Kaieteur News
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Tuesday March 02, 2021
Alleged serial rapist arrested…
Residents give details of Wednesday night's assault - some say police yet to take their statements By Shervin Belgrave
Y
esterday as cops nabbed the man accused of raping, sodomizing and battering a Venezuelan woman, his neighbours decided to share with Kaieteur News some grim details of the brutal assault which took place Wednesday last. Police have since
identified the suspect as 36year-old, Thurston Semple, a taxi driver, of Lot 5A, Tu c v i l l e Te r r a c e , Georgetown. Kaieteur News was told that the cops returned to the suspect's home and arrested him in the early hours of yesterday. Shortly after, Kaieteur News reporters ventured to the area where neighbours relived that horrific night.
They said that they witnessed the suspect pounding mercilessly on his victim. A woman, who had run out to help the battered woman, recalled that it was close to midnight and she had just gotten home when she heard loud noises accompanied by the desperate screams of a woman. She said that she rushed out just in time to see the woman plunging through the man's louvres window.
The house where Semple allegedly raped, sodomized and battered the Venezuelan woman
The yard in which Semple allegedly beat the woman “The girl ran and tried to go underneath Semple's car but he pulled her out and started kicking her in her b e l l y, ” r e c o u n t e d t h e woman. The neighbour related that the man dragged the woman through the yard where he continued to brutally assault her. The woman remembered shouting at Semple to stop, but he continued beating the woman and responded only with “she try to juk me and
thief me money.” As Semple continued to batter and drag the woman repeatedly through his yard, the neighbour said she decided to seek help. It was during that moment, the neighbour recalled, that she saw Guyanese Cricketer, Trevon Griffith, driving by and stopped him.
Griffith said that he had actually driven past but reversed to find out what was going on. As Griffith exited his car, he told reporters, that he was left horrified at what he saw. “The girl was lying on the concrete ground with Semple on top her, both of them butt naked as he cuffed (continued on page 17)
Neighbours at the scene Wednesday night
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
Alleged serial rapist arrested! Was charged 3 times in 2018 for raping 3 sex workers, tying up two; also allegedly preyed on schoolgirls had allegedly molested relative By Renay Sambach
T
he taxi-driver who is accused of r a p i n g , sodomising and battering a Venezuelan woman was previously charged for raping three sex workers. The man, 36-year-old Thurston Semple of Tucville Terrace, Georgetown, was yesterday morning arrested and is presently in police custody in relation to allegations levelled by the Venezuelan woman. Kaieteur News had reported that the 30-year-old woman managed to escape the hands of the suspect after she jumped through a front window of his home. However, Semple reportedly came after her and repeatedly battered her in his yard. According to neighbours, both Semple and the woman were naked and even though they shouted at him, they were scared to approach him since he was armed with a knife. The woman had told Kaieteur News reporters that she was brutally raped and assaulted at the hands of Semple. When Kaieteur News visited the area yesterday, neighbours shared graphic details about countless times, which they saw Semple allegedly carrying women to his home late at nights. Loud screams, they said, would usually follow. According to the residents, they are afraid of Semple since he always manages to get bail. They also observed that none of the previous incidents was as horrific as the case involving the Venezuelan woman.
There were also media reports of Semple's past indiscretions. According to reports, on January 12, 2018, Semple appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly tying up two sex workers on separate occasions and having sex with them. The first charge alleged that between November 30, 2017, and on December 1, 2017, at Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration of a woman without her consent. It was also reported that between January 3, 2018, and January 4, 2018, at Georgetown, he sexually assaulted another woman. The charge was laid indictably and Semple was not required to plead to the charge. According to reports, Semple picked up the sex workers on separate occasions and took them to his home, where he agreed to pay them $10,000 each for performing sex acts on him. However, after the sex acts with the sex workers, Semple tied their hands and feet, placed them in his car and took them back at the location where he met them without paying for their service. The Chief Magistrate McLennan had granted Semple bail in the sum of $400,000. Kaieteur News had also reported that a few months before that incident, Semple was charged for escaping from lawful custody, but that charge was dismissed by Magistrate Dylon Bess in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. That charge had alleged
that on August 31, 2017, while being in lawful custody at the Agricola Police Outpost, pending investigation of an alleged rape and robbery, he escaped lawful custody. The Magistrate had told the court that the prosecution was unable to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt citing that insufficient evidence was led by the prosecution team. He added that the accused was also charged under the wrong section of the law. Semple was committed to stand trial in the High Court during May 2018, for the rape of the two sex workers. However, while he was still out on bail, weeks after he was committed, he was slapped with another rape charge. According to reports, on August 31, 2017, at Quamina Street, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a woman without her consent. Semple was not required to plead to the indictable offence. According to the facts of that charge, on the day in question, Semple met the woman who is said to be a sex worker at Palm Court and carried her to a hotel where he had sex with her against her will. The woman then went and reported the matter to the police and the defendant was arrested for the offence. However, even though the police prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing that he was recently committed to stand trial in the High Court, the Magistrate granted Semple bail in the sum of $100,000, with the condition that he (continued on page 18)
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In custody: Thurston Semple
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Tuesday March 02, 2021
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Possible remedies for Parliament We read some of what the Hon. Speaker of the House shared with the Members of Parliament over whom he stands as referee, and give the slightest nod of approval. It is representative of a small beginning, and this is better late than never at all. We will neither spend nor waste any energy in going over how the Speaker went AWOL during the verbal parliamentary throw down and kick-down of last week Monday. Instead, we look for ways on how we can encourage the Speaker to deliver on his responsibilities, and make parliament a more civilized place, and the viewing, listening, and reading moments of Guyanese a more confidence boosting experience. The latest is that the Speaker sent a memo to members of the National Assembly, in which he identified the specific words that are unacceptable. Most, if not all, of us would have serious trouble continuing a conversation or relationship in daily life, if any of those words are aimed at and hurled at us. If that is the standard of the ordinary man and woman in the street, then it certainly cannot be less than that in the most auspicious place in this country, where the business of the nation is conducted. We think from this small start, the Speaker has to sit down, gather his team, conduct his research, and familiarize himself with the powers that are part of his extremely sensitive office. Hesitation is not an option. He must develop a range of strategies and tactics on how to go about recognizing (very early) the warning signs of deterioration brewing, and then move fearlessly, quickly, and decisively to shut down those rambunctious members who cross the line, be such of issue, gesture, or language. The Speaker mustn’t wait until the koker falls apart, before he steps up to take control and do so authoritatively. It is absolutely vital that the Speaker be seen as fair and balanced, and consistently so. He will not gain many friends, but he will gain deserving respect, and be understood to be someone not to be trifled with, for the strong reactions that any breaches will provoke. As we see it, the Speaker is on the horns of a dilemma: he must be open to permitting each and every parliamentarian to his or her say, but even as he does so, all of them must be held on a short leash of taut and careful control. A full head of steam, with the rhetorical swagger and flourishes flowing, is acceptable, even somewhat to be appreciated and admired. But not when those are laced with what is inexcusable, what should not be presented before the company of children, or any of the voting and taxpaying citizenry, for that matter, who in some way are responsible for all the members of the entire house that is the National Assembly. There are simple and easy measuring rods to determine what is excessive, that which fails to meet the required minimum muster. It is that if what is said or held out by enraged or vindictive members is not appropriate for the little ones, or in a place of worship, or before elders, then it just does not make the grade. It must be struck out and immediately. That is commonsense which passes any test, and of which there is no greater wisdom. To ram home this point, we bring this to a personal level, as we seek to help the Speaker and his team find a way forward. If what is developing, what gives every appearance of the troubling and potentially problematic, cannot, should not, and is not said in one’s own home, before one’s own children or parents (even peers of certain wholesome kind), then it is not good enough for Guyana’s parliamentary house. There is no need for visiting with what more complex documented arrangements in place may or may not offer about sanctions and censures to hold things and people together and along a stable line. It is already there, and now must be brought to bear with courage and a quality of consistent character that brooks no question. The Speaker does not have to look far to find his footing. As he leads and guides, so will parliament be. And so he must be resolved, come what may, and regardless of who is involved, without favouring any who has failed.
Orealla/Siparuta can be the model of Amerindian communities in Guyana Dear Editor, Orealla/Siparuta Amerindian District (OSAD) could have been and can be the model of Amerindian communities in Guyana; be self-reliant with a strong economic and financial base through sustainable development projects, exploiting its many natural resources. i.e., timber, fertile agri lands, Savannahs, bauxite, and white sand (white gold). OSAD is situated 55 miles up the left bank of the Corentyne River from Mapena Creek to Potoco Creek, and was surveyed and demarcated by Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) in 1989, covering an area of 269 square miles. (Official land title issued on September 22, 2005 President B. Jagdeo). In 1991/1992, President Desmond Hoyte (deceased), invited the Orealla/ Siparuta
Village Council (OSVC) to prepare, present and discuss a development plan for the OSAD at the Presidential Office in Georgetown on a fixed date. The OSVC prepared the development plan (several projects included) and at a discussion categorically emphasized the following: I. All or any development plans for OSAD to be successful, depends solely on reliable river transportation service. II. With the river service, the agri production will increase tenfold: commercial, poultry and livestock raring will be a reality; and OSAD (first time) will be independently exploiting white sand for sale at Springlands/Corriverton, making a sizable income which will be injected into other projects. III. The OSVC further committed to supply all
materials needed and build a boat 65x15x7, but would need financial assistance to purchase an engine for the boat (the lifeline for OSAD development). President Hoyte was highly impressed with the plan put together and later invited the OSVC to select an engine for the boat, and send the quotation to the Presidential Office in Georgetown. Now the OSVC selected a 130 H.P Lister Petter engine including shaft, propeller, fuel tank, steering wheel, remote cables, etc. The engine was bought shortly before President Hoyte emitted office in 1992. In early 1993, a new OSVC was elected, also a new Minister of Amerindian Affairs (MOAA), Mr. Vibert DeSouza (deceased), was appointed. The latter reviewed the OSAD development plan and deemed it “a PNC plan,” and with no resistance from a spineless OSVC, built a much smaller boat incapable of
delivering the intended services. The OSAD development plan never materialized due to this. To date OSAD is without a reliable river service. The OSAD is well recognized for its logging operations for over 70 years and the major supplier of logs to all the sawmills on the Crabwood Creek, Springlands, Corentyne. This is the only area where white sand can be exploited economically and commercially whereas Nickerie, Suriname, exploits their sand from the sand banks in the Corentyne River. The OSVC in 19851992 had foreseen the transformation from large wooden buildings to massive concrete structures, increasing the demand for white sand; all concrete structures from Crabwood Creek to Rose Hall Town, Corentyne built or being built, used or using white sand from OSAD. I saw on the newscast (Continued on page 6)
COVID, vaccination and school reopening Dear Editor, I listened to the Education Minister’s message on 27/02/ 2021 on the reopening of schools. The Minister is banking on the possibility of opening schools in April 2021. This assumption is based on a vaccination drive starting in March 2021. Many developed countries have started their vaccination drive since December and three months after, schools have not fully reopened in those countries. I can personally attest to that because of relatives with children living in Florida and Canada. So if three months after a massive vaccine drive in those countries schools are mostly closed, why will it be okay to reopen in April in Guyana after a few have been vaccinated in March? Will the vaccines that will be delivered in March be adequate to inoculate the at risk and
vulnerable? The Minister is talking about the effects of no classroom engagement on the nation’s children which is well understood. But what about the effects of contracting this deadly virus and taking it home where teachers and parents have elderly parents, young children and family members with comorbidities. I consider that far more dangerous at this point in time. Schools should be opened in September. By then, frontline workers, the elderly, persons with comorbidities and essential workers should be vaccinated. Secondly, the school year affected by the pandemic should be repeated. Additionally, as soon as the Grade 11 students are off to write the examination, the Grade 9 should be returned for face to face meeting and that level should continue through the July and August
break. I am envisioning that the government is planning to vaccinate teachers but that will not solve the problem because the vaccine mostly protects from getting seriously ill and prevent hospitalization and death, it doesn’t stop one from being infected and passing on this virus. The Health Minister in one of his broadcasts alluded to that fact. Vaccinated teachers can still take home the virus and put their families at risk who have no access to vaccines. School children can take home the virus to their parents and grandparents. The at-risk categories, health workers, persons with comorbidities, along with essential workers, including teachers, must be vaccinated before there is any full reopening. Daily, its total madness as you see school children on the road and in
buses without masks. The situation will only worsen when the full opening is initiated. Where will space be allotted in already crammed classrooms to ensure 6ft. separation? At the opening in November, the Ministry provided care packages with a few masks and a bottle of sanitizer. That was a one-time distribution. Teachers now have to find their own supplies and at the same time for the students just to ensure that health measures are enforced. I will be glad to see schools reopen, but it must be done only after the at risk and vulnerable groups have been vaccinated. The Minister of Health must ensure that is taken care of before our nations teachers and children are back in school. Yours truly, Name provided
Crime rates and the death penalty Dear Editor, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, announced that there is a reduction of crime including robbery, breaking and entering by 6.9 percent. He however stated that there is an increase in murders by 13%, but the press prefers to down play the senseless killings. The vast increase in murder has drawn comments from organizations in Guyana and the diaspora are advocating the death penalty for persons found guilty of the capital offence. It seems as if the government is not too keen
on imposing the death penalty. In fact, it might be unconstitutional to do so. I wish to point out that in 2015; Parliament adopted the AntiTerrorist Related Activities Act 2015, which adopted the mandatory death penalty. However there was no execution since August 1997, more than 23 years ago. Globally, 106 countries have completely abolished judicial execution. Like Britain, the London based Privy Council is not in favour of the death penalty and as such dependent states in the region such as
Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla are against hanging. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in June 2018 ruled that the mandatory death sentence in Barbados is unconstitutional. This means hanging will not be allowed in Guyana, Belize and Dominica, the three other jurisdictions which accepted the CCJ as the final court. A decade ago Jamaica refused to join the CCJ because the politicians had dubbed the Port of Spain based court as the “hanging court.” This
should no longer be contention. Trinidad and Tobago government is still flip flopping and the electorates in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and St. Lucia still cannot make up their minds. Back to crime in Guyana, although there is a little reduction, some areas are hard hit by break and enter and robberies and even rape. The Courts should impose more severe penalties on those found guilty, which might deter the lawbreakers. Yours truly, Oscar Ramjeet
Tuesday March 02, 2021
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Kaieteur News
GHK not out of his depth Dear Editor, GHK Lall writes frequently in your paper as well as in another medium. He writes on various issues. Saying he is a prolific writer or commentator is an understatement. Aside from Freddie Kissoon, he is probably the most published writer in the Guyana mass media over the last few years. I do not always agree with his views on issues. And some of his writings are severely critical of the PPP and its leadership. But he also takes pot shots at the PNC (APNU) and AFC. There is no reason to question President Ali’s sincerity in pursuing policy to unite the nation under “One Guyana” theme and policymaking that was rolled out two weekends ago. President Ali is not pursuing measures to polarize the nation, but to bring healing. The nation is supportive of the policy. While I don’t endorse Lall’s views, I support his freedom to comment or report on issues in the media. I also support others right to reply to him. Is he out of depth (to comment on issues) or out of his league? (Feb 25).
Absolutely not! That heading is misplaced as the letter does not demonstrate how GHK is out of depth. He demonstrates knowledge and competence in almost all the subjects at which he commented. He is an exciting writer and is well read by the public because his writings are always talked about by many of those with who I interact. His kind of scholarly commentaries draw readership. They are not in agreement with him but they do read his comments that seem to have a general theme of the tragedy that Guyana finds itself. He is a prodigiously gifted commentator who is not fearful of tearing through others. Some of his punches against politicians are hard. His impact must be staggering in order for anyone to say he is out of his depth. To say someone is out of depth (on an issue) suggests that the person is not sufficiently qualified or lack the capacity to comment. Only an accomplished intellectual or scholar or academic icon may have a right to tell someone he is out
of depth. Yet, it is an inappropriate term to describe a writer. It is venomous and derides an opponent. KN and no media should have permitted anyone to use that term against a writer. It is unfriendly and demeaning, or belittle someone that he is a non-achiever. It is very disrespectful, suggesting acrimony, animus, and hate. Anyone who uses that term is themself out of depth. I never saw an accomplished academic used that term against a fellow writer or commentator or academic unless in a heated exchange. It is the first time I saw it used in the Guyana papers. A good respected writer is humble, not haughty and hubristic. No matter how vehemently opposed one is to another person, never say someone is out of his league. With my multiple PhDs, I would never use that term against anyone no matter how limited is a person’s academic
achievements or commentary on an issue. One must display respect for all views. I do not know GHK’s academic background. But he certainly is not a non-achiever. I never met or interacted with him. So I cannot comment on whether he is out of depth on specific issues. He seems academically accomplished, well read, and comes from solid college training. He uses language correctly. His writings suggest he attended college. On reading, writing, and academic achievements, I do not think he pursued short cut academic studies. He would have done a lot of reading and studies in pursuing a Bachelor Degree that provided him the skill set to pursue a Masters. On line long distance studies don’t provide someone the same skill set or expertise as in classroom. A BA degree requires taking some ten courses a year, three or four hours a week for a four years period and the MA another
ten courses plus a year of thesis writing. Each MA course requires reading of some ten books a week over a fourteen weeks period plus writing papers almost weekly for each course. That is a humongous amount of reading plus writing of papers. GHK would have acquired skill set to comment on issues. His writings suggest he studied finance or economics or stocks and therefore not out of depth on those or related issues. He writes with great vitality and alacrity. And he has fluency in a remarkable range of disciplines that seem to spill effortlessly, and they are written with some level of erudition. That is not the hallmark of someone out of his league or out of depth. Separately, I compliment GHK for his courage to write on issues at which others avoid. I do recall his writings condemning the attempted electoral fraud between March 3 and August 2. Few
exhibited that kind of courage to speak out against fraud. I do confess, however, that GHK has an awkward style of writing that virtually no writer utilizes in the media. Sometimes, his arguments are not easy to understand without some re-reading. It is the kind of writing style used in novels or essays in studies in English Language and English Literature and not the social sciences. It is the kind of writing that would impress Professors in grad school as I recall when I took several English Literature courses on the writings of James Joyce, VS. Naipaul, RK Narayanan, Chinua Achebe, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Wole Soyinka, Mark Twain, among others. It is advised that Mr. GHK can be more politically balanced in articles that appear to be strongly antiPPP. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
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Kaieteur News
Since the PPP came to office, their actions have led to heightened racial tension Dear Editor, Attention is turned to two recent incidents in the National Assembly, involving Ministers Oneidge Walrond and Hugh Todd. Their reckless statements would not only be recorded in the Hansard for posterity and seen by future generations as truth, but also by less critical thinkers if not challenged. It is instructive to observe the Minister shamelessly, and apparently without an ounce of decency, allowed the stifling of her conscience and morality to make declarations covering up and excusing the Irfaan Ali regime attacks on African labour. Without an ounce of evidence, she was allowed to defend the government’s discriminatory policy and justify the termination of these workers because they were considered “obstructive,” which went unchallenged by the Opposition. This is a person whose profession would allow her to review, ponder and seek evidence before making such a charge but she was apparently prepared to put these sacred tenets under her feet to please her political bosses. Parliamentary immunity does not permit this level of dishonesty, yet it is being allowed free rein in the name of partisanship and promoting a politics of lies, hate
and division. Minister Walrond is the newest purveyor. Then, there is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd. I would like to think he is fully aware that race is a matter of grave import as enshrined and factored by international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), International Labour Organization, World Bank etc., yet he is telling Guyanese conversation on race is “divisive,” hence should not be addressed. He cannot be serious neither is he that naïve unless this is another strategy to subvert honest discussion on race in order to prevent meaningful attention to issues that affect groups. Even as efforts are being made to foist the deceptions on society, the UN has in place a programme to address racial problems by upholding human rights and the need for affirmative actions to redress historical discrimination. Presently we are in the UN ‘International Decade for People of African Descent’(2015-2024) that aims “to emphasize the important contribution made by people of African descent to every society, and promote concrete measures to stop discrimination and promote their full inclusion.” Is the minister sending a signal to Guyanese, the UN, et al, that the regime will
not be addressing these issues because race is divisive? I hope not. It is a fact, that since the PPP came to office their actions have led to heightened racial tension. It is a fact, African Guyanese have been disproportionately targeted for termination in the public sector and their reputation assaulted without evidence under the Ali/Jagdeo regime. It is a fact that African workers have been harassed by the police and their fundamental rights denied. It is fact the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton (another African), is now threatening to go after defunct co-operative societies to close them rather than help to launch an investigation into the reason(s) for their nonfunctioning. Any caring government, recognizing this sector has been the major pillar of African empowerment, would seek to render assistance to resuscitate not close them. This is an effort, once again, to go after black capital. The co-ops are worth more than three billion dollars in savings, which are in the commercial banks. Money accumulated belongs to the coop members and their heirs. It is fact the PPP government broke up the bauxite workers’ pension plan, which was worth in excess of $2.5 billion, even as
The death of Pastor Farley has ignited much anger Dear Editor, The shocking news of the death of the young and intelligent, Pastor Okechi Farley, of West Coast Berbice, has definitely ignited much anger in many hearts against minibus operators who continue to show no regards for other road users. However, that anger must also be directed to the law enforcement who continue to allow these irresponsible men to get away with their dangerous driving practices on the roads of Guyana. Government law makers must also take responsibility for not putting new laws in place to prevent deaths on the road ways after so many have been killed. Travelling along the coastal roads you can see buses racing with each other and other motorists. Cattle can also be seen at various locations using the road ways unattended. This apparent lack of concern for life must come to an end. How many more will have to
suffer, how many more will have to die ? A productive community leader has lost his life senselessly, a young Pastor; perhaps this will serve to stir the church in Guyana to awake from their slumber. The issue at hand is also one that requires spiritual actions, and church leaders are not ignorant of this. They know that many of those accidents are caused by blood thirsty spirits and it is the responsibility of the church, which have power over these works of darkness, to deal with these forces. For too long, many churches have been functioning as country clubs instead of the fighting force God have called them to be according to Ephesians 6:12. The church that ignores the practices of evil taking place before their eyes is a church that have lost its saviour. May the real churches in Guyana stand up. Yours truly, Adrian Wade
...Orealla/Siparuta can be the model of From page 4 on January 29, 2021, Honorary Minister of Amerindian Affairs, doled out $105 million to several Amerindian communities, OSAD a recipient of $30 million dollars. Instructions were given to the Toshao of OSAD to utilize this $30 million to upgrade the ICT network and infrastructure within the district. I hope there’s a documented project plan with instructions demanding overseeing and accountability of this fund. The Honorable Minister is now serving a third term of MOAA (maybe a record), and is expected to be actively assisting in planning, implementing and overseeing sustainable projects in Amerindian communities involving state funds. And not to be seen as doling out funds haphazardly.
In 2019, APNU+AFC spent $136 million to “widen” an existing four mile trail in OreallaSiparuta, under pretext “promoting tourism.” This $136 million could have purchased a Bedford Truck, a Caterpillar Loader, and a boat and engine, while promoting other projects for the district’s development. With $30 million, will the OSVC reconsider building a 65x15x7 boat with a Diesel engine? Exploit “white gold”? Promote agri farming? Commercial, poultry and livestock raring? Be self-reliant through sustainable projects? Build a strong economic and financial base? Be the model for Amerindian communities? Yours truly, Gerald Mc Intyre Former Village Councillor/ SecretaryOSVC
they simultaneously injected money to save the sugar workers’ pension plan. The coop is presently the single largest pool of money owned by the African group. It is a fact the government is going after black businesses. Morse Archer, the owner of Cevons Waste Management, is presently being harassed to remove from land he legitimately acquired from the state under the deception that the land is owned by one department of the state, which did not sell it to him.
All state lands are ultimately owned by the state regardless of which agency they are assigned to and only the state can legitimately sell them. For the peace, tranquility, and wellbeing of Guyana, it is important for us to recognize that the wellbeing and security of African welfare must not be undermined and destroyed. One cannot help but note the exacerbated concerns of racial attacks, intolerance and marginalization that have become customary under
successive PPP regimes and in contemporary times most significant under the Bharrat Jagdeo leadership and influence. A country that continues to ignore and support systemic transgression against any section of its society, and treating another section as privileged, will subsequently find itself challenged to contain the absurdities of the privileged. Yours truly, Lincoln Lewis
A serial sexual predator in the midst Dear Editor, Reference is made to the article captioned, “‘Spanish’ woman raped, sodomized, battered as neighbour rushed to get help” (KN March 1). I read most of the story, and it was horrifying; an enraging one, too. The contents startled then sickened. A man preying upon sex workers; this choice of trade means nothing. It is of a mother, who speaks limited English, compelled to work the streets and ply her wares. It is always a high-risk profession, but in no way justifies what followed in the sheer brutality of the lengthy physical and sexual battering. I think that some severe psychological damage has been inflicted on this unfortunate woman. Her business does not matter, since it is hustling an honest living and one which I am prepared to support as a better option that robbing and violating people; that does not begin to describe the harrowing nature of this woman’s ordeal. It is terribly disturbing
that the man who committed this dastardly deed - many of them - was arrogant enough to reveal that he has done similarly to a couple dozen women before. There is disbelief that this could have been under the radar for so long, while making allowance for masculine exaggerations. Even accounting for that, something tells me that this predator is a serial one that poses great danger to the redlight district in general and foreign-born street operators specifically. I do not believe that this severely bruised and battered woman is his first victim. And unless caught early, and put away forever, it could be said with confidence that she will not be his last. That she is foreign (‘Spanish’) should not matter in the least; whether she is here legally or illegally also should not have any relevance; and the fact that she was engaged in work that make so-called respectable people look down their noses, and utter clucking sounds of disapproval must not have any place in this beastly incident. Think about this: when he can’t attack foreign looking ladies of the evening,
then it is not a stretch to believe that Guyanese women involved in such work could be the next ones targeted. As if all of the above was not troubling enough, the KN article also pointed out that the police officers that turned up by accident, scornfully hurled her clothes (‘Cops pelt her clothes on her’) at this bleeding, obviously badly beaten, wounded and traumatized woman. At the moment when she needed an urgent helping hand, she got another sharp psychological stripping and degrading. Having just been brutalized beyond belief by a sick stranger, she is then insulted and humiliated by those, who had to have seen that they had a crisis case on their hands. For the man to be placed in handcuffs, and then quickly released, does not accrue to a positive image for the Guyana Police Force. The only development that would offer some satisfaction is to learn that this stalker and attacker is brought to justice swiftly. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Indigenous persons in the public service face discrimination Dear Editor, Being an Indigenous employee in the Public Sector is interesting to say the least. Politically, the two main ethnic groups have their cleavages. The political representatives of the Indigenous people always have to align with one of the major political players. In the end, the body politic consumes them and they are lessened to party drivel. Firstly, Indigenous employees have to work twice as hard to prove themselves. This occurs because at the operational, middle, and upper management levels perceptions of “the Buck Man” lingers. I know of colleagues who have sterling records of contributions,
gaining diverse experience, and are academically qualified for advanced portfolios and yet they are bypassed. Discrimination can be blatant, but it can also be hard to recognize. One of the most common instances of employment discrimination involving Indigenous people is unfair pay. Research will demonstrate a significant racial earnings disparity in numerous sectors between the major races employees and Indigenous employees with similar skill sets. Indigenous people may also be turned down for jobs for which they are qualified or find themselves overlooked for promotions. The fortunes of the
Indigenous employees are revolving as the political fortunes of the ethnically elected Government. This is evidenced in the lack of diversity in the interviewing panels for promotions in the majority of the Public Sector Organizations, more so semiautonomous agencies. This gives credence to the subtle, and blatant discrimination occurring to my Indigenous brothers, and sisters. All government agencies should have an introspection, and do the right thing in fairly advancing the careers of career indigenous employees who are deserving, in spite of their race. Yours truly, Name Provided
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 Tuesday March 02, 2021
Kaieteur News
There are too many reports of officers of the Guyana Police Force handling abuse matters with insensitivity. Too many reports of corrupt officers letting abusers go because they are friends with him; because they don't think the matter is serious enough; because they think is “man-and-woman” story; because the woman has complained too much; because they have received a “freck”; because they are abusers themselves. Whether victims are immigrants, sex workers, children or wives of abusive policemen, the GPF's corrupt behaviour cannot continue if this country is to progress.
Law and order hinges on the propensity of our police to follow and uphold the law.
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Kaieteur News
PAGE 08
Tuesday March 02, 2021
Death of Berbice mother and baby…
Probe completed; Ministry awaiting recommendations to act By Malisa Playter-Harry
D
ays after news broke about the passing of a newborn baby girl and her mother at the New Amsterdam (N/A) Hospital in Berbice, the Ministry of Health had launched an investigation. Relatives had lambasted medical professionals stationed at the hospital, the hospital's administration and even health services, in general, in Region Six. They believed that what took place was a clear act of n e g l i g e n c e a n d incompetence on the part of the doctors and nurses who attended to Vanessa LewisSahadeo and her stillborn baby. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, during his budget debate presentation yesterday noted that the death of the mother and her baby was “unfortunate” and that a team was sent to the N/A Hospital on Sunday to investigate what took place. Minister Anthony further stated that the investigation has been completed and he is a w a i t i n g t h e recommendations from the team. Based on those recommendations, action will be taken against those culpable, the Minister said. “When I get those recommendations, we will
take action against the nurses and doctors and whoever is at fault in that unfortunate death,” the Minister said. Meanwhile, the uncle of the dead woman, Joseph Lewis, who resides in Georgetown, told reporters that a post mortem was conducted at the New Amsterdam Hospital by one Dr. Lopez and the autopsy revealed that the baby suffered from Newborn Hemorrhagic Syndrome (a deficiency in Vitamin K). The disease itself causes bleeding in the newborn baby but can be prevented. Lewis stated that he was advised by doctors that had that been the case, a dose of Vitamin K would have been administered, at least one hour prior to delivery or within one hour after delivery, but that was not done. He pointed out that based on what was seen on the b a b y, n o t h i n g w a s mentioned about the indentation of the infant's temple and the visible blood shot seen. He stated that clamps were used to remove the baby from the womb but that may have caused complications and medical professionals decided to execute a C-section, Lewis related. In addition, he said that a post mortem was expected to be done
yesterday on his niece at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but that was not done because the N/A Hospital had not sent her chart. The N/A Hospital instead requested to have LewisSahadeo's body be brought back to Berbice for the autopsy to be done. But the relatives were skeptical of such a move and decided to protest against it. They have since expressed their desire to have Dr. Nehaul Singh carry out the autopsy at the GPHC. Lewis disclosed that the team which was sent to conduct the investigation comprised of Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General at the Ministry of Health; David Armogan, Region Six Chairman; Dr. Veersammy Ramayya and the REO of Region Six. He stated that they paid a visit to LewisSahadeo's parents on Sunday. Lewis is optimistic that proper action will be taken against those responsible for the death of his niece and her baby. He believes too that the nurses cannot solely be blamed for what occurred but rather the management should be held accountable as well. He even went as far as sharing his conviction that the management of the health services in Region Six should be removed.
According to Lewis, G o v e r n m e n t o ff i c i a l s , including President Irfaan Ali; Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony; and the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, have since reached out to him and the family and have gave their assurance that the matter will be properly investigated. The 32-year-old, Vanessa Lewis-Sahadeo, of Lot 19, 3rd Street, Williamsburg, Corentyne, had reportedly developed complications and was sent to the GPHC, where she died. Hours earlier her baby girl was pronounced dead at the N/A Hospital. On Friday, February 26, 2021, Lewis-Sahadeo spoke with her mother, Claris Cecil, on the phone and told her that she was about to be taken into the labour room to be given drips (Saline). She had stated then too that the doctors and nurses had checked her pressure and it was normal. LewisSahadeo was experiencing low pressure when she was admitted, but the doctors had given Cecil a prescription to purchase the medication for Lewis-Sahadeo to use. At just around 14:00 hrs., Cecil said she received a call from a nurse at the N/A Hospital and was told that her daughter delivered her baby, but the baby is dead
Flashback: Vanessa Lewis-Sahadeo when she was pregnant with her baby girl and that they had to remove her womb. She immediately informed her husband and he broke down in tears. They got dressed and headed down to the hospital. She said that when they arrived, she saw her daughter on a stretcher and thought she was dead, but the nurses told her that she was not dead but had to be transported to the GPHC and that she needed blood. “My husband tell dem he does give blood at the hospital and ayuh na get a pint blood to give me daughter. He tell dem he gon give dem blood and dem tell he dem can't give she blood just like that, dem got to clean the blood,” the woman said. She added that she was then told that an ambulance had to take her daughter to the GPHC, but the ambulance took someone else to
Georgetown and they were awaiting its return to transport Lewis-Sahadeo. The ambulance reportedly arrived hours later and Lewis-Sahadeo was transferred to the GPHC. The grieving mother of the dead woman said that she was told that “dem damage up she, dem tek out she womb, dem clamp the baby on she head and tek out the baby and pull out the womb. When dem do that now she start bleed and dem can't control the bleeding, they run she in theatre." Lewis, the uncle, had said that when LewisSahadeo arrived at the GPHC, a team of doctors were waiting to take control of his niece. He said they immediately began to administer blood and oxygen to her and during that time one of the doctors spoke with (continued on page 15)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
PAGE 09
Did Burnham err in nationalizing sugar and rice? D
id Forbes Burnham err w h e n h e nationalized the commanding heights of the economy and removed foreign involvement from the local financial sector? If Forbes Burnham erred, it means that the socialist experiment pursued by the PNC was ill-conceived. The fundamental basis of the socialist experiment was both national ownership and control of the main pillars of the Guyanese economy, namely sugar and bauxite. If it was an error to nationalize, then the socialist experiment was a colossal mistake. The PPP has never accused Burnham of making an error by nationalizing the commanding heights of the e c o n o m y. T h e P P P supported those policies and had it not been cheated out of office, would have most likely also nationalized the bauxite and sugar industries which at the time were owned and controlled by foreign multinationals. The PPP offered critical support to the PNC because of the PNC's decision to nationalize and its accompanying antiimperialist postures at the time. What the PPP has always contended was that the PNC mismanaged the nationalized, resulting in inefficiency and the loss of export markets at a time
when had it enjoyed the benefits of increased exports, Guyana would never have found itself in the situation in which it found itself. In making a decision as to whether Guyana should have nationalized the commanding heights of the economy, Forbes Burnham must have considered the ability of locals to manage the industries. Did Guyana at the time have the capacity to manage the industries? Was it a blunder by Forbes Burnham to have concluded that we did when we did not? Forbes Burnham was never in doubt as to the ability of Guyanese to become masters of their own destiny. He believed that the commanding heights of the economy should and could have been wrested from the hands of foreigners. He believed not just in ownership of the bauxite and sugar industries but in keeping with nationalism that if independence was to have any meaning, then locals had to occupy the upper rungs of the managerial chain. Ownership of the commanding sectors of the economy had to be complemented by the Guyanese managing these enterprises. Burnham believed this and died believing this. He cannot ever be
described as a visionary if he was wrong on this score because this was the main plank of his economic policies and his political beliefs. For him, Guyanese were not second to any other and if believed that locals had a right to own and control (manage) all aspects of national life. This is why he did not restrict nationalization to only sugar and bauxite but also extended it to the banks. In the financial sector, Burnham pressured a number of foreign owned banks, including the Royal Bank of Canada and Barclays Banks International, to dispose of their shares to the State. Most did for $1. As such Burnham not only ensured national control of the productive sectors but also of foreign-owned financial sector. It should be noted that these banks when nationalized continued to make a healthy profit and added to national development. There were locals who rose to top positions in those nationalized banks but some foreign management was also retained right into the 1980s. Was it the foreign managers that ensured that these banks succeeded? Not so at all, because over time
Everybody sleeping boys seh... ... pun de wuk Dem
D
em boys hear how nurses protesting over some remarks wah one CEO mek in Linden. Dem boys nah know exactly what de man talk, but dem boys know dat dem gat nurses all over who does engage in disappearing act. Dem does sign in to wuk and dem does go out and tek long and den come back later. Some of dem wah wuk de night shift does bend dem head and sleep when dem patient sleeping. And some of dem can snore more dan dem people wah gat sleep apnea. Dem boys seh, dem gat
to have stricter supervision of dem nurses all across Guyana. Dem need a system like wah dem guards does have. Dem guard's supervisor does come at de most unholy hours and check fuh see if dem guards doze off. He does write down what time he check dem and dem guards does gat fuh countersign. Some of dem checkers wicked. If dem ketch a guard sleeping, some of dem does demand favours. Is only time before dem gan get expose. But is not only dem nurses and dem guards wah does thief a lil sleep or get away pun de wuk. Dem boys
seh de latest fad is fuh some of dem guards fuh employ dem own help when dem wukking. Dem does walk with four or five rice-eating dogs and dem dogs does keep watch while dem guards doze off to sleep. When daybreak come, dem dogs does get reward with some stale rice and leff over stew. Wah dem guards wah bringing dem dogs to work don't know is dat dem dogs does also ketch dem sleep. Talk half and wait fuh dem patients and dem families to protest against dem nurses wah nah doing dem wuk.
local mangers took over and the formerly owned foreign banks continued to do well. On the other hand, Forbes Burnham also established local banks. These banks did not do well, not because of the absence of foreign management, but because of political considerations which affected their lending policies and which eventually led to these banks accumulating massive bad debts. What this says is that the problem was never about Guyanese not being able to
manage their own affairs. The problem was political interference which was greater in the indigenous banks than it was in the nationalized banks. The managers of the latter enjoyed greater autonomy and were free from political influences. The problem therefore could never have been our inability to manage our own resources. It was the implanting of political lackeys by the PNC within state-enterprises that were mainly responsible for the failure.
It is posited that if Burnham erred by underestimating the local capacity to manage the bauxite and sugar industries, then is it safe to say that Guyanese will be unable to manage the oil and gas sector. And this has implications for any decision to nationalize the oil blocks which were handed out, as well as for local content. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday March 02, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
What is the TUC's position on the March 2020 election? I
n this country, so many things happen at a supersonic rate that no columnist or commentator can submit already completed pieces. You simply have to put those on the backburner and look at the unfolding dramas. Lincoln Lewis published an accusing letter in Kaieteur News on January 24 in which he wrote that I sought “to drag the TUC into the fray of alleged support for election rigging.” So many things occurred that my reaction had to wait until now. Mr. Lewis stated that his numerous rejections of the official results of the March 2020 election were not in his capacity as General-
Secretary of the TUC. On the surface one should not quarrel with that. If Lewis stated that his attitude was that of Lewis the person and not Lewis the TUC's General Secretary, then why should I question that? It is his business, not mine. As someone who studies this society as a trained academic, I can say without even a modicum of hesitation that I have never seen a position of the TUC that didn't have Lewis as the spokesman. I have never seen a TUC press conference that was not presided over by Lewis. I have never seen a letter in the press by the TUC that was not signed by Lewis.
In January, a number of so-called civil society groups – Transparency Institute - Guyana chapter, and an obscure entity named, Election Reform Guyana, along with the Catholic Church formed an organization named CSF Civil Society Forum. (See my critical comments on this group in my column of January 19, 2021, “I interrupt my analysis of 2020 because of these stories”). Guess who represented the TUC as the TUC being part of the group and was photographed with the group? Lincoln Lewis! So let's move on. If Lewis didn't speak for the TUC when he supported the
APNU+AFC's position on the March election, then the question is obvious – what is the TUC's attitude on the most disgraceful national elections in Guyana's history? Surely, it cannot be given by the TUC's President, Coretta McDonald. Her position has to be the same with her party's - she is an APNU parliamentarian. The second obvious question then, is who is to outline the TUC's stance? It cannot be Lewis if the TUC has accepted the results as a fair and legal process that brought to power a legitimate government. It cannot be Lewis because it will create extensive mental anxieties for him since he does not accept the results as pronounced by GECOM. In fact, as the five-month imbroglio was coming to an end, Lewis urged President Granger to use his presidential status to cancel the election results (see my column on this aspect of Lewis' behaviour -
Wednesday, December 22, 2020, “Granger ignored Lewis, will Trump ignore Flynn?) Let's assume that the TUC accepts the election was legitimate and the PPP's victory was legal then Lewis and McDonald will end up with a nightmare on Woolford Avenue – one is an
Frederick Kissoon APNU parliamentarian, the other is a crusading force against the PPP's victory. My opinion is that such a nightmare will not happen because Lewis is the TUC and the TUC is Lewis. This brings into question the issue of term limit in Guyanese trade unionism – Norris Witter has been the head of the National Workers' Union for umpteen years now. Lewis is the TUC's GS for more than 25 years. Patrick Yard has chalked up more than 30 years as the boss of the Public Service Union. Let's end with one of the
most glaring contradictions in Guyana since 2021 began. The CSF was birthed, according to its founders, to fight for the implementation of Article 13 in the constitution. Lewis in his letter on me on January 24 stated that the Article is intended to create inclusionary democracy. How can Lewis be part of CSF which wants inclusionary democracy and this very gentleman openly called for the loser of the 2020 election, David Granger, to use his power as then president to cancel the election results? This was an advocacy to disregard the very constitution that Lewis wants Guyanese to benefit from. The constitution does not give a president the power to cancel an election. Not even GECOM can do that; only a court of law. If Granger had done what Lewis urged him to do, then Guyana would have had excluding dictatorship not inclusionary democracy. I have no respect for the other constituents of the Civil Society Forum, but how is it that the Catholic Bishop can be sitting next to a man that wanted the president to cancel a free and fair election? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Tuesday March 02, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
Driver hospitalized after fuel tanker topples on Mahdia trail
The fuel truck that toppled with Magiva Charles and his 21-year-old porter on the Konawak trail
M
agiva Akeem Charles, of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, had to be air-dashed to the city in order to access medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) due to the injuries he received after the fuel truck he was driving toppled on the Mahdia trail. The accident, which left the 35-year-old in a serious condition at the GPHC, occurred around 11:30 hrs. on Sunday on the Konawak Trail, Mahdia. According to police
report, the motor lorry was descending a muddy hill along the trail, when the rear of the lorry began to slide, which caused the driver to lose control. After losing control, the vehicle continued to descend the hill and ended up running off the southern side of the Konawak Bridge where it then toppled into a nearby creek. As a result of this, Charles was pinned down in his seat where he received injuries about his body. A 21year-old porter, who was also in the vehicle, sustained no
injuries. He, along with persons from nearby camps, managed to free the man before he could receive any further injuries. Charles, it was revealed, was taken out from the wreck in an unconscious state and was rushed to the Mahdia District Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor. The 35-year-old was later air-dashed to the GPHC to seek further medical attention. He has since been listed in a serious but stable condition. Police are investigating the incident.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
PAGE 13
Diamond Hospital to be reopened soon following rehabilitation T
he Minister of Health, Dr. Frank A n t h o n y , yesterday announced that the Diamond Diagnostic Centre that was closed to be rehabilitated under the “ S M A RT ” H o s p i t a l Initiative will be reopened sometime later this month. Anthony's disclosure came amid a heated blast to the opposition for the current state of the health sector as he delivered his budget debate speech in the National Assembly yesterday. The Diamond facility was closed since September last year, however, patients in the quarantine facility were allowed to remain in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is a part of a European Union Department
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, inspecting the Diamond Hospital with other medical professionals last year for International Development project in combination with the Government of Guyana, which aimed to provide
u p g r a d e d a n d environmentally friendly services to five hospitals the Leonora Diagnostic and
Treatment Centre, Paramakatoi Health Centre, the Lethem Regional Hospital, the Mabaruma
Regional Hospital, and the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. A sum of US$4.175M was allocated, whereas US$950,000 was allocated to the Leonora Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, US$910,000 at Lethem Regional Hospital, US$837,000 at Mabaruma Regional Hospital, US$515,000 at Paramakatoi Health Centre and US$920,000 at Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Ye s t e r day, Anthony assured that the government will work to finish the other hospitals. Kaieteur News had previously reported that upon its completion, the facility will see a new Accident and Emergency Department, a new Outpatient Area, enhancements in the surgical
maternity areas, and a much larger pharmacy to accommodate more people and faster processing of prescriptions. Further, it was stated that the government will be utilizing renewable energy, so there will be the installation of solar panels and most of the lighting and power structures will be running off of solar energy. Additionally, it was also stated that other 'SMART' energy sources will be available as backup measures in an effort to lessen carbon footprints for the hospitals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a carbon footprint is a measure of the impact your activities have on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced through the burning of fossil fuels.
Govt. to assess service Man found guilty of raping girl, 10 delivery to vulnerable groups I - Fort Wellington and Mahaicony Boards of Guardians installed
T
he Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will be “critically assessing” how it's officers interact with vulnerable groups that need assistance in an ongoing effort to improve the quality of services being delivered. The subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, made this disclosure during the installations of the Fort Wellington and Mahaicony Boards of Guardians (BOG) at the Fort Wellington Regional Democratic Council Office on Saturday, February 28, 2021. In a release, the Ministry revealed that the Board of Guardian is tasked with a number of responsibilities, including reviewing the applications for public assistance in a specific catchment area. Acknowledging that the Ministry should be “people oriented,” Dr. Persaud underscored the need for compassion and empathy. “When persons come for public assistance it means they have no other alternative, so we have to learn how to speak with them when they come to us for help. Therefore, the Ministry will be critically at assessing officers' performance to see
how they deal with the public. I make no apology about that because I believe that we need to elevate the manner in which we deliver services to people of this country,” the Minster stated. D r. P e r s a u d a l s o encouraged the Ministry's Probation Officers, members of the Boards and the Region's Welfare Committee to host sessions with community members “to sensitize them on how public assistance works, the benefits and who benefits.” Public engagements would also eliminate any miscommunication and s p e c u l a t i o n o f discriminatory practices, the Minister posited. “So if you have continuous engagements within the communities, persons will have the confidence in you, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, and I want to be very clear on this. We need to reach out and help people; help and support should not be tied to any of these things,” she noted. Shannielle HooseinO u t a r, t h e M i n i s t r y ' s P e r m a n e n t S e c r e t a r y, congratulated the Board members on their appointments, and noted that
their roles are critical in executing the Ministry's vision. “You are the eyes and ears on the ground. You all have an impact on the lives of the most vulnerable,” she said. However, she explained that the public assistance concept is not intended to be a permanent fix, rather persons will be taught skills through programmes offered by the Guyana Women's Leadership Institute (GWLI) “where they will be certified and become gainfully employed.”
vor Laud was yesterday convicted of rape of a child under the age of 16-year-old before Justice JoAnn Barlow, after a mixed 12member jury returned to the courtroom with a unanimous verdict in relation to the offence for which he was charged. Laud, who was represented by defence counsel, Rachel Bakker, had previously pleaded not guilty to the allegation that during 2015-2017 he raped a female, who was 10 years old. According to the facts provided to the Court by State lawyers, Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig, the victim and the accused were known to each other as they lived in
the same neighbourhood. According to the information, on the first occasion that the incident occurred, the accused called the child over to his house and told her that he had something for her so she followed him into his house. At the time, the accused only had one bedroom. They then went into the bedroom and there the accused lifted her up and put her to lie on the bed and he pulled down her pants and underwear and he took off his pants and underwear. The victim reportedly saw the man's erect penis which he instructed her to hold before later pushing it into her vagina. Afterwards, the victim reported that she saw whitish substance on his
penis and then he told her to go home and wash up, so she did. According to the information, this continued from 2015 to 2017, where the accused would put his penis into her vagina and he would suck her vagina sometimes. The last time was in August 2017 where the accused sucked the complainant's vagina at his house in his bedroom. He would have called her over and she went. When the incidents would happen, no one would be at his home. At the time, he had a wife and children. The matter later came to light and the accused was arrested and charged with rape.
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday March 02, 2021
Works commence on G$328M asphalt road for MMA Scheme
R
ehabilitation works on the Onverwagt main access road in the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) Scheme has commenced. In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that the works commenced on Friday and that a total of five kilometres of the dam will be upgraded to an all-weather road. Once
completed, the road will cater to over 12,000 acres of farmland and further heighten production in the scheme. The contract, which was awarded to Romell Jagroop General Construction Services, is being executed at a sum of G$328M. The project is expected to be completed before the end of August 2021. Back in January of this year, the Ministry of
Agriculture hosted a sodturning exercise to signify the commencement of the project. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that his Ministry was moving aggressively with resuscitating the sector, adding that government “means business” when it comes to Guyana realizing its full agricultural potential. “In January, we held a sod turning exercise for this
The Onverwagt Road Project is underway
project. Since then, the contractor has been carrying out a series of tests and preliminary works. Since
taking office, persons in the area had expressed their dissatisfaction with the condition of the road and appealed to government for some amount of relief. We know for a fact that the road is in a deplorable state and is impassable, especially during the rainy season. As a result of this, huge acreages of cultivated lands are being inaccessible and t h i s h a s a ff e c t e d t h e production of the farmers in the Scheme. If, as a government, we are looking to double agriculture production by 2025, then we have to ensure farmers face the necessary infrastructure to access their lands. The government is very much invested in agriculture development in Guyana and will continue to invest heavily in infrastructure and other agents of agricultural development, not only in the MMA Scheme, but all across the country,” Minister Mustapha said. The subject Minister also said that farmers can expect
greater improvements in the infrastructure with the passage of the 2021 National Budget. “As you know, we are currently in the process of debating the 2021 National Budget. I presented a $22.6B Budget proposal for the Ministry of Agriculture last Wednesday. $12B of that will go towards infrastructural development such as the construction and maintenance of drainage and irrigation structures and farm to market access roads. These works will be executed in all the agriculture producing regions of the country. With the renewed interest, which we are seeing in the sector because of the interventions of Budget 2020, farmers can look forward to more projects, and an overall proactive approach to dealing with issues of the sector. I believe, that with Budget 2021, agriculture and the economy as a whole, will take off,” Minister Mustapha added.
Lower prices at the pump - Sol Guyana promises
T
h r o u g h a reduction in the excise tax, Sol Guyana Inc. is prepared to offer lower prices at the pumps. Sol, the Shell Licensee and authorised distributor of Shell fuel products through its network of Shell-branded service stations in Guyana, in a statement assured its customers that “the prices at the pump for its gasoline and diesel products will be reduced in accordance with the government's recent announcement of a cut in excise taxes on fuel.” While the recently announced excise tax
reduction took effect immediately, the lowered tax does not apply to fuel product that was already purchased by Sol and currently in storage. As a result, in the shortterm, prices at the pump for gasoline and diesel which were imported prior to the implementation of the reduction in excise tax will include actual excise taxes paid for such product upon importation. Earl Carribon, General Manager of Sol Guyana said, “At Sol, we take our commitment to our customers seriously, and we welcome the government's initiative that has been designed to reduce the cost of fuel at the pump.”
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
PAGE 15
Probe completed; Ministry awaiting... COVID-19 death From page 8 him. “They said that she was more than 90 percent wasted and they had given her five percent chance at that time to live. Then they went into the theatre and they asked me to wait. I waited outside after a few hours and then they called me, and I saw the lead consultant, a Portuguese doctor, and he updated me on what happened,” Lewis shared. He explained that the doctor informed him that when his niece was admitted, based on the information on her chart, her pressure was high
and it kept spiking. He said the doctor disclosed that “the pressure increase and it resulted in two things, it ruptured her brain and it ruptured the cord attaching the baby to the mother. That triggered a bleeding and they (at New Amsterdam Hospital) decided to do a C-section, the C-section increased the bleeding.” He was told that it was possible that the baby had already died and the doctors had probably decided to save the life of his niece by removing her womb. “That didn't help, and fluid
started to flood the chamber and the bleeding increased so they pad it up, clamp it and put a tube in her to drain her, ventilate her and ship her away to Georgetown like a butchered cow,” said the heart broken uncle. It was around 03:00 hrs. the following day, that he received the call about his niece's death in the Intensive Care Unit of the GPHC. Lewis praised the team at the GPHC for their efforts in trying to save his niece, but chastised those at the N/A Hospital for the way they handled her. “They were very
professional, doctors and the (other) medical staff of GPHC must be commended; they did a wonderful job there and they treated us like human beings. But we can't say the same for New Amsterdam Hospital. That administrator there is arrogant. She treated us like animals and as if we had no right to be there,” he said. The family is still looking to have a private autopsy done on both the baby and Lewis-Sahadeo. Lewis-Sahadeo leaves to mourn her three children, ages six, nine and 11, along with other relatives.
toll now at 197
T
he Ministry of Health yesterday reported two new COVID-19 fatalities; a 64-year-old male from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and a 79-year-old female from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). In its press release it was noted that both persons died while receiving treatment at a medical facility and have been recorded as Guyana's 196th and 197th COVID-19 fatalities. The Ministry also revealed 10 new infections via its daily dashboard update yesterday increasing the case toll to 8,595. The dashboard shows that five patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, another five in institutional quarantine, 26 in institutional isolation and 374 in home isolation. Additionally, a total of 7,993 persons have recovered to date with 21 new recoveries recorded yesterday.
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Tuesday March 02, 2021
Kaieteur News
Linden man found with injuries to chest, head after 'drinking session' VACANCY SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040
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A drinking session Friday night ended so violently that a 25-year-old man had to be hospitalised. According to police, Henry Rodrigues of Moblissa, Linden Highway is currently in the institutional care of the Linden Hospital Complex where gaping wounds to his chest and head are being treated. Police revealed that Rodrigues' friend, Abraham Viveiros, who resides with him, told investigators that on the night of the incident, he was at home preparing dinner
when he heard the 25-year-old calling out to him. Viveiros explained that he left what he was doing and went to check on Rodrigues. After crossing the river to get to where Rodrigues was, he observed that he was intoxicated. When they returned, he further observed blood running from Rodrigues' head and on his left side chest, there was an injury as well. Closer examination revealed that Rodrigues' left hand was swollen. Soon after his observation, Viveiros said that he left to get
the victim's sister and informed her of what he saw. Both of them then rushed for assistance in order to take the injured Rodrigues to the hospital where he was admitted and is currently being treated. According to police, on Saturday ranks went to visit the injured man and observed a wound to his chest and right ear. In his statement,
Rodrigues told the police ranks that on the night of the incident, he went to a shop in Moblissa where he was consuming alcohol. However, he has no recollection of what transpired after he left to head home. Police have since launched an investigation and several persons from the area have since been questioned.
Tuesday March 02, 2021
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Kaieteur News
India donates 20,000 COVID-19 vaccines to St. Kitts and Nevis Yesterday, India gifted 20,000 doses of its COVID-19 vaccine COVISHIELD (OxfordAstraZeneca), to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to meet that island nation’s immediate requirements of vaccinating healthcare workers, frontline workers and those with co-morbidities. The COVISHIELD vaccine is manufactured in India by the Serum Institute of India, Pune, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer in collaboration with OxfordAstraZeneca. In a statement, the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, Guyana noted that by delivering COVID vaccine within days of its rollout, India has once again demonstrated its willingness and ability to act as a First Responder to crises in the World, including in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Government of India has announced a total donation of 570,000 doses to the CARICOM region out of which 125,000 doses of COVISHIELD vaccine to OECS countries, Antigua and Barbuda (40,000), St. Kitts and Nevis (20,000), Saint Lucia (25,000), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (40,000) which arrived in Antigua and Barbuda yesterday. These doses of vaccine were received from India by a special charter flight and the RSS is transporting the respective consignments from Antigua and Barbuda to the other countries in the next 24 hours. The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Timothy Harris, along with H.E. Dr. K.J.
Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India, received the consignment of doses of vaccine, in a special ceremony held at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. In brief remarks, Prime Minister Harris thanked both the Indian Prime Minister, Hon. Narendra Modi, and Foreign Minister, H.E. Dr. S Jaishankar, for the generous donation of COVID-19 vaccines to St. Kitts and Nevis, which has strengthened their hands in the fight against the COVID pandemic. In his speech on the occasion, the High Commissioner highlighted that the gifting of vaccines to St. Kitts and Nevis honoured Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to use India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity for helping all of humanity in fighting the crisis. He emphasized the fact that St. Kitts and Nevis received the vaccine in the first few days of India’s assistance to friendly countries, highlighted the special place St. Kitts and Nevis occupies in India’s Foreign Policy. It also bolstered India’s credentials as the immediate responder for St. Kitts and Nevis in times of emergency situations. He reiterated that the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in St. Kitts and Nevis marked another milestone in our bilateral relations. The High Commissioner was happy to note that with India’s support, St. Kitts and Nevis would be able to intensify the inoculation drive at such an early stage in the global fight against the pandemic. He hoped that the vaccine would help St. Kitts and Nevis in
saving lives, ameliorating suffering of brothers and sisters of St. Kitts and Nevis and bringing the country’s economy back to normal. He quoted Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who said that India has always been guided by its ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - one goal. Even during the pandemic, India ramped up its pharmaceutical production especially ofhydrochloroquineand paracetamol - to respond to growing global demands. External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, also said that India supplied medicines to 150 countries during the pandemic, more than half on a noncommercial basis, to deal with medical complications arising from COVID. Dr. Srinivasa quoted Dr. Jaishankar, who said that the Bhagavad Gita states ‘do your work with the welfare of others always in mind’ and Vaccine Maitri=Vaccine Friendship. It may be noted that Media calls our vaccine friendship effort as “Vaccine Diplomacy.” While inaugurating the world’s largest vaccination drive in India on 16 January 2021, PM Modi had said, “Today, when we’ve developed our own vaccine, the world is looking at India with hope. As our vaccination drive will move forward, other countries of the world will benefit from it. India’s vaccine and our production capability must be used for human interest; this is our commitment.” The gifting of COVID-19 vaccines today fulfils the pledge made by our Prime
Residents give details of Wednesday... From page 2 her repeatedly to the face,” he said. “I shout at him, boy what you doing that girl?” “He stood up…I wanted to jump the fence and rescue her but as I was about to do so, I saw the knife in his hand.” Griffith told reporters too that he considered his decision before making a move. “What if he stabs her and kill her in retaliation.” The man then turned his attention back to the woman and stamped her to the head repeatedly before entering his home, Griffith recalled. “I taught he gone to put on a pants and come back, so I called out to her and said run and come to the fence.” The woman had told Kaieteur News, she was able to garner enough strength to get up off the ground and run towards the fence, which she jumped over to escape. Griffith recounted grabbing her by the hands and assisting her over the fence after which she collapsed. By this time other neighbours had arrived at the scene. They said that she was beaten beyond recognition. “Her face was bloodied, her eyes were swollen, and she kept blacking out repeatedly,” one of them said. One woman ran home
for a bed sheet, they said, which they used to cover the battered woman's nakedness. The police were summoned along with an ambulance. The ranks entered Semple's yard, called out to him and asked him what was going on, this publication was told. “One of the ranks brought out her clothes and gave them to one of the women attending to her,” said another neighbour. The rank, they related, instructed that a woman assist Semple's victim to get dressed before placing her into the ambulance. Another woman who spoke with Kaieteur News said that as the ambulance drove off with the battered victim, she showed them (the neighbours) a “Thumbs up.” They further related to reporters that the police did arrest Semple and took him away. Kaieteur News learnt, however, that Semple was subsequently released and had returned to his home. While home, some residents revealed that he threatened to burn down the homes of all those who reported him. Police clarified yesterday that they had responded to a 911 report that a woman was being beaten by a man in a yard. They denied tossing her clothes at her,
but went on to state that they released the man on bail because up to that time they only had a report of an alleged domestic violence. The angry neighbours said that when they read the Kaieteur News' lead story published on Monday, they were left dumb founded. In fact, this was not the first time they have witnessed Semple brutally assaulting a woman at his home, one of them said. Another added that every night Semple would drive by with a different woman in car. Others, some of whom live nearby, recounted the nights they would hear loud banging against the walls of his house. “You would even hear them girls hollering,” a man said. Nevertheless, the neighbours didn't bother to intervene much because they taught they were his women. “Now that this is in the open, now that we know the sick individual he is, we don't want him living around us; what if he begins to prey on our little teenage daughters, who knows if he might have killed women in the past, in that same house and used his car to dump their bodies,” said a concerned neighbour.
Minister. During this pandemic, the Governments of India and St. Kitts and Nevis worked in partnership to save lives, and ensure medicine and other essential medical supplies to St. Kitts and Nevis. The Government of India has provided life-saving medicines and medical supplies worth US$100,000 and 10,000 Hydroxychloroquine tablets to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis as a gesture of goodwill in support of its fight against COVID-19. The medicines and medical supplies thus provided include Azithromycin, Amikacin injections, Cefotaxime Sodium injections, Ceftazadime Injections, Lopinavir/Ritonavir Tabs., Oseltamivir Caps., Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid Susp., Levocetrizine, Mannitol, Metronidazole, Metronidazole inj., Ceftriaxone injection, Paracetamol, Intra Venous Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Vitamin C Tabs., Thermometer, Surgical gowns, Over shoes, Surgical gloves, Cape hood, Sampling Tubes and Swabs. Besides this, as part of our efforts to combat COVID-19, India also extended an assistance of “Quick Impact
Community Development Projects” Fund of US$1million to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for improving health infrastructure and capacities. The same level of assistance, i.e. US$1million, was also offered to each CARICOM country. This assistance of US$1million from India will be used for improving health infrastructure in St. Kitts and Nevis. Out of the US$1million, US$300,000 has already been approved for procurement of lifesaving medical supplies and equipment like Ventilators, masks, infrared thermometers, defibrillators test kits, medicines and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the balance is under process for approval. India and St. Kitts and Nevis share unique and special relations honoured by time and nourished by friendship and collaboration. Our shared values of democracy and rule of law strengthen our bilateral partnership based on mutual trust and mutual respect. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the traditional ties have acquired a new vision and vigour. The arrival of the COVID-19
vaccines in St. Kitts and Nevis yesterday has marked another milestone in its bilateral relations with India, that now serves as a model in CARICOM, the statement added. Trials of COVID-19 vaccines are progressing well in India. Currently, there are quite a few vaccines in different phases of trials. India’s first indigenous vaccine against the novel coronavirus, Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology, Pune, is in the third phase of clinical trials. Others like ZyCOVD developed by Zydus Cadilla in Ahmedabad, and Novavax’s protein subunit vaccine, are also undergoing trials in various stages. Multiple approved vaccines are likely to hit the Indian market in 2021. According to the Indian Health Minister, Dr. Harshvardhan, at least 18-19 coronavirus vaccine candidates including oral and nasal vaccines are in the pipeline and will be available for use in coming few months highlighting India’s predominant role as the “pharmacy of the world.”
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Tuesday March 02, 2021
Kaieteur News
Over half a billion cubic feet Govt. to retain int’l consultant to of gas flared since January draft legislation for petroleum - Int’l Lawyer says Exxon in breach of agreement sector - AG
ExxonMobil has flared more than half a billion cubic feet of gas since a mishap occurred with its gas compression equipment late in January. This added to more than 12.4 billion cubic feet of gas flared last year, taking the total to about 13 billion cubic feet of gas. International Lawyer, Melinda Janki, told Kaieteur News that ExxonMobil, the operator of the Liza, appears to be in breach of the petroleum agreement. “The Petroleum Agreement clearly states that Esso and partners must reinject any associated gas that they do not use or sell,” Janki said. “They are not allowed to flare it. They are not using the gas. They cannot sell it on the market because nobody wants to buy associated gas. But they are not re-injecting it, they are flaring it. Esso and partners appear to be in breach of the Petroleum Agreement and that is a very serious matter.” “Under basic contract law, Esso and its partners are liable for all the damage they have caused to Guyana and the Guyanese people by this breach of contract,” Janki said. She opined that the Minister of Natural
International Lawyer, Melinda Janki Resources, Vickram Bharrat, should insist that ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess and CNOOC, compensate Guyana for the damage they have caused by flaring the gas. “His job is to protect Guyana not ExxonMobil,” Janki said. ExxonMobil’s Country President, Alistair Routledge, had told reporters during a February 8 press engagement that the company has been producing at about 120,000 barrels per day at the Liza Phase One operation since the mishap occurred, causing flaring of about 16 million cubic feet per day. The company’s defective equipment is currently
undergoing repairs in Germany. According to a February 23 engagement, all rework and reassembly of the flash gas compressor has been completed. A February 26 update from ExxonMobil’s Government and Public Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud, noted that the compressor was being installed for testing. Persaud was supposed to provide an update last night, but informed reporters at the time that it was delayed. In addition to repairs on the defective compressor, ExxonMobil has ordered a new compressor, which it expects to be available closer to the end of the year, according to Persaud. “Technical experts are finalizing recommendations for scope of repairs and potential upgrades to the discharge silencer,” Persaud said on Friday. It is unclear when the equipment will be reinstated. Routledge had given Kaieteur News an estimated time of reinstatement of eight weeks. However, at the time, the equipment had not even reached Germany for a diagnosis. ExxonMobil has not given a revised timeline. It has been three weeks since that engagement.
High Court dismisses $120M claim... From page 11 merely storing items such as lubricants and condoms. However after paying a huge bill for the rental of the Lot 29 Sussex Street, Georgetown bond, the Ministry wrote to the company on October 31, 2016, terminating the tenancy and notifying the company it was giving up possession of the Bond on the 1st November, 2017. On 3rd October, 2017, the Ministry again wrote to the company reminding it of the earlier notice of termination and reiterating that it would be giving up possession of the premises on the 31st day of November, 2017. The company however responded by its then Attorneyat-Law, former Chief Justice, Ian Chang, S.C., informing the Ministry that the company had not received the notice of termination, and did not recognize the Ministry as being lawfully entitled to give up possession of the premises. The company therefore contended that if the Ministry did give up possession, the company would nevertheless claim the rents payable for the unexpired term of the tenancy. It was pointed out in Court documents that the Ministry did not actually leave
the premises until August, 2018. After the Ministry gave up possession of the premises, in accordance with its earlier letter from its Attorney, the company filed a lawsuit against the Government and claimed $120M as the total rents which would have been payable for the full term of the tenancy up to 30th June, 2019, or 10 months at $12.6M per month. In a recent ruling, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, gave judgment in favour of the Attorney-General and the Central Board of Health and dismissed the claim. The Judge found that the notice had been properly given, that the tenancy had been validly terminated, and
that in the circumstances, the court had no jurisdiction to hear the claim, as at all material times, the Ministry had been a statutory tenant. As the Ministry was the statutory tenant, the Judge ruled that the claim ought not to have been brought in the High Court, but rather, ought to have been brought in the Magistrates' Court, which by law, such claims must be decided. During the trial, the company was represented by Attorneysat-law, Glenn Hanoman and Joshua Abdool, of Hanoman and Jackson. The Attorney-General and Central Board of Health were represented by Mr. Andrew M. F. Pollard, S.C., and Mr. Nigel Hawke, Solicitor-General (Ag).
In 2017 Suspect was charged... From page 3 lodge his passport at the court and stay away from the virtual complainant until the completion of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI). Additionally, according to a source, Semple is in the habit of picking up schoolgirls and sexually assaulting them. This publication was also told that he sexually assaulted a young relative who died shortly after. According to an
elderly resident, the relative had complained to her that Semple would beat her, give her wine to drink and would ask her to engage in sexual acts. The resident said that she had informed the child's mother who had taken her to the hospital after an assault. It is not clear whether the relative died as a result of the assault but reports suggest that she had died seven days after being hospitalised.
According to Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government would be retaining the services of an international consultant to draft a collection of legislation for the emerging oil and gas sector. The Attorney General made this announcement when he laid out the PPP/C Government’s legislative agenda in the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) yesterday. He indicated that the legislations would regulate the new and emerging sectors, while at the same time revamping “archaic legislations to complete a new and modern legal framework for Guyana.” Furthermore, he said that every area of economic activity would be targeted for legal reforms. In the housing and hospitality sector, a regime of legislation dealing with zoning, urban planning, condominiums and town houses will be addressed. Minister Nandlall said in the health sector, approximately 25 pieces of legislation have been identified to be dealt with. This includes a new Public Health Act, a new Mental Health Act, Organ
Transplant legislation, a new Food and Drug Act. The Agriculture Sector would see a Food Safety and a Food Security Act being endorsed to ready Guyana to export agricultural products. Meanwhile, at the level of Local Government, the Solid Waste Management Bill would be completed soon and public consultations will be held in this regard. In addition to the Hire Purchase Bill, which was referred to the parliamentary select committee, an AntiDumping Bill, a Movable Property Security Bill and an E-Transactions Bill are currently in draft. “This latter Bill is to prepare the public sector to engage in E-transactions and for payments to be made for Government services by means other than cash and cheque,” AG Nandlall said. In order to strengthen the country’s ability to protect its borders, Minister Nandlall said a Bill is being drafted for the establishment of a Border Patrol Unit, which will supplement the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force in securing and protecting Guyana’s borders. Similarly, in the legal sector, a raft of legislation will be promulgated, including a new Arbitration Bill, a new Juvenile Justice Bill, a Bail Bill
and Sentencing Guidelines. “And of course, a slew of Amendments will be done to our election laws, to make the electoral process more credible and transparent and to hold the staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to a higher standard of care. This year will also see work starting on constitutional reform. The Constitutional Reform Committee of the National Assembly will remain the main vehicle by which these reforms will be driven,” AG Nandlall added. Additionally, the Legal Affairs Ministry would be reviewing the Procurement Act not only to strengthen the public procurement process but to create a more level playing field to accommodate small contractors. The AG said within a few months, the Judicial Service Commission would also be up and running. A new and modern Public Service rule is also to be worked on to further protect the interests of public servants. This year will also see the appointment of the Law Reform Commission, which will have as its first task the revision of the current laws of Guyana and to produce a new consolidated volume of those laws.
Pres. Ali announces Order of Democracy national award for those who “defied the riggers” - Recipients to be announced later this year President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, yesterday announced a new national award called the Order of Democracy. “I have taken the decision to institute a national award, the Order of Democracy, in recognition of the contributions of those individuals and organizations who defied the riggers and defended our democracy,” the President said in a statement. “Brave men and women – of all ages, classes, ethnicities and political affiliation – came together in a heroic battle to defend our Motherland from one of its gravest threats: the attempt to trample the democratic will of the people. This defence of this right and the fact that it enjoyed the support of a wide cross section of fair-minded Guyanese manifested our people’s resolve to live in a free society as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” The announcement came on the eve of March 2, 2021 – one year after the general and regional elections of 2020. The five-month
period following Election Day, last year, was one of strife. It is one of the longest electoral periods in modern history, bade by attempts to have the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) declare fraudulent results produced by District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo. During that period, the governing coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) displayed immense resistance to the determination of the true results of the elections, as it would show that the coalition lost. “One year has passed since the General and Regional Elections of 2nd March 2020,” the President said, reflecting on the period. “The Guyanese people went out to vote peacefully and orderly on that day, little suspecting that after the counting of the votes at the places of poll, a devious plot would be triggered to subvert the democratic will of the people.” “Fortunately, this plot did not succeed. The Guyanese people were determined to resist and
repel the public mischief which was being orchestrated. Were it not for the vigilance, courage and resoluteness of our Guyanese people, supported by the international community and witnessed by the international election observers, our country would have returned to the dark days of tyranny.” The electoral process culminated on August 2, 2020, when GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, S.C., announced that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won the elections, and Ali was sworn in. “March 2nd has therefore become a celebration of our people’s stoic defence of democracy,” President Ali said. “It represents the determination of our people to maintain Guyana as a democratic state which respects the rule of law, the separation of powers and the expressed will of the people through free and fair elections.” Government is expected to announce the names of those invested with the Order of Democracy later this year.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
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High Court dismisses $120M claim against Govt. for rental of controversial Sussex Street drug bond
T
he High Court has dismissed the $120M claim which Linden Holdings Inc. (LHI), the holders of the controversial Sussex Street, Charlestown drugs bond contract, had filed against the State allegedly for rents owed. Back in 2016 the contract between Linden Holdings Inc. and the Ministry came under scrutiny after information surfaced that the $25M bond had been rented under very lucrative terms to
(LHI)'s owner Larry Singh, a businessman, during the tenure of former APNU+AFC Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. It was pointed out that at the cost of $25M, the Government could have built 12 bonds using the $325M it paid to Singh. The controversy intensified when it was discovered late 2016 that the facility was rented for $12.6M per month and was (continued on page 18)
The Sussex Street Bond facility
Owner of the controversial drug bond, businessman Larry Singh
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
Tuesday March 02, 2021
CWI announces new broadcast rights deal with Sky New Zealand ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the signing of another major long-term broadcast rights agreement. This time it is with Sky New Zealand for the exclusive live coverage to all West Indies home matches played in the Caribbean. The agreement covering both television and digital rights will mean that Sky New Zealand including its Sky Go mobile app and Sky Sport Now streaming app will offer live coverage and highlights of televised West Indies regional tournaments including the current and future editions of the CG
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Kaieteur News
Insurance Super50 Cup. The agreement will feature next month’s visit of Sri Lanka for three CG Insurance T20Is, three CG Insurance ODIs and two Test matches. Later this year West Indies is expected to host South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. The postponed 2020 white ball series against New Zealand is likely to be rescheduled into 2022. CWI President, Ricky Skerritt said: “CWI is pleased to announce that we will be doing business with another leading sports broadcaster, Sky New Zealand. We are continuing to ensure an expanding worldwide
coverage of the exciting West Indies brand of international and regional cricket.” Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI, welcomed the new agreement and said: “This landmark long-term agreement with Sky New Zealand’s leading sports broadcaster will ensure West Indies matches and New Zealand tours of the West Indies can be watched live on TV and mobile devices. This partnership delivers on our strategy to deliver the best of West Indies cricket to fans all over the world.” Sophie Moloney, CEO Sky New Zealand said: “The West Indies have always delivered some of the most exciting and explosive cricket,
Tuesday March 02, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may find that your instincts are right, Aries, particularly where other people are concerned. You and a friend could come up with the same words at the same time, which might be a little disconcerting for both of you. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Social events and group activities could bring new interests your way that provide a rich field of knowledge for you to delve into, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A number of people involved in the healing professions could cross your path today. You might hear news about recent discoveries in those fields that sparks your interest. 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-andsuch school or program? LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The planetary alignment is favorable, and you're in the process of reaping the benefits. 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.
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) A small crisis is still a crisis, isn't it? You can expect one in your personal life today. Since you aren't the kind of person who lets issues go unresolved. 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. 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. If you have a budget, you will find it just as fulfilling (and a lot cheaper) to rid your home of all the things that just aren't "you" anymore.
appreciated by fans around the world. New Zealand cricket lovers are no exception, and we look forward to continuing our fantastic relationship on behalf of our customers.” This is CWI’s fourth new broadcast rights agreement announced in recent weeks, following announcements with ESPN+ for the United States; BT Sport for the United Kingdom and Ireland; and SuperSport for subSaharan Africa including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Kenya.
...Former national footballer Neil From page 23 of eight siblings and apart from football played many sports. He was part of a family that were all prominent sports personalities that represented in football, cricket, track and field athletics, lawn tennis, basketball, volleyball, rugby among other games. Neil was a father of nine and leaves to mourn his elderly mother, Hermina Humphrey and a wide gathering of family, friends, colleagues and associates. Kaieteur Sports join with the rest of nation in expressing deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the later former footfall stalwart Neil Grizzly Humphrey. (Samuel Whyte)
...Former ‘Golden Jaguar’ Robert From page 20 Sacred Heart R.C Church to the singing of Frank Sinatra’s popular 1969 hit, “I did it my way,” destined for its final resting place by Chris Fernandes (brother), Robert Fernandes, Dominic Fernandes, Damian Fernandes, Shad Fernandes (children) and Rene Edwards. The Fernandes family also expressed sincere gratitude to all - including his nurses over the years - who supported them during this time of bereavement.
...News-talk Radio to carry From page 21 Caribbean Service, informed that the business community has so far been quite responsive to News-Talk Guyana carrying the Sri Lanka tour. “From the response we see no reason why we should not consider other opportunities in this regard. News-Talk Radio Guyana is here to contribute to the meaningful change in the Radio broadcasting market to serve the public’s interest with fair, balanced and accurate content,” added the Guyanese, whose career in Radio has spanned many levels of the Radio industry, dating back to 1984 when he was a secondary school intern at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation. “We offer a mixture of sober music and relevant news and information blended with great music. The public’s interest is always of premier importance and cricket is a big part of
the Guyanese Culture so when this opportunity presented itself we took it,” said Chabrol, who was the CANA Bureau Chief for the Leeward Islands and was based in Antigua. “After CANA folded and the Entity closed for a while I returned to Guyana.” Asked what he thought of Radio, the experienced broadcaster said Radio is more than just a few DJs shouting over deafening music in fake accents, wrong grammar and inaccurate information. With an infinite passion for his profession based on the time-honoured standards of Journalism and broadcasting, Chabrol is pleased to be the first privately owned Radio station to get the ‘rights’ to bring international Cricket live to Guyanese, especially those without access to Cable TV or those who are blind. (Sean Devers)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
Eulogised by his children as the supporter of their dreams
Former ‘Golden Jaguar’ Robert ‘Bobby’ Fernandes laid to rest By Franklin Wilson
The remains of the late Robert John Fernandes being borne out of the Church to the waiting hearse destined for its final resting place. (Franklin Wilson photo)
In an atmosphere of serenity and satisfaction, the Sacred Heart R. C Church, Main Street, Georgetown yesterday morning accommodated a service of celebration for the life of the late ‘Golden Jaguar’ Robert John Fernandes (13-05-1947 – 19-02-2021) affectionately known as ‘Bobby’. The former defender, who later became President of the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) from 2001 to 2015, was eulogized by six of his seven children, the youngest, Chantelle, not being able to attend but
followed proceedings, like hundreds of others, via streaming. Some family members, relatives and friends, observing covid-19 protocols attended yesterday’s service with officiating Priest, Monsignor Te r r e n c e M o n t r o s e i n charge. Popular hymns, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, What a friend we have in Jesus were sung, lustily so by the attendees punctuated by the two tributes, eulogy, reading of the first reading, gospel and homily which was done by Msgr. Montrose. He reminded the gathering that one thing is sure, “We will all die,” noting that what’s important is how we live our lives. Major General (Rtd) Joe Singh in his tribute recalled that Fernandes and he were friends for half a century and encouraged all not to mourn his friends passing but to be thankful for the life he lived, noting that, “He did it his way with zest, vigor and vitality.” The other tribute was done by Ivor O’Brien who served as Secretary of GFC during Fernandes’ entire tenure as President and he reminisced that ‘Bobby’ was a courteous, industrious and efficient administrator who focused on youth development. The eulogy took on a unique format with Robert Fernandes children all pitching in as they remembered memorable moments spent with their father. His sporting career was passed on to all his kids as they too, pursued and succeeded in national careers in football, hockey and squash. Guyana’s Squash Queen Nicolette recalled that her dad was many things to her, a coach, manager as well as her biggest fan and supporter. “He always seemed to be in the background, sometimes the only supporter, biting his tongue and rubbing his hands together. I realize now that daddy was also the first feminist I knew. He always made my sisters and I feel like anything was possible, that the narrow limits of what society often places on women didn’t apply in his eyes. We could achieve anything and he would do everything to help.” Daddy in his own words: “Not surprisingly, daddy
also wrote a small piece that we feel is very appropriate to read as we send him off. These are his words. It is indeed fortunate for someone to achieve most of the goals which they have set for themselves during their lifetime. Some might say that my goals were too simple, and therefore success was guaranteed. I suppose this is my fault, for after all is said and done, dreams have only the limits imposed by the dreamer. While I was still a teenager, I can remember my goals coming into focus. They were three simple dreams, but by no means easy to achieve. My most urgent goal was to represent Guyana at football. With hundreds of footballers available for selection, it seemed at that time to be an impossible dream. It called for a lot of dedication and hard work, but most of all, the genetic skills and ball sense I had inherited from my parents. My second goal was to discover my true identity as a Guyanese, by getting to know the wonderful land that is our birthright. The exploring of Guyana in its entirety is a task that actually needs more than one lifetime to achieve, and therefore success can only be measured by the amount of terrain covered. This exploration of our natural heritage also included the sharing of the knowledge gained through the exhibition and publication of books and photographs. My third goal was by far the most important of all, as it will dictate the level of my happiness throughout my lifetime. This was to find a partner in life who will bear me many children and for us all to live happily till the end of our days. I would like to be able to say that my choice of a wife, and mother of my children was the result of some special skill on my part; but to be truthful, it was purely an act of divine intervention. My wife Luana is just the person I needed to make sure my most important dreams would come true. So as we celebrate him today, we can remember him best by bussing a gaff, talking a story and calling he name, ‘Bobby Fernandes’, I think he would like that.” The remains of the late Robert John Fernandes aka ‘Bobby’ was borne out of the (Continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
Imran Khan (left) won the 13-second class with his Toyota Carina ahead of Shairaz Roshandin.
Motorsport suspended following record breaking day
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a s t S u n d a y ’s return to drag racing following an 18-month hiatus, lived up to the hype and was a major success with everything running smoothly with the over-exuberance of fans that made their way to the South Dakota Circuit playing a big part in the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) activities being suspended indefinitely by the Covid-19 task force. Records tumbled on the day and this was largely due to the rehabilitation works that Team Mohamed’s sponsored on the Drag Strip and Launch pad at the Timehri venue. The club confirmed that Team Mohamed’s White GTR (Godzilla) set the strip record at 7.5s after the its sister car Goliath (black
GTR) had ran 7.6s the previous day to wipe out the previous record of 8.099 seconds. The winners of the respective classes were as follows: 16 second class: Permeshwar Ramkisson – Honda Prelude 15 second class: Anil Persaud – Toyota Levin 14 second class: Mahendra Singh – Mitsubishi Evolution 10 13 second class: Imran Khan – Toyota AT 12 second class: Raymond John – Toyota Chaser (Suriname) 10 second class: Feroz Mohammed – Mitsubishi Evo Bikes: Mark Menezes Meanwhile, late Sunday evening, the National COVID-19 Task Force
announced its decision to suspend all activities of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) until further notice, following the staging of a well-attended Round One of t h e D r a g R a c e Championship earlier in the day at South Dakota Circuit. The Club was granted conditional approval by the Task Force to host the event, and it was agreed between the bodies that no more than 1,500 persons, inclusive of participants and spectators, would be permitted at the venue. However, well over that number of persons were in attendance at the event. The event was live streamed on E Networks, GMR&SC facebook page and Channel 102 with well over 40 thousand viewers.
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CWI President congratulates T&T Red Force on perfect record to win CG Insurance Super50 Cup ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Ricky Skerritt, has congratulated the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on their outstanding performance, to win the CG Insurance Super50 Cup at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. The Red Force had a dominant victory in last Saturday’s final, by 152 runs over the Guyana Jaguars, and a perfect record in winning all seven matches. Skipper Kieron Pollard had the cherished honour of lifting the CG Insurance Super50 Sir Clive Lloyd Trophy. CWI President Ricky Skerritt sent short messages of congratulations to TTCB President Azim Bassarath and Red Force Captain Kieron Pollard following the Final. In commenting on the overall tournament Skerritt said: “This was a remarkable show of force by Trinidad from start to finish. It was a total team effort and Red Force found a match-winner at every stage. The other five franchise teams, including losing finalist Guyana Jaguars, all worked hard and showed good fighting qualities to varying degrees. But The Red Force was more dominant and consistent than ever, and simply
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Captain Kieron Pollard (left) and Coach David Furlonge hold the Sir Clive Lloyd trophy after winning the final of the CG Insurance Super50 tournament. (CWI) unstoppable.” In a direct note to the TTCB President Bassarath, Skerritt said: “Congrats on a great tournament and Final victory for TTCB and your team. This incredible performance should emphasize the vital importance of planning and preparation. I hope it has also reminded us why cricket administrators should not simply throw away senior players while these players still have such good value to their team and country. Successful cricket teams
employ a healthy balance of youth and experience, just like your team did in winning this tournament.” President Skerritt also thanked the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, local health and medical officials, the tournament officials and operators from the Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association, The Leeward Islands Cricket Board, and CWI and tournament sponsors CG Insurance who worked diligently to make the CG InsuranceSuper50 event such a huge success.
New kid on block gets ‘rights’ for S/Lanka tour
Hetmyer, Chase attain minimum News-talk Radio to carry radio fitness standard - Adams commentary from tomorrow
Guyanese batsman Shimron Hetmyer and Barbadian Roston Chase have met the minimum fitness standard and are now available for selection. This is according to Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams. Adams explained that there were some players that missed the minimum fitness standard required for selection and the duo have since met that standard. He added that they would now be available for selection for the test matches coming up later in March. Hetmyer, Chase and fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas had all failed the fitness test ahead of the selection of the West Indies T20 and ODI squads to face Sri Lanka and were subsequently overlooked. Hetmyer has so far appeared in 16 test matches and has scored 838 runs at an average of 27.93 with his highest score being 93. Chase have so far featured in 37 tests matches and has scored 1,869 runs at an average of 29.20 with a highest score of 137 not out. He has so far taken 71 test wickets with his best being 8-60.
Shimron Hetmyer made 80 against Barbados during the recent Super50. (CWI)
Sri Lanka is set to begin their all-formats tour to the West Indies tomorrow night with the first T20I in Antigua and Guyanese fans will not be denied ball-by-ball Radio commentary from 18:00hrs. Usually, the National Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Network (NCN) would carry both Radio and Television coverage of the cricket series in which all the matches will be played in Antigua due to the covid-19 pandemic. However, NCN’s CEO (acting) Michella AbrahamAli yesterday confirmed that the state-owned media entity will not broadcast the first home series involving Sri Lanka since 2008 when Sri Lanka drew the two-Test series 1-1 after winning the first Test in Guyana.
West Indies won the 3match ODIseries 2-nil after the third ODI in St Lucia ended in a no-result. New Kid on the block News-talk RadioGuyana 103.1 FM, was launched in 2019 and has stepped up to the plate and will carry live commentary of the three T20Is (March 3, 5 and 7 at Coolidge Cricket Ground), the three match ODI series (March 10, 12 and 14 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium) and two Tests (March 21-25, March 29-April 2). Veteran broadcaster Denis Chabrol said Radio has always been part of him. “That’s the medium that still has a high degree of relevance to Guyana and the Caribbean. I have always wanted my
own Radio Station because I am confident that if done properly and with the collective expertise and experience of my other team members, we can bring back the standards of Radio broadcasting. As a commercial Radio station, we certainly see the broadcast of cricket Commentary as a value opportunity and keeping with our overall programme format,” explained Chabrol. When asked what has been the response of Corporate Guyana for a radio station carrying cricket for the first time, Chabrol, who worked for a number of Regional News entities including the Caribbean News Agency and the BBC (Continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday March 02, 2021
Viscom supports Inaugural Barcelona confirm police search at club offices, several arrests made Mahaica Softball Cup Viscom has supported the Inaugural Mahaica Softball Cup slated for March 7 at Strathavon Sports Club ground, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. The entity presented one of the trophies to the organisers yesterday. The competition will be hosted by We Care Community Services in Association with Strathavon Culture and Sports Club. Action will get underway at 09:00hrs with over $250,000 to be won in prizes. The competition is expected to feature some of the top teams in region four. Interested teams can contact Jermaine Persaud on 6448172 or Gobindram Hemraj on 643-3319 for registration.
Barcelona are holding elections for club president this week.
Ms. Sheleena Juman (left) Public relations officer of Strathavon Sports Club receives Trophy from Ms. Lydia Samsudeen of Viscom.
Barbadian umpire Gregory Brathwaite to stand in Sri Lanka Test
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portsMax Barbadian umpire G r e g o r y Brathwaite is likely to stand in a Test between the West Indies and Sri Lanka later this month, media reports say. If he does, it will be the first time in almost a quartercentury that a Barbadian umpire will stand in a Test match. The 51-year-old made his debut in the One-Day
International format in the 2011-2013 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League Championship. He has since gone on to umpire in 44 ODIs and 28 Twenty20s. A member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) International Panel of Umpires and Referees representing the West Indies, Brathwaite was, in January 2018,
(Twitter)
named as one of the 17 onfield umpires for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In October that year, he was named as one of the 12 on-field umpires for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20. In February 2020, the ICC named him as one of the umpires to officiate in matches during the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
DCC to face Bel Air Rubis Under-17 tomorrow evening in 30-over match
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ponsored by Trophy Stall, Bel Air Rubis and Ramchand Auto Spares, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will challenge Bel Air Rubis Under17 in a day/night 30-over cricket match starting at 4:30pm. Keen competition is anticipated among the two teams as the players are hungry for action after the Covid19 pandemic had put a dent on sporting action, which is now beginning to happen under strict covid19
safety guidelines and permission from the national Task Force in charge of dealing with containing the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, on Friday evening, Bel Air Rubis will tangle with DCC this time in the Under19 category. This match starts 5:00pm. The teams for tomorrow’s action will come from: Bel Air Rubis Squad: Ajay Gainda Capt., Nicholas Shiopersaud V/Capt, Anthony Khan, Omari Lalbachan, Daniel Goolab,
Josh Alves, Joshau Alves, Mohan Raghunauth, Hemraj Harprashad, Sasnarine Haricharan, Bramanand Rabindranauth, Neeran Bani, Alex Datterdeen and Tushar Mahadeo. DCC Squad: Jadon Campbell Capt, Romeo Deonarain V/Capt, Jonathan Van Lange, Prem Permaul, Jayden Dowlin, Wavell Allen, Malik Hopkinson, Keshawn Silus, Inderjeet Nanan, Daniel Motoo, Joshua Walcott and Romel Singh.
AFP - Barcelona confirmed yesterday police raided the club’s offices as part of an investigation into the hiring of a company to improve the image of former president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Several arrests were made, a Catalan regional police spokesman told AFP, just six days ahead of the club’s new presidential elections on Sunday. Spain’s Cadena Ser radio said one of those arrested was Bartomeu, who resigned in October, along with CEO Oscar Grau and the club’s head of legal services Roma Gomez Ponti. But Barcelona refused to comment on arrests while the police would not confirm names, saying only that “arrests are taking place” and adding that the operation was being run by officers from the financial crimes unit. “We are in the process of carrying out an operation right now with agents of the financial crimes unit,” the police spokesman told AFP. Barcelona said the operation is linked to last year’s investigation into the ‘BarcaGate’ scandal, in which the club was accused of covering up payments to a company called I3 Ventures, hired to boost the image of then-president Bartomeu on social media. Part of the campaign included criticising current and former players, like Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. Messi described the controversy as “strange” in an interview
with Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo. A club statement on Monday read: “Regarding the entry and search by the Catalan Police force this morning at the Camp Nou offices by order of the Instructing Court number 13 in Barcelona, which is in charge of the case relating to the contacting of monitoring services on social networks, FC Barcelona have offered up their full collaboration to the legal and police authorities to help make clear facts which are subject to investigation. “The information and documentation requested by the judicial police force relate strictly to the facts relative to this case.” Cadena Ser claimed Barca paid I3 Ventures an inflated fee and put payments through in smaller, separate amounts to avoid the club’s financial controls. Emili Rousaud, who resigned as Barcelona vicepresident in March last year, said in an interview with RAC1: “If the auditors tell us the cost of these services is 100,000 euros and we have paid one million, it means someone has had their hand in the till.” The club took legal action against him. Rousaud was among six Barca executives to leave their posts, with a joint letter citing the controversy as a key issue needing to be resolved. - ‘Plugging gaps’ Bartomeu said the company had been hired only to monitor posts on
social media and announced an internal audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which cleared the club of financial corruption in July. “Let one thing be clear,” Bartomeu said. “To the question: Have we commissioned the monitoring of social networks? The answer is yes. “To the question: Have we commissioned to discredit people or institutions through social networks? The answer is no and we will take action against all those who accuse us of that.” Bartomeu resigned in October, avoiding a vote of no confidence triggered after more than 20,000 club members signed a petition against him. His departure came the same month Barcelona announced losses of 97 million euros ($114m) for last season and debts that had more than doubled to 488 million euros. As well as a series of political blunders, Bartomeu had also overseen a dramatic decline in performances on the pitch and a personal falling-out with Messi, who tried to leave for free last summer. Messi accused the club of “always juggling everything and plugging gaps” under Bartomeu’s leadership. Bartomeu’s successor is due to be elected on Sunday, when club members will choose between the final three candidates, Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa and Victor Font.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 02, 2021
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Former national footballer Neil Humphrey dies suddenly The sports fraternity in Guyana and the wider world has been plunged into mourning with the sudden demise of former National Football Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey. He was 65, having celebrated his birthday last month. Humphrey or “Grizzly” has he was popularly known, died on Sunday Morning at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Reports are that he was up and around up to Saturday and even spoke to a few persons on Saturday evening. He failed to get up on Sunday morning and when family members checked on him he was unwell. He was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he died. Neil was a part of the popular Humphrey family in New Amsterdam that is well known for their sporting exploits. He started his career at a tender age and was in the national mix from
Neil Humphrey (right) accepting a presentati on during one of his holiday football camps in New Amsterdam.
Neil Humphrey
since his teenage years before graduating to the senior national team in the 70s alongside his brother Keith and a number of other prominent players from Berbice. Grizzly was a prominent player and personality for Cougars, and also played for teams such as Caribs, Bermine, Hearts of Oak and
Hearts of Oak Masters. A part from being a competent all-round footballer, Grizzly was a live wire and known as Mr. Football. Close friend and fellow former national player Kenrick Bowry is sadden by the sudden demise of his longtime pal Neil. He noted that that Neil was a total
football package. He was also a fully qualified coach, and referee. There was hardly a football match or competition that was played and “Grizzly” was not involved in, organising, training, coordinating, referring, coaching, announcing. He would return to coordinate the
Sanansie will bring business perspective to CWI S - Says he is confident but cautious
ecretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Anand Sanasie, on Monday confirmed his nomination as a challenger to the incumbent Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt at the CWI elections slated March 28. Sanasie who has been a Director of Cricket West Indies over the last decade and is the Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Guyana Inc. will have as his running mate Calvin Hope, the Vicepresident of the Barbados Cricket Association. “I think what I can bring is a business perspective to the organization, I believe in investing at grass-root level, you wouldn’t see the result of any action I would take over night or in two years or a term but I think we need to make tough unpopular decisions if we are going to succeed.” Sanansie said when the new president came in CWI had forecasted that they would have had a bad year and that was without considering the COVID situation. “But we had cash in the bank and we came out of that year doing well, we had like US$11,000,000 in the bank give or take, one of the first
Anand Sanasie
decisions taken by the new administration was to payout a US$10,000,000 unsecured loan that the organization had. Now, in no business would you not try to negotiate that and try to not payout that amount of cash and thereby putting the Organisation in a cash crunch and now you have to go running around to borrow to fill the gaps. These are only some of the things I am mentioning,” the businessman continued. The GCB Secretary was confident of winning but was also cautious; pointing out that in the last elections Dave Cameron was beaten because one of those he expected to vote for him did not. “It has been 10 years and it has been quite a learning curve in those 10 years. You
would agree that during those 10 years I’ve also been the Secretary of the GCB and then for the entire period the CEO and Corporate Secretary of our franchise. Obviously you would have noticed the successes we would have had at the GCB level and I basically think that if you get the simple things right, the bigger things are going to fall into place, I served with three presidents at CWI and every one of them have their unique way of doing things,” Sanasie explained. There are a lot of things I observed and as I said, being there 10 years and seeing the same mistakes being recycled is a problem, it means if you are going to sit there and continue to see that and not do anything then you are surely part of the problem and not the solution, so I think I can bring a lot.” To u c h i n g o n t h e controversies surrounding GCB elections, Sanansie said he would leave those issues to be dealt with by his Vice-President. He added that he was nominated by BCA and seconded by the GCB and that was made public on February 17, while on February 19 a date for the
GCB elections was set for February 26. “Over the past two years I felt that the organization itself became too centralized in Antigua to the detriment of the territorial boards who are the shareholders, I do not think recent business decisions taken were the wise ones to take us forward, I am not seeing new revenue streams being established that could really take us out of the hole we are in. I remember the incumbent, usually when he wasn’t there [as CWI President] would say just check what Guyana is doing and replicate that, we don’t hear that these days but despite our challenges here we have done reasonably well and I think that there are enough expertise in the region to get it done by ourselves and we are just not doing it,” the experienced cricket administrator and businessman pointed out. The team of Skeritt and Dr. Shallow won the last elections in 2019, unseating Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron and Emmanuel Nathan by an 8-4 vote. It is understood the GCB elections will now be held after the CWI elections which will be done via Zoom.
presentation and prize giving ceremony, write up the result and distribute it to the media. He was a total package. According to Bowry, his boots would be hard to fill. In his later years he was more prominent in youth activities, especially football and grass root football. Humphrey was a livewire along with his siblings organising, the once popular Hilbert “Old Beef” Humphrey sports activities which was played in memory of his father. He was the president of the Hearts of Oak Masters
Football Club and has been organising the popular Teach Them Young football Camp for more than two decades. He was also the local contact for the Overseas Disturbance Football Club which is made up of mostly former residents New Amsterdam that resides overseas. Neil was a part of the family Butchery business which is arguably one of the oldest and most prominent in the town. He also worked with the New Amsterdam Prison. According to his sister Joan, he was the third (Continued on page 19)
Boxing Association nominates coaches Poole and Blake for AIBA Committee
Sebert Blake
Terrence Poole
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has nominated Terrence Poole MS and Sebert Blake to be considered to be part of the AIBA Coaches Committee. Poole, the GBA Technical Director and Blake, the Chairman of the GBA Coaches Commission, were pulled from a group of local coaches. They are holders of AIBA Three Star certificates and are a part of a handful of regional officials to have made that grade. GBA president Steve Ninvalle disclosed that both locals stand a very good
chance of making it into the committee. “Even though they are in competition with persons from over 150 countries, I am confident that they can be successful,” Ninvalle said. T h e C o a c h e s Commission is one of several new measures implemented by recently elected AIBA president Umar Kremlev of Russia to look at the welfare of boxing coaches under the AIBA umbrella and improvement of their improvement in the sport and standard of boxing worldwide.