Kaieteur News
PAGE 02
Monday February 21, 2022
Energy projects must not be at the expense - Ghanian President of citizens’ livelihoods tells Energy Conference “To ensure energy sustainability, it is critical that we balance carefully social, economic and environmental benefits in a continuously changing world. No energy project therefore, no matter how high its return on value is worth it if the interest or some or majority of the stakeholders are not properly represented and they are left impoverished and dissatisfied.” This is according to the
President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Guyana’s mentor on its newly found oil resources. The Head of State made these remarks as he kicked off the inaugural International Energy Conference and Expo, which was hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown between February 15 and 18, under the theme ‘Charting a Sustainable Energy Future’. The President told a packed conference room,
while delivering opening remarks, that specific measures must be taken to mitigate such dreaded trends, resulting from poor management of the oil and gas sector. Ghana, a westAfrican country, with a wealth of experience in the oil industry, given over 10 years in oil production, has been mentoring Guyana as the country progresses with its oil and gas production. To this end, the Ghanian Head of State has urged that
Guyana pay keen attention to its agriculture sector, with the aim of avoiding an impoverished nation. The President stressed the importance of withstanding climate change even as he expounded on solemn duties, countries like Guyana have in taking concrete steps to protect the environment from climate change. According to him, “We have till 2030 to stop climate change and this requires us to
deal with climate change more aggressively than we have in the past.” Of equal importance, the G h a n i a n o ff i c i a l a l s o encouraged that ambitious environmental and resource management policies be pursued, which must be based on goals of making the sector sustainable he said. During the conference, other key speakers also warned Guyana of the importance of ensuring its (Continued on page 16)
President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Monday February 21, 2022
Kaieteur News
PAGE 03
Foreign companies dominate oil conference - Ram says high costs per booth chase away local businesses The exciting new Suzuki Jimny was on display at Ansa Motors booth during the Expo.
The inaugural International Energy Conference and Expo wrapped up last week with the international firms taking centre stage and the few local companies that participated saying that they were encouraged by the exposure and links created during the four-day event. The expo was meant to showcase Guyana to the world, but majority of the firms that participated are foreign-based and were instead exhibiting their products and services to Guyanese. The expo, which came shortly after Guyana passed its ambitious Local Content Policy Legislation, did little to promote local content, although Guyanese leaders at the conference stressed that whatever investments are derived from the oil and gas sector, local content must be catered to. Reporters were told at the launch of the event that 150 businesses would be part of the Expo. Unfortunately, only 40 of the spots were occupied by local businesses. Weighing in on
the unfortunate manner in which the expo was executed was Attorney-at-Law and founding member of civil society organization Article 13, Mr. Christopher Ram who told this newspaper that it was regrettable that locals did not play a greater role in the Expo, held in Guyana. He was keen to distinguish between the hosting of the event and venue of the event, as he explained that while the International Energy Conference and Expo was hosted in Guyana, it is still unclear as to who exactly the host or organisers were. Ram clarified, “To say that Guyana hosted it begs the question of who in Guyana actually hosted it (and) no one is quite sure. Clearly, the government had a big hand in it, but it’s not sure whether the prohibitively high cost to participate to exhibit one’s goods and wares… It is unclear who set those figures and I would hope it’s not the government because it was clearly prohibitive… Many (many) people could not afford it and I don’t think there was a lack of interest
Handmade pottery, jewellery, ornaments and paintings were some of the local craft pieces on display and sale during this year’s Expo.
Guyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali and Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare the International Energy Expo open, in the presence of President Irfaan Ali, President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Suriname Head-of-State, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips and other high level officials. (by locals), it’s just that it was very high priced.” As a delegate of the event, the Attorney said the cost per booth was approximately $650,000. The activist further explained that he believes the event was not properly marketed by the government to the Guyanese people, as many patrons viewed the Conference and Expo as a mere “talk shop”. “People could have felt like this is worth attending (but) that didn’t happen.” In this regard, Ram said, “It is regrettable that we didn’t have higher level of (local) participation”. Held at the Marriott Hotel between February 15 and 18, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat hailed the event a success. Bharrat, during a panel discussion on the final day of the public sessions, told the conference that over 800 delegates participated from more than 25 different countries, while more than
120 businesses, both local and foreign, seized the opportunity to market their products and services on the international stage. This newspaper spoke to a few of the foreign companies seeking to showcase their products and expertise to help Guyana reach its developmental goals in not only the oil industry, but even its agriculture sector. Guyanese were not shy to display their skills and products either as the exhibition saw the inclusion of local arts and craft as well as services on display. Hyundai E&C A notable foreign c o m p a n y, H y u n d a i Engineering and Construction (E&C), which as the name suggests forms part of the Hyundai Motor Group, had its Vice President Ms. Mun Jeong Choi visit Guyana for the very first time to attend the inaugural event. The Korean company has vast experience in massive construction projects such as bridges, buildings and even natural gas plants. In fact, Hyundai E&C first advanced into a
foreign country in 1965 and has since completed more than 850 projects in 62 countries worldwide. Besides completing highways, railways and subways in countries such as Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait among others, the company also boasts as one of the very few in the world with expertise in constructing gas processing, oil refinery, petrochemical plants and industrial plants. To t h i s e n d , t h e company’s Vice President told Kaieteur News that Hyundai E&C will be participating in the competitive bidding process to hopefully construct the Wales Power Plant in Guyana. Bio-Solv Another foreign company that is seeking to introduce its product to Guyana’s oil and gas industry is Bio-Solv, a Malaysian firm that is offering a ‘clean’ solution to oil spills. The solution is a biodegradable water based degreaser (oil dispersant) that disperses and removes all types of oil on surfaces
irrespective of the environment. This means that Bio-Solv is suitable for cleaning up oil spills on seas, seashores, land, floors, factories, drains, rock gravels, mangroves and others. The product was researched and formulated by a lecturer from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (U.T.M) and blended and manufactured in Johor, Malaysia. It utilises nonhazardous material and water as it’s the main ingredient, thus it’s an environmentally friendly product. A representative of the company told Kaieteur News that since the product is environmentally friendly, it does not cause further harm to fish or other marine species or resources such as sand when used in a cleanup. Volatus Aerospace When it comes to agriculture, one firm based in Canada has brought its drone technology to Guyana, which it says has the capability of meeting the needs of rice farmers in (Continued on page 18)
One of the local businesses on display at the International Exhibition
PAGE 4
Kaieteur News
Monday February 21, 2022
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
Climate change
T
here is this great silence on all fronts about what agitated many and drove more to extremes. It is climate change concerns, and the determined push to bring about meaningful change to give the environment and its many life forms a chance at security, the kind of quality existence that is alien to many already. At one time, no less a powerful place than the White House and the President of the United States, took up the climate change mantle and led the charge. It was storm and fire while it lasted, but then faded into the whimper that seems to be the settled norm now. The President’s agenda has gotten all muddied, by one political tangle after another, sometimes from within his own fold. Now the climate change ship, as once piloted by the White House, lists pathetically, lacking in steam and influence. It is no longer a driving force for change, but a shadow of the promise that it held out before the hopeful who expected much, but must now lick their wounds and regroup. In the corporate world, there was a hailstorm of noise from more than a few quarters. Some enormously significant, and some who were not the kind to be messed with, by going toe to toe with them. Heavyweight investors they are known as, and they can cast a formidable, if not feared, shadow in the upper reaches of corporate corridors, and the civilized confines of corporate boardrooms and their well-fed, well-padded around the waist, fat cat directors. The heavyweights don’t come any bigger and bolder than BlackRock Inc. and its leader first had something alarming to say about climate change, (from the perspective of concerned corporate powers) then he didn’t. In BlackRock’s annual letter to CEOs in early 2020, its CEO, Larry Fink, said that “climate change has become a defining factor in companies’ long-term prospects…” meaning that they, corporate chieftains, have to stop digging in their heels and do more of substance, and less of what rings hollow with regard to climate change. This was from an entity that is the largest asset manager on the planet with over US$7 trillion under management. It wields tremendous influence over the leaders of many companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Averages on the New York Stock Exchange. When BlackRock speaks, corporate executive tremble and listen respectfully. That was in 2020, whereas now in 2022, the same BlackRock Inc. through the same CEO Larry Fink, sings a different tune, a subtle one that was treated harshly by one candid commentator. He is Vivek Ramaswamy and he pointed to what he opined was “BlackRock’s climate crusade double-talk -CEO Larry Fink says that companies should have a ‘purpose’ but urges them to advance what he favors” (Wall Street Journal, February 6). In this year’s annual newsletter to CEOs, the new posture of BlackRock is that “Stakeholder capitalism is not about politics…it is capitalism”. On this occasion, BlackRock’s latest position, as given voice by its CEO Mr. Fink, was that corporate chiefs must stay faithful to their own companies’ ‘purpose.’ As we interpret that purpose could only mean one thing, which is to maximize profits and shareholder returns. Mr. Fink went on, “Your companies’ purpose is its north star in this tumultuous environment…” The powerful CEO used the word purpose eight times in his annual newsletter. It was as if he was beating them on the head with a hammer with hidden messages. Climate change is nice and sweet, but it is an earnings killer and could be a source of corporate sluggishness. Make money by the fistful, and shareholders will be delighted, which is the raison d’etre of companies, nothing else. In the same newsletter, he said that “CEOs must set short-, medium-, and long-term targets for greenhouse gas reductions.” But, as the writer noted, he can’t have it both ways. Of interest to Guyanese is that in 2018, ExxonMobil’s purpose was clear. Namely, make money for its shareholders. Making money and climate change challenges are like two scorpions in a bottle, meaning, that something must give. It is not going to be profit maximization, which means climate change just took a body blow from several powerful directions.
Giving advice to some of our political leaders is considered criticism DEAR EDITOR, I know that the national tender board evaluates tenders; however, my concern is who evaluates the proposals and letters of interest and shortlist those who have submitted. I have had the experience in the past where with regard the solar project in Bartica where I believed companies with high capabilities and access to finance were not shortlisted. It is possible at this stage to shut out good people to create an ineffective list thus enabling certain people to possibly win at the tendering stage. On this occasion, I was approached by one local company acting in partnership with a foreign company with very creditable project performance and with a CEO with top qualifications. The company has a history of financing projects multiple times in value to the Bartica project. I raised my concerns with the then Minister of Infrastructure, Minister Patterson. He promised to look into it. Later, I was informed that they reviewed and came up with the same number of points. The very people who shortlisted were asked to review the proposal. Go figure. I recall the bridge fiasco where I believe three companies were shortlisted, hope that figure is correct, and of the three, one sent in a bid. I wondered if the same thing happened. In this instance, the bid was rejected and then we heard someone went on a journey, spoke to a few companies, selected one and tried to foist that on the Guyanese taxpayers. The least he could have done was to ask the companies, which he spoke to send in proposals but even
this was not done. He decided who was the best and so chose. I suppose we know of that fiasco and how much we paid. On another occasion, I recall construction of a road in Berbice was tendered. The highest bid was about $48M. There were bids of $48M, $45M, $41M, etc., but the accepted bid was $48M. This was brought to my attention and I know I had a discussion with Peter Lewis a contractor. I am from Berbice; I knew some of the contractors. I wrote a letter to the Procurement Commission. It was signed by I think three contractors. I took the letter in and spoke to the people at the Commission. However, the contractors backed off. They were afraid of being victimised. This indeed is a sad state of affairs. At least we Guyanese must show some guts. Many of us risked our lives fighting against dictatorship and actually, I felt embarrassed at the cowardice of some of our people. I was a councillor in Region 6 some time ago. I was a member of the finance committee. Since then, I have been asking this question. I have asked this question in the press and I will ask it again, now. When the engineer creates his estimate and places x amounts for mobilisation, material cost, labour, transportation, etc., how much profit for the contractor is added to the estimates. My layman’s mind suggests to me that it has to be included. I am hoping someone can provide some guidance. Now recently, I wrote a letter to the press and men-
tioned the gas-to-shore project. I mentioned from my research similar projects that the cost per mile for pipes with much larger diameters with much deeper waters and more rough waters cost far less per feet than the figures we are presently being given. This lay person knows that the flaring is wrong and so it would be beneficial for the company to be able to utilise the gas. The pipelines are one way. We are being told that we have to pay EXXON market value for the gas. Could someone inform me if I heard correctly, Please! I mentioned above fear by our people to speak for their rights. I say that there is this general fear. People are afraid to speak out or even to give advice as advice means criticism to our political leaders. It is a human trait but leaders should try to overcome this. Leading persons in parties would tell me this or that but would never raise it within the parties. Political leaders in this country, with some exceptions, love those who agree with them. So, this climate of fear is real. It is sad, not only from a human rights perspective but also because leaders would not be appraised properly as people would listen and carry out their instructions even though they know that it is not the right thing to do. That creates a level of inefficiency. It also results in the yes men being promoted into high position and thus reduced vision and creativity in the leadership of our country as they would not open their mouth to give alternative ideas. The other sad thing is if one voices even minor criti-
cism, immediately one is anti PPP or anti PNC. For this country to develop; for this country to utilise its best human resources, our leaders have to guard against the human trait of dealing condignly with those who dare say, I believe you are wrong”, of literally banning those who dare to criticise them. We yearn for the day when Guyanese can speak freely, and openly of their views, of their concerns and can share their advice without fear of some reprisal. I hope the day would come when they at least commence to listen. I did write before, when I criticised what was happening in the public about sugar, no other than the CEO called me in and we had a two-hour long discussion. Recently, I wrote asking some questions about sugar and three General managers signed a letter blasting me. We can hazard a guess who actually wrote the letter. I wrote about the education system mentioning the poor performance in Maths and English and made some other suggestions. I was a teacher and I was Chairman of the Education Committee in Region 6 at one time. No one called me in to discuss and I cannot see nor hear any ideas coming out of the Ministry of Education that address the issues, which I raised. Our people have to begin to understand that we elect people to serve us. They are our paid servants. They have to act in our interest, or else. Instead, we fawn upon them and throw garland around their necks as if they are deities. Rajendra N Bisessar BSC Sociology, LLB
With PNC/AFC supporters joining movement for renegotiation of oil contract, PPP in trouble now DEAR EDITOR, It was bound to happen. PNC leaders, one key union leader, and grassroots people are now openly joining the oil/natural resources renegotiation movement, and some were at the daily protests at the recent Energy Conference. All Mr. Norton needs to do is say he did not agree with what the former leaders of the party did, that he did not get any payoff, that he is his own man, that he stands with the working poor, and that he supports renegotiation so Guyana can get more money to make everybody happy. The Renegotiation Movement is not a PNC or PPP affair. It’s not about Black and Indian. It is non-partisan and open to all Guyanese who care about Guyana getting a fair
share of its wealth. It is for all right-thinking Guyanese who feel that the contract signed by former PNC leaders was treasonous, and that the new Government not doing anything about it is equally treasonous. Calling for renegotiation does not mean that you hate the PPP Government or PNC. We just want our Government and Opposition to be unified. We want to empower and support them to urgently push for change of the contract for a better deal. The richest country in CARICOM should not have the lowest standard of living and lowest currency. President Ali just said we have been the “second poorest nation in the Americas” for decades. KN Radio has released a
conversation making its way around social media where the PPP Presidential Candidate said if elected, they would “review and renegotiate” the contract that “Guyana is getting the short end of the stick.” The interviewer said to the Candidate, “Two things burning questions that are affecting people…we got 5 minutes and I need these 2 questions answered. People are asking these questions. The oil contract: Do you agree with the US$55 billion ‘Signed Away Global Witness Report,’ will you revisit the oil contract? The Presidential Candidate said, “We have made it very clear, that we can never agree. How can, how can, I don’t think any Guyanese agree with this. No Guyanese
except the government that is defending it. We have made it very clear, that we have to go towards, we looking at these contracts, renegotiating these contracts, looking at contract management and all of these things. Everything we have to relook at because we have to ensure that our country does not get the wrong end of the stick.” Interviewer said, “Everything is on the table for review as it relates to the oil contracts?” Candidate said, “Everything is on the table, available for review and renegotiate.” So now, the PPP, hanging by a thread of a one-seat majority but behaving as if it won all the parliamentary seats as their friend Mottley did, has some big spin to put on to (Continued on page 6)
Monday February 21, 2022
Open letter to Minister Priya Manickchand DEAR MINISTER PRIYA MANICKCHAND, I am writing to express my deep concern about what seems to be an alarming ethical issue with the public education system and to urge immediate action by the Ministry of Education to provide much needed educational opportunities for all children. What appears to be a lack of guidance system in place. In many homes’, kids are being failed, therefore leaving it to our teachers to bear the responsibility of putting it all back in place, being the second parent, we are the cornerstone of society, the backbone if we must. Here I am saying we can do more and yes, we will. I must commend you on your achievement in the educational sector, you have stepped up to the many challenges, phenomenal job done by your sector. I challenge you to take it one step further. After a deep dive in the educational system here and the one adopted by other nations, one thing truly stands out. The guidance system, yes indeed Guidance Counsellor at schools. Guidance counsellors are certified professionals employed by schools or academic institutions to assist and advise students about academic and personal decisions. They provide private counselling to students, assess the ability and potential in students, and coordinate with fellow professionals on student matters.
We need trained professionals to use a different scale to assess the needs of Guyanese children individually. Inferior or lack of guidance severely affects the lives and futures of children. Just having that safe space for them to explore, would greatly impact their emotional intelligence. This is one way, which we can step up to the challenge as we put forward the children of Guyana’s future. Guyana has a fundamental duty to provide education to all of its citizens. So, let’s take a step forward and start at the core. The programmes that the Guidance and Counselling Services run are as follow: · Orientation Programme · Growth and Development Programme · How to Cope with Bullying · How to Cope with Peer Pressure · How Can I Improve My Organisational Skills? · Strategies for Effective Learning · Transition to Upper Grades / Divisions · Career Guidance · Social Skills Programme Working with parents Consultation with parents is an important part of our support process as we all work together to create a safe and caring environment for students in and out of the school. · Academic, social and emotional concerns · Family transitions
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
such as divorce, death or moving · Requesting evaluations · To inform the school of outside supports in place for your child Working with teachers and administrators The elementary counsellor collaborates with teachers and administration to identify barriers to academic and personal growth and develop interventions to address areas of need. We attach importance to identifying the talents and uniqueness of each student as early as possible. Additionally, in-service training is given to the teachers when needed. Furthermore, the Elementary Counsellor Division works together with administrators and regular meetings are held with the principals and vice principal to assist with identifying and resolving student issues, needs and problems. Developing emotional intelligence is vital to the upbringing of our young ones, and thus having a Guidance counsellor implemented can drastically make a difference. Not only will this benefit our young ones, it will provide jobs for Counsellors, truly giving them the opportunity to serve this nation. I can go on and on and state the facts of research findings on this but the worldwide web is a good way to start. Let’s have a brighter future for Guyana. Together, we can have a positive change. https://www.colaraz.com/talent/role-of-a-mentor-for-student/ Ashra Khan
Reply to Editor’s Note DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Kit Nascimento markets himself and very successfully as a grand communications specialist and therefore knows how to join a public discussion. If, indeed, he is furthering the discourse, there would be no need for him to continually reference what has been stated or argued before. As a communications
expert, he is aware that letters to the press should be both concise and precise. A letters column in a publication invites various and differing opinions, and is important to the media’s responsibility in a democratic society. Whereas an Editor’s Note is used to correct errors and factual mistakes made by letter writers, it cannot be used to “correct” an
opinion, the expression of which is part of a society’s constitutional right to free speech. The use of the Editor’s Note in this instance is unnecessary, appears partisan, and begs the question as to Kaieteur News’ objectivity and its adherence to ethical standards of journalistic professionalism. Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah
Stalling the Traffic – Saving Lives DEAR EDITOR, There is much boasting about development – mostly in terms of infrastructure – but which appears not to apply to the streets in several parts of the Capital City that are in serious disrepair. Incidentally, there are parts of the city where the streets remain unnamed ever since the communities were developed. But while there is boasting about progress and accommodation for increasing traffic, for some reason no thought seems to be addressed to the establishment of parking facilities. Not too long from now traffic will be stalled in the heart of Georgetown, more than it is in fact now. For example, little or no attention appears to be given to the increasing confusion in the Stabroek Market Square – certainly not by the Parliamentarians next door. Nor is the Traffic Chief creative enough to enquire of the availability of the space occupied by the abandoned Guyana National Cooperative Bank, where a storeyed parking facility can be erected and utilised for a reasonable fee. Next, a comprehensive survey should be undertaken to identify other convenient areas where parking lots can
be established. Such an exercise must involve the private sector and the Mayor and City Council. Incidentally, ever since in Trinidad & Tobago, business places like banks, hotels, restaurants and others were required to include parking in their construction plans (also partially observed locally). So one wonders about the parking arrangements for the hotel being erected at Oronoque and Robb Streets. Already there is a large hospitality facility on Church Street, Queenstown which has to rent parking space – Queenstown Mall (?). The situation begs the urgent question of how vehicles of all the invited invasion of foreign companies, staff and customers are to be accommodated? A more immediate need for controlled parking obtains in Carmichael Street, not far from the Presidential Compound. Little attention is paid by the Traffic Department to the increasing crowd of vehicles in the area of Woodlands Hospital outside which already sick and injured must be facilitated. No one seems to have given thought to creating greater space, say at the corner of Carmichael and New Market
Streets of the Promenade Gardens – for up to 10/15 cars under well organised control to be agreed by the relevant authorities. For certain, this should be a relief for the eloquently silent management of the hospital, patients and drivers themselves. Hopefully, the relevant leaderships would consider this small project as falling within their ‘Infrastructure’ Programme, and more so within the Presidential geography. How will an emergency in the neighbourhood be contained? In addition to the above, there must be concern about the increasing flow (if at all) of vehicles of all sizes into the country and related new drivers, coping their way without intelligent signage, and effective lighting, if at all. The situation obviously portends more accidents, injuries and deaths. Tragically, after the survivors are treated in hospital, there is no known arrangement for their further health and indeed economic sustenance, including for their families. Protecting lives on the road should be regarded as a legitimate component of sustenance of any human being’s development. E.B. John
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
Monday February 21, 2022
Social justice can be fully realised under conditions of a functioning national democracy DEAR EDITOR, February 20th marks World Day of Social Justice. The theme for this year’s observation is ‘Achieving Social Justice Through Formal Employment.’ World Day of Social Justice will be observed worldwide under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). As Guyana progresses rapidly with the expansion of its formal economy as demonstrated in growth of the extractive industry and to build out speedily its manufacturing and services sectors, formal employment in these sectors is expected to grow exponentially and will play a
major role in the country’s future development. While Social Justice Day 2022 will focus on formal employment, at the same time, the call has been made for governments to intensify their search for solutions to achieve sustainable development, poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, universal social protection, gender equality, access to social wellbeing and justice for all. These are all big-ticket social issues. They should be considered as works in progress since governments in both developed and developing countries, because of constraints in social spending, coupled with a host of
internal dynamics, they have not been able to accomplish these objectives fully. But what about Guyana? How well are we managing the national task to achieve these objectives? And have their realisation, large or small, impacted the lives of the Guyanese people? Cognisant of our national peculiarities and the fractured nature of our political environment, it would be fair to say that prior to the emergence of our oil and gas industry, significant advances were made in the areas of sustainable development, gender equality, universal social protection, access to social wellbeing and justice for all. However, challenges still re-
With PNC/AFC supporters joining... From pafe 4 explain why it promised the voters it would “review and renegotiate,” but behind the voters’ backs, it had vowed it will not. Did the PPP deliberately engaged in “bait and switch?” Does the PPP think the masses are asses and they can get away with that? Is it a case where the President believes in “review and renegotiation” but the Vice President of all things does not? While the PNC’s Mr. Trotman committed the original sin, the new sin of the PPP doing nothing is worse than the original sin. Why is the PPP not holding a Commission of Enquiry to find out how the contracts got signed? Why did the PPP who was in the Opposition
not do anything about it? Poor people who could not even afford the entrance fee to attend the conference, and looking for their next meal or money to pay their rent and light bills and water bills, want to benefit from our oil wealth. We can’t tell them as the church song says, “When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.” That will not work. Everybody is descending on Guyana to make money off our natural resources, while our Governments have ensured that we are scavengers scrounging for a living. My friend Suresh said, “They had the Exxon bosses sitting there and none of them
had the courage to mention a better deal. They know how to bully local people but were tie-tongued when they see the Exxon bosses.” The Energy Conference has come and gone but none of our leaders made mention of the oil companies having inadequate insurance coverage, ending flaring, protecting the environment, lack of ringfencing, more time to audit accounts, Exxon paying all taxes, etc. The Government should note that the foreign Conference attendees don’t vote. Those protesters do. It’s “Our wealth, Our Country,” and we must care. Stand up Guyana! Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall
main in the areas of poverty eradication, full employment and decent work. The full realisation of the various elements that constitute social justice in a Guyanese context, cannot and will not be an overnight phenomenon. Nevertheless, their successful realisation can be accomplished step by step within the framework of a national democracy whose major tasks are good governance, democracy in all its aspects and empowerment of the people at all levels, economic growth with social justice, as well as the fullest exercise of human rights - civil and political, economic, social and cultural rights in keeping with the UN Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Important factors related to the quest for social justice are human development and good governance. In this regard, USAID recently added its voice to the national conversation on good governance, a factor they consider applicable to Guyana at this time. In their August 2021 report, USAID suggested that a way be found to establish a ‘functioning democracy based on ‘a power sharing rather than ‘a winner-take-all’ mentality.’ Implicit in USAID’s call for the establishment of a ‘functioning democracy’ is the contestable view that Guyana’s extant democracy is dysfunctional, and for this to be corrected, a power sharing
formula as opposed to the ‘winner-take-all’ arrangement should be the preferred option. A functional democracy is deemed to be the outcome of free and fair elections through the expressed will of the people. However, in light of the fractured nature of our domestic politics, characterised by persistent stand-offs between government and opposition, USAID has signalled to the Guyanese public that a ‘functioning democracy’ could prove helpful. Assuming that USAID’s views are on point, the following question would arise. Will the formula advanced by USAID, bring about the full realisation of social justice in all its manifestations? Guyana is not alone as regards perceptions and misperceptions of fairness in society, racial justice, poverty and inequality, the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system, rights of noncitizens, its drug policy, health and human rights. Thus, to arrive at an appreciative and agreeable understanding between government and opposition on these critical matters may prove difficult, if not elusive. Truth be told, the power sharing formula proffered by USAID is not new to Guyanese. It has been bandied about since the early 1990’s and therefore begs the question; whether the conditions in Guyana have matured to facilitate a meaningful dialogue on the formula or will it
continue to be an elusive dream given the long-standing extant tensions between the two major political parties. It is to be recalled that at the 13th Biennial Congress of the PNC, then party leader Desmond Hoyte, told the gathering “whether we call it ‘power sharing,’ ‘shared governance,’ ‘inclusive governance’ or any other name appears to be an idea whose time has come.” That was in 2002. Twenty years later, the time is yet to come to move away from the practice of ‘winner takes all’ politics. However, the problem may not necessarily be the formula. Rather, it is probably the prevailing development model and strategies that have become outdated and inappropriate at this juncture of our country’s history thus making social justice objectives fully achievable. Going further, the USAID Report makes reference to the need for a ‘paradigm shift’ but only in relation to Guyana’s foreign policy with the US in the light of Guyana’s ‘massive oil reserves’. This must be coupled to America’s interest in the country’s political stability in view of ‘Guyana becoming a more important partner for the US in the region…’ Concerns about Guyana’s political stability is exemplified by USAID’s claim that ‘Guyana will continue to face unstable socio-cultural and governance conditions until ethnic inclusion in the decision-making process is institutionalised.’ Further, the Report points out that ‘Guyana’s political instability raises concerns that the country is unprepared for its new found wealth without a plan to manage the new revenue and equitable disburse the financial benefits.’ In this regard, ‘equitable disbursement’ should be viewed as a euphemism for social justice. These are serious concerns raised by USAID and points to the need for a new development paradigm that requires serious dialogue with stakeholders based not only on political and economic considerations but also on ethical and moral principles. In the circumstances, USAID Report suggests encouraging dialogue around National Development Strategy. It is hoped that this suggestion does not fall on deaf ears. Former President, Donald Ramotar raises the issue of dialogue in another context. In his letter to the press headed; ‘Let us recall our (Continued on page 16)
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Monday February 21, 2022
Kaieteur News
Being a good leader should not mean that you have mastered the art of deception.
Rather it should mean that you care enough about something that you are willing to take the lead to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved OR at least die trying to reach that goal. Guyanese, we cannot continue to accept lies and deception from our leaders.
It is time that we show them the masses are not asses.
PAGE 07
Kaieteur News
PAGE 08
Monday February 21, 2022
Global Compliance Service marks two years...
Over a dozen Guyanese companies granted international certification
Candelle Bostwick, CEO, Global Compliance Service
The Global Compliance Service (GCS), which opened its doors in Guyana only two years ago has since managed to upgrade more than a dozen local businesses to international standards. GCS Inc. is part of Global Compliance Service – which is a Recognised ISO Certification Body with its headquarters based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation is also the first Internationally Accredited Certification Body with an operating office in Guyana and has been engineered to focus specifically on the Guyanese and Surinamese
markets. The accreditation institute said so far 14 additional ISO Certifications for local businesses have been completed while another 10 ISO Certification audits are in progress. GCS boasts of certifying more than 24 operations in Guyana across a range of sectors, including the: manufacturing, engineering, h e a l t h c a r e , s e c u r i t y, education, waste management, and retail sectors in alignment with the company’s vision, ‘to be the facilitator for globally certified Guyanese
companies and institutions.’ GCS also provides monthly opportunities for organisations to access training on the requirements of ISO Management Systems Standards such as the ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000 and the Internal Auditor Courses. To d a t e , o v e r 1 0 0 professionals were trained and the company says it looks forward to providing additional professional development courses to ISO Management System Standards relevant to the demands of the local industries. Global Compliance Service said that indicators suggest that the agency is the only ISO Certification Body, which serves Guyana and that offers ISO Management System Courses with 2 to 4 Continuing Education Credits. It noted that the institution also administers Certification and Training Services to ISO Management System Standards using professionally qualified and certified Lead and Third party Auditors with more than two decades of Experience in the fields of Standardisation and Conformity Assessment.
Participants are privileged to comprehensive training packages and Certification upon successful completion at the end of course examination. The Global Compliance Service was awarded the prestigious ‘Innovation Award’ by the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recently, which the company says is testament to the positive impacts of a Resident ISO Certifying Office on local companies. “Investment in Certification is now a more realistic goal for local businesses since they do not have to pay an exorbitant cost for overseas travel, per diem, and other administrative costs as in the past. In this regard, many of the smaller organisations have taken advantage of our ISO Certifying presence within Guyana. We believe that our extensive profile in Guyana represents an international brand of quality, credibility and reliability to propel local products and services to access opportunities to boost their competitiveness across local, regional and international markets,” GCS told Kaieteur News.
Govt. to spend $600M to upgrade urban roads
T
apping into its $15.2 billion budgetary allocation for the construction and rehabilitation of urban and community roads across the country, the Ministry of Public Works is inviting contractors to execute a number of urban road projects in Regions Two, Four, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 at an estimated cost of $619,000,000. This is according to a recent public notice issued by the Ministry. Just last week, Kaieteur News reported that over $2 billion is set to be spent by the Ministry for the rehabilitation and construction of a number of hinterland and main access roads in the country. In its latest invitation for bids, the Public Works Ministry intends to rehabilitate/construct urban roads such as, the RDC
Street, in Anna Regina, Mandir Street, in Cotton Field, School street, in Land of Plenty, School street, in Reliance, and Church street, in Danielstown all of which are located in Region Two. A total account of the engineer’s estimate for these projects is some $124,000,000. Under its urban road programme for Region Four, the Ministry is looking to do work on roads such as the Thomas Lands road, located in Georgetown (for this project it would be sectional rehabilitation), the road network in Lamaha Springs, and the access road to D’aguiars, Houston. A total account of the engineer’s costs for these projects is $122,000,000. Moving into Region Six, the roads such as Busgith Street, Tugberg Scheme in New Amsterdam, Nurseville Access road, New (Continued on page 16)
Monday February 21, 2022
Kaieteur News
The PNC/R is a repeat offender A rticle 13 of the Constitution of Guyana is unen-
forceable. It is merely aspirational and forms part of a section of the Constitution which serves as a guide, rather than an enforceable edict. Article 13 states, in effect, that it shall be the principal objective of the country’s political system to establish an inclusionary system of democracy, one that provides opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making of the State. Unfortunately, this proviso has been widely interpreted as directing a need for executive power sharing – an interpretation that is at best ingenious. Ironically, of course, the framers of the revised Constitution did not specify the parametres of this inclusion. Article 13 forms part of the Constitution that is non-justiciable – meaning it cannot be enforced by the Courts. However, the fact that a proviso of the Constitution is unenforceable does not render it meaningless. Ironically, it appears that those touting greater respect for Article 13 have overlooked the fact that what they need to bolster their cause is a constitutional amendment, which would make Article 13 legally enforceable. During the drafting of the Indian Constitution, there was a draft clause submitted which called for the section of the Constitution which deals with directives of state policy, to become enforceable. But this clause was rejected in the final document. Those who are keen to strengthen Guyana’s inclusionary democracy should be advocating for Article 13 and other related articles to be enforceable. But to do so, they would equally have to propose the
parameters of inclusion, something over which consensus has been elusive. The PNC/R only demands power sharing when it is in Opposition. But when it is in government, it ignores its own promise to share power. The PPP/C has no interest in executive power sharing. Years ago, it circumvented any commitment to power sharing when it took the position that the development of trust must be a pre-condition to shared governance. The APNU+AFC had committed to sharing power with the Opposition if it won office in 2015. When it did, it forgot about its promise. But even worse, the PNC/ R emasculated its Coalition partner, the AFC, treating it as its doormat, seizing and assuming parts of the AFC’s ministerial portfolios and dropping the AFC as a partner in the 2018 local government elections. Now there is a chorus line complaining about the failure to invite the PNC/R to a privately organised oil and gas conference. Invite them for what? How does an invitation to a conference indicate any movement towards an inclusionary democracy? Does inviting someone to a wedding mean that the intended bride and groom want the invitees to play an active role in their marriage? A constitutional amendment to make the Principles and Bases of the Political, Economic and Social System justiciable would present serious problems in relation to other articles of this section of the Constitution. That same section provides for land to go to the tiller. The late Vic Puran was one of Guyana’s finest legal minds. He once toyed with the idea of the legal enforceability of ‘to the tiller’. But he
knew that should this nonjusticiable right be given enforceability, it would upturn property rights and anyone could go and squat anywhere and claim they were tillers of the land. Vic in the end, it is believed, settled for the notion that while the Principles and Bases of the Political, Economic and Social System were non-justiciable, this did not preclude the Courts from making a declaration – that is a non-enforceable statement as to any conflict between any law and or the Constitution. Thus far, there have been no such opportunities for the Courts to make any such pronouncements. It would have to take a forward-thinking judge like the late Ian Chang to even contemplate going down this route. But there is an even more fundamental issue which has to be addressed. How can we speak about power sharing for the Opposition when the Opposition is a repeat offender when it comes to electoral rigging? How can you share power with those who wish to steal it? If a burglar breaks into your home and is caught, that thief cannot demand a right to share in the loot, which he stole. The PNC/R has a history of rigging elections and in 2020, it was part of the APNU+AFC sought to benefit from the rigging of elections. This is a violation of a fundamental principle of our Constitution: that sovereignty belongs to the people. What the APNU+AFC did in 2020 was an affront to the right of the people to elect a government of their choice and, by implication, to remove a government through the ballot. The PNC/R lacks the moral authority to demand
Dem Boys Seh…
Yuh can’t carry nuttin with yuh We does come into dis world with nothing. We does leave de same way. Yet nuff awe living we life fuh accumulate as much as we can, only fuh leff it fuh other people fuh spend when we dead and gone. When we die, we can’t tek we possessions with we. Weh we going, deh nah gat no use fuh dem things. But some people love dem family so much dat when dem loved one die, dem does put all kinda things in de coffin, including things which should
not deh in deh. Dem burying dem with jewels and cell phones. If de deceased is a drinking person, some ah dem does even put a beer inside de casket. Some awe believe we can fool God. So we does also throw in, now and then, a Bible. One time, one man dead who bin like Cheddi. He family send he off with a copy of de West on Trial. Another man bin like Burnham. When he dead, he family put A Destiny to Mould in de coffin.
People putting all kinda things in dem coffin. And other people looking and when everybody clear de cemetery, dem going and break open dem coffin and steal all dem expensive things wah put inside. Wan time, a man family did not put anything in de coffin. But de tomb raiders still break open de tomb and raid de casket. Dem open de dead man mouth and tek out he gold teeth. Dem seh dis dead man put he money weh he mouth deh. Talk half. Leff half.
any share in the country’s governance. It is yet to prove that it can be trusted to participate in free and fair elections, much less in the sharing of
executive power. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Monday February 21, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Governments like humans make judgments on people I get requests all the time and the words are generally the same – “Freddie when are you going to write your memoir,” and the answer is always the same – “not when I am alive.” After more than 50 years of praxis and 34 years of media presence, my memoir needs to be what all memoirs are, a tell-all story. But you cannot do that in Guyana. You will get thousands of libel writs. Can you imagine, I was threatened with libel for simply writing that my parents knew the grandparents of a well-known African rights activist? Can there be a greater absurdity in this country? What I plan to do is find time to write it and leave it with my daughter to do a posthumous publication. In that way I will expose some of the world’s most depraved and dark minds that dwell in this land. I have seen too much pathological depravities, insane hypocrisy and flaky character traits in this country to leave these dimensions of Guyanese life
unrecorded. I wish there wasn’t the libel threat and I could do my autobiography. I owe it to my wife, daughter and the thousands of people who during the past 50 years once told me – “I admire you.” This unknown country (maybe not anymore with those oil finds), underdeveloped, and small in population, has produced frightening minds you have to look hard to find elsewhere. I once wrote a few months ago that not even among extreme right-wing white racists you find the kind of hypocrisies that overflow in this country. For the past 50 years I have seen people shouting down the Burnham, Hoyte, Jagan, Jagdeo, Ramotar, Granger, Ali governments and these people have minds that are far less tolerant than the actors in those seven governments. This has been the story of my life and the life of Guyana. I find it utterly reprehensible that people would choose to publicly form themselves into
associations and organisations, make devastating accusations against powerful politicians in government, condemn policies of central and local governments but with a barefaced superior stance see themselves as superior so you cannot put their activism under scrutiny. When you do that, they want to sue for libel, they pressure the media house you write for and they cultivate hatred. These are terrible humans that have no place in a free world. The title of this column is instructive. It says governments come to conclusion about people and groups in society just like we judge our fellow citizens. That is a fact of life. I remember about 30 years ago, I approached the CEO of a private hospital to employ a medical doctor. The CEO stared at me and told me that the gentleman cannot be associated with his hospital because he has no credibility. I was told he imbibed too much and was consistently drunk. The issue here was credibility. Credibility does
wonderful and effective things for a person and organisation going through life. You influence people and you get to change their viewpoint when you possess credibility. Here is an example before I come to the Guyana government and its detractors. John cannot get me to vote for Abuja to be the president of the organisation to protect animals when Abuja gets on television and eulogises the qualities of his friend Sunil when Sunil is a racist and women abuser. The point is simple – John has no credibility in my eyes because he has no moral standard by which he judges other humans. In more than 50 years of praxis I have made the point to countless colleagues of mine that if you are a moral fraud and practice double standards, then governmental leaders are going to dismiss with contempt the criticism you make against them. My uncle, Dr. Leslie Mootoo, once told me that President Burnham told him that some of his (Burnham) critics are devils in
Frederick Kissoon disguise. Former Commissioner of Police, Laurie Lewis, said to me about a fierce critic of Burnham: “what are you doing with that man; he is nobody to talk about?” So we come down to the Government of Guyana since August 2020. No one in the hierarchy of the corridors of power is going to listen to those who they feel have no credibility. Often, I will hear people who are well placed in the corridors of power saying to me, “they now find their voice.” It doesn’t matter how poignant and justified your criticism is, governmental leaders are going to refuse to consult you and discuss their policies with you if they know you are intolerant and arrogant and have no credibility. That is a fact of life. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Monday February 21, 2022
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
PAGE 12
Jumo is Soca King again V
Soca 2: 2nd place, Granny Ivy
eteran Soca s inger, Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo was in the wee hours of Sunday morning crowned King of Guyanese Soca when the curtains came down on the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport annual event. Jumo, with his song‘Living my life’ easily beat his main rivals with his catchy lyrics and electrifying stage performance. The 2021 champion, Samuel Medas placed third,
while newcomer, Granny Ivelaw coveted the second spot. M e l i s s a ‘ Va n i l l a ’ Roberts put in a spirited performance, but did not make the final cut. This year’s competition evolved from last year’s virtual event to a packed out Providence National Stadium, but the much anticipated return was however not without its challenges, blanketed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The annual competition was held this weekend with
both new and returning artistes contesting. Most of the performances were spectacular while others were average. In an interview with this newspaper, Primo said that some artistes, especially those who do not have a name for themselves, were not able to get the look they were hoping for because of the financial strain of the pandemic. “You will find people bashing a lot of the artistes’ costumes and dancers… but they don’t understand the challenges faced when getting ready for these competitions,” he stated. Primo further stated that come next year, he hopes the competition is improved and that systems are in place to assist artistes financially in an effort to have a vibrant and exciting event. He also hopes that the songs are released earlier and promoted weeks in advance so that the audience will know the words and melody of the song. Primo who is a five-time Soca Monarch winner, onetime Groovy winner and one-time Road March king, says he puts in a lot of groundwork for his performance and song. T h e a r t i s t e enthusiastically stated that “Music is my life,” as he expressed his longing to foster young aspiring artistes career. He expressed the view, “these young artistes need advice from people who have been doing this a long while.”
Monday February 21, 2022
Soca 1: 1st place, Jumo Primo
Soca 3: 3rd place, Samuel Medas
Kaieteur News
Monday February 21, 2022
‘Coke-in-fried rice’ - Man arrested after $17M cocaine find at CJIA The cocaine
In custody, Esmond Jermaine Anderson.
Twenty-eight-year-old Esmond Jermaine Anderson, of Number Five village, West Coast, Berbice, was on Friday arrested after a quantity of cocaine was discovered in a bowl with fried rice he was carrying at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) reported that its officers intercepted Anderson who was about to travel on Jet Blue Airways Flight 2166 destined for John F. Kennedy
The cocaine in the fried rice.
(JFK) Airport. A search of his suitcase, which was done in his presence, resulted in the discovery of a white substance suspected to be cocaine concealed in a bowl with fried rice. A test was conducted on the substance and it confirmed that the
substance was cocaine. Anderson was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters with the narcotic. The cocaine was weighed at 6.605lbs with a street value of approximately $17,220,000 (US$84,000). Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
Monday February 21, 2022
‘We can get a better deal’ * Citizens protesting lopsided oil deal, lack of insurance, hopeful for change * renew calls for leaders to take action By Renay Sambach
F
ollowing a week of street protests against the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana and the lack of fullcoverage insurance, citizens remain hopeful that the Sherod Duncan, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) RENEGOTIATION “Yes, yes, we should. I think we had, we had more discoveries since the PSA [Production Sharing Agreement] was signed in 2016. We have had more discoveries and we have a better opportunity to use all of that leverage. ExxonMobil needs us more than we need them right now.” “As you know, these guys were on the brink of being bankrupt, but it is our oil and the wealth derive there from it, that they are depending on to get their company through this period and we know Covid19 has made it very bad for a lot of companies, and theirs was one of them and they are depending on us and I believe that we can get a better deal out of it.”
government will heed their calls and bring the oil companies to the table. Last week, on the sidelines of the protest in front of the Marriott Hotel where the four-day Guyana Energy Conference 2022 and Business Expo was held, Kaieteur News interviewed some of the protesters to hear their views on the renegotiation of the heavily criticised PSA and the lack of
Sherod Duncan, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP). “ W h e t h e r i t ’s t h e royalties, whether it’s the cost recovery, issues like r in g f en cin g an d th e insurance coverage, as well. We can get a better deal.” INSURANCE “Yes, yes, because we have seen in recent memory we have seen an African country that produces oil the way we do. They had an oil tanker explode with 60,000 barrels just about two weeks
Odo Best, Head of Movement of Civil Unity RENEGOTITATION “I think its way overdue. They taking too
full coverage insurance. As it relates to the Stabroek Block PSA, Guyana’s Vice President, Bharat Jagdeo has repeatedly bashed the APNU+AFC administration for the poorly renegotiated Stabroek Block PSA. He has even been quoted in the media as saying that the agreement which was signed w i t h E x x o n M o b i l ’s subsidiary, EEPGL, Hess ago and that has been all over the news. Can you imagine the damage to the environment?” “If you think about, if you do issues like news census and so on, the oil spill affects Trinidad and so on and even our own citizens here. What is protecting them? Absolutely nothing, and so a better insurance arrangement definitely could safeguard the people of this country and our neighbors.” “So one of the themes we saw coming out of this conference, persons are saying the people are who matters, Mia Motley said that, Chandrikapersad Santokhi said that, the President of Ghana said that…we don’t feel as the Guyanese people that our current leaders understand that and want us to benefit from the oil proceeds.”
Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited, is a “contract that would harm us for decades into the future” and even accused the APNU+AFC of having “sold our patrimony” to Exxon. However, the Vice President is not the only one who has criticised the deal. The PSA has faced heavy criticism, from both local and regional actors. Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, is also on record calling the PSA, one of the
most lopsided agreements signed in the country’s history. Moreover, insurance plays an important part in the lives of many. To avoid putting yourself in debt and to safeguard one’s self, most people ensure they secure insurance for themselves and loved ones. It is against this background that citizens are questioning the wisdom of the government in approving new oil fields for ExxonMobil and its partners
Juretha Fernandes, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) RENEGOTIATION “In Guyana right now what we are seeing out here for example…the people are calling for a renegotiation of the contract and an effective government. A responsive government all together, needs to listen to the call of the people.” “If the people are calling for a renegotiation of the contract that is the direction the government has to go in, especially now that we have so many other discoveries coming on board. The government has the responsibility to come out and have consultations with the larger stakeholders. That is the people of this country and the people of this country by and large are saying that they want a renegotiation of the contract, so we have to listen to the voices of those people.” On the issue of full coverage insurance, Fernandes said: “I think the full-coverage insurance is something that we definitely need because Guyana is a small country, we are a developing nation, we are now getting
Juretha Fernandes, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP). off the mark when it comes to development.” “There are so many commentary coming out, even the president as it is, has spoken that this is the first time we have capital resources to do what we have to do and to not have fullcoverage insurance is putting us in a very dangerous position, so most definitely we should be getting full-coverage insurance.”
long to call for it. It is absolutely necessary.” “Any reasonable business or any smart businessman knows if he has a business of a certain magnitude he needs to have insurance in case of the eventuality, because things do happen, to protect himself and to ensure that the business continues for generations to come.” “Now, you mean to tell me our government don’t understand this? They don’t understand this, they don’t understand. This is ridiculous, because out of politicians are businessmen, in some form or the other…they’re businessmen.” “So I do understand what kind of thinking that they having…when they time up or when they gone we got to deal with it, so here what happen, we dealing with it now.”
Martin McLennan, clothing vendor RENEGOTIATION “What I have been saying is that we need to renegotiate the oil contract. Also we need a fair share from the oil money.” “The government should have full-coverage insurance to safeguard us.”
Martin McLennan, clothing vendor.
without first securing fullcoverage insurance to protect the country in the oil and gas sector. J u s t r e c e n t l y, t h e American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation, announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block. However, Guyana does not have full coverage insurance from the companies operating in its backyard.
Melina Harris, Journalist.
Melina Harris, Journalist RENEGOTIATION “Absolutely. There are so many terms in the contract that are incompatible with local laws, with international principles and with international best practices. There are terms that are offensive to Guyanese. It does not reflect that ownership of the resource belongs to us and there are too many things that have to change for the contract to even be legally valid. So absolutely it has to change.” “Yes, and it’s a shame that the government hasn’t already got full coverage insurance in place because the operations are so dangerous. They carry such a high risk of accident that if you don’t have insurance, the country, the citizens, the taxpayers, me and you, will have to pay for whatever damages occur when the lawsuits from our neighbors come. Guyana will become bankrupt because we don’t have the funds or finances to pay for any of those things.” “So they have to get full coverage insurance because it’s absolutely necessary.”
Kaieteur News
Monday February 21, 2022
Corentyne tomb raiders for court this week - cell phone recovered from coffin, suspects confessed
Roopchand Thomas Police on Thursday 17th February 2022 arrested two men for breaking into the tomb of 19-year-old Vishnu Samaroo and stealing from the corpse, jewellery and a cellular phone. The men have since confessed to the crime and detailed to investigators that they did it after they were told that the body was buried with a substantial amount of money. Regional Commander, Boodnarine Persaud, disclosed that Roopchand Thomas called ‘Lil Shawn’, 19, a Labourer
of Hampshire Squatting Area and Leon Scott, 25, of Hampshire Squatting Area, Berbice admitted that they broke into the tomb on Wednesday last and stole a cellphone and jewellery that had adorned the body when it was buried. Persaud said the men told investigators that they later threw away the jewellery because it was artificial and became discoloured. They said they also pawned the cellphone at a shop on the Corentyne for money. Police have since recovered the cell
Leon Scott phone and the pawn shop owner was arrested, questioned and released. They denied the allegation that they stole money from the coffin. Scott and Thomas are expected to be charged with simple larceny and damage to property on Monday at the Albion Magistrate’s Court. The tomb of Samaroo was discovered broken with his decomposed remains strewn a few meters away. Vishnu Samaroo died from Cancer and was buried just about three weeks ago.
Biker dies after slamming into minibus ibus
A
twenty-oney e a r - o l d unlicensed motorcyclist was on Saturday killed after he was involved in an accident on the #8 Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD). The dead motorcyclist has been identified as Devon McCalman of # 10 Village, WCB. According to reports by the police, the fatal accident occurred around 11:30hrs. It was reported that McCalman was riding motorcycle CF 2986 when he crashed into minibus BXX 4066, which was being driven by Jainarayan Persaud of 17 De Edward Village, WCB. McCalman was reportedly riding behind the minibus, when the minibus stopped to collect a passenger. He then slammed into the back of the minibus and as a result of the impact, McCalmam fell onto the
Dead: Devon McCalman road where he suffered injuries to his head and about his body. The unconscious man was picked up by publicspirited persons and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is presently being stored at Anthony’s Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem examination. Police had conducted a breathalyzer test on Persaud and no trace of alcohol was
found in his system. Nevertheless, a notice of intended prosecution has been served to him and he remains in their custody. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to urge road users to exercise the five C’s; care, caution, courtesy, consideration and common sense, and encourage anyone who is unlicensed to acquire a licence before operating any form of motor vehicle on the roadways.
PAGE 15
CCJ puts end to longstanding family disputes over properties in Guyana
T
he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) last Friday handed down decisions in two cases related to property disputes in Guyana. Both rulings were handed down on Friday last. The first matter related to a sibling rivalry over a plot of land that was owned by their parents while the other case involved the dispute over the ownership of a Newtown Kitty property. The first case was between Sahadeo Prashad who was named as the appellant and his siblings: Basmattie Persaud, Bhagmattie Persaud and Coblall Persaud. According to a s u m m a r y o f th e judgment presented by the CCJ, Prashad brought an action for possession and mesne profits against his siblings in their personal capacities. He claimed he has been the owner of the land by virtue of transport since 1985. The siblings defended and counterclaimed that the appellant obtained the transport by fraud or alternatively, that he held the land in trust for the estate of their father, Harold Prashad (“Harold”). They pleaded that their parents, Harold and Raywantie Prashad, desired to purchase the land but could not secure a mortgage because of their advanced age so they entered into an agreement with the appellant to acquire the land. The alleged agreement was that Prashad would apply for the mortgage and have the transport passed to him but all the mortgage payments would be funded by the parents. When the mortgage payments were completed, then Prashad would transfer the land to his parents. Prashad replied denying any such agreement and his sibling legal standing to make a claim on behalf of the father’s estate. On the eve of the trial, the siblings applied to join Harold’s estate but the trial judge refused the application (the “interlocutory order”). They however did not appeal that decision. Following the trial on the merits of fraud and trust; the court found there was sufficient evidence to prove the existence of a trust. Accordingly, the court found that the appellant (Prashad) held the land in trust for Harold’s estate. I n t e r e s t i n g l y, i n i t s disposition of the appeal, the
Court of Appeal ordered that Harold’s estate be joined to the proceedings. Parshad nevertheless went to the CCJ. Following the oral hearing, the CCJ asked the parties to submit responses to questions concerning whether trusts in land could exist and operate in Guyana. The Court in a judgment authored by Justice Denys Barrow found that the appeal should be allowed because the respondents had no legal standing since they were before the lower courts only in their personal capacities, and there was nothing to show that they had a right to possession of the land. The Court therefore determined that the judge should have struck out the Defence and Counterclaim because the respondents had no right to the land and thus, no legal standing. Barrow also found that the order for joinder served no purpose and had no effect because it was made after the High Court proceedings ended and after the appeal had been heard. More particularly, in the first place, the CCJ found that Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear the appeal against the interlocutory order. The Judges also observed inter alia, that in Guyana the express trust relating to immovables must be in writing and it is usually under seal, and formally registered in the Deeds Registry. However, the Judges found that it was not necessary in this case to decide whether that was a correct proposition of the law. The court ruled in favour of Sahadeo and his siblings were ordered to pay standard costs to the appellant. In the second case, the CCJ dismissed the case
brought by Shekeela Kanhai, Evie Anne Kanhai and Miguel Gurchuran brought against Basantie Persaud. At the core of this case was a dispute over the sale of the Newtown Kitty, Georgetown property. According to a summary of the CCJ decision, the property was originally owned by Iris the mother of the reputed husband of the respondent in the matter, Basantie Persaud. Iris had entered an agreement to lease the property to her brother Sobers but that lease never took effect. However, Sobers sold the property to Gladstone Alert in 1992 who later sold it to the Kanhais but the issue over the rightful ownership of the property came up in 2007. However, Sobers sold the property to Gladstone Alert in 1992 who later sold it to the Kanhais but the issue over the rightful ownership of the property came up in 2007. The lower courts had reportedly dismissed the claims by the Kanhais and they took the matter to the CCJ. In its decision on Friday, the Court found that Iris had been given possession of the Sublot X Newton Kitty property was maintained by Iris and continued by Fletchman and the Respondent. The Court therefore agreed with the Court of Appeal, that the agreement between Iris and Sobers – being a personal contractual relationship – expired upon Iris’ death in 1990. As such, the title of Sobers in relation to Sublot X expired in that year and Fletchman became entitled to a declaration of title to Sublot X. The Court thus dismissed the appeal and ordered that the Kanhais pay the respondent, (Persaud) costs.
PAGE 16
Monday February 21, 2022
Kaieteur News WANTED 1 matured bus driver preferably from E.B.D.Tel:698-6205.
FOR RENT
CAR RENTAL
One bedroom apartment for working couples/single person $32,000 monthly,light & water.Call:623-0076.
Female ages 25-40 to take care of elderly male in Trinidad, accomodations provided. Call:1-868-489-4087 or 1-868755-1990. One male able bodied clerk, one female able bodied clerk. Tel:225-2313/226-1497.
LAND FOR SALE
1 Nissan pathfinder in good condition, CAT 215 used parts.Tel:683-7225/275-0367. One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956.
Adventure Public Road, Essequibo Coast Lot 23A (66x309).Tel:233-6282/6087520. Middle road La Penitence, Cummingslodge 2 acres, Eccles 5 acres,Diamond & Friendship.Contact:Ray's Realty 627-9685.
2 Model (M) trucks.Tel#6806192. Toyota Spacio 2003 model, PPP series excellent condition. Price $1.350mil,serious enquiries only.Tel:638-7258. Toyota Premio Year 2003, PRR series excellent condition. Price $1.550mil,serious enquiries only.Tel:625-2167.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Hardware Store,Public Road Grove. Contact: 642-6056/ 664-9701. Ogle,Sheriff St,Charlotte St,Enterprise C,Zeelugt & Diamond.Contact:Ray's Realty 627-9685.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Drawing of Building plans and Estimate,K.Lakeram building contractor.Tel:2160671/692-8464 whatsapp 6220267.
FOR SALE Mix breed Husky puppies. Tel:623-3183.
TO LET Room to let in Alberttown. Tel:628-1183. Size 500sqft below Hotel Princess Raven,suitable for Spanish Restaurant. Contact: Sarge tel:659-4333/223-6488.
WANTED 1 general domestic to work at Providence between the age of 38-40.Call from 10AM9PM-697-0157. Urgently Needed! Dried carilla bush.Contact:6098281/693-3003.
FOR RENT
From page 6 history to bury the past and move beyond the narrowness of race’ (S/N 16/2/22), he makes the following observation ‘It’s time for an honest and open discussion on all
these issues so we can heal this society and build a strong and united National Democratic State…’ Social justice can be fully realised under conditions of a functioning national democ-
racy where all stakeholders, through their combined efforts, jointly formulate a strategy that is national, democratic and all embracing. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
Energy projects must not be at the...
Aidan's Car Rental.Tel:6281183.
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Social justice can be fully...
A cook for family of three,light house keeping, located at Providence. Tel:654-8839.
Furnished apartment building top flat,bottom flat open space 100x34.Call:630-2062, whatsapp 641-4614.
One (1) male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029/616-5954.
Business: Saffon St 900Sq FT bottom flat,Bar St Kitty,Wellington St,North Road.Contact:Ray's Realty 627-9685.
Hiring Content Writers: $100,000 monthly. MondayThursday,work from home. Email your resume to andrewp @consultpr.net.
VACANCY Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 23-50 car/van licence. Call:642-9823. Pitmen and Hauler operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250. Accounts clerk.Must know to prepare payroll,NIS & PAYE.Contact:621-8478 between 9AM-3PM. One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading, Mc Doom village. Domestic Housekeeper,age 35-40yrs.To work at Residence (E.B.D) 4 days per week (½ day).Tel: 225-8131/ 6756464. Male Clerical Asst.Age:2530yrs.Having a license to drive with (MC & MV) is required.Tel: 225-8131/ 2236488. For one driver and one porter.Apply to Global Healthcare Supplies, 110 thirdst, Alberttow n.Email:gl obalhealthsuppliesinc@gmail.com. General Domestic,able to prepare vegetarian dishes. Apply with photo to 16 Vlissengen Rd Newtown, Kitty. Cashiers.Apply at Survival Supermarket with passport photo to 16 Vlissengen Rd Newtown,Kitty. Office Assistant, Cashier, Counter staff, Cooks, Baker, Cleaner,Store person.Must have experience & vaccinated,226-9000,225-6255. Vacancy for Male & Female cleaners.Call for more info 503-2502/698-3644/622-6272. One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132. Sales Person. Commission Only. 5 CXC 1 or 2 in Math and English Required. Contact:650-5626. Sales Representative.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email:mi madecor 09@ gmail.com.Call:227-0176/2270186
From page 2 energy projects are affordable. For instance, Mr. John Ingham, the Regional Product Director for General Electric (GE), an American multinational conglomerate, which is a world energy leader, cautioned the country that if future energy projects are not affordable, they would fail. He told participants during the conference, in the presence of several international stakeholders on Thursday, “Nobody is green when you are red. So if you are losing money, you are not going to be green. It doesn’t matter if you go to very sustainable projects, if not affordable, they will fail. They have to be affordable.” The warnings to Guyana come at a time when the People’s Progressive Party/C (PPP/C) government is forging ahead with its gas-toshore project, for example, that now carries a price tag in excess of US$1.3 billion. The Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Of-
fice of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, in his Budget 2022 presentation confirmed that government has already allocated in excess of US$20M towards the project. A perusal of the project profile for the capital allocation that falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, points out that the government has in fact pegged the total cost for the power plant and other facilities at some US$520M, of which US$20M has been allocated for use this year. With ExxonMobil spending in excess of US$800M to conduct surveys and other ancillary works for the project, including the laying of the pipeline, it would mean that the total cost of the project is now pegged in excess of $1.3B. The project is intended to add some 300MW of power to the national grid. On the other hand, the government is also pushing its Amaila Falls Hydropower Project pegged at US$700 million and which will generate
165MW of power. On Friday, the former Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson argued that the Wales gas-toshore project will amount to a white elephant as it has now been confirmed that the 50mcf of gas piped to shore will only be sufficient to power the generating sets and a small LPG plant rather than be used for fertiliser (Ammonia, Urea and other agro-processing byproducts), solid waste pyrolysis and even a cement plant as was assured by the PPP/C government. He reasoned, “Guyana will be expending over US$1.4B and counting (Exxon–US$900M + GOG US$504M) for 250MW generating sets. This is an incredible amount, considering the fact that the current cost for 1MW of generating power is approximately US$1M. That’s correct; 250MW of natural gas-powered generating sets can be procured for approximately US$250M – yet, the Government is paying US$1.4B.”
Govt. to spend $600M to upgrade urban... From page 8 Amsterdam, First Cross Broad Street, Angoy’s Avenue, Middle Street in Sea Side, Third Street North of Mora Street, School Dam Street, Grant in Corriverton and Cemetery Dam would be rehabilitated or constructed. A total account of the engineer’s estimate for these projects is $148,000,000. Over in Region Seven, the Ministry would be rehabilitating the Dagg Point Main Access Road at an estimated cost of $109,000,000 and in VACANCY Bond Manager,2 yrs experience. Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimad ecor09 @ gmail.com. Call:2270176/227-0186. Handyman.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimadeco r09@ gmail.com. Call:227-0176/227-0186. Delivery Clerk,must be able to track deliveries. Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email: mimadec or09 @ gmail. com. Call:227-0176/227-0186. Driver.Valid drivers licence.2 yrs experience.Send application to Lot 8 Sheriff St or email:mi madecor 09@gmail. com.Call:227-0176/227-0186.
Region Eight the Danjah Street which is located in Mahdia will be rehabilitated at an estimated cost of $18,000,000. Meanwhile, Middle Street and Cresent Drive Shortcut in Lethem would be rehabilitated at an estimated cost of $60,000,000 and lastly, Garbo Drive in Blueberry Hill in Wi s m a r L i n d e n i s e x pected to be fixed at some $38,000,000. Last year, one of the biggest road programmes undertaken by this Ministry
was the miscellaneous and urban road programmes. This was announced by Minister within the Ministry, Deodat Indar. He had said that the Ministry spent a total of $8.89 billion on the programmes and that a total of 36 urban road works were executed. Bids for these projects are expected to open on March 17, at the National Procurement and Te n d e r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Board office.
Monday February 21, 2022
PAGE 17
Kaieteur News
EU earmarks US$170B Residents complain of the to counter China’s deplorable state of Shirley influence in Africa Field Access Road The European Union (EU) has recently announced that it has earmarked €150 billion (US$170.5 billion) to counter’s China influence in Africa. The Brussels Times reported that the EU-African Union gathering which started last Thursday was initially planned for 2020 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and agenda issues. It was the first time EU and African Union leaders meet in that format since 2017. The EU leaders in their effort to re-engage with African nations and counter the growing influence from China, has made their intentions clear to remain Africa’s partner of choice, by offering the financing package for projects and development on the continent. The multi-billion investment was announced last week by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, following a two-day summit with the African Union in Brussels, Belgium. According to the European Commission President, the investment plan in Africa is part of the EU’s Global Gateway project. The EU’s initiative is seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The EU President said that with “regular reporting and accountability”, there would be “pressure on both sides to deliver”. This would provide “checks as to what is still available as financing and what has been allocated already”. “We face a constant tension between promoting, overselling, and managing people’s expectations,” an EU official said when asked about scepticism over how much of the money was new. “This is a starting point.” The monies will be pumped into sectors, including, manufacturing, transport infrastructure, green energy, sustainable food chains,
health and education. It was reported that the money will come from both public and private sources, with the EU aiming to invest €20 billion (US$ 22,640,000,000) per year in debt, equity and guarantees. Speaking on behalf of the African Union, Senegalese President Macky Sall applauded the infrastructure investment, saying, “we needed a new relationship based on a shared vision of partnership rather than aid”. EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, ahead of the summit had said, “We will demonstrate that the European Union is Africa’s most trusted partner. We will thereby also counter negative narratives and disinformation about what Europeans are and what Europeans are doing for, and with, the African people.” In 2020, the EU was Africa’s largest single trade partner, and China was its second largest. The EU announced that its investment package for Africa is meant to bolster a green and digital transition, accelerate sustainable growth and job creation, and strengthen education and health systems. The EU is the largest exporter of COVID-19 vaccines and said it has shared almost 145 million doses with Africa,
with the goal to reach a total of at least 450 million shots by the summer. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 11 percent of Africa’s population is vaccinated. According to the China Africa Research Initiative, China extended US$153 billion to African governments via loans and state-owned company funding between 2000 and 2019. It has become the benchmark for foreign direct investment in the continent, but EU officials rarely refer to China directly. It was reported that China’s programme aims to develop markets and new trade routes connecting China with the rest of the world by weaving a network of ports, bridges and power plants that will yield diplomatic clout and global power. While, the EU’s project is expected to mobilize, in total, up to 300 billion Euros (US$341 billion) in public and private funds by 2027. In addition to China, the EU also needs to deal with Russia’s growing influence, notably via a group of private military contractors known as the Wagner Group that the bloc accuses of fomenting violence and committing human rights abuses in Central Africa and the Sahel region.
An unvaccinated 80year-old woman from Region Four is the country’s latest COVID-19 fatality. This is according to the Ministry of Health, which on Sunday reported that as a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has
moved to 1,211. Meanwhile, in its updated COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 18 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 62,656. The dashboard data shows that seven patients are
admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 69 in institutional isolation, 865 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine. To d a t e , a t o t a l of 60,504 persons have recovered from the virus.
A Kaieteur News reporter jumping over a pothole on Sunday to exit the Shirley Field Road.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
One more Covid-19 death, 18 new cases
The current state of the Shirley Field Access Road
By Shervin Belgrave Kaieteur News’ reporters on Sunday jumped over large potholes filled with stagnant water along the Shirley Field Access Road, South Ruimveldt, just to listen to how its deplorable state is affecting the daily lives of the residents living there. This newspaper had received an invitation from one of the frustrated residents affected, Simira Duncan, to get a firsthand glimpse of the condition of their access road. Reporters visited the location on Sunday and it was quite evident that the entrance of the road was filled with large potholes. Drivers exiting the street manoeuvred their vehicles carefully through the potholes. As they passed by, one can hear the bottom of their vehicles “jamming the edge of the potholes loudly. Pedestrians walking in or out only had two options; one was to take off their shoes and walk through the dirty waters or if they are young and fit, skip or jump across the potholes, hoping that they don’t fall in. Speaking with Kaieteur News, one of the residents, Malinda Parris, said that the road has been this way since last year November when construction works started on Mandela Avenue. Shirley Field Road is connected to Mandela Avenue, which has been recently expanded along with Sherriff Street by the government as an initiative to reduce traffic congestion
along the East Bank corridor. According to Parris, the entrance of Shirley Field might have been destroyed as a result of the construction works that were being executed on Mandela Avenue. “I think it (when the potholes started forming) was since in November when they started the road. It wasn’t so bad but then as the big trucks came in, because they were doing the work and using the machinery that is what make the road deteriorate more”, Parris told Kaieteur News. She related that residents had raised the matter with the minister and were told that it would be repaired after the construction works on Mandela Avenue were completed. They reportedly agreed and waited but after the construction was completed, no one came to conduct the repairs. Another resident, a pensioner, Gloria Davis related that after they queried again at the relevant ministry for an update, they were told that the repairs would have been done in December last year but to date, nothing has been done. Meanwhile as they continue to wait on the relevant authorities to carry out the repairs, the deplorable condition of the road is affecting their livelihoods. Parris said that she was forced to spend money to repair her SUV. In order to reduce the unwanted expense, they tried filling the potholes with bricks and stones but when the rain falls, the temporary fix gets washed
away and the holes get deeper. Davis, the pensioner, said that she has a “sick foot” and would normally take taxi when it’s time to pay the doctor a visit, collect her pension, or transact any other business but with the current state of the road, no taxi wants to pick her up. If they do decide to take the hire, they would charge her double the price and even if she tries to walk out to Mandela Avenue to catch a bus, Davis cannot jump over potholes and does not want to risk walking through the waters. “I can’t go out, I can’t go out, cause I got to go in taxi because I have a bad foot right. I does got to use taxi and when you call, they don’t want to come. Sometimes, they does take hours to come…They need to do the road man; this is the main entrance to come in here…and then you got to pay $800 to come but you have to pay it if you want to come,” Davis said. Travis, who runs the Next Level Wash Bay inside of Shirley Field is also affected by the state of the road. “The state of the road deh, right now, it serious cause since it get bad, me ain’t getting no kinda work cause people frighten to bring them car in hay fuh wash,” related Travis. When it rains, said Travis, getting customers is even worse because no one would wash their car to drive through the “muddy waters” immediately after.
PAGE 18
Foreign companies dominate oil... From page 3 particular. Andy Buck, Vice President of Sales, Industrial and Defense at the North American company, Volatus Aerospace said the company sells and manufactures drones for different applications ranging from cargo, surveillance and agriculture. He said, “We have a group in our company that focuses on agriculture and we are working with our technology partners to put together options that we would be able to bring to markets like Guyana. We are looking at drones that primarily will be able to do one of two things; one would be spraying for pesticides or fertilizers and the other would be able to look at mapping agricultural lands to determine spots that require attention to reduce the amount of spraying required on those crops”. Along with the foreign businesses, scores of local companies also brought their products and services to the International Expo during the four-day event. Vitality Accounting and Consultancy Badesh Thakur a Director of Vitality Accounting and Consultancy said the company was established just over two years in Guyana and has been able to launch out beyond its exceptional accountancy services to supplies, consultancy and even civil engineering. Thakur said he believes his company could play a great role in Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector, especially since it offers “world class accounting” through its strategic partners. Banks DIH A Sales and Marketing Executive, Carlton Joao of Banks BIH, one of the more recognized local firms in Guyana said, “We are here at the energy Expo to put our local content on show along with a lot of other exciting things. We are everything for food and beverage in Guyana and we believe we can play a meaningful part in this area of growth as we go forward”. A few of the products displayed by Banks during the event were the company’s
Monday February 21, 2022
Kaieteur News
wines and flagship Banks Beer, as well as the famous Johnnie Walker, Ciroc, Smirnoff by Diageo. Genesis Marine The Country Manager of Genesis Marine, Dameon Sears explained that the local shipping company has been operating in Guyana for the past six months but was founded since 2006 in Panama. “Our main portfolio is liquid bulk; this would be for crude, diesel or anything like that but we do project cargo. If persons are coming to set up in Guyana, we do logistics and everything for them…everything that involves getting vessels and cargo into Guyana and out of Guyana we handle that,” he said. Sears said the Expo was an excellent opportunity for a startup business such as Genesis Marine to expand its reach. Gulf Engineering Gulf Engineering, a company with roots from Trinidad that has become essential to Guyana’s oil sector, was also present at the Energy Expo. Business Development and Customer Relations Officer, Dwayne Scott explained what those essential service includes. “We are a major supporter for the oil field drillers and supply company operators in the market. We work closely with companies like the drilling companies Stenna Drilling, Noble Drilling and the cementing companies to provide them with equipment and services which includes equipment maintenance, recertification and testing and calibration of the different equipment,” Scott noted. Caricom Insurance Operations Manager of Caricom Insurance, Jose Persaud also spoke with this newspaper to highlight the important services offered by the company. According to him, Caricom presently offers insurance for motor vehicles, homes, contractors, machinery and public liability. “In terms of let’s say you are working on a project and you need insurance to cover those employees, we can do that, if you are bidding a project, we can also provide bid secu-
rity,” he clarified. Cyril’s Transportation Services The transportation sector also got a golden representation through Cyril’s Transportation Services. The company’s Contract Service Manager, Nastassaja Pickett said Cyril’s was first founded some 20 years ago. She was happy to report that the business has grown and diversified over these years, shifting from only occasional cab services to permanent contracts to transport workers now for the oil and gas industry. The Manager boasted, “We have also been engaged in crude changing activities for those customers and we are at this point, the premiere transportation service for this Expo. Our largest client at this point is ExxonMobil. We have been working with them for the last seven years”. She was keen to note that even though Cyril’s is committed to its service to Exxon, it was also seeking other clients to expand, thus its participation. Ansa Motors One of the more exciting booths at the Expo for vehicle lovers was Ansa Motors, a Trinidadian firm, which has since extended its products to Guyana and Barbados. Ansa’s General Manager for Guyana, Sudesh Mahase had on exhibition the new Suzuki Jimny, an off-road sensation that has been taking the Guyanese market by storm. The Jimny was not only on exhibition for patrons to see and touch but visitors of the booth also had the opportunity to enter a competition that would give them an unforgettable weekend with the double-seater that was made to weather any rugged road ahead. Mahase said, “Ansa Motors Guyana is part of the wider group that has been in the country since 2017 and we are a total transport solutions company. We have from new vehicle sales, passenger and commercial equipment. We also have mobility options for like short-term rentals, we are also setting up for chauffeur services and moving goods and equipment”.
Three feared dead as fishing trawler sinks - lone survivor makes it home to tell the tale
Feared dead, Anthony Damon (left), Winston Sam (centre) and Ronald Burton (right) By Shervin Belgrave Members of the Guyana Defence Force - Coast Guards are currently out at sea combing the rough waters in search of three men who went missing after a fishing trawler owned by Noble House Seafood Limited, reportedly sank on Saturday morning in coastal waters, some 18 miles off Mahaicony. Relating the tale of what happened to the trawler, to bosses at Noble House, is a lone survivor, out of a crew of four, who was lucky enough to make it home around 22:00hrs on Saturday. He was reportedly rescued by a small boat passing a few hours after the fishing trawler had sunk. The missing men are all from Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and were identified as: Anthony Damon, 45, the captain of the trawler and a father of three, Winston Sam, 46, and Ronald Burton, 75. They had left to go on a fishing trip on Sunday last and were scheduled to return home today but tragically they did not. Speaking with Kaieteur News, Tonszadel Damon Beckles, Damon’s wife, said that it was her eldest son who had informed her of the tragedy that had occurred. She along with relatives of the other missing men upon receiving the news had rushed down the Noble House’s location on the East Bank of Demerara. After some push around, they were finally able to be updated by management that there was a lone survivor who had made it back. That individual, related Tonszadel, told investigators that the trawler sank sometime after 07:00hrs on Saturday while they were returning from the trip. The survi-
vor reportedly recalled that at around 06:00hrs that morning, he was summoned by his captain, Damon to make some checks at the back of the vessel. He obeyed and saw that the trawler was taking in water from the back. The survivor reportedly recounted that even the engine room started filling up with water. He said that he returned to his captain and they decided to make a radio call to their Base at Noble House. While informing their bosses of what was going on, they immediately lost connection and the boat started to sink. The survivor continued and reportedly told authorities that when the trawler started to go down, he and his captain were on one side of the boat while the other two men were on the other side. He reportedly remembered them jumping off and clinging to a buoy. The next thing he recalled is being rescued by a small boat that was passing by. The man reportedly told investigators that he had passed out after being rescued, however, when he recovered, the boat and its crew that rescued him were searching for the rest of his crewmembers but after searching for some three hours, they decided to drop him to shore at Mahaica. There, he was reportedly given “a bus fare” and he travelled to Noble House where he related to his boss what took place. Kaieteur News was told that he was then rushed to the Woodlands Hospital for treatment. Yesterday, coast guards reportedly picked him up and took him on a search for the rest of his crew members. Meanwhile as the search continues, relatives are holding onto a glimmer of hope
that they might be alive. The wife of Winston Sam, Mala Sam said that it was only her husband’s second trip to sea and it was supposed to be his last. “He did not want to go because he said that he doesn’t like it out there, and I did not want him to go either but his friend, the captain insisted and he decided to make one last trip,” she told Kaieteur News. Ronald Burton’s Burton’ daughter added that her father has been a seaman since he was fifteen years old and liked the job and was ready to go on the trip at the first call. The last contact the men had with their loved ones was last Sunday, the day when they were departing the Noble House Wharf for sea. In a statement several hours after the mishap, the Public Works Ministry said it has launched an investigation. The Ministry said an independent panel was established comprising representatives of the Ministry of Public Works, MARAD, GDF Coast Guard, the GPF Marine Unit, and the Transport and Harbours Department. “We are very concerned, and share the anxiety and pain of the family members and colleagues of the missing men. The Search and Rescue Operation Centre was immediately activated upon notification of this incident. Vessels and personnel, including divers have been deployed. The Ministry wishes to assure all concerned that all available resources of the State to aid in this search and rescue exercise will be fully utilised. The private sector including private fishing vessels, are also engaged in this ongoing operation.”
Kaieteur News
Monday February 21, 2022
PAGE 19
Govt. farmers’ market initiative kicks off at Lusignan - consumers cash in on reduced prices, fresh produce Consumers from villages and communities along the East Coast of Demerara corridor were the first to benefit from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Market Day - an initiative first announced in the national budget, which government is hoping will cushion the impacts of rising food prices across the country. Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, told the National Assembly during his budget speech that, “we recognise the fact that there has been some upward movement in the prices at the marketplace for a number of food items. But, we also observe that the extent of the upward price movement at the marketplace is not reflected in similar price movement at the farm gate”. He added that the increased prices reflect a number of factors, including transportation cost and multiple layers of handling and reselling from farm to final retail. In this regard, Dr. Singh said the government will be arranging monthly farmers’ markets at locations to be specified in East Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, and West Coast Demerara in the
first instance, with the possibility of extending to other locations depending on the initial experience. “This will help our farmers find ready markets for their produce, and help consumers benefit from the price advantage of buying directly from the farmers,” the Finance Minister reasoned. Meanwhile, a Department of Public Information release said the highly anticipated event on Sunday, held at the Lusignan Market Tarmac, served as a one-stop shop for persons looking to purchase farm-fresh produce at a minimal cost. Farmers who usually sell their produce to middlemen who then sell to market and shop vendors traveled from as far as Mahaicony to take advantage of selling their produce directly to the consumers. This way, both the farmers and the consumers were able to benefit from better prices. While commenting on the objective and successes of the market day, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the activity served to assist consumers with cushioning the high cost of basic commodities, all while granting them access to farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. “This is one of the
Consumers turned up in their numbers to take advantage of a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and agro-processed commodities measures that the PPP/C Government has put in place to assist both the farmers and the consumers. We spoke about this in the budget and we are already implementing it. We will be hosting similar activities across the country so consumers can rest assured that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Guyana will continue to implement measures to help them to cushion the high cost of these items. Our farmers are
producing but sometimes they too are not able to benefit from the best prices for their produce. So when we organize these activities, both the farmers and the consumers stand to benefit from the direct link to the market. The response has been tremendous and persons can rest assured that this will not be a one-off activity. We will be hosting similar activities in every part of the country from as early as next week. These activities will also be done
simultaneously so you may find farmers’ markets happening in Region Two and Region Six at the same time,” Minister Mustapha is quoted by DPI as saying. One farmer, from Mahaicony Creek, who was at the farmers’ market said he was happy to be a part of the activity. The cash crop farmer noted that the turnout was tremendous, adding that he will be taking advantage of other market days in the future.
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Monday February 21, 2022
Monday February 21, 2022
Mariam El-Masri nets hat-trick as Lady Jags pummel Turks and Caicos 7-0 Playing at the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) National Academy ground on Saturday night last, Guyana’s Lady Jaguars secured their second straight win in Women’s World Cup Qualifying action when they hammered the home side by a whopping 7-0 margin. Following the Lady Jaguars 4-0 triumph on Wednesday last against Dominica to start Group F at the Leonora Facility on the Westside here in Guyana, the Lady Jags with not much rest time, travelled to the Turks and Caicos Islands to face the host. The Guyanese lasses took to the task with gusto led by the able Mariam El-Masri who belted in a hat-trick with strikes in the 48, 61 and 84
minutes. She was ably supported by Cameo Hazlewood who started off the scoring in the 10 minute and rounded off her effort with a double in the 40'. Hannah Baptiste in the 30th and 72nd minutes also fired home a double for the Guyanese. The Lady Jags controlled the play throughout the contest as they put the Turks and Caicos under pressure and could have scored more goals with a few chances going a begging. However, the team and Coaching staff would be pleased with the result and showing by the ladies who acquitted themselves well and heads their group with the maximum points and a decent goal average so far. Guyana’s Lady Jags next face Nicaragua on April 7.
Yadav propels India to... From page 22 took two early wickets to immediately put the Windies on the back foot, only to pull up with an injury and be forced off. Rovman Powell’s 25 off 14 got the run rate up, but he fell in the seventh over, with captain Kieron Pollard (five) swiftly following. Jason Holder (two) and Chase (12) also went in quick succession, though Nicholas Pooran (61) stayed in to give the Windies hope. H o w e v e r, Shardul Thakur (2-33) undid the Windies opener in the 18th over, all but ending any lingering hopes. Stunning late show from India pair There was some sensational batting on show from Yadav and Venkatesh Iyer, who hit seven and two sixes
Monday February 21, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your efforts on the domestic front have certainly paid off, Aries. Your home is looking wonderful. Everyone who enters says so. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) TYour neighborhood is changing, Taurus, and the change is all for the better. Wonderful new neighbors may have moved in, or perhaps a small gourmet takeout shop has just opened up. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Financial prosperity is just around the corner, Gemini, especially with your recently acquired moneymanagement skills. CANCER (June 21–July 22) The significant other in your life needs your support not a lecture right now, Cancer. Let him or her know you’re available to listen and help in any way, but don’t smother your partner with kindness. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is the final push to complete a very big project you've likely been working on for some time now, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A pleasant outing could get delayed or cancelled due to an event entirely out of your control. Rather than having a fit, Virgo, you and your friends could seize the opportunity to do something completely wild and different.
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There’s no question about it, Libra, you’ve been working hard these last few weeks. As an approaching deadline looms, you may find yourself waking up at night. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today, or rather tonight, is for romance and cozy intimacy, Scorpio. You pull out all the stops for your evening with that special someone. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some interesting moneymaking opportunities are likely to come your way, Sagittarius, either today or in the near future. It could be that it’s time for a new job. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) There’s going to be so much to get done today that you might feel a little daunted about getting started. By midday you could even find yourself downright overwhelmed. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) No sooner do you set foot in the office this morning than you begin to get pelted from all directions with various crises and problems, Aquarius. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today will be a lovely combination of harmony and passion. Make the most of it, Pisces. With things running so smoothly at worke.
respectively. They added 91 off 37 deliveries to put the game, truly, beyond the West Indies’ reach. With the ball, Harshal Patel took 3-22 to pick up the slack after Chahar’s injury. India on a roll India have now won 13 T 2 0 I s a g a i n s t t h e We s t Indies, only against Sri Lanka (14) have they won more. Indeed, they also extended their winning streak in the format to nine games, their longest such run in the format. They will go up against Sri Lanka in their next series. Scores: India 184 for 5 (Suryakumar 65, Venkatesh 35*, Holder 1-29) beat West Indies 167 for 9 (Pooran 61, Shepherd 29, Harshal 3-22, Chahar 2-15, Venkatesh 2-23) by 17 runs.
Beijing closes curtain... From page 23 prevented them from competing. Dozens saw their preparations disrupted by enforced isolation, leading team officials and athletes to demand improved conditions including better food, internet, training equipment and more space. On the snow, the 18-yearold Gu delivered on the hype generated by her dozens of endorsement deals making her the youthful face of the Games even as her success raised questions about nationality and privilege. Gu’s performance is a boon for the development of snow sports in China. Xi hopes that hosting the Games will get 300 million people involved in winter sports. China’s nine gold medals exceeded expectations, putting it in third place, while
winter sports powerhouse Norway, with a population of just 5.5 million, won a record 16. DOPING SCANDAL While Xi delivered a spectacle for a Chinese public that was unable to attend - tickets were not sold and many connected with the Olympics through the unexpected mania for panda mascot Bing Dwen Dwen - millions of Americans tuned out, with TV viewership reported to be far lower than during the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. The biggest legacy of the Beijing Olympics will be the controversy surrounding Valieva, who stumbled under pressure in her final skate, and the outrage directed towards Russian sports officials and the country’s history of doping, which meant its athletes could not compete under Russia’s flag. Valieva failed a doping test at her national championships in December but the result was only revealed on Feb. 8, a day after she helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team event. She was nonetheless allowed to participate in the singles but finished fourth, her error-strewn performance prompting a harsh reaction from her coach Eteri Tutberidze that the IOC’s Bach later said he found “chilling”. The saga, which dominated the Games, reopened debate over the suitability of the Olympic environment for minors and prompted the world’s top anti-doping authority to investigate Valieva’s entourage.
PAGE 22
Monday February 21, 2022
Kaieteur News
GRFU 10s League…
Panthers humble Hornets/Caribs, Police crush Army Men The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) 10s League continued on Saturday afternoon at the National Park Rugby playfield where the Panthers commandingly expanded their unbeaten streak with a win over the Hornets/ Caribs combined unit. This was the second time the young Panthers team were able to defeat the combined unit. When the regulation time whistle sounded, the score line read, 46 – 17. Leading in the scoring department for the Panthers was last week’s top scorer, Lancelot Adonis, who was able to tuck away 3 successful tries. He was supported by
Godfrey Broomes and Darcy Durant with two tries a piece. The trio accounted for 35 of the team’s points in tries. Jamal Angus and Osie McKenzie got in on the action and were able to produce a try each while Broomes effectively converted four tries. For the opposition, a try each came from Claudius Butts, Jonathan Garrett and Patrick King as Ryan Gonsalves accounted for their two conversions. In the match that preceded, it would be an understatement to say it was quite physical between the lawmen as the Guyana Police Force unit outfoxed the Guyana
Part of the action between the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.
Defence Force to take the lead in the head-to-head, 1 0.
The last time these two teams met two weeks ago, it turned out to be a nail-biting
stalemate that saw both sides accumulate 15 points each. However, on Saturday last after the see-saw first half which had tries being scored by both sides, Police shifted
gears in the second half and demolished the army men to win, 69 – 12. Lionel Holder led the way for GPF with six tries and a conversion, while the seasoned Theodore Henry forced in two tries and made five conversions. Cleveland Dawn popped in two tries while Adrian Hall had one try which was converted by Michael Barrow. For the army, Avery Corbin and Denzel Junor were able to produce a try each, both of which were well converted. Meanwhile, the upcoming weekend will have no rugby since the union will be hosting their Annual General Meeting, but the League continues on March 6.
Yadav propels India to series clean sweep in final West Indies T20I
Nicholas Pooran unleashes a big slog-sweep © BCCI Romario Shepherd smashes a six, India vs West Indies, 1st T20I, Kolkata, February 20, 2022© BCCI
SportsMax - Suryakumar Yadav spearheaded an India flurry late in their innings to ensure Rohit Sharma’s team secured a 17-run win over the West Indies in the final T20I. Having already lost the series heading into the final match yesterday, West Indies had their tails up when they had India on just 93-4 towards the end of the 14th over in Kolkata. Ruturaj Gaikwad – one of four changes for the hosts – was dismissed early on, with
Shreyas Iyer falling to Hayden Walsh (1-30) on 25, and Roston Chase (1-23) sending Ishan Kishan packing for 34. Captain Rohit managed just seven, yet Yadav and Venkatesh Iyer combined to hit 86 in the final five overs to reach 184-5. Yadav’s brilliant knock was ended by Romario Shepherd (1-50) on 65 from just 31 balls, as Venkatesh Iyer finished unbeaten on 35. Deepak Chahar (2-15) (Continued on page 21)
Monday February 21, 2022
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
BCB/Dr. Frank Denbow Fast Bowlers Camp...
Sir Ambrose hopes it’s the start of something continuous Former West Indies fast bowling icon, Sir Curtly Ambrose commenting after he concluded the historic threeday Fast Bowling Camp in the Ancient County under the auspices of the Berbice Cricket Board and sponsored by USA based Dr. Frank Denbow, posited that it was a fantastic start to what he believes would be something great in years to come. Speaking on Sunday afternoon, February 13th soon after concluding the Camp at the Albion community Centre Ground, Sir Ambrose said: “I thought the three days went very well, all the bowlers that attended were very receptive to what I was trying to teach them, they asked a lot of questions which is so important, which tells me that they are willing to learn. It was seeking out as much information as possible which I think was very encouraging.” Ambrose, who was as-
sisted by United Kingdom based former Guyanese opening batsman, Nolan McKenzie, shared that three days is just a start as there is so much more to learn. ”It was totally impossible to teach them everything in three days but they all enjoyed it, I enjoyed myself and am hoping that this is the start of something continuous.” The historic programme was prompted by Dr. Denbow who saw Berbician fast bowler Isiah Thorne in action against England with the West Indies Under-19 team back in 2021. Thorne who was a 16 yearold quickie at the time also attended the three-day clinic and was an inspiration to the others attending. While there were a few bowlers who stood out more than others, Sir Ambrose noted that he is not the kind of Coach who likes to call names too early as this can very well work against the progress of the player if they
Sir Curtly Ambrose and BCB President Hilbert Foster pose with over 60 fast bowlers from Berbice and Georgetown. take it the wrong way and become complacent and not put in the hard work. ”I’ve always preferred to look at players over a longer period of time before I can make a real assessment of what they are doing. But it was a good three days and hopefully in the near future, I’ll be back to continue the progress.” In the meantime, Sir Ambrose
stated that the local Coaches will continue to monitor and encourage the bowlers to continue working hard on their game so when he returns, he’ll see them more advanced. ”You know, I said to them that I played this game so they can’t really fool me, I will know for sure if they were working or not.” Ambrose would have done some similar programmes in
his native Antigua and Barbuda, courtesy of Cricket West Indies and enjoys doing same. ”I’ve always believe that it is important that knowledge and experience is better when you give back especially to the youngsters, so I’ve always enjoyed working with young, aspiring fast bowlers so they can learn from my experience. Whatever I’m
teaching them is what I’ve been through and what I know as opposed to just guessing. I’ve never pretended or behave like I know everything and that’s one of the things I try to tell them, I don’t know everything. There are times when I struggle to work things out as well but whatever knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years, I impart to them.”
Parks, Dick lead Mix XI to BCB doing incredible job with youths win over One Movement and the game – Sir Curtly Ambrose huge An attacking century from sixes in his innings which
“Something is working here in Berbice to produce so many international cricketers”
Sir Curtly Ambrose (right) during his recent visit to Berbice. Commenting on the work of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), following the successful conclusion of the 3-day BCB/Dr. Frank Denbow Fast Bowlers camp on February 13th, 2021 at the Albion Community Centre Ground, Sir Ambrose informed that he would have heard a lot about the BCB and the impact they have been making in the lives of players. ”Well, I’ve heard of the history of the Berbice Cricket
Board and the amount of top players, not only coming through the County but who went on to play not only for Guyana but West Indies and they are some very big names in the lineup. So it simply means that something is working here in Berbice to produce so many international cricketers. I want to say kudos to Mr. Hilbert Foster who is doing a great job with the leadership as President and of course his
crew.” Sir Ambrose noted that Foster is surrounded by a good working group that is supportive of his honest vision, and that’s what’s needed for any organization to be successful in today’s challenging world. ”So I think that whatever the ingredients are, it’s working and it’s for them to continue to do what they are doing; to continue to produce top quality cricketers.”
Miguel Parks and robust 93 from Dwayne Dick guided Mix XI to a 181-run victory over One Movement when the teams collided in a 40-over fixture yesterday at Queen’s College ground. Park struck eight fours and 10 sixes in his top score of 108 which came off 71 balls, while Dick slammed nine fours and seven
came off 59 balls. The pair added 177 for the third wicket, while Ershad Ali made 37 as Mix XI piled up 305 all out in 33.4 overs. D. Junior took 253. One Movement were bowled out for 124 in 19.1 overs. J. Scott and J. Thomas made 24 each as R. Latif captured 3-7, E. Samuels 3-38 and L. Parks 2-22.
PAGE 24
Monday February 21, 2022
Kaieteur News
GISE, Star Party Rental & Trophy Stall cricket...
DCC take title after post Lunch session washed out Griffith collected 4 trophies. (Sean Devers photo) -
Barnwell scored the 425 runs in the preliminaries before hitting two 176 & 175 in the semis & final collects his prise from GCA President Neil Barry. (Sean Devers photo)
By Sean Devers On a truncated second and final day, three times defending champions DCC won the 2019 GCA’s GISE, Star Party Rental & Trophy Stall two-day first division cricket tournament at the DCC ground by virtue of taking first innings in the final which ended in a draw yesterday.
DCC collected the Championship Trophy and $120,000, while GCC received the Runner’s Up Trophy and $70,000. Everest and Police who lost in the semi-finals got $40,000 each for their efforts. Resuming on their overnight 90-8, left-arm unorthodox spinner Totaram Bishun
took the last two wickets to end with 4-39, while Ashmead Nedd, who bowled two overs yesterday finished with 4-10. With a lead of 498 DCC, gave their younger players an opportunity to get a knock, and were 107-4 at Lunch when rain began leaving parts of the ground with puddles of water. In their innings, DCC (whose first innings 590-4 declared is the fastest 550 total in the history of Guyana’s first division cricket) lost Joshua Persaud (6) who was removed by Renaldo AliMohammed at 6-1 before Sachin Singh (17) and Raymond Perez (10) took the score to 33 before 17-year-old pacer Thaddeus Lovell got rid of them both in the space of a run.
Jahron Byron, who stroked three fours in his top score of 27, was dismissed by Winston Forrester at 94-4. Raj Nanan was on 32 to follow up his unbeaten 77 in the semi-final, while Trevon Griffith, who’s 300 is the third triple century in Demerara first division cricket, was yet to score at Lunch. At the presentation Ceremony after the final the 30year-old Griffith collected four prises (MVP of the final, highest score (300) in the final, best bowling in the tournament 15-85 vs GCC & Most wickets (23) in the tournament). DCC Skipper Chris Barnwell, who scored 176 in the semi-finals and 175 in the Final, got the prize for the most runs in the preliminaries (425),
Griffith got four prizes and collects one of them from DCC and Batsman Nolan McKenzie who lives in England. (Sean Devers photo)
Ashmed Nedd took 4-8 to the best bowling figures in the Final, collects his prize from DCC & Guyana Batsman Mark Harper. (Sean Devers photo) while he was the MVP of zone A with 425 runs and 14 wickets. Baskar Yadram was the
MVP of Zone B with 275 runs and 15 wickets, while Nedd took the prize for the best bowling (4-8) in final.
Beijing closes curtain on ‘closed loop’ Games BEIJING, (Reuters) Beijing doused its Olympic flame last night, closing a Games that will be remembered for the extremes of its anti-COVID-19 measures and outrage over the doping scandal that enveloped 15year-old Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva. Chinese President Xi Jinping was on hand for the snowflake-themed ceremony at the Bird’s Nest stadium, where International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach described the Beijing Games as “truly exceptional” before declaring them closed. The Beijing Games, contained inside a “closed loop”, were the second Olympics in six months to be deprived by COVID-19 of much of its festivity. They were also stalked by politics, with several countries staging a diplomatic boycott over China’s human rights record, and the spectre
of invasion of Ukraine by Russia, with President Vladimir Putin attending the opening ceremony in a show of solidarity against the West with Xi. Still, China was spared any embarrassing protests by competitors over its treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority or anything else, and the thousands of foreign journalists on hand were stuck inside the closed-loop, unable to report more widely. Sunday night’s ceremony was capped by a 90-second fireworks display that spelled out “one world, one family,” followed by a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”. During the ceremony, Bach praised Beijing’s organisers and made a call for unity as well as universal access to COVID-19 vaccines. “You embraced each other, even if your countries are divided by conflict,” he said. “The unifying power of the
General view of athletes during the closing ceremony. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)
Olympic Games is stronger than the forces that want to divide us: you give peace a chance.” SNOWFLAKES AND LANTERNS Bach was seated next to
Xi during the opening ceremony, with space between them. On one side of the stadium, which was roughly half full, red Chinese lanterns projected a glow as Olympic ath-
letes entered en masse to “Ode to Joy”, dancing and taking selfies. The Chinese team drew cheers that grew louder when San Francisco-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who won two
golds and a silver for China, was shown on-screen. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, joined in the applause, and Xi was later shown looking through binoculars at the spectacle of athletes walking across the illuminated LED-screen floor of the vast stadium. Later, a group of 365 people bade farewell with a glowing green willow twig, enacting a traditional Chinese gesture of regret over parting. GOLD MEDALS, COVID TESTS Beijing’s tightly sealed bubble prevented the spread of the novel coronavirus at the Olympics or into the community, vindicating a zeroCOVID policy that has isolated China inside what are nearly closed borders that shows no sign of easing. However, many athletes had their Olympic dreams dashed by positive tests that (Continued on page 21)
Kaieteur News
Monday February 21, 2022
PAGE 25
Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic
First night action excites fans
Preliminary action on Saturday night in the 3X3 Basketball Competition.
- Magic City on board
T
he highly anticipated second Rawle To n e y 3 X 3 C l a s s i c basketball tournament bounced off on Saturday night at the Burnham Basketball Court with 11 matches that gave fans some much needed basketball entertainment and competition since, ironically, the last Rawle Toney 3X3 tourney in 2019. The matches were spectacular as the organisers brought the basketball vibes on the newly refurbished Burnham Hardcourt, the lighting was superb and the fans were going wild all in a Covid friendly environment. The results for the first night were as follows: Pitbull defeated
Vertically Challenged 22-1 East Siders defeated Pacesetters 21-13 Conquerors defeated Mamba 13-10 Gunnerz defeated Renegades 14-5 Royals defeated Linden 6-5 Guardians defeated Q Ballers 16-12 GDF defeated West Siders 9-8 Titans defeated Venezuela 11-7 The rules of the tournament stated that proceeding forward all losers will play each other and all winners will play against each other to advance, therefore resulting in a double knockout which would determine who would advance to the quarterfinals
and so forth. Joining the list of sponsors of the event is Magic City Lounge. In an official correspondence from the company, they expressed their pleasure to support sports in Guyana, and basketball more specifically. The tournament is sponsored by Magic City, John Fernandes Limited, Team Mohamed’s, Modern Building Solutions, Medicine Chest, Mackeson, Guyana Lottery Company, Trophy Stall, Hennessy, FireSide Grill, Bush Cook, Stuff, MVP Sports, FK Sports, Shi Oil, Brother’s Security, The Muse Bar, Pressy’s Gift Shop, Cigar and Cognac, and 94.1 Boom FM, Fireside Grill N Chill, ENetworks.