenue collections are
enormous. But because of poor management and vision, the city is always cash strapped. I guarantee that with proper, prudent and competent management; free from political interference, Georgetown can return to its glory days as the Garden City of the Caribbean and believe me, Dear Editor, without one cent subsidy or grant from Central Government. It is indeed my desire to see the total reconstruction of this small City in the near future. When this happens, business owners and residents will be willing to pay more for the city services and those who are not paying will be motivated to pay. If the leadership of City Hall doesn’t change their approach and attitude, no amount of oil wealth will benefit us. Respectfully, Nazar Mohamed
The President is all over DEAR EDITOR, An illustrious president, Dr. Irfaan Ali, hardworking and hardly resting, is certainly not bemused with the current situation in the country, in particular with all the adversities facing Guyanese and an unwilling Opposition Party not cooperating in the national interest and showing no sign of patriotism. He, nevertheless, remains optimistic, is resilient and maintains a composure of being calm. Leader of the Opposition, Joe Harmon’s aspersions on the Sputnik vaccines tells a tall tale. The APNU+AFC Party is the bearer of false news, lies and disruption. Their tongue twisting is the main tool to fabricate a sad and pathetic story in order to draw sympathy. The PNC’s legacy of being a destructive
element, a racial body, a biased ins t i t u t i o n a n d a d i s c r i m i n a t i n g organisation, has left a vivid paper trail of social upheaval, violent behaviour, political mayhem and economic chaos. Luckily, Guyanese now have a new duly elected government, administered by the PPP/C Party. This has materialised a number of changes and things are beginning to look up with the hope and expectation for betterment. Law and order is slowly taking shape once more as rules and regulations are observed. The President and all the government ministers have been on the ground, in the field and water, walking and working foot to foot with the man in the street to test the depth of the water.
They have distributed thousands of food hampers, relocated many, provided all available help and instituted all necessary precautions; a motion ousted David Patterson as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. This APNU+AFC’s brazen bullying came to an end; the Town Clerk was given 24 hours to state what actions were taken against the delinquent workers. Despite the flood, COVID, crime and political interference, Guyana’s antennae is up and beaming and, there is a ray of hope as the rainbow promises a light at the end of the tunnel. The committed President Ali remains steadfast to his difficult responsibilities and unmoved by the deliberate distractions. Respectfully, Jai Lall
Dr. David Hinds omitted the QC aspect of Dr. Rodney’s life DEAR EDITOR, I recently saw on the electronic media a programme with Dr. David Hinds giving the signposts o f t h e l i f e o f D r. Walter Rodney. In this review of Dr. Rodney’s life, he omitted to m e n t i o n D r. R o d n e y ’s formative years at Queen’s College. These formative years, Rodney always said were among his happiest years. QC in Rodney’s day had the ethos of an English Public School. The boys knew each other irrespective of their ages or forms and the Masters knew each boy by his first name and the pupils had muc h affection for most Masters. There was a familial feeling among them as expressed in their famous school song. R o d n e y ’ s contemporaries are found in all parts of the world, and all have made contributions in whatever
countries they live. The few who remained in Guyana have likewise made useful contributions to their country. These would include former President David Granger, General Joe Singh, Dr. Samuel Hinds, Carlton J a m e s a n d D r. R o g e r Luncheon. The QC Master who taught Rodney History and was his House Master at K House (Cunningham House) is still alive in Guyana. It is well known that though these “Old Boys” may have found themselves on different sides of the political fence, they maintained their personal relations with each other and whenever they met, they would call each other by their false names. Next time Dr. Hinds speaks on Dr. Rodney, he should not omit his years at QC. Dr. Hinds felt that the PPP/C should not have responded to the Rodney’s family’s call for them to clear
his name but that this should have been done by some African group since the PPP would gain some political kudos; not reminding himself that Rodney belongs to all Guyanese both home and abroad. Dr. Hinds also did his best to defend himself and the WPA of betraying Rodney’s memory by their joining with the PNC in their political odyssey. Dr. Hinds must be regarded with understanding and sympathy. He is an old-style Africanist who wished to preserve African culture as a contribution to the Guyanese pluralism but his laudable Africanism has slowly and imperceptibly and indeed, unconsciously morphed into racism. Dr. Hinds is one of the elders of our society and I wish him long life and strength to continue making his contribution. Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan
Two questions for Mr. Green and Mr. Moseley DEAR EDITOR, This discussion has been exhausted but I note that Eric Moseley is now going to bat for Mr. Hamilton Green (Letters, June 19, 2021) so please indulge me with a few brief questions for these two gentlemen. The fundamental question being asked by other writers and me and which sparked this exchange is still unanswered. Why does Mr. Green ask us to learn
lessons from a US race massacre when he has been silent for over 60 years about a race massacre right here at home, namely the Wismar Massacre? Other than him trying to claim some parallel victimhood with African Americans which does not exist, what was his reason? And why is it that when Green and Moseley speak, it is not “well-worn propaganda and statements with no basis
in fact” but when I do – and everything I have stated is factual and can be checked – it is? I have said all I need to say about this issue. The rest is up to Mr. Green and his conscience. My recommended reading for b o t h g e n t l e m e n i s M r. Freddie Kissoon’s column of June 19, 2021. He says it all far more boldly than I ever would. Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N L U BL BLUNT. B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B . T L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . . LU ...BLUN B T . . . N T U N L U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B . L . . B . T . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
If our leaders are honest, they will admit that whatever they know about oil, it is too little.
If Guyana’s self-anointed oil czar is wise, he will recognise the need to learn from Trinidad. Trinidad mismanaged its oil wealth; Guyana can learn from those mistakes.
The loopholes that took the Trinis so long to close, we can learn from those lessons and close gaps now. We call upon President and Vice President: do it! Just do it!
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
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In the absence of ring-fencing provisions…
Guyana being shafted over $4B on Liza Project -Chris Ram By Kiana Wilburg When oil was first discovered at the Liza well back in 2015, several experts and international institutions urged the authorities of the day to close many of the loopholes in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). Otherwise, the country would lose billions of dollars in revenue. One such loophole was the absence of ring-fencing provisions. By way of several reports to the APNU+AFC regime, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in particular, had placed much emphasis on correcting this matter. The IMF had warned that such provisions are crucial since it would prevent ExxonMobil from doing two key things—subtracting the costs of dry holes from the money made from producing fields and deducting from those fields as well, the costs associated with developing future oil projects. As a result of the authorities’ failure to plug this loophole, at least one Stabroek Block partner is now taking full advantage of Guyana. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited which holds a 30 percent working interest in the block is including as part of its cost recovery for the Liza Phase One Project, expenses associated with future projects. The result is that the oil pie to be shared with Guyana gets much smaller. Exposing this state of affairs recently was Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, in his column, “Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become OilMinded” and published on his website
www.chrisram.net. In his writings, Ram noted that he reviewed Hess’ latest financial statements which stated that “deductions are also made for General and Administrative expenses of $4.292 million, inclusive of pre-development and preproduction costs of future projects and Exploration expenses of $1.360 million, suggesting multiple cases of the revenue of Liza I bearing non-Liza 1 expenses.” Had ring-fencing provisions been in place, this would not have occurred. Ram agreed with Kaieteur News’ conclusion that, at this rate, the Liza Phase One Project would have millions of dollars in expenses rolling over year after year since it would not be able to cover all of the expenses being charged to it by the partners. He also agreed that future projects such as Liza Phase Two, Payara “and every one of the remaining hundreds of wells that Guyana mindlessly approves without imposing conditions” will suffer the same fate. Yesterday, Kaieteur News had reached out to Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Senior Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat and Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia to ascertain how the foregoing issues are being addressed. Unfortunately, those efforts provided futile. Minister Bharrat did promise however to provide a response today. NUMEROUS WARNINGS Former University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, is one of many who strongly advocated over the
years for there to be ring-fencing provisions in all of Guyana’s PSAs. Back in 2018, the industry expert had stated that having no ring-fencing provisions, perhaps, would not be so objectionable when it is in a small or “normal”sized license. “But the (Stabroek block) license in Guyana is gigantic,” expressed Mitro. He continued, “I don’t think I have ever seen one this big before. To me, it’s the combination of the license size, plus no ring-fencing provisions in a well-explored area that makes it so extraordinary, and not in the best interest of any country.” Mitro who has more than 30 years’ experience in the oil industry had stressed that the unique situations that gave rise to the birth of Production Sharing Agreements in the first place was that governments wanted to avoid the “consolidation of losses” phenomenon by oil companies which is present in normal tax and royalty fiscal regimes. He said this very characteristic of PSAs, in that it provides ring-fencing provisions, is what made them so highly favoured in most places around the world. Furthermore, Mitro who is versed in contract-renegotiation had said that the whole reason companies push for having no ring-fencing in their contracts is because it creates an advantage to the company at the expense of the country. “It will mean that when ExxonMobil and its partners drill exploration wells in some other part of the country, in the same giant Stabroek Block, they can get cost recovery barrels for those ex-
Dem boys seh...
Fathers’ Day is not like Mothers’ Day On de Saturday before Mother’s Day, yuh does want know whether is Christmas. COVID or no COVID, de shopping centres does be rammed-jammed with people. Dem stores and shops does do brisk business. And pon Mother’s Day, dem caterers does gat more orders dan dem can fill. Everybody buying something nice fuh dem mother and dem does go and visit dem mother, even dem wah deh in de cemetery. Every year now, de City Council does gat people crying. Dem does be crying just like when dem bury dem mooma. But de reason fuh de
tears is because dem can’t find dem mother grave. It overrun by jungle! But pon Father’s Day, de cemetery does be like a ghost town. And de day before Father’s Day, dem shops does get a trickle of customers. Comparing Father’s Day and Mother’s Day is like comparing Good Friday and Christmas Day, respectively. A man was telling he visiting friend, how he children just left de house to buy he Father’s Day gift. And den he added, “I hope I can afford it. They took my credit card with them.” But sometimes dem mothers does tek dem children fuh
buy Father’s Day greeting card. One day, a mother carry she three-year-old son, Tyler, to de card store and took him to de section with de Father’s Day cards. She told him to pick out one. After a while, she looked and saw him picking up one card after another, opening dem up and quickly shoving dem back into slots. She turned to him and said, “What are you doing? Have you not found a nice card for daddy as yet?” “No,” he replied. “I’m looking for one with money in it.” Talk half and Happy Father’s Day!
ploration costs and that will end up reducing the Government’s share of profit oil,” expressed Mitro. Having exploration costs coming at the expense of the government is a risky business, most governments prefer to avoid Mitro had said. “That is normally considered to be at the company’ risk, not the government’s. Therefore, lack of ring-fencing is without question, not in Guyana’s best interest…,” Mitro con-
cluded. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had also commissioned a report by Trinidadian Energy Expert, Anthony Paul, back in 2016 which urged Guyana to close this loophole. But no action was ever taken. In a separate report, the World Bank had also warned Guyana about leaving itself exposed to abuse by oil companies which would allow any
Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram and all costs to cross the fence of producing projects. This was brought to the nation’s attention in 2015, but nothing was done.
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Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
Investigation into Headley’s killing in advanced stage of completion
T
he Acting Commis sioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie yesterday informed this media house, during an invited comment, that the investigation which was launched into the killing of Peter Headley, who was shot and killed by a cop a month ago, is in an advance stage of completion. Headley was shot by one of two ranks while he was being transported in a car carrying number plate PVV 1771 to the Providence Police Station located on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). He was reportedly arrested along with another man, known to be Rondel Daly, a 29-year-old, security guard of Lot 1756
Block V, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), around 20:45hrs at Nandy Park, EBD, on the 15th May. According to Hoppie, an investigation is currently being conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA). He added, “The investigation is at an advanced stage of completion. We want to ensure that no stone is left unturned, so we caused a comprehensive investigation to be done with the independence, which we thought is necessary. As soon as that is done, the file will be sent to the DPP and will be made public.”
Peter Headley, the man who was shot and killed by police. Additionally, he said that, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will then advice on whether the policeman
should be charged. According to initial reports, the police said that Headley and Daly were suspected to be involved in a robbery, which took place in Herstelling on Tuesday, 11th May. Headley and Daly were reportedly in a motor vehicle, driven by Headley, when the patrol ranks intercepted them. The ranks reportedly searched the car and found a television set, which they suspected was stolen in the robbery. Daly was arrested and placed in the police patrol vehicle while Headley was placed into the front passenger seat of his vehicle – one rank entered the driver’s seat while another armed rank en-
The Acting Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie.
tered the back passenger seat. They then drove off. During the journey, the
ranks claimed that Headley allegedly reached under the (Continued on page 17 )
Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. MONDAY Everybody is making handsome money with Guyana’s oil. The Chinese made $9.3B PROFIT in 2020. But Guyanese are making next to nothing. The Americans are making good money too. Exxon is doing very well on Guyana’s oil. Hess can’t even count the money reaped from Guyana, and it is already planning for the next 5-10 years for more and more money from Guyana’s oil. But how is Guyana doing? Don’t ask: it is shameful. Now we are hearing that the French suddenly wants to help Guyana. Don’t be fooled,
Guyanese. All these bloodsuckers want to do is help themselves to our oil wealth. They get the fruits and we get screwed. TUESDAY The Exxon contract is so lopsided that even the coalition is now against it. The political group that was behind this world beating one-sided contract is today calling for its renegotiation. It is the wisest, most patriotic position from the opposition in a long time. The governing PPP used to blast the Exxon contract when in the opposition trenches. Now it is defending the contract by silence. By not doing anything, such as pressuring Exxon to yield and give some terms that are fair and generous to Guyana. Why are PPP leaders so stubborn on renegotiating? What hold does Exxon have over them? What terrible betrayals have they done with this oil? They can’t be this unconcerned. So what is it that si-
lences the top PPP leaders? WEDNESDAY The G-7 leaders showed that they are mostly about big talk and bigger disappointments. The world has a problem with the climate change time bomb, and these leaders from America, Great Britain, Germany, and other countries, fiddle around with the frivolous. When there was the opportunity to demonstrate seriousness anxieties that compel serious actions against oil companies playing games with the life of the planet, and the welfare of poor nations, the G-7 leaders of the world’s richest nations played the usual game of business as usual, with business coming out on top again. When big business and big countries continue to operate in these sly ways, they sicken the whole world. We are sickened by the lack of effort by G-7 leaders to send the strongest messages, by ceasing financing for oil
and gas projects. THURSDAY When will our Leaders come to the realisation that they are Servants of the People? You were placed there by the People, so your role is to work for the People, not enrich yourselves! Leaders who have the people’s interest at heart will not gamble away their wealth. Real Leaders are prudent in their decision-making since their goal is always to create a better life for all, not just a few. Come on Leaders; be
about the business of carving out a better life for all Guyana! FRIDAY When a politician finds it fit to distort information for his own selfish endeavours, that politician should not be trusted with any aspect of nation building. We, the citizens of this dear land, must denounce the reckless behaviour of any such politician and make it clear that we will not sit idly by and be deceived to the point of unwarranted rage. Guyana needs responsible and visionary leaders,
not deceivers spreading fictitious tales! SATURDAY Are we yet to truly understand the notion that together we stand, divided we fall? Why in this 21st century are we still about the business of “them” and “we”? We have long professed that we are One People, One Nation with One Destiny. But are we really? We at this publication believe that it is high time that we, once and for all, sever the lines of division and truly begin to live our Motto.
Sunday June 20, 2021
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Kaieteur News
CDC warns of tropical waves, heavy rainfall and possible mudslides
T
he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) during a press conference on Friday, warns that residents across the Regions should remain on high alert as parts of the country is expected to experience tropical waves, heavy rainfall and possible mudslides in the coming weeks. According to CDC’s Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, residents in all ten Administrative Regions are currently being affected by flooding. While high alert priority is being offered to residents who have been displaced as a result of water covering their homes, those who cannot access drinking water and those without food and other supplies, as a result of the extremity of the current flood situation. The Director General went on to say that Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam; Region Five, MahaicaBerbice; Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne; Region Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni and Region 10, Upper DemeraraBerbice; are the most impacted Regions. Adding that preliminary damage assessment, which had occurred across the various Regions, had indicated that damage was concentrated in the agriculture, transportation, housing and mining sectors. The flood also affected the rural, water and sanitation, posting health hazards to the residents. “The situation within the country is classified as Level Two, which means that the national capacity to respond is not overwhelmed, but external assistance is required through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency regional response mechanism and regional international partners to augment efforts to effectively protect lives, livelihoods and the environment within these localities and the country at large,” Craig stated. Additionally, Craig said, despite the Level Two classifications, the impact of flooding in the Regions varies, as Regions One, Three and Nine, are being classified as Level Two and given the national capacity to manage the impact, while Regions Two, Five, Six, Seven and Ten are being classified as Level Three based on the magnitude of the flood. Adding that the water has receded in Bartica while communities in the lower, middle and Upper Mazaruni has been inundated. “In Region Eight, mudslides are occurring as water continues to come down the mountains. Residents and farmlands are
affected, with some bridges being washed away by floodwaters. In Region Nine, the water level increased over the last 24 hours in the township of Lethem, while farms and other parts of the Region remain flooded,” he stated. The Director General also highlighted during the press conference that a national action plan has been drafted and it guides all responses across the country, which is backed by the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), adding that technical support has also been continuous for the Regional Democratic Councils (RDC) and other counterparts. “We
continue to dispatch relief supplies for the floodaffected communities. We continue to man the support shelters in the Regions where they are activated. We continue to engage CDEMA on regional and other international stakeholders,” he said. Meanwhile, the Chief Hydrometeorological Officer (CHO), Dr. Garvin Cummings, stated that the above-normal rainfall is expected to continue over the weekend and the coming weeks, further stating that the Saharan dust will suppress the rainfall but tropical waves will impact some Regions,
mostly Regions One and Two and slightly in Region Three. Dr. Cummings added, “We’re anticipating again that given the trends we are seeing, we will have excessive rainfall in line with the forecast for the rest of this month, July and perhaps into the first two weeks in August. In terms of the short-range forecast, what we have been seeing over this season is that every four to five days Guyana is being affected by a tropical wave, we also have a series of tropical waves coming across the Atlantic into Guyana’s territory and that is influencing our weather. We still continue to see
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig.
cloudy and overcast conditions that are the influence of the Saharan air
layer. Over the weekend, in the context of things, there will be a reduction in rainfall.”
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
COVID UPDATE: 136 new cases, 2 deaths Two persons (a 77-year-old-woman and a 40-year-old man) both from Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica) were reported to have died from the COVID-19 virus as reported on Saturday by the Ministry of Health. They both passed away while receiving medical attention on June 18. The two deaths have caused our overall death rate to increase to 444 and pushed our June’s death toll to 46. Unfortunately, 136 persons are confirmed positive for the COVID-19 virus from 892 tests carried out, increasing the total number of known infected cases to 18,973.
The new cases are from Region One with 2 cases, Region Three having eight cases,
Region Four with 30 cases, Region Six totalling five cases, Region Seven having three cases, Region Nine recording the highest number of cases with 82 and Region 10 with 6 cases.Up to press time, in-house patients total is at 21, they are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 108 cases are in institutional isolation; with 1,353 infected cases in home isolation. To date, the number of recovered COVID-19 cases total stands at 17,047.
Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
Dozens of solar lights donated and installed in Rose Hall stolen
Two months ago, dozens of solar lights were donated and installed in Rose Hall, Berbice, by the Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) in an effort to make a positive difference in the community. Yesterday morning in a social media post, Mr. Hilbert Foster, the CEO/Secretary of RHTYSC, announced that persons may have been going around the town with vehicles and ladders stealing the solar lights. In an interview with this publication, Simon Naidu, Assistant Secretary of the RHTYSC, stated that a total of 15 out of the 25 solar lights has been missing thus far and at least ten of those lights are worth over $150,000 each and were donated by M&P Construction and other individuals.In his social media post, Foster expressed his
One of the lights being installed.
disappointment on the matter, “Today was one of the lowest moments in my almost 40 years of service to humanity.” The RHTYSC is urging all residents where the remain-
ing lights are stationed to keep on a lookout for the persons who may be involved and report them to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost or to the nearest police station.
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Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
Fire destroys sections of North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary
North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School was yesterday severely damaged by fire, causing the entire upper floor of the building to be demolished. An eyewitness told Kaieteur News that he saw smoke emitting from the school at 11:00hrs and the Fire Service was contacted immediately. He said that however, the fire fighter only arrived until after 13:00hrs, some two hours later. When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene around 14:00hrs, firefighters were desperately trying to control the flames. The Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn was on the scene, going so far as to entering the burning building along with the firefighters, as
Minister of Education, Priya Manikchand while addressing the media
the principal, Allison Cosbert, along with other teachers, some of whom had attended the very institution, watched in horror as the flames con-
The aftermath of the fire.
tinue to grow larger despite the firefighter’s efforts. In her statements, Principal Cosbert told the media (Continued on page 62)
Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
Overseas-based Guyanese Group calls for renegotiation of oil contract In support of calls made by Kaieteur News’ Publisher, Glenn Lall for renegotiation of the oil contracts, the Diaspora Group - The Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) yesterday launched their campaign “Renegotiate Oil Contract Now.” The group has since hosted a petition drive in Little Guyana, Queens, NY. Their goal is to collect thousands of signatures from Guyanese residing in New York, Canada and elsewhere to support their call for renegotiation that will result in Guyana getting more money to fund its long list of urgent needs such as flood control, sea defences, education, health, housing, a living wage for the working poor. The petition addressed to President Irfaan Ali reads, “Dear President Irfaan Ali: The Oil Contracts are very lopsided against Guyana. Global Witness calculates Guyana loses $55 billion on 8 billion barrels when compared to a fair contract. Compared to Suriname’s, on the Royalty alone, Guyana loses $25 billion on 9 billion barrels. These sums of money are a windfall to the shareholders of the Oil Companies at the expense of Guyanese citizens. The Contract provides for renegotiation providing both parties agree. Just ask ExxonMobil to come back to the negotiation table. We, the signatories urge you to take the first steps today to
get a FAIR DEAL CONTRACT.” A release from the group outlined further that New York-based members of OGGN have set up a table in the northwest corner of the intersection of Liberty and Lefferts Boulevard in the heart of what is now known as “Little Guyana.” The intersection is the last stop of the elevated subway line – where upwards of 75% of the passengers are Guyanese. “OGGN members were there [yesterday] to greet them with banners and placards containing messages of a lopsided contract. Many Guyanese walked over to a table setup on the sidewalk and were happy to sign the petition,” the statement said. Additionally, the release said that some Guyanese New Yorkers held placards which compared the Suriname’s and Guyana’s contracts and there were also other placards – one in particular read, “Global Witness calculates Guyana loses $55 billion on 8 billion barrels.” The statement added that most of the folks who signed the petition expressed satisfaction that a convincing case has been made to support the call for renegotiation. In the interim, OGGN will continue their campaign in New York every Friday from 3:00 – 7:00 pm for the rest of the summer. Campaigns will be launched in other countries with a high Guyanese concentration. The petition
Investigation into Headley’s killing ... From page 10 seat and pulled out what looked like a gun. This, the police reports had stated, prompted the rank sitting in the back seat to shoot Headley. The ranks then reportedly drove the wounded suspect to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he succumbed while receiving treatment. Police reported that the bullet had struck Headley to his body. Kaieteur News understands that the officers’ claims were filled with inconsistencies and they were placed under open arrest. Meanwhile, Commander of Region 4 ‘B’ Mahendra Siwnarine had revealed to this
publication that Headley might have purchased the stolen item that was recovered from Daly. Daly had made his first court appearance in the Providence Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman, on the 21st May, where he was charged with the offence of robbery under arms committed on Mohamed Khan on 11th May, 2021. Daly, who pleaded not guilty, was remanded to prison and the case was adjourned to 17th June, 2021.An autopsy done on Headley remains at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) Mortuary revealed that Headley died from perforated lungs from a single gunshot injury.
drive on the ground follows up on previous OGGN online petitions that garnered a few thousand signatures. According to the release, OGGN’s goal is to encourage the government to renegotiate one of the worst oil contracts in the world and support the Government fully as it becomes empowered and emboldened to request Exxon to renegotiate.
The protest by the Oil and Gas Governance Network in Little Guyana, Queens, New York, yesterday.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
The greatest lesson my dad taught me is how to be an Oyster By Kiana Wilburg
I
t is impossible for a man to be the embodiment of our picture perfect ideals while taking on the world. He is, after all, only human. In spite of this obvious fact, fathers are expected to shield us from the combustion of our days, be punctual and present for the important moments of our lives while hiding the emotional wear and tear from the toxicity of life’s challenges, swallow their pride when betrayal and disappointment steal their joy, broaden their backs for the daily whippings of the world or worse yet, make way for the unkempt bushes of under-appreciation that sprouts from the actions or inactions of their loved ones.
consider the impact of They are also his absence in families expected to make us and the ripple effects laugh, tell us bedtime nationally? Have we stories, be our stopped to consider superhero and nurture how a deeper sense of us with the divinity of appreciation of fathers their soul. can enrich the role But even when they play in the lives most are able to do all of their loved ones and of the above or even society as a whole? half of it, we still let I’m moved to ask fathers go on thinking these questions based that they aren’t as on the impact of my honoured, loved and father, Robert Ovid respected as the Wilburg, in my life mothers we place on and that of others. high thrones. From the day I was It saddened me My loving dad, Robert O. Wilburg born, I have been and recently to hear a few continue to be my of my colleagues sing father’s most prized this tune, “Nobody Father’s Day?” possession as he really cares about Most of us have never would call me at times, his F a t h e r ’s D a y. ” O n Facebook, I even saw a few really stopped to consider “pet project.” Many moons ago, he had f r i e n d s p o s t i n g , just how crucial the presence sarcastically, “When is of a father is. Do we really fallen in love with a young
My spirit animal, the Oyster. woman (Nicole Wade) and their relationship had led to my birth. My father had been travelling back and forth from the USA and he had two well-paying jobs which he used to save and support in conjunction with my mother. When I was born, he had increased the weekly and monthly money he had sent to her from overseas for savings and my upkeep. That came at the sacrifice of working extra jobs and eating cheap meals. He was hopelessly in love. In spite of his dedication and decision to stay in Guyana so that my mom would not be gripped by the pains of loneliness, as she had claimed, she still walked out on him months later and left me, barely a few months old, behind. My father was still happy, though broken hearted. He had me. Since then, my father raised me singlehandedly. He was both biological mom and dad in my eyes. I still have vivid memories of my father struggling to comb my hair during primary school days. He hadn’t a clue what he was doing. He would take a hard brush with lots of creamy hair product, gather the hair into his hands, and use a black shoe lace to keep everything in place. He did not understand the concept of pony holders. Following this, he would take about three red ribbons and bow it neatly so no one would know I had a black shoe lace in my head. I was always the girl at Sacred Heart Primary who wore lots of ribbons. Little does my father know those are memories I cherish to this day. The way he struggled to be a mom for me still makes my heart smile. I can also recall my father on several occasions, going without breakfast and lunch to ensure many days I had more than I needed to eat for school. My father did not have much financially while raising me but with the little he had, life for us was happy. It was also a life that carried with it some of the most valuable lessons. Like
the importance of balancing contentment and ambition; knowing the true meaning of sharing; and perhaps the most underrated life lesson—taking time to understand the people around us. Being an educator for approximately 40 years, I watched my father take deep pride in understanding students, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and tweaking his teaching strategy to ensure their optimised success. It’s become a science for him; a methodology that I watched him develop over the years with much reverence. It has given me absolute confidence in the learning techniques I intend to employ with my own children some day; techniques I will be proud to tell them was passed down to me by their granddad. But the number one life skill passed on to me by dad, is how to be an Oyster. Anytime I complain about being in a difficult situation, I can always count on him to tell me the story of how the Oyster turns sand or any foreign substance that causes an irritation into pearls. My father does not believe in pity parties and he has never indulged me in one. Like most fatherdaughter relationships, we do have our difference of opinions. Some resolved, others still awaiting a date for retrial. But another thing is also sure; I can always count on him to remind me that “we can agree to disagree without becoming disagreeable.” On this Father’s Day, and many others to come, it is my fervent hope that my papa knows with his mind and soul, how much I love and cherish his priceless contributions to the woman, or rather, Oyster I am today. I trust as well, that my friends and relatives will do their part in making the dads they know feel even more appreciated, as they well deserve. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads, stepdads and father figures out there today!
Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
Rameshwarie Devi Jairam
Sunday June 20, 2021
This week’s beauty is the absolutely alluring Rameshwarie Devi Jairam. She is one of the gorgeous contestants in the upcoming Miss India Guyana 2021 Pageant. Kaieteur News wishes her all the best in her future endeavours.
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Kaieteur News
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Sunday June 20, 2021
Guyanese sportsman and acclaimed national cyclist...
Raymond ‘Steele’ Newton By Rehanna Ramsay
is a ‘Special Person’
A
lmost every day at around 08:00hrs, 56year-old, Raymond ‘Steele’ Newton, a Guyanese sportsman and national cyclist, leaves his home in Queens, New York on his Cervelo racing bike and arrives, about 45 minutes later, at his job in Long Island, New York. He covers roughly 12 miles on his bicycle, each time he rides to or from work. “This is part of the regiment that keeps me focused, fit and ready for any upcoming competitions,” Newton said. This discipline has surely paid off for Newton, who spent most of his life representing Guyana at regional and international cycling competitions. In fact, the acclaimed national cyclist has copped gold medals at numerous local and regional competitions. The nickname ‘Steele’ was given him for his persistence and ability to go the distances in a race. As a teen, Newton became the winner of Guyana’s first Triathlon competition in 1984. The competition saw him winning the top spot in three c a t e g o r i e s o f sports—swimming, cycling and the races. He recalled that he was just 19 years old when he competed against and beat several other national sports enthusiasts in the swim
Flashback to a proud moment: 19 year-old Raymond Newton holds the trophy after winning the country’s first national triathlon contest in 1984. contest across the Demerara River—the cycling race from Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara to Plaisance, East Coast Demerara and then the run from Plaisance to the Seawall bandstand in Kingston, Georgetown. He recalled the proud moment when he held the gold trophy after beating his peers and fellow competitors in the gruelling races. Newton was praised for his good sportsmanship and for covering 20 miles distance in a record-breaking one 120
minutes. Reflecting on the win, Newton said that it was then he knew that he wanted to follow up a career in Sports. At the height of his career from the 1980s to the 2000s, Newtown focused much of his attention on cycling He made his mark locally, before competing in the Region — the Tour De San Fernando held in Trinidad and Tobago, which he won three times, as well as the Tour De Suriname and Tour De St. Lucia cycling competitions, which he won
once when he participated. When Kaieteur News caught up with this week’s ‘Special Person’, he was preparing for the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic races today – Father’s Day. Newton, a father of six himself, has been taking part in the race every year since he migrated to the United States, more than a decade ago. He has secured several prizes for his participation. He tells Kaieteur News that each year, the stakes vary. “There are trophies and lots of monetary prizes up for grabs. I am riding for the United Cycle Club in the race,” Newton informed. He explained that the event starts with kids’ races before moving on to adult amateurs and finally, the main competition with professional cyclists. Newton is competing in the Pro-Elite Men Category as well as the William Montgomery Masters Category of the cycling competition this year. The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic races start in Harlem and will end in the New York City borough of Manhattan. While the road race can be competitive, Newton says, it is just a semblance of his many conquests as an athletic youth.
Guyanese National cyclist, Raymond ‘Steele’ Newton. He said that he participated in several types of sports and did well in the different categories. “I love cycling and I love sports in general. I hope to do it, ride cycles, for as long as I can and compete because I love to represent Guyana, doing what I do best,” the cyclist said. ATHLETIC DREAMS And though he was born on May 19, 1965, in London, England to British Guianese parents, Nandie Newton and Hubert Newton, the cyclist considers himself “a Guyanese in every sense.” He told Kaieteur News that he only spent the early part of his childhood in the UK. “My sister and I were born in London but we came to Guyana after my youngest brother was born here. We lived most of our lives in Kitty… I only went to
Newton is presented with a prize for his noteworthy participation in a national cycling competition.
The national cyclist leads the pack during a race.
England to live for a short time in my teens so Guyana is all I know,” he explained. He recalled the family settled in Guyana after his mother had returned to their homeland, leaving their father in London. Nevertheless, Newton said his parents always supported his athletic dreams. “They supported my participation in sports but I also had to attend school,” he said. As such, the young Newton spent his academic years at the South Ruimveldt Park, Tucville Primary School and later the South Ruimveldt Under-12 School, before he enrolled at the Central High School. As a student of Central High School, the teenage Newton completed his studies and excelled in sports, which he Continued on page 54
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Guyana should not be begging alms The precise cause or causes of the present floods need to be determined before any international assistance is offered to Guyana. The international community would be doing itself a disservice if it simply goes ahead and provides assistance without, in turn, demanding a commission of inquiry into the floods. The fact that parts of all the Regions in Guyana have experienced flooding to varying degrees is itself suggestive that there may be a central cause. But is rainfall that cause? A few days ago in the National Assembly, the Prime Minister suggested that this is Guyana’s second worst disaster. But what is needed is for it to be so established not only in terms of households affected but also in terms of the measureable level of rainfall, which many believe to be responsible for the present disaster.
The hydro metrological office is yet to provide any public information as to actual rainfall in each Region in order to make a case that the present floods resulted from unusually high precipitation. The Vice President speaks about rainfall coming from the backlands and beyond the savannahs. But has this been established as the main cause of the flooding, which has swept the coastland regions. And what is responsible for the extreme flooding in Kwakwani? Was it rainfall? Or was it swelling of the creeks and waterways and, if so, what was responsible for this development. Forests play an important role as water reservoirs. So is the flooding in hinterland areas in any way linked to the destruction of forested areas due to indiscriminate logging and mining? The flooding in
Georgetown was man-made. The city is designed to drain easily but so long as there are delays in the opening and closing of the kokers or so long as the drainage system is compromised, there will be accumulation. The people of Mahaica and Mahaicony will not be convinced that rainfall alone accounted for their woes. Many in some parts of these areas still insist that the rising water on their lands were occasioned by the release of water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy. The media was taken on a tour of the spill weir in the Abary. But no tour has been arranged in the East Demerara Water Conservancy. It needs to be asked why? In the meantime, the oilrich government of Guyana has gone on a begging mission. The country with one of the highest per capita oil reserves in the world and one, which boasts that it is set
to become the powerhouse of the Caribbean, is now begging for pumps and other relief from the international community. Only a few months ago, Guyana was sending shiploads of supplies to volcano-ravaged St. Vincent and the Grenadines. And the President promised that Guyana would continue to be engaged. He was speaking like a man who was running a country rich in oil wealth. A few weeks ago, he was begging for assistance to get water off the land and to rebuild the agriculture sector. But before any assistance is offered, a proper assessment has to be made. This assessment should only be about the damage but also about the causes because not
many persons are convinced by the explanation of unusually high levels of rainfall. As such, there should be an insistence that any assistance be dependent on an assessment of both the causes and the damages resulting from the disaster. The PPP/C has always been coy about having such inquiries. They govern under the morbid fear that such inquiries will expose their shortcomings. But such inquiries are necessary to ensure that the real causes and the genuine concerns are addressed. There was no inquiry into the Great Flood of 2005 which many felt was caused by the over-topping of the conservancy, compounded by shoddy maintenance work
for which almost a billion dollars had been expended. The international community should refuse to offer any assistance at this time until and unless there is a full inquiry as to the cause of the present disaster and the response of the government. Guyana, in any event, should not be soliciting alms. We are an oil rich country. The Government says that we are the fastest growing economy in the world. And still we are begging for pumps? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Sunday June 20, 2021
Democracy too precious in CARICOM not to defend it abroad By Sir Ronald Sanders More commonality was shown by CARICOM countries in a vote on Tuesday June 15 at the Organisation of American States (OAS) than has been seen in recent times. Eleven CARICOM
countries joined 15 other Member States of the OAS in adopting a resolution “expressing alarm at the recent deterioration of the political climate and human rights situation in Nicaragua” and condemning “the arrest, harassment and arbitrary restrictions placed
on presidential candidates, political parties and independent media.” The resolution also urged the Government of President, Daniel Ortega, to promote “transparent, free and fair elections in November” including observation by international bodies.
In full transparency, I disclose that I chaired the June 15 meeting in my capacity as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador and, presently, President of the Permanent Council of the OAS. In joining this resolution, the 11 CARICOM countries were consistent in their position that there should be no interference in the internal affairs of states. However, no country can be a member of any Organisation, which proclaims adherence to the rule of law, democracy, human rights and free and fair elections, and remain silent when these principles are discarded. It should be noted that, in 13 of the 14 independent CARICOM countries, these principles are fully respected, and when they were under severe threat in Guyana last year, CARICOM countries played a vital role in ensuring, particularly, that presidential and regional elections were not stolen. Democracy, free and fair elections, a free press and the right of dissent are all vigorously upheld in the majority of CARICOM countries. Upholding and respecting these principles might be hard for parties in power to accept, especially if false charges and accusations are made against them. Nonetheless, opposition politicians are not locked-up and the media is not silenced. As an example of this, a Facebook posting (at: https://fb.watch/635WS4LY wv/) shows a live scene in Antigua of Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, and Leader of one of the Opposition parties, Harold Lovell, with supporters meeting in a street in a constituency while the Prime Minister was on a “walk about.” There were verbal exchanges between them, but there was not one-armed soldier present, no building was burned, no citizen threatened, and no person charged or detained. Dissent is defended in 13 of the 14 independent CARICOM countries because it is a fundamental right for which these societies fought through slavery, indentured labour and worker exploitation. Democracy and free and fair elections are safeguarded because they are valued by people as a
peaceful means of c h a n g i n g governments with which the majority are dissatisfied. Because the people of these countries respect - and expect - these values in their homelands, their representatives cannot be silent spectators when they are violated elsewhere. There is still one member state of CARICOM where democracy and the rule of law are being ignored, and in which transparent, free and fair presidential and legislative elections are in serious peril. Silence, so far, by CARICOM collectively on the destruction of democratic institutions in this member country disregards the Charter of Civil Society, which was invoked in the Guyana situation last year. F a s c i s m , authoritarianism and the sheer lust to retain power, despite the majority will, lurks dangerously everywhere – even in the United States, which lays claim to being a bastion of democracy and the rule of law. That democracy was weakened by naked political ambition backed by vested interests and manifested by an organised assault on the US Congress and a bogus claim of stolen elections. Fortunately, for the people of the US, other institutions of democracy such as the Courts, the media, and the armed forces, remained faithful to their national obligations. But, the US is today wounded and weakened by these events. Ponder, therefore, how smaller nations could suffer prolonged agony in trying to regain democracy when it is seized from their grasp. That is why 11 CARICOM delegations at the OAS, on June 15, opted to send a clear signal to President Ortega that they want him to act democratically, to release persons who have been arbitrarily arrested, and to stop onslaughts on the media. T h e 11 C A R I C O M countries did not come to their common position without giving President Ortega’s Government every chance to remedy conditions in Nicaragua. For example, Antigua and Barbuda and a few other CARICOM countries voted against previous resolutions aimed at Nicaragua. They did so to
Sir Ronald Sanders give President Ortega time to address grave charges raised by the Inter American and UN Commissions on Human Rights. These Commissions reported that the “human rights crisis has resulted in at least 328 deaths and some 2,000 injuries, as a result of action by state agents or armed civilians acting with their acquiescence and tolerance.” The recent spate of arbitrary arrests of persons, of beatings while in prison, of denials of access to legal representation and needed medicines, with no effort to change these conditions, including no attempt to implement much needed electoral reform, left the 11 CARICOM countries with no choice. As the Ambassador of Barbados, Noel Lynch, said at the June 15 meeting, “the evolving circumstances in Nicaragua are sufficiently worrying to warrant a strong call from the OAS membership for adequate steps to be taken to ensure transparent, free and fair elections in Nicaragua”. Sadly, when as President of the OAS Permanent Council, I convened a meeting on Monday, June 14 to allow the representatives of Nicaragua an opportunity to state their view on the resolution, they opted not to show up. Nicaragua may seem distant from the CARICOM area, but CARICOM must speak out to uphold democracy and the rule of law everywhere, or risk endangering these vital safeguards of freedom at home. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own) Responses and previous commentaries:www.sirrona ldsanders.com
Sunday June 20, 2021
Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety. SUNDAY LIZA PHASE ONE OPERATIONS… CHINESE PARTNER WITH 25% STAKE MADE $9.3B PROFIT IN 2020 – RAM CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (formerly CNOOC/NEXEN) , the Chinese partner with a 25 percent stake in the Stabroek Block, raked in a whopping $9B in profits from the Liza Phase One operations in 2020. Revealing this was Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, in his column, “Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become Oil-Minded (Part 88)” published on his website: www.chrisramnet.com After an absence of nearly one year, Ram resumed his writing on the petroleum sector by informing his readers that he has returned with the column to provide some crucial insights into the accounting practices of CNOOC and its other Stabroek Block partners, Hess Corporation and ExxonMobil. More importantly, Ram with his expert analysis, intends to show what it all means for Guyana. Following his assessment of the company’s latest financial statements, Ram intimated that CNOOC operates as an offshore company in Barbados. For decades, that CARICOM country has operated as a tax haven. In other words, Ram told Kaieteur News that Barbados shields the profits of companies from taxation. Ram said one ought to remember as well that CNOOC Guyana Limited is not a Guyanese company but a Barbadian company, which operates in Guyana as a branch. “It is a deception not unique to CNOOC – it is also practised by Hess and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (ExxonMobil’s subsidiary),” the Chartered Accountant said. Speaking to its financial standing, Ram said, “The Company has reported a profit of $9,298 million on income of $41,419 million, a net margin of 22.4%.” Apart from the enormous scale of the profits, one of the most interesting findings for Ram relates to the element of taxation in the company’s income statement. Ram
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highlighted that on one hand, the company says it is subject to the “Guyana Income Tax Act and the terms and conditions of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement.” However, not only was the Company silent on any actual tax being paid to Guyana, but that in such a case, the sum payable came out of the Government’s share of oil profits. The disparity in the two pictures he said amounts to CNOOC telling less than half a truth in its financial statements. Further, Ram told Kaieteur News on Friday evening, that the unique arrangement concerning the payment of taxes by or for the oil companies in the Stabroek Block should be disclosed in the company’s accounts. But what is also worse, Ram said, is that the PPP/C “…seems incapable of understanding that governments do not pay taxes for private taxpayers. Maybe, the Government should tell Guyanese which of Guyana’s tax laws permit this absurdity.” As regards the most alarming red flag, which he found during his review, Ram said it would be that, “Guyana is not spared the machinations and sharp, if not illegal, practices by international oil companies across the world, most egregiously on countries like Guyana with nonexistent, weak or permissively complicit regulatory controls and oversight.” Overall, the Chartered Accountant said, “it is frightening and angering to think of the continued capitulation of the country to these destroyers of the environment, manipulators of accounting rules and plunderers of the tax system.” In conclusion, Ram said, “it is clear that the 2016 Petroleum Agreement governing the Stabroek Block was no sacred contract, but an economic crime in which the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC Governments have played active roles.” COALITION NOW WANTS PPP/C GOVT. TO CORRECT EXXON LOPSIDED OIL CONTRACT THEY SIGNED Almost five years after the Coalition had signed an oil contract, internationally criticised as lopsided with ExxonMobil and its partners, it now wants the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government to “fix it”. The challenge to correct the contract was put forward
by the Coalition’s Shadow Minister of the Petroleum Sector, David Patterson, during the 28th Sitting of the 12th Parliament, held last Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Patterson was at the time responding to the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in a debate over a motion he (Patterson) had tabled in the House. The motion was for there to be a special land policy in place for shore bases. While making his case against the motion, Bharrat related to the House that the Coalition had signed one of the worst Petroleum Sharing Agreements (PSAs) in history. The PSA Bharrat was referring to, was the one between Guyana and ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and its partners, CNOOC-NEXEN and Hess, for the lucrative Stabroek Block. This oil contract was signed on June 27, 2016, by the Coalition that was in power at the time. Describing the oil deal, Bharrat said, “The PSA which was signed in June 2016 is probably one of the worst agreements in the history of this world or among all oil countries in this world. That was probably the worst oil deal ever.” The Natural Resources Minister continued his argument by saying, “Mr. Speaker, that is what we have to deal with today, we have to ensure that we create and find ways in which Guyanese can benefit from a lopsided contract.” In response, Patterson, did not deny Bharrat’s statements that his party had signed “the worst deal ever;” instead, he told the PPP/C Government to change it if it was so bad. “Sir, if it is so bad, Mr. Speaker, if it is so bad, why don’t you change it?” Patterson responded. He continued, “We on this side of the House have said over and over again, if it’s a bad deal, we support you to go and change it.” Indeed, Patterson had called on the PPP/C Government to renegotiate the Stabroek Oil Block Contract during a Sitting of Parliament in September of last year. Despite his challenge to the Government, Patterson had still sought to defend the deal his party had signed. In a Kaieteur News article headlined, “Patterson challenges PPP Govt. to stop “chirping” and get a better oil
deal”, he was quoted as saying, he thinks that the Stabroek Block contract the Coalition had signed “will bring tremendous benefit to Guyana.” During last Thursday’s Sitting, however, rather than defending the deal the Opposition had signed, he told the PPP/C Government that the “ball is in (its) court to fix it.” “So the ball is in your court. If you want to fix it, fix it and show us,” he said before repeating one more time, “fix it and show us.” He also advised that it is lunacy to label the Stabroek Block deal as the “worst ever” and still be committed to it. The local press, over the years, has criticised various aspects of the contract with ExxonMobil as illegal, unfair and/or lopsided. Kaieteur News has been on the forefront, exposing many of these aspects. One such aspect that this newspaper reported on is the absence of ring-fencing. Without this provision, ExxonMobil can deduct huge sums of cash it spent on unsuccessful wells in the Stabroek Block from the profitable ones like Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two. Criticisms that the contract with ExxonMobil was lopsided increased even more after reports surfaced that Guyana’s neighbour to the east, Suriname, was able to negotiate a better deal for its lucrative Block 58. Suriname will get 36 percent of the revenue from the production of its oil, while Guyana is currently receiving a meagre 14.5 percent. Despite the fact that the current government acknowledges
that Guyana’s current deal with ExxonMobil is “the worst ever,” the current Vice President and General Secretary of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that his Government will not renegotiate the contract. MONDAY CHINESE OILPARTNER IS SET TO RECOVER $39.4B FOR DECOMMISSIONING After a careful review of the company’s latest financial statements, Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram has found that CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, the Chinese partner with a 25 percent stake in the Stabroek Block, is poised to recover $39.4B for the decommissioning of wells and facilities for the Liza Phase One Project. Decommissioning is a practice that occurs when an oil-producing field is nearing its end. It entails the safe removal of pipelines and other infrastructure that were fixed to the ocean floor to extract the oil. Since this exercise runs into millions of dollars, oil-producing countries often times establish a fund so that the operator can make deposits to handle those expenses when the time comes. If the money that accumulated over time is found to be less, the company is required to meet the shortfall. If the money is found to be in excess, a reimbursement is issued. This is standard industry practice. Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) with ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation and CNOOC does not confirm to this
international best practice, which ultimately safeguards the interest of the nation. What it does allow is for the company to begin recovering costs for the decommissioning, more than 20 years before it is required to fund the said exercise. It is on this premise that CNOOC has already started to add up how much it will recover from Guyana years in advance. It should be noted as well that this is being done in spite of the fact that the government of the day has to approve the decommissioning plan, which in terms of costs, could only be known at the end of the life cycle for the project. But CNOOC is not the only one guilty of recovering decommissioning costs years in advance. Its partner and Operator of the Stabroek Block, Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is already recovering money too. Highlighting this “abnormality” recently was the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) in its latest publication called, “TOXIC ASSETS: Making Polluters Pay When Wells Run Dry and the Bill Comes Due.” Founded in 1989, CIEL uses the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society. In its report, CIEL pointed to ExxonMobil’s overview of its operations in Guyana, which shows that it may drill as many as 92 wells in the Liza One, Two and Payara oil fields alone. In fact, ExxonMobil has drilled exploration wells at (Continued on page 26)
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From page 25 more than 16 different potential production sites so far. CIEL said it should be noted that E x x o n M o b i l drilled the wells at an average water depth of 1782 meters (5846 feet) and some are as deep as 2735 meters (8973 feet). The organization also highlighted that the eight wells already in production at Liza One are drilled in water depths of 1500-1900 meters (4921-6234 feet). To p u t t h o s e d e p t h s into context, CIEL noted that the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement defines any well drilled in more than 122 meters (400 feet) of water as “deep water,” and the average water depth of wells in the North Sea is 185 meters (607 feet). With the foregoing in mind, CIEL said it is critical to note that decommissioning such deep offshore wells is expensive. While the cost depends on a number of factors, including ocean conditions, CIEL said it is significantly more expensive than the closure of conventional onshore wells. It said too, that estimates consistently place the costs of deepwater decommissioning in the tens of millions USD per well, once all associated measures are taken into account. But what alarmed CIEL the most is that the Production Sharing Agreement for the Stabroek Block does not require the companies to set aside any money for decommissioning in a dedicated fund, or provide any form of financial security while the wells are producing. Instead, the Agreement permits the ExxonMobil-led consortium to deduct the estimated future costs of decommissioning as current operating expenses, according to a schedule based on production rates, without demonstrating that it has reserved those funds for future use. CIEL also cited an independent report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) which estimates that ExxonMobil could charge Guyana as much as USD$227 million or $47B in amortized abandonment costs between 2020 and 2024. With this in mind, the Center for International Environmental Law noted that the recovered costs ultimately diminish the amount of profit oil shared with Guyana, effectively
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passing the bill of decommissioning on to the government up front. TUESDAY GOVT. PAYING US COMPANY US$11.5M FOR BOAT TO PROTECT GUYANAFROM INVASION, PIRACY It was revealed Monday, that the Government has made a down payment of US$3M (G$618M) to an American company called Metal Shark Boats, to build an offshore patrol vessel to protect Guyana should there be a Venezuelan “incursion.” Guyana is expected to pay a total sum of US$11.5M for the boat. At least this is according to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira. She made this revelation during the 29th Sitting of the 12th Parliament held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Teixeira was at the time making a case on behalf of the Government for using money from the Contingency Fund to make the down payment on May 20, 2021. The sum was eventually approved by a majority vote. While making her case, however, she said, “Mr. Speaker the decision to move to acquire an offshore patrol vessel, a new one, was taught to be an urgent matter, because of some incursions that have taken place in our waters.” Prior to making that statement, Teixeira had told the House, “As you would remember, Guyana has a territorial issue with our neighbour (Venezuela) in a matter that is before the ICJ (International Court of Justice).” The Minister went on to note that Guyana currently has one old vessel, the GDFS Essequibo, which she said, “has not been doing well.” She said that in order to better protect Guyana’s territory, acquiring the new vessel is necessary. She further posited that the vessel will not only serve to protect the country if there is an incursion in its waters, but will build the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) coast guards’ capacity to deal with piracy, illegal fishing, etc. The Minister was challenged by the APNU+AFC opposition to tell the House when the decision was made to acquire the vessel from the American company. Teixeira did not reveal this, but related that consultation was done with five leading ship builders before a contract was signed between the GDF and Metal Shark Boats to construct the
vessel. She pointed out that the vessel will be a custom built one to suit Guyana’s need and was designed by the GDF. She explained that the agreement signed in this regard provides for a sixpayment schedule (the first made on May 20, 2021) which will run into 2022. Teixeira said that the vessel will take a year to complete and the final payment will be made when the vessel is completed and delivered. Metal Shark Boats is a shipbuilder that specialises in the design and production of boats and ships for military, law enforcement, fire rescue, and a wide spectrum of commercial applications. LIZA 1 & 2 LICENCES TO WIPE OUT OVER A BILLION OIL -EQUIVALENT BARRELS STILL SHROUDED IN SECRECY The Irfaan Ali administration still has not published all oil development production licences granted to ExxonMobil, despite Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, committing to do so on October 2, 2020. Notably, it was Jagdeo who had encouraged media operatives to read all of the permits, so they could verify his claim that the Payara permits from the current administration are superior to the permits granted by the David Granger administration for Liza Phases One and Two. “So look at the petroleum licence for Liza that Trotman signed, and do a comparison with the petroleum licence for Payara that we signed,” he had said, during a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, “and therein, you will see the massive improvements and how we have moved to protect our patrimony.” Dr. Jagdeo had also said that the improvements are there to ensure that the Payara development would be executed in a more
environmentally safe manner, among other critical considerations. When informed that the media did not receive these documents, the Vice President said that he would ensure they do. So far, Kaieteur News is in possession of the environmental permits for Liza Phases One and Two, and Payara. This newspaper also has the Payara production licence released by the Ali administration when it announced the approval, last September. Kaieteur News understands that the Vice President has to give the approval to subordinates to release the remaining documents for Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two. The Government rode into office on one promise, among many, that it would be more transparent than the administration before it. The Granger government never released the production licences for the Liza Phases One and Two projects, which collectively allow ExxonMobil the right to wipe out over a billion oil-equivalent barrels. It had released the Stabroek Block production sharing licence (PSA), and came under harsh criticism for the industry-low revenue share and other poor terms. WEDNESDAY EXXONMOBIL THROWS GUYANA $8.5B BILL FOR LOCAL SPENDING – 2019, 2020 BILLS YET TO BE AUDITED DESPITE TWOYEAR DEADLINE President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, recently announced that his
company has spent more than $8.5B on 600 local suppliers for the first quarter of 2021. As the subsidiary gears to hand this bill to Guyana, it should be noted that the government is still to audit the company’s local content bills for 2020 and 2019, which amount to $31.9B and $24.3 B respectively. The expenditure for 2019 to 2020 was also for investments to local suppliers. According to Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and its partners, CNOOC and Hess Corporation for the Stabroek Block, the State has a twoyear deadline within which to audit these costs. If that time elapses, the costs have to be accepted as correct. It therefore means that Guyana has up to the end of 2021 to audit the local content bill for 2019 and up to 2022 to complete the audit for expenditure, which the company claims was made in 2020. It should be noted however that Guyana failed to audit, in a timely manner, costs the company incurred for 2015 to 2018, and hence those have to be considered as correct. Kaieteur News had reported that those costs for the same period amount to over $20B. This newspaper, via several articles, had explained that local content is the value that an extraction project brings to the local, regional or national economy beyond the resource revenues. This definition is supported by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI). The anti-corruption watchdog has oftentimes said that a challenge with
local content is that it can open the door for corruption and elite capture of an industry. In this regard, corrupt public officials can position themselves to benefit from oil companies’ contracts, and private local companies can partner with oil companies to create a false impression about the contractor’s local content efforts. It is on this premise that Kaieteur News has challenged ExxonMobil many times, to provide transparent, detailed breakdowns of how the money it claims was spent. For almost six years, the company has ignored calls to provide a disaggregation of the money it claims was spent on an annual basis. This would include for example, a breakdown of salaries paid to Guyanese by ExxonMobil Guyana and its joint venture partners. In addition to this, ExxonMobil has not provided, for independent verification, the names of the Guyanese businesses it used from 2015 to now. The only time ExxonMobil ever released the list of companies it claimed to have used for its local content efforts was back in June 2018. The company had claimed that it had used over 300 Guyanese registered companies to supply services. In response to calls for evidence of same, a list was provided. Upon examination, however, it was found that ExxonMobil padded its list with the names of places like Bourda Market, Haags Bosch Dumpsite, Royal Castle, Bounty Supermarket, Metro Office and Computer (Continued on page 27)
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From page 26 Supplies, Star Party Rentals, and Shanta’s Roti Shop. It listed utility companies such as the Guyana Power and Light and the Guyana Revenue Authority as part of its local content efforts too. Persons were also listed as registered companies, including Sonia Noel, Chontelle Sewett, Andron Alphonso and Mokesh Daby. As part of one of its statements last year, ExxonMobil had claimed that the Centre for Local Business Development, which is located on South Road, has remained supportive of local businesses with a transition to virtual courses. However, no evidence or report of any kind was provided to confirm this. Additionally, ExxonMobil had said that the centre continued mentorship of 10 Guyanese companies in the process to be compliant in the ISO 9001 quality management system. Those names were not released. ALEXANDER, CORBIN NO SHOW AT GECOM MEETING SET TO DISCUSS DISMISSAL OF LOWENFIELD, OTHERS The statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) scheduled for the discussion of the dismissal of Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and others was postponed Tuesday after two of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) appointed Commissioners, Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin, failed to show up. The meeting has now been rescheduled for next Tuesday. Earlier, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) appointed GECOM Commissioners Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Manoj Narine tabled three separate motions for the immediate dismissal of Lowenfield, his Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, and Region Four Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo. The three officials, who are currently before the court on charges related to electoral fraud, were cited for a series of grave violations connected to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and for their defiance of the instructions by the GECOM Chair, Claudette Singh, to use the recount figures for the final results of the elections. Tuesday, Commissioner Gunraj who is representing the interest of the government on the panel told this newspaper, that he finds
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it suspicious that the two Commissioners would provide an excuse as to why they can’t make it to a meeting scheduled to deal with such an important issue. Mr. Gunraj noted that the involvement of the two absentee Commissioners is integral to the procedure. “Since there is no quorum, then we could not proceed with the order of the day,” Gunraj said. Kaieteur News understands that Alexander and Corbin indicated by way of letter to the Chairperson, Justice retired Claudette Singh, that they both would be absent from the meeting since they had a funeral to attend. The motion to dismiss Lowenfield outlined that he failed and/or refused and/or neglected to ensure that the process of ascertaining the total number of votes cast in favour of each list of candidates for Election District Number Four by adding up the votes recorded in the Statements of Poll was done “with dispatch” and without “inordinate or undue delay.” Specifically, the motion detailed among other things, what was referred to as Lowenfield’s open defiance of court orders in his “active pursuit to fraudulently declare” the APNU+AFC coalition as winners of the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Polls. The motion points to the CEO’s preparations of a final report pursuant to Section 99 of ROPA containing all of the unverified votes as declared by Mingo in which he declared the APNU+AFC the winners despite the injunctions pending a decision of Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire. In another instance, the document outlined that the CEO was found in breach by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in relation to the recount report submitted on the 23rd June, 2020 “when he took it upon himself to invalidate such votes as he considered ought to be invalidated.” In a second motion, the PPP/C Commissioners note, inter alia, that the DCEO acted on her own volition when she facilitated a meeting on March 5, 2020 with a candidate of the contesting party, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings, at the GECOM’s Command Centre at Ashmin’s building. It noted too that Myers acted on her own volition when she instructed police officers to remove Commissioner Gunraj, and others from the building on March 5, 2020. This, according to the Commissioners, caused the
loss of public confidence in the electoral process. Meanwhile, as it relates to Mingo, the motion points to his orchestration of the attempt to rig the elections in favour of APNU+AFC. Among other things, the document calling for Mingo’s dismissal notes that without any lawful authority or proper justification or excuse, the RO deliberately failed, refused and neglected to ascertain the total votes cast in favour of each list in the district by adding up the votes recorded in favour of the list in accordance with the Statements of Poll as is required by the Section and instead, he whether by himself or those acting with his authority or under his direction, sought to use in the adding up process, figures. Taking into account the charges the trio faces, the Commissioners said that regardless of the outcome, GECOM must take all necessary steps and action and dismiss them to restore and ensure impartiality, credibility, transparency, public confidence and public trust in its institution. THURSDAY AFTER 17 YEARS… 10TH RICHESTAFRICAN OIL PRODUCER BEGGING IMF, G20 NATIONS FOR DEBT RELIEF Despite being the 10th largest oil producer in Africa, corruption and unimaginable instances of squandermania
have left Chad’s economy bursting at the seams with debt. Today, Chad, a landlocked country in northern Central Africa, has one of the highest levels of hunger in the world. In fact, 66.2 percent of its population totalling15.5 million people live in severe poverty. Most people lack access to even the most basic amenities, including drinking water, sanitation, medical infrastructure and decent housing. Hit by the perils of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Chad, which has been an oil producer since 2003, is in desperate need of billions of US dollars in debt relief from its international partners. It was only last year that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had urged G20 countries such as China, France, India and Saudi Arabia to establish the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI). The DSSI is intended to help countries concentrate their resources on fighting the pandemic and safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of the most vulnerable people. Since it took effect on May 1, 2020, the initiative has delivered more than US$5 billion in relief to more than 40 eligible countries. Chad was one of them. But that was not enough. It subsequently approached the IMF to approve a fouryear economic reform programme supported by an Extended Credit Facility and an Extended Fund Facility,
amounting to US$560M. This is still awaiting approval from IMF’s Executive Board. Then in January, Chad requested that a “common framework” be set up between the Paris Club and the G20 for the treatment of its debt. It was the first country to ever make such a request since the programme was established in 2020 between the G20 – under Saudi chairmanship – and the Paris Club to address the bankruptcy risks facing countries that have been most affected by the economic slowdown of the COVID-19 crisis. The Creditor Committee for Chad was subsequently formed on April 15, 2021, in application of “Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI.” Wednesday, the members of the committee noted that a meeting was virtually held on June 10, 2021, in the presence of the IMF staff and the World Bank staff where members examined the macroeconomic and financial situation of Chad. The creditor committee said it supports Chad’s envisaged IMF upper credit tranche (UCT) programme and its swift adoption by the IMF Executive Board to address Chad’s urgent financing needs. The creditor committee also encouraged Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to maximise support for Chad to meet its long-term financial needs. Consistent with their national laws and internal
procedures, the creditor committee members said they are committed to negotiating with the Republic of Chad, terms of restructuring their claims to be finalised in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in accordance with the “Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI.” Following the statement issued by the creditor committee for Chad, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, was keen to note that the work of the committee represents a key milestone on the path to the debt relief that Chad urgently needs, together with envisaged financial support from IMF, the World Bank and other development partners. Georgieva said the committee’s statement also demonstrates concrete progress in implementing the G20’s Common Framework, which sends a positive signal to other countries that may need debt treatments to support a strong and lasting recovery from this unprecedented crisis. The IMF Head said, “The Creditor Committee’s support for Chad’s envisaged IMFsupported programme, together with its commitment to negotiate debt restructuring terms, accordingly, provides the IMF with official financing assurances.” She added, “Speedy steps (Continued on page 28)
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From page 27 towards debt treatments by Chad’s private creditors, on comparable terms to the debt treatment under the Common Framework, are now essential to pave the way for the IMF Executive Board to consider approval of a Fundsupported programme for Chad.” The official said that the approval of the programme worth over US$500M by the IMF Executive Board would in turn facilitate much needed financing to help put Chad’s economy on a sustainable path of growth and poverty reduction. Source documents 1) https:// www.trtworld.com/africa/ chad-s-struggle-withpoverty-oil-and-unrest-46066 2) https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Petroleum_industry_in_Chad 3) https://www.trade.gov/ country-commercial-guides/ chad-oil-and-gas 4) https:// www.reuters.com/article/usc h a d - d e b t idUKKBN29W2MC 5) https:// clubdeparis.org/en/ communications/ communique-presse/4thmeeting-of-the-creditorcommittee-for-chad-underthe-common 6) https://www.imf.org/ en/News/Articles/2021/06/ 16/pr21181-chad-imf-mdwelcome-statement-creditorcommittee-under-commonframework-debt-treatments 7) https://www.soschildrensvillages.org/wherewe-help/africa/chad SLOWE AND CONWAY SUSPENDED FROM POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION President, Irfaan Ali, has suspended Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe, and Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clinton Conway, from the Police Service Commission (PSC). Confirming this development Wednesday was Conway himself and Slowe’s lawyer, Selwyn Pieters. Conway was contacted by this media house after a photo of the suspension letter addressed to him surfaced on social media platforms. Conway related that he received his suspension letter after lunch Wednesday and shared a copy with this newspaper. In the letter, President Ali informed Conway that the Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, had advised him that the question of his removal from the PSC ought to be investigated. President Ali revealed
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that Phillips also advised that he (Conway) must be suspended from his functions as a member of the PSC to facilitate the investigation. The President in the letter went on to inform Conway that he has accepted Phillips’ advice and has moved to establish a tribunal to inquire and report on the matter and recommend whether he should be removed or not. The letter continued, “In the circumstances, you are hereby suspended with immediate effect from performing the functions of Member of the Police Service Commission pending the establishment of the aforementioned tribunal.” Conway has since labelled his suspension by the President as unconstitutional and told reporters that Section Six of Article 225 of the Constitution supports his view. According to Section Six, “if the question of removing the officer from office has been referred to a tribunal under this Article, the President acting in accordance with the prescribed authority may suspend the officer from performing the functions of his or her office.” The Article further states, “any such suspension may at anytime be revoked by the President, acting in accordance with such advice as aforesaid, and shall in any case cease to have effect if a tribunal recommends to the President that the officer should not be removed from office.” Conway told Kaieteur News that he would contest his suspension through his lawyer. The move to suspend Conway and Slowe comes after the Prime Minister had asked them to show cause twice of why they should not be removed from the PSC. Slowe had held a press conference after the first “show cause” notice was issued. During the press conference, Slowe had accused the President of trying to interfere in the work of the PSC regarding the promotion of certain police officers in the Guyana Police Force (GPF). He then submitted a 500page document to Phillips explaining his position. The Prime Minister had asked Conway and Slowe to “show cause” why they should not be removed after they were charged for conspiring with other officers – some retired and others still serving the Force – to defraud the GPF of some $10M. Slowe is also accused of sexually assaulting a female
police officer who had worked with him on more than one occasion. Both Slowe and Conway have said they are innocent and have insisted that the charges are trumped up. FRIDAY OIL COMPANIES SHOULD BE PENALISED FOR FAILINGTO MEET LOCAL CONTENT OBLIGATIONS - FINANCIALANALYST, FLOYD HAYNES Financial Analyst, Floyd Haynes, is of the firm conviction that oil companies should face punitive measures for failing to meet local content obligations. The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) expressed this viewpoint during his first appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s show, Governance, Corruption and Justice on Tuesday. There, he provided his perspectives on the importance of local content and the role government, oil companies and the citizenry, must play to be successful on this front. During his interview, Haynes explained that he sees local content as a triangle or a three-legged stool where one leg speaks to the role of the government in enacting the relevant policies and legislation along with systems to measure performance by oil companies. He said that the second leg would refer to the operator or oil companies and their role in information dissemination and making people aware of what is available. The third leg, the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), he said is for the people interested in being part of the sector to ensure they get the requisite skills via training along with the relevant certification. Haynes said the foregoing must work in tandem if the forthcoming local content policy and legislation are to be efficient and effective. In this regard, Haynes categorically stated that when these local content goals and objectives are not met, the
government should be able to punish non-compliant companies. The US-based Chartered Accountant said, “If one side is doing it (alone) then it will not work and of course, all of that has to play alongside an ecosystem that supports that.” Equally crucial for one to bear in mind is that the government cannot enforce legislation if the people are not ready “because what happens is if you aren’t sufficiently trained and the professional development needed is absent? Then it leads to inefficiencies. And if there are inefficiencies on the part of ExxonMobil then we ultimately pay through cost recovery. So we have to strike that balance.” It was last year that President, Irfaan Ali, had appointed six individuals to a local content panel with the sole aim of producing an exposition on the best provisions for the country’s policy. The members of the panel included Haynes; Trinidadian energy strategist, Anthony Paul; former T&T Energy Minister, Kevin Ramnarine; former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge; former President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Shyam Nokta; and trade unionist, Carvil Duncan. Following the submission of its report last year, the Ministry of Natural Resources produced a draft policy which was subjected to wide consultations that were led by President Ali. The first session kicked off in February and concluded in March. The final policy is still to be completed. ACCUSED CHAIN SNATCHER BEATEN AFTER BEING SET FREED BY MAGISTRATE A cell phone recorded video that surfaced on Facebook, Thursday, depicted the beating of an accused gold chain snatcher, mere minutes after he was freed by a magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrate’s
Courts. Kaieteur News has been able to confirm what was seen in the video. According to what this newspaper was told, the persons seen beating the man in the video is a woman who had accused him of snatching her gold chain and her son. The woman had lodged a report against the man and he was arrested, locked up and later charged for the offence. This media house learnt that the man had spent some time in prison on remand but his case was dismissed recently due to lack of evidence. It was further related to Kaieteur News that he is a known offender who had also faced similar charges in the past. After his case was dismissed for snatching the woman’s chain, he walked out of court and was reportedly heading to one of the bus parks in the Stabroek Market Area. While making his way there, he was reportedly intercepted by the woman whose chain he had allegedly snatched and her son in the vicinity of the Parliament Building. The video showed the woman’s son placing him in a vice grip as she attempted to search his pockets for money. Her son could be heard saying, “Bai you rob me mother”. He tried to free himself but they kept on assaulting him. Persons could be heard telling them to take him to the police and not to assault him or else they would get into trouble. The son continued choking the man some more
as the woman continued to search his pockets. He was wrestled onto the pavement as he begged the guards stationed at Parliament Building to intervene. The woman decided to listen to the advice of both the guards and persons watching on and tried part her son from the man. Her son, however, was not adhering and continued to squeeze tightly on the man’s neck. Other persons were forced to intervene in order to save the accused gold chain snatcher. As they pulled the woman’s son away from him, they said, “Look stop, you choking the man, you gon kill he.” The accused gold chain snatcher, seemed as though he was almost out of breath and lied on the pavement for a few seconds before he got back to his feet and said he was going to the Brickdam Police Station to make a report against them. While he was walking away, the woman could be heard saying, “You should have been jailed, this is the law we got in Guyana…you rob me buddae and you walking free.” The accused gold chain snatcher could be heard responding, “I get free, I work fuh duh buddae.” After hearing these remarks, the woman’s son pursued him but his mother held him back while saying, “Bai you rob me and get off; people like you ga fuh dead.” (Continued on page 29)
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From page 28 The man then continued on his way towards the police station and the video ended there. TEN HAITIANS FOUND IN BERBICE HOTEL – GOVT. BELIEVES THEYARE VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING Ten Haitian nationals were Thursday found in the Swiss Hotel located at Skeldon, Berbice, Region Six, without any form of identification or legal documents. It is believed by the Government of Guyana that the foreigners were victims of human trafficking. According to a statement released from the Office of the Attorney General, the Haitians were discovered in the hotel by police ranks around 10:30 hrs. Kaieteur News was told last evening that arrangements were being made to transport the suspected trafficking victims from Berbice to Georgetown where they will be kept in custody of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection. The Government stated that the Haitians – five females and five males – are claiming to be juveniles. One of them who spoke English reportedly told the cops that they were brought from Suriname via speed boat and left at the hotel since Monday, June 14. Sources close to the investigation told this newspaper that some of them looked older than 18 but because they are not in possession of any documents, investigators are unable to correctly verify their ages. It was further alleged that the person who
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brought them took away their passports, other documents, money and other personal belongings. The Government in its statement related, “it has long been suspected that there is a huge trafficking and human smuggling ring, including children, taking place in the Region and Guyana is being used as a transit point in this racket.” It is believed that persons, including children, are being trafficked to various parts of the world through the country. Foreigners being trafficked through Guyana, the statement continued, includes Cubans, Nigerians and Haitians, among others, and posited that the discovery of the Haitians in the Berbice hotel is the latest manifestation of “the nefarious racket at work which seems to be operating on a daily basis.” The statement further added that its Brazilian counterpart has already expressed concern about the suspected smuggling ring that exists. Suriname too has reportedly shared intelligence with Guyana that suggests that the trafficking in persons racket exists there too. The Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, according to the statement, has already been engaged about the matter. The Government stated that in light of the “circumstances” it is compelled to inform the relevant international agencies that deals human trafficking. It also plans to engage the United Nations Humans Rights Council (UNHRC), International Police (INTERPOL) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for their urgent intervention in the matter.
Only last month, the Government cited that a number of Haitians, Nigerians and Cubans were arrested by police close to Lethem, Region Nine. Some of them reportedly did not have entry stamps to Guyana in their passports. On May 26, Kaieteur News had reported too that 17 Haitians, who had arrived at the Eugene Correia International Airport, were packed on a return flight and sent back to their port of embarkation. The Guyana Police force (GPF) had stated that they had failed to satisfy the country’s immigration requirements. It was noted in the Government’s statement as well that the continuous influx of the foreigners is occurring at Guyana’s borders, which are currently closed and at both of its international airports. As a result of this, it added that Guyana will immediately review its immigration protocols and impose lawful restrictions and conditions where necessary to address the situation. SATURDAY TRINIDAD TOOK DECADES TO CLOSE OIL LOOPHOLES – EXPERT WARNS GUYANA NOT TO WALK THE SAME ROAD Even though Guyana’s CARICOM sister, Trinidad and Tobago, has been in the oil and gas industry for well over 100 years, its poor management and weakened institutional capacity that spans decades have thrown its economy into a state of ill health. The Government, led by Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, is struggling to repair the damage by embarking on a campaign of contract renegotiations, while its experienced industry stakeholders zero in on Guyana’s emerging oil wealth as a means of survival. To ensure it does not find itself in the same predicament, Trinidad and Tobago’s energy expert, Anthony Paul, firmly asserts that Guyana needs to begin the critical groundwork now. The energy strategist made these and other remarks during one of his appearances on Kaieteur Radio’s Programme, ‘Guyana’s Oil and You.’ There, the transparency advocate noted that Trinidad and Tobago has been in trouble with the management of its gas resources for years. The problems have only been exacerbated since the COVID19 pandemic. “Trinidad offers a lot of
lessons for Guyana because the country has been struggling with managing its Natural gas for some time now in terms of production. And in my view, it is something that requires good governance, strong institutional framework, good decisionmaking to correct…” Further to this, the industry expert shared that Tr i n i d a d ’s i n s t i t u t i o n a l capacity to govern the sector weakened considerably over the years, while noting that this even resulted in the late observation that there was a shortage in
production. In this regard, he said that production was falling by almost a billion cubic feet per day and very little revenue was going to the people. Paul said, too, that the country subsequently became aware of the fact that there was massive tax avoidance by the oil companies. “That means that the gas was being sold but the benefit was not coming back to TT.” Considering how weak the institutional capacity had gotten over time, as well as the significant effort it would take to correct this once and for all, Paul shared that the
Government in 2018, moved to increase its royalty for Natural gas to a whopping 12 ½%. By doing this, Paul said that millions of dollars Trinidad was losing over the years via tax avoidance by the oil majors started returning. He said too, that this loophole was able to be plugged by ensuring that legislation was put in place. To ensure that Guyanese are not made to suffer the same way, Paul urged the authorities to ensure the relevant protective measures are in place.
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==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
The Roxanne Myers I knew I was left with my mouth wide open when through livestreaming I saw what Roxanne Myers was doing in the GECOM command centre in the Ashmin building. This couldn’t be the person whose academic career I assisted in expanding. Myers was one of my favourite students. I saw potential in her. After her graduation, I selected her to be one of my teaching assistants in the philosophy course I taught at the time. There was an opening for a junior lecturer in my department and I asked my colleagues to consider her. After that, she never looked back. I hope she remembers the brilliant works of those great philosophers. My removal from UG severed my relation with Myers. I never saw her since December 2011 but did once meet up with her at the funeral service of Dr. Mark Kirton’s motherin-law. I heard that she went to Costa Rica and did a one year stint in peace studies. From chatting with her when she was my student, I developed an interest in her because of what she told me of her multi-racial background. She described the kind of people she hung out with and the kind of music she liked. I would say here and now, I believe her socialisation his-
tory was what made me wanted to see her move up the academic ladder. I strongly embrace the gospel that this country needs as a matter of exigency to assist young multi-racial mentalities to develop. I had no idea that of where she was or what she was doing until I heard of the controversy that canopied her presence as the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of GECOM. Of course she didn’t give herself the job. The three GECOM commissioners from the PNC and the then chairman, Justice Patterson, facilitated her over the more experienced and qualified, Vishnu Persaud, the then DCEO. Up to this moment, I cannot believe that the Roxanne Myers I liked as a student and that has an education in peace studies is the person I saw on countless videos behaving in an unacceptable manner in the 2020 March election that was being live-streamed to the world. For five months, I wrote on the election drama (and I don’t know if readers noticed), whenever I touched on what happened to Assistant Commissioner, Edgar Thomas, I never mentioned Myers’ name. My feeling is that it would give her an opportunity to sue. I was proven right. Myers is filing libel writs left, right
and center. Was it Myers that ordered Thomas to remove GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, from the command centre (she is a GECOM employee while Gunraj is towering above her in authority in GECOM)? In their submission to GECOM asking that the triumvirate – Myers, Lowenfield and Mingo – be dismissed, the PPP commissioners have named Myers as the person who wanted to have Gunraj put out. When Thomas insisted that Gunraj has the jurisdictional authority to be in the command centre, he, Thomas, was himself removed by his seniors. Myers couldn’t sue me because nowhere in print did I ever finger her as the person that ordered Mr. Gunraj to leave. Myers may sue the PPP commissioners for libel for stating that she is the person that asked that the PPP’s GECOM commissioner be expelled from the centre. A lawyer like Sanjeev Datadin is going to make mincemeat of Myers. First, he is going to summon the three commissioners and other officials that were present and produce video clips. His trump card will be Edgar Thomas. If Thomas says that Myers approached him to have Gunraj removed then her
libel writ dissolves and she will have to pay humongous cost. I cannot comment on the charges before the courts that the triumvirate is facing but I am within the dictates of natural law to offer my opinion on what sentences should be harsh for what crimes people commit all over the world. I deeply believe that fraud committed by elections officials come close to treason. Tampering with a national election in any country is a formidable criminal act. I cannot see on conviction how
a court can spare the accused a jail term. Since Myers is fond of suing, I am yet to see a libel writ against the chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). It was through the ERC’s chairman that the country learnt that the then Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Vishnu Persaud, was more eligible to remain as DCEO than Myers. I guess with all the criminal charges against her and all the libel writs she is filing Ms. Myers is going to be very familiar with the steps,
Frederick Kissoon the buildings and the ambience of the courts. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Coronavirus: Death should not be an option when vaccines are readily available By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center The last two months have been the deadliest since COVID-19 hit the shores of Guyana. During this same period, vaccines have become available for every eligible individual. The data is revealing that the unvaccinated are the ones that are dying and getting hospitalised from COVID-19. I am at a loss trying to understand why some would choose to die rather than be vaccinated and be part of the solution to this pandemic. If someone had told me six months ago that by mid-2021, Guyana’s death rate would be at its peak while vaccines were readily available for all, I would not have believed. Today, I wish to focus even more on the importance of vaccination against COVID19 and hope that we get it right, especially with the threats that are coming. The vaccination data so far Over 225,000 (48 percent of adult population) persons have received their first vaccine dose thus far in Guyana. Of these persons, 95,000 (20 percent of the adult population) have already received their second dose. There is no case of a fully
vaccinated person becoming hospitalised or dying from COVID-19 so far. This means that every person that is dying or being hospitalised in Guyana from COVID-19 is unvaccinated. Unfortunately, this pattern will continue for the foreseeable future as only one out of every five eligible person is fully vaccinated. The other four, are at a higher risk of becoming infected and dying from COVID-19. It is unfortunate, but we will be losing many more lives while we try to convince everyone to be vaccinated. This madness will only stop when more than 85 percent of the eligible population is vaccinated. An even more deadly variant is on its way Every time a variant of concern surfaces, the death and hospitalisation rates spike significantly wherever that variant surface. We all should be aware of the recent devastation in India which was primarily from the new delta variant. This variant is more deadly and infectious than any of its predecessors. It has already
reached the shores of Europe and the United States. Given the patterns of spread of previous variants, it may only be a matter of time before it reaches us here in Guyana. If this occurs then there is a good possibility of us experiencing similar devastation to what occurred in India. So far, the vaccines are holding up against this variant and is the most effective tool we have against it. Why are there so many new variants? New variants are popping up at higher rates than before. What is worrying is the numbers of variants of concern (dangerous variants) are also rising. The more persons a virus infect, the more it will mutate into newer variants. COVID-19 infections have increased and spread more in the past eight months and as a result, mutation rates and variant formation has increased. This trend will continue unless preventative measures and vaccination rates are drastically stepped up in many countries. What can happen with so many variants?
Every time the SarsCov2 virus mutates into variants of concern, it is evolving into more dangerous forms that pose new threats to our lives. This virus can only mutate if we allow it to spread from person to person. Every time it infects someone, there is a risk of it mutating. The worry for scientists is that unless we stop this virus in its tracks very soon, it will start to mutate into vaccine resistant forms which will evolve and sustain this pandemic and many more lives
will be lost. In addition to preventative measures, rapid vaccination is the key to preventing this virus from evolving into forms that will destroy us even more. Being vaccinated is therefore not only about you; it is about us all coming together to save ourselves and unite against a common enemy. COVID-19 will not go away if we let our guard down. It will continue to take many lives unless we work together and achieve the “vaccination for all” goal earlier rather than later.
Dr. Zulfikar Bux Be responsible! Be part of the solution! Get vaccinated! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<
Flooding and Public Accounts Committee
By GHK Lall I think of the two areas above prioritised today, and they both contain what once stirred encouragement, but both of which now cause disturbances deep down. I start with the pluses. Approximately five years ago, I had occasion to write about heavy rainfall in the Capital City, and how the floodwaters receded fairly quickly. This happened for about six months during the early days of the coalition government. I was encouraged by this, for the combination of efforts and expenses aimed at cleaning and clearing, as well as limited maintaining of our drainage outlets, showed reasonable results. The calls for discipline on the part of citizens in how they disposed of routine garbage were heeded to some extent, with pressure and follow-up on businesses to follow the rules and do their part. All this worked for a brief interval, until things collapsed, and everyone returned to their regular ways. Central and local government, citizens and commercial interests, very rapidly, went back to the usual vulgarities of spending and squabbling (as to who is to blame), and littering and carrying on with the normal decaying behaviours and standards. Now, we are back to where we were, since then, to the same state. That is, billions are spent, with many countless arguments and
c u r s e s following, and still more handwringin g and wailing being part of the national ‘wake house’ that Guyana has become every time there is flooding, and on most other matters of sensitivity a n d importance. We are back to square one, if not worse, after all the debating and finger pointing. But, for one fleeting moment, there was the manifestation that, indeed, we can put our arms around flooding. At least for the short and intermediate terms, while a longer-term solution was put on the drawing board, and moved from there to delivery for relief. I regret that I cannot speak with the same familiarity of outlying areas, which are worse off from the pictures and reports of widespread devastations. I was encouraged that we could have gotten to higher, drier ground momentarily, due to the required energy, interest, and principles being harnessed and put to work. It is of what could have been, should have been in place by now, but is not. That is what disturbs, with no more to be said. Relative to the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, I say these few words. It is encouraging that we have such a check and balance over how the cash of citizens is spent. I am encouraged that a start was made with drawing the line on the chair of this crucial committee, and to send him packing. But that is where the positives stop. For this translates to the unacceptable and the unnerving; the alarmingly disturbing. First, there is no
opposition presence on state boards and other oversight mechanisms to participate in the policing of how the business of those agencies is being conducted. It is all PPP-government handpicked loyalists, most of whom I wouldn’t trust to ask for directions across the street. Or to walk behind me in a tight alleyway, even in the daylight. Second, the replacement chair could sew
the PAC, look, stock, and barrel in favour of the PPP government and its escapades with big-ticket projects and related spending. Third, this means with a virtual lame duck (at least numerically, for a start) opposition presence in parliament, what this society has is a situation where the whole apparatus and arrangement of governance is of a one-party reality,
which is of a one-man tyranny, and with a oneresult conclusion in just about everything of significance. Fourth, and relatedly, I don’t see how the opposition will consent to having a continued presence in the PAC, maybe even parliament. What would be its purpose, other than to collect pay and duty-free concessions, and such? I
have difficulty detecting how, if the opposition has any self-respect remaining, and after backing the ousted chair to the hilt, the coalition group could do otherwise. Cumulatively, this disturbs beyond words, beyond measure. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Lessons from a Lashpreneur!!!
Lash extensions and self care are the perfect match By Latoya Zephyr Looking to do something for yourself? Or are you simply feeling curious about lash extensions and how they can incorporate self-care into your busy life? Whatever it is, we’re here to break down 3 reasons eyelash extensions and self-care make a perfect match. Take note! REASON #1: LASH EXTENSIONS MAKE YOU LOOK AND FEEL GOOD
Other than getting custom eyelashes to fit you,your eye shape, your lifestyle and desired lash look, lash extensions at The Lash Lounge are much more than a service. They are a way for you to: · practice self-care · boost your look on the OUTSIDE · boost your inner confidence on the INSIDE These reasons alone are why you should embrace life
with lashes! When you look good, you get that inner boost of confidence that makes you feel your best and ultimately, will allow you to accomplish great things in all areas of your life from home and family to work and reaching your goals! REASON #2: SELF-CARE AND LASHES SAVE YOU TIME Whether you’re headed to
work or you’re simply putting yourself together for the day, any extra time spent getting ready adds up. Working to conceal those tired eyes? Spending a few too many minutes getting your mascara on just right minus smudges or clumps? Just think about the time you could save if you didn’t have to do any of this. Saying yes to self-care by getting lash extensions will: · camouflage your tired eyes automatically (say so-long to concealers!) · free up time applying mascara · instantly provide you with extra time (since little to no makeup is needed thanks to lash extensions!) · give you more time to devote to the things and people you love most It’s true! Giving yourself the gift of time is a form of self-care. REASON #3: ROUTINE THE LASH LOUNGE VISITS WILL GIVE YOU AN ESCAPE
From your first appointment to showing up for your scheduled re fill visits,it will give you a muchneeded escape! You will enjoy: · uninterrupted metime (we’re talking no kids, no work, no errands. Just time for YOU!) · lash naps (how awesome is it to get a beauty service AND a nap all at the
same time?!?) · time to simply recharge (who doesn’t need that?) No matter who you are, whether you’re in the thick of your motherhood journey or you’re a working woman who can’t seem to get away from your computer (and non-stop Zoom calls), you deserve an escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
The Apothic Red: A masterful blend of three grapes It’s not unheard of to blend one or two different grapes together to make a delicious blend that combines the best of both worlds. It’s a way to soften harsher and more intense grapes or to bring to life grapes that are too subtle for words. However, what is rarely done and even when it is, to a high standard, is blending more than a couple of grapes together. So, the thought of a wine that mixes not two, but three different varieties together in a melting pot of aromas and flavors, is a strange thing indeed. Especially when you consider that the three being mixed together are not exactly best friends or common bedfellows. But here we have in the Apothic Red Winemaker’s Red from California, (produced by Gallo) a blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel. That sentence does make
it sound like some kind of mad wine blasphemy, but this is a popular red wine. The name is apparently inspired by a mysterious location that was used to blend and store wine during the 13th century in Europe, known as Apothecia. So, it makes sense that it’s a clever blend of California’s finest, juiciest and tastiest grape varietals. It really works well as a celebration of those three. According to the inscription on the bottle, Apothic Red is a ‘masterful blend’ of the three grapes and creates a layered flavor profile of dark red fruits with hints of mocha and vanilla. Hundreds of individuals who have tried this wine have been in high praise of its mesmerizing taste. If you are nervous of red wines and whether you will ever find one that you like, you should give this Apothic Red a try. It is sure to win your heart over from the very first sip. As you
enjoy with friends and family over the weekend, do remember to be responsible in your activities. Until next Sunday, Happy Father’s Day and stay safe.
Guyana Talent Search Semi-finals Pt 2 airs tonight on E1 The management team at the Ministry of Culture, Youth, And Sport will be airing the semifinals Part two of its Guyana Talent Search Competition which is
conducting virtual auditions. The show airs tonight on E1 at 7pm. Sitting in for the first time as a judge is Guyanese songbird, Poonam Singh who is joined by the beloved Joel
Gansham and Guyana’s Music Princess, Timeka Marshall. Crowing off the list of top-notch judges is Akelo ‘DJ Akelo’ Elliott. Be sure to catch this week’s episode to see Guyanese showcase their enthralling talent pieces.
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Basic Things You Should Know About Anaemia! Anaemia is a common blood disorder in which your body does not produce enough red blood cells. Anaemia widely affects children, women, and men at any stage of life. Globally, there are over 1.6 billion people are affected by anaemia. Women and patients with chronic diseases are at a higher risk of developing anaemia. What is anaemia? Anaemia is a condition of lack of red blood cells that carries oxygen to all body tissues and low red blood cell count shows a low level of oxygen in your blood than normal levels. It can be mild to severe. The severity of anaemia depends on the level of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body. Haemoglobin formation requires iron, so most of the people who have anaemia have a shortage of iron. There are various types of anaemia with their cause and treatments. Anaemia can be mild to severe as per the level of haemoglobin, but you can prevent this condition by improving your diet. What are the causes of anaemia? Many conditions lead to anaemia, including simple diet deficiency to major underlying causes. Common causes of anaemia are as follows – · Poor nutrition · Pregnancy-related anaemia · Active bleeding like piles, ulcers · Chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney diseases · Genetic problem · Drug-induced anaemia What are the types of anaemia? 1: Iron-deficiency anaemia – It is one of the common forms of anaemia that often affects women than men and is more common during pregnancy. In this anaemia, your body does not have enough iron to carry oxygen through your blood to all parts of your body. Symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia can be· Fatigue and tiredness, · Giddiness, · I n c r e a s e d heartbeats, · Pale skin, · Strange food cravings such as mud, pencil, · Hair fall, · Tongue swelling 2: Aplastic anaemia – In this anaemia, your body
cannot produce enough red blood cells because of damaged bone marrow. 3: Hemolytic anaemia – This anaemia occurs when your body itself damages your red blood cells. 4: Pernicious anaemia – Because of the deficiency of vitamin B12, pernicious anaemia occurs. 5: Normocytic anaemia– This anaemia occurs when there are fewer numbers of red blood cells. 6: Sickle-cell anaemiaThis is a genetic disorder that affects your red blood cells. What are the symptoms of anaemia? If you have mild anaemia, you may not have many symptoms. The sign and symptoms depend on the cause and level of haemoglobin in the body. Signs and symptoms of anaemia might include: · Fatigue and weakness · Shortness of breath · Headache · Chest pain · Dizziness · Increased or irregular heartbeats · Pale skin, nails, and mucous membrane · Craving for indigestible items What will be the treatments for anaemia? Anaemia treatment depends on its underlying cause. There are many treatment options based on the type and severity of anaemia. · In iron or vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, you need to eat healthy foods and sometimes need nutritional supplements. · In some other cases, if anaemia is severe and caused because of some pathology, then the doctors may prescribe some medications and injections to treat anaemia like Erythropoietin injections, hormonal medicines, or some antibiotics. · Other forms of anaemia may require intense treatment, like surgery-to stop blood loss or blood
transfusion. What should be your diet if you are anaemic? If you are experiencing any symptoms of anaemia, a physician should be your first visit, but there are things which you can do on your own, mainly improvement in your diet. The best diet plan for anaemia includes food rich in iron and other vitamins. Here we enlisted some essential foods which can help you deal with
anaemia – 1: Green leafy vegetables: Green, dark vegetables are the best source of iron. They may include – · Spinach · Kale · Collard greens · Swiss chard Some of them, Swiss chard or collard greens, are also rich in folate and can be useful in folate deficiency anaemia. You can have vitamin C-rich
foods such as oranges while eating these green vegetables as vitamin C may increase the absorption of iron. 2: Nuts and seeds Many nuts and seeds are nutritiously dense foods that contain a tremendous amount of iron. You can eat them raw or roasted as they have the same amount of iron. You can eat them as a snack or sprinkle them on a salad. Nuts and seeds may include – · Almonds · Cashew · Pistachio · Pumpkin seeds · Sunflower seeds · Hemp seeds 3: Lean meat and poultry foods Lean meat and chicken breast contain a high amount of iron, almost 22% of your recommended dose. To enhance iron absorption, pair it with vitamin C-rich vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, and red peppers. 4: Seafood Seafood such as oysters is one of the best ways to supplement your diet if you
are anaemic. Most of the fish contain iron, especially shellfishes such as oysters, clams, and crabs. Other types of fishes – · Fresh or canned tuna · Mackerel · Fresh or canned salmon · Sardine 5: Beans Beans are the most inexpensive and best source of iron for vegetarians. Some iron-rich beans are as follows – · Chickpeas · Kidney beans · Soybeans · Black beans · Peas Anaemia can be a mild to severe form of blood disorder but can be preventable. You can avoid developing anaemia by consuming nutritious food. But remember, single food will not cure anaemia; it may require an overall healthy diet like green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, seafood, meat, and vitamin C-rich foods.
12 Amazing Benefits of Poppy Seeds Known by various names across different states of India, Khus Khus or Poppy seeds are a wellknown ingredient that finds a place in numerous Indian cuisines. While they have a peculiar nutty taste, they are highly recommended when you need to add a nice aroma to any cuisine. Different variants of Poppy seeds are readily available. From these, the popular types are: · White Poppy seeds – Also known as Indian/ Asian Poppy seeds · Oriental Poppy seeds – Also known as Opium Poppy · Blue Poppy seeds – Also known as European Poppy seeds Here are some popular benefits of Poppy seeds: Improvement of Fertility Poppy seeds play a pivotal role in boosting female fertility. They are known to remove mucus from the fallopian tubes and aid in achieving pregnancy. They also enhance sexual desire and improve sexual health by boosting libido. Fights insomnia Opium Poppy is effective in inducing sleep. Known to create a calming effect, the seeds help in bringing down the stress levels. They can be consumed in the form of a tea or made into a paste and mixed with warm milk to enjoy a blessed slumber. Also, read 4 ways to treat insomnia.
Bone Strength Being rich in copper and calcium, Poppy seeds help in improving bone health. The manganese in the seeds helps in the production of the protein collagen that protects the bones from severe damage. Also, read the best foods for healthy bones. Improves Digestion Poppy seeds are a rich source of insoluble fibre and help in strengthening the digestive system and treating constipation effectively. Efficient Cure of Mouth Ulcers Since they have a cooling effect on the body, poppy seeds are known to be a great treatment for mouth ulcers. However, only limited research is known to back this ideology. Regulation of Blood Pressure Oleic acid, an essential component in Poppy seeds, is known to reduce blood pressure levels.
Great for the eyes The zinc and antioxidant content in Poppy seeds help to improve vision and protects against eye diseases such as Macular Degeneration. Also, read eye care tips for healthy vision. Helps in treating Kidney Stones The potassium content in Poppy seeds helps in treating kidney stones and also prevents their re-occurrence. Also, read 5 symptoms of kidney stones. Good for Thyroid Zinc is a pivotal element for thyroid glands, and thanks to their rich zinc content, Poppy seeds play a crucial role in proper thyroid functioning. Also, read 8 best foods for thyroid patients. Diabetes Treatment Poppy seeds occupy an integral place in a diabetic’s diet. The manganese in the seeds helps in the treatment of diabetes. Natural Analgesic
For generations, Poppy seeds have been a tried and tested option to relieve pain. Many ancient medical practitioners have used the analgesic properties of Poppy seeds to comfort their patients from pain and discomfort. Some reports also suggest the consumption of Poppy tea, made by mixing the seeds in hot water, to reduce pain. The pain-relieving property is significantly high in the Opium variant of the Poppy seeds. Helps in Dandruff treatment Prepare a paste of soaked Poppy seeds, white pepper, and hung curd and apply to your hair. Leave for half an hour and wash off. Use regularly to prevent the occurrence of dandruff. Read more on the home remedies for dandruff. (https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ 12-amazing-benefits-ofpoppy-seeds-khus-khus/)
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My dad H
ello, I’m Lottie. I’m ten years old. I live with my dad and my sister in England. I’m going to tell you about my dad. This is my dad. His name is Paul. He’s 46 years old. His hair is black and grey. He’s got green eyes. I’ve got green eyes too! My dad gets up early most days. He makes our breakfast, and sometimes he takes me to school. My dad’s making my breakfast in this
pic ture. M y dad is a t e a c h e r. H e doesn’t teach children. He teaches other people who work with him. Dad’s at work in this picture. My dad gets home at 5 o’clock. Sometimes I help him cook our tea. In
Sunday June 20, 2021
Junior page
this picture I’m helping to make a pasta sauce. After tea my dad sometimes helps me with my homework. He’s helping me with maths here. I like maths! In the evening we sometimes watch TV. Or my dad reads. He loves reading. I love reading too! At the weekend we do different things. Sometimes we go to the library. I’m choosing some books here.
Som etimes at the weekend we go to the cinema, or to a concert. My dad loves music. Sometimes the concerts are a bit boring.It’s great living with my dad and my sister.
FATHER’S DAY HANDY DAD HEART CARD Supplies: Dad heart card template · Beige cardstock paper · Blue, black, red and gray construction paper · Scissors · Glue · Black marker · Circle punch ·
Step 1: Download the dad heart card template and cut out all the patterns. Step 2: Fold the beige cardstock paper in half and trace the heart. Make sure to align the left side of the heart t o t h e f o l d . Te m p l a t e : https://www.teacherspayteac hers.com/Product/FathersD ay - C ar d - F ath er s - D ay Craft-Handy-Dad-HeartCard-3812445 Step 3: Make 13 cut in the middle of the top flip of the heart card and fold the sides to the outside to create the collar. Step 4: Trace the overalls, straps and pocket on blue paper. Glue the overalls onto the heart and align the two. Glue the straps on the heart, one on each side of the overalls. Use a circle punch to make 2 buttons from black paper and glue the buttons at
the end of each strap. Step 5: Trace the tools on gray paper and cut them out. You can also use red paper for some details of the tools. Glue all the tools to one side of the pocket and glue the pocket in the middle of the overalls. Step 6: Use the black marker to write DAD in the middle of the pocket and a sweet little message inside the card.
RY OET P H
FUN
WIT
My little monkey I had a little monkey, His name was little Tim, I put him in the bath tub To see if he could swim. He drank out all the water, He ate up all the soap, But woe to me, last night he died, With some bubbles in his throat.
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Make the continuous effort to incorporate TEEN TIME right values into your personality Once you are clear about the values you treasure most, you will start to notice how your life needs to change. Make a list of all possible changes you could make to better express these values in your life. Try to incorporate one of these changes at regular intervals. As you make the effort to align your personality with the values you most desire, you will find that you will begin to feel great about yourself, and start taking steps in the right direction. The following are some of the qualities you need to effect this alignment, so study them carefully: Contentment – willingness to accept and be grateful for what you have. Education – taking the necessary steps towards developing yourself in what is needed to improve your life. Freedom – striving towards independence of thought and action.
Health – taking good care of your body, mind and spirit. Inquisitiveness – the desire for knowledge in what matters in life. Integrity – ensuring that you deal with yourself and others honestly. Perfection – making the effort to always be the best you can be or do in every situation. Satisfaction – like
contentment, the readiness to accept what is happening in your life. Serenity – making peacefulness and poise part of your character. Taste – sensitivity to and appreciation for what is best. Tenderness – a sense of caring and gentleness in all actions. Upliftment – working always towards achieving the best you can be.
Some questions you may ask to help you in this effort are:Which of these values are expressed in your life already? How have these values influenced your life? Which values still need to be expressed in some way? You have to realise that you seal your fate with the choices you make on the way. These choices during your younger days will determine the destiny or direction of your entire future. You do not need to look too hard to observe all around you many examples of those who did not think it necessary to determine beforehand what those choices should be, and who as a result drifted through life and fell by the wayside. Keep on with this effort at inculcating proper values and you will ensure that you will be on the right path to fulfilling your dreams.
Kakuro puzzles are like a cross between a crossword and a Sudoku puzzle. Instead of letters, each block contains the digits 1 through 9. The same digit will never repeat within a word. If you add the digits in a word, the sum willbe the number shown in the clue. Clues are shown on the left and right sides of “across” words, and on the top and bottom sides of “down” words.
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POETS’ CORNER
Take Time for Friendship Take time for friendship when you can; The hours fly swiftly by, And the need that presses on your fellowman May fade away at equal speed. And you may sigh before the end That you have failed to play the friend. Not all life’s pride is born of fame, Not all the joy from work is won; Too late we hang our heads in shame, Remembering the good we could have done. Too late we wish that we had stayed To comfort those who called for aid. Take time to do the little things, Which leave the satisfactory thought, When others have taken wing, That we have laboured as we ought, That in a world where all contend, We often stopped to be a friend.
You will not only better yourself by living according to right values, but will help others by the example you will be setting to enlighten them. TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY Uncle Roy is again appealing to our readers to make a contribution to this column by either giving a feedback on what is published, asking for some help with some personal problem, offering some advice to fellow teenagers, or sharing the news of what is happening in his/her community. Please send your contribution to roypaul2002@yahoo.com
Solutions to last week’s
Super tough maze
Killer Sudoku Puzzle
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Remedies for Discolored teeth 1. Brushing your teeth Your first plan of action should be to brush your teeth more often and in the correct manner. It’s especially important that you brush after consuming foods and drinks that can lead to yellow teeth. 2. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide Using a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is said to remove plaque buildup and bacteria to get rid of stains. 3. Coconut oil pulling Coconut oil pulling is said to remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth, which helps to whiten teeth. Always shop for a high quality, organic oil, which you can purchase online, that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients. 4. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be used in very small amounts to whiten teeth. 5. Lemon, orange, or banana peels Some people claim that rubbing lemon, orange, or banana peels on your teeth will make them whiter. It’s believed that the compound d-limonene and/or citric acid, which is found in some citrus fruit peels, will help to whiten your teeth. 6. Activated charcoal You can use activated charcoal to remove stains from your teeth. It’s believed that charcoal can remove pigments and stains from your teeth because it’s highly absorbent. It’s said to also get rid of bacteria and toxins in the mouth. 7. Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content It’s said that eating raw fruits and vegetables with a highwater content can help to keep your teeth healthy. The water content is thought to cleanse your teeth and gums of plaque and bacteria that lead to yellow teeth. Chewing on crunchy fruits and vegetables at the end of a meal may increase saliva production. This can help to remove food particles that are stuck in your teeth and wash away any harmful acids. What causes yellow teeth? There are many factors that can cause teeth to turn yellow. Teeth can become yellow from: certain foods or drinks, such as blueberries, red wine, coffee, or tea a diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates smoking or chewing tobacco side effects of certain medications and mouthwashes age, as older adults are more likely to have yellow teeth genetics mouth trauma excessive fluoride consumption poor dental care and oral hygiene chronic dry mouth or lack of saliva There are many at-home options you can try to whiten your teeth. However, be cautious because you can damage your enamel or gums, which can lead to sensitivity and cavities. The best way to whiten your teeth is to prevent stains before they happen, continue to practice good oral hygiene, and have regular dental checkups. If you’ve tried these methods without success, your dentist may be able to help you determine if another treatment method may be a better option. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-teeth#causes
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Tailings pond collapses in East Montgomery Mines, Region Ten - over 100 households affected
Pictures showing the affected areas in Region 10.
T
he tailings pond located at East Montgomery Mines, Region Ten, owned by BOSAI Minerals Group, collapsed on Thursday, between 9:00-10:00hrs, compromising the residential areas of the surrounding communities, affecting over 100 households. In an interview with this publication, Deron Adams, the Chairman of Region Ten, said that the collapse was as a result of heavy
flooding that caused the sand to sink in the tailings pond, causing a breach. Tailings ponds are a mixture of water, sand, clay and residual chemicals left over from the mining process. Adams, stated that three areas have been affected thus far, leaving 35 households affected in Maria Elizabeth, 46 in Three Friends mines and over 60-70 households in the Coomacka area. Adams, added that several
organisations and companies has since visited the areas to offer support to those that are affected and also to investigate ways in which the breach can be managed to prevent further damage in the said areas. On site yesterday were the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Civil Defence Commission (CDC), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), BOSAI Minerals Group, a team
from the Ministry of Public Works and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) who are working to ensure that the water does not come into contact with any electric wires. The Regional Disaster Relief Committee in Region Ten will also be distributing hampers to the affected households. In 1995, a tailings dam at the Omai Gold Mines breached, releasing up to 100,000 cubic meters per hour of waste
containing Cyanide. The toxic waste entered the Omai River before flowing into the Essequibo River, the major river in the country which is a vital resource for drinking water and fishing. The Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) reported at the time that the Cyanide concentration in the Omai River was high and that communities and ecosystems along the Essequibo River had been seriously impacted.
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...Raymond ‘Steele’ Newton From page 22 pursued. He recalled all his extra-curricular time was spent at sporting events. “I was very passionate about athletics. I played basketball, did track and field but cycling was my favourite. I like cycling because I am better at it,” Newton said of his decision to pursue cycling professionally. According to Newton
started to go and watch the championship and people who knew me started to encourage me to take part.” The cyclist recalled that as he began to gain recognition for achievements – he started to be selected by clubs and sponsors to represent Guyana at regional championships. He went on to compete and represent Guyana in
“Right after high school, I trained at the GCCI technical institute in electrical repairs and mechanics. This was to help with my expenses because even though, I was good at cycling and got praised for it nationally, the Government has not been too keen on providing support or incentives to cyclists like myself. We are usually sponsored by private entities and individuals or sometimes, we are self-sponsored and that can only do so
LEGACY: Raymond Newton stands near his fourth son, Aaron Newton, 13, who is the country’s National Junior Cycling Champion.
too, sports had its way of keeping him out of trouble as a youngster. “It helped me to focus on something positive like reaching a goal, so it, in many ways, was my route of escape,” he said. As he matured, Newton began to participate in the sports on a national scale. “I
cy c li n g e x cu r s io n s i n Barbados, Trinidad and To b a g o , S t . L u c i a , Martinique, French Guiana and Cuba. The cyclist said that some of his proudest moments in the sport were had while he represented Guyana in Martinique. “I actually thought it was the most challenging because it a mountainous area and I was not trained for that but I competed in the race,” he said. “And whenever I took part in the other competitions, I would save the newspaper clippings and send copies of them to my mother who is living in Grenada…Those are some of my proudest moments,” the cyclist added. Although being a professional cyclist brought so much happiness and freedom, Newton said that the earnings of a cyclist in Guyana could not support his family. He needed to have other back up jobs to buffer those expenses. As a result, he chose to do the work of a mechanic and electrician. “Right after high school,
Newton leads his son, Aaron, during a training session for upcoming competition.
I trained at the GCCI technical institute in electrical repairs and mechanics. This was to help with my expenses because even though, I was good at cycling and got praised for it nationally, the Government has not been too keen on providing support or incentives to cyclists like myself. We are usually sponsored by private entities and individuals or sometimes, we are selfsponsored and that can only do so much…” he said. LEGACY While this has not deterred Newton from competing in the sport, these days, the national cyclist is more focused on leaving a legacy for his six children, all of whom have taken a liking to athletics and cycling. In fact, his fourth son, Aaron Newton, is the current national junior cycling championship holder. The elder Newton had a part to play in his son’s early success as a national cyclist. “Whenever I am in Guyana, I would train him and make sure he was disciplined and had the right
gears for the race,” the proud father said, adding that all his children have shown an interest in sports at one level or another. He revealed that his three eldest sons, Ray, Marcus and Michael, also wanted to follow in his cycling path but ended up playing cricket instead. “I think that was because I was overseas most of the time so they took up cricket,” he noted, adding that his only daughter Aria, who is 13 years old, has also expressed an interest in cycling. “I think what happened is that their mother would bring them to see me race and so they would get excited and want to follow me,” Newton continued, as he pointed out that his youngest son, Alex who is 11 years old, has already participated in first trial cycle race. He rode his bicycle from Plaisance to Vlissingen Road and ended at the roundabout at Kingston, the proud father recalled. Moreover, Mr. Newton said he is very proud of all his children and hopes to leave a legacy, which they will be pleased to follow.
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>>>Young Entrepreneur on the Move<<<
‘Florals by Shari’ for that elegant décor By Allyiah Allicock
n hopes of getting floral businesses recognised more locally, Shari Singh decided to launch her own business. It was last Valentine’s Day that she officially launched her business called “Florals by Shari” which provides a wide range of hand-made floral arrangements, floral backdrops and floral
“Growing up, we have always heard ‘children/youths are the future.’ Time is changing and will continue to change. The role we play is very significant, since we are creating jobs, increasing innovation, raising competition and are responsive to change economic opportunities and trends.”
decorations to suit just about any event. The 23-year-old mother of one, during an interview with Kaieteur News, said that because she is
always had an admiration for flowers and before she started it all, she decided that the ultimate goal would be her daring to be different. Even as she noted that young people, especially women, are more into clothing, food, beauty and makeup businesses, Singh observed that there are just a handful of floral shops in Guyana. Singh, who has no problem sharing her art and skills with those interested in learning something new, said that having past experience in sales and marketing has helped her to aim for growth and development. This, she said, aids in creating new strategies that could bring in more clients. The business has indeed been thriving, mostly due to the support from family and friends, who she said, have all been motivating her to strive for more. But with the onset of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, she admitted that there were some hurdles, some of which she is still hoping to overcome. For Singh, it has been difficult to attract a growing clientele base and this, she said, poses a challenge for her business. But with unyielding faith, Singh has no intention of losing sight of her vision to grow. Moreover, she has opted to “leave it all in the hands of the Creator, and is therefore confident that her business will eventually reach its full, blooming potential. Speaking of how business is
I
One of Shari’s customers poses with one of her arrangements.
unable to work a 9 to 5 job, since she has to raise her daughter, she decided to start her own “work from home business.” Growing up, she said that she
Some arrangements she created over the past few months.
Owner of ‘Florals for Shari,’ Ms. Shari Singh
done amid the ongoing pandemic, Singh explained that when delivering to clients or clients have to uplift, she always ensures that all COVID-19 measures are in place. As her business grows, Singh has plans to setup an outdoor spot to display her pieces. “Since I only use artificial flowers at the moment, my long term goal for this business is to expand and be able to have my own shop which would be cooler to store imported fresh flowers,” she related. She also spoke of plans to have locations throughout the country that would create jobs for locals. Already trying to get people involve, Singh yesterday hosted a floral workshop where she provided training to persons of all age groups who are interested in
learning new skills. At the end of the training, persons were awarded a certificate along with the floral arrangement, which they created. The young florist is of the firm belief that young entrepreneurs have the potential of helping to boost the economy with the fresh and appealing ideas, which they bring to the public. “Growing up, we have always heard ‘children/youths are the future.’ Time is changing and will continue to change. The role we play is very significant, since we are creating jobs, increasing innovation, raising competition and are responsive to changing economic opportunities and trends.” When asked what more can be done to boost small businesses locally, Singh stressed the need for partnerships among businesses. She said too that they could invest in advertising, especially on social media platforms, which will help to bring in more customers. She is also convinced that it is important to “give back to the community” since “a little goes a long way…” Singh also embraces a principle of reaching out to customers to express her appreciation for their support and to enlighten them about new products and promotions. Persons who are desirous of utilising Singh’s floral services can contact her on telephone number: (592) 636-4829, via her Facebook page at Shari Singh, on Instagram @shari.ovo or @lastqueen187 or by using email a d d r e s s sharisingh10@gmail.com.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday June 20, 2021
Our Frontline Worker of this Week is…
Nurse Patricia Tyndall-Park applying to the Nursing School in New Amsterdam on April 1, 1987. On October 27, 1990, she completed the programme and was first placed at the New Amsterdam Hospital and then the Port Mourant Hospital. She then went back to the nursing school and by 1996, she had completed the Midwifery programme and was sent to Black Bush to work. However, in 1998 she was sent to the Port Mourant Health Centre where she has been ever since. ROLE DURING THE PANDEMIC
By Malisa Playter-Harry “Every nurse was drawn to nursing because of a desire to care, to serve, or to help.” At least, this is according to reputable American nurse and author, Christina Feist-Heilmeier. Although the forgoing quote from Nurse FeistHeilmeier is not as popular as it should be, these days, it is in fact the reality that resonates with millions of nurses who perform their duties in an effort to save lives. Today, we have chosen to feature a nurse who has been in the profession for 34 years and understands the quote all too well. Born on June 24, 1966, Patricia Tyndall-Park of Lot 4 Ulverston, Corentyne, Berbice has dedicated the majority of her life to the noble and selfless profession of nursing. She related during an interview, “from a very tender age, I realised I had a passion which is still within me to care and help persons, more so children and adults,
who are neglected. So when the opportunity presented itself, after I completed my secondary schooling, I grasped at the opportunity to become a nurse.” The long-standing health care provider attended the Manchester Primary School
and the Bush Lot Secondary School before moving on to the Winifred Gaskin Secondary School. It was her eagerness to follow the path she so desired that saw her, soon after completing her secondary education,
Nurse Patricia Tyndall-Park
efforts to reach persons in far-flung areas. Despite the heighten risk faced because of the pandemic, the dedicated
to Nurse Park for her dedication to the profession and hope that she will have a splendid birth anniversary on Thursday.
“From a very tender age, I realised I had a passion which is still within me to care and help persons, more so children and adults, who are neglected. So when the opportunity presented itself, after I completed my secondary schooling, I grasped at the opportunity to become a nurse.” Nurse Park is currently a Supervisor on the COVID19 Task Force in Region Six. She added that when the Regional Health Officer, Dr. Vishalya Sharma, asked her to be a part of the team, she did not hesitate. Her responsibilities include ensuring that all Health Centres in the Region are equipped with vaccines, stationeries “and all other items needed to adequately deal with staff and members of the public to their satisfaction.” She believes her job is important although she is at risk of becoming infected. But according to Nurse Park, she takes all the necessary precautions to ward off being infected so that she does not ever have to transmit the virus to her colleagues and loved ones. “However, being vaccinated and applying the COVID-19 principles, I trust all will go well with myself, family members, staff and the public at large,” she said. According to Nurse Park, her job isn’t as stress free as many may believe. In fact, she noted that there are challenges faced when it comes to convincing persons to get vaccinated. Among the prevailing challenges as well, she shared, is that of the current flood which has affected the
nurse said that she is happy to have a leading role in the health care system at such a crucial time. She said that she is encouraged to keep on going since she is well aware that there are others just like her who are faithfully risking their lives every day to combat the virus. “Knowing that t h r o u g h m y contribution, Region Six was the first to reach the target of vaccination and my health centre is leading statistically in the fight against COVID,” are some of the things that Nurse Park reflects on with pride. The dedicated nurse said that she is especially thankful for her supportive family despite that she has to work long hours. As she aims to continue the fight, Nurse Park is calling on everyone to adhere to the COVID guidelines and insists that those who are eligible should choose to be vaccinated. We say thank you
Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
Constructing high-rise buildings according to the National Building Code
>>>GNBS IN FOCUS<<<
The City’s skyline is rapidly changing with the construction of multiple high-rise buildings. However, the lingering question exists as to whether these buildings are being constructed based on the guidelines set out in the country’s National Building Code. With an ever-increasing population, the primary goal of high-rise buildings is to maximise the use of building square footage in areas where lot sizes are limited.
However, these structures pose a range of issues relating to design and safety including evacuation in emergencies, the inability to extinguish a fire in upper floors from the exterior, poor designs, use of substandard construction materials and lack of consideration for physically challenged individuals. To address these issues, high-rise buildings should be constructed according to the requirements of the National Building Code.
In this edition of GNBS in Focus, we will look at Section 11 of the Building Code of Guyana, which addresses the design and construction of high-rise buildings. According to the General Construction principles in the Code, before any construction work commences, a preliminary inspection and thorough geotechnical investigation of the site shall be undertaken. This is to ensure soil suitability and to allow for preparation for difficulties that may
arise. In addition, there is need to find out if the location is normally subject to slippage, possibility of endangering public utility services, the availability of sewage disposal facilities and electricity on site and the suitability of the area for heavy-duty machinery, among others. The code provides a list of preliminary considerations that should be taken onboard before the construction of high-rise buildings. The 63-page document covers the need for earth tremor resistant constructions since the upper levels of such buildings are mostly affected in those circumstances. It also addresses the different types of welding connections for the steel frames and complex construction site layouts. As it relates to steel frames, the building code
specifies that the buildings must be resistant to high winds. As such, manufacturers must be provided with proper information relating to wind speeds and there should be adequate adjacent support, which can be provided with the use of cross bracing, horizontal ties, cast in place concrete or masonry walls. Section 11 of the Building Code further pointed to the need for care when installing windows and doors since the loss of these components during a high windstorm will greatly alter the internal pressure of a high-rise building thus affecting its safety and integrity. Engineers and building contractors should seek to acquire copies of this and other relevant Sections of the Building Code, to guide their professional practices. These documents are available at the GNBS and are sold at af-
fordable costs. The Building Code comprises of ten (10) sections namely, Section 1 - Enforcement, Section 3 - Fire safety, use and occupancy, Section 4 - Electrical, Section 5 Plumbing, Section 7 - Use of Guyanese hardwoods in construction, Section 8 - Concrete and block masonry, Section 9 - Structural steel, Section 11 High rise buildings, Section 13 - Foundations and excavations and Section 10 - Design and Construction of Septic Tanks and Associated Secondary Treatment and Disposal Systems. The Code was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Water on March 5, 2012. For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064/ 65/66. Please visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org and like our Facebook page: gnbsgy.
Sunday June 20, 2021
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Kaieteur News
The Delta variant is serious. Here’s why it’s on the rise With vaccination rates slowing in the United States and other countries struggling to secure vaccines, public health experts have growing concerns that the socalled Delta coronavirus variant, first identified in India in March, could trigger a dramatic rise in cases and deaths in the U.S. and the world. The Delta variant already accounts for 18 percent of cases in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, and about six percent of cases nationwide. It has already spread to more than 70 countries and is now the most dominant variant in India, the United King-
dom and Singapore. Last week, Delta caused more than 90 percent of the new COVID-19 cases in the U.K., leading to a 65 percent bump in new infections since May 1. On Monday, to curb Delta’s spread, the U.K. Government decided to postpone “freedom day,” which would mark the end of public health restrictions. The Delta variant is 60 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant - first identified in the U.K. - which in turn was about 50 percent more transmissible than the ancestral Wuhan strain. “It’s a super spreader variant, that is worrisome,” says
Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. It has features that enable escape
from the immune system and is perhaps more evasive than the Beta variant (B.1.351) first identified in South Africa, which was the worst until
now, says Topol. “Plus, it has the highest transmissibility of anything we’ve seen so far. It’s a very bad combination.” Dismayed by the trajectory of Delta in the U.K., Anthony Fauci, Head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned President Joe Biden last week, “We cannot let that happen in the United States.” The President echoed those sentiments, tweeting “Folks, the Delta variant—a highly infectious COVID-19 strain—is spreading rapidly among young people between 12 and 20 years old in the U.K. If you’re young and haven’t gotten your shot yet,
it really is time.” A complete dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is still effective at preventing serious COVID-19 stemming from Delta infection. Why is the Delta variant so scary? Freely circulating viruses, especially corona viruses and influenza viruses, which encode their genetic instructions using the molecule RNA, mutate frequently and randomly due to copying errors introduced as they replicate in their human host cells. Some mutations enable the virus to evade antibodies; some enhance its ability to infect a cell; others go unnoticed since they yield no benefits or can even weaken it.
The key to Delta’s success is the collection of mutations the variant has accumulated in the spike protein, which covers SARS-CoV-2 and gives the virus its signature crown-like appearance. These mutations have changed the spike, and as a result, some of the existing antibodies may not bind as tightly or as often, explains Markus Hoffmann, an infectious disease biologist at the Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Germany. Hoffman and others have shown that Delta and its closely related Kappa variant evade antibodies that were generated through previous (Continued on page 62)
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Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
==CONSUMER CONCERNS==
Ashni unfolds effective anti-corruption programme By Pat Dial Corrupt practices have become a serious concern worldwide since it is an ailment which has attacked all countries, both rich and poor. In the ancient world, the great religious teachers like Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammed and the Greek philosophers like Socrates and Plato have all spoken out against corruption but only a comparatively small proportion of their devotees were fully responsive to their teachings in that regard. In the 18th century, with
the advent of the European Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, it began to be clearly discerned that nepotism, bribery, embezzling public funds, public officials not acting except when they received gratuities and other forms of corruption were oppressive to the citizenry, slowed up both business and governmental administration resulting in great inefficiencies and gravely diminished the quality of life. Modern governments, to improve their own efficiency, protect their citizenry and win their support and cooperation, be-
came committed to eliminating corruption. Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, recently addressed a special session of the United Nations General Assembly on the challenges and measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation. Dr. Ashni Singh is an extraordinarily able professional in the field of Finance and is internationally recognised and respected as such. When he left Guyana after the Administration he
served went out of office, he was welcomed by the international Finance Fraternity and could have pursued a lucrative career as an international consultant or an international public servant, but actuated by his sense of patriotism, he decided to return and serve his country. Dr. Singh spoke to the UN General Assembly in his capacity as a Guyana Minister and his address was so compact and comprehensive that it is impossible to report on it without quoting him verbatim. He pointed out that cor-
ruption threatens the core values of democracy. In other words, one could not protect and nurture democracy without at the same time working to eliminate corruption. This burden is shared by many countries including Guyana. Dr. Singh then went on to point out other negative effects of corruption. These would affect economics, security, efficiency, crime and so on. “Corruption,” said Dr. Singh “has deep, insidious and lasting consequences on economies and societies. Its harmful effects on stability and security, public institu-
tions and trust in them, the functioning and efficiency of markets, and overall economic performance are well documented. It undermines the Rule of Law and is often linked to serious crime such as money laundering, terrorism and trafficking of drugs, arms and persons.” In focusing specifically on Guyana, Dr. Singh mentioned some of the other methodologies the Government of Guyana uses to eliminate corruption. These include greater transparency through Parliamentary oversight, (Continued on page 64)
Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Tradewinds’ exercises to help GDF perform missions with $414M Bell helicopter Tradewinds 2021, which is currently being hosted by Guyana, may actually help to enhance its Defence Force’s capability in performing missions with the recently procured $414M Bell 412 EPI helicopter. At least this is what Kaieteur News had observed after the media on Friday got a firsthand look of some of the training exercises being performed at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) London Airbase located at Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Reporters along with cameramen from the various media houses and United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, departed the Eugene Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) for the base, a little after 09:00hrs. Taking them there were three US UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters. In less than an hour, the Black Hawk Helicopters landed at the London Airbase and reporters were able to receive details on some of the training exercises being conducted there and feedback from some of local GDF ranks participating in the exer-
cise. One of the GDF Air Corps’ young helicopter pilots, Lieutenant Dwight Bonus was willing to share how ranks under his command and colleagues have benefitted from training in “rescue or search and recovery operations”. He pointed specifically to the “hoisting training” with
the use of a winch that both the US Black Hawk helicopters and the Defence Force’s new Bell 412 EPI helicopter are equipped with. “As anyone would know, flying over Guyana, it is mostly jungle terrain. So should an aircraft go down, you would need a winch to get persons in or you would need a fast rope to get persons in on the ground to recover bodies or persons alive during a search and rescue operations,” Bonus told reporters. The lieutenant continued, “So being experienced as to how a winch actually operates will allow us to use this new capability, because as you know, we have our Bell 412 Helicopter which is also equipped with a winch.” “So given that we would have had a chance to do demonstrations with the Americans, it will help our guys to become more proficient in conducting those type of operations should the need be in the future,” Bonus said as he concluded his brief interview with the reporters. Apart from the hoisting training, GDF ranks along with soldiers from other participating countries are also being trained in Casevac, Helocast, Paradrop and other airborne operations. A casevac military operation is procedure where a causality who is a person killed or injured by war or accident is evacuated from the scene by air. A UH-Black Hawk instructed pilot attached to US Airforce, Tharles Barba, also
Premier Insurance commits to provide flood relief support across Guyana
G
eneral Manager of Premier Insurance Company Inc., Mr. Anil Singh, and Claims Analyst, Mr. Nankishore Rup, assisted by the Region Five Chairman, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal, were in the Mahaica River area last week, where they reached out to almost
100 households delivering hampers consisting of various food items and general household products. This initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility in response to bringing relief to several communities negatively affected by the recent heavy rainfall.
explained to reporters of what some of these other operations entails. “Helocast is just getting different teams into the water, whether they are getting into a boat or swimming towards shore,” Barba explained. He further related, “On the 24th (June), we are doing Paradrop operations”. He detailed that the Paradrop operations has to do with parachuting troops from an aircraft to a specific location.
When asked whether the airborne operations will benefit countries that do not have Black Hawk Helicopters, Tharles responded, “The overall mission that we are doing, we are still able to do with other airframes.” Guyana recently received its Bell 412 EPI Helicopter that it had procured from the US for $414M. The Belle 412 EPI aircraft is an upgraded version of the multipurpose Bell 412 helicopter which can be (Continued on page 64)
The Bell Helicopter in the hanger of the London Airbase at Timehri.
PAGE 62
CAR RENTAL
AIDAN'S CAR RENTAL & TOW TRUCK SERVICE: PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINIBUS,GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE #698-7807.
FOR RENT Business: South Road, Saffon, Hadfield, Wellington, North Rd, Residene: Meadow Bank, North Ruimveldt Ray's Realty 627-9685. Good for business 4.018 acres of prime land in New Amsterdam,Berbice.Call 679-2497. FOR HIRE Are you a graduate, dissatisfied with your income? Looking for a lucrative career with a reputable company? Call 679-2497. PROPERTY FOR SALE
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158. REPAIRS AT LOW COST: F R I D G E S , A I R CONDITIONER,WASHING MACHINE,FREEZER,SALE OF AC'S. TEL#6294946,225-4822.
FOR SALE 1 Orthopldic bed (Hospital bed),110 volts. Call#6680309. 1 Boat Propeller 34" right hand pitch. Contact 6040342. 1 6 cyl Doosan Marine Engine, complete- gearbox, propeller & shaft 5 million neg Tel#627-8898 One black 2011 Toyota Premio,$2.3 Million.Tel:6867004. 1 Toyota Allion PWW Series $1.8M & 1 Honda CRV $3.2 negotiable.Contact 649-0956 for more info. Massey Ferguson Tractor( Foreign used). MF165$1.5M, MF 135-$1.1M, Pickup Ford Ranger-$1.1m, F150-$1.2M. 682-5230, 6154414.
FOR RENT 3 bedroom,fully furnished North & Oronoque St.Bourda bottom flat.Contact 226-7012,6240041. Fully furnish apt, one bedroom,two bedroom & three bedroom.Providence and diamond.Call:6046664,216-2299.
Sunday June 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
8 7 - E - A l b e r t St,Albertown,third building from Lamaha in Albert Street. Price 24 Million(Land 82x20) negotiable. Large Property with huge concrete bond,Prime Location Cumberland,Canje.Ideal for business.Sale/Rent.6792497. Property at Kuru Kururu concrete one flat house plus chicken pen. Call: 622-8265. S h e r i f f Street,Kitty,Norton,Charlotte,Enterprise East Coast,Uitvlugt & Zeelught West Coast.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.
WANTED Female sales representative experience in P.O.S system would be an asset.Contact Tel#227-3580. Night guard between age 40-60 years, from Liliendaal or Cummings Lodge area.Call# 688-2464. Lorry driver, Factory work male & female.Apply in person to R.P Enterprise E.C.D. 220-2818/3710. One cashier to work at Ice house,18yrs and older.Call: 223-7165. 2 handy men,2 assistant cooks/chefs at People's Choice kitchen.Tel#6799449. 1 porter from Georgetown.Must be able to fetch rice,flour & sugar.Tel#223-9677. One male able bodied clerk.Call#231-2029,6165954. One professional cook for family of four and one experienced cleaner.Call#5030359,608-2444. Family to live & work on a farm.Contact: 622-1976 or 227-1744. 1 general domestic to work in Providence, from age 30.Please call:673-5300. Domestic must know to cook and bake, salary $25,000 weekly.Call:6103974. Looking for honest & reliable person for cleaning job.Age between 45 & up.Tel#231-4933.
LAND FOR SALE
One land for sale,Lot 251 Section 'C' Turkeyen.60 ft x 80 width with unfurnished property.Tel#627-7718. Carmichael St, Mc Doom, LaPenitence, Qeenstown, Beterverwagting, Canal No.1, Soesdyke Highway, East Coast Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685. PENPAL Male seek non-racial single independent female Contact 698-6391
WANTED Wanted one experienced Gold Smith, Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn shop 16 Pike street Kitty Tel#622-4970 Wanted (2) experienced Welder/Fabricator. Contact Tel#222-3844. Experienced Cooks and Servers,Cleaners, Handyman. Call:626-7285 to book interview. Male able bodied sales representative.Contact Tel#227-3580 for more info.
VACANCY
Pump Attendant & Cashier. Shifts (6AM-2PM & 2PM10PM). Shell Station Providence E.B.D. Email: Shellramsburg@gmail.com R o o m Attendant,Supervisors,Receptionist, 30-50 years old. 233 South Road Lacytown. Tel#2252304. Driver must be able to assist in workshop,age 25-45, Car/Van licence.Call: 6429823. Male cleaner for a workshop.Call: 642-9823. Auto Electrical apprentice age 19-25 yrs.Apply in person, Lot 120 Forth Street Albertown G/Town or call 610-0340. Pitmen for interior location.Applicants must be experienced.Call:231-2250. Experienced masseuse/cosmetologist required. Nalini's hair salon,225 New Market Street (opposite Maggies). 226-6705/609-6259. Vacancy exists for one office assistant.Must be computer literate with organiztional skills.Send application:innovationsamericamng@gmail.com.
The Delta variant is serious. Here’s why it’s on the rise From page 59 infection and vaccination. Some synthetically produced antibody therapies, like Bamlanivimab, were unable to neutralise the Delta variant; but others such as Etesivimab, Casirivimab and Imdevimab were still effective. The Delta variant has mutations on the spike protein that alter how it interacts with the ACE2 receptor protein, which is found on the surface of lung and other human cells and is the portal to invade the cell. The mutation at location 452 of the spike protein, which is also present in some of the California variants, appears to make the virus more transmissible and helps it spread through the population, explains Mehul Suthar, an immunologist at the Emory Vaccine Center. If a mutation gives a virus a fitness or reproductive advantage, that mutation tends to evolve independently around the world. Delta, its closely related variants, and the highly contagious Alpha variant all carry a mutation at position 681 of the spike protein, which is thought to be an evolutionary game changer that also makes it easier for SARS-CoV-2 to invade the host cell and spread. This mutation is fast becoming common in COVID-19 viruses around the globe. In addition to these mutations a recent study, not peer reviewed, shows a variation at position 478 on Delta’s spike that enables the virus to escape from weak neutralising antibodies. This mutation has also become increasingly common in SARSCoV-2 variants in the U.S., Mexico and Europe since early 2021.“When you have all of these mutations, then you start seeing a difference in infectivity (of the virus),” says Ravindra Gupta, a professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Cambridge, who has shown in an unpublished study how these variants can have a greater potential to cause disease. Vaccines less effective against this super spreader The data from India and the U.K. show that Delta has emerged as the dominant variant in those countries within four to six weeks. That indiVACANCY For carpenter & porters.Apply at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street Bourda. For accounts clerk & cashier.Apply at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street Bourda. For Sales girl to work on delivery truck. Apply at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street Bourda. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank call: 6159132.Female cleaner for office call: 642-9823.
cates Delta is more transmissible and infectious than the previous variants. There is emerging evidence that it can also cause more severe disease. For example, in Scotland it caused about twice as many hospitalisations than the Alpha variant, which already caused more severe illness than the original SARS-CoV2.“This combination of high transmissibility, high severity and escape from vaccines makes Delta a very, very dangerous variant,” says Deepti Gurdasani, a clinical epidemiologist at Queen Mary University of London. Once Delta enters a country, it is going to spread rapidly. “It’s going to be quite hard to contain, and very likely will become the dominant variant in a matter of weeks. It could change the trajectory of the global pandemic.” While vaccines are still effective against severe disease and hospitalisation caused by the Alpha and Beta variants, they offer less protection against Delta. People who were vaccinated with one or two doses of the Pfizer vaccine produced lower levels of antibodies capable of neutralising the Delta variant compared with the levels generated against Alpha and Beta. In the U.K., 31 percent of all confirmed Delta variant patients who needed emergency care had received at least one vaccine dose. Similarly, a study under review revealed that after both doses, the Pfizer vaccine showed 88 percent effectiveness against symptomatic disease caused by the Delta variant compared to 93 percent against the Alpha variant. Two doses of AstraZeneca vaccine were 66 percent effective against Alpha but only 60 percent against Delta. But with just a single dose of either of the two vaccines, the vaccine effectiveness was
only 51 percent against the Alpha variant compared to 33 percent against Delta. This effectiveness falls below the 50 percent efficacy threshold the FDA had set for designing safe COVID-19 vaccines; in which a vaccine should prevent at least half of the vaccinated people from getting COVID-19 symptoms. In other studies still awaiting peer review, researchers report that Delta was responsible for most breakthrough infections—which occur after full vaccination—in India leading to a cluster of such cases among fully vaccinated healthcare workers. There are many vaccine candidates being rolled out around the world and since there are no agreed international efficacy standards, each vaccine might offer a varying degree of protection against new variants. “We need more information about the performance of some of the more widely available vaccines in other parts of the world,” says physician and virologist, Benjamin Pinsky, of Stanford University School of Medicine. “I think folks need to make sure they get vaccinated. And until they are fully vaccinated, continuing with public health intervention is very important,” he says.A vaccine alone only slows down the progression of a contagious disease by increasing the herd immunity. Until that point, preventive measures such as social distancing and masking are proven strategies for curbing the spread of the virus. With just 44 percent of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, the majority of people are still vulnerable. Relaxing public health restrictions and declaring victory prematurely could provide an opportunity for the Delta variant to surge– particularly in the fall. (National Geographic)
Fire destroys sections... From page 16 that she received a call from a past teacher while at the hairdresser and hustled to meet at the burning building. She said that she arrived at the building at 15:15hrs and was saddened at the scene, which she was met with. The fire, in its wake, destroyed millions worth in equipment and materials. This includes a smart room (this was the first smart room to be installed in a secondary school by the Ministry of Education), the school’s information technology room, the upper staff room, the school’s library and the technical drawing and architecture room, all of which were located on the top flat of the building. The Minister of Education, Priya Manikchand, was on the
scene and addressed members of the media on the situation. According to the Minister, the building is one of the country’s A-list educational facilities. The school had a
total of 512 students registered, 65 of whom are currently waiting to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC - CXC) examinations.She mentioned that the government will make arrangements to ensure that the students are adequately placed to sit their examination. She went on to say that seeing it is an A-list school, there is no choice and it will be repaired. She stated that the origin of the fire is yet to be known. The Minister also informed the media that there has already been a plan to determine where the students will be placed to accommodate the sitting of their examinations and that the students will have the full support of the Central Ministry as well as the government to successfully write the CSEC exams.North Ruimveldt Multilateral started construction in 1970 and was completed in 1975.
Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
g ts in s... re ure e t t In rea C
TAPETI
T
he tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), also known as the Brazilian cottontail or forest cottontail, is a species of the cottontail rabbit. It is small to medium-sized with a small dark tail, short hind feet and short ears. As traditionally defined, its range extends from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, but this includes several distinctive populations that recent authorities have recommended splitting into separate species. Under this narrower definition, the true tapeti only occurs in the Atlantic Rainforest of coastal northeastern Brazil and it is classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN. The species was first described scientifically by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae, published in 1753. The type locality was in Pernambuco, Brazil. In addition to its vernacular name “tapeti,” it is also commonly known as the “forest cottontail” or the “Brazilian cottontail.” As many as 37 subspecies of the tapeti have been described, but in 2005, Mammal Species of the World recognised 21, having
placed the remaining in synonymy and considering the Dice’s cottontail (S. dicei) as a separate species. Nevertheless, the tapeti as traditionally defined is a species complex and it was already recognised in 1990 that a taxonomic review was necessary. Consequently, recent authorities have recommended splitting off several taxa typically considered subspecies of the tapeti and recognising them as separate species: S. andinus in the Andean highlands of Ecuador (perhaps also in the Andes of Colombia, Venezuela and northern Peru), S. gabbi (with subspecies truei) from Panama to Mexico, S. sanctaemartae in the lowlands of northern Colombia and S. tapetillus from coastal southeastern Brazil. Additionally, cottontail rabbits from the Guianas have not been clearly assigned to a subspecies, but are traditionally included in the tapeti. In 2017, these were described as a new species, S. parentum, based on specimens from Suriname. Description Tapeti is a small- to mediumsized rabbit. It has a head-body length of 320 mm (13 in), a tail that
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(SYLVILAGUS BRASILIENSIS)
is 21 mm (0.83 in), hind feet measuring 71 mm (2.8 in), ears that are 54 mm (2.1 in) (measured from notch to tip) and it weighs an average of 934 grams (32.9 oz). The colour of its back is brown with a speckled appearance (resulting from the black hairs tips), and it has a rufous spot on its neck. Its belly and tail underside are also rufous. It has six mammae. Two different karyotypes have been reported for this species: 2n=36, FN=68; and 2n=40, FN=76. It is a solitary, nocturnal animal, usually seen after nightfall or before dawn, feeding on grass and browse. It has also been recorded eating Harrya chromapes, a bolete mushroom. It is found in forested habitats, close to swamps and along river edges, and in disturbed areas, such as gardens and plantations. Habitat, distribution and ecology The tapeti occurs in tropical rain forests, deciduous forests and second growth forests in Mexico and Central America, as well as pastures surrounding forest habitat. Its range extends from southern Tamaulipas in Mexico, south along the eastern coast of Mexico, through Guatemala, possibly El
Salvador, Honduras, eastern Nicaragua, eastern Costa Rica and Panama. It occurs through the northern half of South America, including Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina and much of Brazil. The southern tip of its known distribution occurs in Tucuman province. It occurs at elevations from sea level to 4,800 m (15,700 ft). It is the only leporid species found in most of its range. Rabbits build nests built of dry grasses above the ground to rear their young. They have a central chamber and three or four smaller chambers at the end of a corridor. The gestation period varies with the geographical location. Rabbits in
Chiapas, Mexico gestate for about 28 days and have three to eight offspring, while rabbits in the Páramos of the Andes gestate for 44 days, and have an average litter size of 1.2. Both of these populations breed year-round. Like its California relative, the brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani), the tapeti is a natural reservoir for the myxoma virus. This relationship was discovered by Brazilian physician, Henrique de Beaurepaire Rohan Aragão, in the 1940s. The virus causes a benign cutaneous fibroma in its hosts, but it causes the lethal disease myxomatosis, in European rabbits.
New Christian Ministers’ fellowship set to launch next Sunday
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hurches play a vital role in fostering social cohesion, peace and other aspects of community development that are essential to nation building. As such, the role of the churches in the development of society cannot be overlooked. It is with this perspective that the Zion Ministers Network (ZMN), a new Christian Ministers fellowship, will be launched on Sunday June 27. Under the theme “Serving, Supporting and Shepherding,” ZMN is set to host a grand launching ceremony at the Special Miracles Ministries Royalty Centre at Lot 203 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown. The launch will follow two nights of meetings at the same venue. The finale and ceremony will feature worship from Psalmist, Timothy Roberts, with special appearance from contemporary Christian dancer, Rachael Balack and appearances from other distinguished guests. This newspaper understands that the new ministers’ network will provide a platform for leadership training, as well as support and service to churches, ministers, the community and the nation as a whole. Its founding members include Archbishop Dr. Wingrove David Babb, Dr. Amy Babb, Bishop Terrence Esseboom and Prophet Neville Williams, are ministers, all
Zion Ministers Network (from left): Prophet Neville Williams, Archbishop Dr. Wingrove David Babb, Dr. Amy Babb and Bishop Terrence Esseboom.
of whom share more than half a century in leadership roles and have earned the distinctions in their individual capacities in the faith. According to Archbishop Babb, the network was formed following several formal discussions and meetings were held about the need for an “umbrella organisation” which will represent the interest of the churches and the people.
He explained that “we have long recognised the need for a network to represent the interest of the churches in the nation. The church as the representation of the body of Christ must be seen as a neutral entity —one operating in the interest of the people and one which is free from any outside influences.” In this regard, Archbishop Babb
emphasised that Zion Ministers Network is open to enlisting likeminded ministers and churches who are interested in combining efforts and resources to develop and execute initiatives on a grand scale. In this regard, Dr. Babb said that the organisation aims to, inter alia, foster partnerships for church and community development
activities; enlist church leaders with the same vision for development and nation building; to collaborate to reach out to rejected and underserved communities; to provide training for leadership in the churches – to impart knowledge and provide tangible support in the collective pursuit of nation and kingdom building.
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The Court Journal By Renay Sambach
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n this week’s edition of ‘The Court Journal’, I will discuss some minor and serious traffic offences. A traffic offence is a violation of traffic regulations. Some traffic offences that are often violated are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, breaking the speed limit, causing death by reckless and dangerous driving of motor vehicle, reckless and dangerous driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, failure to carry a conductor, registration of motor vehicle, conduct of driver and other charges. M o s t m i n o r t r a ff i c offences merely carry a fine of not more than $50,000, while serious traffic offences carry possible jail time. It should be noted that not only a repeat violator of traffic regulations can result in the Magistrate suspending the defendant’s driver licence, but also a defendant who was slapped with multiple traffic charges or based on request by the court prosecutor. MINOR TRAFFIC OFFENCE Earlier this year, a driver was slapped with nine traffic charges. The man, Collin White, had appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Senior
A look at minor vs. serious traffic offences Magistrate Clive Nurse. He was charged with four counts of dangerous driving, one count of failure to wear a seatbelt, breach of condition of prescribed fitness, failure to wear a facemask, Conduct of Driver breach and failure to give right of way. According to reports, he had pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated, that he failed to wear a seatbelt and was fined $7,500 for the offence. However, he denied the other eight charges. In another matter, a soldier who was caught on camera beating a police constable was last year slapped with multiple traffic offences. The soldier had pleaded guilty to the offences. It was stated that on October 9, 2020, he was driving an uninsured and uncertified motor vehicle. He also committed the offence of driving a vehicle with prohibited tinted glass. He was fined $25,000, $10,000 and $7,500 respectively for the three offences. SERIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCE A few weeks ago, a pilot was jailed for causing the death of a University of the West Indies (UWI) student. Three years after the incident, the matter finally came to an end in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate
Dead: Dakera Gittens. Alisha George. The UWI student was struck down and killed on the Industry Public Road, East Coast Demerara by Jonathan Antczak, the pilot who was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving. Antczak had denied the charge, which alleged that on October 10, 2018, he drove in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of 20-year-old Shivanan Brazlon, a Trinidadian national. According to reports, on the afternoon of October 11, in the company of her fiancé while on the Industry Public Road, Brazlon was struck down and killed. This publication learnt that Antczak, the driver of the car involved in the
Tradewinds’ exercises to help... From page 63 used for a number of missions such as, searchand-rescue, emergency medical service (EMS), firefighting, coast guard, airborne surveillance, counter-terrorism, law enforcement and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) missions. Kaieteur News also witnessed on Friday that some of the GDF ranks being coached on
how to service and maintain the Bell Helicopter at the London Airbase. The Tradewinds’ exercise is an annual multinational Caribbean security exercise, which is sponsored by the US Southern Command. This year, Guyana is the host for the exercises and a total of 24 countries are said to be participating in the ongoing operation.
Ashni unfolds effective anti-corruption... From page 60 independence and the mandate of constitutional bodies, new constitutional and legal frameworks leading to greater integrity in public office, public financial management, public procurement, enhanced focus on money laundering and countering financing of terrorism. In referring to the Oil Industry and Oil revenues, Guyana will implement the standards of the Extractive I n d u s t r y Tr a n s p a r e n c y Initiative and uphold the Santiago Principle of Sovereign Wealth Funds. In other words, there would be much distance between
Sunday June 20, 2021
politicians and oil revenues. In citing the need and importance of international cooperation in fighting corruption, he underscored Clause 47 in the Lima Commitment in Democratic Governance against Corruption which emerged from the Fourth Summit of the Americas. A manifestation of this was the role played by the international community during Guyana’s March 2, 2020 elections, in ensuring that democracy was not subverted and that the democratic will of the people was eventually respected. Dr. Singh then reaffirmed to the UN General Assembly
that Guyana will continue working with its international partners including the United Nations, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the Implementation Mechanism of the UN Convention Against Corruption.Several of the programmes which Dr. Singh outlined in his address are already on stream and Guyana could look forward in the foreseeable future to achieving pride of place as one of the world’s least corrupt societies. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dead: Shivanan Brazlon. accident, was a friend to the young woman’s fiancé who is also a pilot. It was also reported to the police that while the two were attempting to the cross the road from north to south, she reportedly walked ahead and was struck by motorcar PLL 9039 which was travelling west on the road. As a result of the hit, she was flung some distance from where she was. The injured woman was picked up and taken to the Woodlands Hospital where she died later that night while receiving treatment. Before the tragic incident occurred, the young woman had left her home in Trinidad and Tobago and was in Guyana visiting her fiancé who resided in Seventh Field, Cummings,
Dead: Tonika Halley.
Dead: Jude Bentley.
Lodge. In another tragic incident, a teen driver was earlier this year placed on $600,000 bail for allegedly causing the death of two teenagers on Valentine’s Day this year.Rayon Alves, 19, of Lot 1, East La Penitence, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. He was slapped with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving charges and these were read to him in the presence of his lawyer, Dexter Todd. Alves denied both allegations. The first charge alleged that on February 14, 2021 at H o m e s t r e t c h Av e n u e , Georgetown, he drove motor vehicle PVV 1289 in a manner dangerous to the
public, thereby causing the death of 19-year-old Dakera Gittens of Nutmeg Street, Festival City, Georgetown. The other charge alleged that on the same date and at the same location, he drove the same vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 18-year-old Tonika Halley of P h a s e Tw o , E a s t L a Penitence, Georgetown. In another instance, former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Gary Best, was last December freed of causing the death of national cyclist, Jude Bentley, by dangerous driving. Best walked free of the charge after Magistrate Rondell Weever upheld a nocase submission that was made by the defence.
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Kaieteur News
Milkha Singh: India’s ‘Flying Sikh’ dies from Covid BBC News - One of India’s greatest athletes, Milkha Singh, has died from Covidrelated complications, aged 91. Popularly known as “the Flying Sikh”, Singh won four Asian gold medals and finished fourth in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome
Olympics. In 2013, his story was turned into the Bollywood film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Run Milkha Run. Singh’s wife, Nirmal Kaur, a former volleyball captain, also died with Covid earlier this week, aged 85. Singh had contracted
Covid-19 last month and died of complications from the disease in a hospital in the northern city of Chandigarh late on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to the athlete, who has been described as independent India’s first sporting
Softball Cricket competition on today at Caria Caria Exciting action is set for Lloyd’s play field at Caria Caria in the Essequibo river today when Lloyd and family stage a softball cricket competition. Action is set to commence at 13:30 hrs
and over $150,000 in cash and other prizes are at stake. Among the teams set to take part are Wakenaam, Leguan, Parika and the home team. Additional entertainment will be provided.
Sunday June 13, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can look forward to a busy day, Aries. Don't schedule any additional tasks. Your home, family, or mate is likely to demand a great deal of you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) At certain moments you can feel where your destiny lies. Today will be such a moment for you, Libra. You may want to shift your fundamental orientation.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You're likely to spend time with someone who energizes and rejuvenates you today. With luck, this meeting won't occur too late in the evening, or else you will have a problem going to sleep.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The day ahead will reenergize you after these last few days of apathy, Scorpio. Anyone who tries to hold you back today had better watch out, because you won't be in the mood to tolerate any objections.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may feel an urgent need to use your physical energy. This need will raise the issue of how to incorporate more exercise into your life.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you may be touched by a person who exudes the kind of determination produced by a combination of spiritual and intellectual strength and faith.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) A day such as today should demonstrate an old truth people remember the good and forget the bad. You will be brimming with energy, Cancer, hopeful and optimistic for the future.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you may be touched by a person who exudes the kind of determination produced by a combination of spiritual and intellectual strength and faith.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Do you have a desire to go away on a trip? Would you like to live in Europe or Asia? These are desires that you may well have at the moment as you begin the process of widening your field of vision.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The day will be fairly eventful. There's some likelihood that you will feel suddenly compelled to settle a tedious matter once and for all. It may concern something in your domestic life that's been left unattended.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) What's happening in your personal relationships? It seems as though you're looking for a fight. Could it be that someone has stolen a leadership position out from under your nose?
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The day may be somewhat trying for you, Pisces. You may have a speech to deliver or a private performance to put on for your beloved. In any case, you will have to prove yourself.
superstar. Singh’s exploits on the track and field are legendary in India. He won five golds in international athletic championships and was awarded the Helms World Trophy in 1959 for winning 77 of his 80 international races. He also won India’s first Commonwealth gold in 1958. Singh grew up in a small village in what, during his childhood, was still British India. As a young boy who lived in a remote village in Multan province, he saw his parents and seven siblings murdered during the Partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947. As his father fell, his last words were “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”, exhorting his son to run for his life. The boy ran - first to save his life, and then to win medals. Arriving in India as an orphan in 1947, he took to petty crime and did odd jobs for survival until he found a place in the army. It was there that he discovered his athletic abilities. Singh won Gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff and went on to finish fourth in the 400 metres at the Rome Olympics, missing out on a bronze medal by a whisker. In 1960, he was invited to take part in the 200m event at an International Athletic competition in Lahore, Pakistan. He hadn’t been back to Pakistan since fleeing in 1947 and initially refused to go. Singh eventually did go to Pakistan. Despite the huge support for his main rival, Pakistan’s Abdul Khaliq, in the stadium, Singh went on to win that race, while Khaliq took the bronze medal. As Gen Ayub Khan, Pakistan’s second president, awarded the competitors their medals, Singh received the nickname that would stick with him for the rest of his life. “Gen Ayub said to me, ‘Milkha, you came to Pakistan and did not run. You actually flew in Pakistan. Pakistan bestows upon you the title of the Flying Sikh.’ If Milkha Singh is known as the Flying Sikh in the whole world today, the credit goes to General Ayub and to Pakistan,” Singh told the BBC later. Even though he never won an Olympic medal, his only wish was that “someone else should win that medal for India”. Singh once told the BBC he used to run six hours every day. “I would not stop till I had filled up a bucket with my sweat. I would push myself
Narendra Modi and Milkha Singh meet. (Narendra Modi - Twitter) so much that in the end I would collapse and I would have to be admitted to hospital, I would pray to God to save me, promise that I would be more careful in future. And then I would do it all over again.” When the biographic film was released in 2013, Singh
told the BBC that it would “inspire the next generation”. “We had nothing in our times. The athletes and sportsmen in those days didn’t earn much money. We worked for the applause, people’s appreciation inspired and motivated us, we ran for the country,” he said.
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Sunday June 20, 2021
National Senior Athletics Championships
Chance, Abrams, Thomas, Tyrell and Jhalu among top performers on day 2
Arinze Chance, 400m men’s winner, at the blocks.
Cleveland Thomas (135) won the men’s 1500m final.
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rinze Chance and Aliyah Abrams did the expected and decimated their rivals to easily win the 400m finals at Athletics Guyana (AG) Senior Championships at the National Track and Field Facility yesterday. The two sprinters who are based in the United States of America showed their superiority with a comprehensive victory in their respective finals.
More of the attention was on Chance since he needed to run a blistering 44.90s to meet the entry standard time for next month’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. After a breezy 46.56s in the preliminaries on Friday evening, there was a high expectation, the Powerade Brand Ambassador would at least run a sub-46 time but he clocked 47.66s and still finished about 10 meters ahead of nearest rival
Michael James (49.53s) and Courtly Bobb (50.01s). For Abrams, she would have already qualified for the Games – the lone Track and Field athlete from Guyana to date – and the aim would have been improving ahead of the Games. Abrams ran a pedestrian 54.51s, a vastly slower time to her personal best of 51.13s which was achieved in June 2019, or even the seasonbest time of 51.46s recorded
in May. Joanna Archer (57.06s) and Collia Rowe (58.37s) completed the podium spots. The 24-year-old who will compete at her second Olympics, stated that she has two more meets lined up ahead of Tokyo to get closer to her best. Meanwhile, Guyana Defence Force’s Mark Jhalu registered his personal best and a new national stadium record of 2.12m in the high jump, while Natrena Hooper
Aliyah Abrams who will represent Guyana at the Tokyo Olympics won the women’s 400m. won the female version of the jump in 1.63m. Earlier in the day, Cleveland Thomas won the men ’s 1 5 0 0 m in f o u r minutes and 8.68 seconds followed by Nicholas Daw (4:10.52s) and Anfernee Headecker (4:11.68s). Likewise, Shaquka Tyrell ensured the Tyrell sisters went home with gold as she won the wins the
women’s 1500m event in a time of five minutes 13.52 seconds, in a close finish with Aaliyah Headley (5:31.65s) while Tia Azore (5:38.58s) brought third. Today will mark the final day of the championships which gets underway from 13:00h. The highlights of the day are expected the finals of the 200m, 800m, and the Long Jump events.
Germany come from behind to win thriller against Portugal 4-2
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BC Sport Germany got off the mark in style at Euro 2020 as they tore Portugal apart with an impressive attacking performance in Munich to throw Group F wide open. Germany’s win means both these sides now sit on three points, one behind group leaders France, heading into a pivotal final round of fixtures on Wednesday. Atalanta wing-back Robin Gosens was the architect with a goal and an assist, earning an ovation from the Allianz Arena crowd as he was replaced just after the hour mark. Cristiano Ronaldo had put the visitors ahead, continuing his recordbreaking campaign with his third goal of the tournament
Robin Gosens has been involved in four goals in his last three matches for Germany. (Getty Images)
and 12th European Championship strike of all time. But two own goals in the space of five first-half minutes flipped an entertaining encounter in Germany’s favour, as first
R u b en D ias an d th en Raphael Guerreiro turned into their own net. The influential Gosens laid on a third immediately after the break with an inviting ball that allowed Kai Havertz to tap in from close
range, before heading in Germany’s fourth himself. Diogo Jota poked in from Ronaldo’s cutback but the defending champions were unable to mount a comeback. Germany host Hungary, who earlier yesterday held
France to a draw, while Portugal face the world champions in the final game with all four nations still able to progress. Germany find their rhythm Germany boss Joachim Low told his side to be “more vigorous” in attack after their opening 1-0 defeat by France and saw that call answered as his side clicked into gear on home soil. Gosens had already an effort disallowed for offside as Low’s outfit took control before they were stunned by a ruthless Portugal counter attack from their own corner. Die Mannschaft have not lost successive games in the group stage of a major tournament since defeats by England and Portugal at Euro 2000, when they
finished bottom of the group, and two goals before halftime made sure that would not happen 21 years on. First Portugal centreback Dias turned Gosens’ fizzed cross into his own net and moments later Guerreiro did the same as opposite wing-back Joshua Kimmich cut the ball back into a dangerous area. There have been question marks over the deployment of Kimmich in that role, rather than in central midfield, but Low stuck with team beaten by France and it was from wide that the Bayern Munich man and Gosens on the opposite flank caused problems. Gosens set up Havertz for the third in another swift attack and then got on the end of a Kimmich cross to cap a superb performance.
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Early header secures 1-0 win CPL agrees to IPL request for Argentina against Uruguay for date adjustment CPL will adjust the dates of this year’s competition based on a request from the BCCI.
Argentina’s Guido Rodriguez celebrates scoring their first goal. (REUTERS/Henry Romero) BRASILIA, June 18 (Reuters) - A first half goal from Guido Rodriguez, his first in 11 international appearances, gave Argentina a 1-0 win over Uruguay in aleaden Copa America clash on Friday. Uruguay hadn’t beaten Argentina in the Copa America since 1989 and they went behind early on to Rodriguez’s header. The Real Betis midfielder started for his country for the first time since June 2019 and he justified that decision when he converted a cross from Lionel Messi after 10 minutes. The goal gave Argentina all three points and condemned their neighbors to a losing start to their Copa campaign. “We deserved to win,” said Argentinian midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. “Today we tried to be more compact, to make it more difficult to score against. Up front we have monstrous players who can get goals at any moment of the match.” The result in a game that
was end-to-end but lacking in real excitement at a cavernously empty stadium in Brasilia leaves Uruguay joint bottom of Group A with no points, alongside Bolivia, who have played two and lost two. Argentina move into joint top spot with four points alongside Chile, who beat Bolivia 1-0 earlier on Friday. Paraguay have three points from one game. Striker Edinson Cavani was back for Uruguay after missing the last two games through suspension and he produced one of the few memorable moments for his side when he was unfortunate to see a loud shout for a penalty waved away after 26 minutes. It was indicative of Uruguay’s unhappy night that although they had slightly more of the possession they never managed a shot on goal the entire match. At the other end, Messi caused problems for Uruguay with his dribbles in the last third but he was frequently crowded out by
Uruguayan defenders. The result extended Argentina’s unbeaten run to 15 games since they lost in the semi-final of the last Copa America in 2019. It also snapped a run of three consecutive draws and boosted the confidence of a side aware their great rival Brazil are scoring freely and are hot favorites to win a second consecutive Copa America playing at home. “We’ve lacked a bit of luck to get victories (recently),” said Argentina’s second half substitute Angel Di Maria. “Today we managed to do that against a direct rival who are always contenders for the Copa America.” “Brazil are the best team (so far),” he added. “We’re taking it step by step and the dream is alive, I hope we can make it come true. Argentina are always a candidate (for the title) but Brazil are at home and are doing things very well.” Argentina’s next game is against Paraguay on Monday, while Uruguay take on Chile the same day.
Tokyo cancels public viewing sites, some to be vaccination centres TOKYO, (Reuters) Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike yesterday cancelled all public viewing sites for the summer Olympics, diverting some venues to be COVID-19 vaccinations centres instead. Foreign spectators are banned from attended the Games, delayed by a year due to the pandemic, but the government and Tokyo 2020 organisers have for months held off on deciding whether to allow Japanese spectators into the stadiums.
The ban on public viewing follows the metropolitan government’s decision this month to scrap plans for a public viewing site in Yoyogi Park in central Tokyo, converting the venue to a vaccination centre. “I believe these are necessary measures, when looking from various perspectives, for a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Koike told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
They are to talk on Monday with the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee. Japanese medical experts said on Friday that banning spectators at the Olympics was the least risky option for going ahead with the event, while floating the possibility that venues could hold up to 10,000 fans in areas where “quasi-emergency” measures, such as shorter restaurant hours, have been lifted.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took an impressive pole position. SportsMax - The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will adjust the dates of this year’s competition based on a request from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Caribbean tournament was scheduled to take place between August 28, and end with the final, which was to be played on September 19. However, the tournament has now been shifted by three days from August 25 to September 15. The issue stems from the fact that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to resume on September 19. The IPL began in early April but was called off on May 4 after an outbreak of COVID-19 in the competition’s bio-secure bubble.
With a packed international schedule, however, that decision to continue the IPL has not found favour with some countries that have players taking part in the competition. England and Bangladesh players have been prohibited from taking part in the rescheduled competition. Several West Indies players who will take part in the CPL are expected to return to the IPL. The players are Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran (Punjab Kings) Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders) Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings) Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders), Shimron Hetmyer Delhi Capitals, and Fabian Allen - Punjab Kings.
Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to pole in France
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BC Sport - Red B u l l ’s M a x Verstappen took an impressive pole position ahead of title rival Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes at the French Grand Prix. Verstappen, who has looked the pace-setter all weekend, beat Hamilton by 0.258 seconds for the Dutchman’s first pole since the opening race in Bahrain. Hamilton was 0.128secs clear of team-mate Valtteri Bottas with the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez in fourth. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was fifth ahead of the Alpha Tauri of Pierre Gasly. F e r r a r i ’s C h a r l e s Leclerc, McLaren’s Lando Norris, Alpine’s Fernando Alonso and the second McLaren of Daniel Ricciardo completed the top 10. Verstappen’s superiority was underlined by Hamilton, who said over the radio after the session: “That was a good lap - and still we were 0.2secs off?” The Red Bull was
0.386secs clear following the first runs. Hamilton managed to find all that time and more on his second run and beat Verstappen’s first time but Verstappen improved again to stay comfortably clear of Hamilton. It was a resounding statement from Red Bull after two rule changes were introduced for this weekend, one to clamp down on flexible rear wings and one to stiffen the monitoring of tyre pressures. Red Bull were at the centre of both controversies over the past weeks but had insisted they had always stayed within the rules. Verstappen, who lost the win in the last race in Azerbaijan after suffering a tyre failure with five laps go, said: “So far it has been a really positive weekend where normally it has been a bit difficult for us. To get pole position was really nice. “No points are scored today but we have to finish it off tomorrow and try to get 25 points we lost in Baku. But it is great promise from
our side. “The car felt good yesterday [on race pace] in second practice, so looking forward to it.” Hamilton said: “It has been a really hard weekend just trying to get the car into a happy place. You wouldn’t believe how many changes I’ve made and I’ve ended up back close to where we started. But I’ve generally been unhappy all weekend in the car. “Max has been incredibly quick. They are quick down the straights. We have a race on our hands and we are loving the battle.” Bottas, who had been the quicker Mercedes driver until qualifying after a weak performance in Baku, said: “It has been a strong weekend and for sure a lot better than two weeks ago. “It is going to be close with Red Bull. I didn’t feel like there was that much more lap time to get so I can’t be too happy with third but I think Red Bull were faster today.”
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Sunday June 20, 2021
South Africa seamers bundle out West Indies after Quinton de Kock’s 96
Lungi Ngidi celebrates with his team-mates. (AFP/Getty Images)
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SPNcricinfo South Africa seized the advantage in the second Test against West Indies with a first-innings lead of 149. After being dismissed for just under 300 in the morning session, their attack plucked West Indies out for 149 on a wicket-filled day. Fifteen fell in total, although conditions were not as helpful for swing as they were on the first day. There was some seam movement and decent bounce on offer but as was the case in the first Test, the West Indies batters’ shot selection let them down against a disciplined visiting attack. Jermaine Blackwood top-scored with 49 but was some distance off South Africa’s best batter. Quinton Kyle Mayers took 3 wickets for West Indies. (CWI)
de Kock fell four short of a second successive century and remains the main difference between the two sides. de Kock could even have the opportunity to add to his series tally as South Africa will bat again after West Indies avoided the follow-on. Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed on review off the first ball of the innings when he followed a Kagiso Rabada length delivery down the leg side. Although the on-field umpire was not convinced, UltraEdge showed the ball had brushed the West Indies captain’s glove on its way through to de Kock. Lungi Ngidi shared the new ball and did not take much longer to strike. He had Kieran Powell lbw off
the first ball of his second over, when he beat Powell’s inside edge and hit him in front of middle stump. Powell reviewed unsuccessfully to leave West Indies 8 for 2. Ngidi left the field after that over with an upset stomach but returned later in the session only to leave again later on. Anrich Nortje took over from Ngidi and had Roston Chase caught by Kyle Verreynne at short leg. West Indies almost lost their fourth wicket soon after when Sarel Erwee, on the field as a substitute for de Kock who left with cramps with Verreynne taking over the keeping duties, stationed at short leg received a Kyle Mayers’ pull in the rib cage. Erwee could not hold on to the chance but Mayers was dismissed soon after when he chased a wider, full delivery from Keshav Maharaj and edged to Aiden Markram at slip. Shai Hope and Blackwood put on 43 for the fifth wicket, and Hope posted his highest Test score in 15 innings but was bitterly disappointed when he inside-edged Ngidi onto his stumps. Jason Holder was caught at gully off Rabada and Joshua Da Silva had an unhappy 23rd birthday when he nicked off Wiaan Mulder to ensure all the South African bowlers had at least one wicket to their names. Kemar Roach, who had done his bit with the ball earlier in the day, went the same way and two balls later Jayden
Seales was caught at leg slip to leave Mulder with figures of 3 for 1. In the next over, Blackwood top-edged Maharaj to end West Indies innings, five minutes before the close of play. Earlier, Roach and Mayers finished with three wickets apiece as West Indies forced a South African collapse of 5 for 59 to enjoy their best period of play in the match so far. West Indies took the second new ball immediately as play began on day two, half an hour late after a morning shower, and shared it between Seales and Holder. But it was only when Roach was introduced that West Indies got their first wicket. He angled a delivery in towards Mulder, who moved forward to defend and outside-edged to Da Silva. Maharaj hung tough as de Kock took the score past 250 and rotated the strike well but his time ran out when he tried to drive Holder as the ball moved away from him and he was caught behind, sparking a minicollapse. Mayers got de Kock to slash at a wide delivery and edge it to Hope in the gully. Two overs later, Mayers struck again when Nortje tried to flick him over midwicket but chipped it to Seales, who was perfectly positioned for the chance. Just before lunch, Roach claimed his third when Ngidi lobbed him to midwicket but may feel the line-up undid much of his and the rest of the attack’s good work.
Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
“Aleka was destined for the Olympics but this one is a bit early” says Coach Baksh Sean Baksh
By Sean Devers At just 15 National Junior Swimmer Aleka Persaud has replaced 23year-old Jamila Sanmoogan as the lone Guyanese female swimmer in the Tokyo Olympics which runs from July 23 to August 8, 2021 in Japan after being named by FINA as the fastest female Guyanese swimmer She participated in the Puerto Rico international swim meet which was held from May 20-23. She made the B final in the 50 freestyle, which is an open meet (Carifta is age group) and had surpassed her times from Carifta and came very close to qualifying for the 50m freestyle at the Junior Pan Am games. Ironically this was the same Event that Sanmoogan was not selected by GASA to attend. Persaud, who captured three gold medals at the 2091 C A R I F TA G a m e s swimming championship in Barbados, was the best swimmer in the girls’ 11-12 category as she won gold in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly. She also copped bronze in the 50m butterfly and the 200m freestyle and placed fourth in the 200IM event. Persaud’s next assignment is the Bahamas National Swimming Championship which is set for June 24-27, where she will compete in the 50m and 100m butterfly and 50m and 100m freestyle. Persaud, who did not participate in last year’s Carifta games due to Covid 19, has already broken five Caribbean Under-14 swimming records and is now set to perform on the biggest stage; the Olympics. Persaud has already broken five Caribbean Under-14 swimming records, is aiming to qualify for Junior Pan Am Games in November in Colombia after she returns for Tokyo.
Coach Sean Baksh has been the talented Persaud’s only Coach and disclosed that the teenager is disciplined, dedicated, follows instructions and has tremendous potential. “I always knew she was destined for the Olympics this one is a little bit early but it will do her well for the future where she will make the attempt to qualify... it is my belief that she will qualify for the next Olympics ...currently there are a number of 15 and 16 year-old swimmers that will be going to the Olympics so she will be another one,” said a proud Coach Baksh. “Since her swimming career started she has been at the top of her age group here and throughout her goodwill swim meet years which was the stepping stone to her Carifta performance being the first locally trained swimmer to win gold medals and secure the overall trophy for the age group. Had Covid-19 not interrupted training she would have been even faster. So she is deserving of attending the Olympics,” stated Baksh. “Aleka has fantastic reaction time and her pulling power is great...she has good technique and is very strong in her upper body when doing dryland work .... her mind set, attitude and work ethic is also on par with the top class swimmers in the region and she is a respected swimmer in the Carifta arena. She has a few weak areas which we are working on but we’ll get over those,” Baksh continued. “She will gain a great deal of benefit from the Olympics ...number 1 being the exposure to top class swimming and getting over the WOW factor of being around such great swimmers.... learning her way around the schedules and other like things. She is ready for this,” concluded the Orca Swim Club Coach.
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World Test Championship final: Kohli helps India keep New Zealand at bay
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BC Sport - India c a p t a i n Vi r a t Kohli kept New Zealand at bay but more bad weather blighted the second day of t h e Wo r l d Te s t Championship final in Southampton. After the entire first day was washed out, only 64.4 overs were possible on day two with India ending 146-3. Put into bat in gloomy, bowler-friendly conditions, openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill made a dazzling start, only to fall in quick succession for 32 and 28 respectively. India were 88-3 when Cheteshwar Pujara was out lbw to Trent Boult but Kohli held firm against the Black Caps’ all-seam attack with a watchful 44 not out from 124 balls. Kohli, cheered on by a crowd reduced in numbers but heavily in his side’s favour, continued through two stoppages for bad light but a third at 16:50 BST, and subsequent rain, prevented further play. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane accompanied Kohli to the close with a more expansive 29 not out. The frustrations of the
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane survived some quality bowling to go to stumps unbeaten. (ICC/Getty Images) weather interruptions are at least countered by the option of a sixth, reserve day for this showpiece final. The winners will be crowned the first Test world champions but if no result is a possible the two teams will be named joint winners. India edge battling beginning As the crowd of around 3,000 spectators booed, Kohli will have left the field content with his side’s showing. India could easily have folded given the conditions and the fact this was their
first competitive day’s cricket of the tour, which also includes five Tests against England, while New Zealand are hardened by their series win over Joe Root’s side. The Black Caps began in slightly wayward fashion and Rohit and Gill capitalised. Rohit timed the ball to the off-side boundary in his typical, graceful style while Gill cracked boundaries square of the wicket and down the ground. New Zealand soon improved, however. Tim Southee, the bowler
most guilty early on, scooped a fine low catch diving to his right at third slip as the miserly Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rohit. Neil Wagner, selected over spinner Ajaz Patel, had Gill caught behind with his third ball leaving the score 63-2. From there New Zealand squeezed. Pujara took 51 minutes to get off the mark and when he did it resulted in one of the loudest cheers of the day. Kohli batted within himself, only hitting one four in his two-hour knock. His most concerning moment came in a confusing incident when, on 17, he appeared to be given out caught down the leg side off Boult. New Zealand appealed and, after not giving an initial decision, umpire Richard Illingworth gave a soft signal of out and asked to check the catch had been taken cleanly by wicketkeeper BJ Watling. Replays showed Watling had comfortably taken the ball but Ultra Edge confirmed Kohli had missed the ball and he was able to continue. Scores: India 146-3 (Kohli 44*, Rohit 34; Jamieson 1-14) vs New Zealand: Yet to bat.
Dlamini to make history as first Black South African to compete at the Tour de France yclingNews N i c h o l a s Dlamini will make history as the first Black South African to compete at the Tour de France that will start in Brest on June 26 and finish on July 18 in Paris. Qhubeka Assos announced their eight rider roster to include Dlamini who aims to inspire other young South Africans. “Being selected to ride in my first Tour de France is an absolute dream come true for me. It’s always been an absolute childhood dream for me and now that I’m about to live it makes it feel surreal,” Dlamini said in a team press release. “I think it speaks to what the team is about, the Ubuntu [I am because we are] spirit, and how we change people’s lives because it is honestly a very special moment: to come from a small township and then to go to the Tour de France.” Dlamini, who grew up in CapeTown, was a runner
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Nicholas Dlamini
before turning to cycling. He secured a Continental-level contract with Dimension Data’s development team in 2016 and then joined the WorldTour as a trainee the following year. He has competed in two editions of the Vuelta a España (2019 and 2020). “Considering where I come from it would simply have been impossible for me to have the opportunity to
ride at the Tour de France if it wasn’t for Team Qhubeka ASSOS. The platform that they’ve provided me and other riders from Africa, to compete at the highest level in cycling has been critical,” Dlamini said. “I really hope that this will serve as a reference of hope and inspiration to many young South Africans, and people around the world, who have been working really hard to
reach their dreams, my hope is that they take from this that anything is possible. “I want to race the tour to inspire more kids on Qhubeka bikes to follow in my footsteps and to experience the world like I have, for more kids in communities to put their hands up for bikes to work hard like I did, to dream big. I am living my dream.” Qhubeka Assos’ eightman roster at the Tour de France also includes road captains Michael Gogl, Simon Clarke, along with former Vuelta a España winner Fabio Aru, Victor Campenaerts, Max Walscheid, Sean Bennett and Sergio Henao. Alongside Dlamini, Bennett and Campenaerts are also making their debuts at the Tour de France. Campenaerts has competed in seven Grand Tours; five times at the Giro d’Italia, where he won a stage in May, and twice the Vuelta a España.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday June 20, 2021
2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims Group Stage
Golden Jaguars have all to play for against Guatemala on July 3 next By Franklin Wilson s the rebuilding process for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Senior M e n ’s N a t i o n a l Te a m (SMNT) continues to take shape, focus has now been turned to the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims Group Stage match against Guatemala on the evening of July 3rd, 2021 at the DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. T h i s i s t h e Confederation’s premier competition and it’s Guyana second consecutive appearance at this event having first qualified in 2019, a historic moment for the nation. The Technical Staff will have their work cut out as they seek to find a formula and strategy to get past the Guatemalans who would have gotten the better of the Guyanese via respective 2-0 and 3-0 margins in international friendly matches in February and November of 2012 and 2010. However, the Technical minds at the GFF no doubt would have been doing their home work with a view of combating whatever the Guatemalans would throw at them come July 3 as only the winner of this clash would advance further. A total of twelve (12) nations would be competing in the Preliminary Round (Prelims) from July 2-6 with the top three moving into the Group Stage of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup which gets cracking on July 10 until July 20.
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During training on Saturday June 19th at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, EBD. (Franklin Wilson photo)
At the end of the Group Stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the Quarterfinals. State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas will play host to the Quarterfinal doubleheaders on July 24 and 25, respectively. On Friday July 2, Prelims Round One kicks off with Haiti vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines followed by Bermuda vs Barbados, the night capper between Trinidad and Tobago and Montserrat. One day later, Guadeloupe will be up against Bahamas, Cuba engage French Guiana with the main attraction between Guyana and Guatemala. A win for the Guyanese would see them advancing to face
the winner of the Bahamas vs Guadeloupe match. Captain Matthew Briggs and his charges would be eager to prove that they have what it takes to etch out a win for Guyana and possible qualification to the group stage against the odds. Training has been maintained at an intense level after the quest to qualify for the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ended with a single win and three losses from their four matches. The team is back on the field working hard, the coaching staff is spending a lot of time analyzing the opponent, while working through their game plan. “We have to always remain positive but at the same time be realistic, Guatemala is among the
strongest teams within our confederation and they will be a tough nut to crack. The Golden Jaguars will have to dig much deeper this time around in order to produce a positive results. It is simple if we can’t out class them, then we have to out fight them. The team now has 4 games under their belt and would have surely identified all of the weaknesses that requires urgent correction if they are to register a solid performance,” noted GFF President Wayne Forde. Having agreed that there is no substitute for competitive match practice and already suffered in that regard due to the global pandemic, covid-19 which put paid to numerous attempts by the Federation to have competitive friendly
matches, the GFF this past week informed that efforts are being made for the team to leave these shores early as arrangements are being made to have at least two warm-up matches in Florida. President Wayne Forde noted: “We are planning to travel to Miami early, with the hope of playing two friendly games as part of our preparation for this important encounter. These friendly games are crucial in assessing the players’ level of match fitness and other performance benchmarks. There is no doubt that Guatemala will be a tough obstacle in advancing to the round of 16, and we should be realistic about our expectations. However, we expect the squad and staff to give
Players being briefed by Head Coach Márcia Máximo following the conclusion of yesterday’s training session at the GFF National Training center, Providence. Providence. (Franklin (Franklin Wilson photo)
everything they have to cause Guatemala some serious problems throughout the match, and we know the support of the fans can make all the difference. After the Gold Cup, the team will not be in competitive action until next year. We will use this time to further strengthen the development of our domestic-based national team players together with a consistent level of local and international games.” Forde continued, “We are organizing at least two friendly matches which will give the players a few additional competitive hours to strengthen their game readiness. Everyone involved are fully aware of how getting to the round of 16 would lift the spirit of the nation.”
Kaieteur News
Sunday June 20, 2021
Sanmoogan disappointed to miss Tokyo Olympics - ‘I was informed by the news Media’ says Sanmoogan By Sean Devers a t i o n a l S w i m m e r J a m i l a Sanmoogan was virtually packing her bags for her participation in the Tokyo Olympics from July 23 to August 8, 2021 after competing in the Women’s 50 meters’ freestyle in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil; placing 63 overall. However, the 23-yearold, who initially picked up a FINA universality spot to her second Olympics, has been replaced by 15-year-old Aleka Persaud who was named by FINA as the fastest female Guyanese swimmer in the 50m freestyle event. “I am a bit disappointed but GASA knows best; my congratulations to the athlete that was selected,” informed Jamila, who along with Hannibal Gaskin represented Guyana in Rio five years ago. “Unfortunately, I was informed by the news media rather than by our club. GASA has not yet informed the club of their decision,” said Jamila when she was contacted by Kaieteur Sports just after 7AM yesterday morning. Asked about the work she put in preparation for the Olympics and what will do now? Jamila said, “Training is part of my regular routine. The extra
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Jamila Sanmoogan work had made me stronger. But for now, I’ll take a rest and wait for the pool to be opened for regular athletes to train,” said the Dolphin Speed Swim Club member who was born in Georgetown in 1977. While the Puerto Rico qualifier was attended by Aleka Persaud and Leon Seaton Jr., who is on a scholarship in Florida, GASA did not send Jamila or Dwayne Fowler to that qualifying event. When asked if on hindsight she felt not attending the Puerto Rico event hurt her in anyway although she had already named in Guyana’s fiveperson team to travel to
Japan, she noted, “I wasn’t selected to participate in the qualifying session in Porto Rico,” Jamila disclosed. “Concerning Porto Rico, there was not enough time for us to prepare and put systems in place for the pair going to the Olympics to attend,” Dwayne Scott, President of the GASA had said on a recent the Sean Devers Sports Watch on Kaieteur Radio. “For young Aleka Persaud, who was in Guyana… her club was able to put things in place for her It is indeed unfortunate and a set-back for us that our Olympic swimmers could not attend this event. Ideally, what you want is for local or regional competitions to be available since it is very expensive to be going to all of these Meets working on limited budgets and without corporate contributions or sponsorship,” Scott had said on the Radio programme.
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