Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR Nigeria was ripped Saturday Edition NEWS off US$30 billion by oil companies on

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

June 25, 2022 - Vol. 16 No. 24

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 71,667

taxes and royalties- Audit finds

'Free oil' in Exxon contract more - Chris Ram generous than taxes, royalty lost <<See story on page 3>>

Law recognizes rights of Guyanese regardless of how they became citizens- Gerry Gouveia <<page 2>>

Elections COI parameters to be set on President's return to Guyana - AG

Protesters on Friday demanding a better oil deal.

Opposition protests Su revelation while Exxon robs Guyana silently everyday - Civil society members

US$106.4M contract inked for Ogle to Eccles by-pass four-lane road Guyana gets 50% profit from our oil, and our VP Jagdeo saying Guyana owns nothing. Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

PAGE 02

Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Law recognizes rights of Guyanese regardless of how they became citizens - Gerry Gouveia

T

he country's Local C o n t e n t Secretariat has not disclosed why it recently denied Trinidadian divested oil and gas support company, Ramps Logistics (Guyana) its local content certificate, but arguments around the Guyanese-linked partner not being 'Guyanese enough' is already making the rounds.

Ramps Logistics reported two days ago, that the livelihoods of some 400 workers are at risk, since it was refused a local content certificate to operate within the oil and gas sector.

It was discovered that Ramps was fined $20M by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for failing to seek clearance for one of its motor vessels to depart Guyana with cargo and this could have contributed to the issue the company currently faces.

Ramps, has since made public its response to the GRA. But the dominating contention for most involved is the manner in which foreign companies are now using Guyanese nationals to fulfill their local content requirement for the company to be 51 percent locally owned.

Ramps provided detailed information regarding Deepak Lall, a Trinidadian born with strong Guyanese roots who purchased 51 percent of Ramps Guyana for US$1M, making it 51 percent Guyanese owned. The issue however, is that Lall's father and grandfather are Guyanese and he, outside of the oil and gas company had very little to do with the country.

Shaun Rampersaud, Ramps Logistics Guyana CEO

Trinidadian businessman, Deepak Lall-51% owner of Ramps Logistics (Guyana)

Lall would have received his Guyanese passport last year. He was described as a Guyanese national, but some believe this was conveniently pursued to fulfill the 51 percent requirement.

The Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in a public missive on Thursday had called scenarios such as the one explained above “fronting” or “rent-acitizen”.

The body said that local participation in the oil sector must be done, “in a manner that engenders meaningful and genuine partnerships” to ensure that benefits not just go to Guyanese owners, but to Guyana as well. “Fronting has the potential to reduce the amount of value which accrues to Guyana and runs counter to the spirit and intent of the Local Content Act,” they stated.

Eminent local businessman Captain Gerry Gouveia views the matter differently. He believes that

by law, a “Guyanese is carpet” for Investors, as part Guyanese” regardless of how of creating an enabling they became a citizen and environment to welcome that no Guyanese is more foreign direct investment.

“We at that time wanted Guyanese than another.

Gouveia who currently to create jobs for our young holds a government position at State House, said he has not been associated with his company, Roraima Airways since taking the post, but his son has a partnership with Ramps Guyana called Arapaima Logistics Inc. providing cargo, ocean freight, and air logistics.

Gouveia, who served both the GCCI and Private Sector Commission (PSC) as President and Chairman respectively, said that President Irfaan Ali, GoInvest and the Private Sector have gone global encouraging overseas based Guyanese to return home but we have become arrogant and inhospitable to foreign businesses now that we have found oil.

According to Gouveia, at A 2019 report by the one point, the Private Sector's N a t i o n a l E x t r a c t i v e slogan was to “remove the I n d u s t r i e s E x t r a c t i v e red tape and Lay out the red Initiative (NEITI) in Nigeria had revealed that 77 oil companies operating in the country had attempted to rip off the federal government N2.659 trillion which t r a n s l a t e s i n t o US$30,334,400,460 in tax and royalty payments.

The debt was uncovered following an investigation to ascertain payments due to the country.As such, according to Nigerian media reports, the House of Representatives in March 2022, asked oil and gas companies with outstanding debts owed to the federal government to present evidence of taxes, royalties and levies. They

people, proper paying jobs but the local Private Sector did not have the capacity to create enough jobs for our young people coming out of the school systems every year, so the young people were leaving for other countries looking for jobs.”

We cannot be changing the rules, the meaning and moving the goal post as a matter of subjective and convenient personal preferences,” Gouveia said in a Facebook post.

He was adamant, “we must set out in very clear and unambiguous terms what is required to qualify and meet the local content bench marks.”

According to Gouveia, “we should not have to be rich or well known or well connected for a foreign

Gerry Gouveia company looking to include Guyanese in their business as a means of meeting the local content criteria, to be invited and become included as an ordinary Guyanese citizen…” He posited that President Ali is committed to (Continued on page 6)

Offshore [Photo credit: The Nigerian Guardian]

Audit finds Nigeria was ripped off US$30B by oil companies on taxes and royalties had even threatened legal actions if the oil companies had failed to comply.

Executive Secretary of NEITI, Orji Ogbonnaya, in 2021 had explained that the debts were a result of the companies' failure to remit petroleum profit tax, company income tax, education tax, value-added tax, withholding tax, royalty, and concession on rentals.

However, he did not provide the names of the companies.

Ogbonnaya had explained that the figure is based on findings in the NEITI 2019 audit reports of the oil and gas sector.

Nigerian media reports indicated that Ogbonnaya had related to the fact that the owed money could be useful

at a time the government is borrowing money to fund its budget.

Moreover, according to Premium Times report, Ogbonnaya said oil and gas companies owe US$143.99 million as petroleum profit taxes, US$1.089 billion as company income taxes, and US$201.69 million as education tax.

“Others include $18.46 million and £972,000 as Value Added Tax, $23.91 million and £997, 000 as Withholding Tax, $4.357 billion as royalty oil, $292.44 million as royalty gas, while $270.187 million and $41.86 million were unremitted gas flare penalties and concession rentals respectively,” he had said.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 25, 2022

PAGE 03

'Free oil' in Exxon contract more generous than taxes, royalty lost - Ram U

n d e r t h e provisions of the Production Sharing Agreement with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—free oil given to the operator works out to be more generous than the taxes and royalty being lost through the provisions in that contract.

The findings were documented in an oil sector analysis penned by Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at Law-Christopher Ram, who observed that in the PSA at Article 14.1, it provides among other things that: “The Contractor shall have the right to use as much production as may be needed in any Petroleum Operations within the Contract Area and also within the transportation and terminal system.

In the event of third party usage of the transportation terminal systems, the quantities so used or lost outside the Contract Area shall be proportionate to aggregate use of that transportation and terminal system.

All quantities so used or lost shall be excluded from any calculations of entitlement pursuant to Article 11.”

Describing the provision as generously misleading, Ram posited that “Article 14.1 is more generous than the Taxation and Royalty Article by allowing deduction from gross production the fuel

equivalent used not only in the Contract Area of 26,806 sq. km. but in an enlarged transportation and terminal system.”

He suggested at the time, “with our petroleum people showing a frightening mix of unwillingness to learn with an apparent inability to learn, the Agreement sets us up for a very lopsided arrangement.”

Ram posited too, “I am not entirely satisfied that these concessions are in fact permitted under the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act but who cares?

We fight for political power but nonchalantly give away our patrimony.”

As it relates to the royalty and taxes lost, this publication recently reported that in addition to the foregone earnings lost as a result of Guyana paying taxes on behalf of the oil companies, the amount due to the Guyana Revenue Authority was also lessened, since the royalty payments are tax deductible.

Additionally, Tom Mitro, a former director of the University of Houston's Global Energy, Development and Sustainability programme, and former Chevron executive with decades of experience negotiating international contracts has argued that it is additional benefits in the PSA that caused the contract to be lopsided in favour of the oil companies.

He argues that the

I am not entirely satisfied that these concessions are in fact permitted under the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act but who cares? We fight for political power but nonchalantly give away

our patrimony. - Chris Ram

cou ntry is losing primarily through the deductions being made by the operator and not necessarily in the profit sharing aspect of the deal.

His views were recently shared in a Forbes Magazine Energy report captioned “As Guyana's Oil Business Booms, Could A Potential New Deal With Exxon Loom?”

In that publication, Mitro highlighted that it was the many other negotiable clauses in the contract, they were established in favour of Exxon – an approach that most of Guyana's peers have not agreed to.

He cited as example, that one such provision allows Exxon to recover all interest on loans borrowed to fund the development of related oil projects.

In practice, Mitro said, this means that the operator and its partners are able to charge Guyana for the cost of borrowing from their affiliates with no limits.

“Contracts typically have cost recovery mechanisms,

but usually with limits,” Mitro said, explaining that without written limits, companies can abuse the amount of borrowing they do within the conglomerate.

Another provision of the 2016 PSA highlighted by Mitro, allows ExxonMobil Guyana to not have to pay any income tax on their profit share, and that the government will provide a receipt that can be used for tax deduction purposes elsewhere.

Additionally, it was noted that there is a clause that allows Exxon the right to get cost recovery oil right from the beginning, to cover the future decommissioning and abandonment of the project at its end.

These costs will not be actually incurred for several years.

This publication last week had reported that already, for 2020 and 2021, ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Group, have recovered a whopping U S $ 3 5 5 . 7 M f o r

ExxonMobil wants Govt. help to develop clean energy tech - Woods ExxonMobil's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods would like the United States government to help incentivize some of the clean energy innovations his company is developing, like biofuels and direct air capture of carbon dioxide.

In an interview with CNBC's David Faber, the leader of one of the largest oil and gas co panies in the world said direct air capture, or the process of pulling carbon from the atmosphere, is in his mind “the holy grail.”

He continued, “if you can overcome some of those technology hurdles, get your cost down, you've got a technology then that can address this in a very cost-efficient way.” The company estimates the market to capture and store carbon dioxide will be worth US$4 trillion by 2050.

There is a current price on carbon dioxide sequestration listed in the IRS

ExxonMobil CEO, Darren Woods tax code and known as the 45Q tax credit, but it tops out at US$50 per m ton captured and stored. ExxonMobil would prefer a price of at least $100 per ton.

Woods recognized a higher carbon price could be a difficult political

accomplishment and suggested policies focused on specific market sectors could be a good start.

Proposing a carbon tax has been a point of controversy for ExxonMobil.

Keith McCoy, a former Exxon lobbyist, was once caught on camera saying that he did not believe a carbon tax was going to happen, but that it “gives us a talking point that we can say, 'well what is ExxonMobil for? Well, we're for a carbon tax.'” After the tape was released, Exxon said McCoy no longer worked for the company and disavowed his statements.

When CNBC's Faber asked Woods if he thought carbon capture could be a key profit generator in 25 years, he said it could be. He was encouraged by the clean energy conversation expanding beyond wind and solar and sees growth potential for ExxonMobil in the future.

(CNBC)

Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram decommissioning costs which would be incurred in another 18 years for the Liza Phase One Project.

According to Mitro, “In this case, the government is giving Exxon something of value – oil – to cover Exxon's future costs.”

According to the international expert, “it is unusual to pay upfront for a future expense because of the recognised time value of money.”

He, in the article, posted that Exxon's experience and deeper knowledge of contracts likely strengthened their negotiating position, while on Guyana's side, domestic politics also played

a role in the deal cut since the negotiations came just before a contentious election, and the promised revenue was advertised as offering a better future for Guyana.

Additionally, it was noted that, “it also came right before Exxon publicly announced that results from a second exploratory well indicated that Exxon would recover more than twice the amount of oil it had originally e x p e c t e d . ”

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Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

What happened to our pride, self-esteem?

W

e came across an article in the online edition of the BBC on January 17 that left a strange sen sation, and prompted some still stranger sentiments, the more we thought of it. The article was titled, “Ashes: Replace Coaunty Championship to save England Test team -Jonathan Agnew.”

Just so that everyone is with us, it is cricket in England of which we are talking today. And before there is any jumping to conclusions about the relevance or purpose of this perspective, we urge reading on to get a better appreciation of the full story.

Many cricket loving Guyanese would know that the English Test team got another shellacking at the hands of the Australian team during the recently concluded Ashes series that was as one sided as it has been for six decades and a little bit. The final score was Australia 4, England 0, with the only thing that saved the humiliated English team from a complete whitewash was the timely intervention of the weather. Also, we note that the writer of the BBC article was none other than Jonathan Agnew, who has been covering English cricket for decades, and is recognized as a class commentator, and one who knows the ins and outs of English cricket. What he is calling for to stop the rut and accompanying embarrassment is a bit of an overhaul of cricket at the County level, which is the first-class level, where English players are groomed, and prove their mettle, for the nations Test team.

We look at this and read this, and remind our readership that this is a sport we are talking about, and cricket of all things, and there is this passionate reaction from a cricket pundit and more of the same from others in the English cricketing circuit. It is a matter of national pride wounded repeatedly, and of which the spirited calls are for something to be done, anything that makes sense and offers an opportunity to stop the haemorrhage and turn the tide in Englands favour.

This is how serious this is taken, and some will not rest until they get answers and movement that they believe would make a difference, because of the changes contemplated and implemented.

We absorb this drama involving the state of Test cricket in England, and now move from there to Guyana. What we have here is not sport, not in the least, but what is representative of so much more in the scale of its importance, and the vastness of its meaning for not a section of the population, but every man, woman, and child in this country. It is of what impacts the present generation, and those ones yet to come. We are speaking of our natural resources wealth in general and these recent grand new oil discoveries specifically.

Our peoples from leaders to citizens, everyone without exception, are embarrassed and humiliated and insulted with the sum of the atrocities that ExxonMobil and its partners throw our way, and the financial and psychic carnage that results from such atrocities. Though our leaders and elites may believe that they are exempt from the gross humiliations visited upon the nation, because of the self-enriching bargains that they may have made, they are made to look feeble and impotent, and not having the substances that count in the demanding world of oil.

Thus, they are inseparable from what is heaped on the peoples of Guyana, and it should wound these same leaders.

Yet, it is illuminating that with so much wealth involved, so much national pride at stake, that there is no great, soaring anger at what our lot is, and how Guyanese have been reduced to utter fools in their country, over their own treasure. We, who should be furious and energized to want to do something about our burdensome oil plights (contract provisions, new secret project plans, extravagant expenses, and so forth) are operating at the level of a whimper, and in the worst imitations of modern-day slavishness before foreign masters and predators.

The English are upset over cricket loss, but when we lose billions, we are the picture of complacency and leadership stupidity. No pride, no self-respect, no spirit, no selfcorrection.

Guyana’s local content law is likely to achieve the opposite of what was intended by its creators DEAR EDITOR, National news outlets, including this distinguished newspaper, have been documenting problems that are emerging as a consequence of the Local Content Act, which was passed by Parliament in late December 2021. Companies, such as Ramps Logistics Guyana, the largest logistics company servicing the oil and gas sector has apparently been denied access to the local content register.

Timothy Tucker, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has been quoted saying that “rent-a-citizen” tactics run counter to the local content law. Finally, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has recently voiced that the government is having difficulties with companies trying to circumvent the Local Content Act. For me as a non-partisan observer in the Guyanese diaspora, these negative developments were foreseeable from the beginning. Similar laws might work in countries like Ghana with a population of 32 million people. However, implementing a stringent local content legislation in a country with less than 800’000 people was calling for trouble.

“Renting-a-Guyanese” schemes and fronting tactics were about to happen sooner or later in my humble opinion.

As a reminder, here are the central provisions to be considered a Guyanese company as defined in the Local Content Act 2021: 1) A Guyanese company is defined in the Local Content

Act as a company incorporated under the Companies Act, and cedes ownership of at least 51% of it to Guyanese nationals.

2) The company must have Guyanese nationals holding at least 75% of executive and senior management positions and at least 90% holding non-managerial and other positions.

Given the already existing shortages on the Guyanese labour market, the above cited provisions force companies to become “creative” in order to meet the stringent rules of the local content law. The primary intent of the law was to give Guyanese priority in filling new job opportunities in the rapidly expanding oil and gas industry.

Making sure that Guyanese people get jobs, irrespective whether it is with a locally owned or foreign company is however done much more effectively by regulating access to work permits and visas for foreign staff. For example, companies (local or foreign) would only be allowed to obtain those, if they can prove that they could not find a Guyanese to take the job within a period of 30 or 60 days. Job openings would have to be advertised on a government run website. Promoting local entrepreneurship was a further goal of the legislation. Rather than setting up protective fences to lock out unwanted foreign competition, local entrepreneurship can be boosted by granting better access to low interest loans,

by favourable taxation rules (e.g. taxing only company profits), and by removing bureaucratic hurdles to register and incorporate new companies. Furthermore, the government could provide lowrent incubator space for startup companies in technology parks that offer access to fast internet connections as a first measure to foster a start-up ecosystem in Guyana. These are just to mention a few ideas to promote local entrepreneurship, many other measures are possible. Importantly, the Government should however not get into the business of financing local companies. This typically leads to nepotism, corruption, and bad business decisions.

Government bureaucrats are bad investors, as they do not have skin in the game.

These activities should be left to the private sector.

Private investors and business angels will do proper due-diligence as their own money is at stake and hence they balance their risks better. Furthermore, Guyana may want to consider developing the fledging Georgetown Stock Exchange towards becoming the primary stock exchange for the CARICOM region. This would require introducing stringent regulations that prevents insider trading and ensures that companies disclose financial information according to the best standards in the international finance industry. Collectively, this would ensure that private and institutional investors gain confidence to

invest local and regionally via the Georgetown Stock Exchange.

In my opinion, the current local content law was crafted in reality to protect local business people in the private sector from foreign competition. Insulating the domestic market from completion by erecting high barriers for foreign competition invariantly leads to bad services, inflated pricing, loss of choice for consumers, and lack of technological innovation as entrepreneurs become lazy and complacent in absence of foreign competition.

This has been demonstrated over and over again in the past in other countries, such as Argentina, Venezuela, and India. Is this really what the Government of Guyana wants to happen in Guyana, too? By contrast, let’s have a look at the success stories, such as Singapore, Taiwan, Switzerland, Denmark, and the UAE. These countries have small domestic markets, harbour export-oriented innovative industries and services, and function as open economies. President Ali does not spare any opportunity to call for Guyanese companies to grow and become players on the world market.

I dare to predict that this will not happen as long as the current local content law is in place.

Sincerely, Andre Brandli, PhD Professor Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversity of Munich Munich, Germany

Self-declared Govt. incompetence DEAR EDITOR, There are times in life when we have to make declarations in order to move to the next desired stage. Declarations of insolvency or of bankruptcy, and of assets come to mind. However, our intrepid Vice-President volunteered a declaration of incompetence – and he doesn’t even seem to realize it! Here is someone, who was President of our Cooperative Republic for 12 years, who has worked in the Ministry of Finance, and who has signed many agreements on behalf of Guyana and legislations in Guyana, telling all to hear that he cannot say if the 2% royalty comes out of costs.

If he needs lawyers and economists at this stage to say what the Petroleum Agreement with the oil companies allows, then he is no longer

the bright fellow we thought he was. How can we ever after believe it when his Government makes definitive statements and exudes confidence in allaying our fears that the country will make enough money out of oil for all our development needs while escaping the Dutch disease?

I can never remember Mr. Burnham ever making such a self-declaration on matters he was supposed to know. And I can only imagine the harsh rebuke Dr. Jagan would mete out to an underling that made such a brazen gaffe. There are consequences to this unforced declaration of incompetence. A competent Cabinet has to vote no confidence in such a member; otherwise, they will be saying that such people run the country. The general suspicion that the rul-

ing party favours less than competent ‘yes-people’ for Government jobs now has public proof. As a retired teacher, I cannot compete for influence with those who have money, but I can register my disapproval when I see incompetence, in order to let functionaries in charge of our civilization know that we are not all asleep or stupid. But the rot has already spread. To my embarrassment, an international colleague pointed out a recent public extravagance where it is claimed that Guyana’s forests store 18% of the world’s carbon (https:/ /dpi.gov.gy/guyana-signsagreement-with-norway-idbto-leapfrog-countrys-solarenergy-future/). Current world figures prove that figure is at least 40 times inflated. Obviously, the underlings feel they have to exag-

gerate to make Guyana look good to their leaders.

The Vice-President also recently increased the country’s repertoire of official ignorance when he said that solar power even without batteries will cost 8.8 US cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), but as usual, he does not let us in on the calculations. He just expects people to have faith in him. On the other hand, I, unfunded by taxpayers, have shared information with the Guyana Energy Agency, presented publicly that it can be done with batteries and all for 3 US cents per kWh, and demonstrated that the alternatives like Amaila Falls and the Gasto-Energy projects are far more expensive.

Regards, Alfred Bhulai Exaudi Domine justitiam

Saturday June 25, 2022

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Kaieteur News

The struggle for the Buxton Proposal is a struggle for the soul of the country DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the former Minister of Finance Winston Jordan’s letter published in Stabroek News, Monday, June 20, 2022 edition under the caption, “ Pending a study,100,000 of the poorest households should be targeted for annual cash transfer of US$1,000”. His letter is a response to my letter SN Saturday, June 18, 2022, “Had Mr. Jordan done the responsible thing in dealing with the Buxton Proposal, he would still be Finance Minister.”

I also want to join with Jordan in recommending readers to access his discussion on KAMS TV Programme Buxton Morning Show, not only for clarity on our controversy but for its usefulness on other matters he addressed.

In my letter, I said that my main concern was with the political culture demonstrated in Jordan’s approach to his discussions on the Buxton Proposal (BP). I never challenged his right to be critical of BP or to promote his alternative proposal. Of the ten issues I raised in my previous letter, Jordan only addressed two. Much of his efforts were on non-relevant issues.

Jordan’s political culture, the primary concern of my previous letter, was again demonstrated in his response. Diverting from the relevant issues to point out that the term “Buxton Proposal” has historical roots in the PNC and more specifically from the late minister Deryck Bernard, Jordan wrote, “Incidentally, the name of the proposal is not original.

It was former Central Ex-

ecutive member of the PNCR Deryck Bernard, who, at his Party’s Press Conference on October 26, 2002, mentioned a Buxton Proposal - a $250 million revival initiative for the Buxton area that was put to the then PPP/C government.”

Readers will note that Bernard’s proposal has nothing to do with oil revenues.

Yet Jordan evokes it in his response. The simple motivation was to fight the masses association of the Buxton Proposal with the WPA. Petty politics! Neither the WPA nor Clive Thomas ever claimed original ownership of the concept of “universal cash transfers.” This has been a tool in the international space for decades. Jordan continued, “I do not know if Dr. Thomas discussed his proposal with other members of the Coalition before he made his announcement. It is reasonable to expect that, making such a profound statement, with its potential to bind the Coalition to its implementation, should have the subject of intense discussions and agreement before it was made public.”

In this statement, he wants the WPA to give up its right to express independent policies in a context where the party has publicly raised its concerns of decision-making in the APNU and the coalition, that is, about the lack of consultation with member parties.

Based on Jordan’s stated standards for policy advocacy, I asked if any of the national budgets he piloted in the parliament had the kind of discussion in the coalition he suggests. The WPA Buxton Proposal would have been subject to discussion before

going public. This is why I promised in my earlier response to Jordan’s approach to the BP on political culture.

He points to Jagdeo’s criticism/rejection of the BP giving prominence to the then opposition leader who naturally sought to reject the proposal. Again, he maintained silence on President David Granger’s position on the matter that was more important to the coalition’s acceptance of the WPA proposal than Jagdeo’s rejection. On this matter, Jordan is unwilling, understandably, to indict his leader. This weakness is a matter of political culture and amounts to unquestionable support for the maximum leader whether he is right or wrong. “...What caused Mr. Ogunseye to launch his broadside at me?” My answer: because Jordan did what was done by Granger and the detractors of the Buxton Proposal, to sow seeds of confusion and his failure to seek clarification on the BP from WPA/Thomas while you were the Finance Minister. Instead of conceding his shortsightedness, and engaging in self-criticism or showing remorse, he continues in your old ways. Jordan inquired, “Was it the occasion for him to air his disgust at the alleged treatment of the WPA that led to their departure from the Coalition?” Here again, Jordan is being deceptive in pretending not to know that I have, on numerous occasions, publicly expressed my concerns about Granger’s stewardship of the APNU and the coalition. Jordan continued, “If Ogunseye is inter-

ested in how the Cabinet operated, he should discuss it with the WPA member who was part of that set-up.” Respectfully, Jordan has to be a political dreamer to pose this to me.

In getting to the closure of this response, I make the following statements: (1) the WPA never claimed to be the creators of the idea of cash transfers or universal cash transfers since these have been international tools for many years. We never claimed to be the first to suggest oil revenues be used for cash transfers. But the record will show that in the context of Guyana’s known oil/gas resources, Clive Thomas and the WPA put forward a developed proposal for universal cash transfers of US$ 5,000 to all Guyanese households, based on the use of 10% of oil revenues.

This was due to Thomas’s professional assessment of the country’s potential resources in oil/gas when others were predicting that those resources were not significant. (2) The much-touted criticism that in the initial proposal, the WPA did not state at what point in the production process the US$ 5,000 was be implemented is nonsense.

Since the proposal called for 10% of oil revenues implicit logic suggests that the US$5,000 can only be paid when revenues permit. In all seriousness, I don’t know that in proposing a national policy, the WPA or any entity or individual have to present a full proof document given that the final policy has to come out of nationwide dis-

cussions.

(3) We have never been opposed to the stage-bystage implementation of the proposal to reach its maximum once that is what the Guyanese nation wants. (4) We stand committed to fighting for the implementation of our universal cash transfers to all Guyanese households with the maximum of US$5,000. (5) We will fight for 10% of oil revenues beginning from the first year of oil to be put in a fund for Buxton Proposal, pending implementation. It is public knowledge that any national policy like the BP cannot be implemented immediately since it requires a struggle for government and the nation’s acceptance. At that point, we can dot the I’s and cross the

T’s. As I indicated, it was President Granger’s hostility to the proposal (because it came from the WPA) that derailed it. Mr. Jordan should say to the best of his knowledge if the idea of universal cash transfers to households was part of the discussions on the coalition election platform.

And if not why? I promised my response to Jordan’s KAMS TV utterances on the BP to political culture. Hopefully, I have made my point.

My final comment: the struggle for the Buxton Proposal is a struggle for the soul of the country and the support of struggling Guyanese households. Our people deserve nothing less.

Yours sincerely, Tacuma Ogunseye

Support for Local Content in Oil Sector DEAR EDITOR, I’ve seen news reports that Trinidadian-owned oil sector company, RAMPS Logistics, attempted to circumvent our Local Content laws.

One news entity reported, “Many persons have rejected the move to use a Trinidadian with decades-old Guyanese heritage to satisfy the requirement in the law as “fronting” or a “rent a citizen” arrangement.”

As a supporter of the opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), I find it appalling that it would support the actions of a foreign company that is inimical to the interests of Guyanese and

Guyanese-owned businesses. It is simply unpatriotic! Though sad, the reality is that as a Guyanese who is prepared to put the country first, I stand firm with the PPP/ C Government, the Private Sector Commission, and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry on this one. Trinidad has its own Local Content laws, which are strictly enforced and adhered to. Ensuring that Guyanese benefit from our oil and gas resources should transcend political boundaries. I am deeply disappointed in the leadership of the APNU+AFC. Regards, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region Ten

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Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Law recognizes rights of Guyanese regardless...

Flooding woes can be likened to City Hall restoration DEAR EDITOR, The North/South Ruimveldt/Festival City flooding and drainage woes can be likened to the City Hall restoration: when it became an indictment and could no longer be ignored steps were taken in meaningful and tan-

gible ways to restore. Just so with the flooding woes, with impromptu walkabout and evening meeting with the residents and millions earmarked for works. For too long, residents in these communities have lived with and suffered this distressing situation. It

is high time for measures be taken to actively deal with the problem in meaningful ways.

It is hoped the promised grand plan to alleviate the flooding woes will be realized in the shortest possible time.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

From page 2 creating a Guyana, where every Guyanese, “regardless of where you came from geographically, your race, your gender, your political preferences, your religious belief, must have equal access to the opportunities created by good fortune in Guyana.”

As such, he told this publication, the fact that Deepak, the investor from Trinidad only received his Guyanese passport last year does not matter.

He said, the man is Guyanese by heritage and it should not matter when he chose to get his documentation.

According to Gouveia, it

doesn't matter where the person grew up, or how long they became a citizen, “all citizens are equal.”

A senior Private Sector executive told the newspaper that Ramps is not the only company denied the local content certificate.

“We were told that a number of companies were denied.” The private sector personality noted however, that Ramps should get an explanation as to why they were denied, “but they are not the only company the secretariat is dealing with.

The official noted that private persons are in support of the vetting of the companies by the secretariat be-

cause if foreign companies get around the local content provisions easily, it would mean fewer benefits for Guyana.

Ramps Logistics is one of the companies accused of bundling logistics contracts to secure more work.

The Private Sector official said that logistics is a wide area with various services and the bundling of logistics contracts means only one contractor is providing a large amount of the services.

As for the GRA $20M fine, Ramps Communication Officer said that the matter was “completely settled between the GRA and company's legal team.”

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyana- the land of many waters and much wealth- has been elevated to the centre stage, being a magnet to the rest of the world.

Everyone wants to see Guyana, and take a piece of Guyana too, it would seem.

The country is being fed crumbs by the oil company which is barely handing us a two percent royalty with one hand, and taking it back with the other.

How many ways will we be shafted?

Our law allows for the people of this country to at least get some money to buy bread for their family, as they provide services for the oil sector and even supply goods.

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Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Extractive Industries especially vulnerable to abuse, illicit enrichment - EITI report The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global watchdog for the governance of oil and gas and mineral resources, in its 2022 Progress Report on Guyana, has outlined that oil contracts and the granting of licenses to permit such operations can result in citizens of a country being deprived of what they are owed financially.

The EITI Progress Report was launched on June 14, last ahead of the organization's 53rd Board Meeting.

In the document, the transparency organization specifically highlighted that “Corruption is a pressing challenge for many resourcerich countries and a priority area for the EITI.” It cited a statement made by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), that

one out of five cases of transnational corruption is linked to or directly occurs in the extractive sector.

As such, the report sought to put country leaders on notice that their citizens can be deprived of revenue through the licensing process, contract negotiations and even uncertainties in company stakes.

According to the 2022 EITI Progress Report, “Opacity in company ownership structures, licensing processes, contract negotiations and transactions can make lucrative extractive projects especially vulnerable to abuse or illicit enrichment, depriving citizens of the revenues they are owed.”

The body said, while there is a shared view among stakeholders that addressing

corruption risks is implicit in implementation of the EITI Standard, the EITI Board recognised a need to clearly articulate the EITI's role in deterring corruption and mitigating corruption risks.

To this end, the EITI said that back in December last, it issued guidance for multistakeholder groups to identify and address corruption risks through EITI implementation.

Several countries have also integrated anticorruption activities in their work plans, including Burkina Faso, Mongolia, the Philippines and Togo, the report explains.

Locally, members of civil society as well as the political Opposition, has chided the government for renewing the operations of US oil majorExxonMobil- at the Liza One Field, without securing more

revenue for the citizens of the country.

In fact, even international experts were lobbying the leaders to use the renewal of the license to rake in more value for its people.

The Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, after the environmental permit was

renewed told Kaieteur News in an invited comment that the Government of Guyana has missed an opportunity, in keeping with the law, to secure better terms for its people, by failing to exploit the renewal of the Liza One Permit.According to Norton, “the opportunity was

provided that it be done within the law, and the opportunity should have been taken. Unfortunately, the government didn't take it and the Guyanese people will suffer because of government's inaction on a matter in which conditions (Continued on page 17)

Saturday June 25, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The Local Content Secretariat has no vetting powers

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Com merce and Industry (GCCI) is out of order … again. Its latest snafu is contained in a statement, which it issued a few days ago.

In that statement, the GCCI cautioned against the practice of fronting in which some companies use front men to satisfy the letter of the law in relation to the 51 percent local ownership for companies to be considered as a Guyanese company.

According to a Demerara Waves Report, the GCCI called on the Local Content Secretariat, established under the Local Content Act, to examine the beneficial ownership of enterprises seeking to obtain Local Content Certificates. The GCCI recommends that the burden of proof regarding beneficial ownership lie with the enterprise seeking to apply for the Certificate.

The fact that the GCCI makes such a recommendation suggests that it realises

that, under the present Act, the burden of proof at present does not reside with the applicant for a Local Content Certificate.

The GCCI also urged that the Local Content Secretariat vet firms applying for a local content certification. Unfortunately, the Local Content Secretariat has no powers to vet or verify that an application for a Local Content Certificate is a Guyanese company as defined by the Local Content Act. The Local Content Act is deficient. In its mad haste to rush legislation through the National Assembly, the PPP/ C government failed to empower the Local Content Secretariat to vet and validate that applicants for local content certificates are in compliance with the definition of a Guyanese company under the Act. The powers of the Local Content Secretariat can be summarised as follows: to develop and maintain measures for the effective imple-

mentation of local content by contractors, sub-contractors and licensees [my emphasis]; and to develop strategies to prioritise preference or equal treatment to Guyanese companies.

The Local Content Secretariat also required to conduct market analyses; make recommendations to the Minister; to develop plans and formats for local content reporting [by the oil companies, their subcontractors and licensees]; and to measure the local content performance of the aforementioned.

Under the existing Local Content Act, a company applying for a Local Content Certificate is not required to establish majority beneficial local ownership by locals or the other criteria set out for Guyanese companies. There is nothing in the law which grants, to the Local Content Secretariat, powers to verify that a company applying for a Local Content Certificate, is 51 percent owned by a Guyanese national or nation-

Dem boys seh...

Prezzie copycatting Some ah dem foreign leader getting second thoughts about inviting Prezzie to dem country. Dem seh everything de man see, he want copy.

He went to Barbados and he see some black belly sheep. De next thing yuh know, he talking how Guyana gah nuff pasture fuh dem sheep fuh graze. Mia had to give he a hundred.

Was a lucky thing when he went dere, dem nah bin serve flying fish and cou-cou.

He woulda want bring dah here too.

Den he went Rwanda and

dem decide fuh invite he to a vaccination plant. De man get up and talk how he gon build one in Guyana.

When he was in London de odder day, de man bin pass

by Buckinghan Palace. When he come back, dem boys hear he bin inspecting State House.

De Australian Prime Minister decide fuh invite he fuh visit Australia. But he tell he Ministers fuh mek sure when Prezzie arrive, he nah see no kangaroo because Guyana gan soon start to have kangaroo.

De man go pon a stage

and start fuh sing. Afterwards he put through a call to young Charlie and tell he how Guyana nah need Skeng anymore dat he can substitute at de next baderation concert.

Trinidad gat nuff “doubles wah dem does sell by de roadside. Prezzie seh nah worry about no doubles, Guyana gan produce triples and we gan mek a factory fuh produce dem.

Dem gat a new leader in Grenada and de hurricane season about to start. Dem boys praying he nah invite Prezzie to de inauguration.

Talk half and Leff half.

als or that 75 percent of its management and 90 percent of its workforce are Guyanese.

All that a company, applying for a certificate or which is already certified, has to do is to inform the Secretariat of changes to its ownership and management. But here again, it only has to do so if these changes place it in contravention of the definition of Guyanese companies.

The Local Content Secretariats powers of monitoring reviewing and assessing relate to the local content performance of and reports submitted by the oil companies, their sub-contractors and licensees. In fact, almost all of the powers of the Local Content Secretariat relate to the procuring entities.

The Local Content Secretariat should point out which provision or provisions of the Local Content Act grants it

powers to vet whether an applicant has majority beneficial local ownership as opposed to having front persons and companies. The powers of the Local Content Secretariat are circumscribed by the Act and do not confer powers of vetting or validating the ownership and management structure of local companies.

The Secretariat powers over Guyanese companies relate to the fact that unless they are certified, their supply of goods and services is not measured in the local content targets set.

In effect, this means that unless the companies are in the Local Content Register, they can be treated as a foreign company for the purposes of measuring the local content performance of the oil companies, their sub-contractors or licensees.

Indeed the Act places the greatest onus on the oil com-

panies, its sub-contractors and licensees. It is these entities, which are required “to implement local content as an essential component of their petroleum operation.”

The Local Content Act lacks teeth. It is deficient. And the Local Content Secretariat cannot act outside of its lawful remit in compensating for the Acts deficiencies, regardless of what the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry feels.

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

Kaieteur News

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Monday May Saturday June 02,25, 2022 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Jean-Louis Trintignant is dead, Costa Gavras thankfully is still alive

O

ne day in 1971, a friend, Balwant Persaud, who I met when he was in high school (Guyana Oriental College on Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg), and I was a student in the “afternoon-lessons” classes at the school, suggested that I see a movie named “Z.” Balwant is still in Guyana. He offers Canadian immigration consultation in Alberttown. I haven't seen him in more than seven years.

I wonder if he can remember recommending “Z” to me. I saw the movie at the Plaza cinema on Camp Street and it played a huge part in the transformation of my life.

The film was directed by Greek director, Costa Gavras and starred a famous French actor, Jean-Louis Trintignant. It was about the bloody rule of the right-wing Greek government at the time. The direction was phenomenal, the acting was

equally so.

I went on to see many more of Gavras films of the genre of “Z” the best of which was the depiction of the CIA sponsored overthrow of President Allende in Chile in 1973. The film's title is “Missing.” It was released in 1982 at a time when I was studying in Canada and the cinema was packed. It was a huge box office hit around the world. Since seeing Z, I looked for movies by Trintignant because his portrayal of the magistrate investigating the statesponsored murder of an opposition figure in the film was superb.

I felt an emotional slide when I read that he died on June 17 this year at the age of 91. Once the name JeanLouis Trintignant and Costa Gavras come up, I think of the political effect both men had on me. The more I saw of Gavras films, the deeper my political convictions of left-

wing thinking grew.

The powerful change music, movies and literature can bring to your life is a human trait. No human in this world can ever escape the memories of the shape music, films and books have had on their lives. I am a product of the late sixties, early seventies and Gavras movies like Z and State of Siege (about the brutal military government of Uruguay in the seventies) had a transforming effect on my ideology.

It is an inexplicable, funny thing about life that two friends can see the same movie but the influence of the story has different results on them. It was Balwant that introduced me to Z yet Balwant never took more than a passing interest in politics ending up as a successful businessman while I headed towards radical politics.

I remember seeing

another Trintignant political thriller the next year – The Conformist. It was shown at the Plaza. For some reason, in those days, Plaza was the only cinema that showed political movies. I remember seeing “The Adventurers”, the same year I saw Z and at the Plaza too.

The Conformist is set in the late 1930s when fascism and Nazism had overrun Europe. It is directed by one of films' greatest directors ever – Italian artist, Bernardo Bertalucci who gave us one of the most flawless existentialist films ever done – Last Tango in Paris. The Adventures is about revolution in Latin America a n d h o w p o w e r, o n c e attained, loses its revolutionary sheen.

Those films had a tremendous impact on me as a very young man. I think at a deep Freudian level, the penetration of those movies are there in me and always

will be. It is for this reason, I don't think I will ever stray from left wing, radical Frederick Kissoon liberal/socialist ru n - o ff , t h e f a r r i g h t directions.

I believe Karl Marx made candidate came in second sterling contributions to with only a percentage point philosophy and his studies of a h e a d o f t h e f a r - l e f t class dialectics will never candidate. The far-left and fade. Class analysis is the mainstream left increased priceless if one is to t h e i r s t r e n g t h i n t h e comprehend post-colonial parliamentary voting. In the societies. I believe there is a US, Bernie Sanders still place for socialist economics remains one of America's in the world; not only for most popular politicians.

The world has lost a fine poor Third World countries a r t i s t i n Tr i n t i g n a n t . but all countries.

W h a t m a n y l i b e r a l Thankfully, Gavras is still thinkers seldom put into their alive. He is 89 and is still books is the fact that many working. I hope those of the capitalist countries have new generation will see his socialist inputs. European films and learn a few lessons countries will never move of how brutal power can away from these inputs become once leaders can rule despite the rise of right-wing forever.

(The views expressed in populism. The French p r e s i d e n t i a l a n d this article are those of the parliamentary elections were a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the intriguing.

In the second president opinions of this newspaper.)

Guyana among beneficiaries $622M estimated to re-construct for US$1 million grant to North Ruimveldt Secondary School tackle domestic violence Guyana is among nine countries benefitting from a US$1M grant to help raise awareness for domestic violence.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security yesterday said, it is partnering with the Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean (EnGenDER) Project of the United Nations Development Programme,

with support from the Governments of Canada and the United Kingdom on the rollout of a Community Advocates Network (I CAN) poster pledge campaign.

The project includes poster pledges that are designed to be mounted on walls and other visible locations, to increase awareness of gender-based violence around the country.

As part of the campaign, persons will be expected to

take the pledge, sign a pledge card, and become an ambassador of change by advocating for the eradication of domestic violence. So far, members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Guyana Bar Association, survivors of gender-based violence, and advocates across the country have already joined the campaign.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, (Continued on page 17)

(From left) Gina Arjoon, Senior International Assistance Officer- Government of Canada, Jessica Teasdale, Head of Cooperation-Government of Canada, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Margaret Jones Williams – Officer-in-Charge (OIC)- UNDP and British High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Jane Miller OBE

The Ministry of Education is moving ahead with the reconstruction of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School following a fire on June 19, last year which destroyed the entire upper flat of the main teaching building.According to the Ministry's Engineer estimate, to reconstruct the building, it would cost some $622,375,321.

During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board ( N P TA B ) o f f i c e o n Thursday, nine companies were recorded as having submitted bids for the contract.

The bids are as follow: Dry Rock Construction Inc. $687,163,051; QCD Construction Inc. $521,690,454; Platinum Investments Inc. (Bid provided); M&P Investment - $606,636,675; S&K Construction Consultancy Service & General Supply $595,000,000; Dundas Construction Inc. - $ 620,000,000; CB General Contracting Service Inc. $531,787,715; Builders Hardware General Supply & C o n s t r u c t i o n $614,853,630; and Kares

The North Ruimveldt Secondary School which was destroyed by fire last year.

Engineering Inc. $566,975,350.

Prior to this, the Ministry had put out tender for this project, one had been issued for the demolition of the school.

That contract, which was awarded late December, was given to A. Ograsein and Sons to the tune of $13,070,031. A. Ogransein and Sons was one of the six companies that bid for the project which was estimated to cost $14,990,625.

Kaieteur News had reported that the section of the building that was destroyed, included the classrooms that were designated for use by students who were about to write their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations at

the time.

F o l l o w i n g a n investigation, the cause of the fire was determined to be that of a defective electrical point.

During the presentation of this year's budget, Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, had announced that the government budgeted a sum of $6.6 billion for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities.

This would see the commencement of the construction of the Prospect Secondary School, the reconstruction of the North Ruimveldt and North West Secondary Schools, and the construction of a number of nursery and primary schools, the Minister had explained.

Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Mingo and others return to court on July 15 O

n July 15, 2022, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) court case in which several p e r s o n s w e r e c h a rg e d criminally for allegedly trying to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, will continue in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Those charged include: Chairperson of the People's National Congress (PNC), Volda Lawrence, former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

The others are A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) activist, Carol Smith-Joseph, GECOM's Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan and GECOM Clerks, Michelle Miller, Sheffern February and Denise Bab-Cummings.

The State's team in the matter is being led by Attorney-at-Law Darshan Ramdhani, QC and includes Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai, and George Thomas.

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes is representing Mingo, Lawrence and SmithJoseph, while Attorneys-atLaw Eusi Anderson, Ronald

Daniels and Konyo Sandiford are representing Livan, Miller, February and Bab-Cummings.

Some of the charges the defendants face relate to misconduct in public office, conspiracy to commit fraud, forging a document and forgery.

Some of the defendants were slapped with a number of joint and individual charges. Some of those charges are, misconduct in public office, conspiracy to commit fraud, forging a document and forgery.

Mingo and Lawrence are facing a joint charge, which alleges that on March 5, 2020, in Georgetown, with intent to defraud the public, they uttered a certain forged document, that is to say, a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections, knowing said report to be forged.

Mingo also faced another joint charge with SmithJoseph. That charge alleges that on March 13, 2020, they uttered a forged document purporting to be a true report of all votes cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections, while knowing that the report was forged.

Additionally, Smith-

Former GECOM Reg. 4 RO, Clairmont Mingo Joseph faces two individual charges which state that on March 13, 2020, at High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, she conspired with Mingo and others to declare a fraudulent count of votes for District Four for both the general and regional elections.

Mingo, Lawrence and Smith-Joseph were each released on $100,000 bail.

Additionally Livan, who was named in a USB flash drive scandal surrounding the tabulations of votes that happened on March 5, 2020, was slapped with one fraud charge.

F e b r u a r y, a n o t h e r GECOM employee, is facing two counts of conspiracy to

PNC Chairperson, Volda Lawrence

Enrique Livan

Sheffern February

APNU+AFC Activist, Carol Smith-Joseph

commit fraud. Miller and Bab-Cummings, who are GECOM clerks, were both slapped with two fraud charges each.

It is alleged that between

March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, Mingo, conspired with Lawrence, Smith-Joseph, February, Livan, Bab-Cummings, Miller and others to defraud

Denise Bab-Cummings

Michelle Miller the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

In October 2021, Statements of Poll (SOPs) (Continued on page 18)

Standards Bureau destroys shoddy electrical fittings peddled by local businesses Although it was made clear by the previous administration in 2019 that businesses caught selling substandard electrical materials on the local market will face penalties, a few are still breaking the law, forcing the Guyana national Bureau Standard (GNBS) to destroy their stocks on Friday.

GNBS yesterday by way of a public statement indicated that its Product Compliance Department destroyed 5000 pieces of substandard electrical fittings that were seized from businesses during the month of May and June.

According to the entity, it had conducted a country surveillance activity to rid the local market of substandard products it monitors.

In some businesses, the Product Compliance Department found extension cords (drop cords), lamp holders, receptacles, power strips, cables electrical breakers and plugs that were of poor quality and

improperly labeled.

The businesses were reportedly given 21 days to submit test certificates to prove that their electrical products were above standard but failed to meet the deadline and as such, GNBS was forced to destroy them.

“GNBS is once again reminding businesses to adhere to the requirements for products they import to resale. The reason being, explained GNBS is to ensure compliance with the rules and consumer safety.”

In 2019, the previous coalition government had announced that it was moving ahead to crackdown on substandard electrical products being imported into the country.

Kaieteur News had reported back then the new rule to clamp down on these products would be in effect from January 1, 2020.

The reason behind the move is to ensure consumer safety. It was reported that

substandard materials used in homes can cause catastrophic disasters such as fires.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was also instructed to monitor the port of entries and GNBS was tasked with inspecting the local markets.

It was also made clear that if any unlicensed electrician is caught wiring a home, they can face jail time and pay fines. The government has changed since then but the rule remains the same.

Some of the substandard electrical fittings that were destroyed by the GNBS on Friday. (GNBS photos)

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 25, 2022

PAGE 13

US$106.4M contract inked for Ogle to Eccles by-pass four-lane road

By Alliyah Allicock The long awaited contract for a four-lane road link between Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) was signed on Friday.The contract valued US$106.4M was signed at Ogle yesterday, by the Ministry of Public Works' Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud and Ashish Kataria, Director of Ashoka Buildcon Limited, the contracted company.The project is being financed through a loan provided by the Indian Export Import Bank.

Delivery brief remarks at the signing ceremony yesterday, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, reported that the project would see the construction of a 7.8 kilometres, four-lane highway. Each one of the lanes, he said, would be 3.6 metres wide and that there will be a median

in the middle of the highway.

Some of the features include a connector to the Eccles access road, sidewalks and a number of structures constructed along the way.Minister Indar who expressed gratitude to everyone that played a part in having the project come on stream said, the new road when completed, will bring a lot of relief to the citizen of this country.

The Minister was of the view, that the road would not only ease traffic congestion but it would also help commuters who wish not to travel through the city, to get to areas of the East Bank.

Substantive Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, at the ceremony remarked, this project is just phase one of connecting the East Coast to the East Bank.

“The intent is that this must be able to get all the way linking the Ogle International Airport with the Timehri International Airport. This

Scenes from yesterday's signing ceremony. is just Phase one and in that linkage, there is a number of connected roads bringing to us to what is now commonly known as the East Bank road,” he briefed.The road which would not only be connecting the two areas, would also open new (Continued on page 17)

(Seated from left) Ministry of Public Works Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud and Ashish Kataria, Director of Ashoka Buildcon Limited signing the contract for the new four-lane by-pass road yesterday.

Officials of the Ministry of Public Works, the Indian High Commission, Ashoka Buildcon Limited and Former President, Donald Ramotar turning the sod for the project at the intersection of the Rupert Craig Highway and the Ogle Airstrip Road on Friday.

Police still probing mysterious death of E/bo Hunter Region Two police are yet to solve the mystery behind the death of an Essequibo Hunter, Bharrat Ramdehol, who was reportedly killed on April 30 last, by a single gunshot wound to the stomach while on a hunting trip in the Bethany Backlands along the Essequibo Coast in the Region Two district.

Police had arrested two loggers who had accompanied Ramdehol on the trip but were later forced to release them from custody because they were not yet able to solve his case.

However, according to the Police Commander of the district, Shivpersaud Bacchus, they still have to report to police on a weekly basis “until further notice”.

The dead man's family told Kaieteur News on

Friday, the last update they got about the investigation into the man's death was that his case file was still with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Shalimar Ali Hack SC, awaiting her advice on the matter.

Commander Bacchus did speculate that it could be that file was already handed back to police but is yet to reach detectives in Region Two. He did not disclose much about the investigation but committed to providing an update the media on the developments.

Kaieteur News had reported back in May that Ramdehol had left his home at Maria Lodge, Essequibo Coast around 20:00hrs on April 28 last to go hunting with his tractor and shotgun.

This newspaper had learnt that the hunter had

Bharrat Ramdehol arrived at Bethany, where he left his tractor by a camp used by the two loggers who are only two suspects in the matter.

Relatives had reported that he is acquainted with the

two men and according to information received by this media house, the loggers alleged that Ramdehol had asked them to accompany him on his hunting trip, because he wanted them to assist him in fetching out “wild meat.”

It was unclear if they had entered the Bethany backlands soon after his arrival but Kaieteur News understands that they hiked a fair distance into the jungle in search of game.

The loggers had told investigators that while they were hunting during the late evening hours on April 30 tragedy struck. They claimed that Ramdehol had told them to stay behind while he walked further into the jungle to track a prey.

Claims were made that Ramdehol was taking safety

precautions and did not want the men close to him while he was discharging his shotgun because accidents can happen.

He reportedly instructed the men to listen out for his last shot so that they can follow behind to help him locate the prey.

The men alleged that around 23:00hrs, they heard Ramdehol fired his gun but had also heard him scream.

They claimed too that they heard a second shot followed by silence.

After waiting a short while, they followed his trail and allegedly found him wounded and laying next to his shotgun.

The loggers claimed that he was still alive and groaning in pain when they picked him up and fetched him out of the jungle but they

had to walk many miles and along the way, Ramdehol allegedly told them that he was in too much pain and could not continue the journey.

As a result, they allegedly decided to place him down along the trail and one of the men continued the journey out of the backdam to get help while the other remained behind with the Ramdehol.

The logger who stayed back claimed that Ramdehol bled to death in his care and he decided to leave the jungle too.

The loggers subsequently led his relatives and police to his body on Thursday May 5.

It was suspected that Ramdehol could have been shot by his own weapon in a gun trap but that was ruled out.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 25, 2022

PAGE 15

Elections COI parameters to be set on President's return to Guyana - AG A

s the country awaits the commencement of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the 2020 General and Regional Elections, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, says all matters surrounding the fact finding process will be ironed out on the return of President Irfaan Ali, who is currently out of country on official state business.

“All these matters will be addressed upon the President's return,” was the official statement of the Attorney General when asked for an update on the issues of swearing-in and Terms of Reference (ToR) to guide the CoI. Just before departing Guyana to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, President Ali disclosed that retired Justice of Appeal, Stanley John of the Turks and Caicos would be the Chairman of the CoI, while its other members are former Attorney General, High Court Judge and Acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean, Godfrey P. Smith, Senior Counsel; former Chair and Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr. S Y Quraishi and

former acting Chancellor of Guyana's Judiciary, Carl Singh.

Dr. Afari Jayan and Dr. Nasim Zaidi will serve as resource personnel to assist the Commission with its work.

The Attorney General said that at the time of the announcement, President Ali was preparing to leave the country; as such, the announcement was made as promised a week earlier and, “on his return, the President will deal with these matters,” Nandlall related.

President Ali had reported, that “in the coming weeks, the intended Commissioners and resource personnel will review the reports and documentation, set out modalities and commence work.”

Following the CHOGM in Kigali, President Ali and the First Lady are expected to travel to Suriname to participate in the Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition (SEOGS) 2022 in Paramaribo on June 2728.

Mainly, the ToRs which provides a description of what must be dealt with, considered and the limitations, has to be provided, while the commissioners will also have to be sworn in. CoIs

Chain snatcher gets 2 years Thirty-two-year-old Sherman Ken, of Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Friday sentenced to two years imprisonment for assaulting and stealing a woman's chain.

Ken appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

He pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated that on June 21, 2022, at Brickdam Access Road, Georgetown, he robbed Farida Ali, of a gold chain with a pendant valued $28,000. It was also stated that he made use of personal violence on the victim during the encounter. The court heard that on the day in question, Ali was walking along Brickdam Public Road, when Ken pushed her and snatched her chain. He then punched her about her body and ran away.

The woman subsequently raised an alarm and a city

Jailed, Sherman Ken police rank in the area managed to apprehend the defendant. A search was conducted and the stolen items were discovered.

President Irfaan Ali come with a cost, but none has so far been identified to carry out the exercise.

The Opposition parties have nonetheless called for a transparent handling of the CoI, particularly on the part of the government, since the CoI is not only to check on the actions of the opposition during the 2020 elections but the conduct of those involved in the process.

The Opposition Coalition has also been calling on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct its own review into the 2020 elections, as the agency responsible for the conduct of elections in the country.

Wi t h P r e s i d e n t A l i promising more than two

years ago to accommodate an investigation into the matter and recent calls increasing for a review to be done, the announcement was made by the president to host the CoI and identify the Commissioners during his speech honouring the Enmore martyrs.

In order to ensure transparency and some amount of fairness, the Opposition has demanded that it be part of the preparation of the ToRs, especially since the President, whose party contested the election, is the one commissioning the CoI with no input from the

Opposition since it would also have an interest in the matter. The Opposition, as such, is calling for itself, the Commissioners and the government to create the ToR collectively.

Opposition GECOM Commissioners had earlier this week, submitted a written motion for GECOM to conduct its own internal review as a semiautonomous body solely responsible for the holding of election.

Kaieteur News understands that no contact has been made with GECOM so far regarding its possible role in the CoI.

PAGE 16

VACANCY LAND FOR SALE LFS in Sheriff & Campbell v i l l e . Te l : 6 5 6 - 1 0 3 3 .

VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Prime Business Spot. Contact:683-3088 between the hours of 8:30-5:00pm Mond a y - F r i d a y .

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040.

FOR SALE CAT 215 excavator parts, steel trailor 16ft/8ft/2ft.Road painting machine.Tel:2750367/683-7225.

Tyre air compressor,2-excavator buckets.Dragline hammer 1 1/2 tons.Tel:275-0367/ 6 8 3 - 7 2 2 5 .

1 caterpillar backhoe $2.7M, Audi $1.7, TM Truck,Model M Truck, Cement Mixer Truck, front end loader,Mini Excavator, Daf Dump truck.

650-0402/652-0251.

1-3 bedroom house @ Blankenburg,Houselots@ Blankenburg,1 double lot @Tuschen.Contact:6500402/652-0251.

Use cars.Tel:225-3234.

Stall on Merriman's Mall, Alexander St Entrance.

C a l l : 6 5 8 - 3 2 7 4 .

2 cyclinder diesel lister generator set.Tel:624-8428.

FOR RENT 2 bedroom apartment located at 266 New Market St,parking space available.Call:633-1227.

Property for rent at Lot E Norton St,2 bedroom upperflat.Call:665-2042.

Small business place to rent,26 Norton & Creen Georgetown $60,000 monthly.

T e l : 6 7 1 - 5 3 0 7 .

CAR RENTAL Aidan's Car Rental.Tel:6281 1 8 3 .

Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

WANTED 1 experienced kitchen assistant age 35-45yrs 6-3:00pm, $20,000 Mon-Sat. Contact:656-9351/619-1640.

Female to take care of an elderly male,age 25-40 in Trinidad. Accommodations provided.Call or WhatsApp 1 8 6 8 6 8 3 1 5 2 8 .

1 general cook/general kitchen assistance to work in kitchen,preferably from the East Bank.Call:667-8441.

Assistant cook & one assistant ,$25,000 & $18,000 wkly,Male or Female.Call: 6 3 3 - 1 9 0 2 .

One experienced hairdresser and nail technician. Call:6863121/225-6492.

One experienced female Sales Clerk. Tel: 225-2313,2261 4 9 7 One experienced male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029, 6 1 6 - 5 9 5 4 .

Female cook to work in Interior. Must have experience age 25-30yrs.Call:689-4461/ 6 8 8 - 4 8 2 8 .

Female bartender to work in Interior,age 20-30yrs. Call: 689-4461/whatsapp 688-4828.

Two female workers to work shift system at guest house.

Tel:225-6337/668-0306 w h a t s a p p .

Maid Mon-Fri,age 30-50yrs old.Call: 618-1802 between 2:00pmand6:00pm.

One bodywork man to do preparation work at Industrial E.C.D.Call:649-4964.

Canter driver,must be able to work flexible hour,female to work in interior, live in maid 6 0 3 - 1 3 0 0 .

Refrigeration/AC Technician, must have a valid driver license.Call:629-4946/6899 8 5 6 .

Factory workers male & female.Apply to R.P's Enterprise area "k" LeRessouvenir E . C . D . Te l : 2 2 0 - 2 8 1 8 .

General domestic covid vaccinated for Friday & Saturday, salary $3500+250between Enmore to Unity,2590953/623-3231.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132.

Female Cleaner for office.

C a l l : 6 4 2 - 9 8 2 3 .

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Math, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to techserigy@ y a h o o . c o m Farm workers,maintenance/ semi-skilled,workers & labourers at P.S.G.C.S. Contact:621-6969/615-615-7784.

Pitmen for interior location.

Applicants must be experie nced.Call:231-2250.

Minibus & Taxi drivers.

Tel:225-3234/628-1183.

Kitchen/Counter staff at J & I Sweet Fingers Providence E . B . D . Te l : 6 1 6 - 3 4 9 2 .

Experienced driver.Apply in person Wieting & Richter, Water St Georgetown.

Experienced Cosmetologist/ Barber/Estheticians/Nails etc for full spa required at Nalini's Hair Salon 649-5005.

1 security guard requirement: work with dogs,valid police clearance.Contact:225-5818 whatsapp624-9505.

Experienced cashier and counter person.Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp & New M a r k e t S t .

Maid.Call:637-6700.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 23-50 car/van licence.

Call:642-9823.

Experienced Joiners,very attractive salary.For further details,please call:640-8969.

Receptionist,Hotel Attendant & Merchandisers .Email:info@vgiworld.com tel:640-0673/227-7714/2310 9 5 1 / 4 .

LEGAL NOTICE LAND REGISTRSTION AREA: Plantation Industry PARCEL: 450 (former Parcel 125) BLOCK: 1 ZONE: East Coast DemeraraPursuant to section 31 of the land Registry Act, Chapter 5:02. take notice that the following Declaration of Title was made by Madam Nicola Pierre Commissioner of Title, on the27th day of August, 2021 in respect of the Parcel: 450 (portion of former parcel 125) . Block: I Of Zone: EastCoast Demerara, Part of Plantation Industry As shown on a final Plan by T.A.K Fisher Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 1 0th day ol’ May, 2022 and recorded in the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission as Plan No. 80324 and (Land Registry)

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Land Registration No. 2030/ 2022.APP NO 352019,NAME & ADDRESS OF AWARDEE Chandrapaul Hemrup of Lot 58 Industry Housing Scheme East Coast Demerara. DECLARATION OF TITLE OF PARCEL 450 (portion of former parcel 125). ACREAGE 0.086.

Dated the 10th day of June,2022.

the Second and final publication of this Notice.TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 16 th day of September, 2022 at 9:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious at the High Court at Georgetown via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf. IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice ofIntention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts[Georgetown, Demerara].The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 20th day of June, 2022.

by way of advertisement of a Notice of Petition in 2 (two) consecutive Saturday issues of Kaieteur News news paper, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the world wide web. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Respondent be and is hereby granted thirty-five (35) days after the date of the second and final Publication of such Notice of Petition within which to file an Acknowledgement of Service, a Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/ or Cross Petition. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that an Affidavit of Publication sworn to by the Attorney-atLaw for the Petitioner with copies of advertisement exhibited thereto be deemed sufficient proof of service of Petition herein. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this matter is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 5 th day of September. 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Sandra Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 Password: 5hRiHf.

FOR COMMISSIONER OF TITLE 2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-695 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRI MONIAL JURISD ICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETI TION NO.: FD-695 BET WEEN:-(GOUVEIA) LESLYN BEATRICE nee GARDENER Petitioner/ Applicant-and-(GOUVEIA) MARK ANDRE Respondent TO:MARK ANDRE GOUVEIA(Last Known Address) Lot 662 Hasling ton Housing Scheme,East Coast Demerara, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 18 th day ofMay, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LESLYN BEATRICE GOUVEIA nee GARDENER, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 17th day of June, 2022 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of herPetition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of

2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-793 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRI MONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETI TIONNO.FD-793 BETWEEN: -(GARNETT) ALLISON MARCIA nee GRIFFITH Petitioner-and(GARNETT) CLAYTON RAYMOND Respondent BEFORE THE HONOUR ABLE MADAM JUSTICE SANDRA KURT ZIOUS DATED THE 13TH DAY OF JUNE,2022 ENTERED THE 21ST DAY OF JUNE,2022 UPON READING the without Notice of Application on the part of ALLISON MARCIA GARN ETT nee GRIFFITH, the above named Petitioner filed herein on the 10 th day of June, 2022 and the Affidavit of the said Petitioner sworn to and filed herein on the 10th day of June, 2022 in support thereof AND UPON HEAR ING the Attorney-at-Law for the Petitioner/Applicant. IT IS ORDERED that personal service of the Petition with Affidavit in Support of, Notice of Proceedings, and Acknowledgementof Service,by a person authorized by the Registrar be and is hereby dispensed with AND that the mode of Substituted Service of the said Petition with Affidavit in Support of, Notice of Proceedings and Acknow ledgement of Service shall be effected on the Respondent

2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-438 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRI MONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION APPLICATION NO.: FD438 BETWEEN:-FREEMAN (KELON KELVIN)Applicant FORDE (LASHANNA) Respondent TO: LASH ANNA FORDE (Last Known Address) Lot 379 One Mile,Wismar,Linden TAKE NOTICE that on the 31st day of March, 2022 an Application Relating to Child was filed against you

by KELON KELVIN FREEMAN, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the8th day of June, 2022 the Applicant was directed to effect service of his Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutiveSaturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, pub lished and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online) AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the

Saturday June 25, 2022

Health Ministry records 112 new COVID-19 cases

T

he Ministry of Health on Friday reported that within the last 24hour period, they have recorded a total of 112 new COVID-19 cases.

LEGAL NOTICE Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application Relating to Child then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition and/or a Reply to Application Relating to Child in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.TAKE NOTICE that the Application is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 29th day of July, 2022 at 11:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf of the High Court at Georgetown.IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknow ledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition and/or Reply to Application Relating to Child, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Custody.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].

The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Additionally, there were two patients reported as still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

According to its latest dashboard, 20 persons are in

institutional isolation, one quarantined institutionally and 862 are in home isolation.

To date, a total 64,814 persons have recovered from the virus.

Guyana among beneficiaries...

From page 10 the Dr. Vindhya Persaud, launched the Community Advocates Network at Guyana's Parliament Buildings in 2021, where those gathered recited the pledge and vowed to act on it in their daily lives.

In a statement to the press, the Ministry explained, “the EnGenDER Project, which is being implemented by the UNDP, is funded by the Governments of Canada and the United Kingdom, and seeks to address the issue of climate change impacts particularly on vulnerable groups such as women, children, youth, persons living with disabilities, and indigenous and tribal populations. Project partners include UN Women, the World Food Programme and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).”

To achieve national awareness and participation, subject Minister Dr. Persaud, has since urged all members of the public to join the campaign and encourage others to do so as well.

“We can use your skill, your voice, your commitment, so together we can say WE CAN and eradicate domestic violence,” she said.

Adding “if you have not yet gotten your pledge, get it from us so you can put it up prominently wherever you are, even if you want to put it up in your home and people visiting, you can understand our strong stance against violence.”

Having recognised new challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, EnGenDER reallocated part of the project funding in 2020 to support efforts to help stop violence, while simultaneously supporting the

people who have been victims of this violence.

“The EnGenDER Project committed over US$1M across nine countries toward these efforts, and Canada and the UK remain committed to supporting implementation efforts aimed at addressing the compelling needs of the most vulnerable segments of the population,” said EnGenDER Project Manager, Massimiliano Tozzi.

“In Guyana alone, the Project has also supported the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) which will benefit over 100 officers within the Guyana Police Force who are trained to handle GBV issues; and the distribution of 470 food hampers through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, which benefitted vulnerable women and other vulnerable groups, many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence,” Tozzi stated.

Other interventions in Guyana, include the supply of communication equipment including three GPS units, three satellite phones and three laptop computers to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, to improve real time communications and enhance data management and analysis in remote communities, to help improve disaster management, including COVID-19 response; and the broadcasting of television and radio Public Service Announcements promoting the MHSSS' 914 hotline.

The EnGenDER Project will further support the Ministry's 914 hotline through the creation of murals, along with a jingle with anti-violence message.

Extractive Industries especially...

From page 8 conducive to dealing with the issue existed but the government did not utilise it.”

The Leader of the Opposition was also keen to note that while he believes in the

sanctity of contracts, the Liza One Permit could have been used to rake in a better deal, without touching the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) government signed in 2016 with the oil company.

US$106.4M contract inked for Ogle...

From page 13 lands for housing, agriculture and industrial development, Minister Edghill pointed out.

The project which is expected to be completed in two years, will be supervised by RITES Limited to the tune of US$3.2M. Minister Edghill disclosed during his remarks, that the contract for the supervision service will be signed next week.

Bishop Edghill who urged the contractor to complete the project in a timely manner, also pressed for the employ of as

many locals as they can.

“We want you to make your mark; we want you to do well. We want to get this road in a timely manner. We want you to engage as many as locals that you can engage; we want you to hire as many locals as you can hire and we want to ensure that while you work…You have good community relations,” Minister Edghill told the contracting company.

As it relates to the residents of the nearby communities like Ogle, Industry and Goedverwagting who would

be impacted by the construction, the Minister pleaded for understanding and intimated that the inconvenience is only for a short time. Ashoka Buildcon Limited which was awarded the contract earlier in the year through a public procurement process is a four decade old company. It is one of India's largest construction groups that not only specialize in highways but also in large bridges, oil and gas, civil buildings, healthcare hospitals, power transmission and distribution systems and integrated technology projects.

PAGE 18

Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade; states can ban abortion WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has ended the nation’s constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years in a decision by its conservative majority to overturn Roe v. Wade. Friday’s outcome is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half

the states.

The decision, unthinkable just a few years ago, was the culmination of decades of efforts by abortion opponents, made possible by an emboldened right side of the court that has been fortified by three appointees of former President Donald Trump.

Both sides predicted the fight over abortion would continue, in state capitals and in Washington, and Justice Clarence Thomas, part of Friday’s majority, called on the court to overturn other high court rulings protecting same-sex marriage, gay sex and the use of contraceptives.

The ruling came more than a month after the stunning leak of a draft opinion

by Justice Samuel Alito indicating the court was prepared to take this momentous step.

It puts the court at odds with a majority of Americans who favoured preserving Roe, according to opinion polls.

Alito, in the final opinion issued Friday, wrote that Roe and Planned Parenthood v.

Casey, the 1992 decision that reaffirmed the right to abortion, were wrong the days they were decided and must be overturned.

“We therefore hold that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Roe and Casey must be overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion must be returned to the people and their elected representatives,” Alito wrote, in an opinion that was very similar to the leaked draft.

Authority to regulate abortion rests with the political branches, not the courts, Alito wrote. Joining Alito were Thomas and Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett. The latter three justices are Trump appointees.

Thomas first voted to overrule Roe 30 years ago. Four justices would have left Roe and Casey in place. Chief Justice John Roberts would have stopped short of ending the abortion right, noting that he would have done no more than uphold the Mississippi law at the heart of the case, a ban on abortion after 15 weeks. He wrote that there was no need to overturn the broad abortion precedents to rule in Mississippi’s favor.

Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan — the diminished liberal wing of the court — were in dissent.

“Wi t h s o r r o w — f o r t h i s Court, but more, for the many millions of American women who have today lost a fundamental constitutional protection—we dissent,” they wrote, warning that abortion opponents now could pursue a nationwide ban “from the moment of conception and without exceptions for rape or incest.” The ruling is expected to disproportionately affect minority women who already face limited access to health care, according to statistics analyzed by The Associated Press. Attor-

ney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department “will work tirelessly to protect and advance reproductive freedom.” He said in a statement that in addition to protecting providers and those seeking abortions in states where it is legal “we stand ready to work with other arms of the federal government that seek to use their lawful authorities to protect and preserve access to reproductive care.” In particular, Garland said that the federal Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Mifepristone for medication abortions. “States may not ban Mifepristone based on disagreement with the FDA’s expert judgment about its safety and efficacy,” Garland said. More than 90% of abortions take place in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, and more than half are now done with pills, not surgery, according to data compiled by the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

M i s s i s s i p p i ’s o n l y abortion clinic, which is at the center of the case, continued to see patients Friday. Outside, men used a bullhorn to tell people inside the clinic that they would burn in hell. Clinic escorts wearing colorful vests used large stereo s p e a k e r s t o b l a s t To m P e t t y ’s “ I Wo n ’t B a c k Down” at the protesters.

Mississippi is one of 13 states, mainly in the South and Midwest, that already have laws on the books that ban abortion in the event Roe is overturned. Another half-dozen states have near-total bans or prohibitions after 6 weeks of pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant.

In roughly a half-dozen other states, the fight will be over dormant abortion bans that were enacted before Roe was decided in 1973 or new proposals to sharply limit when abortions can be performed, according to Guttmacher.

Mingo and others return to...

From page 12 Mingo and others return to court on July 15 and Statements of Recount (SORs) were handed over to the defendants' attorneys on a previous hearing of the matter along with other statements and video evidence.

Earlier in 2021, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan had ruled on the mode of trial for Lawrence, Mingo and SmithJoseph. The Magistrate had ruled that the matter will be tried summarily. The police had announced in August

2020, that they will be conducting a comprehensive investigation into the criminal conduct of former Chief Elections Officer, Lowenfield; former Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers; Mingo and others, in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and the events that followed.

During the probe, several GECOM officials were arrested and placed before the court for electoral fraud charges.

Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Volodímir Zelenski

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Saturday June 25, 2022

Opposition protests Su revelation while Exxon robs Guyana silently everyday

- Civil society members

W

hile voices in civil society believe that the Opposition must take a stand against corruption in the country, they are equally dissatisfied with the joint parties' hasty rush to protest, c a l l i n g f o r t h e Vi c e President's resignation over the 'Su' revelation, while Guyana is being robbed millions silently everyday by the oil companies operating in Guyana.

One such advocate is economist, Ramon Gaskin, who does not agree with its silence on matters pertaining to the oil and gas sector.

“The Opposition Leader (Aubrey Norton) has to deal with critical issues like the oil sector and Exxon's rape of Guyana and the unfair deal that we are getting. The Opposition has not taken a really strong position on this matter. Although this week, I see the Opposition Leader said he does not want to do any more deals for the time being, but in terms of dealing with the “Jagdeo-Su” matter, it is not unusual for the Opposition Leader to raise matters of what he considers to be corrupt transaction.

The point here is that he has to do both,” Gaskin argued.

According to Gaskin, the Opposition Leader must play a more active role in the oil and gas sector and the country's economy.

Echoing his view was another member of civil society, Dr. Yog Mahadeo, who is also a member of an advocacy group- Article 13.

On Tuesday, the body mounted what it calls 'a

Article 13 member, Dr. Yog Mahadeo during a recent picket exercise calling for a better oil contract.

series of protest action' calling for the renegotiation of lop-sided oil contract Guyana inked with Exxon.

Dr. Mahadeo in an invited comment on Wednesday also said, while the recent revelation in the Vice News documentary raises eyebrows, the country must not become distracted from the bigger issue plaguing society.

He told this newspaper, “…we must not allow ourselves to become so distracted by Su, as to close our eyes to the significant issues of the oil revenues and the oil contract. We cannot and must not let the unfair, draconian and lop-sided oil contract prevail. The current Government promised to reengage and renegotiate the contract; it has failed its promise and now worships the (Raphael) Trotmansigned contract.”

I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e transparency advocate

reasoned, “yes, the Su allegations are important – it also tests the mettle of the President (Irfaan Ali) to see whether there will be any independent investigation that. But the fact is that the Su subject will pass by, but the Oil contract will continue to rape our country and our people.”

On another note, Dr. Mahadeo pointed out that over the past six months, civil society has won two major battles as the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the 2020 Elections have been announced, as well as an increase in wages for private sector workers.

To this end, he said the rally for a better oil contract must continue, concluding that “the Su-gate scandal can impact us now but the magnitude of the Oil Contract scandal has repercussions far beyond this Generation of

Guyanese.”

On Wednesday, Leaders and supporters of the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) protested the Office of the President (OP), demanding that Vice President Jagdeo vacate his office, and an independent investigation be conducted into the allegations leveled against him in a damning Vice News report.

In that documentaryreleased on Sunday last, the

Members of the Opposition during their protest action on Wednesday.

Economist and transparency advocate, Ramon Gaskin

Vice President's friend Su Zhi Rong, is heard telling the undercover journalist that Jagdeo collects bribes to get business done in the country.

The Leader of the Opposition has not had much to say as it regards the country's oil wealth at his weekly press conferences.

Norton has since justified putting off questions posed by this newspaper explaining that the Coalition's oil and gas team would deliberate and make an announcement.

Saturday June 25, 2022

Ramnauth, Deosaran spur Leguan...

From page 23 scored 75, while skipper Nicolas Sanachiran offered a fight with 36.

And at Ellesmere venue also in Scarborough, Canadabased Guyanese Rishie Samuel also registered a century (116*) to see Bacchus Ruff Riders beat Essequibo Coast on Saturday by 96 runs.

In another match, another Canada-based Guyanese Rakesh Ramoutar snared five wickets for four runs from four overs as his team BetterHope got the better of Ramblers Cricket Club in the same competition.

Better-Hope won by 73 runs.

Meanwhile, defending champions Mercenary con-

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

2022 Milo Secondary Schools Football Tournament…

Eight teams to face the axe this weekend - Four battles carded for today

Buxton’s striker gainfully advances against the Golden Grove defence.

Krishna Deosarran tinued to dominate proceedings having snatched eight wins from as many matches.

Several past Guyana players are currently representing Mercenary including ex-first-

class captain Damodar Daesrath.

The competition continues today and tomorrow with a bunch of matches across the Greater Toronto Area.

Saturday June 25, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A heightened level of intuition and understanding of others might catapult you to the center of attention at a gathering, Aries. Knowledge combined with experience results in wisdom today.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Communication with friends who have traveled widely could have you hankering to make a future visit to a distant place that you've always wanted to experience.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Dreams or visions could put you in touch with deep feelings that you may not have been aware of before, Gemini.

This could enable you to release traumas from your past and give you a new sense of lightness.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Relationships of all kinds are likely to be strengthened by an increased level of understanding today, Cancer. Your thinking is greatly enhanced by your emotional intuitiveness.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Dealing with the ups and downs of other family members could be easier for you today than usual, Libra.

You're less inclined to be logical and more apt to identify with what other people feel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today your mind is strongly influenced by feeling and intuition, Scorpio, so you'll be able to communicate especially well with others.

You might sense what they need to hear before. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You generally like to think of yourself as someone who faces life logically and rationally, Sagittarius, but today your intuitive side could prove a valuable resource.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your intuition is usually very strong, Capricorn, and your level of empathy enhances your relationships. Today, however, a burst of logic could enable you to see many things.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today your emotional intuition intensifies your mental abilities, Leo. Friends and family members are likely to grow closer to you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your intuition is heightened almost to the point of telepathy today. Aquarius, you may be able to sense what others want and need even before they know it themselves.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Relationships with those closest to you, particularly friends and love partners, should be enhanced by an increased understanding of their emotional world, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Getting in touch with your closest friends could bring about some intense communication, with many revealing some of your deepest concerns, Pisces.

As the Petra-organised 2022 Milo Secondary Schools Football Tournament beings to heat up, another four teams will unfortunately find the exit when the tournament continues today at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Ave. The day starts at 12:30 hours with Carmel versus Christianburg/Wismar of Linden then West Ruimveldt tackle Marian Academy in the second match from 14:00 hrs.

The third fixture of the afternoon will see Uitvlugt go up against Cummings Lodge at 15:30 hrs, while North Georgetown meet Canje at 17:00 hrs in the day’s last match.

Tomorrow, the knockout tally doubles after the other four matches are contested.

The action gets underway at the same time with Golden Grove billed to battle Annandale then Dolphin look to progress against New Central High at 14:00 hrs. In the penultimate match, Tucville will face Friendship while the day ends with the Lodge versus President College encounter.

Two days ago, the final match of the double header on Thursday evening saw Dolphin dominate Charlestown 5 – 1 to record

Sha’Carri Richardson...

From page 22 Tuesday, she tweeted a clip of that interview, noting, “I wish I never did this.

I wish I had the choice when it was time for me to tell my story.”

Days earlier, she had also tweeted cryptically about the US Anti-Doping Agency, suggesting it “give[s] us all these rules but can not follow themselves. Stop giving us rules that y’all can bend just to get more money.”

She offered no other context to those comments, running past reporters after her shocking finish in Eugene Thursday.

Richardson’s hopes for Worlds are not over. She will race in the women’s 200m, which will begin heats today at noon PDT.

their second victory of the tournament and progress to the next round, while Golden Grove outdid Buxton 4 – 2 on penalties after drawing 3 – 3 at full time.

Dolphin’s triumph was led by doubles from Jaquan Cole and Gerry Burnette, while the opposition scored a consolation goal with time about to expire in the final half.

Brian Burnette opened scoring in the 15th minute to achieve the feat of scoring in consecutive matches before Cole found high percentage opportunities in both the first and self halves as he con-

structed a brace in the 32nd and 40th minutes. Scoring in consecutive matches was an achievement also met by Gerry Burnette when he made his presence felt in the second half to score in the 47th and 64th minutes.

Charlestown’s lone goal was scored in the 58th minute by Mickelle Andrews. Dolphin added that win to the 4 – 1 victory they achieved over St. John’s College on the tournament’s opening day, Saturday last. That same day saw Charlestown advanced with a massive 10 – 0 win over Bishop’s High.

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Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Bangladesh improve in 2nd test but West Indies still classy GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia (AP) — Bangladesh showed progress in making 234 against the West Indies after being forced to bat first in the second test at Daren Sammy Stadium yesterday.

Bangladesh opened with 103 in the first test in Antigua and lost last weekend with almost two days to spare.

The West Indies’ class was still on show yesterday when it reached stumps at 67 without loss. Openers John Campbell and Captain Kraigg Brathwaite were unruffled in making 32 and 30 respectively.

But paceman Kemar Roach, who opened the bowling after taking seven wickets in the first test, didn’t take a wicket yesterday in 15 overs of work.

Anderson Phillip, given his test debut after Gudakesh Motie was tried in Antigua, earned the first wicket with his second delivery when he bowled Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 10.

Tamim Iqbal looked like he had his eye in while hitting nine boundaries for 46, but he was rooted to the crease while poking at Alzarri Joseph and was caught in the covers.

Those were the only wickets by lunch.

Anamul Haque, who last played a test eight years ago on the same ground, was developing a good rapport with Najmul Hossain Shanto until

Tamim Iqbal is put in a spot of bother. (AFP/Getty Images)

they were rapped on the front pads by Phillip and Kyle Mayers respectively, and lost reviews. Haque made 23 and Shanto 26.

Captain Shakib Al Hasan edged Jayden Seales onto his stumps on 8, and Nurul Hasan was caught behind on 7 after Alzarri Joseph glanced his glove.

Bangladesh were 159-6 at tea with Liton Das settled in, but as soon as he reached his 14th test fifty, he was dismissed by Joseph on 53.

The team passed 200 thanks to tailenders Shoriful Islam, who hit five boundaries

off Roach for 26, and Ebadot Hossain, who was 21 not out.

Seales and Joseph claimed three wickets each and Phillip and Mayers two each.

Campbell and Brathwaite showed there was no tricks in the pitch when they scored at more than four an over in 16 overs to reduce the deficit to 167 runs.

Scores: Bangladesh 234 (Litton Das 53, Tamim Iqbal 46, Jayden Seales 3 -53, Alzarri Joseph 3-50, Anderson Phillip 2-30, Kyle Mayers 2-35) West Indies 67/0 (Kraigg Brathwaite (c) 30*, John Campbell 32*) West Indies trail by 167 runs.

Sha’Carri Richardson shockingly fails to qualify for 100m final at USA Track and Field Championships Insider - American sprinting sensation Sha’Carri Richardson, who famously failed a drug test that disqualified her from the Tokyo Olympics last year, did not advance out of the heats in her signature event at the USA Track and Field Championships, which began Thursday night.

Richardson, who ranked as high as sixth in the world in the 100 meters, finished her heat in fifth place, with a time of 11.31 seconds, missing the cut-off to qualify for yesterday’s semifinal. The shocking result means she will not run the 100m at the World Athletics Championships next month in Eugene, Oregon.

It’s the latest setback for the 22-year-old sprinter, who has attracted controversy since she burst onto the scene as the US’s top quali-

Sha’Carri Richardson shockingly fails to qualify for 100m final at USA Track and Field Championships.

(Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) fier in the 100m for the Tokyo Games. However, days after her dominant run at the Olympic Trials, it was revealed that a post-race drug test came back showing traces of THC, a banned chemical found in marijuana.

In an interview with the Today Show days later, Richardson admitted to using the drug, speaking of the pressures she faced and the shock of learning of the death of her biological mother. On (Continued on page 21)

Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Fraser-Pryce, Blake, Seville and Thompson-Herah all advance to 100m semis

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made an impressive start at the Jamaican National Championships on Thursday.

SportsMax - Defending World 100m Champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce stole the show Thursday’s day one of the Jamaican National Senior Track and Field Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston with a blistering 10.70 to win her heat of the Women’s 100m.

Reigning Olympic Gold and Bronze medallists Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson were also safely through to yesterday’s semi-finals with times of 11.06 and 10.99, respectively.

2011 World 100m Champion Yohan Blake ran his fastest time since 2017 with a 9.93 effort to advance to the semifinals in the Men’s equivalent.

The fastest Jamaican in 2022, Oblique Seville, was also in fine form with an easy 9.98 clocking to win his heat.

Conroy Jones (10.00),

Ackeem Blake (10.01), Oshane Bailey (10.03) and Kemar Bailey-Cole (10.06) were also among the fastest qualifiers to Friday’s semis.

There was a surprise in the Women’s high jump as Kimberly Williamson won her seventh national title with a 1.88 clearance ahead of premeet favourite Lamara Distin on Texas A&M University who cleared 1.85m.

Distin, the NCAA Champion, twice broke the Jamaican national record this season and her best clearance, 1.97m, places her third on the world list this season.

“I just felt like my run-up felt wrong today. It wasn’t the perfect day to jump so I just feel like it’s one of those days I have to accept and move on from,” Distin said.

“My expectation at the World Championships is to be in the medals,” she added.

Ramnauth, Deosaran spur Leguan Warriors to victory in OSCL’s tournament a Former national youth players Devon Ramnauth and Krishna Deosaran struck a century each last Sunday for Leguan Warriors who defeated Essequibo Coast by 103 runs at Dean Park ground, Scarborough, Ontario as action continued in the 2022 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) Regular Season 20-overs competition.

Ramnauth hit 126 not out, while Deosaran was left unbeaten on 109 as their team piled up a formidable 278-1 from the 20-overs and then kept Essequibo Coast to 1759 at the conclusion of the game.

The Essequibian righthanded Ramnauth hammered 11 sixes and five fours while Deosaran slammed 13 sixes and four fours.

Devon Ramnauth They two also featured in a phenomenal 259-run second-wicket partnership.

When Essequibo Coast batted, Kenny Ramsawak (Continued on page 21)

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Saturday June 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

Swiss appeals court convicts ex-FIFA official Valcke of accepting bribes ZURICH, (Reuters) - A Swiss appeals court found former FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke guilty of forging documents and accepting bribes in a case involving World Cup media rights, it said yesterday.

The 61-year-old, who was secretary general of the world soccer body from 2007 to 2015, was sentenced to 11 months in jail and fined 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,900). Both penalties were suspended.

Valcke had been cleared by a lower court in 2020 of accepting bribes and aggravated criminal mismanagement, but Swiss prosecutors appealed against that verdict.

The benefits Valcke - who the appeals court acquitted on a separate charge of aggravated dishonest management - allegedly received included the rent-free use of a villa in Sardinia.

The property was owned

by Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain and of Qatar-based media group beIN Sports.

Valcke was also accused of accepting payments worth 1.25 million euros ($1.32 million) from a third defendant, a Greek businessman also convicted of bribery by the appeals court, linked to the awarding of media rights for

Former FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke returns to the Swiss Federal Criminal Court (Bundesstrafgericht) in Bellinzona, Switzerland September 14, 2020. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann) FIFA World and Confederations Cups. The appeals trial of Valcke and Al-Khelaifi, who had denied bribery charges, was held in March.

The appeals court, which reached its verdicts on Thursday, acquitted Al-Khelaifi of inciting Valcke to commit criminal mismanagement.

Al-Khelaifi, 48, had denied at the appeals trial that he had struck a “corrupt arrangement” with Valcke.

“That is totally wrong. It’s a false accusation,” he testified.

Valcke, who has been banned from all football-related activity until mid-2032

by FIFA’s ethics committee, told the appeals court his professional and financial situa-

tion had deteriorated since 2015 as he had no income.

“My health is all I have left,” he said.

Valcke had said he had asked Al-Khelaifi to help him as a friend back in 2013 because he was facing difficulties financing the purchase of the villa and of a new boat.

Valcke also said his request was not related to negotiations going on at the same time for World Cup media rights, adding the contract signed between beIN Sports and FIFA, also a party in the case, was financially very attractive for the world soccer body. ($1 = 0.9477 euros) ($1 = 0.9563 Swiss francs)

GFF President’s Cup Master’s Super 8 Over-40 football shifted to Sunday and Monday The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Georgetown Football Association (GFA) and Alex Bunbury Sports and Academy (ABSAA) will stage the GFF President’s Cup Master’s Super 8 Over40 tournament on Sunday and Monday , at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground Bourda.

Due to organizational issues the event was pushed back by a day after being originally set to commence today.

Eight teams: Beacon, Linden All Stars, Santos, Wales, Thomas United, Pele, Victoria Kings and Speak The Truth Master’s of Linden are the teams down to battle for attractive prizes on offer.

The tournament is for players born in 1982 and will

be played over the two days, starting from 10:00am each day.

The Format is 8 teams in 2 groups of 4 playing in a champion’s league setup, home and away, on the same day and the top 2 teams from each group will qualify for the semis and the winner from semis into finals.

Cash prizes and trophies and individual awards for MVP, Goalkeeper, Midfielder, Defence and Coach are on offer, while the teams will compete for: 1st place $100,000 GYD ($500 USD) 2nd $50,000 GYD ($250USD) 3rd $30,000 GYD ($150 USD) 4th $20,000 GYD ($100 USD)

Entrance fee is $10,000 for each team which will help offset some of the cost associated with hosting the event at the GFC. All teams are ask to be properly attired with uniform, socks and shin pads and be respectful of each other and the beautiful game.

The GFF official referees and medic will take care of officiating and medical emergencies on each playing day.

Junior Forrester can be reached at 592-696-0658 for more information.

Among the sponsors of the tournament are: GFF, GFA, Tge Outdoor Stores and Pet Shop, Darthan Investment, Trophy Stall, Outdoor Store and Pet Shop and Farfan & Mendes.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 25, 2022

PAGE 25

CG United Women's Super50 Cup

Noel's unbeaten 72 & spinners spur Windwards to victory...Leewards finish last again On the back of a wonderful unbeaten 72 from 61 balls decorated with nine boundaries from Carena Noel led the Windward Islands to a comprehensive 153 runs over bottom of the ladder Leeward Islands in the fifth place Play-off of the CG United Super50 Cup yesterday at Providence.

Noel added 50 for the seventh wicket with Qiana Joseph who hit 30 with four

boundaries after opening batters Jannillea Glasgow (22) and Kimone Homer (28) had provided the Windwards with a solid 57-run foundation, while Skipper Afy Fletcher chipped in with 15.

Amanda Edwards (3-30), Rozel Liburd (3-34) and Tiffany Thorpe (2-47) were the main wicket-takers for the Leewards who bowled out for 90 in 21.5 overs

despite 24 with three fours and 20 with two fours Tiffany Thorpe.

Tracy Byron (3-32), 40year-old Pearl Etienne (2-20) and Jannillea Glasgow (225) were the leading bowlers for the Windwards who took the fifth spot.

Today from 9:30 AM the much anticipated finale will be contested between 50overs defending Champions Barbados and reigning T20

Trevon Prince is through to the boys under20 800m final at Jamaica National Trials Guyana's Trevon Prince is through to the boys under20 800m finals which is scheduled for today at the National Stadium in Jamaica.

Prince is competing at the Jamaica National Trials which is being held currently hoping to be selected to represent his country.

At present Trevon Prince is the fastest Guyanese Junior Athlete in the 800m with a

time of 1:54. Best wishes were extended to Prince by several Guyanese in the Diaspora who are supporting him. His remarkable improvement has been attained in less than one year during his stint at the Jamaica College. The Andy Medas King and Pansy Adonis Foundation has been instrumental in aiding Prince stint in Jamaica.

The board tells the story, Trevon Prince produced the third fastest time in the heats.

Blaze champions who dethroned the Bajans in that

format Jamaica.

(Sean Devers)

Carena Noel

rts o p S

Bangladesh improve in 2nd test but West Indies still classy

Anderson Phillip struck in his first over of Test cricket. (AFP/Getty Images)

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made an impressive start at the Jamaican National Championships on Thursday.

Swiss appeals court convicts ex-FIFA official Valcke of accepting bribes Marc Bonnant, lawyer of Chairman of Qatar-based media group BeIN Sports Nasser Al-Khelaifi, former FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and his lawyer Patrick Hunzicker leave the Swiss Federal Criminal Court (Bundesstrafgericht) in Bellinzona, Switzerland September 14, 2020. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann)

Fraser-Pryce, Blake, Seville and Thompson-Herah all advance to 100m semis Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.