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AIETEUR NEWS
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Thursday Edition June 30, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 26 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 85,476
“unsuitable” tractors- source
…CEO says he does not act without Cabinet’s approval
‘Oil resources don't belong to any Govt. or political party’
…it belongs to the people and future generations should benefit too Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi
- Surinamese President says at oil conference A country wide protest needed to Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @11:00hrs get our FAIR SHARE! on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM
Thursday June 30, 2022
Kaieteur News
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EITI director calls for greater tax transparency, info sharing on revenues D
espite the fairly low component scores shown in the Validation assessment on its Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Guyana's reporting has shed light on government's revenues from the extractive sector. This was the appraisal given by Executive Director Mark Robinson of the Norway-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) who lauded Guyana's initial efforts at deepening extractives governance in Guyana following his two-day visit last week. Following the country visit, Robinson noted, “Guyana has made important strides in establishing some of the foundations for successful EITI implementation.” He noted that during the visit, he received
confirmation of Government's commitment to transparency in the e x t r a c t i v e s s e c t o r, t o publishing data on production and exports and to putting information on contracts and commodity sales in the public domain. He noted that Guyana's multi-stakeholder group functions well in representing the interests of government, industry and civil society and that the government has committed to financing the operations of the EITI national secretariat. Guyana has successfully established the country's first functioning platform for multi-stakeholder discussion on the future of the extractive sector and it was noted, despite the fairly low component scores shown in the Validation assessment, Guyana's reporting has shed light on government's revenues from the extractives
sector. Commenting on future opportunities to deepen extractives governance, Robinson said, “...this is the time for Guyana to build on the progress achieved in EITI implementation to date, by strengthening tax transparency, deepening information on revenues, creating a public register of licences, releasing more details of contracts, and setting up a beneficial ownership register.” He affirmed the commitment of the International Secretariat to offer technical support and peer learning from countries with similar laws and institutions. “We look forward to walking this path with Guyana's government, EITI secretariat and multistakeholder group. Transparency is essential to bring benefit to citizens from
EITI Executive Director, Mark Robinson Guyana's natural resources,” he concluded. In its 2022 Progress Report on Guyana in relation to governance of oil and gas and mineral resources, EITI had outlined that oil contracts and the granting of licences
to permit such operations can result in citizens of a country being deprived of what they a r e o w e d f i n a n c i a l l y. The EITI Progress Report was launched on June 14, last ahead of the organization's 53rd Board Meeting. In the document, the transparency organization specifically highlighted that “Corruption is a pressing challenge for many resourcerich countries and a priority area for the EITI.” It cited a statement made by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), that one out of five cases of transnational corruption is linked to or directly occurs in the extractive sector. As such, the report sought to put country leaders on notice that their citizens can be deprived of revenue through the licencing process, contract negotiations and even uncertainties in company
stakes. According to the 2022 EITI Progress Report, “Opacity in company ownership structures, licencing processes, contract negotiations and transactions can make lucrative extractive projects especially vulnerable to abuse or illicit enrichment, depriving citizens of the revenues they are owed.” The body said, while there is a shared view among stakeholders that addressing corruption risks is implicit in implementation of the EITI Standard, the EITI Board recognised a need to clearly articulate the EITI's role in deterring corruption and mitigating corruption risks. To this end, the EITI said that back in December last, it issued guidance for multistakeholder groups to identify and address corruption risks through EITI implementation.
Mother of five killed in Mandela Avenue accident
A
n accident on Nelson M a n d e l a Av e n u e , Georgetown, on Wednesday afternoon, claimed the life of Odessa Sam, 42, of Middle Road, La Penitence, while her reputed husband Wendell Oudkerk is critically injured and in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the accident which claimed the life of the mother of five occurred around 15:20hrs. The accident involved motor jeep PSS 7007 owned by Azruddin Mohamed of Houston Gardens,
East Bank Demerara and driven at the time by Nadia Mohamed, 41year-old of Houston Gardens, EBD. Police reported that Mohamed was proceeding west along the northern drive lane of the southern carriageway, while the couple was on motor cycle CH 1099 proceeding north along Critchlow Avenue. Kaieteur News understands that while Oudkerk of Lot 65 Lamaha Springs, Georgetown, approached the junction of Nelson Mandela and Critchlow Avenue, he reportedly
The scene of the accident. [Joseph Allen photo]
failed to stop and attempted to cross the road. The police reported that in doing so he ended up into the path of the motor jeep. The jeep and the motorcycle collided and this caused the motor cyclist along with the pillion rider to be thrown onto the road surface where they received injuries about their bodies. The mother of five was pronounced dead on arrival, while Oudkerk was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and was placed in the ICU. According to the police report, two breathalyzer tests were conducted on the driver of the
motor jeep where both tests revealed her BAC was .000%. The police also stated that Sam and Oudkerk were not wearing a safety helmet. According to accident images seen by this publication, Sam body was some distance away from the point of impact where the SUV and motorcycle were. One of the images show a man hovering over her while others can be seen checking on Oudkerk. Mark Ramotar, the Director of the Police Corporate Communication Unit (CCU), shared a video, in which multiple bruises can be seen on Oudkerk's head, hand and back
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Thursday June 30, 2022
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‘Oil resources don't belong to any Govt. or political party’- Surinamese President says …it belongs to the people and future generations should benefit too By Renay Sambach “Our natural ecosystem including oil and gas is Godgiven so it cannot be claimed or owned by any government or any political party it belongs to the people of the nation and they should benefit from the wealth that is being generated.” Those were the words of President of Suriname,
Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi. The Surinamese President made the remarks during his feature address at the opening ceremony of the Suriname Oil and Gas Energy Conference (SOGEC) which is being held in Paramaribo, Suriname. While President Santokhi invited persons to invest in
Energy-efficient project for Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica, and Linden The communities of L e g u a n , Wa k e n a a m , Bartica, and Linden will benefit from a planned lighting change-out project for the latter half of 2022. The Government of Guyana, in pursuit of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, aims to transform Guyana's economy to deliver greater socio-economic development under a low carbon pathway while also addressing the issues associated with climate change. Within this context, resources have been allocated for an energy efficiency project which targets the replacement of inefficient lighting (particularly incandescent bulbs, CFLs and 4-feet fluorescent lights) with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for residential, commercial, and public buildings in Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica, and Linden, the Guyana Energy Agency said in a release. T h i s e n e rg y - s a v i n g initiative encourages sustainable consumption and supports households and businesses in making energy-conscious decisions while reducing their carbon footprint. The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) will provide employment to sixteen (16) licenced practicing electricians to undertake these installations. Each electrician will be required
to present a letter to the occupant of the building requesting their participation in the project and consent to replace all existing inefficient lights (incandescent bulbs, CFL lamps and 4-feet fluorescent lights) within the premises. If the occupant agrees to participate, each electrician will be required to record the quantity and type of inefficient lights replaced on a document prepared by the agency. This information will then require verification from the beneficiary by affixing their signature and contact information on the document and verifying the number of lights installed by each electrician. The contracted electrician will then be required to submit t h e c o m p l e t e d documentation to the GEA. Each beneficiary will be visited to verify the information provided and allow for inspection by the GEA of the lights installed. This project is expected to commence in the first week of July 2022 in Linden while the remaining areas will commence in August 2022. The Guyana Energy Agency, in keeping with the LCDS 2030, will continue to implement and spearhead such projects as part of the realization of the Agency's objective to increase energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy technologies at the national and local levels.
Suriname's oil and gas sector, he was keen to note that the new found oil and gas resources must be managed in a way that steer the economy to the next level of development, and also deliver on common goals in a sustainable way to secure the lives of the next generation. The President then added: “We have created, in my country a wealth and a stabilisation fund that must be the financial basket for the future of our country. We are keenly aware that securing the funds for the purpose for which it was created also requires a government committed to being prudent and efficient in using those funds with cheques and balances built in.” After highlighting that the oil and gas wealth belongs to the people of the country and that they must benefit, the Surinamese President underscored that the government has the responsibility to protect the good use of the resources. President Santokhi stated that he believes that the income from oil and gas should be utilised by investing in the present
generation as well as that of future generations. As such, he noted that the wealth and stabilisation fund is instrumental to save a portion of the income for the future generation. He added, “Furthermore, the income of oil and gas will be used to develop the transition to renewable and green energy and also that this income should be utilised to diversify our economy and industry to strengthen government institutions and to invest in human capital in order to build a resilient community.” He explained that oil and gas cannot be an end in themselves, and it should be seen as a means to achieve higher goals for creating stable, prosperous and peaceful societies. “For this, the short term benefit must come from long term strategic boost and to end defining this future path we must be both and a m b i t i o u s . We m u s t demonstrate trust in our capabilities,” the president added. Moreover, President Santokhi noted that the oil and gas strategy of Suriname will be a part of its vision
at oil conference
President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi 2060 strategy. He then explained that soon he will commission the national commission vision 2060 which will develop a road map outlining where the country wants to be in 40 years and how it can be achieved. He also noted that part of this vision must be how the country can develop and strengthen its domestic capabilities regarding labour, services and expertise. Notably, this is not the first
time the Surinamese President has underscored as important that citizens of the country must benefit from wealth generated from the oil and gas resources. In fact, in February, while addressing the opening of the f o u r- d a y I n t e r n a t i o n a l Energy Conference and Expo, which was held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, President Santokhi urged Guyana's leaders to ensure that Guyana's newfound oil wealth benefits all Guyanese and to secure f o r t h e f u t u r e generations. In fact, he had said, “These fortunate countries [Guyana and Suriname] have saved a major part of the revenues to be able to provide for generations to come. We have the same goal and commitment to our current and certainly, our future generations.” In addition to being able to provide for generations to come, the President urged too that the two countries be responsible in the development of the oil resources in an “environmentally-friendly and sound manner.”
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
We are the crossroads but keep crossing ourselves up
W
e are giving our position right from the start, and of this there will be no discussion. The Government is the government and that is the closure of this communication. Now that is as far as the story goes, but there is much more to it, and it is unpleasant. We have a problem in this country, many acute and serial ones. Topping the list of chronic woes is that nobody is listening anymore. Everybody is screaming at each other at the highest volume. Even when we pause and attempt to be (or appear) civil, the façade crumbles at the slightest breath, so fragile is our constitution, so unsteady our feet. We are blessed with a government and leaders that are intent, if not bent, on getting their way at any cost, by any means, and without regard to the consequences. It is about winning being the only thing, and sticking it to opponents when they are not looking, especially those held as sworn enemies. The government is so dreadful that its leading people will give adversaries a cheap shot in the back, or below the belt, if that gets the job done. And when it is not obsessed with appearance and overpowering those standing in the way, then it is about propaganda. In areas as diverse and distinct as oil, procurement, COVID-19, propaganda is what carries the day, and this nation has reached the troubled state where vital matters of the state are stuffed down the craw of captive audiences, from under friendly media umbrellas. It could be a one-man show propped up by skillful positioning and steady streams of always available cash. Or those where taxpayers dollars are employed to weave magical tales of how beautiful Guyana is today; or assault the sensibilities of the conscientious. When all this have been attempted and executed, Government leaders take a step back, admire the audio and video evidence of their manipulations, and declare themselves very pleased with the results. In the eyes of the President and Vice President and their band of brothers, ministers and well-wishers that may be so, but only in their eyes. The reality is that we are getting nowhere, other than stoking the smoldering embers of discontent in this society, and allowing scornful outsiders to laugh at us and take advantage of us. In the instance of the discontented, we repeatedly prove to ourselves how hostile and bitter we are against each other. We, who should be having earnest conversations, are having not anything that resembles communications. Instead, what we are having and proud of it are these verbal convulsions. Unless we commit and recommit to convert to the art of straight communication, then we could have what deteriorates into what is beyond convulsions. We look continually at this countrys head of state to take the lead and set the standard for straight communication on the crucial challenges in this country, only to end up cursing ourselves for our recklessness in believing that we can get substance out of shallowness. We could be faced with the possibility of social chaos, and leaders are unmoved. We at this paper certainly would have difficulty with any such situation. But there are more assertive, clearly vigorous attitudes now prevailing in this nation. More and more citizens sense that unless they speak out now, especially on governments oil arrangements that furnish every indication of mischief and malfeasances afoot, there would be nothing worthwhile later to raise their voices over. Unless there is change that touches a chord in agitated citizens, the road ahead could get very rocky, very quickly. We call upon the President as he reads to think inclusively and planning constructively on how to manage all the tomorrows in front of this government. To the Vice President, we say that we are not the enemy, simply, representative of voiceless citizens concerned about the direction of this country, and the monstrous oil decisions being made. We call on the Opposition to fulfill its duties consistently; it must find its head, discern the wastages of our wealth, gear up for the work ahead. To genuine civil society, we say the first duty is to country, and that is enough.
No getting around the need for a revision of the operational tactics DEAR EDITOR, During 2013 when I was appointed Head, Strategic Management Department (SMD) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), several things were immediately apparent, including the mishandling of civil disobedience and unrest situations in this country. The Linden shootings around that time prompted diligent research of global best practices on the subject of managing civil disobedience. That along with the collaborative efforts of my colleagues in the department, yielded a document we titled “Civil Disobedience: Crowd Management and Control: Proposed Guidelines for the Guyana Police Force.” However, like almost every product the SMD shared with the Force Administration which was the departments reporting authority, we are none the wiser as to its whereabouts or even if it was discussed, disseminated or destroyed. In spite of the intervening years, it is clear that not much has changed in that regard, and the average Joe may be forgiven for assuming that the reality remains unchanged. The fact that these events have arguably impacted the body politic and the State per se, makes the case for a revision in the way things are done with particular regard to events of civil disobedience and disorder. The days are long gone when tear smoke can be hurled indiscriminately with no regard for its injurious effects on unintended victims. It means therefore that the police are placed in a situation of observing the rights of the people to peace-
fully assemble, demonstrate, protest, or rally, while at the same time ensuring public safety by protecting the lives and property of all. Balancing the competing goals of maintaining public order while protecting freedoms of speech and assembly presents severe challenges to a well-resourced police force much less one which may be operating at sub-optimal capacity and strength. It is thus the responsibility of the police to control and resolve lawfully, efficiently, and with minimal impact, a civil disobedience or unlawful assembly event using approved techniques and tactics as may be necessary. In the latter regard, all commanders should familiarise themselves with developed guidelines, strategies, and definitions set out in a document, and which should be considered as the generally accepted principles of crowd management, intervention and control. The material should serve as a guide to the GPF administration in addressing a host of lawful and unlawful assembly issues. These guidelines should also serve as a tool for proactive law enforcement administrative and operations planners when consulting with, and advising policy makers. Editor, I hold strong views as they relate to training for role. I submit that after the completion of initial probationer training, all probationers should be expected to meet the basic required standard for deployment on operational duties. It is therefore recommended that the
GPF complete a training needs analysis in order to adequately train its operational officers and other ranks to this level, thereby ensuring a basic level of competence or Common Minimum Standard (CMS) when required to deal with public disorder. The current approach or lack thereof, leaves much to be desired. GPF should clearly define how it will meet the identified CMS requirements, while at the same time meeting its operational needs. It is the responsibility of Force Administration to ensure that the threats faced by the Force, (within operational policing and the level of risk) are evaluated. This should show that a clear audit trail is available, showing the number of operational officers and other ranks to be trained at agreed upon levels thereby assisting in effective risk management, whilst showing the justification behind the decisions made. When planning for public order events, commanders should be guided by several core principles applicable to situations which are likely to develop. These include: Commanders setting the policing style and tone at the beginning of policing operations while at the same time being aware of the potential impact on public perceptions. The police should be approachable and accessible, and should be impartial and fair within the context of conflict management which ought to be the key framework for operational decisionmaking. Commanders should be able to demonstrate con-
sideration and application of relevant human rights principles in a scenario which requires that police powers should be used appropriately and proportionately. It is quite clear that the Commander has a heavy responsibility for police actions on the ground, however, in the absence of guidelines, the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of police action in a public disorder event lies with the administrative and operational policy makers. Much of what is written here will not find favour on both sides of a public disorder event, but that does not make the points raised herein any less valid. In terms of the current communication posture which I have a serious issue with, engagement and dialogue should be employed whenever possible to demonstrate good faith and an open approach. Links with relevant parties should be established and maintained to develop trust and confidence. Messages should use plain language and be unambiguous, planned and coordinated, while a positive relationship with the media can provide the opportunity to explain the police perspective, and avoid grandstanding and stonewalling. Editor finally, there is no getting around the need for a revision of the operational tactics as currently employed as matter of priority. Yours faithfully, Patrick E. Mentore Former Head, Strategic Management Guyana Police Force
Chancellor and Chief Justice: Women under siege DEAR EDITOR, I heard it from solid sources before, but kept my thoughts to myself on the confirmation of two females functioning in acting capacities at the most senior levels in Guyanas judiciary. Though I have written to highlight the embarrassment from delay, it was not with any specific insight that more was in store, and it had to do with tilting the composition of the topmost local bench to the governments liking. Longstanding circumstances confirm that the Chancellor and the Chief Justice have been reduced to actors on Guyanas political stage. Some might say pawns is the better word. I first heard of the visions of PPP Government leaders, and I said that this cant be. It is slick to name one only, and name another viewed as more favourable, as
in a guaranteed vote, at those heights, when push comes to shove, and to hell with all the solemn and fancy talk with a straight face about judicial wisdom, precedents, common law, and so forth. With due regard to the man waiting in the wings (and it is a man), I would be so bold as to label that ethnic balancing, and not ethnic cleaning, as some are sure to holler. But if and when we speak of the independence of the judiciary and we (the PPP Government) can only be comfortable with those who adjudicate in its favour, then we really shouldnt be speaking about things, such as independence, a separate arm of government, and make speeches about vaunted judicial neutrality and integrity. To cut to the quick, and call a skunk a skunk, I see it as court packing and part of
the continuum in the ongoing quest for total control of the major arteries of this society. Much of the media has been so transformed, the Guyana Police Force is not looked upon any differently, the professional public service is weeded out, then replanted with party hacks and ethnic loyalists, and now the judiciary is aimed at, with the same endgame in mind. I am still to locate the fiction of checks and balances that is touted by charlatans and quacks doing advance legwork for the PPP Government around these parts. If I may digress a moment, a Guyanese female is tipped to lead the judiciary in Belize. I wonder how well she would have fared here, if still toiling in the realms of jurisprudence domestically. When the Government of the day, any government in any season, fears
the judiciary, then it is either we have a runaway rogue judiciary that is a law unto itself; or one that does possess the rarified judicial skill, sagacity, and temper that are so lacking today, but which also alarms in the little pockets that such appears. When the Executive arm of Government is so frightened of a single judicial presence in a senior capacity, then it is not a confident government, it is not an astute government, and it just might not be an ethically inclined government. As one increasingly outspoken newer civil society group has pointed out, that would only be a temporary setback, as there are escalation/appeal channels available. It would not look well for a jurist pushing a particular bias, with scant regard for facts and circumstances, (Continued on page 5)
Thursday June 30, 2022
Open and close arrests have no place in criminal investigation DEAR EDITOR, Placing a member of the Guyana Police Force under close or open arrest during a criminal investigation is illegal and inappropriate. It is a horrible attempt to hoodwink the public. It gives the public a false impression that the police are assertive in their investigation into the matter and that they are complying with the law when in fact it may be the complete opposite. I am wary of hearing the police announcing that a rank who is under criminal investigation was placed under close arrest and later open arrest. It is deceitful. Editor, please permit me to explain. Here is the definition being used by the police in relation to arrest, “Arrest is the taking or restraining of a person from his or her liberty in order that he/ she shall be forthcoming to answer an alleged or suspected crime or offence. (Mere words does not constitute an arrest. There must be some form of touching or restraint.) Open and close arrests are confined to disciplinary offences under section 4 of the Police (Discipline) Act Chapter 17:01 and have no place in criminal investigation. My coaccused, Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe in a letter to the editor clearly explained close and open arrest. I agree with his
article, but would like to add my little ‘three bits’ to the discussion. Section 10 (1) of the said chapter specified when a member of the Force can be arrested in relation to breaches of section 4 of the Act. It states, “Any member of the Force may be placed under arrest - (a) if he is under the influence of intoxicating liquor to such an extent as to be incapable of performing his duties; (b) if he commits any insubordinate act, or uses insubordinate or disrespectful language to a person in authority over him; (c) if he willfully disobeys the lawful order of his superior; (d) If he strikes or attempt to strike a member of the Force superior in rank to himself.” Whenever the police are investigating matters of a criminal nature and they contemplate making a lawful arrest they must be guided by section 16 (1) of the Police Act Chapter 16:01. It states, ”It shall be lawful for any member of the Force to arrest without a warrant - (a) any person who commits within his view an offence punishable either upon indictment or upon summary conviction; or. (b) Any person whom any other person charges with having committed a felony or misdemeanor or (c) Any person who any other
Chancellor and Chief... From page 4 and the law, to be reversed, or exposed, repeatedly at the highest court. My position would be to hand the offending female judge the confirmation rope, and let her hang herself, if that is where mat-
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ters lead. There is the added advantage of the PPP Government looking mature, sensitive, and politically smart in the process. Devoid of discriminatory impulses, too. Sincerely, GHK Lall
person: (1) suspects of having committed a felony or misdeameanor; or (11) charges with having committed an offence punishable on summary conviction, if such other person is willing to accompany the member of the Force affecting such arrest to a police station and enter into a recognisance to prosecute such charge; or (d) any person whom such member of the Force finds disturbing the public peace or (e) Any person whom he has good cause to suspect of having committed any felony, misdemeanor or breach of the peace; or (f) Any person whom he finds between the hours of 8 o’clock in the evening and 5 o’clock in the morning lying or loitering in a highway, yard or other place and not able to give a satisfactory account of himself.” The above are clear directions when anyone including members of the Force can be lawfully arrested without a warrant. This Act does not speak about close or open arrest. It is arrest. It speaks of anyone. Members of the Force are not excluded. The police must slavishly comply with the law. Therefore, they must stop propagating the unadulterated piffle that during the course of criminal investigation a member of the Force was placed on close or open arrest. I may have opened a ‘can of worms.’ So be it. Let the confabulation flow. Yours respectfully, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)
Peace must begin with our purported leaders DEAR EDITOR, The news of persons being robbed, beaten and their goods destroyed or vandalised at Mon Repos and other parts of the East Coast, my heart went out to them and as every decent fair-minded citizen should, I offer sympathy to those who suffered and are still experiencing the trauma of the events of Tuesday on the East Coast. Of course of concern are the pain of the young man Quindon Bacchus who was shot and killed by the Police. Reminiscent of the Dartmouth incident earlier. Everywhere, unfortunately the tragedy and injustice of human experience shows that the innocent pays the horrible price for the deeds and machinations of others and unless our political leaders, religious leaders and community leaders recognise their duty to create and maintain an environment where every citizen feels that those who hold high office are faithful to the oath that they should at all times execute their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will, that what happened Tuesday will likely be repeated in other areas of our country. Words from our leaders remain hollow and shallow unless everyday citizens irrespective of race, colour, creed or financial status can feel confident that the law is applied justly and evenly. This means that our police and security forces must be allowed, and I stress al-
lowed to be true to the motto for service and protection. Our judicial system must be headed by persons of integrity and competence. Guyana today for reasons which are deep and historical is divided and polarised. The irony of this of course is that I am satisfied beyond all doubt that this generation of Guyanese wish to live in peace and harmony. Where the measure of men should be their willingness to study, accumulate knowledge, work hard and therefore the only measuring rod should be the content of their character. After 56 years of Constitutional Independence our leaders on both sides of the political divide seemed unable or the damning prospect of being unwilling to learn the lessons of recent history, and I am talking about what the present and recent century has to offer and where tensions exist there is always the potential for explosion fuelled by human hubris. When one incident in a small society like ours is magnified and there is therefore
the perception of distrust exacerbated by images of each other created by our years of imperial and colonial influence, our leaders must understand that the dream for One People, One Nation, One Destiny cannot be realised unless those who purportedly lead and have been elected as leaders have the good sense and deep patriotism to get rid of extant arrogance, pomposity and pride and sit down as civilised people should and tell this nation, young, old and those with one foot in the grave that these are our policies and programmes for the Police, Judiciary and the expenditure of this new bounty of money available to the Government. The big question is, are our present crop of leaders capable of learning from lessons of the past? June 28, marks the Anniversary of the spark that led to the tragedy of World War I. On June 28, shock waves were felt all over the civilised world when a Serbian (Continued on page 6)
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Open and Close Arrest Instigators are more criminal than arsonists, looters and violent assaulters DEAR EDITOR, The relatives and friends and all right-thinking Guyanese were upset at the way in which 23-year old Quindon Bacchus was killed by the police on the East Coast last June 10th a Friday. There were just too many discrepancies between the police account and the video clip that had been circulating. The family strenuously disputed the polices account. On Monday, June 13, Top COP Hicken visited the family, offered his sympathy and informed them that the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) was going to investigate the killing since there needed to be absolute impartiality. The police investigating a police just wouldnt do. The police rank who shot Bacchus was
placed under close arrest. The PCA is an independent body and they have to follow whatever statutory imperatives they are governed by. Neither the police, nor the political directorate can get involved lest they be accused of “interference”. It just so happened that just two weeks earlier, on May 24, 30-year old Deanraj Singh called Steve Singh had been shot and killed at Riverview, Ruimveldt by the police where the family also disputed the polices account. The police had then announced that the killing would be investigated by its Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the police rank in question was placed under close arrest. It would appear, then, that
the PCA and OPR both are used by the police force to investigate allegations about crimes committed by its ranks before passing them on to the DPP to determine whether charges should be laid by the police. Secondly, while there have been questions raised about the propriety, if not legality, of ranks accused of committing crimes being placed under “close arrest” rather than being remanded while under investigation, it would appear that this is the GPFs “custom and practice” for many years. All in all, if supporters of justice for Bacchus were upset at the sloth at which the wheels of justice were turning in general and why the accused rank had not been charged in two weeks, in particular, they should have directed their indignation at the PCA. Comparable lack of “justice” in the killing of Singh appears to have been forgotten. But we remain with the larger question about the lack of professionalism by the GPF: a question that occupied
the authorities ever since the riots before independence and which has still not been answered. While there are no monocausal reason for this state of affairs, one of the major one is the lack of ethnic representativeness in its composition, even though several local and international COIs have recommended its rectification. This leads to all sorts of external interventions that ensure the debilitating status quo remains firmly in place. And we had another protest march for justice degenerating into violence against innocent citizens, which was a foregone outcome, as I have been warning. Where is the justice for the violated? The instigators of the protest are more than being cynically disingenuous at feigning sympathy at the outcome. They are even more criminal than the arsonists, looters and violent assaulters. Yet they continue to call for more protests. Sincerely, Ravi Dev
DEAR EDITOR, The issue of when members of the Guyana Police Force can be placed under “Close Arrest” has attracted the attention of the public, especially in recent times following several serious incidents involving members of the Force. The terms “Close Arrest” and “Open Arrest” have been incorrectly used and applied over the years. Section 10 of the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01 addresses the issue of when a member of the Guyana Police Force can be placed under close arrest and open arrest. Section 10 of the police (Discipline) Act Chapter 17:01 states, in part: 10 (1) Any member of the Force may be placed under close arrest (a) If he is under the influence of intoxicating liquor to such an extent as is to be incapable of performing his duty; (b) If he commits an insubordinate act, or uses any insubordinate or disrespectful language to a person in authority over him; (c) If he willfully disobeys the lawful order of his superior; (d) If he strikes or attempts to strike any member of the Force superior in rank to himself. (2) When a member of the Force is placed under arrest an immediate report of the fact and the circumstances of his
arrest shall be made by the person effecting the arrest to the Commissioner. (3) Arrest shall be of two kinds as follows(a) Open arrest - when a member of the Force is placed under open arrest, he shall be deprived of all privileges and leave until the case is disposed of and he shall attend all parades and do duty as required; (b) Close arrest - in the case of a member of the Force or above the rank of inspector, he shall be confined to his quarter under guard, and in the case of any other member of the Force below the rank of inspector to some suitable place in the police station premises other than the prisoners cell under guard. (4) When any member of the Force is placed under close arrest, his identification card, whistle, baton, arms and ammunition will be given up by him forthwith in such manner as the member of the Force or officer who places him under arrest may direct. (5) No member of the Force shall be placed under arrest under this section by any member of the Force of inferior rank to himself. (6) Any member of the Force who, while under arrest, is guilty of continued violence or misconduct shall in serious cases be confined as an ordinary prisoner in the lock-up of the station at which he may be at (Continued on page 17)
Peace must begin... From page 5 Extremist assassinated Archduke Francis Ferdinand - Heir to the throne of Austria - Hungary and his wife, the Duchess of Hohenberg. This incident led to the start of World War I and the loss of millions of lives including innocent civilians who only wished to get him out of their lives, in peace and tranquility. This is a lesson for Guyana of how the innocents suffered when an environment of distrust and hostility exists. June 28, Editor reminds us that history has a puckish way of repeating itself. When people get the feeling that our law enforcing agencies are not allowed to faithfully carry out their mandate you have a situation where one spark can cause a massive explosion. When we treat certain communities as though their children are giving them handouts, as we give toddlers sweets to suck while the massive sums are in the pockets of a chosen few we create conditions that are explosive.
When a well-placed person can describe an ordinary woman as a black monkey and the powers that be, withdraw even a private charge, we create conditions for disharmony. Beyond that I leave this message and advice for the members of the Opposition; whenever a march or protest activity is organised you must get your activists on the ground to ensure that paid provocateurs by the enemy do not get among the protestors and create the kind of mayhem we saw on the East Coast on Tuesday. Opposition parties must lean on the experience of those who have been around a long time. The use of provocateurs and mercenaries are not new in Guyana but to blunt the edge requires being vigilant and alert, so that those who suffered losses and were traumatised should be spared such experiences. Let there be peace and let it begin with our purported leaders. Hamilton Green Elder
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N . L U BL BLUNT B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . A misfiring President . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L U T.. UNT...B L N B . . U . L T B . N L . . U B . T L . . N U NT LUNT...B L U B . L . . B T . . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . BBL T...BLUN .BLUNT. T...BLU . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday June 30, 2022
Kaieteur News
President Irfaan Ali came to government with some hope that he would have been a different leader than those who have gone before; today he has become a big disappointment. His refusal to frontally address corruption in government; the renegotiation of the Exxon contract and other ills of society has thus far blighted his presidency. Guyanese daily are complaining about the lopsided oil contract and how this country is being robbed of its resources without redress, but Ali is quiet and seems unbothered.
His demeanour in recent times is characterised by arrogance; his interactions with citizens have left much to be desired. The President has been misfiring. But our hope is built on nothing less than the power of the Creator. President Ali has some time to prove to us that he is a leader for all and someone who can be trusted to fulfill his promises. What Guyana badly needs is a President who will fire and not misfire.
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Thursday June 30, 2022
GuySuCo heading to buy more “unsuitable” tractors …CEO says he does not act without Cabinet’s approval - source By Zena Henry The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has received a proposal for the supply of four more GAME agriculture tractors to be used in soil preparation for the cultivation of sugarcane. However sources close to the company are concerned that the potential purchase will be yet another procurement of “unsuitable” equipment to be used by the corporation. This newspaper understands that GuySuCo would have received a proposal from American company Game Equipment LLC earlier this month to purchase more tractors, “similar to the ones the Government purchased a few weeks ago. What's strange is that Game Tractors are used as haulage tractors meaning to take canes from fields to factories but GuySuCo is buying them to till lands.” The source said that
references for the use of the tractors point directly to haulage as its primary use while GuySuCo needs the items for tillage. “No one uses them (tractors) to till but GuySuCo is, (although) it appears the tractor is not capable of what GuySuCo wants it to do.” In the Game proposal seen by the Kaieteur News, it highlights GuySuCo's requirements as “mainly for tillage purposes in heavy clay soils.” The company said implements to be used with the tractors shall include disc ploughs, mounted harrows, trailing harrows and subsoilers among others. However in Game's Summary page, the document highlighted its product line, but spoke mainly about its haulage equipment. “As seen from Incauca's and LaCabana's letters many of their GAME tractors have over 40,000 hours of proven performance
with the largest cane haulage trailers in the world…” The proposal went on to talk about locations such as the Cali valley of Colombia which grows some of the heaviest cane and how the GAME tractors perform there in relation to transporting the commodity. At least five other recommendation letters were provided from the American Sugarcane League, Central Romana Company Ltd. from the Dominican Republic, the Dangote Sugar Refinery out of Nigeria and the United States Sugar Company and San Diego, all of whom offered high praises toward the equipments haulage performance expressly. GAME highlighted however that it receives bid inquiries direct from GuySuCo and is a registered supplier, although some believe the act seems “contradictory to open public tendering as suppliers should
A front view of the tractors being considered. not be wooed since it could create an expectation.” Outside of this, Kaieteur News was pointed to the fact that in the last three years, the GAME Company has been recording financial losses, “yet we are handing large contracts to the company.” The proposal pointed out for instance, that the company's cash in 2019 moved from US$258,347 to US$81,331 in 2021 while it continued to experience income losses from operation to the tune of US$28,127 in 2019, US$422,755 in 2020 and US$21,607 in 2021. The cost of the four tractors is pegged at US$159,155.00 with possible increases if the options such as air conditioning in the cab, electrical connectors and replays and radio among others are included. The contention some concerned persons have is that given the financial strain GuySuCo is under and its heavy dependence on government funds, excess prudence must be taken when investing sums into the company. Just two weeks ago, questions were also raised over the purchase of six articulated agricultural tractors totaling more than $200M despite the company's Board of Directors (BoDs) ordering a sub- committee to determine
the efficiency of those machines against other brands. The subcommittee's work was ordered after a follow up report to the BoDs from a senior GuySuCo management showed that John Deere tractors, for instance, are cheaper and more efficient than the tractors procured for preparing for the cultivation of sugar cane. The report said that the company should hold on procuring the items until John Deere was consulted. Fixed Frame tractors was said to complete its tasks in less time than the articulated tractor using 20 percent less fuel. Importantly, it was claimed that while six of the articulated tractors were purchased for $200M, 12 John Deere tractors could have been purchased for the same cost. The report said that the John Deere is a better tractor than the articulated tractor when working under the same condition. “Therefore the recommendation is to use John Deere tractor rather than articulated tractor since it is capable of carrying out all the operations in the tillage/mechanization process. It is also cheaper and more versatile than the articulated tractor.” When Kaieteur sought clarity on this matter a senior GuySuCo source claimed that the (Continued on page 9)
Thursday June 30, 2022
MAYHEM!!! I
do not accept that a misleading report in an online media source triggered Tuesdays violent protests, beatings, looting and arson. The large numbers of persons that were so quickly on the scene and ready to march and rampage could not have been a spontaneous act. Guyanese have a high literary rate. They can discern senses from nonsense. They are not going to get carried away by a report that a man was moved from being under close arrest to being under open arrest. The report was not the cause of the protests and other acts of criminality. That report became the occasion for what took place and most likely would have been a pre-planned surprise which caught the authorities off-guard. The intelligence services have much to answer for not uncovering what was a diabolical plot. They ought to have been aware and to have forewarned the authorities of what was being planned. The police have come in for harsh condemnation for not stopping the march of protestors and not being present during the storming of the markets at Lusignan and Mon Repos. But there is little that the police could have done more than what they did. Riotous conduct is hard to bring control, especially when the marchers were moving with a ferocity which suggested that they were intent on clearing everything in their path. The rioters were moving by foot, on cycles and motorcycles and their objective was clear to beat, loot and burn. Once the rioters started their move along the East Coast Public Road, unless barricades could have been quickly thrown up further up, it was always going to be difficult
to control the situation. And even the barricades would not have stopped those who were bent on mayhem. The security services misread the situation. They initially assumed that the protests were against the policeman that was involved in the shooting of Quindon Bacchus. As such, they assumed that the police station at Vigilance would have been a t a rg e t . A s s u c h , t h e y massed ranks of police and soldiers. If they had a better understanding that the protests were staged rather than spontaneous, they would have been able to get the Tactical Services Unit in place earlier and thus erect barriers to contain the protestors. Once, however, protestors proceeded with lightning speed along the roadway, trouble was in the making. The protestors knew where they were going and their mission. They targeted the market vendors. The distance between the epi-centre of the protests at Golden Grove and the Mon Repos Market is 6.5 miles. Between Golden Grove and Mon Repos there are 25 villages: Haslington, Logwood hope, Hope, Foulis, Paradise, Bachelors Adventure, Melanie Damishana, Elizabeth Hall, Enterprise, No Pariel, C o l d i g e n , St r a t h s p e y, Bladen Hall, Vigilance, Friendship, Buxton, La Reconnaissance, Annandale, Courbane Park, Nog Eens, Tow Friends, Good Hope and Endragt. This shows there was a clear intent to rob, beat and loot. Everyone did not walk from Golden Grove to Mon Repos. Persons joined from elsewhere, suggesting a preplanned attempt to create a riotous situation. By the time the melee reached Mon Repos the se-
GuySuco heading to buy more... From page 8 company had not purchased the equipment, that it was a gift from the government provided by private business people. When contact was made regarding the GAME proposal, GuySuCo's Chief Executive Officer Sasenarine curity services were already isolated. The vendors were left helpless. The vendors however could have done more to defend themselves. They capitulated too easily because every man Jack scrambled for himself or herself and they did not come together to ward off the protestors who were mainly armed with sticks. The administration of the markets along with the vendors now have to come together to develop a security plan to avoid a reoccurrence. But this will involve removing those who sell along the roadside, something that is going to be resisted by the vendors. But they will have to make a choice about their long-term safety as opposed to the convenience which they enjoy but which is an inconvenience to others. What happened on Tuesday was not the result of some misleading report on social media. The spread of the violence was too large to have been triggered by a misleading report. There had to have been intellectual authors to last Tuesdays pandemonium. The intelligence agencies must answer to who are these agents and why this plan was not detected earlier. Those who beat, robbed, looted, transported and received stolen property must be brought to justice. The President has said this is what he expects. But these things are easier said than done. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dem boys seh...
A lady deh pun a roll Dem boys nah like mek jokes when a story is no laughing matter. And wah happen Tuesday was no skinteeth affair. But dem boys had a good laugh, a belch and a fart. One lady did walkin down de road with some who bin help demselves to de people goods at de market. Dis one lady, all she get was one roll ah toilet paper. People fetch way bag loads ah potatoes and greens. Others fetch way a whole garbage bin ah clothing. A
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Kaieteur News
youngster get more cucumbers dan he can eat. Millions of dollars in stocks disappear. But a lady, all she had in she hand was one roll ah toilet paper. Imagine if she get hold by de police fuh dah one roll. Dem gan ask she weh she get de paper from and why she walk all dat distance fuh buy one roll toilet paper. She might tell dem dat she on a roll and nat tekkin no crap. And to make matters worse, de toilet paper nah even come with a wrapping. Now who does buy
toilet paper without de outta wrapping. Dem boys wan know if is one-ply or two-ply paper. If is one-ply dem boys nat shaking she hand. One thing we does never short of in Guyana is toilet paper. When de Americans did run out ah toilet paper during de pandemic, we never had shortage. During dat period one man was going to mek a joke about toilet paper. But he seh dem Americans probably wouldnt get it. Talk half. Leff half.
Singh said that the GAME tractors have been used for the last 15 years by the company and is currently being used at Albion for more than a year now. He said that from January to now, the company has spent some $58M in parts to maintain other equipment.
The CEO nonetheless stated that he commits no act without Cabinet approval. He said he does not act without permission and that, “Whatever Cabinet says, I jump. I don't do anything without written permission,” he told the newspaper.
Kaieteur News
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Thursday June 30, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Indian lives matter: Cotton Tree 2020, Mon Repos 2022 My column was already in when the protestors physically attacked Indian vendors and robbed them at Mon Repos. I could have submitted a replacement article but I wanted to see what the usual suspects would have written in the newspaper the next day on the attack on Indian vendors at Lusignan and Mon Repos by the protestors from Golden Grove Sadly, unfortunately those who contribute to the deluge of comments on Exxon, Natural Resource F u n d , G E C O M , constitutional reform, governance of the ruling party, dildo comment by a minister of government, among other topics were totally absent from the mainstream media with one exception, the AFC.
The withdrawal of my admiration for Eusi Kwayana began in April 2020 over the election rigging for just one output Kwayana made in response to my call that he condemn the rigging. Mr. Kwayana said because he was far away in another country, he couldn't comment because he was not in possession of the facts. I was enraged at that attitude because breathtaking technology the past 20 years has erased borders between countries. A smart phone in the hand of a school child can bring live action of people in motion in Guyana to viewers in Alaska. Viewers in Alaska will see live what is taking place in Guyana. So in yesterday's newspaper, only the AFC's condemnation on what took place in Mon Repos was in
the mainstream press. Technology was on full display at Mon Repos on Tuesday so the usual suspects and their acolytes that have been writing long letters in the newspaper on all kinds of governmental directions could have seen what was taking place right there and then. It would have taken a few minutes based on viewing those videos to compose a condemnation and submit it to the four dailies. This was not to be. I will wait to see if the “In The Diaspora” column will carry voices of condemnation at the senseless brutalisation of poor vendors whose only reason for being in the Mon Repos market on Tuesday morning was to earn a living to support of their families. I will wait to see if Moray
House whose habit is to sponsor anti-government symposia will devote a session to yet another expression of senseless, psychotic anti-Indian violence. I will wait to see if those women groups so energetic in their letterwriting in the newspapers will offer sympathy to the scores of women, some of whom are single mothers who were robbed and beaten. Some of the woes expressed by those women were depressing to listen to. What can one say about what happened on Tuesday in Mon Repos. Here is a theory of mine as to why protestors angry at a police killing took to the streets passed several villages from Golden Grove going west on the East Coast highway but only attacked Indian people. Important to note, it was not an Indian policeman that shot the Golden Grove man that sparked the protest. Important to note is that no PPP official or government minister spoke on the police killing. Why then the protest
turned anti-Indian? c I will advance a theory that is connected to the antiIndian violence of Frederick Kissoon September 2020 at Cotton Tree when two A f r i c a n y o u t h s w e r e o mfort people. murdered in sociological Academics do not do that. circumstances. Once that That role belongs to the mayhem was encouraged by c h u r c h o f f i c i a l s a n d opposition politicians (with politicians. I would not like to see a Volda Lawrence being the repeat on Cotton Tree 2020 exception in condemning it), and Mon Repos 2022. I hope once the lunatic fringe, usual suspects, Creole middle class they never reoccur as Guyana and the political nouveau continues to make economic lumpen stayed silent and progress. But I am afraid we will once the police refused to c o n f r o n t t h e v i o l e n t see Cotton Tree 2020 and perpetrators, the instinct of Mon Repos again until Indian immunity has crept into the people internalise the lessons psyche of African anti-PPP of previous anti-Indian protestors that they can rob mayhems and come up with a repertoire of strategies to and beat Indian people. Cotton Tree of 2020 and confront the psychic infusion Mon Repos of 2022 will that Cotton Tree 2020 and happen again. I don't want to Mon Repos 2022 have hide my head in the sand, and brought about in African I won't. That is not the role of protestors. (The views expressed in an academic. I am writing this article are those of the this commentary here as a political analyst and my task a u t h o r a n d d o n o t is to provide analysis not necessarily reflect the write words of optimism to opinions of this newspaper.)
Italian firms bid to provide consultancy services for Linden to Mabura road project Responding to the Ministry of Public Works' expression of interest for project management consultancy services for the Linden to Mabura road upgrade project, Italian firms- Politecna in joint venture with Rina Consulting were the only bidder that applied for the job. The project which opened on Monday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office saw the firms submitting a bid of US$3,700,000 for the contract. Kaieteur News understands that the objective of the consultancy is to effectively manage the various project interfaces and coordinate the implementation of the project.
As reported on, the upgrade of the Linden to Mabura road will be done by Brazilian firm-Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A. The government had inked the US$190 million project earlier this year for the company to rehabilitate some 121km stretch of road to asphaltic concrete. Kaieteur News had reported that this infrastructure project is being pursued by the Government of Guyana in partnership with Caribbean Development Bank and the United Kingdom Government. The UK-funded US$66 million, the CDB funded US$112 million while the Guyana Government provided US$12 million. This project will consist of two main highways; the
width of each lane is approximately 3.6 metres, some hard shoulders both sides measuring 2.4 metres, cyclist and pedestrian lane of two metres, a utility corridor, about 10 bus stops, and nine rest areas just to mention a few. The Linden to Mabura Hill road project is just the first phase that will ultimately lead to a completed Linden to Lethem road link that will then complete an overland link to Brazil. Upon completion, this road project would provide major support to ease of travel, trade and general connectivity between Guyana and Brazil and open vast opportunities by linking Guyana's hinterland communities to Georgetown.
Thursday June 30, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Thursday June 30, 2022
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16 persons charged for ECD protest
A
total of 16 men were on Wednesday charged for riotous behaviour. The defendants appeared in the Cove and John Magistrate's Court before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore. They were charged for riotous behaviour contrary to section 136 (b) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act Chapter 8:02. One
of the men pleaded guilty, while the other defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge that was read to them. Senior Magistrate Azore granted bail in the sum of $15,000 to the defendants that denied the allegation and fined the defendant that pleaded guilty $20,000. The matter for the others was adjourned to October 19, 2022. Those charged are: Rondolph
Murphy, 50-year-old of Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara; Jawonza Fowler, 18year-old male of Hackett Street, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara; Michael Moore, 23year-old of Victoria, East Coast Demerara; Rawl Griffith, 45-yearold of Haslington, East Coast Demerara; George Teixy, 31-yearold of Haslington, East Coast
Demerara; Daniel Thomas, 19year-old of Haslington, East Coast Demerara; Legendi Pompey, 33year-old of Haslington, East Coast Demerara. The others are: Seon Austin, 31-year-old of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara; Quincy Lawrence, 40-year-old male of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara; Winston James, 23-
year-old male of Victoria, East Coast Demerara; Andrew Sumner, 59-year-old of Victoria, East Coast Demerara; Shentel Caesar, 25year-old of Melanie; Rondel Clarke, 21-year-old of Ann's Grove; Shamar Payne, 23-year-old of Bachelor's Adventure; Kevon Nicholas, 18-year-old male of Haslington; Kester Paul, 24-yearold of Haslington.
Kaieteur News
Thursday June 30, 2022
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$219M contract signed for supply of tablets for Census 2022 data collection
The Bureau of Statistics and Digital Technologies Group of Companies Inc. on We d n e s d a y s i g n e d a $219,784, 200 contract for the supply and delivery of 2400 computer tablets and accessories to be utilised for field data collection during Guyana's 2022 Population and Housing Census. The Census, Guyana's largest national data collection exercise, will commence in midSeptember, 2022. This is an extremely important exercise that produces a large amount of socioeconomic and demographic data that is used for planning and national development. It is conducted every ten years and Guyana's last Census was conducted in 2012. The Census plays a critical role in evaluating changes in the population and therefore should be viewed as more than just a headcount. These changes
include size, composition, economic activities, quality of life, access to basic social services, Maternal Health, food security, Agriculture and Education. All of these changes have an impact on the demand for social services, such as health, housing education. This information is in great demand by the policy makers for planning and development, private sector, students, researchers and international agencies. According to a press release, signing on behalf of the Bureau was Chief Statistican, Errol La Cruez and signing on behalf of the supplier was Senior O p e r a t i o n s M a n a g e r, Jennifer Persaud. The signing ceremony was hosted in the Boardroom of the organisation's Main Street, Georgetown headquarters. According to La Cruez, the contract has significant
implications for the conduct of the Census, since it will be the first time that this national data collection exercise will be computerbased. He explained that by taking this step, the Bureau is embracing the application of available technology. The Chief Statistician added that the computer tablets are a critical part of census, since they will facilitate faster data capturing, reporting and analysis in order to produce quality data in record time. The release noted that the data will guide and provide support for development planning and general analysis across Guyana. Moreover, Persaud noted that it was a pleasure serving the Bureau's digital technology needs. She expressed hope that the devices will meet the needs of the organisation and that the execution of the Census
Man wanted for deadly De Kindren brawl Three days after the b o d y o f 3 4 - y e a r- o l d Lansford Kenwayne Duguid was pulled out of a drain with his legs tied and multiple chop wounds – the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Chris Carew, 25, of Lot 60 De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara in relation to the crime. Kaieteur News understands that Carew was among the two female Venezuelan nationals who allegedly killed Duguid on Sunday morning during a brawl at Lot 12 De Kinderen Housing Scheme. The police had apprehended one female suspect who remains in custody, as the file was sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on Wednesday morning for legal advice. Kaieteur News had reported that when the police arrived on the scene, Duguid's body was in a drain, semi-covered in mud. The police reported that chop wounds were seen on the left and right fingers, hand, four stab wounds to his chest, three stab wounds to his right leg and multiple chops to his head and a rope was tied
Kenwayne Duguid
Wanted, Chris Carew
around his legs and neck. It was about 22:00hrs on Saturday June 25, 2022, when Duguid visited Lot 12 De Kinderen Housing Scheme looking for 22-yearold Jessica Ortiz, who lives there. However, the woman was not at the house and the landlord informed him that she was not there. The report further stated that around 0 3 : 3 0 h r s S u n d a y, t h e landlord said that he heard loud screams. He indicated to the police that when he checked, he noticed Duguid pulling the 22-year-old woman by her hair, while another Venezuelan woman
Representatives of the Bureau of Statistics and Digital Technologies during the handing over of the contract. will be successful. It was also stated in the press release that a total of 19 bids were received following the advertising of the
open/public tender which was executed through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Digital
Technologies Group of Companies Inc. emerged successful for the supply and delivery of the computer tablets and accessories.
Michael Morgan remanded for cocaine trafficking
M
i c h a e l Michael Morgan, at court on Wednesday. A n d r e w Morgan, 52, of Lot 142 Ixora Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce for a drug trafficking charge. On Monday m o r n i n g M o rg a n w a s arrested after a search was conducted at his Eccles, house, and a quantity of cocaine and a firearm with ammunition were unearthed. Morgan made his first court appearance in the Diamond/Grove Magistrate's Court. He was represented by attorney-at-law Stanley Moore, S.C. Morgan denied the charge that was read to him and he was remanded to prison until August 4, 2022. According to the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), acting on intelligence CANU officers conducted a narcotics operation on Monday at Morgan's property. A search was conducted in the presence of the lone occupant Morgan, and it resulted in the discovery of a quantity of cocaine, 27 nine mm rounds, one .32 Taurus firearm, along with one magazine, and 25 matching .32 rounds. As such, Morgan was arrested and escorted to CANU headquarters along with the firearm, ammunition, and narcotics. CANU reported that the narcotics were tested and confirmed to be cocaine with a total weight of 3.27 kg and a street value of approximately $3.5million. Head of CANU, James Singh, noted that the firearm and ammunition charge will be filed by the police and not CANU. Notably, Morgan is the brother of Peter Morgan, who was deported back to Guyana in 2015 after completing a 10 year sentence in the United States of America for drug The cocaine trafficking.
Kaieteur News
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Fisherman charged for allegedly attempting to rape WCD woman
Thursday June 30, 2022
Mon Repos vendors receive payout same day of protest ...'Pholourie lady' with $3M claim gets $200K compensation
Remanded to prison, Ajay Gaj
A 30-year-old fisherman was on Wednesday remanded to prison for attempting to rape a 22-year-old woman on Friday night. Ajay Gaj of Jetti Squatting Area, West Coast Demerara made his first court appearance in the Wales Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty where the charge of committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence was read to him.
Gaj who pleaded not guilty to the charge was remanded and is expected to appear back in court on July 25. The police in a report had stated that the incident occurred sometime around 23:30hrs at a village located o n t h e We s t C o a s t o f Demerara. Reports are that around 23:30 hours, the young woman was walking in a street when she was confronted by (Continued on page 16)
Vendors of the Mon Repos Market on the East Coast of Demerara have received compensation for losses they suffered during Tuesday's violent protest. One of them, a woman, who claimed that she had lost $3M worth of pholourie, eggball, puri and fishcake, but after the necessary assessment was done she was only compensated with $200,000. The 'Poulorie Lady' was among vendors who were allegedly attacked on Tuesday by protesters. Some were allegedly beaten and robbed while others had their stalls looted. Vehicles were also vandalized and torched. President Ali had visited the vendors after things returned normal and promised them full compensation for their losses. All the vendors had to do, according to information received by this media house, was to file their claims of losses and the government would take the necessary steps to verify the information given and then compensate. It seems as though the process was not a lengthy one because a number of vendors including the 'pholourie lady' have received envelopes with their compensation money. Kaieteur News was reliably informed that those who had damaged vehicles and goods, received compensation in the The vendor's shattered glass case with her pholourie. millions.
Guyana seeking US millions in IDB loans …Months after largest budget approved
M
onths after the largest Budget in the country's history was approved in the National Assembly, the Government of Guyana has turned to the Inter-American Development Bank for a total of US$546.12 million in loans. Notably, the Bank has already approved US$841,000 in loans for the year as well as released US$83.3 million to Guyana which was being held to fund sustainable projects. If one were to factor in the loans already approved with those being requested, it would take the total figure to US$630,261 million. A perusal of the Budget document notes that some of the loans were catered for in the 2022 Budget; however this publication could not locate provisions for a number of the loans in the National Estimates. The smallest loan being requested
by government from the IDB is to the tune of US$20,000. This will be used to facilitate learning by police officers within the Guyana Police Force through dialogue with their counterparts in the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The loan has not yet been approved by the Bank; however two other small loans to the tune of US$500,000 and US$600,000 towards supporting the health care sector in Guyana and assisting businesses in Guyana respectively are also being processed. Meanwhile, the largest loan being sought by the government is for the improvement of health services being offered at the public hospitals in Guyana. In Tuesday's edition of the Kaieteur News, it was reported that the Ministry of Health is seeking a US$160 million loan to help boost the services offered at three
major hospitals in the country and also initiate the digitization of health care services to the Hinterland region. The second largest loan being pursued by the government is to the tune of US$130 million for the strengthening of the fiscal policy and management in response to the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, through the design and implementation of effective and fiscally responsible policy measures. “The specific objectives of the program are:(i) to promote the availability and timely execution of financial and material resources to respond to the effects of the health crisis caused by COVID-19; (ii) to strengthen the countercyclical effect of fiscal policy through the temporary introduction of measures to protect the income of vulnerable households and increase
liquidity for businesses during the health and economic crisis; and (iii) support the effective and continuous provision of essential goods and services through public policy and management measures; and iv) promote economic and fiscal recovery in the postpandemic period,” the IDB notes on its website. The $552.9 billion National Budget was laid in Parliament on January 26 this year and was approved on February 10. Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, D r. A s h n i S i n g h w h o presented the document to the House indicated that the country's loan portfolio is projected to double this year. According to the Estimates, Guyana's loans and grant stock portfolio is expected to be some $37B this year, up from $17B last year. The loan aspect of this
Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh
p o r t f o l i o h o w e v e r, i s expected to double moving from $13.6B last year to $26.8B this year. According to the information presented, Guyana's highest loan stock stands and will remain; the IDB projected this year to be some $11.2B, up from $9.6B last year. India is listed as the source of the next highest source of financing expected to be some $4.2B this year, up from a mere $400M last year.
Loans from China are also expected to skyrocket this year moving from 779.6M last year to $1.2B this year. Grants from institutions such as the European Union (EU), Japan, the World Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank and China is expected to account for some $10.2B of the $37B that will account for financing in the 2022 Budget with funds coming from external sources through loans and grants.
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Cop who allegedly killed Many are at risk of developing post-COVID condition Quindon Bacchus should
have been arrested - Paul Slowe Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and former chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Paul Slowe, has added his voice to the debate over whether the policeman fingered in the shooting death of Quindon Bacchus should be arrested. The Guyana Police Force in a statement on Tuesday noted that the policeman who shot and killed 23-year-old Bacchus remains under “open arrest” and is “confined to Police Headquarters.” The police's statement was in response to reports on social media that the policeman identified as Kristoff Denobrega, of Golden Grove Village, East Coast Demerara, was released from custody. However, Slowe in a letter to the editor explained that in the circumstances of a criminal offence an officer should be relieved of his duties and arrested for the offence in which he is alleged to have committed. The former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) went to note that the terms “Close Arrest” and “Open Arrest” have been incorrectly used and applied over the years. He explained that section 10 of the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01 addresses the issue of when a member of the Guyana Police Force can be placed under close arrest and
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and former chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Paul Slowe.
open arrest. Slowe outlined the circumstances for which an officer should be placed under close arrest: “Section 10 of the police (Discipline) Act Chapter 17:01 states, in part: 10 (1) any member of the Force may be placed under close arrest. If he is under the influence of intoxicating liquor to such an extent as is to be incapable of performing his duty; If he commits an insubordinate act, or uses any insubordinate or disrespectful language to a person in authority over him; If he willfully disobeys the lawful order of his superior; If he strikes or attempts to strike any member of the Force superior in rank to himself.” Further, he explained that in the circumstances of close arrest- in the case of a member of the Force or above the rank of inspector, he shall be confined to his quarter under guard, and in the case of any other member of the Force below the rank of inspector to some suitable place in the police station
premises other than the prisoners' cell under guard. When any member of the Force is placed under close arrest, his identification card, whistle, baton, arms and ammunition will be given up by him forthwith in such manner as the member of the Force or officer who places him under arrest my direct In the case of open arrest, the former PSC chair said when a member of the Force is placed under open arrest, he shall be deprived of all privileges and leave until the case is disposed of and he shall attend all parades and do duty as required. As such, he stated that “There is no provision in law for a member of the Force who is alleged to have committed a criminal offence to be placed under close arrest, and subsequently open arrest.” According to the former policeman “Such persons should be arrested in the manner prescribed by law. All other procedures relating to someone who is arrested should thereafter be followed.”
...as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the Americas
Washington D.C., 29 June 2022 (PAHO) – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the Americas, with new infections increasing by 13.9% from last week, Pan American Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O ) Director, Carissa F. Etienne has called for countries to prepare their health systems to address the long-term impact of post-COVID condition (commonly known as long COVID), which may impact many in the region. Estimates suggest that 10-20% of people who have had COVID-19 may go on to experience symptoms, including persistent and severe fatigue, shortness of breath and mental health issues. And with the Americas reporting over 161 million COVID-19 cases over the past two years, hundreds of thousands of people in the region, if not millions, could potentially be affected. “The pandemic has surprised us time and time again, and many of its effects will linger for years to come,” the director said during a media briefing on Wednesday. The Director highlighted that those with pre-existing conditions are particularly at risk of post-COVID condition, as are those that smoke and vape, and those who have not been vaccinated. “The best way to avoid post-COVID condition is by not getting COVID,” she said. Masking and social distancing are still
key tools, particularly in areas of high transmission, and vaccines also have a vital role to play in avoiding the worst consequences of the pandemic. Studies show that those who contract COVID-19 after vaccination have milder symptoms and are less likely to develop postCOVID condition. “But 224 million people have not yet received a single shot of vaccine in our region,” the Director said. “We need to pick up the pace of vaccination to shield populations from the worst consequences of this virus.” The Director also called for increased support for patients with post-COVID condition and for health systems to “acknowledge this long-lasting effect of the pandemic and help address it.” To support countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified three “Rs” to help guide actions: Recognition – Given the wide variety of post-COVID symptoms and the stigma around the condition, countries must ensure that healthcare workers have enough training to recognize symptoms. Rehabilitation – Managing post-COVID condition requires a multidisciplinary approach, with physical therapists, occupational and speech therapists, mental health professionals, nurses and doctors working together in a holistic manner. Research – We still do not know enough about post-
COVID condition. We need scientists and research institutions to commit to closely following those with symptoms so we can learn more about this condition. “This is a real condition, and it must be dealt with applying robust policies and guidance,” Dr. Etienne said. “It is also crucial that we recognize the impact that post-COVID condition has on people's lives and work alongside those affected to ensure that their voices are heard.” Turning to the COVID-19 situation in the region, cases continue to increase in all four subregions, with countries reporting over 1.3 million new infections and 4158 deaths. In North America, cases have increased by 7.7% overall, with cases increasing in the USA and Mexico, while falling in Canada. South America reported a significant jump in new cases, with almost half a million new COVID19 infections reported over the last week – a 24.6% increase. In the Caribbean, cases have begun to plateau over the past two weeks, with countries reporting a 3.2% increase over the past week. “These numbers serve as a stark reminder that too many people are still vulnerable,” Dr. Etienne said. “Let us embrace the means we have today to prevent the worst consequences of COVID and help us turn the page on this pandemic.”
COVID-19 drives global surge in use of digital payments ...World Bank says three quarters of adults now have a bank or mobile money account WASHINGTON, June 29, 2022—The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred financial inclusion – driving a large increase in digital payments amid the global expansion of formal financial services, the World Bank has said. This expansion created new economic opportunities, narrowing the gender gap in account ownership, and building resilience at the household level to better manage financial shocks, according to the Global Findex 2021 database. As of 2021, 76% of adults globally now have an account at a bank, other financial institution, or with a mobile money provider, up from
68% in 2017 and 51% in 2011. Importantly, growth in account ownership was evenly distributed across many more countries. While in previous Findex surveys over the last decade much of the growth was concentrated in India and China, this year's survey found that the percentage of account ownership increased by double digits in 34 countries since 2017. The pandemic has also led to an increased use of digital payments. In low and middle-income economies (excluding China), over 40% of adults who made merchant in-store or online payments using a card, phone, or the
internet did so for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The same was true for more than a third of adults in all low- and middleincome economies who paid a utility bill directly from a formal account. In India, more than 80 million adults made their first digital merchant payment after the start of the pandemic, while in China over 100 million adults did. Two-thirds of adults worldwide now make or receive a digital payment, with the share in developing economies grew from 35% in 2014 to 57% in 2021. In developing economies, 71% have an account at a bank, other financial institution, or
with a mobile money provider, up from 63% in 2017 and 42% in 2011. Mobile money accounts drove a huge increase in financial inclusion in SubSaharan Africa. “The digital revolution has catalyzed increases in the access and use of financial services across the world, transforming ways in which people make and receive payments, borrow, and save,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass. “Creating an enabling policy environment, promoting the digitalization of payments, and further broadening access to formal accounts and financial services among women and the poor are some
o f the policy priorities to mitigate the reversals in d ev elo p men t f r o m th e ongoing overlapping crises.” For the first time since the Global Findex database was started in 2011, the survey found that the gender gap in account ownership has narrowed, helping women have more privacy, security, and control over their money. The gap narrowed from 7 to 4 percentage points globally and from 9 to 6 percentage points in low- and middleincome countries, since the last survey round in 2017. About 36% of adults in developing economies now receive a wage or government payment, a
payment for the sale of agricultural products, or a domestic remittance payment into an account. The data suggests that receiving a payment into an account instead of cash can kickstart people's use of the formal financial system – when people receive digital payments, 83% used their accounts to also make digital payments. Almost two-thirds used their account for cash management, while about 40% used it to save – further growing the financial ecosystem. Despite the advances, many adults around the world still lack a reliable source of emergency money. Only about half of adults in low- and middleincome economies said they could access extra (Continued on money page 16)
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A man of unsound mind was arrested Tuesday evening for allegedly making assassination threats against President Irfaan Ali. The man WANTED has been identified as Marvin One experienced male able Richmond called ‘Wakie’ of bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029, Sealey Street, Golden Grove 616-5954. Refrigeration/AC Technician, must have a valid driver license.Call:629-4946/689The Ministry of Health 9856. yesterday reported that two Factory workers male & fully vaccinated men, who female.Apply to R.P's Entercontracted the novel prise area "k" LeRessouvenir Coronavirus (COVID-19) disE.C.D.Tel:220-2818. ease, have died while receivCanter driver,must be able to ing treatment at a medical fawork flexible hour,female to cility. work in interior, live in maid 603-1300. One bodywork man to do preparation work at Industrial E.C.D.Call:649-4964. AutoCad technician wanted. Tel:624-1490. One experience whole day domestic to work 3 days per week,excellent salary. Call: 226-2322. Looking for a Rough Diamond grades with 20yrs experience in the Rough Diamond Industry.Call:658-6080. Cook,Bar girl & Males for Interior.Live in domestic for Georgetown.Contact:6615952/632-5459. Female to take care of an elderly male,age 25-40 in Trinidad. Accommodations provided.Call or WhatsApp 18686831528. Male and female receptionist experienced in George town 30yrs and over. 12 Henry St Werk-en-Rust 2259211.
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“we gon kill the f.... g President too budday.” President Ali in a subsequent statement said that the man’s action was unacceptable and posited that he will be asking ”the Parliament to pass a unanimous resolution
decrying political violence and threats of assassination. Because, in order to build one Guyana for all, we must speak with one voice that threats of political violence and assassination will not be tolerated in our democratic society. “
Two men are countrys latest COVID-19 fatalities
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ECD. According to the police, the man was treated on several occasions by a psychiatrist. This simply means he has a background of mental illness. On Tuesday, the man in a live video stream was heard saying on Tuesday
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As a result of this, the countrys COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,253. According to the Ministry, the latest fatalities are those of a 68year-old from Region Two and a 64-year-old from Region Four.
Further, the Ministry via its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 104 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 67,325. Presently, there are two patients who are admitted
into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 32 persons are in institutional isolation, 868 in home isolation and six in institutional isolation. To date, a total of 65,170 persons who tested positive for the virus have recovered.
COVID-19 drives global... From page 15 during an emergency with little or no difficulty, and they commonly turn to unreliable sources of finance, including family and friends. “The world has a crucial opportunity to build a more inclusive and resilient economy and provide a gateway to prosperity for billions of people,” said Bill Gates, cochair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the supporters of the Global Findex database. “By investing in digital public infrastructure and technologies for payment and ID systems and updating regulations to foster innovation and protect consumers, governments can build on the progress reported in the Findex and expand access to financial services for all who need them.” In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, the lack of an identity document remains an important barrier holding back mobile money account ownership for 30% of adults with no account suggesting an opportunity for investing in accessible and trusted identification systems. Over 80 million adults with no account still receive government payments in cash –digitalising some of these payments
could be cheaper and reduce corruption. Increasing account ownership and usage will require trust in financial service providers, confidence to use financial products, tailored product design, and a strong and enforced consumer protection framework. The Global Findex database, which surveyed how people in 123 economies use financial services throughout 2021, is produced by the World Bank every three years in collaboration with Gallup, Inc. Regional Overview: Latin America and the Caribbean saw an 18 percentagepoint increase in account ownership since 2017, the largest of any developing world region, resulting in 73% of adults having an account. Digital payments play a key role, as 40% of adults paid a merchant digitally, including 14% of adults who did so for the first time during the pandemic. COVID-19 furthermore drove digital adoption for the 15% of adults who made their first utility bill payment directly from their account for the first time during the pandemic—more than twice the developing country average. Opportunities for even greater use of digital payments.
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From page 14 the suspect who allegedly threatened her with a knife, and attempted to drag her into a nearby yard. During the ordeal, the woman who put up a fight, managed to bite the suspect's tongue as he was attempting to kiss her. The suspect after being bitten by the woman, made good
his escape in an unknown direction police stated. After the incident, the victim went to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station where she made a report. The suspect was subsequently apprehended in a bushy area, a short distance away from his residence and taken into custody.
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No Covid test to enter T&T, quarantine facility at Caura for monkeypox victims (TRINIDAD EXPRESS) The monkeypox virus has been deemed a dangerous infectious disease in Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking during Wednesdays virtual Covid-19 press conference, Health minister Terrence Deyalsingh said: “Last Thursday I would have taken a note to Cabinet on matters relating to monkeypox, and Cabinet would have considered the note and would have agreed to proclaim monkeypox virus as a dangerous infectious disease, under Section 103 of the
Public Health Ordinance, with immediate effect. “Also, you would have seen that Legal Notice 126 has been issued by the Office of the President, who would have signed off on that. “The Cabinet Note also spoke to the approval of an order by the quarantine authority to allow special measures to be taken in light of the emergency of the spread of the monkeypox under Section 6(1) of the Quarantine Act, Chap 28:05.” He said the decision will allow them quarantine per-
sons with a foreign travel history, who are entering Trinidad and Tobago and are either a suspected or confirmed case of the virus. “Under the Public Health Regulations, these are to isolate and treat persons with no link to travel. “The Cabinet Note and the decision under these two pieces of legislation, also allow the minister to designate a facility specifically for the treatment and isolation of persons with monkeypox. We have taken a decision that the Caura facility (Caura Hospital) will be designated as the facility to isolate and treat any suspected or confirmed case of monkeypox.
Insane Requirements by Banks DEAR EDITOR, I used to think that Freddie Kissoon may have been exaggerating just a little. My apologies for those thoughts. After 13 years of charity work in Guyana, a potential business opportunity from which I just may be able to generate some funds that could be donated to said organisation arose. Business registered -no problem. TIN # obtained - no problem. Time to open bank account - nightmare. Two pages of requirements. Hired Business Consultant to prepare three years projection, get character references, etc. Documents submitted but not enough. Statement from lawyer certifying he’s handling transaction, bank statements from personal accounts plus other documentation were required. I now await approval from Central Bank but realise seller is not going to wait forever. To avoid further delays, I suggested my investment partner transfer funds from his US account into my personal account from which I can get a bank cheque to pay off the seller. After a week the funds have not been credited and letter certifying origin of funds as requested by bank was presented. To date, almost three weeks after the funds were transferred, my account still
has not been credited. I understand the need to ensure the legitimacy of the origin of funds but if said funds are being moved from one reputable bank in the US to another in Guyana, shouldn’t that be enough? After all, US banks have to account for any sizable deposit into
personal accounts. Funny thing, all I wanted to do was buy a piece of property with the intention that it can be used for some business venture at a later date. Could it be as one person mentioned, I am not the correct shade of American? Frustrated
NY Organisation condemns violence on East Coast DEAR EDITOR, The New York Guyana Democracy Project (NYGDP) joins the President of Guyana, other in d i v i d u a l s a n d organisations in condemning the looting and robberies and violence unleased on vendors and the destruction of
(including arson on) their properties (buildings, market stalls, vehicles, and goods). The organisations President Dr. Tara Singh, former Senior lecturer at UG, says he categorically condemn the violence. Regards, Vishnu Bisram
Open and Close Arrest... From page 6 the time. From the foregoing, it is pellucid that a member of the Guyana Police Force can only be placed under close arrest if he commits one of the disciplinary breaches identified in section 10 (1) of the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01. There is no provision in law for a member of the Force who is alleged to have com-
mitted a criminal offence to be placed under close arrest, and subsequently open arrest. Such persons should be arrested in the manner prescribed by law. All other procedures relating to someone who is arrested should thereafter be followed. Paul Slowe, CCH, DSM, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retd)
“We urge people to pay attention to the global issues surrounding monkeypox.
Please note there was one case on a flight into a Caricom country but nobody disem-
barked, and so far there is no threat to Trinidad and Tobago from that particular incident.”
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Volodímir Zelenski
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After running third-fastest time in history, Shericka Jackson believes she can go even faster SportsMax - Shericka Jackson sizzling performance on Sunday’s final day of Jamaica’s National Senior Championships made her the third fastest woman over 200m in history. Only Florence Girrifth-Joyner (21.34) and Elaine Thompson-Herah (21.53) have run faster than the 27-year-old Olympic bronze medallist. The lifetime best 200m time also moved her above Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas as the best active combination sprinter in history by virtue of her times of 10.76 in the 100m, 21.55 and
49.47 in the 400m. Only East Germany’s Marita Koch (10.83/21.71/ 47.60), Griffith-Joyner (10.49/ 21.34/50.89) and Marion Jones (10.65/21.62/49.59) are ranked higher than the affable Jamaica sprinter, who revealed that the jaw-dropping run on Sunday that left Olympic champion Elaine ThompsonHerah (22.05) and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (22.14) trailing in her wake, was the result of a lot of hard work. “I have been working really hard on running the curve. I wanted to do that and I know that once I ran that
curve and execute properly, just to relax down the home stretch, I knew I would have run fast but this fast I never expected it but I am grateful,” she said afterwards. The bad news for the rest of the world is that Jackson believes she has even more speed in those powerful legs of hers, the speed that the world is likely to see at the World Athletics Championships that begin in Eugene, Oregon on July 15. “The curve is one of the things I want to master. I think I did pretty good tonight. So many mistakes
Shericka Jackson
made so I know definitely coach will correct them,” she said.
Thursday June 30, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might be planning to host a social event in your home tonight or perhaps in a few days. It could have you doing a lot of cleaning, rearranging, and beautifying around the house.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) An exciting new project or opportunity could be presented to you today, Libra. It could involve a new love or at least a new friend. Something you've been working on for a long time.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you might want to spend time visiting friends in your neighborhood, Taurus. Small purchases might be necessary, perhaps new clothes. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A chance to earn a small amount of money, perhaps by doing a little extra work at home, could come your way today, Gemini. You could hear about it through a friend or colleague.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Contact with friends who live or work far away could bring a string of new opportunities your way. You might also be thinking of taking a trip, perhaps to another country or by boat. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) New investment possibilities could present themselves to you today, Sagittarius. This could involve an investment of time, money, or other resources.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Expect a lot of intellectual stimulation to come your way today, Cancer. Important news could come on the phone, necessitating action on your part in order to bring about a desired end.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) An opportunity to travel with a partner or colleague could come your way, perhaps for business. Any travel planned or begun today is likely to go well and bring you whatever results you hope for.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your creative talents should be operating at an all-time high today, Leo. You might be offered an opportunity to earn some money putting them to use.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) News of a possible raise could come your way today, Aquarius, possibly through some enterprise that you've been working on.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Getting out and working with groups could seem especially appealing today, particularly groups involving athletics or other physical activities.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A group might invite you to participate in a creative project of some kind today, Pisces. Whatever you do is likely to be stimulating and exciting.
“I never wanted to put any pressure on myself. People out there will put pres-
sure but listening to my coach, execute properly, I know I can go faster.”
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Regal Legends depart for NYSCL Independence Cup Regal Legends will be the only Guyanese team that will be competing in the New York Softball Cricket League Independence Cup which is set for July 1-3 at Queens and Brooklyn. Regal Legends departed Guyana on Tuesday evening and will compete in the over50 division. Regal Legends are the defending champions in the over-50 division and they have also captured the over-50 title in the Florida Cup early this year. Regal Legends have been unbeaten in major tournaments, both overseas and locally, since they started to compete in this category, three years ago. Manager Rafman Ally told Kaieteur Sport, prior to their departure, that his players are
confident of retaining the title. “The win in the Florida Cup boosted our confidence a great deal and with a wealth of experience we will be very difficult to beat,” he said. Ally stated that his players know what to expect, but will not take any team lightly. “We didn’t get an opportunity to prepare for this tournament due to the inclement weather, in fact we haven’t played in any tournament since the Florida Cup, but the players are raring to go,” he noted. Ally indicated that they are happy to have veteran Wayne Jones in their line up and saw NYSL as their main threat. He said a lot is expected from players such as Laurie Singh, David Harper, Parsram Persaud, Mohendra Arjune,
Ramesh Deonarine, Mahendra Hardyal, Eric Thomas, Rudolph Baker and Unnis Yusuf. The team is being sponsored by Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and ITS OUR LIFE - A R D YouTuber. The tournament will be played in the open, over40 and over-50 categories. The squad reads; Mahendra Hardyal ( C ), Mohendra Arjune, Throy K i p p i n s , U n n i s Yu s u f , David Harper, Eric Thomas, Rudolph Baker, Wayne Jones, Eion Abel, Fazleem Mohamed, Parsram Persaud, Laurie Singh, Ramesh Deonarine, Lyndon Lyght and Longsford Klass. Rafman Ally is Manager and John Ramsingh Media Manager.
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Kaieteur News
Swiatek wins 36th match in a row, Nadal also advances at Wimbledon NBC Sports (Associated Press) - WIMBLEDON, England — From the red clay of the French Open to the green grass of Wimbledon, the wins keep coming for Iga Swiatek. The top-seeded Pole won her opening match on Centre Court, beating Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0, 6-3. The victory was Swiatek’s 36th in row and includes all seven matches she played at this year’s French Open in winning her second title at Roland Garros. It’s the longest winning streak on the women’s tour since 1997, when Martina Hingis won 37. “It’s my first match on grass this season, so I knew it’s going to be tricky,” Swiatek said on court. “I’m just figuring out how to play here and trying to implement all the stuff that we were practicing on.” The men’s champion at Roland Garros also won at Wimbledon. Rafael Nadal defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in the first round a few hours after Swiatek finished her match. Swiatek is the woman to beat. She won five tournaments before heading to Paris in May, earning consecutive titles in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart and Rome. Swiatek, again wearing a pin with the colors of Ukraine on her hat, started out like she left off in her last match at the French Open. But she went down 3-1 in the second set before recovering. “The second set, at the beginning I lost my focus a little bit and she used that pretty well,” Swiatek said. Coco Gauff, who lost to Swiatek in this year’s French Open final, also won her open-
his third consecutive Grand Slam tournament, but his foot is a question mark. “Every day is a test and today has been one of these important tests,” Nadal said on court. “I know at the beginning of the tournament especially, and the difficult circumstances that I arrived
Rafael Nadal was made to battle by Francisco Cerundolo. (John Walton/PA)
ing match. The 11th-seeded American beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. Gauff got the go-ahead break in the third set at 5-5 on her sixth break point of the game when Ruse doublefaulted. In her two previous appearances at the All England Club, Gauff reached the fourth round. Barbora Krejcikova, who won the French Open in 2021 to split Swiatek’s two titles there, also advanced to the second round. The 13thseeded Czech defeated Maryna Zanevska of Belgium 7-6 (4), 6-3. No. 4 Paula Badosa, No. 5 Maria Sakkari, No. 12 Jelena Ostapenko, No. 16 Simona Halep of Romania and No. 25 Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic also advanced.
Both Halep and Kvitova are former champions at the All England Club. Among the seeded player to lose was Olympic champion Belinda Bencic. The 14thseeded Swiss player lost to Qiang Wang of China 6-4, 57, 6-2. No. 18 Jil Teichmann of Switzerland, No. 20 Amanda Anisimova of the United States and No. 27 Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan also lost. Like Swiatek, Nadal was also playing for the first time since Paris, where he won his men’s record 22nd Grand Slam singles title. And because of the pandemic and his left-foot injury, he said he hadn’t played on grass since 2019, when he reached the semifinals at the All England Club. The two-time Wimbledon champion is attempting to win
FIFA sells 1.8 million tickets for Qatar’s World Cup DOHA (Reuters) Organisers have sold 1.8 million tickets for this year’s World Cup in Qatar, world soccer g o v e r n i n g b o d y F I FA s a i d y e s t e r d a y ahead of the next round of ticket sales that opens on July 5. There is a special category of tickets available only to residents of host nation Qatar and fans in the Gulf Arab state have bought the largest number of tickets, FIFA said. Aside from Qatar, the top countries where fans bought tickets are Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, FIFA said in a press release.
General view inside the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, (REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski)
FIFA expects to offer a total of 3 million match tickets during the 28-day tournament, which kicks off Nov. 21, a spokespers o n said. Qualifications for the Wo r l d C u p h a v e n o w concluded and all 32 available slots for the tour-
nament have been secured. The next round of sales will remain open until Aug. 16 and tickets will be confirmed on payment, on a first come, first served basis. The most recent phase of ticket sales, a random selection draw, closed at the end of April.
here, the victory is the most important thing because that gives me the chance to practice tomorrow again and to have another match in two days.” Also in the men’s draw, No. 18 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria retired from his match with an apparent injury. He
was leading Steve Johnson of the United States 6-4, 2-5 when he stopped. No. 12 Diego Schwartzman of Argentina, No. 15 Reilly Opelka of the United States, No. 17 Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain and unseeded Nick Kyrgios of Australia also won.
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Thursday June 30, 2022
Kaieteur News
Australia 98-3 at stumps on Day 1 of 1st
test vs. Sri Lanka
GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Nathan Lyon took his 20th five-wicket haul to bowl Sri Lanka out for 212 before Australia reached 98-3 at stumps yesterday on the opening day of the first cricket test. Sri Lankan off spinner Ramesh Mendis dismissed David Warner (25) lbw and had Marnus Labuschagne (13) caught by Asitha Fernando in Australia’s innings to finish the day on 235. Steven Smith was run out for 6 after a mix-up with Usman Khawaja, who refused to run after calling Smith for a single. Khawaja was batting on 47 with Travis Head on 6 at stumps Earlier, Lyon returned bowling figures of 5-90 and leg spinner Mitchell Swepson had 3-55 to help Australia bowl Sri Lanka out to a modest score. On Wednesday Lyon went past former New Zealand great Richard Hadlee’s wicket tally of 431 to position himself 12th on the
list of highest test wicket takers. “I am not really sure where I stand on that list something I don’t really look at,” he told reporters. “The top end of the wicket takers across world cricket has some amazing names. To be overtaking a few guys on whatever number it may be it’s very special, something I am very proud about.” Niroshan Dickwella top scored for Sri Lanka with 58, his 21st test half-century. He added 42 runs for the sixth wicket with Angelo Mathews (39) after Sri Lanka lost five wickets for 97 runs, and 54 runs for the seventh wicket with Mendis (22). “We always talked the importance of trying to knock over the tail as quickly as we can. Look at the way Dickwella played, of course Dickwella played an incredible innings, he put the pressure back on us the bowlers certainly in that middle session,” Lyon said. Sri Lanka coach Chris
Silverwood said his team should have posted a bigger score after choosing to bat first. “We would have liked to have put more runs on the board. Again we have lost wickets after breaks which is certainly something to work on, It happened in Bangladesh too.” Sri Lanka opted to bat first after winning the toss and resumed its innings after tea at 191-6. Lyon trapped Mendis lbw with just two runs added to to the teatime score to end his partnership with Dickwella. Dickwella edged Lyon to wicketkeeper Alex Carey and had Lasith Embuldeniya (6) as his fifth wicket. Earlier, he dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne (28) and Angelo Mathews (39), both caught by David Warner. Australia’s second spinner Mitchell Swepson took two consecutive wickets in the 37th over with identical deliveries. The leg spinner got the first delivery of the over
Niroshan Dickwella brought out the sweep shot a number of times during his knock. (AFP/Getty Images)
drifting toward right-handed Dananjaya de Silva’s leg stump and the bouncing ball took a fine outside edge for a catch to wicketkeeper Carey. De Silva made 14. Dinesh Chandimal was dismissed first ball when the ball turned, bounced and rebounded to Warner at second slip from wicketkeeper Carey’s glove. Captain Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka opened the batting for Sri Lanka and added 38 runs for the first wicket. Fast bowler Pat Cummins
Nathan Lyon finished with 5 for 90 as Sri Lanka were restricted to 212. (Associated Press) forced an edge off Nissanka (23) with a rising delivery to wicketkeeper Carey and four runs later Starc had No. 3 batsman Kusal Mendis (3) driving far from his body for an edge to Carey. The home team named three spin bowlers for the match, including leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay for his test debut. The 32-year-old has taken 25 wickets in 19 oneday internationals and seven wickets in 14 Twenty20 internationals for Sri Lanka. The series is being played for the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy, named after the two top bowlers in test history with 1,508 test wickets combined. This is the first series
for the trophy after Australian great Shane Warne died in March from a heart attack while vacationing in Thailand. A brief remembrance was held for Warne before the match. The Australian leg spinner — who took 708 test wickets behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800 — took his 500th test wicket at this ground in 2004 and helped rebuild the ground after it was destroyed by the Asian tsunami later that year. Stumps Australia 98 for 3 (Khawaja 47*, Head 6*, Ramesh Mendis 2-35) trail Sri Lanka 212 (Dickwella 58, Mathews 39, Lyon 5-90, Swepson 3-55) by 114 runs.
Meridian Bank Great Valley Criterium
James Joseph continues to shine; tops Masters Men’s 65+ Class We Stand United Cycle Club’s, James Joseph continues to keep the Golden Arrowhead flying in the USA when he won the Master Men 65+ Category 1/2/3/4 race at the Meridian Bank Great Valley Criterium on Sunday last in Malvern, PA. Joseph, who is in pristine form this season, topped a field of ten riders in his category, clocking 1:00:22 to win ahead of Paul Korner (ActiveYards /Trek) who was timed at 1:00:24, the same time as the third-placed Mark Hastings (QCW Cycling p/b
Cadence Cycling). Combining the 55+ and 65+ categories, Joseph placed eight overall. Meanwhile, another Guyanese, Jamaul John (CRCA/Foundation Elite Team) placed eighth in the Category 1/2/3 race in 1:51:23. This race was won by Dylan Bibic (Premier Tech u23) in 1:50:46 with second place going to Clever Martinez (Miami Blazers) 1:50:47 with John’s teammate, Jamol Eastmond taking the final podium spot in 1:50:48. A total of 102 riders contested this category with 13 not completing the distance.
Kaieteur News
Thursday June 30, 2022
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Guyanese LaFleur stars in Canada Mohabir, Harricharran lead Demerara with all-round performance to comfortable win against Berbice Former Guyana Under19 captain Eugene LaFleur produced a terrific all-round performance on Sunday for Amazon Kings in another round match of the 2022 Mississauga Cricket League T20 Super8 competition at Danville ground. His team Amazon Kings were able to chalk up a comfortable 37run victory over Imperials Cricket Club. LaFleur hit an impressive 45-ball 81 to see Amazon Kings tallying up a respectable 166-8 from the 20-overs and then returned with his left-arm spin to snatch 5-13 from his maximum four overs as Imperials Cricket Club were bowled out for 129 in the 20th over. The left-handed LaFleur, who has been playing professionally in North America for a number of years now, cracked ten fours and two sixes. Extras was the other notable score of 24, while another exGuyana youth player Harrienarine Chattergoon chipped in with 16.
Eugene LaFleur Seamer Jasim Qadoos bagged three wickets for 22 runs from four overs while Zain Malik and Ahmed Owais took two wickets each to offer support. When Imperials Cricket Club batted, Satnam Walia staged a fight-back with an unbeaten 49 which counted three sixes and two fours. Malik returned with the bat to make 25 before he retired hurt. Apart from LaFleur who stole the headline with the ball, Chattergoon was also instrumental with his off-
breaks by collecting 2-14 from 3.5 overs while skipper and former Guyana youth player Dennis Legay took one wicket. The competition is set to resume on Sunday with four matches being played simultaneously across the Mississauga M u n i c i p a l i t y. A m a z o n Kings, a team made up predominantly with Canadabased Guyanese, will clash with Fusion at the same venue. Some of the other players in the lineup are: Devon Ramnauth, Kevin George, Jeremy Gordon and Riaz Kadir, while Aftab Shamsudeen and Abdool Samad represented Canada at the highest level, including World Cup. Samad is the younger brother of former Guyana first-class opener Fazil Sattur. Meanwhile, Legay is optimistic his team will continue to win on a regular basis after they would have suffered four defeats in their six matches so far. Notably, one game was abandoned due to rain.
Alvin Mohabir struck a half century, while Sasenarine Harricharan picked up four wickets to lead Demerara to a comfortable 113- run victory over Berbice when the Guyana Cricket Board Inter County U17 50-over competition continued on Tuesday at LBI. Demerara opted to bat and lost the wickets of Jadon Campbell (04), Romeo Deonarain (02), Marvindra Dindyal (09) and Zachary Jodha (00) as Isai Thorne and Shiv Harripersaud did the damage with the ball leaving Demerara at 41-4. However, Alvin Mohabir and Shiloh Adams staged a recovery with a fifth wicket stand of 87 before Mohabir was taken off Thorne for 58 which came off 100 balls and contained three fours. Adams was caught and bowled by Sanjay Algoo for 29 which came off 129 balls, while Jonathan Van Lange made 26 before he was removed by Thorne. Harricharran chipped in with 10 as Demerara made 179 all out in 49 overs. Thorne bagged 5-57 and Harripersaud 2-30. Berbice lost opener Romesh Bharat (04) and Rashaad Gaffur (00) early in the chase to be at 22-2 with Harricharran and Mohabir making inroads. Rampertab Ramnauth struck two fours before he was bowled by Harricharran for a top score of 21 off 55 balls. Berbice never recovered and were bowled out for 66 in 31.2 overs. No other batsman managed
Alvin Mohabir
double figures as Harricharran claimed 4-11 and Mohabir 2-7. Mohabir was named man of the match.
Meridian Bank Great Valley Criterium
James Joseph after Sunday's race.
Iga Swiatek
James Joseph continues to shine; tops Masters Men’s 65+ Class
Swiatek wins 36th match in a row, Nadal also advances at Wimbledon s t r po
S Regal Legends prior to their departure.
p. 21
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