Kaieteur News

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Female bartender NEWS goes missing after - bar owner and drinking spree friends in custody AIETEUR

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

Sunday Edition June 26, 2022

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $150

Online readership yesterday, 57,069

Exxon's bills for searching for oil top US$406M for past two years …to skyrocket in >>page 12<< future with dozens of

exploration wells planned

Oil contract gives minister power to let ExxonMobil take back Royalty- GRA Boss ...says was not done but contract does not explicitly rule out recovery

Comedians heading to show end up in river after boat mishap Deeds Registrar & Deputy collect over $9M gratuity despite not being contract employees - Board votes for return of money

Guyana should not await model PSA to reap benefits from oil resources

Protest continues in New York for better oil deal

- bring changes to Exxon contract now - Glenn Lall

ExxonMobil joins Govt. seeking more time to respond to tax waiver court case by Glenn Lall Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @11am, 4&7pm on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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

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

EDITORIAL

Fossils and renewables balance must be found

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Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

t may be argued, as horrible as it sounds, that Vladimir Putin, did the world a favour. His so-called special military operation in the Ukraine has opened the eyes of many powerful global players of yet another damaging fallout from continued overemphasis and overdependence on fossil fuels, long the reigning king of energy. The continued pressure on food prices, the squeeze on European natural gas supplies, with winter looming just a few short months ahead, and the devastations of greenhouse emissions and climate change have all seemingly brought the world to its senses. In short, it is madness to keep going down the same road, and offer self (individual countries) as helpless hostages to the fossil fuel addictions.

There is an answer that provides a way out of the stranglehold that fossil fuel and its byproducts have over the world. When it is approached partially and gradually, but with a determined attitude and increasing swiftness, then renewables go a long way in solving the problems associated with fossil fuels; or, at least, giving an option to be considered wisely and seriously. Renewables is the direction in which more places on this planet are leaning with conviction and strength. It is a matter of economics, and of survival also. For when there is an endangered planet, an already wounded one in many areas, then the instinct for self-preservation takes over, and towers over all other considerations. Thus, renewables are gaining more and traction, and increasingly come across as the alternative to be pursued.

The UN is pushing hard towards this kind of thinking.

It makes for wisdom, given what the science of climate change has proven beyond argument, other than those from mega oil company leaders. The fact that it is cheaper and cleaner are among the chief selling points. Many countries are climbing on to that bandwagon because they have been hurt repeatedly by the volatile nature of fossil fuels, inclusive of its supply, its prices, and its power and record for holding whole nations, if not hemispheres, to ransom. In other words, fossil fuels can be too easily weaponised, and the world has grown impatient with being victimised from time to time.

This kind of talk and this degree of insistence surrounding moving away from fossil fuels pose a problem for Guyana. As a new oil producer there is great enthusiasm to capitalise on our good fortune, which has its merits.

After all, the oil staying in the ground is not a sensible posture, not with a poverty-stricken nation looking eagerly at its expected prosperities. The urge to produce oil, and as much of it as quickly as such can be done, has taken hold of leaders. It is going in a direction different from that being pressed for by the world, and is already attracting much attention.

Our position at this paper is simple, and we believe that it is wise. We must take advantage of our oil and gas wealth with an eye to the leadership temperature in the global environment, but with the necessary benefits in place in both the financial and environmental spheres.

The talk is of transition, and from many authoritative sources. Our own regional Caribbean Development Bank head has called for this transition, but that it must be prudent. The region must go about it carefully, but not as slowly as has been the case. There must be acceleration, and the answer is in a combination of fossils and renewables, with more intense weaning away from the former.

Our oil leader, Vice President Jagdeo disagrees. It is our gift, and we must make use of it, hence, we must produce, regardless of what the rest of the world is doing.

Interestingly, this former Champion of the Earth is now a dogged fossil fuel convert. Strangely, he says that renewables using solar, wind and water sources are “very, very expensive” (KN June 21) when compared to the greater than US$1B Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project he prefers. We still dont know the final cost of that GTE project, yet he makes the comparison with such thoughtless zeal. It is either that he is missing the boat or, as Guyanese say, the boat already gone over falls.

Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

VICE News story should cause Govt. to tone down arrogance DEAR EDITOR, The VICE news international story on American TVs “Showtime” was a damp squib, but it should have severely humbled the Government side to come down from its high horse and ask how will that play out in the 2025 elections. Stories of corruption brought down the PPP in 2015. VICE did not provide any specific evidence of wrongdoing that the Vice President at a specific day and time, at a specific place, took a specific amount of bribe, from a specific person, for a specific project. What the show did was to raise

many questions about the spectre of bribery and corruption that has bedeviled our nation for many decades and kept our nation in persistent poverty. Our President calls us, a rich nation of poor people. There is more in the mortar than on the pestle. The ABC/EU countries on World Press Freedom Day 2022 had given our journalists a hint when their joint press release stated, “Press attention to accountability has never been more important in Guyana with a historically large revenue stream entering government coffers and a regularly stated intent to use

those resources for a development agenda that cuts across all regions and races. Outside of KN and SN, we do not have investigative reporters. To coin a new term, what we have are “Praise Journalism” or “Cheerleading Journalism,” as represented by folks such as Newsroom and the “Gaff Man” as President Ali has called him. That fellow should be called “Guyana Praiser,” or “Guyana Cheerleader,” not “Critic.”

I do not believe VICE wanted to show us as a “backwater country” nor do I believe it wanted to denigrate Third World leaders. They did

give Mr. Jagdeo the title of “Champion of the Earth.”

Third World leaders bring denigration upon themselves by the fleecing of their countries, siding with the rapacious business classes and impoverishing their people. I do believe that Vice News has “malicious” intent to smear Guyana/China relations, as the Chinese Ambassador has said. The clip by Mr. Biden in the show gave it away. The clip cited President Biden as saying, “China has an overall goal to become the wealthiest country in the world and the most powerful country (Continued on page 5)

Sunday June 26, 2022

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Int’l solutions - why, for how long more? Victory or Trickery

DEAR EDITOR, A word long in the local domain grabbed my attention, and held on a little longer. It is international and international has come to feature prominently in too many crucial things that a truly independent nation should execute for itself, or be getting better at doing. Given what is going on, I would argue that we cant be considered an independent nation, but a most dependent set of people, without compare currently.

Quickly running through our present concerns, I collide with a call for an international audit of our public procurement process (awards); another call for an international inquiry into the sordid matter involving allegations of being on the take surrounding the Vice President; and in answer to the call for a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into to our troubled elections of 2020, there was an international team announced recently. The nations 2020 elec-

tions itself boasted almost as many international presences as local voters, to stretch things a bit. Further, there have been other issues with international coming up as the almost reflexive reaction to just about anything and everything, not ignoring even the routine. As examples, I tender murders on the West Coast Berbice, and award of oil blocks, to name a couple.

Thinking of this, I conclude that even in instances when we possess people and skill, we have lost the ability to trust ourselves; and when we did so, out the window went self-respect and simple dignity.

I recall the studied putdowns from the CCJ during our elections challenges that wended their way to there.

Those meant nothing to us.

In addition, we are deadly fearful of each other, and when that is absent then blind prejudices take over. How long we will continue to go down the all-purpose interna-

tional solution for our travails is up in the air, but I dont detect that that mindset will change anytime soon. I am probing in all this to determine where the much-heralded self-determination is that comes up from time to time. I am also questioning myself, as to whether national independence meant anything to us. Clearly, it has enslaved us more than we were before, especially when national rarely is part of the conversation for controversial social and political issues.

In a milieu like this, it is senseless to speak of meeting of the minds, when we have the greatest difficulty meeting (and greeting) each other as respected equals on common ground to search for solutions to our intractable troubles. It is why international is our readymade answer to most of the important issues in Guyanese life. Looking again at all of this international business, requiring international presences deliver-

ing international answers for national disputes, and wonder where all this would lead.

Obviously, no change in individual and national psyche is forthcoming. Nevertheless, I still exhort that our leaders and our peoples-brothers and sisters all-look at themselves again, and question how long we can or will continue in this deplorable manner. Definitely, we have outsourced our duties, are content with being absentee citizens, and cherish a plantation and estate mentality that always looks upwards and outwards for settlements. I am as proud as the next man, and consider myself the equal to any, because of a God given endowment to be self-sufficient. The answers reside in me, us, here.

Thus, I stand.

The sooner that we can come to terms with such confidence, the mandatory selfesteem, then I believe we can overcome our hesitancies.

We have to cease (Continued on page 6)

VICE News story should cause Govt...

From page 4 in the world… thats not going to happen under my watch.”

What VICE got right is that “Guyana is for Sale.”

Both the PNC and PPP have sold us out. They say to Exxon and friends, just take everything and do whatever you want 11+ billion barrels of oil and counting - and leave us a “lil freck” such as a 2% royalty. State assets are taken from national projects and given to private interests. The Government salivates as foreigners are brought in to take over our gold, lands, and critical natural resources. We push foreign franchises rather than build up our own local

businesses, etc. Guyana is for sale but the money is not going into the pockets of the “small man.” As the song says, the “small man is the real man, when he dead and gone.”

Mr. Jagdeo is a PPP almighty “god” who is hugely popular and a rock star among the masses, including PNC supporters. He was our longest serving democratic President, and architect of our recovery from draconian PNC policies which left us just above Haiti in world rankings.

(But Haitis currency is higher than Guyanas!).

He thinks he has more to give. Some say he is a “fifth term” President as he has an

oversized role in Guyanas politics, and is the Vice President of all things, crossing all ministerial and presidential lanes. To honour his legacy, we must name something after him such as “The Bharrat Jagdeo Skeldon Factory,” “Jagdeo Berbice Bridge,” “Jagdeos UG Berbice Campus,” or “Jagdeos Amaila Falls Hydro Project.”

The PNC side would most likely like to see the demise of Mr. Jagdeo as he has been a “thorn in the flesh” for them.

People see Mr. Jagdeo as the one who can keep the PNC under heavy manners, as Mr. Norton seems quite inexperienced and clueless right now.

Both parties have had

charges filed against their Ministers and top-level leaders. In 5 years, the PNC secured no convictions of PPP folks. Under the PPP, past top PNC Ministers and officials are facing specific charges of wrongdoing.

Over the decades, neither the PNC nor PPP have clean hands. Thats why a new Third Force must emerge quickly to take back Guyana.

Its our wealth and our country, and we must support the nationalists among us who want poor peoples lives to improve now. We want the good life now! Wake up Guyana!

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

DEAR EDITOR, The announcement that some of the oil blocks will be relinqu i s h e d b a c k t o Guyana so it can be auctioned off and the country would get some cash, sounds like a victory to be celebrated, if so then good for Guyana.

We must know however, if it will a public (open) auction, or a private (closed) auction.

An open auction will be public, very competitive and all information will be known, a private auction however will be done in secret and the details would be unknown as it will be protected by non-

disclosure agreements.

Whom it was sold to, for how much and other details would be unavailable.

Watch out for this, as the leaders of this country are grandeurs in trickery and deception.

R. David

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor.

Say no to it.

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Sunday June 26, 2022

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A response to the assertion by Prof. Brandli that Local Content will inhibit the growth and competitiveness of the local private sector DEAR EDITOR, I read, with great interest, a letter carried in the June 25th, 2022 edition of the Kaieteur News in which a Professor in the field of natural sciences, by the name of Andre Brandli, sought to make an assertion that ‘as long as the current local content law is in place’ Guyanese companies will not grow and become competitive in the international environment. The opinion proffered in this piece, whilst prima facie, appear to follow a logical flow is subjected to several failed attempts by the author to concatenate concepts which are absent of correlation and glosses over important dimensions of local content.

The first three (3) paragraphs of the letter was dedicated to commentary on Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Timothy Tucker and adumbrating the litmus test for what constitutes a ‘Guyanese company’ under the letter of the Local Content Legislation

(LCL). In these first 3 paragraphs, the author interjects commentary, intermingling fact with his opinion. He asserts that ‘negative developments were foreseeable from the beginning’ and that ‘implementing a stringent local content legislation in a country with less than 800,000 people was calling for trouble.’ The author highlights that ‘rent-a-citizen’ and ‘fronting’ tactics were inevitable to occur, a concept which he ties to the country’s population size.

It is difficult to understand the mechanics behind the author tying local content, with the population of Guyana and ‘fronting’ and ‘rent-a-citizen.’

Countries, irrespective of their population size, face this issue.

The incentive to cheat on the legislative requirements of LCL bears no correlation with the size of the population. It is profit-maximizing behaviour of an economic agent that the regulation is curtailing; with a view for the development of the sovereign.

Int’l solutions - why...

From page 5 allowing ourselves to be pawns in the domestic game, like children trapped between warring parents.

We must think that we are better than that because we actually are. I do. We must give ourselves a chance, test ourselves, appreciate what we are made of, for

only then we can wean ourselves away from this crass international dependence, and stand proudly and confidently on our own feet.

Only then, will we manifest that we have arrived, have what it takes to be citizens.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

The letter then digresses into stating that the primary objective of the LCL was to ‘give Guyanese priority in filling new job opportunities in the rapidly expanding oil and gas industry.’ This is a uni-dimensional view of local content and, if viewed in this fashion, has the potential to gloss over other important benefits which accrue as a result of the LCL; benefits which have been demonstrated over the long trajectory of history with countries undertaking similar forms of growth promoting instruments. LCL can be taxonomical viewed as covering the following dimensions: 1.

Employment opportunities; 2.

Supply and procurement opportunities; 3. Technology transfer; 4. Workforce development; 5. Monitoring and enforcement of penalties and; 6. Enhancement of the international competitiveness of the Guyanese private sector.

As the letter continues, the author gives a scant recognition of a ‘further goal’ of the legislation as being to promote local entrepreneurship.

In actual fact, four (4) of the six (6) aforementioned dimensions serve to improve the state of enterprise in Guyana and, by logical extension, the state of the Guyanese economy. The author makes some suggestions on how the state of the private sector can be improved. I take no contention with some of the recommendations made but the insertion of this was at intellectual incongruence with the thrust of the letter as per the captioned title. The existence of an LCL does not mean that the government or the business support organizations (BSOs) work ends in its quest

to improve the state of the private sector in Guyana. As such, I shall not venture to examine merits and demerits of the policy suggestions.

This can be the discussion encapsulated in a subsequent missive.

The most important shortcomings of this letter however by Professor Brandli are included in the penultimate paragraph where he articulates that the LCL was ‘crafted in reality to protect local business people in the private sector from foreign competition.’ As I have demonstrated earlier, there are six (6) important dimensions to the LCL instrument – a point which the author does not take into consideration in his postulate. As such, the ‘reality’ of LCL being crafted to protect local enterprise from foreign competition is an assertion with a logic leap that lands at an overly simplistic conclusion.

It becomes pellucid that there has not been a thorough intimation with the LCL by the author since the reality is ignored that the LCL only circumscribes percentage procurement to be done from Guyanese enterprises in 40 service areas, when there are in excess of 175 service areas existing in the petroleum industry to which service can be offered without a local partner.

Therefore, approximately 80 percent of the service provision in the industry remains completely open to international investment without the use of a local partner.

The author also ignores the reality that the LCL is only applicable to that circa 20 percent of service provision

Road troubles at West Bank Demerara DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me a space to highlight two issues affecting motorists living on the West Bank Demerara. The first issue is the deplorable state of the public road starting from La Grange going all the way to Patentia, which is in urgent need of repair. The road is littered with potholes (quickly becoming craters) and bumps.

In order to avoid these holes, we are forced to drive in the other lane provided there is no oncoming traffic, otherwise we have to come to an almost stop in order to drive over the holes/bumps.

The state of the road is especially deplorable at the junctions of Canal No. 1 (before and after the bridge), Bagotsville, Nismes (by the

Gas station), Goed Intent, Sisters Village and Wales (just after the estate).

The second issue is lack of Street lights along some sections of the public road and due to the fact that at some sections there are no houses only farmlands, it is pitch-black at night. This makes it extremely difficult to drive at night especially when facing oncoming vehicles with the high beam/ LED light that are blinding.

We would appreciate if lights can be installed to aid motorists at night.

I sincerely hope my letter is read by the relevant authorities and immediate action taken.

Regards, Davin Appanah

in the petroleum industry. All of the dozens of sub-sectors, many of which grow concomitant with the petroleum industry, remain completely open and supported by an accommodating Investment Act (2004).

Additionally, the author ignores the fact that even in the situation that a service must be procured from a Guyanese company, this does not eliminate the participation of a foreign investor; it only circumscribes that the foreign investor must participate as a 49 percent owner and director of the venture.

The most flagrant violation in the penultimate paragraph, however, is the author ’s assertion that Guyana should follow a similar development path of ‘success stories’ such as ‘Singapore, Taiwan, Switzerland, Denmark, and the UAE.’ He cites that these countries ‘have small domestic markets, harbour export-oriented innovative industries and services, and function as open economies.’

It perhaps may be an ignorance of economic history on the part of the goodly author that he cites these examples as though these countries exist devoid of their historical context. Both Singapore and Taiwan – commonly referred to as part of the East Asian Tigers - employed ‘industrial policy, in the form of infant industry protection and export promotion, in order to even the com-

petitive playing field with the more advanced economies.’

(UNCTAD, 1996). Switzerland during the 1990s employed a series of instruments including Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) requirements, the ‘prise-en-charge,’ amongst others, to support and promote their domestic industries. (WTO, 1995). Denmark infamously protected its local dairy industry (Henriksen et. al, 2012) and its wind turbine sector (UNCTAD, 2014).

The UAE does have LCL which is used to great effect for the promotion of the local industry and to great effect in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This has been the subject of many papers including (Elborai et al, 2018) and (Olawuyi, 2017).

We, the Guyanese, will be well served as a nation in ensuring we continue to strike the balance between promoting domestic enterprise and fostering international investment. The two are not mutually exclusive, but rather, as both history and theory has demonstrated, constitutes part of a strong approach to economic development.

Yours sincerely, Richard N. Rambarran, B.Sc., M.A., M.B.A., M.Sc. Specialist, Business, Economics, Finance & Public Policy Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of Guyana Lecturer, School of Entrepreneurship & Business, University of Guyana

Columnist point on DEAR EDITOR, The discredited Mr. Su su su from both sides of his mouth. On one side he su su of clean hands, while on the other side about perceived bribe taking. On this contradictory and failed basis the call for resignation is made.

The piece by the columnist ‘Peeping Tom’s (KN June 22) is point on and food for

thought. A similar observational was made some time ago about the wielding of too much power authority and influence by one individual in the previous administration.

The points noted should be taken in the light given, and maybe, just maybe the stepping back from the limelight should be considered.

Shamshun Mohamed

Hiding in plain sight DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is in the market for a new location for its offices and is looking at sites in the suburbs of the city.

If it succeeds it will, as a high volume generator of traffic, continue to contribute to jams and delays that bedevil the experience of urban travelers.

But their experience would, in the long run, be richer if the agency succeeds in getting a spot in

the proposed inland Silica City, to which the newly built rapid transit roads will facilitate an exodus of related services, a process that will, over time, result in an appreciable improvement in the traffic troubled Georgetown.

But, like the elephant in the room, these possible benefits will remain invisible as long as the search continues to focus on the suburbs.

Regards, Mr. Fitzroy Collins

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B L B B Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

There are times we, as a people, find ourselves caught up doing busy work thinking that we are making a colossal impact.

But what some fail to realise is that there are occasions that we must do some introspection and see where each of us, as individuals, have erred.

Maybe if we consider the truth of 2 Chronicles 7:14, the troubling tides of life may transform into a needed calm.

The scripture says: “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

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Sunday June 26, 2022

Oil contract gives Minister power to let Exxon take back royalty - Statia …says was not done but contract does not explicitly rule out recovery Oil producing countries across the world have been robbed of their lawful benefits due, through skullduggery involving taxes and royalties to be paid to the tune of billions of US dollars.

As such, when the matter of whether Esso Exploration and Production Guyana L i m i t e d (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—and their partners, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. and China National Offshore Oil Company were recovering the two percent royalty paid to Guyana, it sparked a debate.

This since, among other reasons, EEPGL's financial statements lists royalty payments as an expense after which it realised G$132B in

profit last year and would have had to be making royalty payments on crude sold since December 2022.

While Guyana's accounts have reflected receipts of royalty payments, ExxonMobil along with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo recently insisted that the contractor was in fact, reducing its profit in order to make its royalty to payment to the country which meant, the country was securing a bigger share of the profits had.

This, since the formula for profit sharing under the agreement stipulates 75 percent of production be reserved as cost oil to make payments after which the contractor and government would split the profit.

This newspaper had on two different occasions confronted Vice President Jagdeo on the matter and after not providing an initial answer, proffered that the royalty was not cost deductible but was in fact tax deductible.

GRA Commissioner Godfrey Statia, yesterday in an attempt to provide clarity, confirmed that the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed in 2016 between the parties was in fact silent on the matter but pointed to a provision that allows for ministerial discretion.

According to Statia, on the matter of royalty, “Under Article 15.6 of the PSA under review, the contractor pays a Royalty of two

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

percent to the Guyana Government on the value of all petroleum produced and sold. This item (Royalty) is not explicitly mentioned as cost recoverable under Annex C, Section 3.1 (without further approval of the Minister) or 3.2 (with

approval of the Minister).

Further, it is not mentioned under Section 3.3 of Annex C as a Cost not Recoverable under the Agreement.”

According to Statia, however, “Even though Section 3.4 of Annex C, vests the power in the Minister to determine the recoverability of an expense not covered under the provisions of Section 3, such discretion has not been exercised by the Minister relative to Royalty.

Section 3.4 of Annex C reads stipulates, ​"Other costs and expenses not covered or dealt with in the provisions of this Section 3 and which are incurred by the Contractor in the conduct of the Petroleum Operations are recoverable subject to the

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia approval of the Minister."

According to the GRA Commissioner General, however, “Royalties paid to the Guyana Government is an Expense incurred in the production of income for the contractor(s), but is not allowable in the calculation of Cost Oil.” And as such, he reasons “It therefore follows that the 2 percent Royalty payment currently adds to the (Continued on page 8)

Sunday June 26, 2022

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Kaieteur News

The Buxton Proposal was an election gimmick Tacuma Ogunseye has written that had the Finance Minister under the APNU+AFCs Coalition done the responsible thing in dealing with the Buxton Proposal, he would still be the countrys finance minister.

This is the first attempt of any of the leading lights in the Coalition to address the real reasons why the APNU+AFC lost the elections.

It also represents an implicit shift away from the narrative that the PPP/C won the elections because of massive irregularities. That narrative continues to be pedalled by the APNU+AFC, oblivious to its absurdity and potential to foster a culture of political dishonesty as a virtue.

The Buxton proposal was first made by the WPA. The other Buxton proposal was a deceptive political device used to push another narrative: that the criminal insurgency based in Buxton was a consequence of economic marginalisation and neglect of African villages.

That narrative was equally the product of political dishonesty.

The WPAs Buxton Proposal has no roots in the one which emanated from within the bowels of the PNC/ R. Following the discovery of oil, Professor Clive Thomas had proposed that each household be given US$5,000 per annum and that this should come from 10 percent of the oil revenues. The proposal was to take the form of direct cash tranfers to households.

The Buxton proposal was a pre-election gimmick. Local government elections were due in November 2018 and General and Regional

elections, two years later. The proposal was timed with these elections in mind.

But it was also part of the myth-making within the Coalition. The idea had quickly spread that the discovery of oil meant untold wealth for Guyanas small population.

But that conjecture did not take account of the deal which was signed with the oil companies.

In this regard, the Buxton Proposal was not grounded in reality. Professor Thomas obviously did not do his math.

If he had, he would have realised that such a proposition would not be realisable because of the poor deal which the APNU+AFC signed.

When the proposal was first made, President Granger said he had not heard of it and therefore at that stage could not be either for or against the proposal. He called for more information, including how the cash grants were to be distributed. He wanted more analysis done to determine its feasibility.

Granger was not going to jump on any bandwagon without first considering the implications.

He was reported by the Guyana Chronicle as saying that it was important to work out a detailed plan for the use of revenues from the Oil and Gas Industry. He said any such plan has to address developments across sectors with major focus on education.

In making this assessment, Granger had stumbled upon a major shortcoming of the Buxton Proposal. It could not be assessed in isolation from a plan for the use of oil

revenues, including development across all sectors.

Granger identified another weakness. He said, “Right now, we are eating the cake before we get it.” The then President insisted that the country must first have an understanding of its profits before certain decisions.

That understanding came with the belated release of the Production Sharing Agreement. When that agreement was made public, it became clear that it was a lopsided deal which shortchanged Guyana and virtually rendered unfeasible the Buxton Proposal.

The PPP came out in support of direct cash transfers. But Jagdeo is a man with an accounting brain and thus he was not going to commit something that his party would not be able to deliver.

One year after, the Buxton Proposal was first made, Jagdeo came out batting for targeted cash transfers. He said, “In our manifesto we are going to be talking about targeted transfers to vulnerable groups, right at the beginning. So, we have to help single parents, we have to help children, we have to help the older people first. As capacity grows and we get more money we constantly have to see that its sustainable.”

The sustainability, however, depends on the math. And the math still does not add up. By 2027, Guyana is expected to produce 1.2 billion barrels of oil per day.

Ten percent of this would be still more than the total oil produced in Guyanas first year of oil production, the value of which cannot pay

Dem boys seh...

De waterfall man looking fuh Su Rent is now Mr. Rent. Dem boys bin going through de Classified Ads and dem nearly get a heart attack.

Dem boys see some rent dat so big dat yuh gah pay mortage fuh three or four properties with dat money.

And some ah dem landlords calling fuh US dollars, and dem house nah in dem highend area.

God help poor people in dis country? How dem young couple gan manage fuh survive pun dem small salary?

People calling $100,000 fuh one bedroom in de city.

De Waterfalls man looking fuh Su. Nat fuh ask he any questions about de Vice interview. Nor fuh serve papers pun he. Su is a rich man and if he renting, it gat to be big rent he paying, like some ah dem figures wah dem boys seeing in de Classified Ads De Waterfall man gat a house fuh rent and he seh how he know Su looking fuh a place.

He former landlord tell he, he gat to move out. Rent only pay up to May. We now in June and July coming up.

But de landlord nah want

he back. He nah even giving he Notice. De landlord want back he property. So if Su looking fuh somewhere fuh rent, he better contact de Waterfalls man.

It mek dem boys remember de time a landlord started to scream pon de tenant: “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? WALKING INTO MY BEDROOM WITHOUT KNOCKING!! WHAT IF MY WIFE WAS HERE?” De tenant reply, “I do apologise, sir. I thought you were still on vacation.”

Talk half. Leff half.

Oil contract gives Minister power to let...

From page 8 Government's take. Hence the Guyana Government presently receives a total of 14.5 percent in Royalty and Profit Oil (2 percent plus 12.5 per-

cent).”

Additionally, on the matter of taxes, the Commissioner General, in his public missive seeking to clear the air, said, “the 2 percent Royalty paid

to the Guyana Government is not a cost in determining Guyana's share of Profit Oil, but is an expense in determining the contractors' taxable income.”

US$5,000 per year per every household.

The money is simply not going to be there to meet a one million Guyana dollar annual payout to households. Not unless there

is a renegotiation of the oil contract.

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

Two more COVID-19 deaths, 111 new cases The Ministry of Health yesterday announced the deaths of two more persons who contracted COVID-19.

According to the Ministry, the latest fatalities are that of a 65-year-old man from Region Two and a 64-year-old woman from Region Three. Both persons died on Wednesday

while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

As a result of this, the countrys COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,251.

Further, the Health Ministry in its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 111 new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to

67,058. The dashboard revealed too that three patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 28 persons are in institutional isolation, 943 are in home isolation and two are in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 64,833 have recovered from the virus.

sweN rueteiaK

PAGE 10

Sunday June 26, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

I stand alone, time passes, I'm vindicated, but there is no joy

I

n 2019, I appeared in front of the magistrate requesting bail for AFC youth activist, Keifer Burnette who didn't have a lawyer (see my column of Tuesday, January 8, 2019, “African Guyanese 5 2 y e a r s a f t e r Independence”). He was picked by the police on a Friday night, denied bail and appeared in court on Monday morning.

My fear was that huge bail would have been imposed just for two grams of marijuana. I asked the magistrate for reasonable bail. Keifer died last year and when I read from the Attorney General about the legal changes coming to the granting of bail by both the police and magistrates, I immediately thought of Keifer. I wish he was alive to see those changes.

I can go through my archive of articles from more than 10 years and come up with not one or two but more

than 10 columns over a 10year period lamenting the cruel denial of bail by the police stations and magistrate courts.

In fact, I took Magistrate Judy Latchman before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for denial of bail to a woman the prosecutor informed the magistrate was wrongly charged (see my column, of Friday, May 13, 2016, “Magistrate Latchman should have recused herself).

I objected to Ms. Latchman presiding over the trial of Kwame McCoy, Jason Abdulla and Shawn Hinds for throwing a miasmic substance (it was not feces but that has gone into the record books thanks to a joke by then Kaieteur News editor, Adam Harris) on me. She didn't recuse herself, the JSC did not compel her to recuse herself.

That magistrate's performance in that trial was far, far from credible. But this is Guyana, of course.

So legal reform is coming to the bail system. It should have come a long time ago but a nation of sheep and hypocrites delayed the process. The sheepish population was too scared to denounce magistrates and police stations in the media.

The hypocritical dimension is too sickening to dwell on.

For the longest while, bail was cruelly dispensed in this country and not one editorial, not one lawyer, not one civil society organisation focused on it. When you criticise these people, they hate you.

The Bar Association never uttered a word about a man denied bail for finding a spent shell on the road or any other bail denial situation (see my c o l u m n o f T h u r s d a y, February 15, 2018, “Jail for spent shell: We are heading for another bloody mayhem.”)

I can go through my archive of columns on the horrible mistreatment of small depositors at

commercial banks and I will find more than a dozen articles stretching back more than 10 years. Not one civil society actor has ever made a public cry about it. Not one editorial has commented on it. Not one business organisation has made a public comment on it. The Bank of Guyana was never concerned.

It was the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who in a conversation with me said he was aggrieved at the situation.

What has been going on is that the banks have misinterpreted the essence and contents of the antimoney laundering act. They have pulverised small depositors through asinine attitudes that a modern society should not tolerate.

But no one speaks up in “sheepland” and no one could be bothered.

Finally, changes and commonsense in banking, as with the bail system, have

arrived. The bank manager last We d n e s d a y i n front of my wife and daughter Frederick Kissoon answered my question as to why going on in your account. every two years, w e h a v e t o m e e t t h e Your account is your savings. requirements of the law and Money laundering is the s u b m i t a l l k i n d s o f movement of money through the banks. That is so simple to documents.

The manager said: “No, understand.

With the pittance I have no, you don't have to do this a g a i n o n l y i f w e s e e in the bank, my wife, movements in the account daughter and I had to submit that need explanation.” How papers every two years. We long have I been writing on spent four hours in 2018 in this oppression – a long time the bank. Changes would have come a long time ago, if ago?

I argued that money t h i s c o u n t r y w a s n ' t a laundering is an action. Like wasteland of uncaring stealing, like riding a bicycle, humans. So after more than like fixing a pipe, it is an 10 years I am vindicated. But I find no joy in that. Guyana action.

If you have $10 million in is such a harsh psychological a bank that saw no deposits terrain.

(The views expressed in over a 20-year period then the banks are ignorant and stupid this article are those of the to check on you every two a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the years.

There is no laundering opinions of this newspaper.)

Female bartender goes missing after drinking spree - bar owner and friends in custody

By Shervin Belgrave Region Seven detectives are trying their best to find out what happened to a 19year-old female bartender who mysteriously disappeared on the night of June 17, last, after a drinking spree with friends at Martin's Landing located along the Mazaruni River in the Region Seven district.

The missing young woman has been identified as Anisa Miguel, a mother of one who hails from St. Ignatius Village, Lethem, Region Nine. Police have since arrested a bar owner and two sales girls who were reportedly among her drinking partners on the night she went missing.

Miguel had first started working in Region Seven, back in December 2021 after her friend introduced her to a bar owner at Tamakay Landing.

The young woman, later that month, returned home for Christmas to be with her four-year-old son and had ended up finding another job in her village.

However, according to information received by Kaieteur News, Miguel proved to be an excellent

worker and her “boss lady” requested her services again.

Miguel did not turn down the offer and travelled to Region Seven three weeks ago leaving her four-year-old-son in care of an aunt but on June 19, her relatives received the troubling news that “Ann” (Miguel) cannot be found.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Saturday, one of her aunts, Ingrid Miguel, said, “This girl went missing on the 17th but I only found out on the 19th when I received a text message from my cousin, saying 'you know Ann missing'.”

Ingrid said she could not believe what she was hearing and decided to inquire about Miguel's whereabouts. After family members received no positive word, they took to Facebook on June 22, last, requesting help to find the missing woman.

It did not take long for them to receive information about Miguel's last movements from persons in the area who had seen her drinking with friends at Martin's Landing.

The bar owner, who is presently in police custody, claimed that she knows nothing about Miguel's whereabouts and was not one

of her drinking partners.

Miguel's employer had alleged that she had left her business place earlier that day in a speedboat to accompany two salesgirls on a trip to Martin's Landings.

One of the sales girls had even taken a “selfie” of them travelling together in the boat heading to the location.

They had reportedly gone there to sell perfumes.

Miguel was later seen drinking with them and other individuals at a bar.

The boat captain had returned to pick them up but reportedly saw all of them drunk. It was further alleged that Miguel was “knocked out” and the boat captain did not want to take her on his boat.

The owner of the establishment where she was seen drinking had reportedly took the girl in and promised to take care of her but she went missing. Claims were also made that she was last seen dancing with a male patron before she disappeared.

However, since the media reports surfaced many persons have come forward claiming otherwise and are convinced that the sales girls

A “selfie” taken of Miguel and the sales girls hours before she went missing.

Missing, Anisa Miguel and even her employer might know where the missing woman is.

They agreed that Miguel was indeed intoxicated but was never left at the business place. Instead, they are alleging that Miguel had left the drinking spot with the sales girls and headed for the boat.

Meanwhile, as police try to unravel the case, a search

party is currently combing the area looking for the missing woman.

Miguel was last seen wearing a white top and white

cap. If anyone knows where she is or what might have happened to her, they are asked to make contact with police.

Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

Exxons bills for searching for oil top US$406M for past two years …to skyrocket in future with dozens of exploration wells planned

S

earching for oil in Guyanas Stabroek Block over the past two years will cost the nation through its oil resource, some US$406M, according to extrapolations to be made using the recently released Financial Statements for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPG)ExxonMobil Guyana.

This, since according to the records, EEPGL has listed as its Exploration Costs for the two years, at G$36,543,373,507 for its 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

As such it would mean Consortium partner, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd., would be responsible and thereby reclaiming on its 30 percent interest representing some G$24,362,249,005 while China National Offshore Oil

Company (CNOOC) for its 25 percent interest would assume claims for G$20,301,874,171 representing a total claims over the two-year period for exploration costs alone at G$81,207,496,683 (US$ 406,037,483.5).

It would be apposite to note that included in the wells searching for oil over the past two years in the Stabroek Block were five wells that turned out to be dry-holes.

It should be noted that the price tag for exploration more than doubled over the years with the costs expected to increase in the coming years.

EEPGLExxonMobils subsidiary plans to, by the end of 2025, spud some 52 wells across the Stabroek and Canje Blocks during a fiveyear period, having begun an

aggressive campaign in late December 2020.

According to the schedule of exploration activities for the company for the Stabroek Block, the company is currently engaged in an aggressive 25-well exploration campaign that begun back in June of last year. That drilling campaign is expected to last until the end of 2025.

This is in addition to a separate 12 well campaign that had started back in December 2020 in the Stabroek Block and ended earlier this year.

Additionally, the US super major is also gearing for a 12-

well campaign in the Canje Block.

An application for Environmental Authorisation has since been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the 12-Well Exploration and Appraisal (E&A) Drilling Programme in the Canje Block, offshore Guyana.

That campaign has since been put on hold following public objections to be considered by the EPA, as is catered for under the law.

ExxonMobil back in 2020 said publicly that it had identified considerable undrilled

potential of more than 50 leads in the blocks it operates in Guyanas offshore Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The oil major has also announced plans to do more drilling in prospects targeted in the Kaieteur Blocks.

Only recently, during the recently concluded International Energy Conference and Expo, ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, lauded the unprecedented achievements in Guyana.

With this in mind, he told conference delegates that the

oil company was still to explore in a significant portion of its concessions that could lead to further discoveries beyond the more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent that would mean future development opportunities.

The ExxonMobil boss was adamant “people need access to energy including the energy resolution right here in Guyana; as people become more prosperous the need for energy will increase” and expressed the sentiment of a long future ahead in Guyana.

Anti-corruption stance key in picking leaders of democratic states - Dr. Ashni Singh

By Zena Henry Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh has asserted that the ability of democratic governments to be transparent and open, will very much contribute to their suitability for re-election. The senior government member made the statement when the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance held an anti-corruption framework training workshop at the Grand Coastal Hotel yesterday. The event was well attended by members of the diplomatic community, representatives of foreign developmental agencies, senior state officials such as Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken, Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wilshire, civil society groups and transparency advocates.

The workshop was intended for various stakeholders to collectively acquaint themselves with the instruments that constitute the nations anti-corruption legal framework, while understanding their connections and roles within the whole. It was stated that under the stewardship of Minister Gail Teixeira, the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry recognised the need to have comprehensive documentation highlighting the nations elaborate anti-corruption framework; the relevant agencies, committees, anti-corruption treaties signed on to and other bodies that contribute directly or indirectly to the structure. As such, the Coop-

erative Republic of Guyana Anti-corruption framework (2022) was developed.

Minister Singh noted, however, that his government is fully committed to the importance of the fight against corruption in all of it forms.

“We believe equally, that one of most effective instruments in the fight against corruption is openness, transparency and accountability in government.”

“We equally believe that open and transparent and accountable government is an absolutely essential prerequisite in democratic governance, and we believe that democracy goes hand in hand with openness transparency and accountability.” The minister said that a government who subscribes to the norms of democracy must answer to its electorate which it must serve, “demonstrably”.

“It must present itself to that electorate and convince that electorate that it is worthy of re-election.” That, Singh said, is the nature of democratic governance and cannot be disregarded given the necessity of openness, transparency and accountability. A government that fails in this regard does so at its own peril; increasing the unavoidable consequence of eventually making itself unelectable.

In Guyanas own political governance and economic history, the countrys connection to openness and accountability across successive government has been seen, Singh pointed out. As for his political party, their commitment to anti-corruption both in and out of gov-

ernment has been shown before and after 1992 as well as before and after 2015; “the principle of submitting yourself to the will of the people and respecting the will of people when they speak. My party and my government is firmly committed to that,” and therefore prides itself on its unshakeable obligation to be open and transparent.

At the constitutional level, government would have enacted a raft of constitutional amendments in 2001 that significantly strengthened the governance frame work and reinforced the institutional architecture required for oversight and accountability. The convening of the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) is important in ensuring coordinating and sensitisation across agencies and beyond. As such, “We are under no illusion that our work is remotely done,” the minister charged. Having played an integral role in many of the current anti-corruption legislation, he said that work will continue in strengthening, elaborating and addresses the legislations that service to protect the nations openness and integrity.

Minister Teixeira said that yesterdays workshop had great significance in highlighting governments commitment to not only the constitutional rule of law, democracy and human rights, but to its commitment to strengthening the mechanisms and measures for greater transparency and accountability, inclusion and participation. It is important that to recognise that trust and confidence in institutions and democratic gov-

Dr. Ashni Singh during his address to the attendees. Minister Gail Teixeira sits far left with State Counsel Chevy Devonish

ernance is critical for managing a society in an organised manner where people have opportunities for representation to seek redress, expose issues and to have them corrected. The minister continued that nations are judged by the effectiveness of their laws and institutions that build trust.

The Ministrys NCC therefore deals with the governance issues regarding democratic governance and obligations as a nation to the treaties signed onto. Among those treaties signed on to are the Inter- American Convention against corruption in 2001, the UN Convention against corruption 2008, Lima Commitment, Democratic Governance against Corruption 2018, the UN General Assembly Special session against corruption 2021 and more recently, and the Commonwealth Caribbean association of Integrity (Continued on page 70)

The Anti-corruption framework document

Kaieteur News

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Sunday June 26, 2022

ExxonMobil joins Govt. seeking more time to respond to tax waiver court case by Glenn Lall

D

ays after A t t o r n e y General, Anil Nandlall, SC, made an application for a one month extension to file his submission in the tax case brought by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, challenging the tax provisions in the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, a similar request was made by ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The application for the extension by the Attorney General made on June 22 provides a number of reasons for the request for time.

Among them, the Attorney General noted that Lall's case raises highly technical and complex questions of tax law for which expert guidance is required.

On Friday Attorney for EEPGL, Andrew Pollard, SC, made a similar request.

The request by Pollard, however, did not elucidate the reason to support EEPGL's need for an extension of time to respond.

Pollard indicated in an email sent to a registrar

attached to High Court that the legal team is seeking an extension to respond to the case.

“Please convey to His Honour that we are instructed by our clients to respectfully request a similar extension, which would keep the timelines consistent… We have taken the liberty of speaking with counsel for the Applicant [Glenn Lall] who indicated he has no objection…” the lawyer said in the notice sent to the Court.

Earlier in the week, the Government of Guyana (GoG) through the office of the Attorney General approached the court with a similar application.

The Notice of Application (NOA) in the name of Ocelisa Marks, Assistant State Solicitor attached to the Office of the Attorney General, sought the extra time to help the legal team address the “highly technical” and “complex questions” raised in Lall's case.

The document details that the case raises highly technical and complex questions of tax law (which itself is a highly complex,

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge and specialised area of law) and contract law, which must be carefully interrogated to allow the Court to make an informed decision.

The NOA went on to state that since the filing of Lall's Fixed Date Application (FDA), and the Defence on behalf of the Attorney General, the Chambers of the Attorney General has made and continues to make concerted efforts to fully appraise itself on the issues raised.

The document explained

that this process includes the identification and interrogation of tax regimes in several statutory instruments.

Further, it stated that: “as part of the process of appraising itself of the tax regimes and the issues raised in this [FDA], the Attorney General is in the process of soliciting independent expert advice from a firm which specialises in tax law.”

The NOA noted that this guidance is critical in allowing the Attorney General to prepare submissions. Further it stated that at the time of the drafting of the NOA, the Attorney General was unable to complete the process of obtaining the aforementioned expert advice.

In the circumstances, the A G o ff i c e n o t e d t h a t additional time is required to allow the lawyers to obtain the expert guidance being sought.

“The information which the Attorney General is seeking will be laid before the court in the form of submissions which will allow the Court to properly

Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall address its mind to the issues to make a decision,” the NOA detailed.

Added to this, the lawyers representing the AG insisted that the application for time will not cause any unjust prejudice to Lall's case; instead, it will assist the Court with ensuring that justice is determined on the merits of the issues raised in the case.

The Kaieteur News publisher filed an action to challenge the Petroleum Agreement, dated June 27,

2016, between the Guyana Government and the oil companies. According to Lall, the agreement between the oil company and the government grants exemptions to persons other than licensees, which violate the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, the Financial Administration (and Audit) Act and the Constitution.

Lall's application raises several contentions for the court's consideration including whether the agreement between the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil are subject to the principles of private law or public law; whether the acts of the Minister of Natural Resources and certain sub-articles of the Petroleum Agreement were ultra vires and in breach of sections 10 and 51 of Petroleum Exploration and Production Act (PEPA), subsections 1A and 1B of section 6 of the Financial Administration (and Audit) FAA; and Whether upon its proper interpretation the PEPA permits the payment of taxes due on behalf of licensees. EEPGL was added as a respondent to the case.

Guyanese-born surgeon leads team to complete 10 heart surgeries in 4 days

By Rehanna Ramsay Ten heart patients are on their way to full recovery after benefiting from much needed surgery compliments of Guyanese-born heart surgeon, Dr. Gary Stephens and a medical team attached to the Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.

The surgeries conducted locally at the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) started on Tuesday and concluded on Friday evening.

Resident Cardiologist at CHI, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, told Kaieteur News that the surgeries were conducted in record time.

He explained that “The team worked non-stop to successfully complete the various procedures which included open heart surgeries, heart bypass and valve replacement surgeries in the shortest possible time.”

According to Dr. Carpen, the 10 patients who benefited from the surgeries included nine persons from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and one person from a private hospital.

This publication was told too that surgeries were done free-of-

Guyanese-born heart surgeon, Dr. Gary Stephens cost for the patients at the GPHC, while the patient from the private hospital paid a reduced cost.

Dr. Carpen told Kaieteur News that every year CHI patients benefit from surgeries performed

by Dr. Stephens and his team.

“Every year, Dr. Stephens, a

Guyanese-born New York-based heart surgeon, and his team return to Guyana to perform heart surgeries. They regularly do at least four operations but this time, they were able to complete 10,” he said.

According to him, the team should be commended not just for their service to the people of Guyana but for the successful completion of 10 heart operations in such a short period.

“This team took time from their busy schedules and vacation leave to come here to assist us. It's really commendable because the commitment and dedication allowed them to complete all 10 surgeries successfully in four days,” he stressed.

He told Kaieteur News that among the team, Dr. Stephens was lead surgeon. He was assisted by operation Room Technicians, Recovery Room Nurses, a perfusionist and other technical persons.

According to Dr. Carpen, the feat is important too since it has helped to reduce the backlog of heart procedures that were put on hold due to the COVID-19

Resident Cardiologist at CHI, Dr. Mahendra Carpen pandemic.

He explained that “the pandemic had affected the pace of surgeries because most of them had to be postponed and hampered the team from coming here, because overseas travel was

restricted.” “…But since we have resumed operations, we have been working to address those situations that need our attention as soon as possible,” Dr. Carpen said.

The surgeries are made possible at a reduced cost as a result of a partnership between CHI, the GPHC and the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Carpen explained that for the past 15 years CHI has been facilitating heart surgeries for Guyanese.

The Cardiologist said that CHI offers its services at a more cost effective price than any other facility in the Caribbean.

He explained that “This is due to the fact that the Ministry of Health assists the patients with paying for the procedures that can cost at least $20,000 USD [$4million] at heart facilities in other CARICOM territories.”

“In Guyana, the surgeries are conducted at zero cost for patient of the public hospital as the Ministry of Health collaborates with CHI and pays at least US$10,000 [$2million],” Dr. Carpen revealed.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

PAGE 15

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

SUNDAY Be The Change You Want To See This past week, President Irfaan Ali lashed out at a female resident of Bartica for asking a harmless question.

The woman, said to be a farmer, was simply asking about the oil blocks – the nation's wealth, her wealth.

Instead of a respectful response becoming of a Head of State, President Ali chose the path of abuse – a tactic that has become rather commonplace in our society – which we must deliberately guard against.

Unless we start fixing things in high office, such behaviour will continue to plague our wider society.

We at this publication are by no means condemning the President today but we are urging that we all, as Guyanese, take stock of our lives and choose to become the change we want to see in our land.

MONDAY Guyanese deserve clarity o n 2 % r o y a l t y T h e Vi c e P r e s i d e n t ' s

uncertainty as regards the 2 percent royalty being recovered by Exxon and its partners signals the importance of contract transparency and stakeholder involvement.

The World Bank, the IMF and the IDB aren't going to ask the hard questions for us nor will they fight for us. If the rules in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement are ambiguous on royalty being a recoverable item then we need to stop pussyfooting and clarify t h e m i n o u r f a v o u r.

VP Bharrat Jagdeo's admission has exposed the need for all Guyanese to stand up and demand clarity on the provisions of the oil deal. We can no longer afford to remain silent and allow foreign companies to continue the wanton rape of our resources. Our leaders, even if they haven't realized it yet, clearly need our help.

TUESDAY Suspend oil operations, rather than our MPs The Privileges Committee in Parliament has

a motion for the suspension of eight Opposition MPs over their protest against the widely ridiculed Natural Resources Act that was rammed through the National Assembly late December last year.

Instead of Guyanese looking for ways to beat up one another by suspending Opposition MPs, it would be much better for our leaders to consider suspending all oil operations until we get the foreign oil companies to the come to the table of discussion and talk about giving more to Guyanese.

Let's stop playing these games by making enemies out of each other, while allowing the oil companies to run all over us.

We must get more, but we have to put our shoulders together and force those who exploit us to see things our way. It is together we go forward, or divided we fall apart. Again, we knock on the door of our oil investors and compel them to be conscionable in their contract deals with us.

WEDNESDAY

Divine help is on the way Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

Daily it is becoming clear that this biblical truth is one that we must embrace at this juncture of our existence.

In so doing, we are putting our trust in the Creator.

Although we are yet to see the manifestation of the changes that we so desperately need in this c o u n t r y, w e m u s t b e confident that He is faithful and will come through for us.

There is a shift in the atmosphere and at the Creator's appointed time His name alone will be glorified.

So fellow Guyanese, keep on hoping, divine help is on the way.

THURSDAY Oil companies and dishonest businessmen need crooked govt. officials to rob citizens In any decent nation, accusations such as those made against VP Bharrat Jagdeo would have seen the Head of State acting swiftly to get to the bottom of a matter that is severely embarrassing and discrediting his administration.

In fact, in any decent economy, earnest efforts

would have already been made to investigate all loopholes, accusations and giveaways to uncaring oil companies and other socalled investors who come to plunder the country's resources while giving very little in return.

Oil companies and dishonest businessmen need crooked government officials to rob citizens. The Chinese said it themselves in the VICE News report; they would be worried if Guyana was not corrupt. What this means is that anytime a foreigner comes to a country and is acting outside of the law and what is moral, they are not doing it in isolation, our leaders are facilitating these illegalities.

FRIDAY Robbery of royalty As if the lopsided contract Guyana signed with ExxonMobil is not bad enough, we are now hearing that the 2% royalty handed to us is being recovered by the oil company.

Mr. Raphael Trotman and those in the former government, who hailed the deal as a wonderful one, must be having sleepless nights, but then again many of our leaders' consciences have been seared with a hot iron.

Guyanese continue to

starve, struggle, have to beg for aid to undergo emergency health operations and money that could have strengthened our healthcare facilities and put more money in the pockets of citizens have been thrown away through tax waivers, surrendering of our royalty and many more.

Guyanese we all need to get and stand up for our rights!

SATURDAY G U YA N E S E m u s t benefit from what's theirs!

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.

A s s u c h , t h e GUYANESE people must be the beneficiaries.

GRA probing Ramps Logistics for abusing blanket tax waivers for Exxon projects The Guyana Revenue Authority's (GRA) Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) is probing Ramps Logistics Guyana for abusing blanket tax waivers granted for the importation of goods to be used by Stabroek Block operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and its subcontractors.

Key documents seen by Kaieteur News state that LEID is in possession of information that Ramps in certain instances made declarations that were inconsistent with its invoices. In this regard, the division cited a case on December 13, 2019, where it checked a shipment of goods consigned to EEPGL where Ramps Logistics Incorporated was listed as the declarant.

The LEID report reads, “The said declaration was deemed false since the quantity of the goods declared was inconsistent with the information stated on the invoice.

The said act constituted a breach of Sections 217 (1) (a) and 219 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82: 01, respectively. In the said matter, the Commissioner General (Godfrey Statia) in accordance with Section

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia 271 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, invoked his discretionary power and waived the proposed compensation of $500,000 for the acts committed.”

The report further noted that the Commissioner General also directed that the company be advised that should there be a recurrence of this nature, strict penalties would be imposed.

The document at this point went on to state that LEID was conducting an investigation based on information received that Ramps Logistics Guyana Inc., “continues to falsely declare consignments under the guise that same is being imported for Esso

Exploration and Production Guyana Limited and its subsidiaries/subcontractors using their blanket tax exemption letter when in fact, same is being imported for other persons.”

Kaieteur News understands that Ramps was a few months ago, fined $20M for shipping items out of Guyana to Trinidad without having the vessel used, properly inspected.

GRA seemed particularly disturbed by this case since specific instructions were issued for the vessel to await inspection but said instructions were never acknowledged. GRA was therefore unable to determine independently the quantity of items that left these shores. The said items were sold to Ramps by EEPGL. Ramps Logistics has since informed the media that it has settled that case with the tax authority.

It has since been asked to provide GRA with reasons why its Customs Brokerage Licence should not be suspended for three to six months or revoked altogether.

LOCAL CONTENT CERTIFICATE The company is also embroiled in a public battle with the Local

Ramps Logistics Chief Operating Officer, Shaun Rampersad Content Secretariat regarding its refusal to issue a Local Content Certificate to conduct operations in the nation's lucrative oil and gas industry.

At a press conference held on Thursday, the company said it is yet to receive an explanation from the Secretariat as regards its denial to issue the certificate.

Ramps explained that the matter is particularly “hurtful” since it went as far as to sell the majority ownership of its company to the grandfather of its friend, Deepak Lall. Both individuals have deep Guyanese roots. In fact, Lall was able to get his Guyanese passport just last year to ensure authorities can be assured that the sale was in keeping with the Local Content Legislation and its requirements.

Ramps had said too that the

grandfather of his business colleague is also from the Diaspora while noting that such a move is in keeping with President, Irfaan Ali's call for citizens to return home to invest. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) of which Ramps is a member, subsequently issued a statement calling for genuine partnerships and the avoidance of what it terms “rent a citizen” or fronting tactics.

Ramps has since threatened legal action regarding the denial of its Local Content Certificate given the fact that it has pursued a legitimate transferral of ownership of its company to persons of Guyanese heritage while having more than 90 percent of its staff and senior management being taken up by locals. Up to press time, the government has not responded to the concerns of the company.

PAGE 16

WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY VP JAGDEO UNSURE IF EXXONMOBIL RECOVERING 2% ROYALTY – SAYS QUESTION IS FOR LEGAL TEAM TO ANSWER When it comes to ExxonMobil Corporation’s profit margin, the oil giant will stop at almost nothing to see it grow; even if it means using various tactics to rob nations of the royalties paid to them.

It has an eye-opening track record of doing so in its own backyard, the USA. Within these shores, Kaieteur News has been on a mission to understand if this is taking place, and more importantly, to ensure the eyes of its leaders are wide open to ensure it does not.

Last week, Kaieteur News asked Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo if he has any guarantees that Guyana’s two percent royalty is being recovered by Exxon’s subsidiary in the Stabroek Block, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). The said query was premised on the fact that countries have paid dearly for failing to have such items explicitly stated as nonrecoverable in their contracts with oil companies.

The Vice President said, “I don’t want to venture public positions that I may have to walk back on at some point in time so I will be a bit cautious on this.”

He said such issues he would not leave to politicians to answer but rather, in the much more capable hands of the nation’s tax and legal authorities/guardians.

VP Jagdeo was keen to note that there have been some issues of contention between Exxon and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as regards what the company is entitled to under the Production Sharing Agreement governing the Stabroek Block.

“They (Exxon) said for example, they are entitled to a number of vehicles. They applied for 20 four-wheel drives to bring in, fancy vehicles, and we said they have to pay; they are not entitled under the PSA. We said you can rent from locals and if you want to you should pay taxes; you can’t get it duty-free. So I prefer if the auditors or tax people lead on those charges, not the politicians because sometimes you can say something that the other side can use as a signal when in discussions with GRA,” the Vice President said.

Kaieteur News has

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examined the PSA pertaining to recoverable and nonrecoverable items. In the latter category, there is no explicit listing of royalty being an unrecoverable item (the photo attached to this article outlines clearly, the categories that are not recoverable, again, none of which relate to royalty).

Oil companies such as ExxonMobil have paid US$3 billion over the past 15 years to resolve a range of charges including that they regularly cheated the U.S. government and Native American communities out of royalties on oil and gas leases, raising concerns they use similar techniques to rob citizens in poor countries of resource wealth.

In the lawsuits settled with the U.S. government, lawyers and whistleblowers have alleged that it’s relatively easy for energy companies to fudge their numbers using dubious accounting techniques and outright fraud.

Audits and compliance checks by the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, the U.S. agency charged with managing America’s energy and mineral leases, similarly have found billions in corporate underpayments on oil and gas leases since 1998.

Isabel Munilla, a senior policy advisor at Oxfam America, which is part of a coalition campaigning for greater transparency in the oil, mining and gas industries had said, “If this is happening in the U.S, where we have a strong legal and regulatory system, which should in theory reduce the incentives for this type of behaviour, it’s very likely to be happening around the world, especially in places with much weaker governance systems.”

Further research on Exxon’s treatment of nations on royalty payments further underscores the need for authorities here to be extremely cautious.

According to a 2010 publication by the Oil & Gas Journal, ExxonMobil Corp. had agreed to pay a US$32.2 million federal fine to resolve a whistleblower’s claim that its affiliates knowingly underpaid natural gas royalties on federal and American Indian leases. The US Department of Justice had said the claim arose from allegations that Mobil Natural Gas Inc., Mobil Exploration & Producing US Inc., and their affiliates systematically underreported the value of gas taken from the leases from March 1, 1998, to November 30, 1999, and consequently paid less in royalties to the federal government and various

Indian tribes. (https:// w w w. o g j . c o m / g e n e r a l interest/article/17284815/ exxonmobil-to-pay-322million-to-resolvewhistleblowers-suit) This newspaper also found that in other cases investigated between 1998 to 2000 the US Department of Justice had intervened against seven oil companies, ExxonMobil included, for knowingly undervaluing oil extracted from public and Indian lands. For that period, the Department of Justice recovered in excess of US$170 million in its oil royalty suits. (https:// www.justice.gov/archive/ opa/pr/2000/March/ 156civ.htm) In 2003, ExxonMobil was also found to be defrauding the state of Alabama out of royalty payments and was ordered by the courts to pay up more than US$100 million in back-pay royalties.

According to www.classaction.org., in August 2012, a Kansas judge approved a US$54 million settlement with landowners who claimed they were underpaid royalties when ExxonMobil made deductions for expenses that occurred downstream of their wells.

The settlement also ended a lawsuit filed in Kansas state court against ExxonMobil over royalties dating back to 2000.

At the moment, Guyana is conducting audits of Exxon’s post 2017 bills which total US$9B. The consortium, which is made up of local and foreign auditors, is expected to complete same in four months.

It is unclear if the team would be examining said bills to ensure royalty is not being recovered or if royalties were underpaid.

EXXON DEDUCTS MORE THAN HALF OF GUYANA’S TOTAL EARNINGS FOR SINGLE COST …COUNTRY GETS US$607M FOR TWO YEARS WHILE OIL COMPANIES TAKE US$356M TO CLEAN UPALONE, 18 YEARS FROM NOW Just one of the thousands of costs for the ExxonMobil Guyana’s oil project in Guyana is costing the country more than half of what it is earns in profits and royalty from.

This single deduction relates to the decommissioning or clean up exercise to be undertaken some 18 years from now.

According the financial statements recently released

by ExxonMobil Guyana, the deductions over the last two

years amounts to some US$355.7M, while the total earnings for the country from the Stabroek Block during the same period was some US$607M. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) last year generated some US$12B in revenue while the country collected some US$458M, accounting for its share of Profits and the Royalties earned for the entire year.

This much is being laid bare when perusing the now public statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income up to December 2021 for the EEPGL operations.

The company’s after tax profit for that year was recorded some US$634,936,435 or G$132.1B with its total operating expenditure which is recovered from cost oil for ExxonMobil Guyana at US$586,783,567 or $123B. Juxtaposed with the earnings of the entire country through taxes and other revenue streams including its earnings from the Stabroek Block—US$458M—it would mean that the EEPGL— ExxonMobil Guyana— operations last year earned more than the entire country put together.

In 2021, Guyana earned as a country, a total of US$1,690,115,384, or G$351.5B. It would mean that the

Stabroek Block production in fact generated more income than the country collectively.

In 2020, the country had earned for itself US$149M in Royalty and Taxes. As such, it would mean that for the two full years of oil production, the county earned for itself, some US$607M. Just one of the costs deducted from ExxonMobil Guyana— decommissioning is pegged at a whopping US$355.7M or considerably more than half of the country’s total earnings for the entire year.

Based on its 2021 financial statements, EEPGL recovered $15.2B in 2020 and $17B in 2021 for decommissioning costs associated with the Liza One Project. It therefore means that its total take for the two years was US$160M. Its partners also recovered monies too.

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

Under the deal signed— the Production Sharing Agreement—the company has been taking out money

from day one of production to set aside as a decommissioning fee.

This in order to remove its equipment and ancillary equipment at the end of the life of the project and to return the environment to the state it was in before exploration and production began.

This publication had previously reported that ExxonMobil Guyana has in fact been utilising that money which is being deducted from cost oil. When confronted with the report recently, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had told reporters, however, “It’s not like Exxon would put the money in there and leave it; the funds are fungible so to the extent that it is utilised and it reduced the cost of say borrowing which is ultimately a cost to be borne by the company then ultimately that would be seen as productive use.”

He said, “…if they use it for private purposes alone then that would not be seen as a productive use.” It has since been noted that such a situation meant that ExxonMobil is currently deducting money from cost oil for decommissioning at the end of the lift of the project—in another 15 years—and would have been using the money on the project, which is then deducted with interest again, as a loan that has to be repaid (Continued on page 17)

Sunday June 26, 2022

From page 16 by the company. Jagdeo had argued, “you always have to provide for decommissioning, you can do a number of things as I said before we would have to look at the net take.”

It has been estimated by international experts that throughout the life of the project in excess of US$3B would be deducted from cost oil to go towards the decommissioning of the project.

Poignantly, ExxonMobil is yet to develop a decommissioning plan for any of its project and has in fact signalled its intention to abandon all of its subsea equipment on the sea floor and that it is expected that the production ship—the Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel—the Liza Destiny and others, would be towed away.

This much can be gleaned from the Project Summaries for the projects already producing, Liza I & II in addition to the Payara, Yellowtail and Urau developments.

MONDAY OIL COMPANIES RIPPED OFF T&T 60 YEARS OF ROYALTIES USING LOOPHOLES IN CONTRACT; GUYANAWARNED Prior to December 2017, Trinidad and Tobago had found itself entrapped in a contractual situation with oil companies that most citizens and industry stakeholders described as bordering on being “almost criminal”.

Instead of the companies paying royalties out of their share of profit oil, weak Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) left T&T making those payments on behalf of those foreign entities. This was taking place for almost 60 years due to there being no explicit provision outlining that oil companies must make such a payment to the State and that same is not recoverable under any circumstance.

The foregoing dilemma which robbed the Caricom oil producer of what it deserves, forced it in 2017 to eventually overhaul its fiscal regime for the sector and introduce a new and improved fiscal model that demanded a 12.5 percent non-recoverable royalty. Taking T&T’s decades-long tragedy into consideration, stakeholders there have urged Guyana to guard against similar abuses early on. They shared with Kaieteur News that such a reprehensible state of affairs took place because there were

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Kaieteur News

some actors in the governing body that were inclined to provide a “soft touch” to the oil industry, much to the benefit of the operating companies.

That “soft touch” approach is what even led to key advice on signature bonuses by technical personnel being ignored.

They said that government was advised to ensure signature bonus, a sum of money paid immediately after signing a contract to explore an oil and gas block, was noted in the PSAs as a nonrecoverable item. However, “certain parties” made sure this was not done and much to the fiscal detriment of Trinidad, signature bonuses were recovered for decades.

It is in light of these startling lessons Guyana is being strongly advised to protect itself from being shackled to the same abuse before realising it too late.

Just last week, Kaieteur News asked Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo if he has any guarantees that Guyana’s two percent royalty is being recovered by Exxon’s subsidiary in the Stabroek Block, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). The Vice President had said, “I don’t want to venture public positions that I may have to walk back on at some point in time so I will be a bit cautious on this.” He said such issues he would not leave to politicians to answer but rather, in the much more capable hands of the nation’s tax and legal authorities/ guardians.

VP Jagdeo was keen to note that there have been some issues of contention between Exxon and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as regards what the company is entitled to under the Production Sharing Agreement governing the Stabroek Block. “They (Exxon) said for example they are entitled to a number of vehicles. They applied for 20 four-wheel drives to bring in, fancy vehicles, and we said they have to pay; they are not entitled under the PSA. We

said you can rent from locals and if you want to you should pay taxes; you can’t get it duty-free. So I prefer if the auditors or tax people lead on those charges, not the politicians because sometimes you can say something that the other side can use as a signal when in discussions with GRA,” the Vice President said.

Kaieteur News has examined the PSA pertaining to recoverable and nonrecoverable items. In the latter category, there is no explicit listing of royalty being an unrecoverable item. (The photo attached to this article outlines clearly, the categories that are not recoverable, again, none of which relate to royalty).

It is crucial to note that oil companies such as ExxonMobil have paid US$3 billion over the past 15 years to resolve a range of charges including that they regularly cheated the U.S. government and Native American communities out of royalties on oil and gas leases, raising concerns they use similar techniques to rob citizens in poor countries of resource wealth. In the lawsuits settled with the U.S. government, lawyers and whistleblowers have alleged that it’s relatively easy for energy companies to fudge their numbers using dubious accounting techniques and outright fraud.

Audits and compliance checks by the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, the U.S. agency charged with managing America’s energy and mineral leases, similarly have found billions in corporate underpayments on oil and gas leases since 1998.

Isabel Munilla, a senior policy advisor at Oxfam America, which is part of a coalition campaigning for greater transparency in the oil, mining and gas industries had said, “If this is happening in the U.S, where we have a strong legal and regulatory system, which should in theory reduce the incentives for this type of behaviour, it’s very likely to be happening around

the world, especially in places with much weaker governance systems.”

Further research on Exxon’s treatment of nations on royalty payments further underscores the need for authorities here to be extremely cautious.

According to a 2010 publication by the Oil & Gas Journal, ExxonMobil Corp. had agreed to pay a US$32.2 million federal fine to resolve a whistleblower’s claim that its affiliates knowingly underpaid natural gas royalties on federal and American Indian leases. The US Department of Justice had said the claim arose from allegations that Mobil Natural Gas Inc., Mobil Exploration & Producing US Inc., and their affiliates systematically underreported the value of gas taken from the leases from March 1, 1998, to November 30, 1999, and consequently paid less in royalties to the federal government and various Indian tribes. (https:// w w w. o g j . c o m / g e n e r a l interest/article/17284815/ exxonmobil-to-pay-322million-to-resolvewhistleblowers-suit) This newspaper also

found that in other cases investigated between 1998 to 2000 the US Department of Justice had intervened against seven oil companies, ExxonMobil included, for knowingly undervaluing oil extracted from public and Indian lands. For that period, the Department of Justice recovered in excess of US$170 million in its oil royalty suits. (https:// www.justice.gov/archive/ opa/pr/2000/March/ 156civ.htm) In 2003, ExxonMobil was also found to be defrauding the state of Alabama out of royalty payments and was ordered by the courts to pay up more than US$100 million in back-pay royalties.

According to www.classaction.org., in August 2012, a Kansas judge approved a US$54 million settlement with landowners who claimed they were underpaid royalties when ExxonMobil made deductions for expenses that occurred downstream of their wells.

The settlement also ended a lawsuit filed in Kansas state court against ExxonMobil over royalties dating back to 2000.

At the moment, Guyana is

conducting audits of Exxon’s post 2017 bills which total US$9B. The consortium, which is made up of local and foreign auditors, is expected to complete same in four months. It is unclear if the team would be examining said bills to ensure royalty is not being recovered or if royalties were underpaid.

TUESDAY JAGDEO, NORTON, PATTERSON, RAMJATTAN UNSURE WHETHER EXXON RECOVERING 2 % ROYALTY Taking into account that oil companies do what they must for maximum profits, and the fact that loopholes in production sharing agreements allow them to cream off more than they should from oil projects, questions are brewing as to whether the meager two percent royalty paid on thiscountry’s oil endowment is being recovered by the Stabroek Block operators as an expense.

The issue of royalty recovery came to the fore and (Continued on page 18)

PAGE 18

From page 17 became a matter of concern when Kaieteur News reporters, during their coverage of the recently concluded Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference in May, found out that for 60 years, oil operator was giving the twin nation royalty payments on one hand and recovering it on the other.

This unfortunate situation, it was explained, befell the CARICOM state after it failed to detail explicitly what costs are recoverable by the oil company in the sharing agreement.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was unable to say pellucid whether ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is in fact recovering the sums paid as royalty.

When asked the question at his last press conference, the Vice President told this newspaper that he did not want to make a statement that he might have to retract. He preferred to leave the question in the capable hands of the nation’s tax and legal authorities/guardians. “I don’t want to venture public positions that I may have to walk back on at some point in time so I will be a bit cautious on this,” he told the newspaper.

Opposition members were asked the same question.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton told the Kaieteur News that the Stabroek operator should not be able to recover the two percent royalty. “If it is royalty, it cannot be recoverable,” the Leader said.

He added that the Stabroek block PSA doesn’t make royalty recoverable, but the smaller blocks have an unusual clause in place that makes royalty recoverable in that regard. Former Minister of Infrastructure, and current Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson also told the Kaieteur News that the two percent, “is not supposed to be recoverable.” He told the Kaieteur News that according to his understanding of the PSA, Guyana’s two percent royalty is not supposed to be recovered by the oil company.

Leader of the Alliance For Change and former Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan in his contribution submitted that during the Coalition government’s handling of the PSA, there was no provision in the document for Exxon to reclaim the two percent royalty. As such, he said he is “unaware” that the payment is recoverable.

Ramjattan added too that if the oil company is in fact

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Kaieteur News

reclaiming the royalty, it “goes against the contract”, in his view.

Winston Jordan, who was Finance Minister under the last administration, told the Kaieteur News, “absolutely not,” that the two percent royalty is not recoverable by the oil companies.

He even mentioned that the oil company itself has stated that the two percent royalty is coming out of its profit.

Under the PSA, Exxon is allowed to recover cost incurred in the development of Guyana’s oil reserves as part of its expenses.

The issue therefore is whether the two percent royalty is being recovered as an expense incurred since the PSA does not state explicitly whether this two percent is one of the non-recoverable expenses. In light of the uncertainty, Trinidadian oil experts are urging Guyana to get it clear whether the two percent is a recoverable expense. Guyana’s PSA with Exxon and partners highlights that the two percent royalty is paid from Exxon’s share of profits. Also, where the PSA states what is nonrecoverable, royalty is not listed as such.

In the case of Trinidad, it was stated that instead of the companies paying royalties out of their share of profit oil, the weak Production Sharing Agreements left Trinidad and Tobago actually making those payments on behalf of the foreign oil companies. This was taking place for almost 60 years due to there being no explicit provision outlining that oil companies must make such a payment to the State and that same is not recoverable under any circumstance. Given the unfavourable situation in which the Trinidadians found themselves, in 2017, the country eventually overhauled its fiscal regime for the sector and introduced a new and improved fiscal model that demanded a 12.5 percent non-recoverable royalty.

Guyana’s PSA has been described as one of the most lopsided contracts in the industry, favouring heavily, the

foreign oil companies. It has been described as being especially weak in protecting the finances that Guyana ought to be receiving from its oil and gas sector. The meagre two percent royalty that Exxon is paying Guyana is for the right to access the oil and gas resource the country owns in its offshore Stabroek Block.

GUYANAMAYALREADY BE IN THE MIDDLE OFAN OIL CURSE - INT’L LAWYER Citing the daily debts that continue to rack up as Guyana forges ahead with the production of its oil, coupled with the “astonishing” deal it accepted from the oil company- ExxonMobilInternational Lawyer, Melinda Janki believes that the country may already be in the midst of the oil curse, called the Dutch Disease.

Janki gave this view recently while appearing as a panelist on a Moray House discussion on a review of oil, gas and the environment. She explained during her presentation that four years ago when she pronounced that oil would make Guyana poorer, rather than richer, the population was opposed to her comments. However, Janki said today, the reality could not be clearer as it is quite evident that the promised wealth from the oil and gas sector is yet to arrive.

In fact, she pointed out, “Guyana is racking up debts that have to be paid to Exxon out of Guyana’s oil and so this vast wealth that we were promised will never arrive. We are seeing the environmental harm, Liz (the moderator) referred to the loss of livelihoods for the fishermen, the cost of living has gone up but not wages and we are now probably in the midst of the oil curse. A tiny elite is getting richer but the majority of people look to be getting poorer. The government is over spending, borrowing money (and) burdening future generations with debt…”

To top it off, the lawyer reasoned, “We have a contract that is inequitable, unjust and it is astonishing that any competent Minister could have signed such an agreement.” She pointed out that Jagdeo while in Opposition called the then government “incompetent” for gluing Guyana to such an agreement. She however noted that nothing has changed leaving Guyana with the same lopsided deal.

For instance, the Lawyer said that for every 100 barrels of oil that is pumped, ExxonMobil takes 75 for its cost recovery. She argued “with each new discovery of oil, with each new FPSO (Floating Production Sharing and Offloading vessel), with each new exploration, the costs go up and the time at which Guyana might see any real revenue is put off indefinitely.”

Recently, the Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo shared that for every US dollar that Guyana earns per barrel of oil produced in the Stabroek Block, the Oil companies walk away with six dollars. Compounding the situation is the fact that at present, given the developments already undertaken and underway, each citizen of this country owes the oil company some US$44,000. Additionally, at the rate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—has envisaged the developments, the ones already identified would see the country repaying ExxonMobil at least US$75B to develop which would mean that the country would be repaying debts on that amount until 2070.

It is in this regard that Janki also made reference to the government’s plan to ramp up oil production. She said too that this simply means that Guyana will be piled with additional burdens.

The Lawyer explained, “the

admission from the government that there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity and what we are looking at is massive debt, a shorter time period to make any money from oil and with every day that passes the growing risk that Guyana will be saddled with (such as) stranded assets and with the responsibility for shutting down the wells, now that’s not a very attractive future.”

She was keen to note that the wells are about two miles below the seabed, lying under immense pressure. As a consequence, the Attorney said this adds more expense to the country that is already collecting a small amount of revenue, when compared to the oil giants in the sector; however, government continues to shift these matters to be dealt with in the future.

The Dutch Disease or the resource curse describes an economic phenomenon where the rapid development of one sector of the economy (particularly natural resources) precipitates a decline in other sectors. Back in February, during the 2022 Budget Debates, former Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan argued that the document is reflective of a country that is already heading down the path of the resource curse or the Dutch Disease, as is evidenced by the figures presented, confirming a heavy reliance on oil funds while at the same time the non-oil economy shrinks.

According to him, the figures as presented by the Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, on January 26, last, reflect just how oil will become dominant, to the marginalisation minimization of the non-oil sectors.

Lamenting the PPP/C’s administration’s lack of planning, Ramjattan drew reference to the last year’s spending, in which government would have returned to the National Assembly with Four Financial Papers for additional

withdrawals from the Contingencies Fund, which he called bad planning. This, he said, is even more worrisome in this year’s Budget since, even with projected oil revenues and in excess of US$600M in the Bank, there is no mention of a plan for a livable minimum wage.

WEDNESDAY DO NOT APPROVE ANYADDITIONALOIL PROJECTS WITHOUT SECURING MORE FOR GUYANA – OPPOSITION LEADER Given that the Government of Guyana has already missed a “glorious” opportunity to rake in more value for Guyanese from its rich oil resource – by failing to use the Liza One Permit renewal to secure better terms from the oil operator, ExxonMobil – Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton, is of the firm view that any future permit approval must bring additional benefits to Guyana.

Norton in an invited comment on Monday told Kaieteur News that he believes that in any negotiation, parties use their leverage to achieve their objectives; likewise the leaders in government must follow in the footsteps of other developed nations to ensure their people benefit from the oil wealth.

On May 31, the stateoperated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), renewed ExxonMobil’s permit to operate in the Liza One oil field, in the Stabroek Block, without inserting clauses that could benefit the people.

Instead, the EPA added a mere US$5 for flaring of gas and settled for ‘assurance’ instead of insurance.

Meanwhile, the United States (US) oil company is currently seeking an approval for its fifth project-Uaru Plus.

The EPA has since ordered that an Environmental Impact (Continued on page 65)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

PAGE 23

VILLAGE …a bustling business community

By Malisa Playter-Harry

Entering the village of Nigg from the western side.

Vickey's Tent and Chair Rentals located in the village.

The Nigg Post Office

Jasmine Ramraj, who sells snacks and cane juice at the Port Mourant Market A mandir in the village

The canal which separates the two villages.

(Continued on page 58 )

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Sunday June 26, 2022

Nigel Williams

Multiple skills needed by men in today's economy

G

uyanese would agree that we live in challenging times.

High on the list of challenges is the daily struggle to put food on the table, pay the rent or mortgage, pay utility bills, and make it through the days until the next payday.

In today's society, one of the roles of the father or man is providing for the family.

Of course, some families are headed by women who take the responsibility of being the breadwinner, however, the vast majority of cases where a male is present in the household, it is the man who is expected to be the provider.

With that expectation comes great responsibility and, in these harsh times, much stress. With that in mind, men should prepare themselves for that responsibility.

One way to do that is to expand you r s k i l l s e t a n d m a k e yourselves competent in areas of work that could provide income during these financial rainy days.

While it may be hard to do, men should work towards diversifying their skills, to make sufficient money to provide for themselves and those who depend on them.

Man as provider The expectation that the man of the family should be the provider dates back to the nineteenth century.

At that time, the roles of men and women within a family became more rigidly defined.

Men began working outside of the home in greater numbers, and they would often leave for much of the day. Wives could no longer help their husbands with their businesses, so the image of husband as provider and wife as home-maker began to replace the image of a cooperative family unit where everyone participated in its success.

As a result, men became less involved with the upbringing of their children, while women's roles became largely limited to child care and household duties.

Although, presently, the roles of family members are again undergoing major revisions as society evolves, Guyanese, for the most part, believe that the man must “be a man” and provide for his family.

Only a few years ago, though, a man could adequately provide for an average household working at a single job at which he is skilled. But

times have changed. Prices of fooditems are spiralling out of control.

The cost of transportation has gone up. Necessary medications, baby-food, toiletries, almost everything we need on a daily basis are now far more expensive.

Families are having to make-do with less, and men are under increasing pressure to increase their income.

Rising cost of living The causes of rising prices may be numerous and complex; those causes are best left to the economists and other experts.

The fact is, men, as providers, must deal with the reality of spiralling costs.

It is clear that for most of us, one regular job will no longer cut it because the cost of living is rising every day while our pay remains the same.

Men who have jobs are the fortunate ones; many are unemployed, particularly young men.

In many cases, it is not that they don't want to work; they just can't find work in this new economic reality. In any case, to meet and beat the new challenges, we must find ways to increase our income

stream.

Those who are presently unemployed and those, who have jobs that are no longer paying enough to pay the bills, have to take action now.

Men cannot afford to wait because experts are saying that things will get worse.

What new skills should a man acquire? The answer to that is: the skills that are in demand. And, what skills are in demand?

That question is easy to answer.

Any man needs only to think of all the services that we pay for to know what is in demand.

If the average man wants his yard weeded he has to pay. If he wants his leaking roof fixed he has to pay. If he wants his computer fixed, his house rewired, his stove repaired, he has to pay. The point is, any skill is a skill that can bring in money. Masonry, carpentry, electrical appliance repair, computer programming, etc, are all skills for which people would pay.

Making use of those skills could generate additional income.

Put skills to use Some of us already have skills that we do not use. For example, we

may know how to do gardening but we work at a hotel; we may have done carpentry in our younger days but now our source of income is in another area.

If you already have a skill, why not use it to make extra money?

Another option is to become a teacher of a subject you already know. If you are an accountant or a refrigeration technician, why not generate extra income by teaching those skills?

Online tutoring can be done with almost no cash outlay.

All you need are a computer, internet connection, and the will to do it. In the case of younger men who may be just now learning one skill, now may be the right time to consider branching out into other subject areas. In that way, there is something to fall back on if your main source of income fails.

Multiple income streams Whatever the situation may be, for us men, now is the time. We live in a difficult environment. The days of having just one job and one source of income may be behind us.

As men, we have to adapt to the new reality and do whatever it takes to survive and provide for those who depend on us.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

PAGE 25

Growing pains: A distressing time for parents and their child

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist

I

have had the displeasure of experiencing growing pains with my little one over the past year. It's something that stresses you as a parent and keeps your child up many nights crying for pains. Even being a doctor, it hasn't been easy and I can only imagine how confusing it can be for parents who have to endure this ordeal. Growing pains occurs among 10 - 20 percent of children depending on the population. It involves your child's musculoskeletal system, meaning his or her muscles and bones. These pains usually make your child's legs hurt. They are common in children between 2 and 12 years old and are

typically not serious.

Growing pains are not the same as a growth spurt. It is a difficult phase for families and is often not given attention because it is not a threat to life. However, it is a condition that can take its toll on children and parents.

Awareness and preparation take away much of the suffering that this condition can bring.

Therefore, I will shed some light on this condition today so that those that are exposed to it, can be able avoid much of the ordeal that can come with it if they are unprepared.

What are symptoms of growing pains?

With growing pains, the pains are usually more common in the back or front of the child's legs but can also be less commonly present at the thighs, or the area behind his or her knees. The pains

usually occur later in the day and more commonly in the nights. Children tend to wake up in the nights crying for pains. The pains will vary from child to child.

Sometimes growing pains last just a few minutes; other times they last a few hours and may be mild to severe.

Not all children have growing pains.

However, if your child does have them, the pain may come and go with many days in between without pain.

Children with severe cases may feel pain every day. The pain usually comes in spurts and there may be periods of no pain which can last for months. Ultimately, the pains tend to progressively subside and should not last more than two years. Also, pains that occur continuously for more than three months should be investigated to rule out more serious causes.

What causes growing pains?

Unfortunately, science has not figured out the cause of growing pains. What is known, is that children who have growing pains may feel more pain after physical activity than other children feel. Also, some children who have growing pains may have weaker bones than their peers.

How are growing pains diagnosed?

There is no test to diagnose growing pains. The diagnosis is often made by a doctor who may ask you questions about when and where your child has pain.

The pains tend to be aggravated by times of more activity so your doctor may also ask what your child did the day the pain started. Your doctor may order tests to make sure the pains aren't being caused by something

else.

How can it be treated?

There is no known way to p r e v e n t growing pains

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux f r o m Emergency happening.

Medicine Specialist H o w e v e r, y o u may be able to advise to give pain relief to help your child feel better your child on days when they when he or she has growing are exposed to high physical pains. Your doctor may activity. suggest you do one or more Growing pains are of the following: usually not serious and are a · Massage the painful common part of childhood area. for many children. While the · Stretch the muscles in pains can be distressing for the painful area. both the child and parents, it · Warm compress the legs will get better with time. In in the evenings or when the the meantime, stay in touch pains are occurring with your doctor and be · Giving your child a pain p r e p a r e d t o i n s t i t u t e reliever (Tylenol, Panadol, treatment as soon as it starts ibuprofen) during bouts of or if you are concerned it may pain start. This will help both you · If your child has the and your child to have better severe form, your doctor may nights.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

g tin s... s ere ure Int reat C

Sunday June 26, 2022

Southern Tiger Cat

Southern Tiger cats Leopardus guttulus were previously referred to as Oncillas, Tigrinas, Smallspotted cats or Tiger cats. In 2013 after genetic testing, the Oncilla was split into two species and they are now referred to as either Southern Ti g e r C a t s L e o p a rd u s guttulus or Northern Tiger Cats Leopardus tigrinus.

Tiger cats are one of the smallest cat species in the Americas, averaging just 2.5 kg. However, while some individuals are small, weighing only 1.8 kg, others are large with a weight of 3.5 kg. They are daintily built cats, with a narrow head and a white line above the eyes.

The large ears have a black backside with a central white

spot. The irises are golden or light brown. Males are slightly, but noticeably, larger than females.

Generally paler overall than the Northern Tiger Cat, the fur of the Southern Tiger cat has a yellowish-brown ground colour, with large, rounded open rosettes.

Melanism is common. The paler belly fur is covered with dark spots.

The fur is firm, lies close to the skin and does not turn forward in the nape region as it does on the Ocelot Leopardus pardalis and Margay Leoparus wiedii.

Limbs are spotted on the outside and the long tail has spots at the root, developing into seven to thirteen irregular rings with a black

tip. The tail measures about 60 percent of the head and body length.

Distribution The Southern Tiger cat ranges from Central to southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay and north-eastern Argentina. The species is absent from the Paraguayan Chaco. The northern limits of its geographic range are still unclear. It reaches Central Brazil in the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás and the Atlantic forest of centralsouth Bahia in the northeast region. Whether it overlaps with Northern Tiger Cats Leopardus tigrinus and to what extent is still not known.

S o u t h e r n Ti g e r c a t population densities vary, but

tend to be low throughout most of its range, these cats occur at densities typically of 1-5/100 km². Especially in protected areas it is very rare, most probably due to the negative impact of the Ocelot. Only in a few areas, where Ocelots are absent or rare, it reaches densities of 15–25/100 km².

Habitat The Southern Tiger cat occurs in a variety of habitats, from dense tropical and subtropical rainforests, deciduous/semi-deciduous, and mixed pine forests, to the open savannah, and beach vegetation. In the Pantanal (wet/swampy savannah), it is very rare and has been recorded only in the dry savannas, not in the marshy areas. The Southern Tiger cat also inhabits disturbed areas such as agricultural fields where there is an abundance of rodents but its occurrence is limited by the presence of natural cover. Both telemetry information and scat analysis indicate the cats do not venture into disturbed areas, but only use their borders.

Rodent abundance is increased in these areas.

Known altitudinal range of the Southern Tiger cat is below 2,000 m.

As a generalist carnivore and the largest and most adaptable of the small cat species in tropical America, the Ocelot dominates the other small cat species. In areas where the Ocelot occurs, species like the Southern Tiger cat avoid those areas because of the threat of predation. This negative effect on other small cat species is called the “ o c e l o t e ff e c t ” . W h e n Ocelots inhabit protected areas, the smaller cats can be forced into adjacent unprotected areas, where the threat of habitat loss and human interaction is greater.

Ecology The Southern Tiger cat is a solitary felid. It is active predominantly at night, but can also show varying degrees of diurnal activity.

This activity during any time of the day is suggested as a strategy to avoid the Ocelot.

On the other hand, Tiger cat numbers are not affected by the presence of the Margay and Jaguarundi, which are more likely potential competitors for similar sized prey.

Tiger cats are excellent climbers, but spend most of their time on the ground as most of their prey is terrestrial. When threatened, they show an aggressive behaviour with arched back and raised hair, besides showing the teeth and producing a “whistlingspitting” vocalisation.

The Southern Tiger cat's diet is still very poorly studied, but is known to consist mostly of small mammals, birds and reptiles (especially lizards) and can include larger prey, over 1kg.

This suggests that this small felid is a generalist predator, taking advantage of the most readily available resources in the area.

Reproduction Very little information a b o u t t h e Ti g e r c a t ' s reproduction in the wild is available. Reproduction occurs year-round, but could show different peaks in different areas. The gestation period lasts for 75-78 days, after which 1-3 kittens are born, but the normal litter is one. The eyes are open at 8–17 days. Weaning occurs at two to three months and young are about adult body size at 11 months of age.

However, sexual maturity is achieved only at about 2-2.5 years, which is very late for a felid this size.

The lifetime number of young potentially produced by a seven-year-old female tiger cat in the wild is generally up to five. This shows a very low reproductive potential, considering its small size and, especially, compared to other felids from other continents. Longevity is reported as 15 – 21 years.

Threats · habitat loss and fragmentation · persecution by humans · killing due to poultry depredation · vehicle collisions on

roads · exposure to domestic carnivore diseases · lack of knowledge of the species, making it impossible to determine its ecology and status Conservation The Southern Tiger cat is classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List.

Population decline by almost 50 percent in eight years was observed in the Santa Catarina state of Brazil, the main range country for the species. The Southern Tiger cat also declined in other areas by more than 50 percent.

Tiger cats are protected over part of their range.

Hunting is prohibited in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Suriname and Venezuela, but they are not legally protected in Ecuador, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru.

A l t h o u g h t h e international trade in furs has been heavily reduced, illegal hunting and capturing still takes place, mostly for the local market. Historical trade on tiger cats (which would include both species) from 1976 to 1985 consisted of astonishing 352,508 skins.

The Brazilian Cerrado is being converted for grains and loss of natural cover in the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga reaches 55 percent and 30–50 percent, respectively. As the Tiger cat shows low densities in protected areas and populations are fragmented, it is even more vulnerable to habitat conversion. Since this felid is most frequent outside protected areas where its habitat is undergoing high rates of destruction, conservation efforts should be focused on those outside protected areas.

Another problem is the lack of knowledge of this cat s p e c i e s . Ve r y l i t t l e information is available about the Southern Tiger cat's ecology and status making it difficult to assess threats and t h e i r i m p a c t . (https://wildcatconservation. org/)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

PAGE 29

>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<

No improvement, no movement (oil); VICE News (VP); Elections COI (trouble)

By GHK Lall

W

h a t e v e r Guyanese say or write nowadays about oil inevitably revisits ground previously covered, since so much has been covered.

Instead of looking back at what could have been, I prefer prioritising the prospects of what could be in approvals waiting to be granted. Specifically, they are projects five and six. The Government and its badly bruised Vice President have opportunities must do good for Guyana. Neither project should be approved without getting tangible improvement for Guyana.

We must feel the material benefits in our hands that can be translated into meaningful money equivalents, and ahead of where we are now. Then we can say we are making inroads against the contract stranglehold that Exxon has over us.

The PPP Government must not fail us again by rolling over when these opportunities arrive. CEO John Hess, Exxon's partner in crime, has already all but guaranteed his investors that

the fifth project will be approved by year-end. He must know something that Guyanese don't know. I claim no knowledge of what kind of hold the oil companies have over our leaders, or if such compromises them. But I do know that both government and Vice President, (and the Vice President is the Government) must obtain better for us. The Vice President can redeem himself from the Vice News and Su fiasco, which made him look pathetic and suspect, and this is with love in my heart for a brother who dug a hole for himself with these kinds of relationships and this style of governmental operation. As the leading local man of oil, the Vice President must make Messrs. Woods and Routledge pay for what Mr. Hess guarantees his own people. Our oil wizard has his own people waiting and looking to him to do well by them. Just like shareholders do of Hess. Guyana's oil champion must get better in talks of approvals for projects five and six.

Like oil, much has been s h a r e d o f t h e Vi c e President's travails over the VICE News caper and his

escapades with Mr. Su and such. It is his dark hour, and no amount of window dressing, disinfecting, and self-justifying by either the exposed leader or his shameless supporters will cleanse him of the stench. It stinks and its sticks. I am aware that he is still golden in the eyes of his own, and loses no standing, which says much of him, Guyana, and especially them.

Regardless, I urge this weakened brother-damned by his own dodgy, crafty, words-to humble himself, seek counsel from above, come clean. He must listen to warnings given to him, because much more is known about him, and they are even worse. Leave alone the pitiful postures, surrender to a standard that speaks for itself, and which doesn't deal with under the table practices, shadowy people. Such a standard would be about the ethical and honourable that I have tendered repeatedly. When those are there, there is no fear, no trembling, no hiding, no need at regrouping and defending by anyone, either self or others. One stands on one's own feet.

Try it, brother leader, and the

results will follow and recommend to all, including assorted naysayers, critics, and skeptics. I would be encouraged to give this fellow Guyanese a boost, as needed.

So, we are going to have a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the last elections.

It is all that I can say of it, that we are going to have one.

Because I can predict from now where that is heading.

The 2020 Elections was a total disaster, and which is the best that can be said about it. What I think will happen, thanks to this COI, is that we will relive the 2020 elections in all its ugliness,

and dig a deeper hole for ourselves.

We need one, but not in the manner that this came into being. I leave it at that t o d a y .

Because after this COI is done and delivered, it would be as if we never left that dreadful 5-month interval, and continue from where we left off, with renewed energies, passions, and prejudices. Yes, it will

By GHK Lall so disturb our spirits.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

The

Sunday June 26, 2022

Detective

Kamarang woman looking for dad she never met

By Shervin Belgrave

S

omewhere in Guyana there is a man in his early 70s who has no clue that a “fling” he reportedly had in the 1970s with a young woman in Kamarang, Region Seven had produced him a daughter.

The man Nicholas Allicock and the woman he had met as a young man, Ivy Peters, has died but their daughter, Amanda Peters, is 45 year old today and has spent most of her adult life looking for him.

Amanda currently resides in San Antonio, in neighbouring Venezuela but has travelled to Kamarang and other Regions of Guyana on numerous occasions looking for her father but was never able to locate him.

When a cousin related to her that she is acquainted with a reporter working with Kaieteur News, Amanda did not waste any time to make contact. She wanted to share her story and hopes that her dad or one of his relatives will read this article and they will finally be able to meet for the first time.

Amanda recalled that at the tender age of five she began to question her mother and aunts about her father because everyone else had a father except her.

According to Amanda, they gave her a photo of him and related that he is from Georgetown, Guyana and won't be coming back.

“I held onto that photo, but during my travels it got misplaced,” Amanda told The Waterfalls paper.

Although she had lost his photograph, the image of what he looked like was never erased from her memory and she longed to meet him.

“He looked handsome in

the photo,” she said.

As Amanda got older, she became more curious about her father and began seeking answers. Her mother and aunts could not keep his story a secret any longer so they decided to tell her the tale of how she came into existence.

Amanda learnt that her mom Ivy had met Allicock in the 1970s. There was a gold rush in Kamarang and miners from Georgetown flocked the area. Among them was Allicock.

“My aunts told me that he was handsome and my mom was 'hot' so it did not take long for the two to cross paths,” Amanda related.

Ivy reportedly fell madly in love with the charming Allicock and they soon started an intimate romantic relationship.

Although the young couple was together in Kamarang many described their relationship as a “fling” because Allicock was a miner and not from the village.

Miners back then had a reputation for not taking their girlfriends along with them when it was time to return home or move to another location.

Allicock reportedly lived up to that reputation and when it was time for him to go, he said goodbye and left but he did not know that he had impregnated Ivy. Ivy too did not know that she was pregnant with Amanda until the symptoms kicked in months later.

Allicock was thousands of miles away and she had no clue where he was.

She tried contacting him but technology was limited back then and it proved difficult to locate him. Ivy soon gave up pursuing him and Amanda was born in 1977.

The young woman was

A photo of Kamarang, a Region Seven Village broken-hearted and she wanted to put the past behind her so when Amanda was still a baby, Ivy relocated to Venezuela and started a new life there and never returned to Guyana.

Ivy had stopped looking for Allicock decades ago but Amanda wanted to meet her father even if it was for just a couple of hours.

Amanda said that when she was old enough to move around on her own, the quest to find her father started.

With clues from her aunts and those who were acquainted with him, Amanda followed his trail to Mahdia, Region Eight but it seems as though Allicock was always one step ahead of her.

The last information she

Amanda Peters, the Kamarang woman looking for the father she never met.

received about his whereabouts was that he is still alive and healthy and living in a Region Eight community However, Amanda is fearful t h a t t i m e i s running out and she might never be able to meet her dad because the relative who gave her that information recently died and never got the opportunity to tell her the name of the Region Eight community.

If anyone is familiar with this story or knows of a Nicholas Allicock in his early 70s and wants to help Amanda, please call cell phone number 689-1219 to share your information. rang, a Region Seven Village.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

PAGE 31

==Health Facts==

Smoking Hookah; is it dangerous or cool?

By Rehanna Ramsay

W

hile the dangers of smoking tobacco are widely known, tobacco companies have made it a point to find new ways to continue to push their products, influencing a new generation down a dangerous path.

With the introduction of devices like e-cigarettes and hookah or shisha, smoking has once more been repackaged to make tobacco and nicotine “feel safe,” and “look cool.”

As is explained by several medical articles, hookah smoking isn’t any safer than using traditional cigarettes— it is actually more dangerous.

And since the water in the hookah does not filter out the toxic ingredients in the tobacco smoke, hookah smokers may actually inhale more tobacco smoke than

cigarette smokers do. This is mainly due to the large volume of smoke they inhale in one smoking session, which can last as long as 60 minutes. This means that even engaging in smoking hookah, every once in a while, can pose a risk to one’s health.

Medical research evidence shows that besides tobacco, hookah smoke contains high levels of toxic compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens).

In fact, hookah smokers are exposed to more carbon monoxide and smoke than cigarette smokers. Hookah smoking also delivers about the same amount of nicotine as cigarette smoking, possibly leading to tobacco dependence. As it is with cigarette smoking, hookah smoking is linked to lung and oral cancers, heart disease, and other serious illnesses.

Additionally, hookah pipes used in hookah bars and cafes may not be cleaned properly, risking the spread of infectious diseases.

Yet, many young people today, have been led to believe that hookah smoking is relatively safe. The origin of the hookah shisha, or water pipe dates back centuries ago.

The device first appeared in the 1500s in India and later spread across the Middle East like wildfire. Today, the smoking device is being used to repackage and reintroduce tobacco products to an entirely new generation. At almost every major bar, the hookah pipe known as a “narghile,” “ a rg h i l e ” o r “ h u b b l e bubble” is used to smoke fruit-flavoured tobacco and is the centre of social activity with one hookah usually being passed around a group of smokers.

Besides those who

engage in the actual use of the device, the research shows that hookah smoke poses dangers associated with secondhand smoke.

Second-hand smoke from shisha/hookah pipes is dangerous because it contains harmful substances like carbon monoxide, toxic chemicals, and other toxic particles.

Medical research has shown that the smoke from the activity not only puts users but hookah bar workers at risk of lung and heart disease and inflammation normally associated with pulmonary

and cardiac disorders.

Hookahs are known to emit clouds of smoke making them even more p o l l u t a n t a n d environmentally unsafe than traditional cigarettes. During one hookah-smoking session, a smoker can inhale the equivalent of the smoke from 150 cigarettes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Studies showed the air quality in the rooms where people smoked and in an adjacent room during about one hour of hookah or cigarette smoking and

compared the readings to nonsmoking homes.

Air filters used to measure levels of carbon monoxide, black carbon and pollution particles in rooms where hookah was used found 2.5 microns or smaller (PM 2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream present.

A Reuters article on Hookah and the environment, quoted Thomas Eissenberg, a p r o f e s s o r a t Vi r g i n i a Commonwealth University who studies tobacco use (Continued on page 33)

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

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Physiotherapy – the field of medicine that aims to restore both body and mind

By Allyiah Allicock

O

n S a t u r d a y, t h e Ministry of Health’s Disability and Rehabilitation Services Department concluded its annual ‘Rehab Week’ observance which embraced the theme: “Reflect, C e l e b r a t e a n d Tr a n s f o r m Rehabilitation in 2022.”

The annual event, which began on June 19, was geared at educating and bringing awareness to the

an individual functions in everyday life; supporting them to overcome difficulties with thinking, seeing, hearing, communicating, eating or moving around.

Now that you’ve gotten a gist of what rehabilitation is all about, let me tell you about three young professionals who have careers in rehabilitation and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

They are physiotherapists Chalesha Greaves, Elton Newton and Sorrya Simmons, who all made

Chalesha Greaves engaging with a patient public about the impact and benefits of rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is defined as a set of interventions designed to optimise functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment.

As such, rehabilitation helps a person - being a child or adult – to be as independent as possible in everyday activities. It does so by addressing underlying conditions such as pain and improving the way

it clear that being in the profession is not only about helping someone physically but it also entails restoring people’s hope and letting them know that all is not lost.

Greaves, for instance, who works with the Health Ministry and is attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), said that before she made the decision to join this profession, she had always wanted a career in the medical field, and on top of that, she always loved taking care of people. She decided back in 2016 to pursue the physiotherapy

Smoking Hookah; is it dangerous...

From page 31 saying “People are not as aware of the risks as they should be, and many mistakenly believe that passing smoke through water will reduce the health risks.”

“Even when the smoke has passed through water, which makes it cooler and easier to inhale, that smoke still contains many of the same carcinogens as cigarette smoke,” Eissenberg said.

He advised current hookah smokers to quit or to seek help with their habits. “If you are using a hookah at home, you are putting yourself and all members of your family at risk for tobacco-caused disease,” he said.

profession.

“As I went more into it (physiotherapy) I was very happy with my choice because it’s not only looking at just one aspect of the patient, you get to look at them holistically and not only is it sport related as people may think but I actually like the neurological aspect of it. It’s a field whereby when you see people progress you feel satisfaction,” she related.

Being a physiotherapist for more than two years, Greaves shared that it has not always been easy but seeing people overcome their difficulties always gives her a sense of satisfaction that she chose the profession.

As it relates to her colleague, Newton, he said physiotherapy was not originally what he had in mind when he decided to pursue higher learning at the University of Guyana. He had planned to change studies after his first year of studies, but after doing a clinical attachment and going into clinics and working closely with patients, his whole mindset of it all changed.

Newton, who is currently attached to the Palms Geriatric Home, said that being a physiotherapist has been truly rewarding. “It has been rewarding because it’s a profession that allows you to play a role in persons’ health also in wellbeing and quality of life.

So being able to help somebody who had, like no sort of hope, it’s really rewarding,” he asserted.

Moreover, Newton has been assuring persons, who may have lost hope, that physiotherapy is there to help them to the best of their abilities so that they can be integrated back into society.

For Simmons, who has been in the profession since 2018, and is now regularly providing services in areas in Region One, physiotherapy is learning to work with almost everybody with a medical condition.

It was noted by the young therapist that physiotherapy does

From left: Young physiotherapists: Chalesha Greaves, Sorrya Simmons and Elton Newton

not only look at someone who may have a problem moving around, but it focuses too on persons who may have been burnt, a woman who just delivered a baby or even persons who contracted the COVID-19 disease and are in the recovery stage.

Simmons explained that “Physiotherapy is working with somebody who may have had an injury or something estranged in their life that for some physical reason they can’t do it as before.

And through exercise, through movement, through training, we get them back to what they were

doing in their life previously; sometimes it may not be 100 percent but the aim is always to get you back to some form of independence.”

For those who may be looking to pursue a physiotherapy career, the young woman said that it is an apt field if you are aiming to make a difference in someone’s life.

Just like Newton, Simmons highlighted that “to see somebody go from having to depend on people to be able to do things independently again, that’s the most rewarding part of being in this profession.”

A room in the Rehab Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

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Sunday June 26, 2022

PAGE 35

25E Influential Women Leaders receive 2022 Awards

mbracing the theme for 2022, “Leading Change”, the 25 I n f l u e n t i a l Wo m e n Leaders Award (25IWLA) team recently honoured and celebrated the contributions of the 2022 cadre of awardees for their outstanding contributions to their communities, sectors and country.

Organised by Co-Creators of the Award Michelle A. Nicholas, Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting, Inc. and Managing Director of Cerulean Incorporated Lyndell Danzie-Black to recognise the successes of women leaders across Guyana, the award redresses the underrepresentation of women and transform how women leaders are viewed in Guyana.

In fact, a release from the organisers noted that the 25IWA is G u y a n a ’s m o s t p r e s t i g i o u s accolade, and attracted over 200 nominations for consideration by the judges to recognise the contributions of female leaders in any sector of the country.

Hosted at the Georgetown, Guyana Marriott, the event’s Venue Partner, on June 18, 2022, the event saw a capacity crowd share in the celebration of female leadership talent that honours the laudable accomplishments of each woman in her field of endeavour.

The class of 2022 joins a growing network of changemakers who are part of an association of the most dynamic, enterprising and resourceful leaders in Guyana.

The 2022 awardees are: Althea Daniels-Stuart, Ann Greene, Areefa Alladin-Karan, Cristal

Robinson, Ertenisa Hamilton, Francine Wintz, Geeta Chandan Edmond, Heather Wilson, Joylyn Anita Conway, Kalawattie DattSingh, Latoya Gooding, Lavonia Springer, Marissa Foster, Mischka White Griffith, Narda Mohamed Mangra, Natasha France, Nikoya Alleyne, Reshma Persaud, Sarah Daniels, Shabakie Fernandes, Sharon Allison Alexander, Shinelle Bayrd, Susannah Isaacs, Tandika Harry and Wemyss de Florimonte.

Beyond the recognition of the day, the 25IWLA honouree will receive the exclusive opportunity to apply for the highly competitive Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP).

This programme explores critical areas that include access to networks, leadership and social equity, executive presence and more, all aimed at building new and strengthened relationships internally and externally.

In highlighting the genesis of the prestigious Awards, Co-Creator Danzie-Black shared that the nominations are reviewed and ultimately selected by a panel of judges who are international as well as Guyanese leaders locally and across the diaspora.

The Co-creators are not included on the judging panel and this is deliberate to ensure its transparency.

Her remarks preceded an entertaining programme that included an inspiring original spoken word piece, dedicated to the 25 awardees, performed by Jelissa Isabella Hillaire. Volunteers from the Queen’s College also assisted in the execution of the event.

The 25 Influential Women Leaders who were awarded for 2022

Co-creators Lyndell Danzie-Black and Michelle A. Nicholas flank High Commissioner Fernando Ponz Canto at the awards ceremony

Attendees at the Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony all received gifts from the sponsors of this year’s activity, which included VIP Sponsor ExxonMobil Guyana, Gold Sponsor SBM Offshore, Bronze Sponsor GT&T, Beverage Sponsor TechnipFMC and Media Sponsor interCaribbean Airways.

The sponsors have all embraced diversity and empowerment of women as they create positive change in themselves and the world, with GT&T and interCaribbean Airways providing tangible support to the event, and SBM Offshore’s representative,

Trainee Programme Coordinator Nevellean Dundas, voicing the company’s support for and recognition of the contributions of women leaders in all fields.

E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a ’s representative Rochelle MaxiusBenn also shared the company’s commitment to the development of women and celebrated the accomplishments of the honourees.

High Commissioner of the European Union Delegation to Guyana His Excellency Fernando Ponz Canto reiterated the EU’s continued support for the awards and women’s development, adding

his praise for the achievements of the awardees and to the Cocreators.

In her closing remarks, CoCreator Nicholas said, “Amazing women leaders, supporters, allies, we’ve engaged, learned, shared and grew just over these few hours together this evening.

Not for financial gain but because our very presence shows how much we are leading by example.” She concluded the charge by saying to the awardees and guests gathered “So tonight, in this room and as you go about your days, I encourage you to not only lead through your volunteerism, contributions, support and titles, but do so willingly to bring someone along with you. Be an example. Lead by example.”

The 2022 Awardees are forging new paths for the next generation of women leaders along with the 50 other women leaders who have received this award since the inaugural event in 2019. The entire process, extending their involvement in personal growth sessions over the course of the next year, will see the awardees benefitting from various tailored programming geared to further their empowerment, intellectual advancement, social growth and leadership, as well as advance their commitment to community service. For more information about the 25 Influential Women L e a d e r s Aw a r d , e m a i l 25influentialwomen@gmail.com or visit to join the conversation on F a c e b o o k @25Influentialwomenleadersawar d.

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Sunday June 26, 2022

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Sunday June 26, 2022

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Protest for a better oil deal expands

By Davina Bagot

T

his past week the protest for a better oil deal expanded with more groups joining the call for a renegotiation of the lopsided contract Guyana has with oil major, ExxonMobil.

Vowing not to give in, unless the government heed to their calls, protestors moved their usual demonstration from the Square of the Revolution on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown to Houston, on the East Bank of Demerara.

Notably, a civil society group Article 13 - added its voice to the call for a better oil contract. Taking to the streets on Tuesday, cofounder of Article 13, Dr. Yog Mahadeo, said the protest action is to specifically urge the leaders of t h e P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic (PPP/C) to fulfill a promise made to renegotiate “the horrible” oil deal.

Mahadeo was joined by a group of concerned citizens who held placards and stood in front of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown office to publicly register their disapproval of the oil deal.

Simultaneously, a protest led by Kaieteur News Publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, was being held in front of the Guyana Shore Base Incorporated (GYSBI) office at Houston. The location was chosen as the GYSBI location offers services to the oil companies

operating in Guyana.

Prepared with their umbrellas to shelter from the harsh rays of the sun and furnished with bells to attract passersby, the protestors also took their demonstration to another level by adding a Guyanese touch- music. Those who could not use their voices chose to join the protest by using musical instruments in the forms of drums and shaks shaks during Friday’s protest.

The picketers held placards calling for “patriotic and efficient” leaders, as they believe the current batch has “sold out” their wealth to the oil companies. One protestor even sent a message through her signboard that “to suffer my children, you must first take my blood” as others on the picket line shouted that “ExxonMobil must pay its taxes!”

A Surinamese woman in Guyana was moved to tears as she shared that she came to Guyana three weeks ago and while listening to the Glenn Lall show on Kaieteur Radio she was touched by the messages. The woman who did not state her name said, “It brings pain to my heart to know that Jesus said that He will anoint our heads with oil and our cups shall run over. This is the moment that our cup is running over. What happened to the Guyanese? Who (will) stand up to fight for our oil to let our cups run over?” The woman stressed that the children in the land deserve a good breakfast everyday while adding, “God said in His word, He said if

An overseas based journalist speaks with the protestors at Houston earlier this week

my people who put their trust in Him shall mount upon wings like eagles.”

She urged Guyanese that they are all eagles and must flap their wings on the oil companies to make them bow.

Meanwhile, Lall told reporters that the government seems to be more interested in the oil

companies and their profits rather their people. He said, “Listen to the Vice President (Bharrat Jagdeo’s) press conference. He worrying about ExxonMobil shares rather than we shares. When this thing gonna stop? We need to shut down this country.”

Lall, who is also a businessman, highlighted that the meagre two

Protestors continue their call for a better oil deal, adding musical instruments to their peaceful fight

percent royalty that Guyana is getting from its oil resource is being recovered or taken back by Exxon which is enjoying free spending too, since there is no monitoring taking place of the company’s spending before it hands Guyana the bills. Another protestor called on other Guyanese to join the picket line, especially since the cost for basic commodities have increased while the country is barely receiving any revenue.

Earlier in the week, the picketers turned out in their numbers despite the rainy weather and clouds that hovered over the East Bank area.

The slow flow of traffic on We d n e s d a y m o r n i n g w a s supportive of the protest action, with drivers honking their horns to cheer on the protestors who stood in the rain to demand a better deal.

On Tuesday, an overseas journalist stopped by the protest and spoke with a few of the picketers who expressed how they feel about the lopsided Exxon contract.

The public demonstration had commenced in front of the Square of the Revolution (the Cuffy Monument) on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown about four weeks ago, prior to the renewal of the Liza One Permit. The protestors, back then, had called for government to use the renewal as an avenue to secure better financial returns from the oil sector. Since then, they have been unrelenting in their call for a fairer deal.

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Sunday June 26, 2022

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==My Testimony==

I am a Billboard – Part 1 …Escaping The Entrapment

By Sharmain Grainger

B

eing lured into an entrapment can sometimes appear to be one of the most delightful experiences but before you know it, it evolves into a living nightmare with no way of escape.

Indeed, there are all sorts of entrapments that people can find themselves in, but the one I’m referencing here today is that of substance addiction and as we all know accessing addictive substances these days is sometimes much easier than sourcing medicine to treat a chronic illness.

While there are some individuals who may test the potential of hard liquor, cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy pills or molly) or a highgrade blunt, perhaps out of curiosity or just to fit in with their peers, what many do

not know is that very few are able to evade their diabolical clutch simply by choosing to stop.

This is compounded by the fact that getting a perfect fix can be quite appetising these days. By this I mean, delicious goodness such as chocolate, gummies, cheesecake, red velvet cake, brownies are literally being sold laced with a combination of drugs and God knows what to ensure that customers keep returning for more.

Just last week my dear friend Dr. Zulfikar Bux, the Head of Emergency at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, in his column wrote about the increasing popularity of club drugs w h i c h i n c l u d e : flunitrazepam (roofies), GHB (liquid ecstasy), ketamine (special K), LSD (acid), MDMA (ecstasy or m o l l y ) a n d

methamphetamine (meth).

Since these drugs are bad enough taken in isolation, one can only imagine the impact when multiples of these are ingested all at once.

Addiction is a given once these are repeatedly used, and it becomes easier to achieve when the taste is delightful to the taste buds.

These drugs, as Dr. Bux outlined, contain a combination of agents that affect your brain and central nervous system.

An even more chilling disclosure from the doctor was that “All of them can make you feel uninhibited and lead you to make choices or do things you wouldn’t otherwise do.”

Indeed, his disclosure caused me to reflect on my own life for I too at one point of my life had fallen into this trap call addiction.

As in many cases, I fell victim to the habit after I ingested a delicious snack, with a kick that gradually made its presence felt, was introduced to me. This of course was after trying alcohol and MDMA, neither of which worked well with my system. But the devil, being such a crafty hater of God’s creation, ensured that an alternative infiltration was afforded me that was pleasant enough for me to stomach. Before long I couldn’t get enough of the experience which drove me to request from several readily available sources the fix that would get me the ‘highest’.

The availability of these

products is unprecedented.

Not only can you have it delivered with a meal but you can easily have endless samples, just enough to pull you into the realm of addiction. I can speak with authority on this because it was once my life – a life which saw me daring to reach higher than the previous high each time, perhaps I even secretly aspired to reach the point of no return.

While many are convinced that achieving a high is an enjoyable experience, it really isn’t

more ways than one. This gives true meaning to John 10:10 which states: “The thief (devil) comes only to steal, kill and destroy…” but thanks be God the scripture does not end there, it continues like this: “I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

And, indeed, this was the only way out for me after I became a functional addict. I literally saw myself become

Some of the deliciousness, once laced with drugs, that can cause you to lose your very soul since you are literally accepting a lie that you are not good enough in the state that God made you. Not only that, but the lie literally sentences you to death because continuous use of drugs, alcohol or any other such substance only causes harm to your anatomy in

absolutely dependent on my fix and hadn’t the will to halt the process. But thankfully the teachings I received ever since I was a child kept replaying in my mind that He “is not willing that any should perish…” as stated in 2 Peter 3:9.

So even though I

continued to gravitate to my fix, at one point on a daily basis, I started to remind Jesus, my saviour, that I was doomed unless He helped me – I literally said: “Jesus I am doomed unless you help me.” It was not an overnight change but once I finally accepted that there was nothing I could do to change what I had become, He swooped in and miraculously saved me from myself.

Today I have no desire for that deceptive fix. Do I regret that experience?

Absolutely not! In fact, I am happy I had the experience so that I can enlighten those struggling with addiction that Jesus is truly the way out. I have come to realise that the ultimate ‘high’ comes from Jesus and today I am proud to say I am a walking, talking billboard for Him. Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to d e v o u r. ( 1 P e t e r 5 : 8 Amplified Bible) (If you have an enlightening experience to share, email me @ sharmain_grainger@yahoo .com)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

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Although forced to battle floods annually, Kwakwani residents prefer to stay

By Vanessa Braithwaite

I

magine having to evacuate your home yearly because it has been inundated with water.

Imagine, battling with flood waters at least twice a year, seeing your furniture and home appliances floating on water or having no access to the bottom flat of your home for weeks.

This is the life of

Friday last, some residents had to squat on road corners since they had nowhere else to go. They, however, prefer to navigate these difficult periods than to permanently move.

Regional Councillor Elroy Adolph, told The Waterfalls that in the 90’s efforts were made by then President Desmond Hoyte, to encourage the residents to move to higher grounds. The

The current flooding situation at Lamp Island, Kwakwani

Waterfront resident Claudina Dookwah residents of Lamp Island, Waterfront and Ginger Island, Kwakwani UpperBerbice River. To many, this might seem to be a sad state of affairs and no one would desire to experience such instability, but the close to 300 residents of these communities have decided to stay put. Their reason?

“We live here all we life, we done build life here, we done accustom to the river,” as vocalised by one Waterfront resident.

During the rainy seasons, these communities, that are in close proximity to the Berbice River, are prone to flooding. For those without boats, navigating is impossible, for those with one-storey homes, evacuating is necessary.

Those with high homes are locked in, until the water recedes. With climate change and the rise in sea levels, the flooding gets worse as the years go by.

From 2018 to 2021, residents report that the water level has been higher than each previous year; 2021 was the worse recorded flood in over three decades.

This year, the situation is no different. Water level is rising daily and scores of residents have already evacuated.

Before the intervention of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on

petitions, however, fell on deaf ears. In 1995, he said former Head of the CDC, Joe Singh, again encouraged the residents to move and even provided land for them after they claimed they were unable to move because of the unavailability of land.

“He explained to them that Government cannot continue to provide food and

other assistance yearly and that they need to move to higher ground. He then established an area called ‘Chini Lane’, with about 50 house lots but only about five families moved,” Adolph related. Overtime the lands were occupied by others.

We like our peace and freedom Resident Claudina Dookwah said she grew up at the Waterfront all her life and she enjoys the riverine area.

“We use the river for domestic purpose, we wash our clothes and so, the Waterfront is very peaceful, you don’t get much trouble, I like it here,” she said.

“We are Amerindian

people. We like our freedom, we can hunt, fish and live peacefully here, we don’t’ like too much of cluster, we like to be among ourselves,” resident Haruna said.

“We cannot move out from here, when we move, where will we go? It might sound easy to just move, but I lived here all my life, built a home and everything,” Lareen Austin of Lamp Island said.

They believe that with

the dredging of the river, the flooding situation would not be as bad as it currently is.

They related that when the water pressure is low, it is possible to walk across the river. The river has not been dredged in over two decades.

While living in a flood prone area is challenging, they have learnt to navigate and cope, to make the situation less stressful. “You have to first get a boat, we would stock up on our food

and you have to build high because that is what I did,” Dookwah said.

In addition, the residents prefer to stay in their homes during the flooding situation rather than evacuate since their homes are often vandalised or their items are stolen.

This year, the Kwakwani Primary School is being used as a shelter for residents who have been forced to evacuated.

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Sunday June 26, 2022

‘I believe that God brought me back for my baby’s sake’

Karishma Mangal was pulled from the brink of death

…says first-time mother who was pulled from the brink of death

By Romario Blair

F

irst time mother, Karishma Mangal got a second shot at life on May 10th, last, after surviving what medical personnel have described as a 15-minute cardiac arrest.

While her miraculous recovery can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of a few medical practitioners, Mangal believes that her Creator also had other plans for her.

Mangal is an 18-year-old mother, who presently resides in the Charity Squatting area. This publication learnt that she suffered an Eclampsia Seizure. This type of seizure is pregnancy-related, and is caused by severe preeclampsia, which is a pressure related condition.

This type of seizure can be lethal and almost claimed

Mangal’s life after a 15minute battle against cardiac arrest.

During an exclusive interview with The Waterfalls last week, the still shaken Mangal shared her belief that although she was so close to death, God brought her back for her baby’s sake. The young mother is convinced that leaving this world without holding or even glancing at her newborn, would have been totally unjust.

A second shot Mangal explained that her miraculous recovery means that she gets to be the best mother she can possibly be. When asked how she feels about being a mother, Mangal warmly smiled and said, “It feels strange being a mom, I mean it’s only been a month and like two weeks.

It’s honestly getting easier now, but before,

breastfeeding was a little strange, not knowing how to really do it. And then at first, I didn’t know what to do when he started crying and how to go about comforting him, but after time I became a bit accustomed. I mean I’m still learning, and I think trying to be better is the main thing.”

Ignoring the signs Mangal said that she was quite fine throughout her pregnancy. But during the ninth month, she began to notice changes. While the nervousness and anxiety were issues she was dealing with, she recalled that her body began to swell uncontrollably. “I was nervous for a lot of reasons, knowing that my time was drawing near, and trying to comprehend what to expect, especially the labour pain.

So, I found myself stressing a lot,” said Mangal.

She related too that “I realised though as the ninemonth approached that I use to get sick a lot, then my foot started swelling and like my entire body started to swell. I didn’t take it seriously, but all the events were signs that the pressure was increasing.”

May 10th For Mangal, and her mother, Angela Tobin, May 10, 2022, is a date that will forever be etched in their memories. On the morning of May 10th, Mangal suffered two seizures at home. This experience was first relayed by Mangal herself, and then her mother.

When asked to describe her experience, Mangal said, “The morning before I got the baby is when I had the seizure. I can remember feeling like I was going to fall when walking, my head was swinging, I was unable to stand for long because my feet felt weak.”

She added, “I can remember mommy sending me to go get a bath and to put on clothes to head to the hospital. I did bathe and then I lay on the bed for a bit, but when I stand up I fell down back. I start seeing the whole room spinning and that was it, I can’t remember nothing else. Until I woke up back at Georgetown Hospital.”

The teens mother said that she immediately reached out to an aunt, and assistance was quickly rendered. “We got a taxi to come out of the dam to pick her up. And we got some additional help from the neighbours and so to help lift her out.

When we carry her to Charity Hospital, there she start get seizure again; this was the third seizure at Charity. They give her saline, and oxygen then they took her to Suddie,” Tobin related.

Flatlined Tobin said that when her daughter arrived at the Suddie Public Hospital, she was admitted in the

Emergency Ward. She was subsequently whisked away to the operating room, where she underwent a C-Section operation.

According to Tobin, “After they did the CSection they took the baby to the incubator, of course the baby was healthy. So, before I came home, I made sure that both the baby and my daughter were okay. She was responsive after the operation, and we even talked for a bit.”

Some four hours later, however, the worst was yet to come. Dr. Abel Caesar, who is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist attached to the Suddie Public Hospital, said some four hours after the operation, Mangal was moved to the Intensive Case Unit, as she suffered yet another severe seizure.

When invited for a comment, Caesar explained, “One of the nurses at the bedside realised that the patient went flatlined, the medical term for it is called ‘code blue,’ which meant that a heartbeat could not have been found.”

Caesar said, “So immediately after it was realised that this patient was unresponsive, the medical team, which consisted of eight persons at the time, went on to commence revival, this included CPR and applied medication.

It was miraculous though, when after 13 minutes of being unresponsive, we had a heart beat registering… the patient couldn’t breathe for herself just yet, so we had to insert a tube… she was still at risk of having another cardiac arrest.”

Caesar said that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation was contacted again, and a helicopter was sent within an hour. Mangal was air dashed to Georgetown, where further treatment was administered.

Miraculous ending After twelve days at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Mangal was eventually discharged and reunited with her husband Nicholas Williams, and family. She said, ”When I opened my eyes, I realised that I was plugged up to machines, and I had no memory of what happened.

There was so much I wanted to see; I was studying my baby how he was… I couldn’t wait to come home.”

During an invited comment, Tobin said, “I’m happy how things turned out, I was begging and praying that God would keep her safe.

I mean she’s not feeling the best, because she still cannot fatigue out of the risk of raising the pressure again.

The main thing though is that she’s here with us, and she’ll attend her clinic.”

Mangal and her bouncing baby boy, who she named Anthony Williams, are alive and well, due to the efforts of all medical professionals involved.

When asked if there’s anything she’d like to say to them she said, “I would like to send out a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses of the Georgetown and Suddie Public Hospitals for saving my life. Thank you all very much, and though these words may be few, they are sincere.”

Kaieteur News Some of the most popular Brow trends for 2022

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Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

Sunday June 26, 2022

Some of the most popular Brow trends for 2022

By Latoya Zephyr Eyebrow trends can be dangerous territory. Some of us have learnt the hard way that too much plucking can permanently change the shape of our brows – the rest of us have heard the horror stories. Which is why we all raised our brows when Some Celebrities put 90’s skinny brows back on the agenda earlier last year.

Even tho they might not have made the cut. Here's the most popular eyebrow trends you need to know for 2022.

Brow lamination The most popular eyebrow trend for 2022 by far, is brow lamination . The semipermanent treatment provides perfectly placed, brushed up brows that last for months. The process basically involves restructuring brows and setting them into the most desirable shape using a fixing product that helps straighten curved hairs and improve symmetry. The brushed up shape can also help to fill gaps and give the appearance of fullerlooking brows. Plus the trend counts celebs like Gigi Hadid and Dua Lipa among its high-profile fans.

Natural brows

Natural brows is the second most popular with 896,000 hashtags (and the easiest to do). This trend is about sticking to your natural shape, just maybe slightly more groomed. It's not too skinny or thick, it's more minimalist and simplified.

Fluffy brows Fluffy brows have been building momentum and they are staying put for 2022. The trend has been spotted on Billie Eilish and involves brushing up brow hairs but still leaving them relaxed and natural, which means less time spent pencilling them in.

Feather brows This is different from micro-feathering, a semi-permanent tattooing technique. Instead it's another spin on fluffy brows that takes its cues from feathers. The idea is to use a spoolie to create definition and flick the brows out to give an airy, lightweight look that still looks full.

Coloured brows Best for those who like to experiment, play and have fun with their makeup. The coloured brow is an easy way to add a pop of colour into makeup and it's definitely not boring.

Sunday June 26, 2022

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Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

Identifying and treating Eating Disorders You have heard persons talking about it; you have seen persons either in real life or on television suffering from it. But what exactly defines an eating disorder?

Over the years, pictures have been circulated with young women and men suffering from anorexia and they seem quite gruesome. On the contrary, some of these images are meant to raise awareness about eating disorders among young people.

But did you know that anorexia is not the only eating disorder that persons can suffer from?

It is commonly thought that eating disorders are actually a lifestyle choice. In that, the sufferers can actually just snap out of it or choose to eat properly. This is a common perception in Guyana and the world over where there is not much focus on mental health issues of this sort.

However, it must be noted that eating disorders are grave and often fatal diseases that can cause severe disturbances to a person’s eating behaviors. Certain obsessions with food, body weight, and shape may also signal the presence of an eating disorder. Eating disorders that

frequently occur include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorders.

People with anorexia nervosa often times see themselves as being grossly overweight despite the fact that they are dangerously underweight. It is not uncommon for persons with anorexia to constantly weigh themselves during the day, sometimes four to five times within a 24 hour period.

They also tend to severely restrict the amount of food they consume and at that, only eat very small quantities of just certain foods. Of all the eating disorders and all the psychiatric disorders for that matter, anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate.

Most young people with this disorder tend to die from complications associated with starvation. However, due to the depression, others die of suicide. Suicide is much more common in women with anorexia than with most other mental disorders. Symptoms of anorexia may include: · Eating extremely small amounts · Extreme emaciation (thinness) · The relentless urge to get thinner and unwilling to

maintain a normal or healthy weight · A deep and intense fear of gaining weight · Distorted body image, a self-esteem that is heavily influenced by perceptions of body weight and shape · Denial of the seriousness of low body weight Some other symptoms may develop over time due to the initial starvation. These would include: · Thinning bones referred to as osteopenia or osteoporosis · Anemia, muscle wasting and weakness · Brittle hair and nails · Dry and yellowish skin · Growth of fine hair all over the body (lanugo) · Severe constipation · Low blood pressure, slowed breathing and pulse · Decreased heart function due to damage · Brain damage · Multi-organ failure · Drop in internal body temperature, causing a person to feel cold all the time · Lethargy · Infertility Now, people with bulimia nervosa have frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food and having little to no control over

them. This binge-eating behavior is usually followed by a compensating behaviour for the overeating such as purging, overuse of laxatives or diuretics, prolonged fasting, excessive exercise, or a combination of all. Unlike anorexia, bulimia patients are usually able to maintain a healthy or relatively normal body weight.

Symptoms of bulimia nervosa may include: · Chronically inflamed and sore throat due to purging · Swollen salivary glands in the neck and jaw area · Worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of exposure to stomach acid · Acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems · Intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse · Severe dehydration from purging of fluids · Electrolyte imbalance (too low or too high levels of sodium, calcium, potassium and other minerals) which can lead to stroke or heart attack Finally, people with a binge-eating disorder lose total control over his or her eating habits. Unlike bulimia, the periods of binge-eating are not followed by purging,

excessive exercise, or fasting.

As such, binge-eaters are commonly, very overweight or obese. Some of the symptoms associated with binge eating include: · Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time · Eating even when you’re full or not hungry · Eating fast during binge episodes · Eating until you’re uncomfortably full · Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment · Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about your eating · Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss What then are some of the risk factors associated with developing these disorders?

Research dictates that these disorders usually occur during the teenage years or into young adulthood but can also begin during childhood or later on in life. They affect both genders, although women are two out of five times more likely to develop them as compared to men.

Unlike women who may tend to have body image distortions concerning being overweight, men may have muscle dysmorphia, a type of

disorder marked by the need to become more muscular.

Research has shown that eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. So for those suffering from any of the above, it might not just be one trigger, it may be a combination, which is why not many Guyanese know how to deal with them when diagnosed.

Treatments and Therapies Ensuring that there is adequate nutrition, helping to reducing excessive exercise and putting an end to purging behaviors are the mainstay of treatment. However, treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s needs and may include one or more of the following: · Psychotherapy · Medical care · Counseling on nutritional · Medications Medications such as ant i d e p r e s s a n t s , antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers have been found to be very helpful for treating eating disorders and illnesses occurring hand in hand such as anxiety or depression.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) The symptoms, causes and how you can prevent it You have probably heard of persons complaining that they have constant heartburn, or perhaps, even you are a victim of this distasteful disorder. But what exactly is it and what causes it to happen?

Constant and recurring heartburn is actually a disorder known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD for short. GERD is a disease of the digestive system with the main pathology occurring at the lower esophageal sphincter or the LES. The LES is a circular muscle between the stomach and the tube leading to the stomach (the esophagus) that seals the stomach and prevents its contents from backing up.

Many persons, especially pregnant women and persons suffering from obesity, experience acid indigestion caused by GERD. GERD is one of those diseases which can be fixed through lifestyle changes including diet and exercise.

However, due to long term effects, some persons may require medical or surgical in-

tervention.

In order to understand the disease we must understand its name.

Gastroesophagealis, the term used to refer to the stomach and esophagus while reflux, means to flow back or return.

As such, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach’s contents back up into the esophagus. Reflux occurs when the LES is weak or it opens up inappropriately thus allowing the contents of the stomach to flow into the esophagus.

What causes GERD? For some, the causes of GERD are multi-factorial.

However certain diets and lifestyle choices are the main contributors to this disease.

Foods like chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods and drinks like coffee and alcohol, can trigger reflux and heartburn. Cigarette smoke causes relaxation of the LES, along with the obesity factor and pregnancy. These therefore have significant roles to play in the symptoms of GERD. Symptoms that you must beware of

The most major complaint of anyone suffering from GERD is heartburn. It is also called acid indigestion and is characterized by a burning chest pain on the left side of the upper chest, radiating to the neck and throat. To put it into context, it usually feels like food coming back into the mouth and leaving a sour or bitter taste.

These symptoms can last up to two hours and are exacerbated especially after eating.

Two other phenomena that could cause heartburn occur upon lying down or bending over. As such, it is not unusual for a lot of persons to obtain relief by standing up or through the use of an over the counter antacid to neutralize the acid in the esophagus.

A common issue is that sometimes the associated pain is mistaken for that of heart disease or cardiac arrest.

The differences however are easily distinguished. For heart disease, the pain is aggravated with exercise and can ease when resting. It is can also radiate to the left arm, axilla, shoulder, neck and jaw.

Heartburn pain is not affected by physical activity and radiates only toward the neck and throat.

TREATMENT The number one recommendation for the treatment of GERD is modification of lifestyle and diet. The mainstay of treatment is in actuality attempting to decrease the amount of reflux or reducing the damage caused to the esophagus by the acidic materials of the stomach.

Foods and drinks that cause the LES to weaken should be avoided. These, as was mentioned, can include chocolate, peppermint, fatty foods, coffee and alcohol.

Legumes and some large amounts of foods rich in carbs should be looked out for as well since persons have reported them as causation factors. Foods and drinks that cause irritation of the esophageal lining, such as acidic fruits and juices and pepper should also be avoided if they cause symptoms.

Managing portion sizes at mealtime so that you do not overeat could also be essen-

tial in symptom control. Also, eating meals at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed can help to decrease reflux. This allows the acid in the stomach to decrease and the stomach to partially empty, thereby ensuring that there is minimum content in the stomach to back up. Being overweight tends to worsens symptoms so weight loss is key to gaining symptomatic relief in the long run.

As smoking weakens the LES, quitting can help to decrease GERD symptoms.

Keeping your head elevated when sleeping at night could also help since it allows the minimizing of reflux through gravity. Along with these lifestyle modifications, over the counter or prescription antacids may also be recommended Antacids help to neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach, thereby stopping heartburn. These have been known to help some persons partially or temporarily. Combined with foaming agents, antacids can form a foam barrier on top of the stomach that

prevents acid reflux from occurring.

Antacids are not without their side effects though. Using them for prolonged periods can cause diarrhea, altered calcium metabolism, and magnesium build-up which are detrimental to persons with kidney disease.

Chronic sufferers of reflux are usually recommended medications that reduce acid in the stomach itself. These could include H2 blockers that stop the secretion of acid in the stomach partially. In this group of drugs are cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and the popular, ranitidine.

Another kind of medication that can be prescribed is the proton pump inhibitor.

These prevent the action of an enzyme that is necessary for the secretion of acid.

Popular proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and dexlansoprazole, using the trade names Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex and Dexilant respectively.

Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 54

Today In

June 26

Sunday June 26, 2022

Compiled By Zena Henry Representatives of 50 World Nations signed on to the UN Charter (Credit Photo: History 101)

The Constitution of British Guiana was announced by Her Majesty

Guyana's Parliament has gone through many phases in its evolution; from the time of its colonial members to its current seat holders elected by the citizens of this country.

In 1956, however, the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from June 29, 1957.

In 1957 general elections were held and the PPP Jaganite under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan won the elections. A second Legislative Council constituted under the (British Guiana (Constitution) Temporary Provisions) Orders in Council 1953 and 1956 was appointed. The Legislative Council

consisted of the Speaker, three ex-officio members, 14 elected members and 11 nominated members.

On July 18, 1961 this second Legislative Council was dissolved. On July 18, 1961, a new Constitution – The Constitution of British Guiana– annexed to The British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council, and made on June 26, 1961, by Her Majesty and with the advice of Her Privy Council – came into operation. This new Constitution revoked the 1953 Constitutional Instruments and the amendments thereto.

Provision was made in the new Constitution for a Premier and a Council of Ministers (not called the Executive Council or the Cabinet). Provision was also made for a two-chamber Legislature – a Senate and a Legislative Assembly.

Grand Prix motor racing, a form of motorsport competition

The United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco Established in 1945, the United Nations (UN) is basically a supergroup of the world's politicians addressing various issues such as war and inequality. The formation of the U.N. wasn't exactly a new idea since during World War I, the League of Nations

was created to handle the constant crisis of war. Unfortunately, they were unable to mediate the growing problems that led to World War II. As a result, “the powers that be” were already discussing the founding of the U.N. back in 1941.

The revolutionary plan began to gain steam when American President Franklin D. Roosevelt and English Prime Minister Winston Churchill penned the Atlantic Charter in late 1941. As a result, of these new (Continued on page 57)

The Emergency (India) is declared after PM pinned in election fraud In 1975 the former President of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed declared a state of internal emergency, which granted Caesar-like powers to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was considered by many to be the lowest point in Indian democracy. After Gandhi was found guilty of the charge of misuse of government machinery for election purposes by the Allahabad High Court she got a conditional stay from the Supreme Court. This led her major opponent JP Narayan who demanded her resignation and declared nationwide

enjoyed by millions of people around the world and has its roots

One of the more modern Grand prix races of today

in organised automobile racing that began in France. In 1906 Grand Prix de l'Automobile Club de France, commonly known as the 1906 French Grand Prix, was a motor race held on 26 and 27 of June on closed public roads outside the city of Le Mans.

The Grand Prix was organised by the Automobile Club de France (ACF) at the prompting of the French automobile industry as an alternative to the Gordon Bennett races, which limited each competing country's number of entries regardless of the size of its industry.

protests. Gandhi convinced the president to declare a state of emergency lasting some 21 months. Setting off nearly two years of widespread arrests, censorship of the press and severe curtailment of civil liberties to India's millions of citizens. The 21-month period, known in India simply as the Emergency, represents one of the darkest periods of India's political past.

The first move was a complete blanket ban on anything that was critical of Gandhi and her regime. Most (Continued on page 57)

Assassinated Indian PM Indira Ghandi

First Grand prix racing event in 1906 France had the largest automobile industry in Europe at the time, and in an attempt to better reflect this, the Grand Prix had no limit to the number of entries by any particular country.

The ACF chose a 103.18kilometre (64.11 mi) circuit, composed primarily of dust roads sealed with tar, which would be

lapped six times on both days by each competitor, a combined race distance of 1,238.16 kilometres (769.36 miles), lasting for more than 12 hours. Today, there are 12 Grand prix countries in the world with Formula One, (F1), is the highest class of open-wheeled auto racing series. (1906 French Grand prix)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 56

Sunday June 26, 2022

Composting at home for healthier kitchen gardens

By Zena Henry

I

n a previous Creators' Coven column, I looked at the current pressures facing families as the globe still battles the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and now, the high prices and unavailability of some basic goods and services amplified by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Recognising that there may be no immediate end to the ongoing challenges, it was recommended that citizens could find ways to adjust to better accommodate these unfortunate changes.

Measures may not be able to totally erase the challenges faced at this time but revamping to give some more wiggle room could be effective. There are different areas that could be looked at when considering what adjustments could be applied. The Coven had highlighted a couple of those such as the creation of a kitchen garden and we even showed how to achieve this in small spaces. This idea was especially important since it's an effort that has a direct impact on the home's food bill.

We had highlighted also different planting techniques that could be adopted to maximise space and save on m o n e y. S o m e o f t h e techniques included highyield crops, wide row planting and vertical planting to name a few; but we will look at those in depth in another column.

We had not spoken about composting and in this regard, it could mean a lot when looking to save money and grow enough food in small spaces. Some of us might remember that in the height of the pandemic $500 could no longer buy adequate portions of green seasonings when a generous portion of celery for instance, was once $200.

Today, $500 is needed for a decent bundle of celery.

These are some of the basic herbs needed by households as seasonings in their pots.

Being able to grow this and

other frequently used foods will have a positive impact on how much is saved. These are small items but because of the frequent need, they very much add up.

Composting could be very useful it's said to be a garden's insurance. Quincy B e n j a m i n , a n o rg a n i c fertiliser producer from Mahaica had expressed these very sentiments when The Coven had met him selling his product. Benjamin owns an establishment, Mahaica Organics which produces, among other items, liquid organic fertiliser.

He had explained how important such natural fertilisers are when it came to growing healthy, plentiful crops.

He told The Coven that organic waste is mixed with other ingredients which are his special recipe, water is added and left to sit for several months. The alkaline level of the mixture is then tested for the right pH. Benjamin is one of the many local compost producers who could supply the fertiliser. At this point, he produces the fertiliser on a commercial basis, so if he can make the fertiliser for resale, then definitely the item could be homemade; we are paying attention to cutting cost by growing our own food and doing it as cheaply as possible.

There are still many people that are unfamiliar with composting techniques.

Luckily, we live in an age where content relating to almost any topic is now at our fingertip. And so, apart from having to seek out persons like Benjamin to get the composting done, there is now easy access to getting the necessary information.

Gardeners.com for example, provides free information on gardening ideas and other related information to offer guidance on the new venture.

They advised that maintaining a compost pile is the surest, easiest way to having a better garden.

Not only does it help to produce the best possible food for the garden, but watching leaves, eggshells,

discarded food and grass clippings become transformed into rich compost filled with earthworms and other soil creatures, makes it easier to learn what healthy soil is all about. Compost is a rich and crumbly blend of partially decomposed organic material that does wonders for the soil and garden.

Whether hard and compacted, sandy, stony, heavy, or wet, adding compost will improve soil t e x t u r e , w a t e r- h o l d i n g capacity, and fertility.

The soil will gradually become fluffy and brown—the ideal home for healthy plants. Compost also provides a balanced source of plant nutrients. Even when the soil is great it can't be expected that the soil will remain rich and productive without replenishing the nutrients that are consumed.

No commercial fertiliser, even one that is totally organic, provides the full spectrum of nutrients that you can achieve with compost.

The nutrients are available gradually, as the plants need them. The microorganisms in the compost will also help the plants absorb nutrients from fertilisers more efficiently.

Adding compost moderates pH and fertility problems, so you can concentrate on the pleasures of gardening, not the science of the soil's chemical composition. Unlike organic or inorganic fertilisers, which need to be applied at the right time and in the right amount, compost can be applied at any time and in any amount.

You can't really over-apply it.

Plants use exactly what they need, when they need it.

So how does composting actually work?

Some basic compost ingredients are fruits and vegetables, egg shells, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, nut shells, shredded newspaper, cardboard, paper, yard trimmings grass clippings, leaves, sawdust, wood chips, cotton, hair and fur and ash.

For an easy cheap version

start your compost pile on bare earth. This allows worms and other beneficial organisms to aerate the compost and be transported to the garden beds easily. Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches high. This aids drainage and helps aerate the pile.

Add compost materials in layers, alternating based on moisture and dryness. Moist ingredients are food scraps, tea bags, seaweed, etc. Dry materials are straw, leaves, sawdust pellets and wood ashes. If you have wood ashes, sprinkle in thin layers, or else they will clump together and be slow to break down. Add manure, green manure; grass clippings for example. This activates the compost pile and speeds the process along. Keep compost moist. Water occasionally, or let rain do the job.

Cover with anything you have – wood, plastic sheeting, carpet scraps.

Covering helps retain moisture and heat, two essentials for compost.

Covering also prevents the compost from being overwatered by rain. The compost should be moist, but not soaked and sodden. Turn occasionally.

Every few weeks give the pile a quick turn with a pitchfork or shovel. This aerates the pile. Oxygen is required for the process to work and turning allows for that.

Once you've established your compost pile, add new materials by mixing them in, rather than by adding them in layers. Mixing, or turning, the compost pile is key to aerating the composting materials and speeding the process to completion. If you want to buy a composter, rather than build your own compost pile, you may consider a buying a rotating compost tumbler which makes it easy to mix the compost regularly. Knowing how creative we are in Guyana, one can use an old plastic drum to create their own compost bin.

That would be cheaper and easier as the drum could be flipped when necessary.

A homemade plastic rotating compost bin.

Compost in initial stage

Pallets could be used to create these composting compartments. The larger space is for fresh material. The material will be shifted to the second space as the process occurs and then to the third just before all the material reaches the final stage. This method allows for continuous composting.

The final product, rich organic fertiliser

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

PAGE 57

Guyanese wins California Workforce Association Champion 2022 Award

M

r. Anthony Rafeek, a Guyanese who now lives in California, USA, has won the prestigious California Workforce Association Champion of the year 2022 award, for the state of California. He received this award recently at the WORKCON2022 conference hosted in San Diego, California.

According to a release shared with this media house, Mr. Rafeek is a Programme Manager by profession with more than 10 years of experience in programme development and implementation.

Currently, he is implementing the Veteran Employment-Related Assistance Programme which seeks to support 180 veterans who have high barriers to employment. The programme consistently exceeded its performance goals and

successfully placed more than half of the participants in the programme in jobs that aligned with their longterm career paths and in-demand industry sector jobs.

Anthony, the release added, currently enjoys a career in Wo r k f o r c e a n d E c o n o m i c Development in California, collaborating with an ecosystem which includes colleges and universities, government institutions, NGOs and the business community to develop and implement innovative programmes which prepare the labour force for in-demand sector jobs and meet the changing needs of the business sector.

These programmes benefit veterans, adult workers, youths, dislocated workers, justice involved individuals, individuals with

disabling conditions, migrant and seasonal farm workers, among other populations.

Before leaving the shores of Guyana, Mr. Rafeek worked as a Programme Manager with the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the IDB to implement the Criminal Justice Reform Programme which sought to reduce prison overcrowding and increase the use of alternative sentencing in Guyana. Other notable projects included the Guyana Marriott Hotel Project which opened in April 2015 and the Amaila Falls Hydro Programme.

He holds a MBA from the University of Bradford, a Bachelors in Management Studies from the University of Guyana, is Project Management Professional certified and is a Restorative Practitioner.

The Emergency (India) is declared after...

From page 54 newspapers of the day gave in and the one that fought the hardest was The Indian Express. The day after the declaration, The Indian Express ran a blank page as a protest. The government cut power supply to newspaper printing presses, harassed and imprisoned journalists and even banned Kishor Kumar's songs because he refused to perform at a Congress rally.

Many of Gandhi's opponents were jailed. With many members of the opposition jailed, there were vehement protests, mostly led by the Sikhs and the RSS. The government responded with censorship and intimidation. The RSS was also banned in this era and thousands were imprisoned.

The RSS defied the ban by forming underground movements. It was in this era that a young man named Narendra Modi came in touch with LK Advani and

helped the underground movement. Modi would move around dressed as a Sikh to hoodwink the authorities.

Some of the atrocities carried out in this era included the detention of thousands of people without charges; abuse and torture, destruction of slums and even forced sterilisation.

Sanjay Gandhi, Indira's younger son held no power but was considered by many to be an unofficial dictator and whoever protested was removed. He is also believed to have destroyed tenements housing thousands and when they protested over 150 people were killed by the police. However, the most controversial was the forced sterilisation campaign, which some estimate was carried out on over eight million males.

“Not since India gained its independence from Britain in 1947 had it faced a constitutional crisis of such magnitude,” a TIME article

dated June 23, 1975, describing then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as being disqualified from her seat in the Indian Parliament after being found guilty of “campaign irregularities” in her 1971 re-election.

PM Gandhi was assassinated by two of her own bodyguards on 31 O c t o b e r, 1 9 8 4 a t h e r residence in New Delhi. She was killed by her Sikh bodyguards who retaliated for the military operation she ordered, Operation Blue Star. The Indian military action carried out between 1 and 8 June, 1984, sought to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the holy Golden Temple of the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab. The collateral damage included the death of many pilgrims, as well as damage to the Akal Takht. Military action on the sacred temple was criticised in and out of India. (Indian Times)>

The United Nations Charter was signed...

From page 54 guidelines for global unity, Roosevelt officially spawned the term “United Nations” for the group of Allies who fought against the Axis powers. After years of deliberation, the time had finally come for the international peace organisation to come into fruition.

On June 26, 1945, representatives from 50 different countries gathered at San Francisco's Herbst

Theatre to sign the U.N. Charter. After the document was inked, it was ratified in October 1945. From then on, the U.N. General Assembly had their first meeting in London, England in January 1 9 4 6 .

T h e intergovernmental organisation has even received over 10 Nobel Peace Prize awards since it came into existence. Today, the UN's main purpose is to maintain international peace a n d s e c u r i t y, d e v e l o p

friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations. It is the world's largest and most familiar international organisation. It is headquartered on international territory in New York City, and has other main offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, and The Hague; home to the International Court of Justice.

The award-winning Mr. Anthony Rafeek

Kaieteur News

PAGE 58

VILLAGE From page 23 living on the public road has had its positives and negatives.

While the positives include the fact that her business is easily accessible, the negatives, she noted, are the several fatal accidents that have occurred just in front of her business place. Singh noted that since her business place is equipped with surveillance cameras, police ranks oftentimes turn up to request footage to aid in their investigation. Questioning why accidents occur so frequently at the location, Singh said that she is hoping that another does not occur anytime in the near

Sunday June 26, 2022

A church in the village

The clothing store

Dhanmattie Singh called Babita, owner of the clothing store.

future.

A few streets away, I caught up with Jasmine Ramraj, who has been

living in the village of Nigg for the past six years.

She said that since she moved there, she has found it to be an “okay” place to live. Ramraj mentioned that while a lot of persons are selfemployed in the c o m m u n i t y, there are also many young

professionals.

“This is a quiet, nice community, the people are friendly, it got a nice mandir, a church and it is just a nice friendly place and we have the complex nearby,” Ramraj said.

The mother of one said she has managed to earn a decent living by selling delicious snacks and cane juice at the Port Mourant Market for the past three years while also engaging in sewing work. Her husband, she said, is employed in

the construction sector, helping to build Food for the Poor homes for the needy.

Her daughter who was too shy to come out is currently writing the CSEC examinations and, according to Ramraj, she has been doing good in school.

With several businesses owned and operated by the people of Nigg, it is safe to say that it a village with many thriving businesses that cater to the majority of the needs of residents.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday June 26, 2022

10-year-old Linden artist showcases exceptional talent

By Vanessa Braithwaite

T

en-year-old Linden artist, Avianne Basdeo is already making waves with her jaw dropping portraits, paintings of nature and other captivating art. At her age, most would expect amateur drawings coloured with crayons from her but there is nothing amateur about Avianne's work. In fact, she is already earning from her pieces as persons can see the worth and the time spent to ensure their perfection.

Avianne, a Grade Five student of the Amelia's Ward Primary School, started painting when she was just six years old, but recognised she had the talent at five years old with her simple drawings.

In four years, she h a s graduated from art books to easels and canvasses. She gets orders and has not gotten an unsatisfied customer to date.

“I started painting when I was six years old, the first portrait I did was of my mom…when I realised I had the talent, I would watch Yo u Tu b e t u t o r i a l s t o learn…my best portrait is of my aunt's friend,” she related.

She started doing research on mixing colours, using wax and other paint material to get that perfect finish. Being the humble little girl she is, Avianne said in the next five years, she wants to be an average

painter.

But clearly there is nothing average about this lass whose talent can only be described as exceptional. “I feel good about my work and it makes me feel good that people like them,” she said. She considers herself self-taught and does not plan on attending art school in the future but will c o n t i n u e researching and learning by trial and error.

Her parents are very supportive of her and would assist with

s Somep of Avianne en Basdeo's paintings

Talented artist, Avianne Basdeo

t h e purchasing of materials, as do other family members.

Presently, she paints in the confines of her home but would get her ideas from a wide range of places, especially nature.

When doing portraits, she tries to bring them to life, giving the client personality with the wise use of colour coordination. She normally uses a photograph to complete her portraits.

As a pre-Grade Six student, Avianne balances her time quite well. She

ds the week prioritising her school work, and uses weekends to paint.

To date this young artist has scores of finished work, of which many have been sold.

W hen s he s tarted , it w as n ever her in tentio n to make it in to a bus ines s venture, but the d eman d w as mad e an d s h e s t a r t e d r e a c h ing

those demands.

She said she feels really happy that at such a young age, she can bring a smile to the faces of many people through her work.

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Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

Global Friendship Foundation hosts “American Bars under the Stars” honouring Americas 246th Independence

C

haritable organisation, Global Friendship Foundation will be hosting a grand event “American Bars under the Stars” at the Promenade Gardens on July 2nd at 14:00hours, in commemoration of the 246th Independence of the United States of America. “This will be the biggest and finest celebration of American diverse food, beverage and hospitality offerings Georgetown has ever seen,” a statement from the organisation said.

Attendees will be able to “sip and sample” their way around the best American and other international beers, American cocktails, mocktails, sodas, and American street foods, whilst enjoying the Eat to the Beat Con-

cert scheduled for the event.

They can also learn of Destination USA, said to be one of the best places to visit in the world.

At the American Bars Under the Stars event, attendees who visit the Destination USA booth, will have the opportunity to meet the experts who will offer American travel and tourism inspiration tips and advice to help persons get the most out of their vacationing experience in the USA. Whether its burgers or chicken, pizza or hotdogs, fries or cupcakes, sodas or juice, the American fast food options will encompass nearly any American food that will be craved. “Food festivals are a great way to learn about a country,” the Foundation said. “Brewtopia” for beer afi-

cionados, will be one of the bigger events for the year.

Beer is one of the most popular drinks known to mankind and is the third most-drank beverage on the planet, behind water and tea. “The American Bars Under the Stars event will be a celebration of the vibrant and exciting brewing environment in Guyana, the United States and internationally with the best local, American and other world renown beers at the well stocked bars. If you want to try the hottest beers at the forefront of the industry, this is the event for you,” the organisers stated.

No American party will be complete without cocktails.

“And for this special anniversary event, we are having not just one, but two cocktail bars

Some of the American cuisine that would be available for the Independence event

to shake up the best signature cocktails. You might be more of a cocktail connoisseur than a master mixologist.

Why not get some of the good stuff mixed for you, so

you can sample some delightful American and other cocktails without having to actually make them yourself.”

The Foundation welcomed all those desirous of

participating. “Come to the American Bars Under the Stars, embark on an adventure of the senses!” they said.

Entry to the event is free and there will be free parking.

Local Govt. Ministry inks $69M contract to rebuild burnt wing of Diamond Secondary School The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Thursday signed a contract to rebuild the wing of the Diamond Secondary School which was destroyed by fire in 2018.

The $69,828,367 contract was awarded to Navin and Sons Construction which was among 13 contractors that had submitted bids for the project which was estimated to cost some $75 million.

It should be noted that this is just the first phase of the project which is slated to be completed in two phases both phases are estimated, by the engineer, to cost $163M. The reconstruction of the schools wing comes three years after it was destroyed

by a fire in 2018.

Kaieteur News understands that this project will form part of the $6.6 billion that was allocated in this years budget for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities across the country. Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Four, Donald Gajraj, had told this publication back in March that the wing will be rehabilitated to its previous size.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, headmistress of the school, Ms. Lesmine Collins had related that the school was short on space to accommodate students. This, she said, had been the state of affairs since the fire de-

stroyed the office and staff room areas, forcing her, and teachers, to occupy classrooms. Also destroyed in the fire were the Information Technology (IT) lab and the schools library.

This newspaper understands that the project, once completed, will also save students from travelling to the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) to write their examinations, due to the lack of resources at the school.

The office area of the school was gutted by an early morning fire on Christmas Eve day of 2018. Findings of the investigation determined that the fire was an act of arson.

Sunday June 26, 2022

From page 18 Assessment (EIA) be carried out to determine the risks involved with the operations.

In this regard, Norton has made it clear that future projects must ensure the Guyanese benefits.

Norton said, “In a process of negotiation, you use the leverage you have to achieve your objectives and I think any government should use the leverage it has to achieve its objectives within the confines of the law and I think the government missed that opportunity and here we are.”

The Opposition Leader added, “I believe that in the nature of the government it is so corrupt that you don’t know why they don’t want to act but I do believe that we can engage in a civil manner, Exxon or all people involved in exploration and exploitation of our natural resources in a way that establishes that we the people must benefit.”

He noted in his preamble that now that it has been confirmed that Guyana has oil and is now the magnet for petroleum companies, it is critical for the leaders to pursue better benefits from its natural resource. According to him, “When we started these negotiations as a country you were dealing with a lot of risks, you didn’t know if there was oil there, etcetera, and I agree in principle that a company should be compensated for the risks but having now confirmed the level of oil and gas resources we have we should as a country pursue obtaining better benefits for this country.”

Norton was keen to note that developed nations such as the United States of America as well as Canada have been seeking additional benefits for its people and Guyana should do exactly the same. “If a big country like the United States of America, Canada if all of them are seeking more benefits for their people, why shouldn’t we? I think we should.”

When asked what specific measures he believes should be taken, Norton explained that as a political party it is important that he consult with the other parties involved before making a pronouncement. He shared that after consultations with the oil and gas team, the details will be shared at an appropriate time. “Don’t forget we are a political party that will have to produce a manifesto. We are a political party that will have to outline our vision and we have to be careful that we don’t put everything out there before the right time, so at the right time we will expound on it and not only will I be involved but

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Kaieteur News

the professionals. I have long said that no leader should operate as if he or she is the know it all. You are guided by a technical team and as the technical team when we meet and we complete all of our positions, we will put it in the public domain and the technical team together with the Leader and others will answer those questions,” Norton reasoned.

JAGDEO DODGES QUESTION ON GOVT.’S MONITORING OF EXXONMOBIL EXPENSES - SAYS AUDITS CAN PICK UP INFLATED COSTS Even though ExxonMobil is deducting 75 percent of Guyana’s oil towards its expenses upfront, the country seems to have no mechanisms in place to monitor the US billion-dollar spending of the oil companies, as the nation’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, could not state whether the country has mechanisms in place to oversee and authorise any spending activity.

When Jagdeo was asked on Tuesday during a press conference to specifically say who is monitoring the spending, he shifted the discussion to stakeholders in the Stabroek Block. He said, “We’re a 50/50 business not from a management perspective. You have a d i f f e r e n t perspective…CNOOC is an investor, Hess is an investor, Exxon is an investor. The three of them own the consortium so then they hire an operator which is the management firm. So even CNOOC who has 25 percent shares and Hess 35 percent shares, they don’t make management decisions.”

He elaborated on the fact that the oil companies own 100 percent of the venture but yet they are not privy to decision making. In Guyana’s case, he told the publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall, that the country gets 50 percent of the profit but are not 50 percent owners of the company. Even though Jagdeo was not asked to elaborate on stakes and ownership, he went on “the company is owned 100 percent by these three entities that I just explained. We get 50 percent of the profit…”

The Vice President was then asked how Guyana could be certain that their 50 percent share of profit is accurate. To this, he noted, “If we don’t have a say in a private business, how do we determine profit? The GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) every year looks at this.

Remember there are two

audits; the GRA has an audit where they can audit for that purpose that you were talking about, then there is a separate audit which is determined by the PSA (Production Sharing Agreement), which is the audit we are doing now.”

Lall, who is also a businessman, then reasoned that ExxonMobil can hand Guyana a bill for US$1 billion as a cost for a Floating Production Sharing and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, when the company only spent US$300 million. He related, “Isn’t that shortening our share? Who is authorising and who is okaying?”

To this end, the Vice President assured that such costs are verified after the oil company hands Guyana a bill.

According to him, “So assuming they claim in the books a billion dollars, but only spent $700 million or inflate the price. The industry average is only $700 million for this piece of equipment that they claim to be a billion dollars, then the government in the audit, determined by the PSA can flag that transaction and we can investigate the transaction and should we find that this transaction here doesn’t meet industry standard then they can’t claim that…assuming its true then the $300 million goes then to profit oil for redistribution.”

It was only last month that government signed a contract for a four-month review or audit of ExxonMobil’s expenses between the years 2018 to 2020 that has already been billed to the country. This bill stands at US$9 billion.

Concerns have already been raised about the short timeframe that the company will be required to complete the audit, given the large sums involved, but the government is confident that the country will get a chance to conduct a proper review of the expenses within the four months timeline. Kaieteur News had asked the Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat at the signing of the contract whether he feels the time span was adequate for the audit of the US billiondollar expenses to which he assured that the government is quite comfortable with the arrangement. “We consulted with the company before we actually set a timeframe. It wasn’t done by the ministry in isolation. We would have consulted with them and this is the time that they are comfortable with; it’s a timeframe that we are comfortable with too, as well as the international companies who are involved, and they will be working dedicatedly on the audit for

Kaieteur News Publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall asks a question during the press conference the next four months so we are pretty much comfortable that it can be completed by the consortium and the international partners.”

The minister assured that the report will be made public, following the review of the expenses.

The consultancy was awarded to VHE Consulting which is a registered partnership between Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. The Local Consortium is supported by International firms - SGS and Martindale Consultants for the ‘Cost Recovery Audit and Validation of the Government of Guyana’s Profit Oil Share’.

THURSDAY EXXON TAKING BACK 2% ROYALTY PAID TO GUYANA …‘ARRANGEMENT’ ALSO REDUCES TAXES DUE TO GRA Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) under its Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with government, is robbing Guyana in more ways than one, a contention agreed to

by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press engagement at Office of the President on Tuesday when he described the arrangement as ‘lopsided.’

While differing on the ways with which the defects can be remedied, the Vice President also sought to bring clarity to a looming issue, namely whether EEPGL—ExxonMobil Guyana— can recover the two percent royalty it is supposed to pay to the country, on every barrel of oil ‘produced and sold from the

Stabroek Block.’

Confronted with the issue recently, Jagdeo told reporters he did not want to venture a position he would have to walk back on in future and further, it should be a matter best dealt with by the technical people, namely the Guyana Revenue Authority and lawyers. On Tuesday last, however, the Vice President during an almost two-hour long press engagement, used the occasion to venture an answer, therein providing some clarity but in the process leaving more questions than answers.

DEFINITIVEANSWER? The question had previously been posed to the Vice President by this publication and on Tuesday, he said, “now I can answer definitively because I have talked, I have spoken (sic) to GRA on the tax side so because the royalty is not cost deductible but it is GRA, based on our laws, are GRA tax deductible but they don’t come out of the cost bank so the contractor has to pay from its share, the two percent royalty to the government.”

This, however, translates to a dilemma, since the first part of the Vice President’s answer that under the Laws of Guyana, the royalty is listed as a tax deductible for tax purposes. What this means is that the royalty is a taxdeductible expense for EEPGL. This means that the royalty is paid out of ExxonMobil Guyana’s expenses—this much is corroborated in EEPGL’s own financial statements which outline royalty being paid as an expense. A royalty payment in the oil or gas process is a percentage of production paid to the owner

of the resource, minus production costs. Royalties are free from costs and charges.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS Under the PSA, expenses are recovered by the company out of the 75 percent of oil produced that is set aside as ‘cost oil’ for which recoverable amounts are to be paid. The PSA, does not in any way spell out that royalty is not recoverable, which based on the provisions of the contract, EEPGL recovers its expenses that include the royalty paid to Guyana.

Additionally, the taxes that are supposed to be paid to the GRA, calculated on the income on the oil operations is conversely lessened. This since, the amount of income on which the taxes are calculated on to be paid, is less, since EEPGL’s royalty expense is in fact tax deductible.

As such, it would mean that ExxonMobil Guyana not only takes back the royalty it has been paying to Guyana but the amount calculated as owed to GRA lessened and inherently forgone to the oil companies operating the Stabroek Block.

The Vice President’s assertions, together with recent statements by ExxonMobil, still leave unanswered questions since the law dictates that the royalty be considered a tax deductible expense by Jagdeo and Exxon also claims the amount is paid being from the oil companies’ after tax share.

Jagdeo said, “…the contractor has to pay from its share, the two percent royalty to the government” while ExxonMobil asserts in word that the royalty is being paid from its share of profits, its financial lists it as an expense.

CRESCENDO The explanation as proffered, suggests that Guyana in fact earns more than ExxonMobil, since after cost oil—up to 75 percent of gross production—is deducted to meet recoverable and other operational expenses, the remaining 25 percent profit is then split 50/ 50 after which Exxon pays the royalty from its share of profit.

Its Financial Statements for the past two years (2020 and 2021) however, does not corroborate but instead lists royalty as an after expense collectively with other recoverable costs such as Exploration, Production and Exploration Costs to be deducted from the total revenue in order to arrive at the entity’s comprehensive profit for the year. The (Continued on page 66)

PAGE 66

From page 65 crescendo on Tuesday regarding the nature of the royalty payment comes on the heels of a barrage of uncertainty that had been expressed by senior leaders of government. These include, Jagdeo who, last week, three years after Guyana began producing oil, was unable to provide clarity saying instead, “I don’t want to venture public positions that I may have to walk back on at some point in time so I will be a bit cautious on this,” he told the newspaper.

O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Aubrey Norton was also asked to weigh in on the state of affairs this past week and he too was unable to provide a definitive response.

According to Norton when asked, “If it is royalty, it cannot be recoverable,” and was adamant, the Stabroek block PSA doesn’t make royalty recoverable.

Former Minister of Infrastructure, and current Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson also told the Kaieteur News that the two percent, “is not supposed to be recoverable.” He was of the view based on his understanding of the PSA, Guyana’s two percent royalty is not supposed to be recovered by the oil company.

UNAWARE Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and former Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, submits that during the Coalition government’s handling of the PSA, there was no provision in the document for Exxon to reclaim the two percent royalty. As such, he said he is “unaware” that the payment is recoverable.

Ramjattan added too that if the oil company is in fact reclaiming the royalty, it “goes against the contract”, in his view.

Winston Jordan, who was Finance Minister under the last administration, had told the Kaieteur News, “absolutely not,” that the two percent royalty is not recoverable by the oil companies.

He even mentioned that the oil company itself has stated that the two percent royalty is coming out of its profit.

Additionally, this publication had reported that in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) instead of the companies paying royalties out of their share of profit oil, the weak oil contracts (PSAs) left that country actually making those payments on behalf of the foreign oil company.

Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

since, the amount of income on which the taxes are calculated on to be paid, is less, since EEPGL’s royalty expense is in fact tax deductible.

As such, it would mean that ExxonMobil Guyana not only takes back the royalty it has been paying to Guyana but the amount calculated as owed to GRA lessened and inherently forgone to the oil companies operating the Stabroek Block.

FRIDAY EXXON’S CONTRACT ON 2% ROYALTY MISLEADING - RAM - GUYANA BEARS THE BURDEN With the revelation that Royalty being paid to Guyana

by ExxonMobil Guyana is in fact being recouped by the US-based, operator of the Stabroek Block, it would be apposite to note that the country was warned about the misleading nature of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) at least three years ago by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram. He had at the time— September 2019 even before ExxonMobil Guyana began production offshore Guyana warned that the PSA at Article 15.5 suggests that the payment of the royalty is by the contractor but “that is at best misleading.” Royalty, he argued “is not being paid by the contractor but, like any other expense, is borne by the Government as well as the Contractor.”

He had posited that because royalty is a deductible expense to arrive at profit oil, the Government bears half the cost of the two percent royalty.

Ram at the time had contended that the word “royalty” has a host of meanings but in the business or commercial sense it is used to refer to moneys paid for the sale or use of a capital asset owned by another.

He noted too, it is not uncommon to see the word used in relation to intellectual property, including artistic and literary works, and in the mining sector, it is used to describe the payment made to the owner of resources for the extraction of some natural resource whether renewable – such as timber, or nonrenewable, such as precious stones, bauxite, manganese or petroleum. Qualifying his position further with regards ownership of Guyana’s oil, Ram pointed to the Petroleum (Production) Act and noted that on the enactment of the 1986 Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, it left two sections, including one that stipulates “The property in petroleum existing in its natural condition in strata in Guyana is hereby vested in the State, and the State shall have the exclusive right of searching for and getting such petroleum.”

On the matter of changing that aspect of the arrangement, the Chartered Accountant and Attorney at Law noted that at Article 32.1 it dictates. “After the signing of this Agreement and in conformance with Article 15,

GUYANA LOSING BIG FROM 75% COST OIL EXXON DEDUCTS - AREAS INCLUDE INTEREST ON LOANS, DECOMMISSIONING FEES, TAX WAIVERS - INTL EXPERT

the Government shall not increase the economic burdens of Contractor under this Agreement by applying to this Agreement or the operations conducted thereunder any increase of or any new petroleum related fiscal obligation, including, but not limited to, any new taxes whatsoever, any new royalty, duties, fees, charges, value-added tax (VAT) or other imposts.”

According to Ram, “this is the inheritance which (Raphael) Trotman, (Carl) Greenidge and (David) Granger have bestowed on Guyana. What a shame! All that is left for them to do to complete their generosity is to waive the royalty as they are permitted to do under section 49 of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act.” According to Ram, “the non-renewable petroleum resources belong to the State and anyone seeking to exploit it must pay a royalty for that right.”

This publication on Thursday reported that confronted with the issue recently, Jagdeo told reporters he did not want to venture a position he would have to walk back on in future and further, it should be a matter best dealt with by the technical people, namely the Guyana Revenue Authority and lawyers.

On Tuesday last, however, the Vice President during an almost two-hour long press engagement, used

the occasion to venture an answer, therein providing some clarity but in the process leaving more questions than answers. The question had previously been posed to the Vice President by this publication and on Tuesday, he said, “now I can answer definitively because I have talked, I have spoken (sic) to GRA on the tax side, so because the royalty is not cost deductible but it is GRA, based on our laws, are GRA tax deductible but they don’t come out of the cost bank so the contractor has to pay from its share, the two percent royalty to the government.”

This means that the royalty is paid out of ExxonMobil Guyana’s expenses—this much is corroborated in EEPGL’s own financial statements which outline royalty being paid as an expense. Under the PSA, expenses are recovered by the company out of the 75 percent of oil produced that is set aside as ‘cost oil’ for which recoverable amounts are to be paid. The PSA, does not in any way spell out that royalty is not recoverable, which based on the provisions of the contract, EEPGL recovers its expenses that include the royalty paid to Guyana.

Additionally, the taxes that are supposed to be paid to the GRA, calculated on the income on the oil operations are conversely lessened. This

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and officials of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)— ExxonMobil Guyana—have argued that Guyana in fact collects more profit than the oil companies with interests in the Stabroek Block but it is the additional terms in the agreement where ExxonMobil really benefits.

This, according to Tom Mitro, a former director of the University of Houston’s Global Energy, Development and Sustainability program, and former Chevron executive with decades of experience negotiating international contracts. He argues that the country 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 favor 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 Production Sharing Agreement (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 US$355.7M for 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 recognized 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 expected.”

In retrospect, he suggested the biggest challenge for Guyana is the extremely short time frame for its transition itself from a nonoil producer to one with reserves rivalling Mexico or Angola. And to be fair, it has been Exxon’s vision which has led this change, with its 2015 discovery of Guyana’s oil and its subsequent investment in bringing that oil to market.

The current contract was negotiated in 2016 and takes most of the terms of a 1999 agreement, signed by then President, the Late Janet Jagan.

It splits the oil output at 50-50 between the government and Exxon, and gives Guyana a two percent (Continued on page 67)

Sunday June 26, 2022

From page 66 royalty (the 1999 agreement had a One percent royalty), after first deducting up to 75 percent of gross production as cost oil for recoverable expenses such as exploration and production costs, among others.

This publication on Thursday reported too, that one such cost being recovered was the two percent royalty being paid by ExxonMobil to Guyana since it was, under Guyana’s Laws, considered a tax deductible expense.

SATURDAY ‘FREE OIL’IN EXXON CONTRACT MORE GENEROUS THAN TAXES, ROYALTY LOST - RAM Under the 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

PAGE 67

Kaieteur News

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 country 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 US$355.7M for 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 o f 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 expected.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 68

Sunday June 26, 2022

Harry the Slug Fun rainbow Junior page

By Angie Shingleton nce upon a time, there was a slug called Harry. He was a very happy slug and he enjoyed his life gardening and eating, which sometimes for him were the same thing.

He had lots of friends in the garden and liked to chat with everybody.

One day, Harry was shading himself under a plant from a rain shower when he was joined by Molly the snail.

“Hey Molly, how are you?” chirped Harry.

“Dry, thanks,” said Molly jovially.

The snails were always very smug that they had shells to keep them dry and warm.

“You're so lucky to have your house on your back, Molly. I have terrible trouble when it rains. Apart from anything else, the patter of the rain always makes me want to go out in it but then I get awfully wet. Do you think I could have a shell, Molly?”

“Ha ha. Don't be daft Harry. You're a slug. Sorry Harry,” she chortled and went slowly on her way.

Harry shrugged his body where his shoulders would

O

be and decided that never mind, at least if he didn't have a house he didn't have to tidy his bedroom.

The next day Harry was reading. He liked to learn about other animals who he had not yet met. He didn't move very fast so travelling wasn't on his list of hobbies so there were lots of species that he didn't know about.

His book was in alphabetical order. He had just read about Giraffes.

They were enormous and Harry couldn't imagine being able to chat to one of them successfully.

Then he turned the page and saw a crab.

He was confused because crab starts with the letter C and that didn't come after G but then Harry read the title properly. This was a special type of crab called a Hermit crab.

Harry's tentacles waved excitedly as he read that Hermit crabs had a shell but not one that they were born with. It was one that they found and made into their own home.

“Well that is what I shall do,” thought Harry excitedly, and wandered out onto the lawn to see what he could find.

First, he found a child's shoe which provided very good shelter but it was too heavy to move. Then he found a frisbee. It was lighter but too wide and he kept bumping into things.

Harry thought he may have to give up for the day but then he saw a shiny speckled mound on the grass. When he finally got to it he realised it was half of the shell from a bird's egg. The baby birds had hatched this season so they obviously didn't need them anymore.

Harry slid beneath the shell and it fitted perfectly.

“Hurrah”, thought Harry.

“I've found my home and it's beautiful”.

Just then Molly and some other snails slid up. “Wow, Harry,” said Molly. “You look amazing and now you'll be dry and warm too. I'm so pleased for you. Are you going to be a snail now?” “ U m , ” s a i d H a r r y.

“Thank you for the offer, but I do like being a slug so maybe I'll be an honorary snail sometimes for fun but I think really I am the firstever Hermit slug.”

Molly smiled proudly.

“Yes, Harry. You are a very clever and special little slug,” and everybody agreed.

craft

It's time to bring out the rainbows! This tissue paper rainbow canvas art is a great project for young kids as they will work on their fine motor skills and for older ones as it's just so pretty looking.

It's a fun crafty or arty project and makes a wonderful wall display.

When it comes to weather, there really isn't a thing out there as magical as the rainbow.

Let's make a Tissue Paper Rainbow Canvas Art What you need: tissue paper in all the colors of the rainbow small white canvas white school glue pencil cotton balls How to Make it Start by drawing a rainbow outline on canvas.

Drawing half the rainbow is easiest, older more skilled kids can draw the whole rainbow. No need to be detailed here, just make a

The finished puzzle should be filled with Xs and Os. Horizontally and vertically, there should never be a continuous run of the same symbol longer than 2. There are an equal number of Xs and Os in each row and column. All rows are unique. All columns are unique, too.

rough shape guide that will make it easier to make your tissue paper rainbow. No need to separate the colors either at this point.

Tear small pieces of tissue paper and roll them between your fingers or hands to get small tissue paper balls. Do it one color at a time.

Use white school glue to create a thin line of glue on the outside edge of the

rainbow shape you have drawn. Add single color of tissue paper balls in a row – on the glue line.

Continue with all other colors of the rainbow. If your kids are learning about the colors of the rainbow then let them choose and use the colors as they are in an actual rainbow. If this is a project just for fun though, don't stress about the colors, whichever ones they might be.

H FUN WIT

POETRY

Little Things Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, Make the mighty ocean And the beautiful land.

And the little moments, Simple they may be, Can make you enjoy life, As you become more happy.

Little deeds of kindness, Little words of love, Fill our earth with blessings Like the heaven above.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 12, 2022

TEEN TIME You can make a difference in other people's lives

J

ust as you sometimes feel that life is not fair and you want to condemn someone for treating yourself or another person badly, there are many others who have the same experience. Some of them may take the high road and do as we suggest, which is to work to make the situation better, or simply move on.

But there are many others who would give in to the idea that lashing out is the way to deal with the problem, and would get themselves in trouble for doing so.

In fact, when they behave in this way, they would not be doing anything to improve the situation but only making it worse.

If and when you experience any friend, relative or other acquaintance wanting to retaliate for some wrong they felt was done to them, you would be doing everyone a favour if you advise them to desist. Make them see, as you have, that there is a much better and effective solution to the problem than yielding to the temptation of revenge.

You may advise them to face the situation and confront the person who they perceive has wronged them. If this does not work, then you need to do your part to let them believe that they

should give the benefit of the doubt, and move on with their lives.

There are also other ways in which you can reach out to your friends and lead them into understanding your approach to the proper solution of the problems that would face them in their everyday lives.

You can start a discussion group in which you get them to interact and spread your ideas of good behaviour.

You can also single out anyone who seems to be having problems, and try to

show them the right course to follow.

You can get someone from the church or other charitable organisation to speak to your group on this matter.

Just believe that you can make a huge difference if you are willing to take the trouble to help.

No act of kindness goes unpaid, and it will always come back to you in the end. The nice thing is that when you make a difference in other people's lives, you will find that you will always be the one to reap the most benefit.

Connect these islands with bridges until each island can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many outgoing bridges as its

number. You may only connect islands vertically or horizontally and bridges may not cross. There may be one or two bridges connecting pairs of

islands, but no more than two. Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be found without making guesses. © 2016 KrazyDad.com A Friend

PAGE 69

A Friend

A friend is one who reaches for your hand, One who shares his ideas and together you expand, When you are in trouble or pain, One who lends assistance and together you gain.

A friend is not selfish, cruel or heartless, He is not unmindful or helpless; A friend does not watch another in sorrow, But is always there today and tomorrow.

A friend is caring, loving and kind, He is there with a wise and pure mind, He is not vulgar, rude or immature, But is there to solve, assist and cure.

A friend is always there to land a hand, He is not vain, proud or playing grand, He is there to ever offer a smile, And keep you happy through all life's trials.

So, just as you value a good friend, Be there for others with a helping hand to lend; Always be known for the good you do, And you will benefit from friendship too.

When you sincerely reach out to help someone in trouble, you yourself will be rewarded as you experience immense satisfaction from your efforts.

Hello, readers, Uncle Roy is again asking all of you to try in some way to make a contribution to this page, and thus to the welfare of you and your fellow readers.

This contribution can take any form that you feel would be valuable – an account of what is going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellow teen readers and, on a broader level, any comment or recommendation you would like to make to your fellow Guyanese.

Please remit same to my email – roypaul2002@yahoo.com, and be assured that your worthwhile contribution will have a prominent place on our page.

Solutions to last week’s

GIFTS FOT DAD

PAGE 70

LAND FOR SALE Cummingslodge,Garden of Eden,Farm, Friendship, Provi dence,East Bank. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.

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.

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

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 .

Subryanville,Peter's Hall,Ogle,Enterprise C,Good Hope,East Coast,Princess St.Contact:Ray's Realty 6279 6 8 5 .

WANTED

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.

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.

Modern building to accommodate 75 staffs members with parking, Saffon St,4 apt building Providence.Ray's Realty627-9685.

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

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

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

Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

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 .

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

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

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 .

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

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

1 experience gardener handyman(caretaker) & a purchasing clerk with experience.Contact:6175 7 0 0 .

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 .

Abortion clinics start to close after Supreme Court ruling (BBC NEWS) - Clinic have begun closing in some US states after a Supreme Court ruling on Friday removed American women’s constitutional right to abortion.

About half of states are expected to introduce new

restrictions or bans after the court reversed its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision.

And 13 states have socalled trigger laws in place that will see abortion banned within 30 days.

President Joe Biden described the ruling as “a tragic error”.

In Phoenix, Arizona, police fired tear gas after prochoice protesters banged on the doors and windows of the state capitol.

In Los Angeles, protesters briefly blocked traffic on a highway.

Protests are expected to continue in cities around the

country on Saturday.

At an abortion clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas - a state with a so-called trigger law allowing an instant ban - the doors to the patient area shut as soon as the court’s opinion was posted online. Staff made calls to tell women that their appointments were cancelled.

Anti-corruption stance key in picking...

VACANCY 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.

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 .

Accounts Clerk, Quickbooks proficient, Driver/Salesman (Canter),minimum 3 years experience, Sales Assistant.

T e l : 6 1 3 - 9 2 1 8 .

PENPAL Male seeking single female 35-40yr for relation,must be loving,kind & honest.

T e l : 6 7 5 - 4 5 1 7 .

From page 12 Commissions anti-corruption bodies 2022, among others.

The country also signed on to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2017, while joining the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units is cur-

rently being discussed at the Cabinet level. The minister pointed to among other constitutional agencies, the PPC, the Auditor Generals Office, the police, public and teaching service commissions, the ombudsman, and Integrity Commission.

Minister

Teixeira pointed to the frameworks “power sharing model” where she said the Opposition Leader for instance, is involved in recommending certain appointments to the President as further proof of this governments commitment to transparency and openness.

Deeds Registrar, Deputy collect over $9M...

From page 13 According to the particulars of the charge, Baksh, while being a member of the JSC between May 1, 2014 and January 31, 2017, with intent to defraud, caused or procured valuable securities to the sum of $4,534,480 to be

delivered to her Bank of Nova Scotia Account #281469; or to her own use and benefit by falsely pretending that she was a contracted employee of the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority.

The allegations outlined that Baksh did this knowing

that she was a pensionable employee, having been appointed by the JSC. The claim further outlined that the Registrar unlawfully paid herself a higher salary than was approved by the JSC for the stated period between 2014 and 2017.

Comedians heading to show end up in river...

The comedians shopping for dry clothes at a Boutique in Supenaam (Photo Credit: Chris Gopaul) From page 19 bow of the half sunken vessel. A man was seen sitting on one of the branches with a young baby in his arms. Linden Jumbie Jones was spotted on the highest limb of a mangroves tree.

According to speedboat monitor, Curtis (only name given), the vessel had departed Parika during the early afternoon hours and around 14:30hrs he received a distress call from the captain relating that the boat was sinking.

It is suspected that the captain had overloaded the boat and when he was in the vicinity of Leguan it started to sink. After making the distress call, another boat was

dispatched immediately to rescue them.

While they awaited the rescue boat, the captain was able to maneuver the sinking vessel close enough to mangrove trees.

The rescue boat subsequently arrived, and the passengers were ferried to Supenaam, all of whom were safe and accounted for.

This publication was told that the exact cause of the mishap will be determined following an investigation by the Maritime Administration Department [MARAD].

Meanwhile, a few minutes after the passengers arrived at Supenaam, the comedians

recorded a video of them shopping for dry clothes in a boutique.

They made laughter of the almost tragic incident and said, “We were acting in the river just now.” The comedians assured that they will still be performing at the show that was scheduled for 19:00hrs last night. According to Gopaul, “the show must go on.”

Kaieteur News understands that incidents on the Essequibo River have become frequent in recent months.

This increase has reportedly raised serious questions about the certification of vessels plying the Parika/ Supenaam route.

Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

Cuban court sentences two dissident artists to prison terms (AL JAZEERA NEWS) A Cuban court has sentenced two dissident artists to nine and five years in prison, the government announced, in a high-profile case that rights groups have slammed as a “sham” that violates free speech.

The activists, Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and Maykel Castillo, are prominent members of the Havana-based San Isidro M o v e m e n t , a n a r t i s t ’s collective that led a number of protests over two years.

M a n y o f t h e g r o u p ’s members have since left Cuba, alleging government repression.

Otero Alcantara was sentenced to five years in jail for defaming the national flag, contempt and public disorder, according to a statement from the Cuban Prosecutor’s Office on Friday.

Castillo was sentenced to nine years for similar crimes, as well as assault.

Both men, considered prisoners of conscience by international rights group Amnesty International, have already spent months behind bars, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for their release.

Juan Pappier, a senior Americas researcher with Human Rights Watch, said on Twitter that Friday’s ruling “is a sham that openly violates freedom of expression and association”. “ We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Maykel and Luis Manuel,” Pappier said.

A m n e s t y International’s Americas director Erika GuevaraRosas also demanded the pair be released along with “all those imprisoned for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and defending rights in Cuba”.

The men’s trials “are a shameful example of the human rights crisis caused by the Cuban government’s

decades-long policy of repression”, she said, saying Otero Alcantara and Castillo were “prisoners of conscience who are being held solely for exercising their rights”.

In a statement, PEN America also denounced the ruling, saying it deals “a blow to artistic freedom in Cuba” as well as to the Cuban artists and activists in the country and abroad “who have fought for the right to express themselves”.

“The Cuban government may seek to extinguish independent expression on the island, but they will not be successful,” said Julie Trebault, director of the artists at risk connection (ARC) at PEN America.

Both Otero Alcantara and Castillo appeared in the music video for “Patria y Vida”, a defiant hip-hop song that became the unofficial “anthem” for widespread anti-government protests that broke out in Cuba last July.

The foreign press, rights groups and diplomats were barred from attending the courtroom proceedings.

Cuban state media on Friday detailed some of the evidence laid out in the trials and displayed footage from the proceedings, calling the men’s actions “common crimes” and rejecting the view of rights groups.

“In no way are they political prisoners or prisoners of conscience,” the governing Communist Party’s newspaper Granma said in a story, citing prosecutors who tried the case. “They are not here because of their way of thinking; nor are they being charged with crimes against state security, but rather for going against social order.”

Cuban state media have previously called Castillo and Otero Alcantara’s San Isidro Movement part of a USdirected “soft coup” attempt, charges they deny.

The two men have 10 days to appeal their sentences, state media said.

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Sunday June 26, 2022

Kaieteur News

==GNBS IN FOCUS== GMP Standard, a useful beginning for MSMES to realise their true potential In todays business environment, standards provide as many benefits for small businesses as they do for larger enterprises. The strategic use of standards is helping small and large busi-

nesses alike to significantly improve their annual turnovers. The Guyana Standard Requirements for Good Management Practices for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) (GYS 231:2010) is one of the standards to be considered for small businesses success in

Guyana.

Globally, smaller firms are quickly taking advantage of the benefits of standards, which include easier access of their products and services to the export markets, heightened operational efficiency, established specifications and opportunities for innova-

tion, and increased confidence as customers recognise businesses, products and services conform to standards. With the application of the GMP Standard, businesses can demonstrate their ability to consistently meet quality, environment and occupational safety and

health requirements.

The GMP Standard, as a CARICOM Standard, defines the fundamental requirements to enhance small business performance through the process of continual improvement and the prevention of non-conformity through the application of a simplified management system. It is a simplified version of the popular ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard.

The easy to implement standard, outlines that for MSMEs to be effective, an atmosphere shall be created to provide focus and positive behaviour and it recommends that defined improvement goals and objectives be established. These goals and objectives are often not considered by many local businesses even though they are vital for focus, direction and growth.

The standard requires businesses to have a defined policy, have established planning and control, and have a favourable working environment which conform to OSH and other stipulated environmental requirements. Like the ISO 9001 Standard, the National Standard offers clear definition of the roles, responsibilities and authorities for the implementation of the management system; and records and documents must be controlled. Further, requirements for competence, awareness and training of employees must be addressed.

Other requirements necessary to demonstrate conformity and effectiveness of the MSME management system include those related to measurement, analysis and improvement, which ensure that customers are continually satisfied. Customer satisfaction is crucial for repeated purchases and continuous revenue flow.

Local MSMEs, looking to improve their performance and viability, outside of the ISO Management System Standards, are encouraged to consult the GNBS for Training and Technical Assistance towards conformance to this National Standard.

The GNBS believes that the time has come for smaller businesses to also appreciate the usefulness of standards, which can help to streamline their operations, realise profits, maintain sustainability, and most importantly facilitates wider market access.

Additionally, enterprises can use standards as negotiating tools, as guides to improve quality and customer service, and to reduce operational costs.

Small businesses across Guyana are encouraged to initiate contact with the GNBS now to find out how standards can best address their needs for growth and competitiveness.

For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org

Ministry of Agriculture yet...

From page 15 by the company for its offshore operations.

For instance, deep within the EIA of the Payara Project are blatant admissions from

EEPGL that this third oil development, which will produce over 220,000 barrels of oil per day, can have an impact on the migratory pattern of the local fish stock. It also warned that toxic effects can also be unleashed on these aquatic vertebrates.

Similarly for its fourth project, the Yellowtail development, EEPGL said marine fish could be impacted as a result of deteriorated water quality, from discharges generated during the project. In addition to poor water quality, acoustic effects or noise from the company's operations can also cause fish to be impacted. These species can also be sucked into the equipment which Exxon will be utilising for oil production, the impact assessment cautioned.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

One month later…

Ministry of Agriculture yet to release FAO study on fish decline

T

he Minister of Agriculture, Z u l f i k a r Mustapha has made it clear that his Ministry will not release the study on the declining fish catch that was conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on Kaieteur News' timeline, but will do so when it is convenient to the government.

Mustapha gave this response to this publication weeks ago, following the official handing over of the study to the government on May 20, last. Since then, this publication has been following up with the Minister for a timeline in which the much anticipated study would be released. On Friday, calls to the Minister's cell phone went unanswered.

Messages sent to his Whatsapp also were ignored as the Minister was visibly online but refused to respond.

Oil giant ExxonMobil has warned in all of its Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), prepared to date, that its offshore operations could impact marine species, including fish, but an “independent study” conducted by the FAO has found otherwise, Mustapha said in an earlier interview.

He explained that the study has concluded that the visible impacts to the local fisheries sector was merely as a result of climate change.

According to him, “It's not as a result of that (oil operations)…the report says about climate change and the fresh water that was responsible.”

On the other hand, the official added that there has been an increase in fish catches recently. However, when he was pressed to say how much of an increase and what method was used to determine the increase, Mustapha said he was in a meeting and would return a call.

The Minister did not keep his promise to call after his meeting and subsequent efforts to reach him by phone p r o v e d f u t i l e .

He had noted, during the earlier conversation, that the FA O report w ould be released shortly after the government peruses it.

Following the Minister's pronouncement, Environmentalist Simone Mangal-Joly requested both

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha government and the FAO to release the document, to assure the public of the report's credibility.

In a letter addressed to the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the C a r i b b e a n , M r. J u l i o Berdegue, Mangal-Joly explained that the statements made regarding the report must be immediately and publicly addressed by the highly respected institution.

“I hereby request that the FA O immediately and publicly address the matter of whether it has credible conclusions on offshore oil and gas impacts on fisheries and release the study to which Minister Mustapha refers with all supporting datasets. By providing this information, the public will be assured of the FAO's comprehensiveness and neutrality, and the FAO will be able to maintain its image of respectability that the Guyanese People and indeed the People of the Caribbean deserve of a public agency,” she reasoned.

Fishermen in Guyana have been complaining bitterly of low catch over the past months, blaming the situation on oil giant, ExxonMobil's operations offshore.

But even though high ranking government officials have shot down this claim, arguing that there is no data to prove this, Exxon's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), which is gearing to startup production a t t h e Ye l l o w t a i l development, has warned that its operations can impact fish within the project site. In fact, this warning is included in all of the EIAs submitted (Continued on page 72)

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Sunday June 26, 2022

Sunday June 26, 2022

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Bale agrees move to Los Angeles FC after Real Madrid exit

(BBC Sport) - Wales captain Gareth Bale has agreed to join MLS side Los Angeles FC on a free transfer.

Forward Bale, 32, is currently a free agent having left Real Madrid after nine years in Spain.

The five-time Champions League winner had been linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur as well as a move to home-city club Cardiff.

But Bale’s representatives have confirmed he is close to securing a move to LAFC. The signing of Bale, who joined Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £85m in 2013, is set to follow LAFC’s move for Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini earlier this

month. There was speculation that Bale would end his playing career had Wales missed out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup. But after Robert Page’s side booked their place in Qatar by beating Ukraine in their World Cup play-off final earlier this month, the only question about Bale’s future was which club he would join.

There had been suggestions Bale would opt to join Cardiff, with his agents confirming earlier this week that they had held talks with the Championship club.

Cardiff share a training ground with the Football Association of Wales, which would have allowed Bale to

continue working closely with Wales’ medical and fitness staff while on club duty.

But he is instead heading for the MLS, where the season runs from February until October and the competition’s secondary transfer window opens on 7 July.

LAFC, who are managed by former USA international Steve Cherundolo, are currently top of the MLS’ Western Conference and have 19 regular-season games to play.

The end-of-season playoffs follow, with the seasonending MLS Cup final to be played on 5 November - 16 days before Wales’ World Cup campaign begins with a game against the USA.

Saturday June 26, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

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

You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Battle for quarterfinal spots intensify...

From page 79 Rupununi, Shirriri F.C. male team has advanced to play Titans United F.C. of Aishalton Village after defeating Potarinau Sky Kings in a two legged playoff. Meanwhile Potarinau Sky Kings F.C. female team will play Titans United F.C in the female playoff after defeating Shirriri F.C in their playoff.

In Deep South Rupununi, Titans United F.C. male and female teams will play Shirriri F.C. and Potarinau Sky Kings F.C. respectively after Titans United defeated Snipers F.C. male and female teams in their playoff. In South Pakaraimas, Seven K United male and female teams of Karasabai Village have already won the first leg of their playoff against

Spartans F.C. and will hold high hopes of closing off the return leg at home on June 25 at Karasabai.

To date some of the matches have been high quality thrilling encounters while some have been lopsided with Guyana Rush Saints female team’s defeat of Rising Stars by a 19-0 margin one such game. In that match Glauciane Ines Gomes De Assis of Guyana Rush Saints netted ten goals, while Nina Cabral netted six goals in a stunning blitz that left the Rising Stars team in shock.

Over in North Rupununi, Von Harding has scored one hat trick and two helmet tricks in three matches to lead the male goal scoring charts.

It is hoped that this year’s

tournament will unearth new and emerging male and female football talent in the Rupununi with the objective of these players being called up to one of Guyana’s various national teams.

Even as the tournament is almost at its halfway stage, the Rupununi Footb a l l A s s o c i a t i o n ( R FA ) continues to appeal for corporate support for the tournament which has gone a far way in unifying the people of the Rupununi, building social cohesion and togetherness, as well as ensuring many of the Region’s young and emerging players are gainfully occupied playing the world’s most popular sport.

Matthews takes over from Taylor...

From page 79 She said: “I am both humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to Captain the West Indies Women’s Team.

It is definitely an exhilarating feeling and I welcome the experience to lead and learn with open arms. This team has been very close to my heart from the beginning of my professional career eight years ago and the influence of Stafanie’s leadership throughout those eight years has played a major role in the player I am today. I eagerly anticipate working with the players to continue building on the progress in which the team has made thus far.”

Matthews added: “I would like to thank Stafanie for her astounding leadership of the team over the years. We’ve accomplished some of our biggest milestones with her at the forefront and I look forward to continuing playing alongside her.”

Matthews and Taylor have

both been among the best players for West Indies. In her career, Taylor has scored 5,298 runs in 145 One-Day Internationals and 3,121 runs in 111 T20 Internationals. She has also taken 152 wickets in ODIs and 98 in T20Is.

Matthews, like Taylor is a right-handed top-order batter and off-break bowler. She has an impressive international record with 1,764 runs and 78 wickets in 69 ODIs, and 1,055 runs and 58 wickets in 61 T20Is.

PAGE 76

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

Bangladesh’s Tour of the West Indies

Mayers unbeaten 126 boosts WI’s lead All-rounder Kyle Mayers played a mature innings by scoring an unbeaten century to help the West Indies to a formidable position over Bangladesh at stumps on day two of the second Test in St Lucia.

When stumps were drawn, the left hander was not out on 126, as the West Indies reach 340 for five for an over-

all lead of 106 runs.

Wicket-keeper Joshua Da Silva is unbeaten on 26, as he and Mayers have so far put on 92 runs for the sixth wicket.

It wasn’t the only huge partnership that Mayers has been involved in, as he and Jermaine Blackwood added 116 runs for the fifth wicket, before Blackwood was adjudged lbw to spinner Mehidy

Hasan for 40. Earlier, the West Indies got a solid opening partnership of 100 from captain Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell. Campbell made 45 while Brathwaite got 51 before the Windies lost a flurry of wickets before lunch.

Raymon Reifer made 21, while Nkrumah Bonner went without scoring. Pacer Khaled Ahmed, has so far,

bagged two wickets for 77 runs while spinner Mehidy has picked up two wickets for 68 runs.

Day three bowls off at 10:00am (9am Jamaica Time).

(Jamaica Gleaner) Match details: West Indies 340 for 5 (Mayers 126*, Brathwaite 51) lead Bangladesh 234 (Litton 53, Tamim 46, Joseph 3-50, Seales 3-53) by 106 runs.

Jermaine Blackwood played well before losing his wicket for 40 (Getty Images)

Sunday June 26, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Matthews takes over from Taylor as West Indies Women’s Captain

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that Hayley Matthews has been appointed as the West Indies Women’s Captain. Matthews, who is one of the leading allrounders in world cricket, will assume the leadership role from Stafanie Taylor ahead of the next West Indies Women’s Series, expected to be played later this year.

Taylor, the most successful female player in West Indies history and ranked among the all-time greats, has led the team for over seven years since 2015.

She was at the helm when West Indies won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2016 and earlier this year when they reached the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

CWI Women’s Selection Panel recommendation was ratified at the CWI Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, 24 June.

Lead Selector for Women’s cricket Ann Browne-John thanked Stafanie for her years

in the role saying, “The selection panel has done a review of the team including the leadership.

After this review the panel took the decision to recommend that Hayley Matthews takes over the role as captain.

Hayley has made notable progress over the years, serving as Vice-Captain of the West Indies Women’s Team and is the current Captain of her National Team, Barbados. She has matured as a player and is one of the leading players worldwide with a good grasp of the game.

Given the experience that she would have gained in both roles, we are confident this is the ideal time for her to step into the role of captain.”

Browne-John added, “We recognize that leading the team for seven years is a considerable achievement to which Stafanie has given huge levels of commitment and energy.

We believe Stafanie is a world class performer who will no doubt continue to add tre-

Hayley Matthews (right) has taken over the role of WI Women’s Captain from Stafanie Taylor (left) mendous value to the team as one of the top all-rounders in the game.”

West Indies Women’s Team Head Coach, Courtney Walsh said: “The Selection panel felt that it was time to make the change.

We figured the timing was right with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup coming up early next year, if we were thinking of making any changes now would be the best time so that we give the new captain a couple of series under her belt before she enters into a World Cup. Hayley Matthews is young; she has longevity in the game, and she can lead the team for a longer time to get the experience and we are

here to support her.

For us it’s a win-win as we will have Stafanie to concentrate on her best cricket and passing on guidance to Hayley as she grows in the role of taking the team forward.”

Hayley Matthews expressed her pride and grati-

tude in the appointment. She said: “I am both humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to Captain the West Indies Women’s Team.

It is definitely an exhilarating feeling and I welcome the experience to lead and learn with open arms.

This team has been very close to my heart from the beginning of my professional career eight years ago and the influence of Stafanie’s leadership throughout those eight years has played a major role in the player I am today.

I eagerly anticipate working with the players to continue building on the progress in which the team has made thus far.”

Matthews added: “I would like to thank Stafanie for her astounding leadership

of the team over the years.

We’ve accomplished some of our biggest milestones with her at the forefront and I look forward to continuing playing alongside her.”

Matthews and Taylor have both been among the b e s t p l a y e r s f o r We s t Indies.

In her career, Taylor has scored 5,298 runs in 145 One-Day Internationals and 3,121 runs in 111 T20 Internationals.

She has also taken 152 wickets in ODIs and 98 in T20Is. Matthews, like Taylor is a right-handed top-order batter and off-break bowler.

She has an impressive international record with 1,764 runs and 78 wickets in 69 ODIs, and 1,055 runs and 58 wickets in 61 T20Is.

CG United Women’s Super50 Cup...

Barbados lift 3rd consecutive title with dominant win over Jamaica The Barbados Women celebrate their successful title defence at the Providence Stadium.

New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School receives cricket gear from former students

Giving back to your ‘Alma Mata’ and ‘don’t forget the bridge that you have crossed’ are two popular adages that are relevant today. The New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMS) was a recent beneficiary of such largesse from two former students.

The NAMS Cricket Club known as the “The Multi Royals” recently received a quantity of cricket gear compliments of two former students of the school. The students are Reevaaj Homcharran and Anastasia Girdharry.

The gear included: cricket balls, concrete cricket balls, batting gloves, wicketkeeping gloves, inners, arm guard, thigh pads, scorebooks and wrapping tapes.

The handing over of the cricket gear was done on behalf of the two former students by manager of the Multi Royals cricket team Tamesh Mohabir to Head teacher of NAMS Ms Vanessa Jacobs at the School.

Mr. Homcharran was a former Multi Royals all-rounder and

Head teacher, Ms Vanessa Jacobs (centre), along with a teacher and student display the gear received from the former students.

Ms. Girdharry was a longtime supporter of the Royals.

The administration, staff, students of the NAMS and members of the Multi Royals Cricket Club extends their

heartfelt thanks for the timely donations from the duo.

The items will go a long way in helping the cricketers enhance their skills they noted.

By Sean Devers Barbados, led by new West Indies Captain Hayley Matthews, beat Jamaica by eight wickets on the DLS system in yesterday’s Final of the CG United Women’s Super50 Championships at Providence to capture their fourth title and third in successive tournaments.

Jamaica Skipper Stafanie Taylor’s 44 rallied Jamaica to 118-8 but that was not good enough to take them to their sixth title and first since 2014.

Aaliyah Alleyne (2-19) and Matthews (2-16) were the leading wicket-takers for Barbados, who reached 119-2 in 23.4 overs.

Kycia Knight, who finished unbeaten on 60 from 75 balls decorated with seven fours, added 56 in 11.4 overs with her Captain, who made 22 with two boundaries before Matthews, leading runsscorer in the tournament, departed.

The Knight twins, Kycia and Kyshona, joined forces and featured in a 41-run stand with confident stroke-play before Kyshona fell for 14 but at 90-2 in the 21st over.

Aaliyah Alleyne, undefeated on 12, and Kycia, saw their team home for an emphatic victory.

In a truncated game which commenced in gloomy conditions, Jamaica, who dethroned Barbados in the T20 Blaze format, lost Rashada Williams (1), LBW to Aaliyah Alleyne at 7-1 before rain stopped play for the second time at 10:01am at 12-1 from six overs.

Play restarted at 2:00pm with Keneshia Ferron being joined by Jodi-Ann Morgan (13) who was removed by Aaliyah Williams at 26-2 before Taylor, who got going with a boundary added 34 with Ferron (11) before she was LBW to Matthews at 603.

Watched by a fair sized

gathering comprising many members of the participating teams, Taylor, was slowly getting back to her best form as she executed some well-timed shots along with Natasha McLean (19), they added another 30 runs before Mathews struck again at 90-4 by removing Mclean.

With the sun back out in all its glory, Chinelle Henry was run out for seven at 1045 as Jamaica lost their four wicket for 14 runs, including Taylor who was run out in the final over at 116-7 for 44 from 57 with five fours.

Jamaica managed to add a couple of runs which in the end was not good enough to challenge Barbados who will now turn their attention to the Commonwealth Games in England from July 28 to August 8.The official closing Ceremony and presentation of Awards was scheduled for last evening at the Ramada Princess Hotel.

0 News Kaieteur

PAGE 78

Sunday June 26, 2022

Persaud leads West Coast Roberts leads Sheffield Warriors to seven-wicket win to first innings points

An unbeaten half century by Chandrapaul P e r s a u d h a n d e d We s t Coast Warriors a sevenwicket wi n o v e r L u x Turbo when the New Yo r k N a t i o n a l C r i c k e t League Deo and Sons 30 overs competition continued recently at Ferry Point, Bronx.

Lux Turbo took first and made 159 all out.

Shiwrattan Singh

scored 44 and Nayem Joy, 40.

Anil Sookdeo claimed 49 and Rajin Rahaman took 4-25.

We s t C o a s t Wa r r i o r s responded with 160-3 in 17.3 overs.

Persaud struck four fours and six sixes in an unbeaten 70 while Saffeek Deonarine made 32 and Rahaman was unbeaten on 23.

in BCA Tourney

Chandrapaul Persaud

A fine all-round performance by Keon Roberts guided Sheffield to first innings points over St. Joseph in the BCA Division Two Tournament, last weekend. Roberts struck 61 as Sheffield made 177 all out, batting first.

Ronaldo Walcott made

22 and Keton Cox pitched in with 16 asC.Holderpickedupthree wicketswhileT.GrahamandD.Barrow had two wickets each. St. Joseph were bowled out for 112 in reply. Graham made 38, R. Knight 22 and A. Yard 17.

Roberts captured 4-28 and S. Martin 2-31 as Sheffield led by 66.

Keon Roberts

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

Matthews takes over from Taylor as West Indies Women’s Captain Hayley Matthews (right) has taken over the role of WI Women’s Captain from Stafanie Taylor (left)

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that Hayley Matthews has been appointed as the West Indies Wo m e n ’s C a p t a i n .

Matthews, who is one of the leading allrounders in world cricket, will assume the leadership role from Stafanie Taylor ahead of the next West Indies Women’s Series, expected to be played later this year.

Ta y l o r, t h e m o s t successful female player in West Indies history and ranked among the all-time greats, has led the team for over seven years since 2015.

She was at the helm when West Indies won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2016 and earlier this year when they reached the semifinals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

CWI Women’s Selection Panel recommendation was ratified at the CWI Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, 24 June.

Lead Selector for Wo m e n ’s c r i c k e t A n n Browne-John thanked Stafanie for her years in the role saying, “The selection panel has done a review of the team including the leadership. After this review the panel took the decision to recommend that Hayley Matthews takes over the role as captain.

Hayley has made notable progress over the years, serving as Vice-Captain of the West Indies Women’s Team and is the current Captain of her National Team, Barbados. She has matured as a player and is

one of the leading players worldwide with a good grasp of the game. Given the experience that she would have gained in both roles, we are confident this is the ideal time for her to step into the role of captain.”

Browne-John added, “We recognize that leading the team for seven years is a considerable achievement to which Stafanie has given huge levels of commitment and energy. We believe Stafanie is a world class performer who will no doubt continue to add tremendous value to the team as one of the top all-rounders in the game.”

West Indies Women’s Team Head Coach, Courtney Walsh said: “The Selection panel felt that it was time to make the change. We figured the timing was right with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup coming up early next year, if we were thinking of making any changes now would be the best time so that we give the new captain a couple of series under her belt before she enters into a World Cup. Hayley Matthews is young; she has longevity in the game, and she can lead the team for a longer time to get the experience and we are here to support her. For us it’s a win-win as we will have Stafanie to concentrate on her best cricket and passing on guidance to Hayley as she grows in the role of taking the team forward.”

Hayley Matthews expressed her pride and gratitude in the appointment.

(Continued on page 73)

PAGE 79

2022 RFA Champions League…

Battle for quarterfinal spots intensify As the 2022 Rupununi Football Association Champions League nears the halfway stage, competition for quarterfinal spots in Rupununi’s flagship football tournament has intensified.

After a two years hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a record number of twenty six male teams and twenty four female teams from across the length and breadth o f G u y a n a ’s l a r g e s t administrative region are participating in this year’s tournament. Faced with a plethora of logisitical challenges including intense flooding in the Region, a rise

in the cost of fuel, and limited resources such as balls and match officials, the tournament has forged ahead and is set to culminate on August 20, 2022 with the grand finals scheduled for Aranaputa Sports Ground in the North Rupununi.

Due to the geography of the Rupununi and the vast distances between some villages coupled with the high cost of transportation, the Rupununi Football Association Executive Committee in an effort to ease transportation and other logistical hardships on clubs would have placed clubs

Nina Cabral (left) and Glaucianie De Assis scored 19 goals between them for Guyana Rush Saints.

close to each other, in groups.

In Central Rupununi which has a total of five male clubs and six female clubs, defending champions Guyana Rush Saints lead the male points standings with nineteen points after seven games, followed by perennial title contenders Tabatinga F.C. with thirteen points after six games.

G l a d i a t o r s F. C . a n d Snatchers F.C. are tied in third place with nine points each with only goal difference separating the two clubs. For the female clubs Guyana Rush Saints and Gladiators F.C. are both tied on thirteen points with Far East United third on nine points.

In North Rupununi which has two groups of three male and female clubs r e s p e c t i v e l y, N o r t h Rupununi powerhouse Paiwomak F.C. male team heads the points standings in Group A with nine points after three matches while in Group B, F.C Basin heads the points standings with nine points from three matches.

Paiwomak F.C. female team heads Group A with five points from three matches while Strikers F.C. heads Group B with six points.

Von Harding of Paiwomak FC has scored a hat-trick and two helmettricks in 3 games.

In East Central Rupununi, which has two groups of four male and female teams , Jaguars F.C.male team heads Group B with six points from three matches while Moco Moco F.C. heads Group B with twelve points from four matches. Flash F.C.female team heads Group A with eight points from four matches and Moco Moco F.C heads Group B with nine points from four matches.

Over in South Central (Continued on page 75)

Nottingham Forest sign Nigeria forward for club-record fee (BBC Sport) Nottingham Forest have signed Nigeria forward Taiwo Awoniyi from Union Berlin for a club record fee.

The 24-year-old joins newly promoted Forest on a five-year deal for a reported £17m.

Awoniyi scored 20 goals in 43 games across all competitions last season and becomes Forest’s first signing since gaining promotion back to the Premier League.

“It’s always been my dream to play in the Premier League,” said Awoniyi.

“Having spoken to [Forest boss] Steve Cooper about our ambitions and looking at Forest, with its great history, it’s a club that I want to be part of.”

After a season-long loan, Awoniyi joined Union Berlin on a permanent deal in July 2021 from Liverpool, where he started his career.

He did not make any first team appearances for Liverpool after signing for the club in 2015 and spent

Taiwo Awoniyi was the sixth highest scorer in the Bundesliga last season, netting 15 goals for Union Berlin (Getty Images) the majority of his six years with the Merseyside side out on loan.

Forest manager Cooper said Awoniyi was a player the club had been monitoring closely over the past few months.

“There’s been a lot of interest of Taiwo from other Premier League clubs, and other clubs across Europe, so we’re delighted he’s chosen Nottingham Forest,” Cooper said.

“He’s a player who we

really believe in and we look forward to him going on to fulfil his potential and become a top Premier League striker with Nottingham Forest.”

Scoring 15 goals in 31 league games, Awoniyi was the Bundesliga’s sixth highest scorer last season and helped Union Berlin to a fifth-place finish which guarantees the club Europa League football for the first time since the 2001-02 season.

Since making his senior debut for Nigeria in October, the striker has made four appearances and scored his first goal for his nation against Sudan in January at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Forest are expected to sign goalkeeper Dean Henderson, 25, on loan from Manchester United this summer and are also in talks to sign central defender Moussa Niakhate, 26, from Mainz.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 80

Sunday June 26, 2022

CWI announces official Tour Operators for upcoming India Tour of the West Indies ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced two Official Tour Operators for the hugely-anticipated visit

by India to the West Indies and the United States in July and August. This series will be a highlight of the West Indies “Summer of Cricket” as CWI stages its busiest year of cricket. The two teams will meet in eight white-ball matches – three CG United One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five T20 Internationals (T20Is) from July 22 to August 7, including two sets of back-to-back T20Is in St. Kitts and Florida.

CWI has partnered with two experienced tour operators who have the knowledge of working on international tours with West Indies and India fans, including ICC World Cups.

Official Tour packages are now available directly through Crickbuster USA and the Bharat Army Travel.

The Series promises to be action-packed from start to finish as the West Indies, two-time ICC T20 World Cup champions will face the dynamic Indian line-up ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 Wo r l d C u p 2 0 2 2 i n Australia. The Series starts at the historic Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad for the three-match CG United ODI Series. The T20Is will start at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which will h o s t i t s f i r s t M e n ’s international T20I match.

From there, the teams travel to Warner Park, St Kitts for two matches scheduled around Emancipation Day celebrations. This will be followed by the T20I Series climax with the blockbuster back-to back weekend at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill.

Travelling supporters can secure their tickets in advance of the public sale online and box office ticket sales opening in the next week, safe in the knowledge that they will guarantee a seat at this summer’s biggest cricket matches. With venue capacities ranging from 8,000 in St Kitts, to just

under 20,000 in Trinidad, tickets are likely to sell quickly.

For those eager fans looking to travel from India, the United Kingdom, Canada or from within the United States, Bharat Army Travel is offering Official West Indies Tour Operator packages. As Team India’s official global supporters group, the Bharat Army has become famous in its association with Team India for its passionate and committed support travelling around the world following Team India.

Bharat Army Travel & Tours team connects sports fans with the best in sporting events globally. With over 25 years of experience attending and now servicing major sporting events around the world, they expertly craft experiences that take you to the heart of the West Indies versus India Series in 2022. Fans can submit their interest in tour packages and find further d e t a i l s a t : https://www.batravel.com/e vents/116/India-Tour-ofWest-Indies/2022 Crickbuster USA is the first leading company in the North America to provide an integrated technology driven online platform for millions of cricket fans in the USA, who can customize their own favourite sports travel experience. A partner for this year’s ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2022, their userfriendly online platform allows fans to select and book from a choice of bespoke packages in just 3 steps. For the West Indies vs India T20I matches, fans can visit Crickbuster’s website – https://bit.ly/3ndEusM – to access two-day ticket allinclusive packages covering hospitality, premium or regular covered seat match tickets, accommodation, and stadium transfers.

With excitement around this year ’s tournament higher than ever, fans can secure their tickets now from either of these high quality and experienced tour operators, subject to where fans are travelling from.

India swept West Indies 3 - 0 in their previous T20 series in February of this year.

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE Friday, July 22: 1st CG United ODI – Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad Sunday, July 24: 2nd CG

United ODI – Queen’s Park Oval Wednesday, July 27: 3rd CG United ODI – Queen’s Park Oval Friday, July 29: 1st T20I

– Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad Monday, August 1: 2nd T20I – Warner Park, St Kitts Tuesday, August 2: 3rd T20I – Warner Park

Saturday, August 6: 4th T20I – Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida Sunday, August 7: 5th T20I – Broward County Stadium

JS Guyana Inc. confirms major sponsorship for Guyana Cup

T

he Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred R a c i n g Committee is elated with thanks as support from various companies pour in for the 14th Annual Guyana Cup carded for Sunday, August 14. JS Guyana Inc. is the newest member of the corporate community that has committed support for the racing event with a very generous sponsorship.

JS Guyana Inc. is a subsidiary of the Junior Sammy Group Of Companies and has become a household name in Guyana with the unveiling of the Eccles to Mandela Avenue project.

Through their years of expertise, they were able to execute the project bringing an international standard to Guyana. Their success and execution of large scale civil contracts has undoubtedly set a higher benchmark. JS Guyana Inc. has donated millions of dollars to various charitable organizations

spanning from flood victims in the interior to orphanages around Georgetown.

Horse racing has become one of the riches sports in the world and is no stranger to the Sammy family through their involvement in Trinidad.

N o w, a s t h e y h a v e broadened their scope to Guyana they were excited to show support to the Guyana Cup organizers.

The event is showing phenomenal growth due to the two-year gap in racing and the importation of over 30 new thoroughbred horses. Various stables ceased the opportunity to purchase these international thoroughbreds to further strengthen their competitive edge. When contacted Mr. Shaun Sammy outlined, “Our family has supported Horse Racing for quite some time. When we were offered the opportunity to sponsor Guyana Cup our team made a swift decision to extend assistance. For an event to outlive 14 years with such a

momentum in 2022 definitely means the organizers are doing something right. We have spoken at length with Mr. Nasrudeen ‘Senior’ Mohamed (Jumbo Jet) who gave us the history of where they started and where the event is headed. JS Guyana Inc. has a passion for growth and longevity so the vision for Guyana Cup was an easy sell to us. We look forward to our first year with the event and I am certain it wouldn’t be the last.”

The Guyana Cup is an event you don’t want to miss, suitable for all. The countdown has officially b e g u n t o t h e l a rg e s t Thoroughbred Racing meet in the Caribbean which takes place at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

The event has attracted a patronage of over 10,000 horseracing fanatics at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Berbice in past years. This year will be no exception as racing enthusiasts were starving for horseracing for

approximately 2 years due to the pandemic.

The horses are being groomed, the track is being prepared and the fans are ready for race day filled with activities for children and live entertainment for all ticket holders.

The Guyana Cup horserace event is being touted as one for the entire family. Apart from the horseracing action, which makes it the biggest of its kind locally with over $30M in prizes on offer, other entertainment is on the cards for the entire family.

Security will also be heightened to ensure the safety of all patrons and fans with the recent inclusion of A&R Security as part of the setup to offer a more professional approach to the r u n n i n g o f t h e d a y ’s activities.

The organisers are saying that this is one horserace event that no fan and those interested in a fun day in the countryside would want to miss.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 26, 2022

PAGE 81

FIFA and CONCACAF visit Guyana to being GFF Statutes Revision Process FIFA and Concacaf completed a two-day mission in Guyana this week as part of the consultation process to revise the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) statutes, in order to align the GFF’s code of governance with the global and regional governing bodies of football.

The visit followed a letter from FIFA in May, which informed the GFF that it was obliged to update its statutes this year, alongside all of FIFA’s 211 member associations, to meet the mandatory requirements of the higher

governing bodies.

“We were delighted to welcome the delegation from FIFA and Concacaf this week to work towards aligning our statutes with FIFA and Concacaf in the interests of good governance and accountability,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“We look forward to continuing this work through to fruition this year,” Forde said. During their visit, FIFA Member Association Manager Sofia Malizia and One Concacaf Manager Howard McIntosh met with the GFF Executive

FIFA Member Association Manager, Sofia Malizia (3rd from left) and One Concacaf Manager, Howard McIntosh (centre), meet with GFF’s newly-formed Statutes Revision Committee Committee, members of the GFF General Council, the GFF attorney and a newlyformed Statutes Revision Committee.

FIFA and Concacaf will continue to support the GFF through the revision process by working closely with the Statutes Review Committee and the GFF General Council in the coming weeks.

John Campbell (right) and Kraigg Brathwaite shared in a 100-run opening partnership (Getty Images)

rts Spo

Bangladesh s Tour of the West Indies

Mayers unbeaten 126 boosts WI s lead Kimbile J Rajkumar (left) of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee receives the sponsorship cheque from JS representative, Savika Deepan.

JS Guyana Inc. confirms major sponsorship for Guyana Cup

Matthews takes over from Taylor as Windies Women s Captain

Hayley Matthews (CWI)

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