Kaieteur News

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Monday March 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL (624-6456) Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

A FEW MEANINGFUL REFORMS

On February 10, last, USA Today carried an opinion piece from two contributors that was titled, “Donna Brazile, Michael Steel: These 7 elections reforms will safeguard American democracy” that was remarkable in several respects. It was remarkable in the first place because the seven reforms envisioned came from two politicians from opposing ends of the increasingly rancorous American political divide. Also, it was not just any two political partisans, but very senior ones in the former chairs of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee, Donna Brazile and Michael Steele respectively. And the third reason that we at this paper think that the opinion piece and embedded elections reforms put on the table has legs, is because some of those same recommendations can go a far way here in Guyana and make a meaningful difference. It should be noted that we have taken the liberty of massaging what the two former party chairs made public to close some of the loopholes exposed and much talked about here relative to the March 2020 elections. We do so because we believe that this gives the flexibility that is needed here to meet our own domestic requirements. First, the former chairs wrote of “establishing a more regular stream of funding for elections” so that “states and localities do not have to rely on private philanthropy and corporations for elections costs.” We think that elections funding to local political parties must have a limit, be disclosed publicly, and provisions be put in place that prohibit deep pocketed donors from finding ways to undercut the objectives of what is in place, through shells, straws, families, and employees, among others. Foreign elections observers were sharp in their condemnations of the funding free for all, a lot of it under the table that was a significant contributor to the elections efforts of both of Guyana’s two major political parties. To make matters worse, there were and are continuous whispers, and inflexible postures by many, that much of what was contributed so lavishly came from dirty money. It is a public secret that some of the more generous donors have sullied reputations, both locally and elsewhere. Campaign financing and political contributions in general are due for a complete overhaul. Second, the former chairs made a call to “hold social media accountable” which is something with which very few should have objections, given the utter vulgarities and depravities that were part of the dangerous partisan exchanges. Again, we take this to places that are farther than Ms. Brazile and Mr. Steele laid before the American public. We finesse to suit Guyana’s forbidding and unforgiving political and racial contexts. The social media platforms operating in the local domain must be made to abide by the highest standards of political decorum, with the dignity of all recognized and respected. Even as we say this, there is the understanding that Guyana lacks some of the necessary tools and resources to police comprehensively and effectively the vast open frontier made possible by well-populated and well-utilized social media platforms. We need to start somewhere to curb the terrible excesses that raged uncontrolled (by participants) and remained mostly unmanaged (by authorities) during the 19-month period dating from the parliamentary passage of the no confidence motion to the still far from fully supported declaration of elections results. We cannot afford a repeat of what happened from December 2019 to the end of July 2020. Third, the two opinion writers recommended a revision of the Ethics in Government Act. We agree that this needs more than scrapping and restarting fresh at the local level. From the president on down, to all political activists (who should be registered), and public servants (who should be barred from actively participating in elections, unless an official waiver is obtained), all should be held to the highest standards of ethical behaviour on the pain of the severest

A significant contractual overhaul is out of the question DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the articles titled, “Opposition offers support to govt. in facing down Exxon” and “Absence of a united front allows oil companies to exploit our differences Patterson” (SN and KN respectively, February 27). At long last, and it is a screamer of a public position that causes blinking, given that it took so long. If it is genuine and represents a full-fledged commitment to take the fight to the corporate exploiters and dividers, then I am all for it; I like the thought, the language, and the essence of what I believe is enshrined in ‘facing down’. I reiterate where I stand below. For this country to stand a ghost of a chance in its struggle to obtain a fair footing (to be “ready for a better deal”) with Exxon, it must be the most solid of monolithic entities. There is no other way: it must be as one, where this oil and gas wealth is concerned. I further say this, though I am aware that it could be wishful thinking: the standard of unalterable and unflinching togetherness in challenging, standing up, staring down, and overcoming (partially, to be sure) Exxon could set the

blueprint for how we approach other areas of our natural resources endowments. I am all for it. Even though it took the longest while to get so much as a peep from the opposition, there it is, and if welcomed enthusiastically and honestly by the government, if handled wisely at the strategic and tactical levels, the rest will follow. Something will have to give, and from the direction of those who come from the outside. From my perspective, a significant contractual overhaul is out of the question; but through a process of dogged and enduing attrition we can (together) labour assiduously to erode the obstinacy of Exxon’s head honchos. We can face down their arrogance and smugness with togetherness. No contract in the world can conquer the will of an enraged and determined people; particularly those who feel that they have been cheated and embarrassed. And if the PPP government is authentic in seeking material whittling away at some of the more egregious provisions in the contractual arrangements with Exxon, then headway can

be made. The last thing that the movers and shakers at Exxon, the strategic planners and calculators, desire to see unfold here is a people united and mobilized, because they believe that they have been taken advantage of and shortchanged humiliatingly. Editor, I think this move puts the spotlight first on the PPP government, and leaves it in a bind, given what I believe has been its quiet and cunning leadership bonding with Exxon. Today, though, is not the time for that, and I withhold any doubts, mute any criticisms. I should also present that I entertain strong misgivings about the depth of the coalition opposition’s offer, but time and developments will confirm or disprove as to what the two political majors are really about, and how they will seize (or not) the opportunity to work together and present a united and unbreakable front. To paraphrase Napoleon: the corporate sword hanging over this society’s head, and weighing heavily against its every move, could always be defeated by a true and fervent national spirit. It starts and continues with robust and fearless leadership, political leadership. On a separate note, I see

this that long awaited opportunity to do things right before our adversaries that have divided and managed by tormenting and set against each other. Further, a united political front marshalled against a gigantic corporate power sets the bar that determines where our socalled civil society and professional class and landed aristocracy and commercial interests stand. The challenge would be profits versus patriotism; the prospering bottom line of rich cash flows, as against what is good and best for country and citizen. I close by setting this on the table: the insights that come from wise foresight are better than the best hindsight. By now, hindsight should have taught us the error of our ways and the fragile crumbling mediocrities that are obvious from our feeble postures when arrayed against the corporate powers of the world. We can do something about that, and which offers a chance for the remedial to take hold. I urge that it should start now. All Guyana should gear up for a tough struggle, and a no holds barred fight with Exxon. Yours truly, GHK Lall

The President’s commitment to animal welfare is more than just political speak DEAR EDITOR, In his inaugural address to the 12th Parliament, His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, said “Animal welfare will be a priority for his government”. I thought it was just political speak, until an incident happened on

Monday, February 15th, that proved his words carry weight. Some of you may recall that approximately three weeks before the President’s speech a FB post was made to an animal welfare page

sanctions. If there is real seriousness to making a genuine start at elections reforms, then we have to stop pussyfooting around with what sugarcoats matters and handles offenders with kid’s gloves. Fourth, Ms. Brazile and Mr. Steele called for a better (electronic) registration system. We agree with something like this for Guyana, given the disputes we have had with voters’ lists, eligibility, and suspected political corruptions in the process. That has been one of the bigger bones in Guyana’s electoral throat, and which has remained firmly fastened there. This has to be put to bed once and for all, as part of any honest local electoral reform. Last, there was the strange via the call to not tolerate candidates who lie. That is, ban them. A first lie is strike one; the second is goodbye, as in out of the party (an opportunity for more deviousness) and away from any elections proceedings. We saw what happened in the U.S. Capitol on January 6, last. We know what happened here from before March 2nd and afterwards. Two Americans were brave enough and nonpartisan enough to say enough and not again. We have an opportunity to make a start to set elections issues right here from all the hard lessons of last year. We can do so by working to make headway on some of the recommendations from above and adding a whole lot more, all of which are most urgently needed.

about a young dog being beaten by his mentally sick owner. Following that post, Facebook friends were angry and wanted the woman to be held accountable. I was tagged in the post and notified the GSPCA about the abuse and asked for their help in dealing with the matter. The GSPCA Animal Inspector (Mr. Wright) and I went to the location at Parfaite Harmony. We found a very small home, grass over four feet high, and a concrete fence with no driveway or gate. We met with the dog owner who climbed over her fence to speak with us. The woman was in tears, telling us how she rescued the young dog, whom she loves dearly, and how she cooks and baths her and even took her to the GSPCA for shots. She went on the say how a neighbour is causing problems and has a drone flying over her home at nights. She showed us the dog, who looked ok. The Inspector told her to be kind and never hurt the animal which she promised to obey. We left her some worm tablets and dog chow.

On Valentine’s night at 11:50 pm, the same man who made the initial FB report called me. He was emotional, apologized for calling at such a late hour but wanted me to hear how the woman was tormenting her dog. What I heard was heartbreaking, the verbal abuse followed by the dog’s screams, which I taped. The following morning, I made contact with Mahendra Siwnarine, Commander 4 “C” Division, a very nice and compassionate officer! He immediately sent me Commander for Region 3 Division, Errol Watts’ cell number. I called the Commander and sent him the audio. Within minutes, he called back and said officers from Parfaite Harmony were on standby to assist us. We met a very kind and concerned ASP Williams, who sent two officers with us. We arrived at the woman’s home, which was locked up tight. The officers tried for 30 minutes to get her to open the door. When she finally appeared, she said she didn’t (Continued on page 6)

Monday March 01, 2021

Pay pension to all eligible and deserving including revolutionaries DEAR EDITOR, In reference to Freddie Kissoon’s column (Feb 21), I am shocked to learn that his wife, Janet, is not receiving a government pension. The woman worked for a state company for more than the required (ten or 40 quarters) number of years. She put in fourteen years. In America and other countries, Guyanese get a decent pension and health benefits after serving for ten years at a government job; pension is pro-rated based on term served. In Guyana, a Member of Parliament gets a pension for serving a term; pension is prorated based on the number of years served and income. Burnham had created teenage (youthful) pensioners – any MP regardless of age who served briefly in parliament. Some of them had just crossed twenty years when they became eligible for a pension. (In America, government employee must be no younger than 55 to get a pension). After Burnham and Hoyte, pension qualifications were streamlined with minimum requisites. Several former MPs (who served as Ministers or PS or Speakers) are currently receiving an average of $450K monthly. Those who served a term get about $100K if not a Minister. If someone who served as a MP, a part time undertaking, can qualify for a pension, why can’t Freddie’s wife who served fourteen years, full time, be eligible for a pension. Something stinks about state pension rule. Janet should file a court case. In a white man’s court, she would definitely win. She is treated unfairly to those ‘korhee’ MPs. She is more deserving of a pension than those lazy MPs, especially some of them who disgraced parliament last

Monday. Freddie’s wife did much more than any MP whose job is to come to parliament occasionally for a few hours for some weeks of the year and enjoy all kinds of perks like free transportation, housing, meals, phone service, etc. Those who served in government positions (Regional Councillors, NDA representatives included) as staff or any other capacity (working for a state entity) should also be entitled for a state pension based on years served. Thus, I am in agreement with Freddie that Balram Singh Rai should get his pension; a bill should be legislated to grant him his pension. Separately, Isahak Bashir was penalized of his rightful pension amount because he was suspended from parliament by Sase Narain. That Speaker and others occupied positions for which they were not entitled; they were not duly elected by the population. It is well documented that elections were rigged between 1966 and 1992. Most of those who served as ruling party MPs illegally occupied their post; they lacked moral right to dictate who qualified for a pension since they themselves did not qualify for theirs. Those who fought against the authoritarian government, like Eusi Kwayana, Clive Thomas, Patricia Rodney, David Hinds,

Arjune Karshan, Baytoram Ramharack, Wazir Mohammed, Paul Tennassee, Donald Rodney, Ogunseye, among others, who are not currently recipients of state parliamentary pension, should also be eligible to receive some kind of “state compensation” for their service to liberate the nation. South Africa adopted this principle granting pension to those revolutionaries who

actively participated in the struggle to liberate the nation from apartheid rule. Those revolutionaries were not elected to parliament or served in state employment but were treated accordingly for time served while fighting for the liberation of the nation. They gave their life to the freedom movement and were justly rewarded. They may have been elected serving in parliament if the apartheid system had not excluded them. Similarly, Burnham ran a racist authoritarian political system that prevented revolutionaries from getting elected as a result of his fraudulent elections. The revolutionaries may very well have been elected to parliament and serving in government or some other government position entitling them to a state pension. It is only fair that the Guyanese revolutionaries be compensated, for giving their life to the struggle, with some kind of benefits in service to freeing the nation of Burnhamism. Those who were instrumental in rigging elections should not get pension and whatever pension they currently receive should be discontinued, and they should be prosecuted. Anyone who served the state (or any of its agencies) in any capacity as diplomats, MPs, in media, laborer, etc. entitles them to a pension. That is the rule in any developed (white man) country, including the imperialist (blood sucking as Burnham and Jagan used to call them) countries. Since Guyana is a socialist, working class haven, a utopia, why can’t all workers who served the state get a pension like the MPs do? Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Current politicians are the worse ever in both parliament and government DEAR EDITOR, This bunch of parliamentarians (government and opposition) and government officials are the worst ever to occupy the House and state apparatus. Given the COVID pandemic and escalating numbers, it would have been prudent to have budget questions submitted by the opposition in written form and a time for response by the government ministers in same format. Instead they chose to stand in the house and dishonor it. Is the succeeding

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government administrations racing to see which can furrow deeper into the mud hole? Perhaps the COVID situation did help in that the parliamentarians did not behave dishonorably in the actual Parliament Building but in a location where weddings, fairs, circus and funerals are held. The Speaker of the House adds to this undesirable travesty in our country. It is evident that he lacks the underlying depth of character for this position.

It is a sad and hopeless situation. Are there no good men and women left in Guyana? Have they all migrated? I encourage President Ali since he appears to have a progressive agenda: If you really want to succeed, you have to replace most of the appointments you made in the government and public service with persons who are capable of executing and delivering the many projects you identified. Yours truly, Harrish Singh

To avoid ‘Dutch Disease’ in the social and political sectors, the government has to outline detailed programs DEAR EDITOR, There is great concern that, over the next 25 years, Guyana will become infected with the oil ‘Dutch Disease’ in its economic, financial, social and political sectors. In the 2021 National Budget, the government states that it will “avoid the pitfalls of oil producers that are infected with ‘Dutch Disease’ by setting up a strong institutional and regulatory framework that will operate on best practices and principles, and by using oil resources responsibly and transparently to catalyze development and create opportunities for all Guyanese. The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will be expanded into a comprehensive strategy based on an energy mix of oil, gas, solar, hydro, wind, agroenergy and biomass, while preserving our pristine environment”. “The economy will be restructured with new Corridors of Development across Guyana by using oil funds to build infrastructure for energy projects, roads, bridges, sea and river defenses, drainage and irrigation canals, ferries, internet broadband, and for new housing areas”. In the economic sector, countries with ‘Dutch Disease’ exhibit the following symptoms: very little economic diversification; foreign and local investments are skewed towards the oil and gas sector; small businesses receive little support; local businesses in the non-oil sectors are not competitive; and there is dependence on all kinds of imports, including food and raw materials that could be produced in the country. In Budget 2021, the government states that it is committed to building a “diversified and competitive economy in traditional, new and emerging sectors that will

create meaningful and rewarding jobs and a dynamic entrepreneurial small business sector”. The Budget provides detailed information on expanding the non-oil sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transportation, financial, engineering, Information and Communications Technology [ICT], forestry, mining, tourism and housing. Research and Development (R&D) will be funded to make the local private sector more competitive through a National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council; through business incubators for start-ups and existing medium and small businesses; through agroprocessing and packaging facilities; through forestry conservation services; through industrial estates such as the new Wales Development Authority; and through agricultural diversification such as the Intermediate Savannahs Development Initiative. In the financial sector, countries with ‘Dutch Disease’ exhibit the following symptoms: over-dependence on crude oil exports for government revenue; borrowing from the forward sales of crude oil; bad budget planning; unrestrained public spending; inefficient and ineffective implementation of capital budgets; and bad management of government debt with large debt-to-GDP ratios.

In Budget 2021, the government states that it is committed to “strengthening revenue administration by decreasing the financing of the government deficit to 8.7% of GDP from 9.4% in 2020 to allow better access to financing for the private sector; carefully targeting and managing government expenditure, especially for capital projects; and prudently managing government debt (US$2.6 billion) by sourcing development financing and servicing debt obligations at the lowest possible cost”. To avoid the risk of overheating the economy, the government projects that “the foreign exchange rate will not appreciate significantly so that the non-oil economic sectors are not negatively affected. The level of external reserves will be increased and the inflation rate will be kept low at 1.6%. The debt-to-GDP ratio of 47.4% will not be significantly increased.” In the social sector, countries with ‘Dutch Disease’ exhibit the following symptoms: high crime rates; education systems that do not produce many graduates for the non-oil sectors; more jobs in the public service than in the private sector; few job and business opportunities for youth; unequal pay for national professionals compared to foreign professionals; high pay for political office holders and (Continued on page 6)

City Hall rehabilitation funding commendable DEAR EDITOR, According to media reports, the Government has allocated 100 million dollars for rehabilitation works on City Hall. This is commendable. For too long that imposing structure remained a monument of shame on those who administer the affairs of the City. Yours truly, Hydar Ally

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Kaieteur News has shifted its position on local content policy DEAR EDITOR, I am not surprised that Kaieteur News in its February 28, 2021 edition shifted its position from supporting a strong local content policy for Guyana and all its citizens to now aligning itself with the International Oil Companies (IOC) to ‘water-down’ and mislead on the current policy, which is still a work in progress. As a concerned member of the public who has been following the debates and discussion relating to Guyana’s Oil and Gas development, I found this article which was titled “Natural Resource Ministry Plagiarized targets from Ghana’s local content regulations” misleading and spurious.

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I must remind readers that since the discovery of oil in 2015 not much was done by the previous administration to craft much less operationalize a Local Content Policy. However, under the current PPP/C Administration, soon after assuming office established a Presidential Local Content Advisory Panel which compiled ideas, suggestions and criticisms from a wide cross section of stakeholders over the past few months. Subsequently, just over two weeks ago, a stakeholders’ consultation on Guyana’s draft Local Content Policy for the petroleum sector was hosted by no other than President Dr. Irfaan Ali, where ideas were once again shared

and suggestions for a comprehensive and inclusive Local Content Policy for the benefit of all Guyanese. Please note work on the policy has not ceased there as there is a second tier of consultations currently ongoing. The process is open and consultative to ensure everyone is heard and all views are brought to the fore for deliberations. The Kaieteur News needs to recognize that it is being misled by the International Oil Companies to discredit the ongoing deliberations for a stringent Local Content Policy, which will be a culmination of the contributions from a wide cross sector of stakeholders. In summary, as a Guyanese, interested in the general development of Guyana, and thus having an interest in the local content policy, I am of the firm belief that the current government through wide ranging consultations as we have seen will eventually deliver a final local content policy which derive maximum benefits for all Guyanese. This sector is new to all of us and we need to band together to ensure this and future generations benefit from all of our natural resources. Yours truly, E. Smith Editor’s Note. Kaieteur News has consistently championed the need for a fair deal for Guyanese in the oil and gas sector. This includes ensuring that Guyanese are given policies that are tailored to our national situation and not cut and pasted wholesale from other jurisdictions.

To avoid ‘Dutch Disease’ in the social... From page 5 low incomes for workers and farmers; inadequate health services; unequal development of indigenous communities; brain drain; and an ineffective immigration policy. In Budget 2021, the government has increased funding: to provide equal access to a well-balanced quality education system across the country; to technical and vocational centres for meeting the new demands in the labour market; to create jobs and businesses for young people through a Youth Advisory Council, a Youth Innovation Program and a National Job Bank; to expand specialty care in mental health and suicide prevention services; to Indigenous (Amerindian) communities that include the Land Titling program, a Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Program, boats, tractors, roads, solar projects; potable water, the internet, scholarships, and the hiring of Community Service Officers; and finally to aggressively involve the diaspora through a Diaspora Council and a Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Plan of Action. Increased funds have also been allocated: for COVID relief; for ending violence against women; for empowering persons with disabilities; for increased pensions to seniors; for people on social assistance;

for mortgage interest relief; for assistance to students in nursery, primary and secondary schools; and for local civil society organizations. In the political sphere, countries with ‘Dutch Disease’ exhibit the following symptoms: political instability, inter-ethnic conflicts, and weak, ineffective and corrupt public institutions. In Budget 2021, the government states that it is committed to “practicing democracy; respecting the Constitution and the rule of law; governing in inclusive ways; safeguarding justice; securing the environment; and by improving the quality of public services and reforming government systems to make them more accessible, inclusive, transparent and accountable”. Funds have been allocated “for the Constitutional Reform Committee, the Law Reform Commission and the One Guyana Commission; for strengthening the justice sector; and for improving operational efficiencies in key agencies namely the National Procurement and Tender Administration, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Police Force, the Customs Administration, the Bureau of Standards, the Bureau of Statistics, and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils [NDCs]”.

These are comprehensive and impressive plans. However, to ensure their successful implementation, these key challenges have to be addressed. To avoid ‘Dutch Disease’ in the economic sector, it is fundamental that the government fund marketing institutions for supporting businesses in the non-oil sectors to expand exports. Most businesses need support to successfully pursue export opportunities for their products and services in current and new export markets. We have to start with the markets (demand) and then work back to production (supply). Secondly, to avoid ‘Dutch Disease’ in the social and political sectors, the government has to outline detailed programs: for regular and genuine consultations with Guyanese at home and in the diaspora; for measuring and reducing rural and hinterland poverty; for minimizing corrupt activities and ending the culture of impunity where corrupt politicians and officials escape sanctions, fines, convictions and dismissals; for reducing the crime rate; for avoiding ‘square pegs in round holes’; for generating brain circulation from the diaspora; and for a new immigration policy to manage the recruitment of skilled labour from overseas. Yours truly, Geoffrey Da Silva

The President’s commitment to... From page 4 know where the dog was. The dog suddenly showed up from the bushy area. She grabbed him and locked them both in the house. That morning we saw her frightening side. She was swearing, screaming, crying, and threatening a neighbour who she thought had made the report. Several neighbours looked out from their windows making hand signs indicating how she beats her dog. Because of her threats and lack of co-operation, backup was requested. Three officers including ASP Williams arrived at the scene. All the officers knew the woman and her history; she was a regular at the station. ASP Williams, was gentle and caring when speaking with the woman. After another 30 minutes of talking, she reluctantly handed the traumatized and frightened animal over to the GSPCA Inspector. We put the distressed dog in a kennel in my pickup but before we could leave the woman threw herself on the ground in front of the vehicle, hurling threats

at us and her neighbours. She screamed, demanding the return of her dog. The police warned her to cease and desist from that behaviour and she finally relented. An ARAPS member is currently fostering the dog that is being showered with love and will soon be spayed. This case was particularly sad because of the emotional condition of the owner of the dog. She undoubtedly had strong feelings for her pet, feelings that moved from extreme love to extreme abuse. This is not the first such case and will not be the last. We may have saved the life of an abused animal but maybe we need to be asking another question as well: What can we do to improve conditions for animal owners who need animals for the therapeutic benefits received from them? I want to thank our President for his powerful words and his commitment as demonstrated by our police force. Thanks to Commander Error Watts, for being a nononsense, get-the-job-done

commander. Thanks to ASP K. Williams for his gentle yet strong approach to the situation and Sergeant Correia, and three other officers (Persaud, Alleyene and Willis). Thanks to Neigbourhood Police officer, Nicole Frank, for allowing the emotional woman to hug her. A very special thanks to Commander Mahendra Siwnarine, who assured us his Division 4 “C” will support our work in eliminating animal cruelty. Thank you also to Commander Khalid Mandall who is currently stationed in Region 1, for his many years of assisting us during his tenure in Region 4. Thanks also Asp Mohamed Ally (Cove & John), who is very supportive and always helpful. Once again, thanks to GSPCA, for its ongoing support, as well as all the neighbours who help control animal cruelty by keeping their eyes and ears open and reporting cases of cruelty to the proper authorities; working together we can eliminate animal cruelty. Yours faithfully, S. Manbodh

Monday March 01, 2021

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The PPP never opposed Guyana becoming a Republic [N.B.: There was a typographical mistake in yesterday’s column. It stated that the Minister had raced ahead and set the date for the DCB elections. This should have read the GCB elections and not the DCB elections which were reportedly ordered by the Court. This column apologizes for the mistake.] If we accept that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) represented more than half of the electorate in 1970, then it is false to say that the majority of Guyanese did not support the attainment of Republican status. The PPP was always supportive of Guyana becoming a republic. What the PPP opposed was the type of Republic which existed, one which Jagan viewed as a smokescreen for capitalistimperialist domination. It is the same type of domination which is rearing its ugly head today through foreign control of our oil and gold. The PPP had its reservations about what took place on February 23, 1970. And these reservations were expressed by Dr. Cheddi Jagan in his address to the National Assembly. Jagan made it known that Guyana becoming a republic was always one of the main objectives of his party. He listed the others as universal adult suffrage, voting at age 18, self-government and Independence. Addressing the National Assembly one year prior to Guyana becoming a Republic, Jagan said that the PPP’s position has always been, as matter of principle, in support of republicanism. He would have preferred however for Guyana to become a Republic and to sever all constitutional ties with Great Britain upon the

country attaining it Independence. But he said when he raised this issue in London in 1962/63, Burnham said he preferred to have the monarchy for a little while. He said that the attainment of Republican status was not based on principle. He saw it as merely a means through which Burnham could subvert the courts by outlawing appeals to the Privy Council. For Jagan, the Republic declaration also was a mere change in form and not in substance since in his mind the colonists has merely surrendered symbols and forms rather than substance. For him, cooperative socialism was hoax. He said it was a cloak and cover for neocolonialism and a capitalistimperialist republic. He was correct because even at Republic, the commanding heights of the economy were in foreign hands. He himself asked how could a socialist society be established when the economic foundation and the political and ideological superstructure were becoming more and more under imperialist control; when the country’s resources were being bartered away, and when the country had “been mortgaged and strangled by huge local and foreign debts; when the real producers are penalized, agriculture hindered and industrialization stifled…” He was convinced that so long as the economic structure was in the hands of foreign capitalists, that cooperative socialism would fail. His prediction proved accurate. Even when the economy was controlled by the State, cooperative socialism failed. Jagan was not convinced that cooperatives would work even though in principle he

was not opposed to cooperatives. Cooperative socialism he said was a mere slogan. History proved him correct. He also did not believe that cooperatives was the means to achieve socialism. Rather, he said, it is only socialism which will permit of the growth and development of cooperatives. Again, history deferred to him. According to Jagan, “Conceptually, republicanism was a declaration of independence, an enunciation of the principle that sovereignty derives from the people and not from tyrants.” But in Guyana the sovereignty of the people had been hijacked by electoral fraud by a minority regime which was running roughshod over the rights and aspirations of the people. At the time of Guyana becoming a republic, the PPP spoke on behalf of the majority of Guyanese and the PPP’s position has always been and still is in support of Guyana becoming a Republic. It is very important that the young generation not be deceived into believing the revisionist drivel which is now being pedalled that the majority of the population did not support Guyana becoming a Republic. But one must ask what is behind this revising of history. Why is this inaccurate position now being peddled in the public? To what ends? God knows that Guyana is being recolonized by foreign oil and gold companies which are riding roughshod over our people’s claim to a fair share of the national patrimony. The least thing that Guyana needs at this stage is a distortion of our history which would suggest that the people of Guyana were

DEM BOYS SEH

Cricket in de jungle Dave Martins bin sing a song about cricket in de jungle. Dat is exactly wah happening with cricket in Guyana – it tun into a cat fight fuh power. Some of dem wah fighting think dem is tiger cat. Others think dem is jaguar, and others believe dem is Lion King. Ole people always seh when de animals fight de grass does get crush! And is de cricket getting crush. All dis problem start because de government too covetous. Dem had dem reasons why dem wanted to bruk up de cricket Board. One of dem friends bin even try fuh tek over de Bourda Cricket Ground which lease from de government. Since den, de match playing dem in de courts. Law become de umpire. Dem boys wan know how come is only a cricket law dem gat? How come de same law nah apply to dem other sport wah does also

gat power play. Dem boys seh de problem can’t solve in de courtroom. De Om-Buds-Man can’t solve de problem. De law is de problem. Law pass fuh try fuh tek over cricket. If de law is de problem, de only way fuh solve de problem is fuh get rid of de law. And allow dem association to run dem business, de way it used to run long ago. Dem never had all dis problem when Norman was in charge or when Chetty tek over. But since de government poke it nose in business wah nah concern it, is sheer court step rather than pavilion step dem players gat fuh climb. Elections nah gan solve de problem. Court decision nah gan solve de problem. Dem cats gat to sit down and talk. Talk half and tell the son of Ram dat he need wan trustworthy interlocutor.

divided at the time the country became a Republic. (The views expressed in

this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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Amidst case backlog, Human Services Ministry pushes for adoption of older children Members of the new Adoption Board.

SERVICES

VACANCY

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

Female cleaner office & home Call 642-9823 Vacancy exists for one clearner to work at Innovations America. Contact Rohan on 226-9416 or 653-6750 Vacancy for one sales rep at innovations America, sales experience is an asset. Contact Rohan 226-9416

FOR RENT 2 bedroom apartment for rent located at Huston, E.B.D Contact 686-0653 PROPERTY FOR SALE 3 Story- 1486 Hersterling E.B.D, 2 Story - M88 Onderneeming WBD. Tel# 641-3893/ 697-4557/ 6093777/ 686-0522 LAND FOR SALE For sale, land at Mahaica road side Tel#691-8420/ 227-1042

Dian's Deli Barr street kitty counter attendant girls to work from 6:15am to 1:30pm Tel#621-7862 Delivery riders - Country 120 jobs available to ride company o w n e d motorbikes.Phone:658-9124 or email jobs@gorchum.com Immediate vacancy exists for one lorry/ canter driver @Del Ice Meadow Bank Tel#2311408 / 642-9191 One experience cook 30-50yrs (female) attractive salary. Tel#610-3974 Receptionist 30-55 yrs old 233 South rd Lacytown Tel#2250198

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With over 150 children between the ages of nine and sixteen in childcare institutions across the country, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), have been lobbying the public to increase the adoption of older children. The push for adoption of older children comes amidst reports of a backlog in adoption cases. According to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, older children represent 25 to 30 percent of those currently in the childcare system. Dr. Persaud noted that these children are often over overlooked because of their age. Many of them she said remain in the homes until “they age out,” of the system without being afforded the opportunity to experience or benefit from an ideal family setting. “It is really sad because when most people think about adopting, they automatically think of a baby or toddler but these older children are in need of just as much love and support as the babies. We want to draw the public’s attention, particularly those who are thinking of adopting to the situation of the older children,” the Minister said in an interview with Kaieteur News.

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Dr. Persaud stressed too, that institutional care is not ideal for the transition of children into adulthood. “The ideal situation would be for these children to be reunited with their families or with loving families who adopt them,” she lamented. The Minister noted that unlike foster care, adoption which is the legal process of taking responsibility for a child or children, takes longer. “There are a number of legal and procedural hurdles to cross before the actual adoption is complete. There is the interviewing, monitoring and assessment process that is involved to ensure that the applicants who want to adopt have the necessary facilities to take care of the children before the process is finalised. It could take years, that‘s why we are appealing for persons to start the process as early as possible because after the age of 18, the children are no longer eligible,” she added. As such, part of their efforts to address the issue, the Ministry and its partners have released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) appealing for the adoption of older children in the system. According to Dr. Persuad, the Ministry has been working with the CPA and the adoption board to spread awareness about the issue. The Minister said that the objective of the PSA “is to hopefully get more people to adopt the older children.” The PSA which features video clips and messages from First Lady Arya Ali and Chairman of the adoption board Anya RahamanPersaud and Director of the CPA Ann Green, has circulated on social media or on television over the past several weeks. Their message encapsulated the call for persons to give consideration to the older children in the system a chance at adoption. In her appeal to the public, the Adoption Board Chairman emphasized “No matter their ages, the children

need loving and supportive families to provide the necessary tools for them to grow socially, spiritually and emotionally… They too need to experience and understand the role of a family in the system of socialisation”. BACKLOG As current chairman of the newly installed adoption board, Rahaman-Persaud and members of her team which include Subhadra Sukhai; Anuradha Persaud; Vanessa Benn; Sarah Ibrahim; Dwayne Adams; Sylvia Conway and Anne Greene, Director of CPA, as an ex-Officio member/ secretary have the task of addressing the backlog of adoption cases. Kaieteur News understands that the backlog of cases is due to the board not being functional for an entire year leading up to the installation of the new committee which held its first meeting in November of last year. This newspaper was informed that as a result there are more than thirty cases in the system that should have been dealt with last year but were not addressed owing to the several issues which affected the functions of the board. Additionally, this newspaper was told that the board processes at least 40 local and international applications for adoption, annually. The cases from last year have been rolled over to the applications for this year, thus, increasing the work of the board. During the interview with this publication, Minister Persaud disclosed that the new board started working towards clearing the backlog. The Minister noted too, that while efforts are being made to clear the excess cases, there has been increased focus on reviewing the local Adoption Act. ADOPTION ACT REVIEW She noted that at present, the amendment of the Act will provide for the insertion of the new Second Schedule of the Principal Act – Hague Convention of May 19, 1993,

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. According to Dr. Persaud, it will allow for more scrutiny regarding international adoption to protect the nation’s children from exploitation, trafficking and abuse. Among other things, the Act will provide for a home study report on prospective adoptive parents to be conducted by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. These include criminal checks and a full, complete statement of all facts relevant to the eligibility of the prospective parents under the Hague Convention. In the interim, the Government halted international adoption since Guyana was not complying with its obligations as a signatory to the Hague Convention. She said once the legislation is amended, international adoption will resume and all international guidelines will be followed to ensure adopted children are placed in a safe and comfortable environment. In the meantime, the adoption board continues to work to address the local adoptions to assist children who may have been institutionalised due to neglect, abuse or any other unfortunate circumstances.

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Monday March 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

Pastor dies in motorcycle bus collision Toddler critical after A West Coast Berbice man is now dead following an accident on the Number 29 Public Road, West Coast Berbice. Dead is McKenley Farley, 48 of Number 37 Village. Kaieteur News understands that Farley who was a pastor and also worked with the Guyana Sugar Corporation East Berbice Operations, was riding his motorcycle in an easterly direction on the northern side of the highway when a mini bus reportedly moving at a fast rate and proceeding west swerved into his lane while overtaking. Farley was struck and flung off of his motorcycle. The motorcycle was damaged beyond recognition and his mangled remains were taken away to the Fort Wellington hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigations are in progress.

accidently being knocked over by car

Dead, McKenley Farley

U.S. seeks to put Saudi crown prince in his place - for now- Biden says he will make announcement on Saudi Arabia tomorrow DUBAI - (Reuters) - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may have been spared direct punishment after a U.S. intelligence report implicated him in the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but he has not emerged unscathed. The declassified report, based on CIA intelligence, concludes that the prince approved an operation to “capture or kill” Khashoggi, who was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. President Joe Biden’s decision to publish a report that his predecessor Donald Trump had set aside brings with it a broad refocusing of Washington’s stance on dealing with the kingdom, on its human rights record, and on its lucrative arms purchases. By pointing the finger so publicly at Prince Mohammed, the kingdom’s ruler in practice but not in name, Washington has also made it harder for its Western allies to deal with him directly. But while it may want to cut the 35-year-old crown

prince down to size, Washington knows it can ill afford to break entirely with its oldest Arab ally and the main counterweight to Iran in the region. “What we’ve done ... is not to rupture the relationship but to recalibrate it to be more in line with our interests and our values,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters. Biden yesterday said his administration would make an announcement on Saudi Arabia tomorrow. The Biden administration has faced some criticism, notably an editorial in the Washington Post, that the president should have been tougher on the crown prince, who was not sanctioned despite being blamed for approving Khashoggi’s murder. Asked about punishing the crown prince, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, who is also known as MbS, Biden said: “There will be an announcement tomorrow as to what we are going to be doing with Saudi Arabia gener-

ally.” Elisabeth Kendall, senior research fellow in Arabic & Islamic studies at the University of Oxford, said the report was “supremely embarrassing for Saudi Arabia” and “places other world leaders in the awkward position of having to decide if, when and how to continue dealing with the crown prince”. Prince Mohammed has denied any involvement in Khashoggi’s killing, for which eight people were jailed in Saudi Arabia last year, but has said he bears ultimate responsibility because it happened on his watch. The U.S. administration imposed sanctions on 76 Saudis, including close collaborators of the prince, sparing the crown prince himself. But Biden has indicated he will look more widely at human rights in Saudi Arabia, where the prince has crushed dissent and sidelined or even imprisoned rivals, including close relatives, in his drive to consolidate power. Biden said on Friday he

had made it clear, in a call with King Salman, that killings of political opponents were not acceptable and that human rights abuses must be tackled. Already, two Saudi political activists with U.S. citizenship have been freed on bail pending trials. Prominent women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was also freed after nearly three years in prison, where her relatives said she had been tortured, something the authorities denied.A source familiar with Riyadh’s thinking said both moves were “part of leverage for a new relationship with the Biden administration”. The call to King Salman was evidence of Biden’s stated intention to revert to standard protocol by communicating with the ruler, not his heir.“It is just symbolic enough to show that Trump put Prince Mohammed in a position that he doesn’t deserve, not one that fits him, and it is time to put him back where he belongs,” said a Western diplomat in Riyadh.

Deirdre Campbell of SACH Soaps is a young female entrepreneur... From page 14 KN: What is your day like when you aren’t working tirelessly for your brand? Do you allow yourself a day off? DC: This is something that I have much difficulty with. Only recently have I been able to admit and accept that at some point I do deserve some time off to myself. I haven’t been quite successful at it, but I am putting much greater effort into allowing myself to relax even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. But generally, there is no time off when it comes to me and my next stepping stone. KN: What’s next for SACH? What is the goal for 2021? DC: The SACH 2021 goal is to begin combining our efforts with that of other small local businesses to offer a complete shopping experience. We’re definitely not one to think that we can do it all and we certainly have a love for businesses that are unique and have a distinct identity. We can’t wait to brainstorm with fellow geniuses! KN: Based on your

experience thus far, do you believe women are underestimated, underrepresented, or underappreciated, and if yes, how would you propose this being changed? DC: I can only speak for myself and this would be my take: I don’t consider myself to be a victim of anything. I maintain that in everything you do, you will face somewhat of a challenge, and overcoming a challenge goes hand in hand with growth. The key to it, however, is to not deter from your objectives. You must decide that winning is your only option. This doesn’t mean that you’re not allowed to be unsettled or exasperated when someone or something hinders your process. Mishaps are inevitable and sometimes it’s frowned upon when a woman exhibits what we may consider to be negative emotions in response to it. I, however, don’t believe in stifling those emotions. We have them because we’re human. What you do and achieve at the end of all of those emotions is

what really matters. KN: Do you believe there are specific challenges hindering the advancement of women-owned businesses in Guyana? And what more would you recommend be done to support their growth in 2021 and beyond? DC: Well, personally I’ve been seeing tons of womenled businesses killing it in their fields! My conjecture for the growth of these businesses would be to master their art/craft in the respective fields, to always lead and never follow along with continuously focusing on improvement. Complacency should never be allowed. My belief is that once this is their stance, all else will fall into place inevitably. KN: How has being an entrepreneur impacted your views on life and what’s the most valuable lesson you have learned thus far? DC: Being an entrepreneur has definitely opened my eyes to the harsh realities of the world, but has also reassured me of the kindness of strangers.

Having to combat the negativity being thrown my way becomes somewhat easy when I think of all of the support I have from our loyal customers and the family and friends I have standing with me. The most valuable lesson to come out of this is that there is balance to everything. Nothing comes easy. There is good and bad in all that we do. You just have to choose which side you’d like to dwell on. With this I’d like to thank my support system for always grounding me no matter the circumstance: 1.My mom, Shirley Cheong 2.My dad, Randy Campbell, 3.My brother, Brandon Campbell, 4.My uncle, Mike Cheong, 5.My aunt, Elaine Cheong. Each of these people have molded me into the person I am today, and for that, I will always be grateful. (If you’re interested in the SACH Soaps experience, be sure to make contact on 6112465)

An 18-month-old baby girl is currently in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after her father accidently reversed his motor car into her at their Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara home. The incident which left Adena Ramkissoon hospitalised, occurred sometime on Sunday morning when Danny Ramkissioon, the girl’s father, was about to leave home to ply his trade as a taxi driver. Ramkissoon who operates a home-based taxi service, reported to the police that he was in his white old-model Raum car and was reversing out of his yard when he felt as though his vehicle ran over something. The man recalled that im-

mediately, he stopped and exited the car to check what it was. Upon checking he observed his 18-month-old daughter lying motionless under the left rear side of the car. Ramkissoon quickly alerted his wife after which they rushed her to the hospital where she was admitted to the Emergency Unit in a critical condition. Police said that statements have not yet been taken due to both parents being traumatized. An investigation has since been launched. Just yesterday Kaieteur News reported on a similar incident where a 20-month-old baby boy is now dead after his father accidently reversed his truck into him which crushed his death.

Passengers walk free of attempted murder charge for taxi driver A construction worker and poultry rearer on Thursday walked free of attempting to kill a taxi-driver. The matter involving Ernest James, 25, of Lot 179 Old Road Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and Linden Flavius, 31, was being heard in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. On their first court appearance they were not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that on July 11, 2019, at John Fernandes Squatting Area, Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Derrick Nelson. On Thursday last, the matter was dismissed after Nelson failed to appear in court to testify on multiple occasions. It was alleged that on the

day in question, Nelson who is a taxi driver, was hired by the accused to take them to West Ruimveldt Back Road. After Nelson picked up the men and was on his way to the instructed destination, Flavius pulled out a gun from his pants and held the taxi driver at gunpoint while James allegedly dealt the victim several stabs about his body with an ice-pick. It was reported that the men then relieved Nelson of his cash and jewellery before escaping through some nearby bushes. The vehicle then crashed into a pile of wood and the victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was hospitalized for several weeks. The matter was later reported and an investigation was launched leading to the arrest of the two accused.

Suriname will give preference ... From page 2 News, the Donald Ramotar administration had ignored the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) when the regulator advised that the government could facilitate competitive bidding acquiring Guyana’s oil block ‘C’, after at least four oil companies had shown interest in the area. Two of the interested companies were Repsol from Spain, and Royal Dutch Shell from the Netherlands, both major international players in oil and gas, as announced by a source.Many have criticized Guyana’s contract with ExxonMobil as lopsided and unfair to the people of Guyana. Global Witness

had even calculated that the poor terms would cause the country to lose US$55B over the life of the contract. It has criticized Guyana’s leaders for the part they played in the signing away of the massive concession to the multinationals, ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC.Despite facing international and local condemnation, neither of the major parties has shown interest in securing better terms for the people. ExxonMobil has even boasted that it has received assurances from the parties that the contract will remain intact, and that its projects will be allowed to move forward.

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Canelo Alvarez dominates overmatched Avni Yildirim in wildly one-sided bout Yahoo Sports - Canelo Alvarez’s “stay busy” fight went by without incident on Saturday, as the super middleweight champion dominated challenger Avni Yildirim on his way to a third-round TKO win in Miami. After an uneventful first round, Alvarez came alive, or at least stayed awake while Yildirim allowed him to throw a number of uncontested shots. Alvarez scored his first knockdown midway through the third round and stayed in control from there. Yildirim’s trainer could be heard telling his fighter he would allow him to go on like that for one more round, but apparently that was too much. Yildirim was unable to rise for the fourth round, and a one-sided fight was offi-

cially over. Yildirim landed the fight against Alvarez as a mandatory challenger through the WBC, having previously agreed to waive that status to set up a fight between Alvarez and Callum Smith last December. There was little reason for Yildirim to face the biggest star in boxing otherwise, as he had not fought in two years entering Saturday, lost his last fight and tested positive for two performance-enhancing drugs in Oct. 2019. Alvarez was a -5000 favorite at BetMGM. That might have been underrating his chances. What’s next for Canelo Alvarez? Alvarez’s win over Yildirim is the first step of a massive year that Alvarez has

Saul Alvarez and Avni Yildirim during their WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine super middleweight championship bout at Hard Rock Stadium. (Ed Mulholland, Matchroom). planned, after fighting just once in all o 2020. Up next is a reported fight against WBO super middle-

Monday March 01, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The good news is this - it gets better. There could be some trying times in store, Aries. If you're a parent, the children will ask for something every five minutes, and you may feel pressure from all sides.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The results of the recent planetary influence are coming home to roost, Libra. If everything went according to plan, you gained some insight into your ego. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today rethink all the social values you take at face value. Like the rest of us, you learned them at an early age and accepted them unthinkingly. GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today is an ideal day to shop for a new wardrobe. You may find your usual style too conventional or uncomfortably trendy. CANCER(June21–July22) The topic of the day is knowledge and learning. Did you study the field you really wanted to? Do you feel bad about not having attended such-and-such school or program? LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The planetary alignment is favorable, and you're in the process of reaping the benefits, Leo. It was only a matter of becoming aware of and settling certain matters related to your need for social recognition. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may feel hemmed in by the role models society currently offers. As you struggle to reach your own definition of the truly innovative achiever, other people sometimes criticize your rather liberated attitude.

A small crisis is still a crisis, isn't it, Scorpio? You can expect one in your personal life today. Since you aren't the kind of person who lets issues go unresolved, you won't be able to put off dealing with your problems any longer. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Something has to change. You knew it as soon as you woke up this morning. Your mirror provides the impetus for important resolutions today. Is it time to begin a diet, commit to exercising more, or strengthen your resolve to quit smoking? CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The only good thing about being on an emotional roller coaster is that you never feel the same way for long. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You might want to check your alarm clock to be sure it really woke you up this morning. Your tendency today will be to stay in the cocoon of your little dream world, deep in your own thoughts. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There's something in the air pushing you toward change or renewal. Is it time to change your wardrobe or redecorate your home? If so, today's the day.

weight champion Billy Joe Saunders in a unification bout on Cinco de Mayo weekend. While the 30-0 Saunders figures to present a greater challenge, Alvarez still figures to be heavily favored as he tries to bring together ever major super middleweight title. Eddie Hearn confirmed after the fight that Alvarez would fight Saunders on May 8.Even though Alvarez will have theoretically fought three times in six months if he follows that plan, Alvarez’s

Canelo Alvarez dominates overmatched Avni Yildirim in wildly one-sided bout. manager and trainer said in December that Alvarez also plans to fight on the weekend of Mexican Independence Day in September. Among the possible opponents for that fight is IBF super middleweight title holder Caleb Plant. If that’s the plan, an undefeated 2021 would make Alvarez the undisputed champion at super middleweight, and further burnish one of the great careers in modern boxing history.

RHTYSC, MS teams, Butcher Family... From page 26 cricketers each received a complete cricket uniform. The Butcher Fund also donated a large amount of household items along with three cases of Ensure Milk to a ninety-eight years old resident of Rose Hall Town who was brutally raped and beaten by bandits who broke into her home on Monday evening. The Fund also installed solar lights in the senior citizen home and yard in an effort to offer her protection at nights. Foster is also spearheading a project to repair the stairs to the home and several windows. The RHTYSC, MS Secretary and President of the Berbice Cricket Board has committed the award-winning club to assisting the oldest living resident of Rose Hall Town as long as she lives. He also issued an appeal to the Guyana Police Force to bring those responsible for the crime to justice. The Fund also handed over a financial contribution to the Kildonan Cricket Club to assist them to purchase two boxes of balls. Blossom Butcher in brief remarks praised the outstanding work of the club and stated that her father was a strong supporter of its effort to touch the lives of the less fortunate. She pledged to work along with the RHTYSC Management to make the 2021 edition a success. Foster disclosed that the second edition of the fund would actually start around August as the organisers would use the next six months to raise the necessary finance for the project. Special emphasis, he stated, would be placed on assisting less fortunate cricketers, families and students. Basil Butcher played 44 test matches for the West Indies between 1958 to 1969, scoring 3104 runs at an average of 43.11 with seven centuries.

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Team Mohamed’s fulfilled fans’ popular request of an exhibition run with their Lamborghini Aventador.

Kaieteur News

Team Mohamed’s smashes strip record

Monday March 01, 2021

Team Mohamed’s Nissan GTR ‘Godzilla’ reset the strip record yesterday.

T

he first round of the Guyana Motor South Dakota Strip record with a blistering Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) time of 7.5 seconds. In the feature unlimited class race, Godzilla Drag Championship lived up to the hype and the fans who were lucky enough wheeled away to a decent start and picked up to enter the venue yesterday were thrilled the pace to ease away from sister-car, Team with some exciting races as history was Mohamed’s Nissan GTR ‘Goliath’ and the already raving fans erupted into jubilation when created. Team Mohamed’s remained undefeated the result was announced. Other results from yesterday’s drag race at the Timehri venue and their trump car the Nissan GTR ‘Godzilla’ (white) smashed the meet will be published in tomorrow’s issue.

I’d sooner miss the Olympics than take COVID vaccine

- Yohan Blake’s Tokyo 2020 shock revelation SportsMax - Usain Bolt’s one-time great rival Yohan Blake has declared he will refuse all COVID-19 vaccines, and would rather miss the Tokyo 2020 Olympics than be immunised. The Jamaican sprinter won silver in the 100 metres and 200m at London 2012, as Bolt landed gold in both races. Only Bolt has ever run faster than Blake over those distances. Speaking on Saturday, Blake expressed his opposition to being given a vaccine. The International Olympic Committee has indicated athletes will not need to be vaccinated before taking part in the Tokyo Games, but vice-president John Coates recently said it was “certainly being encouraged”. The Olympics, postponed from last year due to the coronavirus crisis, is due to run from July 23 to August 8. Quoted by the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, Blake said: “My mind still stays strong, I don’t want any vaccine, I’d rather miss the Olympics than take the vaccine, I am not taking it. “I don’t really want to get into it now, but I have my reasons.” Blake, who won 100m gold at the 2011 World Championships, is now 31 and Tokyo

may be his last chance to shine on the Olympic stage. He said in a video posted late on Saturday night: “Love me or dislike me, but I am here for a reason, to serve God, and at the same time be a servant for God to help each and every one. “I am a righteous man, I am a man of God, and I believe that everybody do have a choice in life, no matter what. And I want to tell someone, don’t let anyone take away that choice from you.“At the end of the day if anything should happen, nobody’s going to be by your side apart from God. No one is going to be there to hold your hand, it’s going to be you. “Follow your mind, don’t follow the crowd. At the same time, be respectful to each and every one. Don’t let no one take away your choice.” Jamaica has had 422 confirmed deaths from COVID-19, and 23,263 cases, the country’s government announced on Saturday. The country has yet to receive first shipments of a vaccine, but health minister Dr Christopher Tufton said on Friday they would “soon” arrive.

Monday March 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

West Indies players have been in preparation for the Sri Lanka series. (CWI)

Four-Day “Best v Best” West Indies squads announced in preparation Sri Lanka Tests ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection panel yesterday named 26 players to participate in a “Best v Best” fourday practice match in preparation for the upcoming Test Series against Sri Lanka. The match will be held on March 8-11 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) ahead of the two Test matches which will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, in Antigua. Several members of the West Indies Test team which beat Bangladesh in the recent series have been named for the match, while other recent Test squad players are participating in the CGI Insurance ODI Series from March 10-14. CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper explained the concept and outlined the details. “The ‘Best v Best’ game is firstly part of our preparation for the Test series against Sri Lanka. It gives the players who performed well in the last West Indies Championship an opportunity to showcase their skills, playing against each other, which we expect to be very competitive and put forward a case for themselves. It is a chance to raise their stock and show what they can do,” Harper said. “The Test series win in Bangladesh was a real joy to watch. The results were brilliant, but it was the passion, the application and the determination, as well as the team spirit that were exactly what we wanted to see. It was most encouraging to see everyone pulling together and working hard for each other and enjoying each other’s success. I think the team performed much better than many people thought they were capable of doing. I am really looking forward to seeing the team move

forward and build from here,” he concluded. SQUAD A: Kraigg Brathwite (captain), Shamarh Brooks, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Derval Green, Keon Harding, Shimron Hetmyer, Kavem Hodge, Paul Palmer jr, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieran Powell, Preston McSween, Jayden Seales. SQUAD B: Roston Chase (captain), Sunil Ambris, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, John Campbell, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Imran Khan, Marquino Mindley, Shayne Moseley, Raymon Reifer, Nial Smith, Jomel Warrican. Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel have been rested for this match due to their workload management. FULLMATCH SCHEDULE CCG – Coolidge Cricket Ground SVRS – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium March 3: 1st T20I at CCG – 6pm Eastern Caribbean Time (ECT), 5pm Jamaica Time (JT) March 5: 2nd T20I at CCG – 6pm ECT/ 5pm JT March 7: 3rd T20I at CCG – 6pm ECT/5pm JT March 8-11: “Best vs Best” four-day match at CCG – 10am ECT, 9am JT March 10: 1st CG Insurance ODI at SVRS – 9:30am ECT/ 8:30am JT March 12: 2nd CG Insurance ODI at SVRS – 9:30am ECT/8:30am JT March 14: 3rd CG Insurance ODI at SVRS – 1:30pm ECT/12:30pm JT (day/night) March 17-18: two-day warm-up match at CCG – 10am ECT, 9am JT March 21-25: 1st Test at SVRS – 10am ECT/9am JT March 29 to April 2: 2nd Test at SVRS – 10am ECT/9am JT

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RHTYSC, MS teams, Butcher Family launch 2021 Butcher Berbice Cricket Trust Fund - Elderly robbery victim among those to benefit “He was a legend on the cricket field during his career and for decades was a positive role model and inspiration to all of us. He was a driving force in our success and as such, we feel privileged to honour him and to make sure that the legacy of Basil Butcher lives on. He always spoke on the importance of paying it forward and this Trust Fund would make sure that his memory is forever with us,” said Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster as he officially launched the 2021 edition of the Basil Butcher Cricket Trust Fund. The Fund is a joint project of the RHTYSC, MS and the family of the late West Indies middle order batsman, who died in December 2019 after a

Kaiete Monday March 01, 2021

Kaieteur News

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO donate items to the Caretaker of the Senior Citizen.

Angelo Mathews has previously led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, 106 ODIs and 13 T20Is. (BCCI)

Angelo Mathews to be Sri Lanka’s stand-in captain for T20I series in West Indies long illness. Millions of dollars’ worth of cricket gears, cricket balls, sports equipment, bicycles, school bags, educational material, food hampers, clocks, chicken

products, cleaning detergents and COVID-19 protective items were donated across Berbice in 2020, while fourteen youths in Linden also benefitted.

The Butcher family has been very supportive of the club’s efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate, elderly and youths. Foster along with Blossom Butcher, the youngest daughter of the late Butcher, handed over a bicycle to Under17 player Nathan Kistama to assist him to attend school and cricket practice sessions. The Fund also donated three cricket bats to the club’s Under13 cricket development programme, while three junior (Continued on page 23)

ESPNcricinfo - Angelo Mathews has been named as Sri Lanka’s stand-in captain for the T20I series in the West Indies as Dasun Shanaka, the appointed captain, is yet to join the team because of a delay in obtaining a US transit visa. Mathews has previously led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, 106 ODIs and 13 T20Is. As it stands on Sunday, Shanaka is yet to receive the visa, and as such seems likely to miss the entire T20I series - his first assignment as the new T20I captain. He will hope to make the ODI leg of the tour at least, which starts on March 9. Shanaka did have a

proper US transit visa - valid for five years - on a previous passport. But as he had lost that passport two years ago, visa officers told him they must do additional checks, meaning they were not able to greenlight the visa for this tour in time for him to make the flight. This news is the latest setback for Sri Lanka, who also lost the services of Lahiru Kumara for this tour after testing positive for Covid-19 in the days before departure for the West Indies.Sri Lanka’s multi-format tour of the Caribbean kicks off on March 3, with the T20I series.

Kaieteur News

Monday March 01, 2021

PAGE 27

BCB congratulates Kevin Price Is Right Upset Grill Masters in We Care Republic Sinclair on selection to West Indies T20 and ODI squads 10\10 Softball Cricket Cup Kevin Sinclair in action.

The winning Price is Right team. It was a day full of excitement in the We C a r e \ G r i l l M a s t e r s Republic 10\10 Softball Cricket Cup which was played on Tuesday last at the Rose Hall Canje Welfare Ground, Berbice. The day’s event saw a limited number of spectators enjoying themselves as the action got underway around 11:00hrs. The one day competition saw five teams participate after almost one year without competitive cricket due to COVID-19 pandemic. The first game was played between Sheet Anchor X1 and Price Is Right X1. Sheet Anchor X1 batted first and scored 97\7 off their allotted 10 overs with K. Seenarine scoring 20 and E. Romascindo scoring 23. While K. Sobhai, S. Roopnarine and S. Hetmyer bagged two wickets each in their allotted two overs. In reply Price Is Right X1 scored 94\3 off 6 overs, with C. Lindie 25 and M. Singh 26. Seon Hetmyer (11) and T. Stanislaus (13) were left not out. In the second game played between Chasers X1 and Grill Masters X1; Chasers batted first and made 122\7 off their allotted 10 overs with U. Phillips top scoring with 32 and S. De Freitas scoring 21. Bowling for Grill Masters A. Khan picked up 3 for 20. In reply Grill Masters made 124\4 off 9 overs, with K. Gangaram top scoring

with a brilliant 61 which included six sixes and three fours. Caribbean Mix which drew the bye and headed straight into the semi finals took on Price is Right. Caribbean Mix batted first and scored 93\8 off their 10 overs with a top score of 25 from J. Diaram and 20 from D. Ramoutar. Bowling for Price is Right S. Roopnarine picked up 3 for 8 off his two overs. In reply, Price is Right scored 94 for 2 off 6 overs with C. Lindie top scoring with 35 n.o. and S. Dhanai scoring 25 n.o. As it watered down to the final, the excitement filled the air as spectators and players were all bragging and boasting as to who will w i n t h e f i r s t We C a r e Republic Cup. The final match was played between Grill Masters and Price Is Right. Batting first, Grill Master scored 118 for 8 off 10 overs. Alphonso (only name provided) scored a brilliant 43 with five sixes and David supported with a knock of 29 with four sixes. The pick of the bowlers was the brother of Shemron Hetmyer, Seon Hetmyer with figures of 2-09-4. In reply Price is Right scored 121\5 off the 9.4 overs with Lindie (only name given) top scoring with a blistering 47. Price is Right X1 lifted the title in the first WeCare Republic 10\10 Softball

Cricket Cup as they uprooted the seven years winning streak from Grill Masters. Cash prizes and trophies were presented to Price is Right team, Grill Masters, Martin Singh of Price is Right for being the MVP, Seon Hetmyer of Price is Right best bowler in an innings, Gangaram of Grill Masters the best batsman in an innings and Alphonso of Grill Masters the batsman to hit the most sixes in the final. The competition was played under Strict COVID19 regulations and the day’s activities were incident free.

The Berbice Cricket Board under the leadership of President Hilbert Foster has extended congratulations to West Indies selectee Kevin Sinclair. A release from the board reads – “The President and executives of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to Kevin Sinclair on his selection to the West Indies cricket team for the upcoming ODI and T20 cricket tournaments against Sri Lanka. The selection of Kevin Sinclair along with that of fellow Berbician Romario Shepherd as the only Guyanese in the squad

Shaw takes top prize at S Jagmohan Hardware & Construction Services Golf Tournament Azrudeen Shaw emerged champion of the S Jagmohan Hardware & Construction Services Golf Tournament which was contested on Saturday with a total of 33 of Guyana’s top golfers. The competition was keenly contested as the top three players ended in a three way tie on 38 points, hence the count back system was used. In second and third position respectively were Shanella London and Mike Mangal, while Richard Haniff took fourth place on 37 points. Speaking at the presentation ceremony President of Lusignan Golf Club Patanjilee Persaud thanked the players and sponsors. “We would also like to urge them to support the future events at the club, and supporting the sport of golf, as we know in this time the game of golf is COVID friendly but it is also a sport that allows persons to be family oriented and safe.” Project Manager of S Jagmohan Hardware & Construction

showcases the current depth of Berbice cricket. The amount of cricket talent in Berbice is simply amazing and we are confident that the future is very bright.” The release went on to state that, “The BCB is also very disappointed at the nonselection of Shimron Hetmeyer and Gudakesh Motie in the team. Apart from Shimron’s achievements, Motie has been the best spinner on display in the current CWI tournaments. Once again congrats to Kevin and Romario, Berbice Cricket is on the go.”

Azurdeen Shaw walked away with the top prize.

Services Vidya Mangalram noted that the company was proud to be a part of the prestigious tournament. She further went on to state that S Jagmohan is one of Guyana’s leading construction companies and hence because it is a part of their core social responsibilities to be on board of the tournament, the company is extremely honoured.

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Team Mohamed’s Nissan GTR ‘Godzilla’ reset the strip record yesterday.

Team Mohamed’s smashes strip record Shaw takes top prize at S Jagmohan Hardware & Construction Services Golf Tournament

The respective winners with their prizes and representatives of the sponsors and LGC. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.