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Police promotion NEWS list released after court challenge thrown out AIETEUR

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

Tuesday Edition June 29, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 26

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 79,555

Eco Atlantic grabs up shares in suspiciously awarded Canje Block Knife in Rain or shine Guyanese are increasingly joining the fight for better oil contracts

stomach patient dies - ex-boyfriend found dead

GAWU to now represent workers in oil, hospitality sectors Peacemaker stabbed multiple times with broken beer bottle

Iranian warships reportedly Pillion rider killed bound for Venezuela change after motorcycle crashes into course after US intervention pile of stones

Botswana receives 10% royalty on its diamonds while 1 Guyana settles for 1 2 % Citizens must not settle for the crumbs that fall under the table. They should be on Kaieteur given a chance to eat on the table. For danger is fast approaching @11:00am Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday June 29, 2021

Eco Atlantic grabs up shares in suspiciously awarded Canje Block E

co (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Limited, an oil and gas exploration company with licences in the proven oil province of Guyana and the highly prospective basins of Namibia, was pleased to announce yesterday that it acquired a 10 percent interest in JHI Associates Inc. Kaieteur News would have previously reported that JHI is a privately owned company that is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Despite having zero background in deepwater drilling, it holds a 17.5 percent working interest in the Canje Block, which was suspiciously awarded under the Donald Ramotar administration.

The said concession is operated by ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). Other companies with stakes in the offshore concession include

Total Exploration and Production (E&P) Guyana B.V. with 35 percent and Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas Inc. with 12.5 percent.

It should be noted that JHI is a Guyana pure-play deepwater exploration company that was only founded in 2011. In 2014, JHI had teamed up with Guyana-based Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc. ("MOGI") which was awarded the Canje Block in 2015. Both companies are industry unknowns.

In 2016, ExxonMobil joined the Canje Block as Operator, and in 2018 Total Energies farmed into the Block.

Five years of extensive technical and seismic data analysis led to the Canje partners identifying multiple drillable prospects and successfully applying for a multi-well drilling permit.

The 2021 multi-well exploration programme on the Canje Block seeks to test the extension of the prolific

hydrocarbon system, which has resulted in over nine billion barrels of oil equivalent of recoverable resources being discovered in the adjacent Stabroek Block since 2015.

It should be noted that this transaction would increase Eco Atlantic's presence in the Guyana-Suriname basin to include a three well drilling programme, with the first two firm wells on the Canje Block drilling in 2021 and at least one on the Orinduik Block, subject to partner approval.

The Jabillo-1 well is currently being drilled on the Canje Block utilising the Stena Carron drillship with results expected in July. The Sapote-1 well is scheduled to be drilled later this year in the third quarter by the Stena DrillMax in the eastern portion of the Canje Block, which Eco will also have exposure to through its shareholding in JHI. Eco disclosed to the international market

yesterday that JHI is carried on the costs for the drilling of the first well, Jabillo-1, and would also be carried for an offsetting appraisal well in the case of a discovery.

Led by ExxonMobil as the Operator and technical lead, Eco said the wells offer an opportunity to participate in an anticipated extension of the Stabroek Block Oil discovery trend, thereby building on the over nine billion barrels of oil equivalent resources already discovered.

It was further noted that Eco Atlantic has funded the JHI Investment through its own cash reserves, and intends to complete an associated private placement with its strategic partner Africa Oil Corp. ("Africa Oil") and with Charlestown E n e rg y P a r t n e r s L L C ("Charlestown Energy"), a private equity firm based in New York, USA, to raise additional funds of approximately $6.1M CAD (US$4.9M).

In Guyana's Orinduik Block, Eco holds a 15 percent Working Interest alongside TOQAP Guyana B.V., a company jointly owned by Total E&P Guyana B.V. and Qatar Petroleum, and the Operator Tullow Oil with 60 percent.

The Orinduik Block is adjacent and up dip to ExxonMobil Operated Stabroek Block, on which 20 discoveries have been announced.

Jethro-1 was the first major oil discovery in the Orinduik Block. The Jethro1 encountered 180.5 feet (55 meters) of net heavy oil pay in excellent Lower Tertiary sandstone reservoirs, which further proves recoverable oil resources.

Joe-1 is the second discovery on the Orinduik Block and comprises high quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir, with a high porosity of Upper Tertiary age. The Joe-1 well encountered 52 feet (16 meters) of continuous thick

sandstone, which further proves the presence of recoverable oil resources.

In Namibia, the company holds interests in four offshore petroleum licences totalling approximately 28,593km2 with over 2.362bboe of prospective P50 resources in the Walvis Basin. These four licences, Cooper, Guy, Sharon and Tamar are being developed alongside partners Azinam and NAMCOR. Eco has been granted a drilling permit on its Cooper Block (Operator).

Eco Atlantic is also a 70 percent shareholder in Solear Ltd., an independent private clean energy investment company focused on low cost, high yield solar development projects in southern Europe.

Solear offers investors exposure to a portfolio of pre-construction opportunities across the renewable energy value chain, from Ready-to-Build to early-stage development.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

PAGE 03

Police promotion list released after court challenge thrown out

By Rehanna Ramsay

T

he case filed by S e n i o r Superintendent of Police, Calvin Brutus, to challenge the Police Service Commission's (PSC) 2020 promotion list on the basis of what he termed as “unfair criteria for elevating officers,” has been thrown out by Chief Justice (Ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire.

Brutus had moved to the High Court in a bid to block promotions for senior members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) until the decision not to promote him is recanted.

Brutus' case was among a series of lawsuits filed in the High Court by police o ff i c e r s t o b l o c k t h e promotions of other ranks including, Senior Superintendents of Police, Edmond Cooper, Philip Azore and Kurleigh Simon.

Among other things, Brutus complained that the PSC's decision not to promote police officers with pending disciplinary complaints regardless of the nature or seriousness of such complaints, “perpetuates a permanent injustice” against him and others who are scheduled for promotions.

However in her ruling yesterday, Justice GeorgeWiltshire essentially said that there is nothing unlawful about considering disciplinary matters when making a decision whether to promote a police rank or not.

While the officers had challenged the PSC on the grounds that their method of promotion has been unfair

PSC Chairman, Paul Slowe and unlawful given that the commission had withheld their promotion owing to pending disciplinary cases, the Chief Justice noted that the Court could not reasonably declare the policy as unlawful, and said it could amount to a usurpation of the PSC's authority.

The judge noted too, that the Court could not require the PSC to reconsider its decision. “We can only ask that a system be put in place to ensure that disciplinary matters are finalised without delay,” the judge said, noting that the case only served to highlight “the poor and haphazard system,” of the GPF for dealing with disciplinary matters of police officers.

Further, in her ruling, the judge declared, “I would not quash the promotions of the other officers.” As such, moments after the decision was rendered by the Chief Justice, the PSC released a list of officers who were promoted in 2020.

But in a subsequent statement issued on behalf of

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC.

the Government, Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC, said that government would not recognise the 2020 list of police promotions issued, since the PSC had been suspended by President, Irfaan Ali, since June 16, last.

“The Government of Guyana rejects as unlawful and illegal, a list of purported promotions of members of the Guyana Police Force by the Police Service Commission,” the statement continued, adding that, the decision of the President to suspend the PSC was communicated to each member of the PSC by way of a letter.

As such, the statement noted, that the said decision can only be rescinded, revoked, set-aside or reversed by the President himself, or by a court of competent jurisdiction. “No person, let alone, a constitutional commission, will be allowed to become judge, jury and executioner in our constitutional democracy. The rule of law simply does not permit it,”

Knife in stomach patient dies - Ex-boyfriend found dead

A

fter being attacked by her ex-boyfriend on Sunday, 26-year-old Omela Singh succumbed to her injuries yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

This, according to police, occurred before her 49-yearold ex-boyfriend, Omkar Singh, was discovered dead at the Conservancy behind Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara.

Omkar, after physically abusing and stabbing the woman, reportedly fled from the scene and ran into the

Dead: Omela Singh Conservancy after abandoning his motor car,

which was later found by police.

The woman had allegedly left the relationship a month ago due to the man's abusive ways.

After leaving, the woman had moved in with her mother at Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

The woman, a mother of three, reportedly received assistance in the form of food and other necessities from Omkar, who was the father of two children of his own. Police are investigating the matter.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Calvin Brutus

the AG said in the release.

In this regard, the statement said that the attempt of the PSC, therefore, to countermand, disobey and disregard the President's decision, not only amounts to an effrontery to the highest executive office in the land, but is simply absurd.

“If anyone had any doubts about the independence and rectitude

of this grouping that constitute the Police Service Commission, those doubts should now be put to rest,” it added.

According to Nandlall, “it must be made abundantly clear, that nothing in the ruling rendered this afternoon by the learned Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, in the case filed by Mr. Calvin B r u t u s , S e n i o r

Superintendent of Police, against the PSC and the Attorney General, gives legitimacy to the purported list of promotions issued by the PSC or any such list, as suggested in certain segments of the press.”

In this regard, Nandlall alluded to the fact that one of the grounds that the PSC proffered in opposition to the case brought by Mr. Brutus is that, “the Commission has not made a final decision regarding promotions.”

In the circumstances, the AG noted that the purported list of promotions of members of the GPF would be ignored.

(Please turn to page 8 to see the list of promotions of senior officers of the GPF, which the Attorney General said, should be ignored. The list is usually released in December but the 2020 list was marred by the legal proceeding filed to block it until the determination of the court case.)

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Tuesday June 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Guyanese have no one watching out for them This society has always existed in a politically dark and bad place. In view of the way things are today, life and its prospects just got immeasurably worse for most citizens. It is because this country has no opposition, none of the kind that gives the Guyanese people some hope, something to hold on to, no matter how weakly. It is because there is nobody, no group, no presence in the form of a few spirited patriots to bring confidence and the inspiration that goes along with it.

As much as we at this paper would prefer to be kind and considerate with what we have for a political opposition, we cannot. The times and environment and circumstances in which Guyanese struggle to live, to dare to hope, do not hold that which comforts. When a vibrant and determined political opposition group and leader are most needed, there is neither. Not even a whisker that offers something to lean on, something to reach for and grasp, while hoping against hope that somebody has the backs of citizens, somebody is watching out for them.

Over 200,000 eligible adults voted for the coalition opposition, and it is as if they gambled, not on a horse that lost, but on one that turned around and kicked them in the teeth, and not contented with that, goes further to chew on their minds and bite off their tongues. As we look at this more and more closely, all the appearances, if not all of the body of evidence, speak to an opposition that has swallowed its own tongue, one that has no temperature, not so much as even a pulse of the faintest, encouraging flicker. Guyana’s political opposition today is in a coma and its leadership could not have selected a possibly worse time to jump overboard, and leave the rest of the population to fend for itself as best as its members could, but with one stark reality that has to be faced and faced squarely. The population has been abandoned by the opposition and left with not a paddle to get it to some place, other than deeper into its largely impoverished state.

There is oil, and there is the PPP government, through its very savvy leadership team of one, that makes a mockery of the aspirations of Guyanese. The coalition opposition is largely unconcerned; serene and steadfast in silence it has been, despite one oil mystery and one after the other perversity by the same PPP leadership with this oil wealth of ours.

For all intents and purposes, the postures of the opposition, as voiced by its own trembling leaf of a leader, has combined with the PPP government to pile on the mockery on dispirited and gutted citizens. It does not matter in the least that those mocked and humiliated includes the over 200,000 people who voted for it.

While we speak for the benefit of all Guyanese, there can be no mistaking the predicament and poverty of circumstances of those 200,000 plus persons, who invested their time, their hopes, their energies, and their heart and soul, and who are now forced to come to the reluctant recognition and admission that they have been betrayed. Billions of barrels of highly likely prospering oil are handled under the table and under the cover of side deals with cronies and front men by the PPP leadership, and the opposition in Guyana could not be more disinterested and disengaged. Billions upon billions are being spent on a slew of expensive projects, and the staggering arithmetic leaves the opposition as unmoving as stone. It is well known that the world over, when that kind of money is being spent by government, then all kinds of crooked dealings follow in the wake. As Guyanese should be well aware, this has been the sick and corrupt record of Third World leaders across the globe. Guyanese leaders are no exception, when helping themselves to taxpayers’ wealth is concerned. In fact, they are even better at the financial self-help, because here they are allowed to get away with such banditry, and with not so much as a peep from the group empowered to watch over the interests of a lost society.

As we think of this, the conclusion is obvious: in today’s Guyana, there is a coalition political opposition that is blindfolded and handcuffed. Its leadership has further handicapped itself, in whatever it committed to quietly and secretly, by attaching a ball and chain to its feet. Thus, Guyana’s opposition has entangled itself, and stumbles and bumbles along.

THE LETTER COLUMNS NOW FEATURE POLITICAL AND RACIAL JOSTLING DEAR EDITOR, Something rather unfortunate now visits the letter columns. It is where others dive headfirst into exchanges between sword fencing letter pairs. More knotting follows, knitting disappears.

Hypothetically, John Doe shares a political position, which means reflexive racial coloration.

The door to dispute opens, with numerous demons jostling to rush out and declare war. When I drum up interest to proceed beyond the captions, the poignant and entertaining bathe. Poignant because old piercing reminders ripple; entertaining because there are blatant aspects of p a r t i s a n s h i p , propagandizing, and selfpromoting, all disguised as noble ideals and democracy’s essences.

No matter how uncritically looked at, the issues boil down to this

slippery precipice: ancient histories of who did what to whom when and how; whose truth is more irrefutable; hence, possessing more validity. Self-assessed, naturally.

But matters are not contained there, there is this new phenomenon of tag team wrestling, where third parties plunge between the epistolary jousters to wield more war-scarred battleaxes.

Occasional stirrings of interest quickly lead to shaking the noggin and distancing.

I experience all those, with the first (interest) being at the bottom of the pile, and for the simple reason of: to what point? Where to? Certainly, not real truths and lasting reconciliation, even a remote chance of either occurring.

When we keep being expert archeologists (or racial gravediggers), then it is likely that there will be more detritus than artifacts, more putridity than preserved bodies. From

my perspective, we are not learning anything new, other than how much we love to hate one another, and sticking it to each other, like warring domestic partners, with the aim of maiming more. And finding renewed psychic value in refreshing those hatreds, to the state of continuing readiness for more of the same energizing histories, which we condemn ourselves to repeat.

In this startling new Guyanese mutation, interested third parties (political, hence racial) insert themselves by jumping feet first into the fray to flay about in Guyana’s versions of ultimate fighting. Now, there is Political Pansy and Racial Roger appearing out of nowhere and creating what is, in effect, a Guyanese Royal Rumble, a showdown and smackdown in Georgetown.

The letter columns now resemble outside GECOM, around Ashmin’s, and inside the Arthur Chung

Convention Center.

Remember the vulgar National Assembly. Note that I say nothing of new arrivals being unsolicited by the original parties to the discussion; possible breach of etiquette; or of palpable racial gang warfare. Though not quite literal, it is definitely visceral; and since the same political and racial carousels are unavoidable, I return back to that point: what is the point of this? To score points? To runup racial scoreboards? To run some out of town?

Whether intended or not, this is what matters distil to: exercises in futility, a best; at their worst, in hypocrisy. To underscore my position: identify innocent, better still, name reconcilers, point out racial propagandizers.

The first two are nonexistent, the last abundant.

Though camouflaged, I detect supremacy at the roots.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

Cement plant investment is great for coastal and many are back at under the aegis of the construction During the 2020 ning work. With this cement fac- Georgetown Cement ComDEAR EDITOR, We must never forget that it was under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government that over 30,000 people lost their jobs. So, this new “US$100 million cement factory to be constructed on Essequibo Coast” is yet another way to create job opportunities for Guyanese, even as their confidence is being restored.

APNU+AFC rigging attempt and even before, many Guyanese suffered in a state of hopelessness because of the economic state of the country, coupled with the lack of job opportunities available.

This was the catalyst for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), who at the time made a strong commitment “… to restore, enhance and create new jobs for all categories of workers.” Currently, the sugar industry is up and run-

tory in the near offing, more hope is descending on the country overall, as apart from some 200 job openings, local cement will be available on the Guyana market.

The word is already buzzing that “A new variety of cement will soon be added … following the construction and commissioning of a proposed cement plant on the Essequibo Coast, set to manufacture the ‘Hydraulic Cement.’ This plant will be

pany, of which Mr. Vijay Sukhdeo is the Chief Executive Officer. This CEO is a seasoned campaigner, originally from Wakenaam, who migrated to the United States at the age of 17 and now has some 30 years of experience in this kind of business.

This project is expected to get going later in the year, with the hope of completing it in a one-year time frame.

Sukhdeo detailed that “Once (Continued on page 5)

Vaccines alone cannot reduce the number of COVID cases amid mutations DEAR EDITOR, COVID -19 infections and related deaths have been steadily increasing for several months under the PPP/C Government because it has failed to implement effective and fundamental strategies in slowing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The world has effectively used lockdown measures in the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Vice President is hell bent on denying Guyanese of one, thus he falsely claimed that lock downs do not work. This government is obviously fooling around with our lives.

It also appears that this government is hoping to achieve herd immunity through infections in the population amid a high infection rate in the absence of lockdowns and an uneven

vaccination program where there is a chronic shortage of vaccines.

Under such dynamics, the virus is allowed to multiply and mutate.

At the very least, the current COVID problem needs a government that creates an environment that slows the spread of the virus in protecting lives and in preventing mutations. This is key. Further, it needs to be pointed out that vaccines save lives but vaccines alone cannot reduce the number of COVID cases amid mutations.

Lockdowns may still be necessary for a long time to come.

Our country also needs the technology in identifying the SARS-CoV-2 variants.

And because of a lack in technology, we remain blind to the genetic identity of the variants and thus the

corresponding clinical profile each variant presents.

This is bad science and it costs lives.

Further, as observed in Israel, over 50% of adults involved in an outbreak with the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) were fully vaccinated. The Delta variant has now spread to over 100 countries and it has forced extended lock downs. But for the Guyanese Government, lockdowns do not work.

The Guyanese Government is unique.

People will distrust the Guyanese government for its stance and this will also have a negative impact on our economy. So, I do not understand what Mr. Jagdeo is hoping to achieve.

In sum, government needs to appreciate that the skyhigh COVID-19 infections and

deaths will only be reduced through a consistent and reliable multifaceted approach that simultaneously tackles the COVID problem with lockdowns, physical distancing, facial masking, good hygienic practices, contact tracing and vaccinations to list a few. And with this approach, it is guaranteed that the unnecessary COVID-19 infections and deaths will be reduced along with a climate for reduced mutations. We are appealing to the PPP/C Government to change its course and take the COVID19 problem seriously. This will be good for our country.

Further, we are thankful for the complete lockdown by the APNU+PNC Government.

This saved lives.

Yours truly, Annie Baliram

Tuesday June 29, 2021

I am in support of rescuing GuySuCo through land leases DEAR EDITOR This is my response to question posed by Shawn Simmons in retort, “Bisram/ Dev plan (2016/17)” to protect the jobs of Guysuco workers and save the sugar industry (Jun 27).

Yes, I am willing (and I am sure so also is Ravi Dev) to work with the PPP administration and GuySuCo, as well as others, to re-employ the 8,000 terminated workers. We believed then (in 2016) and believe now that the sugar industry can be rescued. I am of the view that if theft and corruption is eliminated and if the workers get incentive to cultivate and harvest cane, efficiency would be maximised and with it production.

Our plan was presented to the Coalition, which showed no interest in rescuing the industry. It was clear that their intention was to shut down the estates and maybe the entire industry; the Coalition doled out land to friends and supporters. We have not met with PPP administrators, and thus, we cannot give an evaluation of whether the government is seriously interested in saving the industry.

But it speaks the language of rescuing GuySuCo. In brief, our plan involved: distributing the land of the closed estates to the sugar workers (government divest itself land); private investors manage the factories and market the sugar; and government assists with maintenance of canals and irrigation (since drainage and irrigation benefit the entire country). Government investment in the close estates would be minimal – saving billions of dollars. Our proposal was conveyed to the Coalition administration. The foreign companies from India and Trinidad had bought into the proposal and were willing to invest in modernising the factories and research to plant the best cane to maximise yields. Even local investors liked the plan and were willing to be investors.

The Indian companies operate a similar cooperative plan in Africa to much success. African workers benefited enormously owning land and cultivating cane. Proposals were sent in to the government but no reply was received.

I should note that a similar plan was proposed for Trinidad with Caroni estates when the then Basdeo Panday-led administration attempted to sell off the sugar industry in 2001. Caroni faced similar problems as Guyana – theft, inefficient productivity, and corruption. Advocates of the workers had suggested parceling the land to workers

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Kaieteur News

and letting them cultivate cane and the government would be in charge of manufacturing and marketing sugar. Panday opted to sell Caroni for a few million dollars to his friend, Lawrence Duprey (Clico fame) who was interested in producing molasses for a liquor business and acquiring the land that was worth tens of billions of dollars. The sale was approved for a few million dollars, but the Attorney General, Ramesh Maharaj, opposed the sale and blocked it.

Maharaj’s signature was required for finality of sale and transference of the estate to Duprey. Maharaj proposed giving Caroni (80K acres plus equipment, vehicles, etc. and the factories) to the sugar workers. Maharaj refused to sign on to the sale, and he was fired as AG. Kamla PersadBissessar replaced Maharaj as AG and lauded the sale of Caroni to Duprey.

Ironically, the sugar workers were the base of Panday who was not keen in giving them the land.

But the transfer could not be affected as Panday had lost his majority in parliament when Maharaj and two other MPs announced their opposition to the sale. Panday called snap elections to get rid of the trio but lost his majority in elections December 2002. Patrick Manning became PM and proceeded to close down Caroni in 2003; land was doled out to friends and supporters. The sugar workers (supporters of Panday) were offered a small severance settlement and plot of land, but took years to be implemented. Had Panday listened, the workers would have gotten the land, and he would have remained in office perhaps till now.

The very sugar workers turned against him. Maharaj took Manning to court to enforce the union agreement.

Even the court of appeal ruled that the workers must be fairly compensated. Manning largely defied the court, and regrettably even Kamla who subsequently became PM (2010-15) did not give all the Caroni workers their fair compensation; some are still waiting for land. Private cane farmers pleaded on Kamla to reopen the factory or to purchase it so they could grind their cane; a few operate very small hand factories that were obtained from India.

Private cane cultivation was very profitable in Trinidad; private production was efficient and landowners did not steal from themselves.

Similarly, if the workers were to be given leases of land (say 15 acres) in Guyana to grow cane, they would not steal

manure, labour time, and vehicles, and they would maximise production as they do in rice farming. Private cane cultivation and harvesting would be efficient and profitable as was demonstrated by cane farmers for decades.

Government should learn from the Trinidad example and consider distributing the land to sugar workers to grow cane or some other suitable crops.

GuySuCo can manage the factories and do the marketing.

Alternatively, private investors can manage the factories and do the marketing.

In my last conversations with the sugar investors in India and Trinidad earlier this year, they are not very enthused in sugar production as they were in 2016-19. But with incentives, I think they can come around. I cannot say whether government would be willing to lease land to or turn over the estates to workers.

The PPP is a working class party that was tied to sugar workers since the 1950s. Perhaps the Panday experience in Trinidad may influence the party to lease the land to the workers to turn around and save GuySuCo. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Setting mega goals can quickly dissolve into wishful thinking in an unpredictable specific as the goal in Joe into wishful thinking in an unworld Biden’s American Rescue predictable and uncontrol-

DEAR EDITOR, Our major parties, while in government, tout their achievements at national development. They point to the house lots distributed; the schools, health facilities, and roads built and rebuilt; and, generally, to the large budgets spent on this and that. All good. So, what is my complaint here? My complaint is that our governments do not commit to any overarching ambition and do not measure progress by the ground that remains to be covered. They sometimes speak of having comprehensive plans, but only halfheartedly or rhetorically. They rarely set milestones or deadlines to achieve, build, or eliminate anything. As such, we often hear that so many house-lots have been distributed. But we are never told by what date all families will own their own comfortable homes. We hear about expenditures on health.

But do we hear about the deadlines for achieving the standards of an effective health care system, such as low mortality and disease incidence rates?

Take, as another example, poverty elimination. Has any of our governments framed anything so ambitious yet

Cement plant investment...

From page 4 completed, the plant will utilize both French and German technology, producing grey and white cement (as) our aim is to complete (it) within 12 to 13 months, so we can start grinding cement right after.”

If all goes well, the factory will churn out both white and grey cement, in an unprecedented quality at 50,000 metric tons per month.

Outside of employment to build and run the factory, there will be huge economic advantages, as it means ‘more affordability,’ simply because the cement will be locally made, and therefore residents will benefit from the cheaper price.

This is not difficult to grasp, as the CEO explained that “We decided to step in because of the cement demand and price for the product presently.”

So, “Instead of importing the finished product, we will be importing the ingredients like iron ore and line stone gypsum.”

There is a big plus too in that this “Hydraulic Cement is great for sea defense and stands up longer to salt air…

It’s drying time is 30 minutes longer than that of all-purpose cement, but it allows for the cement to have a better bonding.”

Many Guyanese are now living closer to the Atlantic Ocean, and many of them have suffered from the salty sea breeze, so this will add impetus for local purchase, but with the high rate of production, the Hydraulic Cement will also be supplying other Caribbean countries, including Suriname.

This means earned foreign exchange.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

Plan to lift five million children out of poverty this year, cutting child poverty by more than half? Yet, Guyana has one of the highest poverty rates in the region—with several appalling consequences such as child malnutrition and women disempowerment.

When do we plan to wipe out poverty from our midst?

What large and concrete target-setting we see in our social and economic policy is mostly driven by the requirements imposed on us by donor agencies. Or is merely uttered as hollow rhetoric to serve the moment.

Sure, we do realize that politicians are reluctant to set ambitious SMART targets and thereby run the officelosing risk of failing to meet their own performance tests.

Burnham’s failure to “Feed, Clothe and House the Nation by 1976” is often cited as evidence of his ineffectiveness.

But the country now requires courageous and ambitious goal-setting with deadlines to achieve key development goals, such as poverty eradication, full employment, guaranteed minimum household income, and free and quality social services. A government wallowing in small ideas and averageness is no longer an option for our tired people.

True also, setting mega goals can quickly dissolve

lable world. Oil, however, has blessed us with more assured and adequate revenues over the next several decades. Opportunity has now surged, and uncertainty and risk have now reduced. Ensuring no child or citizen is left behind can now be more than a pipe dream.

All that aside, a suspicion however lurks. Since the magnitude of the oil finds became apparent, our large political parties have not shown much BMT (Big Match Temperament). Examine the last few national budgets and you detect a timid caution, an unwillingness to go outside the tattered box, and a reflexive devotion to incrementalism.

Do the parties have BMT? Could this be the core obstacle to transforming the country?

With three FPSOs in production by 2024/25, our earnings would jump considerably both as a result of higher production and a larger slice of it.

If any government cannot set and execute sweeping and time-bound goals to reduce/ remove the major ills and hardships citizens face daily, that government is not equipped to rule. One of the first tests is the total elimination of poverty over the short term.

Yours truly, Sherwood Lowe

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Tuesday June 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

It seems like all lines of communications are broken in the City Engineer’s Department DEAR EDITOR, It is quite disturbing to know that our livelihood rests in the Hands of the incompetent management of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown, at a time when Georgetown is under threat by flooding. Is this the level of competency we must contend with when natural disasters can be threatening to our existence?

Guyana is faced with a

national disaster, and all hands are on deck.

Georgetown City in Region Four has a bit more control of the situation due to mechanisms in place but continues to suffer at the hands of the misfits at the Georgetown City Council. They Town Clerk (ag) and City Engineer should be held accountable. The management of the Georgetown Municipality has failed us miserably – at

this time playing ‘chess’ and blame it on the other is dated.

The truth of the matter is that there are no proper systems of accountability and planning in place.

The Local Government Ministry and the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) should realize that the pump attendants, whose actions by now should have been investigated, are not the issue. It is the poor management that

operates the Council like an outhouse. There are clear management issues, one of which is mismanagement of their human resources.

It requires simple cognition, routine checks, and observation, to ascertain how you should deal with an issue with mechanisms for drainage, such as pumps, sluices and drains. The country is flooding by natural causes, but the City of Georgetown’s flooding is anthropogenic, due to bad management of the pumps and sluices. It is the mismanagement of the organisation, that affords the management time to be petty and engage in everything else, but their duties aligned with their post.

H.E Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’s concerns are surely taken for granted. The Town Clerk and City Engineer show gross incompetence with

their inability to investigate grievances surrounding the operations of the pumps in the city.

I am led to believe that this gross incompetence seriously affects the upward mobility of the Mayor and City Council.

It is the Town Clerk’s and City Engineer’s responsibility to investigate any complaint concerning an employee, specifically the City Engineer when it is relative to a staff that falls under his department, especially one being made by the President.

The Town Clerk and City Engineer were present at a press conference held on 31st of May 2021, in the Council’s Chambers, when the City Engineer assured the public of an investigation, relating to the incident of the attendant caught napping. The onus is upon the Town Clerk to see that it was carried through as CEO. There is a functioning

line of command within the Council, the pump attendant reports to the leading hand, the leading hand then reports to the drainage overseer, the drainage overseer reports to the engineer responsible for drainage, and the drainage engineer, reports to the City Engineer. It seems like all lines of communications are broken in the City Engineer’s Department, and the Town Clerk is mentally out of the jurisdiction.

I ask the Council if they still have the authority, since the Town Clerk seems to have given it away, to investigate and, since they are the elected political representatives in the City of Georgetown, to do what you can, or work with the LGC to remove the square pegs in round holes in the councils’ administration.

Yours truly, Name provided

T N U L B . . .

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Tuesday June 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

In America, even the Congressmen are talking about Guyana and its oil.

It is the usual sweet talk of going from the poorest to the richest. We don't believe a word of what any of them are saying. Not one of them.

Guyanese, who think that these American politicians have the interests of Guyanese at heart, are only fooling themselves. If they care so much, then they should be standing in our corner, with a position of: this contract is robbery.

This deal is embarrassing to all Americans. This deal stinks.

If they really want to do something for us, then let them come out publicly and call for Exxon to renegotiate.

Then we will believe them.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

GUYANA POLICE FORCE PROMOTIONS The Police Service Commission is pleased to announce the undermentioned promotions within the Guyana Police Force

(continued on page 10)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

PAGE 09

Too little, too late!

Y

esterday was like no other d a y. I t w a s exams day and the number of vehicles, which were parked outside of our secondary schools, was unusually high.

The Caribbean Examinations Council's CSEC examinations and CAPE began yesterday. In addition, there was an unusually high turnout of parents accompanying their children to the gates of the school.

Many hugged and kissed their children, said a prayer with them and then wished them good luck. But it did not end there. At midday, the parents were there to pick up their children and were armed with a special meal for those who had examinations in the afternoon session.

Again, there were hugs, kisses, and prayers.

Some of the kids may have been taken by surprise at the excellent treatment they were receiving at the hands of their parents. They were made to feel extra special on this the first day of the examinations as their parents went out of their way to treat them with extreme love and affection.

Parents go to great lengths to ensure that there is no psychological pressure on their children during examinations. They do not

Dem

boys seh...

D

e govment gat more rules dan all de tea in China. Dem does call it regulations.

When de Pee N See bin in power if yuh want leff Guyana pun a lil holiday yuh use to have to get something called a tax clearance.

Dem boys know nuff people wah leff and still owe tax.

All dah rule bin do was encourage corruption because once yuh know somebody inside de tax department yuh could arrange fuh tax clearance fuh leff de country.

If yuh leffin de country and yuh gat a few US dollars yuh gat to get permission from Bank of Guyana fuh carry out duh money. De small man bin gat to hide he lil currency while dem big

raise their voices at their children. They do not put any pressure on them. They try to remove all hints at pressure from the child.

Parents wake up early to prepare a special meal for their children who are writing the examinations.

The parents know what meals the children like and they prepare a special meal on examination day to send them on their way. The children are encouraged to eat as much as they can and take seconds if they so wish.

Parents ensure that they have extra pens and pencils, rulers and sharpeners.

During lunchtime, they take a very special meal for them.

It is either Church's or Pizza, things that the children like.

Before the kids leave for the afternoon session it is more hugs and kisses encouraging them to do their best.

When they return from school, they are told to take it easy, to relax. The children must be in stress-free environment. Nothing is done to place any form of pressure on them. And the cycle of special meals, hugs a n d k i s s e s a n d encouragement begins all over again when the second day of the examination commences.

If the children were so pampered throughout their school days as they are

during examination days, their performance would be much better. But the problem with parents is that they reserve their best behaviour towards their children for examination days.

Parents should not wait until examination days to create a pressure-free environment for their children. They should feed them well before and after the examinations. They should ensure that the children are under no pressure. The home should be a loving environment for the children so that they can enjoy learning.

Most parents expect that special treatment on examination days will have a miraculous effect on the performance of children.

They do not appreciate that learning is a process, and it takes time, and children need the fullest support to bring out the best in them.

Showing special love and attention on examination days is not going to reverse all those other times when children were made to feel unappreciated and unloved.

The fancy meals at lunchtime on examination days are not going to compensate for the years of previous neglect of the nutrition of the children. It is not going to work any miracles on examination day

Too much regulation; too little enforcement one getting dem letter from de Bank of Guyana fuh pass through de airport.

Desmond Hoyte realise too late dat all dem regulations only encouraging corruption and so he abolish dem.

But he bin leff a couple wah de Pee Pee Pee gladly continue. It does help dem friends so dem nah change it.

If yuh want a govment contract, yuh gat to get a tax compliance fuh show yuh taxes in order or yuh mek arrangements fuh put it in order. And yuh also gat to show dat yuh NIS affairs in order.

Nuff small people nah able bid for govment wuk because dem gat dispute with de taxman or NIS. But some big ones does get dem compliance.

Dem boys pass yesterday

by de COVID-19 vaccination centre at de hospital and dem boys see dem bench empty. So dem boys know dat vaccination slowing down and people nah going fuh dem vaccines.

But dem boys know dat if yuh want leff Guyana yuh gat to get vaccinated. So what wrang with de govment saying dat nobody muss get govment wuk unless dem get vaccinated. If yuh want passport yuh must get vaccinated. If yuh applying fuh ID card, yuh must get vaccinated and if yuh lose yuh birth certificate, no replacement until yuh get vaccinated.

And yuh can't go into no govment office unless yuh vaccinated. Dat seems only fair to protect de people.

Talk half and wait fuh de critics.

itself.

It will only, in the eyes of the children, expose the hypocrisy of some parents.

The children will privately question why it is that they are only made to feel special on examination days.

In fact all this special treatment can backfire, because when the children do not perform well, as the parents expect them to, parents are bound to vent their frustration on the

children and point to the fact that they went out of their way to make them feel special and loved during examination days.

Parents must love and show affection to their children all year round, and not just at exam time. They should show love to their children, because this will create an environment in the home that is conductive to learning.

Many parents have little

time for their children before examination. But come e x a m i n a t i o n d a y, t h e children are given the best treatment. It is too little, too late!

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday June 29, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Only in Guyana you will find men like Clive Thomas and Moses Nagamootoo I

know how the mind of a newspaper editor operates because I have been edited by several of them over the past 32 years.

Though respecting your independence, there are times when an editor would subtly ask you to do a piece he/she is interested in.

He/she wants the newspaper to carry an interpretation of a controversial story that's riveting the nation.

I am at a loss to understand why the editor of the Stabroek News has not asked its weekly columnist, Dr. Clive Thomas, to do a few items reflecting on the five years he has held substantial state power.

Looked at from any angle in any country, a person that is the State's chief investigator

for corruption and the head of the main industry is a person with formidable authority.

Since the fall of his party from power (WPA was part of the APNU outfit), not even a few paragraphs have been assigned to Thomas' experience in government.

Each week for the past few years, his weekly offering is on a subject he has no expertise in – the petroleum industry.

This is one of the current mockeries in Guyana. Thomas has published a book, dozens of published articles and more than four years of weekly columns on the sugar industry.

Against that backdrop, he was made chairman of the sugar industry.

Why then is he writing on oil and not sugar, but more importantly, on his experience in managing the sugar industry? This is where an astute editor comes in. He has to tell Thomas what he perceives to be in the interest of the newspaper and what the readers want.

He cannot dictate for Thomas but he can gently nudge him in the direction that can stir the curiosity of readers. I repeat for emphasis – I have never written for an editor who did not politely ask me to touch on a controversial subject.

Thomas must know that he continues to appear silly in the eyes of Guyanese wherever they live in that, he was a “big, big” one in the government of APNU+AFC from 2015 to

2020 holding two crucial portfolios but he doesn't write on two of those subject-areas. Thomas' outpourings on oil are soporific, jejune and lack penetration. He is losing credibility if he hasn't lost it already.

In any country, people would expect to hear what a person like Thomas has to say after his time in government is over. It is the same with Nagamootoo.

This man was the second most powerful man in government for five years, but if you see what commentaries he does on his Facebook page, you will want to throw up and I honestly mean that without any insult.

Let me repeat what I described in my analysis yesterday just in case you missed it. You have to see these items to believe it. I was sent about 15 of them from his Facebook postings since I am not on Facebook.

Nagamootoo is writing glowingly on Cheddi Jagan and Walter Rodney and disparagingly of Forbes Burnham. His utterances are accompanied by photos of him, Jagan, Rodney, anti-

Frederick Kissoon Burnham personalities from the seventies, and famous global ant-colonial figures he met during the seventies and eighties.

Most of the pieces are in this vein, plus, he utter excessive ranting about the present PPP administration. As I wrote in my column yesterday, there isn't anything about his time as prime minister and any reflection on the five years of governance by his party, the AFC. In one of his postings, he carries a picture of himself a few weeks ago in a barbershop in which he points out that he is still with the people of Berbice. The brutal reality in Berbice is that, Nagamootoo

is not welcomed in his own hometown at Whim. In any survey of how the people of Berbice feel about Nagamootoo and Charrandass Persaud, the results would show he is the anti-Christ and Charrandass is a garlanded hero.

I don't want Nagamootoo to sue me so I am not going comment on his state of mind. Yesterday I simply used the following words, “it appears that he is undergoing a different mental journey.” Two lawyers told me those words are not libelous.

To conclude then I think it is only in Guyana you would find a Thomas and a Nagamootoo. Most politicians, perhaps all of them, when they leave government or are thrown out, they feel an obligation to their country to explain their time in power. And the thing is, Thomas is in his eighties and Nagamootoo is near there. So maybe, Guyanese will never read about that part of their lives.

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

GUYANA POLICE FORCE...

From page 8

Tuesday June 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

Parents urged to support their children preparing for NGSA 2021 T he 2021 sitting of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) will be on August 4 and 5, 2021. The first mock exam was written a fortnight ago. The second mock exam will be written in a little less than two weeks.

Noting that the examination machinery for the NGSA is in full swing, the Ministry in a release appealed to parents to support their children during this process.

Parental support, it noted, may include but is not limited to: ensuring that pupils attend all classes organised by the school, supervision of pupils during virtual classes so that they are actively engaged, demonstration of a positive attitude about their children's education, checking on assignments, homework,

Parents accompanying their children to the first NGSA mock examination at the Graham's Hall Primary School

worksheets and projects completed or to be completed by the pupil, the expression of high expectations and standards for the children's learning, attendance of parent-teacher conferences or meetings to discuss the children's progress and ensuring that all topics in the consolidated curriculum are completed

before the exams.

In a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education in May 2021 with Grade Six teachers, more than 50 percent of the teachers said that they receive inadequate support from parents.

However, the teachers said that they believe that pupils' under-achievement in Mathematics and Social Studies is mainly due to poor

parental involvement.

The recently completed mock exams revealed disappointing performances in Mathematics and Social Studies and the Ministry made it clear that parents must take an active role in correcting this situation in time for NGSA 2021.

The Ministry of Education also called on parents to become more involved adding, “Please help us to help our children.”

Pillion rider killed after motorcycle crashes into pile of stones

A

pillion rider identified as 20 y e a r - o l d Kareem Powley was killed Sunday night at approximately 22:30hrs. after the motorcycle he was on crashed into a pile of stones on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

Kaieteur News understands that a motorcycle bearing number plate CK 7783 was proceeding north on the western carriageway of Mandela Avenue at a fast rate of speed when the accident occurred.

The deceased: Kareem Powley

The motorcyclist, according to police, alleged that a black motor car, which was proceeding in the same direction (but to his right), swerved left and caused him to lose control.

This resulted in the motorcycle running off the road and into a pile of stones, which was on the western parapet of the thoroughfare.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, t h e motorcyclist and the pillion rider fell onto the roadway.

They both sustained injuries about their bodies.

T h e p i l l i o n r i d e r, according to police, was picked up in an unconscious state by Emergency Medical Technicians but succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home. A post mortem examination is expected to be conducted shortly.

Police revealed that a notice of intended prosecution was served on the motorcyclist, who is currently in custody, after a breathalyzer test was conducted and revealed no trace of alcohol in his system.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

PAGE 13

GAWU to now represent workers in oil, hospitality sectors

A

t its General Council meeting on June 25, 2021, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) decided to establish two new branches to advance the rights and conditions on behalf of workers employed in the oil and hospitality sectors.

The General Council in approving the decision considered a report from the Union's General Secretary, which indicated that in recent times a growing number of workers from the two sectors have been approaching the Union seeking advice and guidance regarding difficulties and challenges they are facing at their workplaces.

The report indicated that, in many instances, workers were not aware of their roles and responsibilities.

The Union noted in a release that it has concluded that very few workers were aware of their rights, and this is a primary objective of the two new Union branches.

The branches also aim to assist employers in the sector as well to educate their workers on their obligations as employees.

'We believe that there is need for a balance as workers in as much as they have rights also have responsibilities which they must similarly be knowledgeable about,” the release added.

On this score, the Union announced that it is willing to collaborate with employers in the sectors to educate their employees as they seek to motivate and commit their workers to enhancing financial performance while, at the same time, enhancing the International Labour Organisation (ILO) decent work agenda.

M o r e o v e r , t h e G AW U “encourages all workers in the sector to reach out to our Union for advice and guidance.

We also urge employers to speak with our Union regarding collaborative work to enhance productivity, efficiency, and knowledge at the workplace.”

GAWU, the release added, believes that an educated worker is a committed worker, adding that workers and employers desirous of learning more can visit its offices in Georgetown at 59 High Street and Wight's Lane, Kingston, or in New Amsterdam at Lot 8 St. Ann Street.

GAWU can also be contacted

via WhatsApp at 623-GAWU (4298), by email at i n f o @ g a w u g y. c o m o r v i a Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

According to GAWU, it remains “a staunch ally of the workers and see these efforts as part of our ongoing efforts and objectives to ensure that workers are treated fairly.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday June 29, 2021

Water levels significantly receded in Region 7 CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig (right), along with CDEMA Preparedness and Response Manager, Joanne Persad (second from right), and Programme Officer, Rasheed Pinder (second from left), making observations at a rain gauge during an observation mission in Region Seven on Saturday. (CDC Photo)

CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig (left), and CDEMA Preparedness Response Manager, Joanne Persad (centre), speaking with a resident during an observation mission in Region Seven on Saturday. (CDC Photo)

D

irector General of the Civil D e f e n c e Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, along with members from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on Saturday, visited a number of

communities in the Lower and Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), where significant decline of the flood waters was observed.

In a release, it was noted that Colonel Craig was accompanied on the observation mission by

CDEMA Preparedness and Response Manager, Joanne Persad, and Programme Officer, Rasheed Pinder, who are currently in Guyana leading the team conducting the Detailed Damage Sector Assessment (DDSA) on Guyana's flooding situation.

The team also noted the

need for more aggressive health interventions, which would be communicated to the Ministry of Health (MoH). During the trip, which covered from Bartica to Isseneru Village, villages visited included Issano, Semang, Olive Creek, Enachu, Tamakay, Poopy Show and Apaikwa.

Region Seven is one of the five Regions, which were hardest hit by the flooding in Guyana that has been ongoing for over one month now. In some cases, homes and businesses directly located along the riverbanks in Region Seven were covered by as much as 12 to

15 feet of water.

Several families have been forced to relocate inland, on boats and pontoons.

The situation has severely affected mining activities, which is the Region's main economic activity. The CDC has since deployed a number of hampers to the Region, which included food, cleaning and health packages.

Colonel Craig noted that the recession of the water marked a welcome improvement for the ongoing flooding situation, and the CDC looks forward to continuing to assist residents as the country begins to look towards recovery. During the

visit, Colonel Craig also checked in with the DDSA teams that were conducting fieldwork in the Region.

There are two teams, which conducted DDSA data gathering in Region Seven – one covering the Lower and Middle Mazaruni while another is covering the Upper Mazaruni.

Both teams have concluded their field work in that Region, and are now working on their data analysis that will form part of the DDSA report, which will be submitted to Guyana. DDSA are also being done for Regions Two, Five, Six and 10.

Iranian warships reportedly bound for Venezuela change course after US intervention

Satellite image of the Makran, USNI News Photo Illustration. Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies used by USNI with permission

O

n June 10, 2021, Iranian State TV reported that two Iranian warships, the Sahand, an Iranian destroyer and the Makran, a support vessel set sail from the southern port of Bandar Abbas of the Islamic Republic.

Subsequently, various American media reports were noted citing the mostly speculative claims of anonymous government

officials that the vessels were likely bound for Venezuela, however, Iran has not to date confirmed the vessels final destination.

Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Iran's deputy army chief, described the mission as “the Iranian navy's longest and most challenging voyage yet” adding that “the Navy is improving its seafaring capacity and proving its long-term durability in unfavourable

seas and the Atlantic's unfavourable weather conditions.”

Despite Iran stating that the vessels will not call at any country's port during the length of the voyage, several media houses and news websites have since opted to support the theory that the vessels' final destination is likely Venezuela, stating that the mission of the vessels likely included the testing of (continued on page 17)

Tuesday June 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

President provides update on Special...

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From page 11 transportation and logistics.

Meanwhile, the release added, work will continue to explore incentive regime to attach investment.

It went to note that Prime Minister Mia Mottley thanked the President for the speed in which he moved on the Food Production and Food Security Taskforce, and urged all Member States to reinforce the issue of food security.

Other matters discussed included: implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), Update on the Comprehensive Review of the Common External Tariff (CET) and Community Rules of Origin, Supportive Macro-Economic Policy Environment, Implications of the CCJ Advisory Opinion to the opt Out Provisions of The Revised Treaty, Protocol to Amend the Revised Treaty to Allow Enhanced Cooperation Among Member States.

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Tuesday June 29, 2021

Tuesday June 29, 2021

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Botswana receives 10% royalty on its 1 diamonds while Guyana settles for 12 %

While Guyana has settled for a mere 1.5 percent in royalties on its diamonds from Chinese Mining Company, Zijin Mining Group, Botswana, an African nation, has made sure that it collects 10 percent royalty from any mining company, working its mines.

The huge difference between the two countries’ royalty rates was brought to Kaieteur News’ attention following reports on Friday June, 18, 2021 that the world’s third largest diamond was unearthed in Botswana.

According to Fox Business Africa, the diamond, which measures 1,098 carats, was mined by Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers Group, an international Diamond company founded in 1888 by British businessman, Cecil Rhodes.

Fox Business Africa also pointed out in its article that the Botswana government receives as much as 80 percent of the income from

The world’s third largest diamond unearthed in Botswana.

Debswana’s sales through dividends, royalties and taxes.

Kaieteur News later found out from a power point document prepared by Botswana’s former Principal Minerals Officer, Onthusitse Melaetsa, that the royalty percent paid by Debswana is 10 percent. In fact, the country’s fiscal regime dictates that any company mining diamonds must pay 10 percent royalty in addition to corporate tax and withholding tax on dividends.

Apart from the 10 percent royalty Botswana receives, it also reaps revenues from its

Iranian warships reportedly...

From page 14 US and allied commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and UN Security Council Resolution 2231, under whose terms Iran is permitted to export military equipment.

Despite this theory however, both countries remain tight-lipped as to its legitimacy, with a top aide to President Nicolas Maduro denying press reports that the ships will dock there and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh, declining to address the specific question at a news conference on May, 31.

He stated, “Iran is always present in international waters and it has this right based on international law and it can be present in international waters.

No country is able to violate this right, and I warn that no one makes miscalculations.

Those who sit in glass houses should be careful.”

Iran has discussed the deployment of its Navy into the Atlantic since 2011 and in 2018, a naval commander spoke of a plan to send two or three warships to Venezuela for a five-month mission as a tit-for-tat response to the US Navy carrier presence near Iranian waters. In August 2020, President Maduro praised the idea of buying Iranian missiles and air defense systems, with sources reporting that the two governments signed an arms contract. Several news agencies had identified what looked like seven Iranian fast-attack crafts typically associated with its paramilitary Revolu-

tionary Guard on the deck of the Makran, and also cite the capacity of the vessel to store a vast quantity of arms or oil for transfer to Venezuela.

The latest development has seen the ships changing courses after an effort to resolve the issue diplomatically was undertaken by the US. The Biden administration had previously urged several Caribbean countries, including Venezuela and Cuba, to refuse to allow the two vessels to dock in their ports.

The campaign by the US also coincided with a joint military programme hosted by Guyana called Tradewinds 2021.

Tradewinds 2021 is a Caribbean security-focused, multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains.

The multi-national exercise was held from June 13 – 25 in Guyana and saw 17 countries participate to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training, focused on increasing regional cooperation in complex multi-national security operations. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity said, “the ships which US officials believe may have been preparing to conduct an arms transfer, have appeared to change course several times during their journey from Iran — and could do so again. But after the course change early this week, they are likely now headed either into the Mediterranean — potentially planning to sail off of Syria — or north toward Russia.”

50 percent shares in the Debswana Mining Company along with 22 percent in corporate tax.

In a press release published in March 2018 by Debswana’s partner, De Beer’s Group published, it was noted that more than 80 percent of the company’s profits is returned to the people of Botswana.

Meanwhile in Guyana’s deal with Chinese mining company, Zijin Mining Group, should it find diamonds in the Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), the country will only receive 1.5 percent royalty on the related sales.

The Zijin Mining Group acquired the mine from Canadian owned Guyana Gold-

The Aurora Gold Mines, currently being operated by Zijin Mining Group. fields, which had acquired the licence for AGM, and as such enjoys provisions that were enshrined in the contract for the operations in the CuyuniMazaruni locale.

According to the contract, “The Applicable Royalty for any Valuable Mineral other than gold shall be 1.5 percent on the actual pro-

ceeds received by the company from any smelter, refinery or any other arms-length third party purchaser from the sale of concentrates, metals, diamonds or any other mineral or metal products produced from the property.”

Zijin Mining Group’s main operation in Guyana is gold mining but even that the com-

pany has the privilege to determine the amount of royalties it pays to country. The same contract allows the Chinese company to pay royalty based on the price it gets for the sale of its gold from the buyer it selects and not at the prevailing world market price.

Should the company sell (Continued on page 18)

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Tuesday June 29, 2021

Kaieteur News

Peacemaker stabbed multiple times with broken beer bottle

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26-year-old man is now nursing stab wounds about his body after he attempted to render assistance to a woman, who was reportedly being assaulted by her partner.

Hospitalised at the New Amsterdam Hospital is Sewdat Hanoman, of Belvedere Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Police disclosed that the suspect has since been arrested and is in police custody.

Kaieteur News understands that the incident occurred on June 27, 2021, at approximately 20:00hrs. Hanoman, it was revealed, was riding his bicycle heading home when he came across a man assaulting a woman on the Belvedere Access Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Hanoman, this publication was informed, decided to intervene in an effort to save the woman from further abuse and in so doing a scuffled ensued between him and the suspect.

The suspect then armed himself with a beer bottle, smashed it and stabbed Hanoman about his body four times.

He was taken to the Port Mourant Public

Hospitalised, Sewdat Hanoman.

Hospital where he was treated and later transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he remains a patient.

According to police, the suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and charges are to be laid soon.

Garden of Eden man found guilty for raping schoolboy, 12 Wazir Potter, a 49-year-old resident of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was yesterday found guilty of raping a 12-yearold schoolboy.

Potter has been remanded to prison pending his sentence before Justice Brassington Reynolds set for July 22, 2021. He was found guilty of the crime committed on August 8, 2018. Potter had maintained he was not guilty of the crime throughout the trial in the Georgetown High Court. “I done no wrong and if I do it, let God come down and cripple me right here,” the man said in response to the guilty verdict.

He was represented by Attorney Everton Singh-Lammy, while the case against him was presented by State Counsels, Nafeeza Baig, Sarah Martin and Latifah Elliot. According to reports, on the day in question, the victim was walking along a track located at Garden of Eden, when Potter snatched him and took him to a house where he committed the act.

According to information, the boy felt someone grab him from behind by his shirt, put a hand over his mouth and carried him into the house through the side door. The report indicated that the victim only recognised the perpetrator when he reached into the living room of the house, and saw that it was Potter.

Potter removed his shirt and his pants and underpants and took him into the first bedroom, where he was put to lie on his belly on

Guilty, Wazir Potter. a queen-size bed. The boy related that Potter undressed in the living room and recalled that the side door was locked and that it had a “press in” lock. He claimed Potter came behind him and covered his mouth with one hand while another was on his shoulder as he (Potter) put his penis into his anus.

After committing the act, Potter reportedly threatened the lad to kill him if he walked through the track again. The child made a complaint to his relatives about what Potter had done to him. The matter was reported and Potter was arrested.

In his defence, Potter had pleaded not guilty claiming instead that the victim’s story was fabricated.

Botswana receives 10% royalty...

From page 17 its gold for US$1,000 per ounce or less, then Guyana gets five percent in royalty. If Zijin Mining Group finds a buyer more than US$1,000 per ounce, then Guyana will receive eight percent royalty from the sales.

A perusal of the contract also illustrates that when it comes to imports, the company also enjoys a wide range of waivers. Under the prescribed provisions in the contract, the Chinese Company is entitled to import into the country or purchase domestically, free of import duties, Value Added Tax and any other direct or indirect taxes

on all equipment, supplies and materials for the project.

It is also provided under the contract that “for greater certainty,” the company or any local or foreign contractor retained for the project purposes shall not be required to pay any licence fees, duties or other charges related to importing or purchasing materials in Guyana for the purpose of the project.

Apart from these “luxury” provisions, Zijin Mining Group is only paying US$5 or GYD$1,000 rental for every acre of land it has in its claim.

Despite the startling revelations published by this newspaper, Guyana’s former presi-

dent, Samuel Hinds, in a letter to this newspaper argued that royalty rates and provisions are “standard” when compared to other countries in the world. While defending the land rental fee, he said, “That statement is true… absolutely true for each and every large-scale gold mine, whether owned by a Chinese, a Canadian, an American, an Australian, a European, a Ghanaian, an Indian, a Pakistani, a Saudi, a Guyanese, or any nationality.” He added too, that by criticising the contract it sends a bad message to foreign investors who might have interest in Guyana.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

PAGE 19

President provides update on Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security

President Ali and his delegation

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n Friday, President Irfaan Ali and a delegation virtually attended the Eleventh Meeting of The Prime Ministerial SubCommittee on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), during which he provided an update on the Special Ministerial Taskforce (MTF) on Food Production and Food Security.

According to a

government release, the Head of State reported on the April to June progress of the MTF, and recommended that it be further considered at the Forty-Second Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government next month.

The Lead for Agriculture in CARICOM urged the committee to prioritise the work of the Ministerial Taskforce, and frankly pointed out in his opening

remarks that he will move forward with those who are serious about getting the work done.

To take the CARICOM Agri-Food System Strategy forward, the implementation plans identified priority commodities such as poultry, other meats (beef, pork and mutton), corn, rice, niche vegetables and coconut products. According to the President CARICOM has the ability to achieve the

'Bread Man' remanded for allegedly killing 'Channa Man'

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he bread vendor who allegedly stabbed and killed a fellow vendor, “Channa Man,” during an argument last week was yesterday remanded to prison for the offence.

Forty-six-year-old Kimbia James Prescod called “Bow Life” and “Moon Light,” appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleges that on June 22, 2021, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, he murdered Robert Bizzeth called “Brick” and “Channa Man.” The Chief Magistrate remanded Prescod to prison and the matter was adjourned to July 29, 2021.

This publication had reported that on the day in question around 16:30hrs, Prescod and Bizzeth had a heated argument over the placement of Bizzeth's stall.

It was reported that d u r i n g t h e a rg u m e n t , Bizzeth allegedly drew a 'jucker' and threatened the other vendor. However, the

targets identified to lower these priority commodity imports by 2025 and the potential to increase coconut exports.

The Caribbean Private Sector Organisation and the MTF led by Guyana's A g r i c u l t u r e M i n i s t e r, Zulfikar Mustapha, have met and are in agreement with the priority commodities, focusing on poultry and niche vegetables for the short term.

President Ali reported that resource mobilisation has begun for the Regional E-Agriculture Strategy, and work are in progress for the development and implementation of both a Business-to-Business (B2B) Platform and a Governmentto-Government (G2G)

portal. He also noted that the successful hosting of the CARICOM Regional Food Systems Dialogue on May 28, 2021, was in preparation for the UN Food Systems Summit.

The Ministerial Ta s k f o r c e r e c o g n i s e d transport and logistics as integral to the effective implementation of the CARICOM agri-food systems agenda.

“In examining the p o t e n t i a l a n d competitiveness of the sector as you would have expected, transportation is one of the critical issues that is linked to food production and for regional trade,” President Ali stated.

To this end, he has engaged the Lead Head on

Transport with a view to developing specific recommendations aimed at incentivising private sector interest and partnership in transport and logistics, relative to the agri-food systems agenda.

He further outlined some options, including the formation of an all-purpose company, the floating of a regional bond, approaching the private sector window of the Caribbean Development Bank, approaching regional commercial institutions, international financial institutions (such as EXIM Bank), Expression of Interest for financing, managing and operating a facility for regional (continued on page 16)

4 more COVID-19 deaths, 15 in ICU

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Dead: Robert Bizzeth bread vendor retaliated by pushing Bizzeth to the ground and armed himself with a knife.

The police report further stated that the argument continued between the two men, and Bizzeth then armed himself with an axe and chased after the suspect who was still armed with the knife.

Kaieteur News had reported that the suspect fell to the ground and Bizzeth stopped chasing him. While

Remanded: Kimbia Prescod Bizzeth was walking away, the bread vendor allegedly stabbed him several times about his body.

The mortally wounded Bizzeth ran to the police mobile outpost where he fell to the ground and was later escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he died while receiving treatment. Anticrime patrol later arrested the bread vendor at Camp and New Market Streets, Georgetown.

esterday the Ministry of H e a l t h announced that four more persons, who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. As a result of this, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 466. Out of those deaths, 68 occurred this month which has two more days left.

According to the Ministry, the latest fatalities are that of two women – a 65-

year-old and a 64-year-old – and a 73-year-old man, all from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 49-year-old man from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

All four persons died over a four-day period (June 24 to June 27) while receiving treatment at a medical facility. Further the Health Ministry, via its daily COVID-19 dashboard, recorded 14 new cases, taking the total number of

confirmed cases to 19,891.

Out of the confirmed cases, 10,184 persons are women, while 9,707 are men.

The dashboard also revealed that 15 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 87 are in institutional isolation, 1,539 are in home isolation and three are institutionally quarantined.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, 1 0 3 recoveries were recorded yesterday bringing the total number of recoveries to 17,784.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

Tuesday June 29, 2021

West Indies, South Africa eye batting lift...

From page 22 could consider a seam-bowling allrounder in place of one of the quicks.

South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 Temba Bavuma (capt), 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Aiden Markram/Heinrich Klaasen, 6 David Miller, 7 George Linde, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Anrich

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Nortje, 10 Sisanda Magala/ Lungi Ngidi, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi Pitch and conditions The same surface was used for both the first and second match in this series and Reeza Hendricks noticed a difference in terms of assistance for spinners. Hendricks said the ball turned more in the second match, where

Kevin Sinclair took 2 for 23 and George Linde and Tabraiz Shamsi 3 for 35 between them, compared to only three wickets taken by spinners in the first match.

In drier conditions, the outfield was a touch faster and with no rain predicted for Tuesday, it may speed up a little more and we could get higher totals.

Tuesday June 29 , 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're feeling rather sensitive today, Aries. You may want to rescue every injured animal from the side of the road.

Combine this nurturing, loving instinct with a warrior drive that will take charge and lead the fight.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Other people may be stroking your fur in the wrong direction, Taurus. There's a great deal of fiery energy in the air today that's promoting a "me first" attitude.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your mind is surprisingly clear today, Libra, and your thinking fits in line with what your ego has set out to accomplish. The key for you is to let your emotions speak.

SCORPIO (Oct.23–Nov. 21) Your mood is likely quite good, Scorpio, and you have an added boost of

self-confidence that will help you along in just about any project you undertake.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Latch on to what your mind has to say today, Gemini.

More than likely, your rational brain knows the right way to go. Your mood may dictate the action, but let your brain handle the steering.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your brain may be on one side of the fence today while your emotions are on the other, Sagittarius. The challenge will be to find a working resolution between them.

CANCER(June21–July22) There's a greater burst of energy coming your way today than there has been in a while, Cancer. It's as if you're making a new start and now is your chance to begin with a fresh new attitude.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) One of the themes today is giving versus receiving. You may be asked to handle many tasks at once, something you're naturally quite good at, Capricorn.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) People and situations egg you on today, Leo. It may seem like there's contention around every corner. Remember that your path is the one that you chose.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be a pioneer in your world today, Virgo. Go on an adventure with a courageous spirit. Your emotions are fired up and ready to go. Your instincts are ready for a new challenge. If anything

slows you down today, it will be your rational thinking.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You're in line with your warrior instincts today, Aquarius, which reminds you to align with your dreams. The tricky part is how you're going to plan your attack so that there's an equal balance of give and take.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're feeling frisky today, Pisces, and you're happy to take the lead. It seems like the starting gate has just opened and you're leading the charge.

Solid, disciplined performance from ‘Golden Jaguars’, Ryan Kedhoo’s goal secure win over ...

From page 22 sleeves as he too wanted to show that he has what it takes to be involved.

Kedhoo who plays in the NCAA Division One League with the University of California, Irvine broke the deadlock in the 85th minute of an intense encounter; his goal eventually ensuring the win for Guyana, much to the delight of his Captain and teammates as well as the Technical and Management team.

Máximo in summing up the performance of the team said they worked together as a unit and displayed a high degree of concentration especially in the first half hour as they sought not to concede any goals. ”The game for me was very balanced against tough

opponents with some of their players from the championship in England and other big leagues. I think the performance of our players is a great signal that we are in the correct way. To note also is that all 22 players who played maintained the same level, we don’t have one team, we have a group, this is important to say.”

He noted that the players who were introduced in the second half all maintained the strategy as well as the tactical discipline, commitment and communication. ”It’s a good win you know, these guys followed our instructions and we have big hope for the remaining sessions of training that we have before Saturday’s match. They are very focused

and they have all been doing their best. We will go to the game to make a big surprise that’s why we are training hard and we believe that we can deliver for the nation.”

The lead tactician also complimented the training squad players for adapting very quickly to the programme which will set Guyana’s football on a solid foundation. ”I think that its great and a good surprise because I always talk about youth being given the chance and you can see the experienced players all working along and supporting these young players who are coming in. I think that it is good signal and we are going in the correct way of course.”

Being Windies Women ‘A’ team...

From page 25 Shabika was selected in the West Indies Women’s training squad for a camp in preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup and although she was not selected she gained valuable experience from that camp.

After outstanding performances at both the junior and senior levels for Guyana, she was included in a training squad for the tour of Ireland and England May 2019 and the teenager again missed out on selection.

Shabika was one of five Guyanese women selected for the West Indies Women’s pre-World Cup training camp in Antigua in January in preparation for 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

The others were Shemaine Campbelle, Kaysia Schultz, Cherry-Ann Fraser and Sheneta Grimmond. Campbell, who will miss the Pakistan Women’s series since she is recovering from a motor Vehicle accident, was the only Guyanese selected.

Gajnabi most memorable game was the first ODI against India when she took two wickets in the same over to end with 2-25 in fours overs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. It was very special because West Indies won by one run.

While she has been selected more as bowler and lower order batsman for the West Indies Women’s side, she plundered a magnificent unbeaten 215 against the National U-19s in the 2020 Women’s Inter-County tournament which remains her highest score.

This was after blasting 160 against Essequibo at Everest and Shabika is the only female in Guyana to score a double century at the inter country level.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Tuesday June 29, 2021

2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Solid, disciplined performance from ‘Golden Jaguars’, Ryan Kedhoo’s goal secure win over Bermuda in warm up clash

By Franklin Wilson in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida compliments of the GFF

Ryan Khedoo (right) and Captain, Matthew Briggs.

(Franklin Wilson photo)

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s o l i d , disciplined and poised display form the ‘Golden Jaguars’ in both halves of play secured a morale boosting 1-0 win over Bermuda in a closed door friendly yesterday afternoon at The Gardens North County District Park Soccer Field here in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U S A .

Both teams took the opportunity to utilise their full list of players ahead of this weekend’s kick off of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup with 12 nations battling for the final three positions in the round-of-16.

Guyana will play Guatemala on Saturday but Bermuda will take on Barbados on Friday with only the respective winners advancing. The Guyana squad took on Miami Dade FC on Saturday and came out 3-1 victors with yesterday’s game against Bermuda providing further match practice, something that the ‘Golden Jaguars’ were not able to have prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers in March and June o f t h i s y e a r .

A total of 22 of the Guyana players contested yesterday’s match and the

A solid first half performance by the ‘Golden Jaguars’ kept the score 0-0 at the half way mark. (Franklin Wilson photo) Omari Glasgow keeping the momentum going in the second half. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Ryan Kedhoo on the move for Guyana against Bermuda yesterday. (Franklin Wilson photo) Technical staff led by Head Coach Márcio Máximo saw encouraging improvement in the level of play of their charges, the starting X1 and second half substitutes all putting in admirable work as they continue to fine tune

their system of play offensively and defensively.

The trend of conceding early goals was halted as the first 45 minutes produced a compact display in all three thirds of the field even as Bermuda also had their

moments of dominance. The confidence of the Guyanese players grew with every passing minute.

The second half saw fresh legs being introduced a bit later than their first warm up match against Miami Dade

FC, standing out was the level of commitment to maintaining and following the instructions of the Technical staff.

As the minutes ticked away and neither team being able to break the deadlock as

players were introduced to the game constantly, one of Guyana’s training squad player, Ryan Khedoo, brother of ‘Lady Jags’ starlet, Kiana Khedoo had something good up his (Continued on page 21)

West Indies, South Africa eye batting lift for series lead ESPNcricinfo - Big picture The third day of a Test match is known as “moving day,” when teams expect the course of play to tilt one way or the other. Similarly, the third match in a five-fixture series that is locked at 1-1 has particular importance. It’s the moving match, where the team that wins will take a significant step to securing the series.

So far, the chasing team has won one match and the defending team has won the other, but neither of the contests have been particularly close. While there have been pockets of pressure, this series needs a nail-biter to really set it alight. For that, both sides need to bat a little better.

South Africa’s middle-order problems are age-old and this time they seem to stem from an insistence on playing as many specialists as they can at the expense of a seam-bowling allrounder. Andile Phehlukwayo, Wiaan Mulder and to a lesser degree, Sisanda Magala, are all yet to get a game as South Africa work

around a six-batter, spin-bowling allrounder, three-seamer and specialist spinner XI. They may be going with this combination with a view to the T20 World Cup and the likelihood of playing more than one spinner, but still need to find a way to lengthen the batting.

West Indies don’t seem to have similarly big strategy concerns and will be particularly pleased with the way their younger bowlers, Kevin Sinclair and Obed McCoy, have integrated into the team. From a batting form perspective, Nicholas Pooran is a concern but in general, they will want to strive to strike the balance between aggressive and assertive, especially after some of their short selection let them down in the second match.

In the spotlight If West Indies want a little more impetus with the bat, they may want to consider how they use Dwayne Bravo . He batted at No.9 in the second T20I, only the second time he has been in that position.

No other player with more than

West Indies may want to make better use of Dwayne Bravo the batter. (AFP/Getty Images) 6000 T20 career runs has batted at No.9 or lower. But at least West Indies are getting their worth out of Bravo’s experience with the ball.

He bowled his full quota of four overs in the first match where he was the joint-most economical seamer and the joint-most successful bowler.

South Africa are looking for middle-order acceleration and there’s an argument to be made for moving David Miller up the order,

which could put Heinrich Klaasen under pressure to step up. Klaasen, who captained South Africa in their last two T20I series against Pakistan, has not scored more than 15 in his last four T20I innings and has only made two scores over 30 in his last 12 innings. With Kyle Verreynne waiting on the sidelines, Klaasen has to use the next few matches to make a more solid claim on his No.5 spot. One area of the game where he has made himself

stand out is fielding in the deep.

Klaasen took good catches on the boundary to remove Andre Fletcher and Andre Russell in the second match.

Team news West Indies’ concerns lay in the middle-order in the second match but there aren’t many switches they can make there. They may call on Lendl Simmons in some capacity but may have to displace Andre Fletcher, if they do.

West Indies (probable): 1 Andre Fletcher/Lendl Simmons, 2 Evin Lewis 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Kieron Pollard (capt), 5 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6 Jason Holder, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Fabian Allen, 10 Kevin Sinclair, 11 Obed McCoy South Africa stuck to the same XI for the first two matches and may not want to change anything for the third, but they need to address their limited bowling resources. They could include a sixth bowler by inserting Aiden Markram into the middle-order or (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

Regal looking to take Legends title at NYSCL Independence Cup Regal Legends of Georgetown will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet when they compete in the New York Softball Cricket League Independence Cup which is set for July 2, 3 and 4.

The team departed Guyana this morning full of confidence in winning the over 50 title.

Despite limited preparation due to rain, Captain of the team Mahendra Hardyal said his players are eager to showcase their skills.

Hardyal added that it’s the first time they will be competing in the over 50 category and despite being a confident group they will not take any team for granted.

The skipper said that they are hoping to get in some valuable practice in New York prior to the tournament which will help the players to acclimatise. Regal have already won the Open and Masters Titles in both New York and Florida.

Matches will be played at Roy Wilkinson Park and Canarsie.

The squad reads; Mahendra Hardyal (C), U n n i s Yu s u f , R a m e s h Deonarine, Eric Thomas, David Harper, Eion Abel, Rudolph Baker, Persram Persaud, Jagdesh Bhoj, Laurie Singh, Throy Kippins, Lynden Lyght, Longsford Klass, Mahase Chunilall and Clive Grimmond (player/Coach) .

RHTYSC Namilco Thunderbolt...

From page 24 Thunderbolt Flour under 21 and First Division teams to sponsor the award ceremony annually and also to assist the school with educational materials on a regular basis.

The teachers honored were Kaajal Devi Nankooma {24 years service}, Padmani Bishun {8 years}, Felicianne Rahim {8 years} and Kamachi Pasamen{3 years}.

Head Mistress Minerva Thomas Rodney hailed the support that the school has received over the years from the club and committed the management and staff to upholding the high standard the school has set in the past.

Awardee Felicianne Rahim also expressed thanks to the Namilco team for their morale boost to the staff and wished the players more success on and off the cricket field.

The Rose Hall Town Nursery School over the last

two decades has produced hundreds of students who have gone on to represent the club at different levels.

The RHT Namilco Thunderbolt is widely considered Berbice leading first division team and currently holds all the titles at that level, while the under 21 team is the current Berbice champions after defeating Albion in the Elizabeth Styles under 21 finals earlier this year.

Among the members of the two teams are Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Shawn Perriera, Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabaki Gajnabi, Jonathan Rampersaud and Keith Simpson.

The team is sponsored by the National Milling Company of Guyana (Namilco).

GFF proposes “return to...

From page 25 for football, first and foremost; I was very happy to spend time with our members to share with them the projects and programmes that we’ve been working on, but also to see how excited they were to receive their playing kits,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

Stressing on how critical is the approval from the task force to resume play, the GFF President said, “All of these members still have more material to receive under MFAP, but we’re not going to

give out the other football development equipment until we get permission to return to play from the national task force.

“We’ve gone to all lengths to explain to our members that we have to be patient. We know that there is still an ongoing pandemic and we will continue to work closely with the task force and the other health authorities to ensure that safe and responsible decisions are taken around the return of football to the pitch,” he concluded.

Regal Legends will be looking to add to their collection of prizes in New York.

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Tuesday June 29, 2021

“It’s a blessing to represent my country”- Allicock -Leaves today for Olympic Preparation Keevin Allicock with an iconic boxer pose. (Calvin Chapman photo)

From left Coach Sebert Blake, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, K.A. Juman-Yassin and Keevin Allicock.

G

uyana’s Golden b o y, K e e v i n Allicock, is set to depart local shores today for Russia where, under the supervision of long-serving coach Sebert Blake, he will undergo three weeks of intense preparation for the Tokyo Olympics this JulyAugust.

During a joint press conference today at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters at Lilliendaal featuring the GOA and the

Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Allicock expressed great pleasure at being able to represent Guyana throughout the years and greater satisfaction of seeing his dream of competing at the world’s biggest stage become a reality.

“I want to thank God for being here.

It’s been a blessing to rep my country. Thanks to Steve Ninvalle, thanks to the GOA for their support throughout the years. It’s an honour to rep Guyana at Tokyo.

I always tell my Coach (Blake) that I will go to Tokyo with all my trust in God and I’m happy that I’ve made it”, the junior Commonwealth Games silver medalist posited.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, who was on hand at the presser in the capacity of President of the GBA, noted that he, “Is extremely elated to have Keevin qualify for the Olympics, I was cautiously optimistic that he would made the grade and this achievement is a philip for the sport in Guyana.

It has also rejuvenated the different age categories

especially the youth and junior.”

Ninvalle continued that, “Even before he (Keevin) steps into the ring, he will have to battle with covid and we are confident that he will test negative and other out of ring battles will be won.

His success is an extension of the hard work of the GBA and support from the GOA who has been unflinching in its support for boxing.”Head of the GOA, K . A . J u m a n Ya s s i n , mentioned that he is happy to see the corporate sector coming onboard to support a t h l e t e s a n d K e e v i n ’s success will only augur well

for other boxers and athletes in general because other sponsors will be more keen to support.Yassin concluded that, “On behalf of myself and the GOA, best wishes.

I want you to visualize yourself winning and raising the Golden Arrowhead...

Boxing will continue to have our support because the potential there is immense.”

Meanwhile, Coach Sebert, who has coached Allicock since he was 14years-old at the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) gym in Albouystown, revealed that from 2017 to now, Allicock has been professing that he will

qualify for the Tokyo Games. A daily affirmation and he has been helping him along with that.

“In 2016, I made a promise that if I can get the resources to work with a boxer, I can get him to the Olympics.

Today the fruit shows that if we get the necessary resources, we have the talent to get boxers to the Olympics,” Blake said.

Blake continued, “I want to thank all stakeholders for their support, including my mentor and my company GPL for always giving me time when I need to represent my Country.”

RHTYSC Namilco Thunderbolt teams honours outstanding Nursery School Teachers under Say Yes to Education Programme

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Namilco Thunderbolt under 21 and first division cricket teams on Wednesday last honoured four outstanding Nursery School Teachers under their Say Yes to Education programme. The teachers were drawn from the Rose Hall Town Nursery School and they are the first from the township to be honoured, with others at the primary and secondary levels to follow.

R H T Y S C M S Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, stated that the club over the last twenty six years has hosted a highly successful Say No/ Say Yes programme which targets over seventy thousand youths to say no to drugs, crime, suicide, pre marital sex, tobacco, alcohol and yes to life, education, sports, culture, religion.

The club on an annual basis hosts award ceremonies for teachers across the Lower Corentyne

Felicianne Rahim receives her award from Head Mistress Minerva Rodney. area, but this year has decided to hosts programmes for schools in the township of Rose Hall.

The Tribute to Nursery School Awards ceremony would be followed by similar ones for primary and secondary teachers who

work at the Rose Hall Town Primary School and Lower Corentyne Secondary School respectively.

The main objectives, Foster stated are, to identify and honour outstanding teachers, to provide role models for other teachers to

The four awardees pose with their Head Mistress Minerva Rodney. emulate and to encourage the teachers in the three schools to maintain a high standard.

He noted that the RHTYSC was very grateful to the three schools for producing allrounded students who would go on to become members of Guyana Leading Youth and

Sports Organisation.

The club strongly believes in the promotion of education as it believes that education is the key to success and that it very important that youths involve in sports should have an educational background.

He urged the teachers to uphold their high standards and to redouble their efforts to make sure that a solid foundation is laid early in the minds of the children. He committed the club and the Rose Hall Town Namilco (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 29, 2021

PAGE 25

GFF proposes “return to play” plans, presents team kits and laptops to members

G

eorgetown: The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Saturday laid out a provisional roadmap for the safe resumption of competitions this year, distributed laptops along with other kit and equipment to its members, conducted a briefing for members on their compliance obligations to the Members Financial Assistance Programme (MFAP), and also provided the participants with a social media content development briefing.

Hosting a Return to Play M-FAP Workshop for its members at its National Training Centre in Providence, the GFF presented a four-month competition season plan that

GFF President and Executive Committee with Members after receiving their laptops. included national tournaments for senior men, senior women, and male and female youth teams.

As part of the return to play presentation, the administration solicited feedback on its plans from

Regional Associations and clubs to fine tune its approach to the highlyanticipated restart, which will be governed by approval from the National COVID19 Task Force. Two months ago, the

Being Windies Women ‘A’ team V/C is a dream come true

By Sean Devers One of five Guyanese in West Indies Women’s ‘A’ to face Pakistan Women’s ‘A’ in the T20 series which starts on tomorrow at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Shabika Gajnabi was named Vice-Captain of the team.

Gajnabi joins her Guyana teammates Sheneta Grimmond, Mandy Mangru, Kaysia Schultz and Cherry Ann Fraser for the ‘A’ team series which will commence before the West Indies Women battle Pakistan Women at the same venue.

“It is a great feeling for me to be named as ViceCaptain of a West Indies ‘A’ team, it’s a dream has come through for me,” said the lass who has played five WODIs and seven WT20Is. Gajnabi who turns 21 on July 14, said the strength of the ‘A’ team is its all-round cricket.

“The Covid-19 pandemic affected me in terms of working on my cricket skill and not getting to do as much as I wanted to do.This is not the first time being here since the pandemic started. I have settled in very well to life in a bubble and I am getting used to it,” added Gajnabi, who was born in Chesney, Albion in Corentyne, Berbice.

“I am looking to score the most runs and take the most wickets and achieve

Gajnabi aims to be MVP against Pakistan ladies

GFF submitted a detailed return to train and play plan to the task force. This plan was developed with the support of UEFA and was successfully exercised during the 2020 end-of-year “bounce back” tournament.

Under its pioneering MFA P i n i t i a t i v e , w h i c h distributes funding and support directly to Members to boost investment and development in a targeted way, full team kits were distributed to the Regional Associations and Elite League clubs to ensure that teams have bespoke, professional standard uniforms for upcoming competitions. Prior to the distribution, the participants were briefed on the attendant compliance obligations and strict oversight that come

From left - UDFA Secretary Mrs. Dawn McCammon - Barker, GFF President Mr. Wayne Forde and UDFA President Mr. Terrence Mitchell. with the M-FAP. The GFF also handed out laptops to its nine regional associations, the National Association for Women’s Football and the Referees Association in the first phase of its information technology integration strategy. Through this initiative, GFF members will be interconnected through a licenced intranet service, which will allow information sharing and secure access to resources with the aim of improving their operational work and performance.

“The initiative of the Federation is great – the equipment we received will take the club a far way because we have kits for both male and female, which we appreciate very much.

Financially, it will help the club in a far-reaching way,” said Dennezze Lovell, the secretary of Den Amstel FC and representative of the West Demerara Football Association.

“In all my years in the football fraternity, I have never experienced such from the Federation and I am grateful to Mr. Forde and his team,” she said.

During the day-long workshop, participants engaged in a social media briefing that focused on content development and fan engagement across the membership, with an emphasis on growing and enhancing the online presence of football.

“It was a remarkable day (Continued on page 23)

President of Fruta Conquerors FC, Mr Colin Gittens, receives uniform from GFF President Mr Wayne Forde.

Shebika Gajnabi goes over the top at Providence.

(Sean Devers photo) player of the series,” said Gajnabi who made her WODI debut against A u s t r a l i a Wo m e n a t Coolidge in Antigua on September 04, 2019 and her WT20I debut against A u s t r a l i a Wo m e n a t Bridgetown, Barbados on September 13, 2019.

After leading Berbice U19 Girls and Guyana U-19 Girls in her last two years at

this level after making her U-19 debut in 2013, Gajnabi, who plays for the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, had to wait until September 2019 to play International cricket.

Gajnabi played her first game for her County’s senior team in 2015 before making her Guyana senior team debut the next year.At age 18 (Continued on page 21)

From left - Executive Committee Member Ms Carmel Williams, President of the Bartica Football Association Mr Alden Marslowe, GFF President Mr Wayne Forde and Bartica Football Association Secretary Ms Arit

“It’s a blessing to represent my country”- Allicock -Leaves today for Olympic Preparation

From left, Steve Ninvalle, Sebert Blake, Keevin Allicock, Dr. Karen Pilgrim (handing over the GOA’s cheque) and K.A. Juman-Yassin

West Indies, South Africa eye batting lift for series lead 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup

t r o Sp The Bermuda goalkeeper (right) and two defenders can only watch as the ball nestles in the back of the nets, compliments of a Ryan Kedhoo (not in pic) shot in the closing moments of the match.

(Franklin Wilson photo)

Solid, disciplined performance from ‘Golden Jaguars’, Ryan Kedhoo’s goal secure win over Bermuda in warm up clash Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.