Kaieteur News
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Thursday March 03, 2022
Civic groups say ‘Govt. out of control’ - operating as if not accountable to anyone; citizens don’t know who to trust, what to believe A number of civil society organizations on Wednesday issued a blistering statement criticising the government’s handling of the country, accusing it of operating with impunity, while noting that the bewildering pace and range of official decisionmaking is rendering the administration accountable to no one and generating a widely felt dilemma of who to trust and what to believe. The bodies said there is no longer any official institution or agency to which anyone – including those sympathetic to the administration - can turn for an objective assessment of major issues affecting the future of Guyana. “Parliamentary Sectoral Committees do not meet; Regional governments and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils have never been allowed to function independently. The organisations that issued the statement include: Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR); East Coast Development Committees (ECD7); Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA); Guyana Organization of indigenous Peoples (GOIP); Guyana Society for the Blind
(GSB); Guyana Workers Union (GWU); National Toshaos’ Council (NTC); Policy Forum Guyana Inc (PFG); Red Thread; Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) and Ursuline Sisters in Guyana. The organizations said three recent examples of government extricating itself from accountability are: the stripping of the Public Oversight & Accountability Committee (POAC) from the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act; reducing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to a rubberstamp and the pending appointment of a highprofile party person to Head the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI). In the case of the Parliamentary opposition, the government’s reasoning for not engaging in even the pretense of consultation appears to be that the APNU+AFC forfeited any right to accountability as punishment for the five months electoral impasse in 2020. “With respect to civil s o c i e t y, l o n g - s t a n d i n g ideological suspicion by the ruling party of groups not under party political control
The President Irfaan Ali administration has been accused of operating with impunity has translated into ‘no one voted for them’ and therefore they have no right to accountability. The essence of accountability is provision of trustworthy information, i.e. facts that enable free, prior and informed consent. Currently citizens rely on sources pieced together by the media, anecdotes from an Energy Conference, remarks to visiting dignitaries, or the latest foreign investor unveiling his plans.” The groups said this control of information in an ethnically and politically polarized society - in which one side is inclined always to give the rulers who look like them benefit of the doubt and the other side to always suspect mischief - is particularly toxic. “Such an approach would be unacceptable even were such
opaque decision-making limited to routine political matters. However, when dealing with future-ofsociety issues such as a gas pipeline, a controversial hydroelectric scheme, expanded oil exploration and deposit of 30 tons-andcounting of toxic wastes daily on the coastland, the current decision-making process is nothing less than frightening and intolerable.” According to the bodies it is difficult to identify a more relevant Agency to our current situation in Guyana than GYEITI. This agency, the groups said has a clear and limited mandate to contract leading international accountants to produce vital extractive sector information in an annual Report in which anyone can have. The two Reports produced to date
have been generally wellreceived. “However, its primary characteristic of trustworthiness is now under threat. The person recently identified as the next Director of the GYEITI is not known to have competencies in business, economics, finance or the extractive sector,” the groups stated, referring to Dr Prem Misir who has been appointed to head the body. Misir was in charge of PPP propaganda for much of Bharrat Jagdeo’s term as president. Moreover, the civil society groups said the absence of required qualifications is aggravated by the fact that Misir’s employment record in Guyana has been associated with positions usually reserved for persons trusted by the ruling party. “In small politically and ethnically divided States such as Guyana, governed by a very slim one seat “majority”, it is imperative to ensure that the Head of the GYEITI Secretariat is both competent in the specifics of the job as well as capable of objectively managing d i v e r s e s t a k e h o l d e r ’s interests.” Similarly, the groups said the credibility of Natural Resources Fund is fatally compromised by party-
dominated decision-making. “Also troubling is the replacement of the Minister of Finance with the Presidency in the NRF Act 2021, an Office immune to prosecution. In such circumstances the transparent and trustworthy information all Guyanese have a right to expect about the Fund will be sacrificed. We believe our concerns are similar to those reflected in the recent US Government Report, Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Assessment Guyana released a few days ago which states on page 8: “It is incumbent on the government, parliament and the citizens to reach across the racial and ethnic divide to come to a common vision of a new national development plan….political favoritism towards one ethnic group is especially worrisome as Guyana is on the cusp of unprecedented economic transformation.” “The endorsing organizations of this statement are, therefore, calling on the Government specifically to modify the legislation governing the NRF and to ensure selection processes in both the NRF and GYEITI are credible, transparent and trustworthy and in the national - rather than partisan interest,” the groups stated.
Thursday March 03, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Govt. goes to IDB for US$244M …loans to fund road, healthcare, energy projects
T
h e P P P / C Government has approached the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for US$244M ($48.8B) in loans to fund major projects in the health, road and energy sectors. According to the IDB, it is reviewing documents for the approval of US$160M for Guyana to strengthen its health care network by expanding access and improving the quality of health services countrywide. It is also considering approval for US$350,000 to support Guyana with the development of road projects along with the strengthening of public sector capacity to overcome critical project issues (particularly socioenvironmental and climate resilience aspects). That money would also be used to
help government manage its new public investment agenda. The IDB further stated that the purpose of the loan is to help create capacity and assist a local counterpart technical team within the Ministry of Public Works to lead project preparation in socio-environmental aspects, gender, project engineering and traffic management services. Guyana is also expected to benefit from a US$83.5M IDB loan to support the diversification of the country’s energy matrix via the use of cleaner and renewable energy sources. The specific objectives of the programme are to lower the cost of electricity generation while supporting the country transition towards renewable energybased generation; and improve the operation and reliability of the isolated
systems of Essequibo and Linden. It would also support the development of local skills for services related to solar PV generation systems. Speaking to the importance of the energy project, the IDB was keen to note that Guyana has one of the lowest electrification rates within CARICOM member states. The financial institution noted that just below eighty percent (80%) of the population has access to electricity, which therefore leaves them facing enormous challenges related
to rural electrification and/or energy poverty. Furthermore, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) highlighted that it has over the years approved over US$37.6 million in loans and has also secured approximately US$26.9 million in nonreimbursable investment financing from the European Union (EU) in an effort to boost the reliability and efficiency of Guyana’s electricity sector through improvements in operational capabilities, electricity loss
reduction measures, as well as strengthening corporate performance and management of the country’s utility i.e. Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). The financial institution said reducing electricity losses can improve GPL’s financial performance, while at the same time alleviating fiscal commitments of the Government of Guyana in relation to the electricity sector. During the next decade, the IDB said a significant increase in electricity consumption is expected in Guyana as a result of growth of the residential and commercial sectors as well as the expected return of large
customers to the national power grid. With projected energy demand expected to double in 10 years’ time, the IDB agreed that diversifying Guyana’s energy matrix is important for supply to meet demand. It is against this background that the Government of Guyana through support from the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank is investing in solutions along the path to a cleaner and diversified energy matrix, beginning with innovative solutions for energy security and reliability for communities that promise great growth during the following years.
Kitty woman wanted for fraud
Guyanese show support for Ukraine facing deadly Russian invasion A group of Guyanese citizens on Thursday joined others around the world to show support for the Ukrainian people who are currently under Russian invasion. The Guyanese citizens assembled in front of the Russian Embassy in Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown in a show of solidarity for Ukrainians. The exercise organised by civil society group, Article 13 saw several prominent Guyanese including businessmen, Yog Mahadeo, Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram, Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, and Trade Unionist, Norris Witter as well as other members of society. The men stood in the heat of the midday sun holding placards in a display of their support for Ukraine. Speaking to Kaieteur News following the exercise, Ram urged that his fellow citizens join the action which is expected to continue on Friday. According to Ram, this is the least Guyanese can do as citizens of the world. “Here we have a nuclear power committing war crimes, and one that is emboldened by the fact that he has nuclear power which could lead to wider destruction beyond
…as Putin faces war crimes probe
Wanted, Amrita Bahadur. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Amrita Bahadur of Lot 155 Garnett Street, Georgetown in relation to fraud allegations. Bahadur is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to obtaining money by false pretense which occurred in
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor on Wednesday said he would immediately open an investigation into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine Ukraine,” Ram noted. The outspoken attorney and chartered accountant emphasized that: “no one with an ounce of human empathy could sit by and watch innocent citizens, women and children being killed, properties being destroyed….” Moreover, Ram noted that Guyanese should be mindful of the possibility of a similar situation occasioned by its neighbour Venezuela. “So, while it is good to see that the Opposition and Government have joined in unity to speak out against the atrocities
committed on Ukraine by the Russian, I would like to see more action to assist them l o c a l l y. P e r h a p s t h e mobilization of humanitarian assistance, wherever we can…,” said Ram. Kaieteur News’ Publisher also called for an end to the vicious attacks on the people of Ukraine by Russian President, Vladimir Putin. “What Putin is doing needs to be stopped… I admire the President and people of Ukraine for the stance they are taking. When you can see citizens sitting in wheelchairs in cold streets
making channa bombs just to give to their soldiers to fight off the Russian invasion, you can’t help but support them.” “I am calling on the citizens of Guyana to come out on Friday, for at least one hour, to show solidarity for the Ukrainians because we never know one day we may need the same support,” Lall said. Meanwhile in his comments, Mr. Mahadeo noted that while the people of Ukraine are facing the wrath of bombs—which is no fault of their own—- war is never the answer to the (Continued on page 18)
Georgetown between June 2021 and February 2022. The GPF is asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Amrita Bahadur, to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-6977, 2258196, 226-9941, 226-1326, 225-3061, 225-3650, 911 or the nearest police station.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday March 03, 2022
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Not surprising; corruption on the rise In this country, corruption is culture and religion. In Guyana, corruption is a chronic combination of toothache, headache, heartache, and backache. It is an ache in the gut that neither leaves us alone nor lets us rest. Transparency International informed Guyanese of the numbers that dipped. There is caption and graph and numbers that relay the putrid national nasty story with money and governance that is Guyanese (“Corruption in Guyana on the rise again - as country score dips in latest Transparency International ranking” KN January 26). It is our hope at this publication that the rise in corruption is not a promise of things to come. We risk being accused as totally unrealistic with that hope of ours. For there are so many more billions being put in play, and which means that the boys and girls who oversee these visions and works, usually have plans of their own on how to siphon off what does not belong to them but to the strapped Guyanese taxpayers always left with the huge bills for what was done, nobody knows, or simply falls apart before too long. Corruption is the dagger in our kidneys with one financial treachery after another from devious and characterless politicians and the crew of public servants they select to manage the dirty, defrauding work for them. It is the poison in our bloodstream that we cannot be rid of; the pain in the behind that leave us wriggling and wringing our hands in continuing dismay. The APNU+AFC Coalition administration did try and registered some improved scores during its short stay in the sanctuary of power. Nonetheless, as we have read and learned from recent reports from the Audit Office, there are no supporting documents to facilitate tracing of taxpayers’ funds spent on multimillion dollar public works projects. Over a half billion in something as helpful as hampers cannot be tracked because men and women near to that kind of money worked diligently to hide their handiwork, and if there is no paper trail, then that is the end of any line of official inquiry and scrutiny. If our governments and their handpicked helpers, usually those from deep inside the bowels of the political parties, can be so low and dastardly, as to engage in the corrupt when citizens are struggling from the severe financial afflictions of a vicious viral pandemic, then there is no limit to their depravities. It is merely one glaring instance of the self-enrichment of crooked governing politicians and the people with whom they surround themselves and protect. There is no stopping them, which has been the reality of Guyana’s corruption story, year after year, and with one government, then another seeking to outdo the other regarding which one and their people can plunder and steal more for themselves. Now that the PPP/C is back in the halls of power, it is not surprising that “corruption in Guyana is on the rise again.” PPP/C Governments have written the book on how to engage in corruption and get away with such assaults on the nation’s coffers, and the nation’s people. The history is there, and though long, it is already repeating itself, and this is only after just over a year. For 23 years successive PPP/C administrations have shaken the money tree, milked dry the national cow, and that was before oil. Now with the fabulous riches of oil a proven reality, there is this frenzy of borrowing and spending, which serves one purpose primarily. It is that under official cover and the sanctimonious words and promises of criminal leaders and their lesser stewards, there is preparation for rich corruption actions guaranteed to make them billionaires many times over, and in currency other than Guyana’s. This is the staggering breadth of what is in motion, and will take shape, as will be seen. Some dogs just cannot stop sucking eggs, or it is like setting loose an alcoholic in a full distillery. The oil fund is targeted, and coupled with additional borrowings, the men in charge and those who do their bidding already don’t know what to do with themselves. From today, we make this prediction of corruption rising still more from Transparency International.
Frequency of Pomeroon flooding is frightening DEAR EDITOR, In a news media letter of March 1, on the above referenced subject, Ms. Gildarie pleaded for assistance from the Government to provide solutions, technical and financial which are urgently needed to prevent recurring flooding of valuable farmlands and crops on the banks of the Pomeroon River. Ms. Gildarie noted in her missive that recently installed kokers and drainage and irrigation works have not solved the flooding problem of the cultivated lands and farmers in the region are of the opinion that improving the conveyance capacity of the River by dredging and widening its channel would eventually resolve their flooding problem.
This may well be so, but dredging is expensive as an investment for economic returns from farming. Further, it has to be a recurring operation for it to be effective. The estuary of the Pomeroon River is constantly being silted by mud-banks moving along Guyana’s coastland in an E-W direction and sediments in suspension are also being discharged by the River at its mouth as its fresh water mixes with the ocean’s salt water. The crops grown along the banks of the River - citrus, coffee, coconuts, avocados, etc. cannot withstand any kind of flooding and therefore the cultivated areas have to be flood free if they
are to be productive and profitable. Climate change is causing more intense rainfall in tropical Guyana including the Pomeroon with accompanying larger volumes of water being discharged from river catchments into the oceans. To assist Pomeroon farmers to cope with these adverse environmental changes and protect their lands from recurring flooding, several improvements have to be made. First, the arable lands have to be protected with bunds and the River’s banks raised above their estimated flood levels. Secondly, sluices/kokers should be installed on the banks of the River to drain the farmlands of excess water
when water levels between the River and inland drains are favourable to allow for outward gravity flows. When this is not possible, installed standby pumps take over to drain the lands of their excess water thereby protecting the valuable crops from flooding. This method has proven successful elsewhere along coastal Guyana. Skeptics may claim otherwise since occasional flooding has occurred on some farmlands and even in Georgetown but this was not due to the system’s failure per se but to inadequate design, lack of maintenance, languid operation and poor management. Yours truly, Charles Sohan
GTT should realise that there is competition comfortable in losing cus- it would shut off the internet. now and more to come betomers. Every time they The matter was reported DEAR EDITOR, Since the beginning of February, my landline 3336097 and internet kept going on and off. Callers to this number would hear the phone ringing but we cannot hear it. On my Smart phone Network it would mark “connected” but attempt to get onto the internet would show “you are offline, please connect to Internet.” On Wednesday 9, February both finally went off. We immediately called 097 and reported it. They gave a Reference #2334088 and promised to fix it. No one visited the residence up to this date of writing, at least to let us know that they were/are here for that matter. A few calls to the follow-up number 0907 would be met with promises of “We would call back “and “We will pass it on.” Subsequent calls to the said number, made us know that a Technician reported that it’s a CABLE problem. A neighbour related to us that a lone worker (name provided) came, went up the pole on the main road (I live through a street), for about 3 5 minutes, came down and drove off. In earlier times they used to come to homes, introduce themselves, then let you explain, then proceeded to work. After a call to New Amsterdam business office, then we knew that we have to wait 7-8 days before they can respond. Yet, they would bill you for every day, service or not. Is this what the Government and PUC are allowing these people to get away with? GPL has a time limit to respond or a monetary fine is imposed and billed to the customer. I understand it’s for all utility companies but it seems not to be adhered to by some
of them. The internet is prepaid. I and others have called various numbers such as the work station at Caracas Road, New Amsterdam on 333-2115, 333-2116, 333-2400, 333-3996 but all kept ringing out. I even called customers service at 227-0808, 226-0122 and the PRO at 226-1123 but all rang out. We also visited N/A Business office where a phone is installed in the yard and you have to call and are not allowed to go into the building - no satisfaction. I even visited the workstation where a guard would take the complaint and pass it onto those inside. The female guard went inside to call the supervisor in charge after another said that it’s not his area to handle. At about 10.30am she said that he was eating and gaffing with someone and ignored her. I waited for about 30 minutes then she went back, came back and said the same thing. Now there’s someone in my home doing the GOAL Online studies and he is very much affected by this since he has to go all over the place looking for WI-FI. Recently a young man in Trinidad was shot while trying to find WI-FI. This Government should see that students don’t have to face issues like this. One telephone operator even had the gall to ask “How was my day “even though I am faced with this crap. All they keep saying is “The Report is showing CABLE problem.” I asked for a 2nd opinion by doing a recheck but was ignored. I understand that this particular Technician in most cases report cable problems. GTT should realise that there is competition now and more to come. They seem to
would say that I have to wait for the cable crew to come from Georgetown as there’s only one cable crew to serve the entire country and they are based in Georgetown. Each exchange should have workers capable of doing every job called for. It’s hard to believe that Lethem or Northwest have to wait for this team and if so, imagine the length of time, maybe once a year they would visit these places. In November 2020 I was faced with the same issue and the very Technician reported the same thing. We were without service for a month and the then Supervisor said that I have to wait until the cable crew reach, whenever they reach. When I threatened to contact the CEO he called back in five minutes saying that the crew is here. They reached here in five minutes and fixed it in five minutes. It was a slack screw in the Box on the post. The Technician had reported underground cable was damaged. How he came to that and who accepted his report is a mystery. In that case the phone was off but the internet was on. Two weeks later he came to check but instead of coming to my residence he went to someone he knows and was directed to my place. Instead of coming here he jumped into the jeep and was speeding away when someone else stopped him. He went up the post, came down and went away. The Internet which was working until then, suddenly stopped working. So instead of fixing the issue he made the matter worse than it was. In that case it was fixed two weeks later. When we got the internet back in 2018, the Filter/Splitter was not included. When the phone was in use
multiple times to no avail. A technician once came, went up the post, then later called saying that he fixed the filter/ Splitter which is supposed to be connected to the Box in the house, and there was none, yet he claimed to fix it from the post. I eventually had to buy a filter/Splitter for close to $1000 and had it fitted on about a year later. GTT never resolved the matter even though I had continued to report it, after the technician went up on the post. E- NETWORKS would send Technicians to install, GTT would tell you to read and follow instructions. Now back to the issue on hand. On Sunday 20 February I noticed two GTT workers with Jeep GGG 6096 working nearby. I told them about the issue, they checked their list and have it listed as a cable issue. They then went up the post, check and rechecked asking me to check the phone for dial tone etc., none was noticed. They got dial tone from the Box on the post. They then chat with me saying that they are part of the cable crew and are frequently here, unlike what was told to me. They said that there is no cable problem and found nothing to cause the issue but it has to be around the phone in the house and was surprised that area wasn’t checked first. They even explain that with a damaged CABLE there would be no ringing tone for callers. They said that their job stopped there and a technician would have to check (Continued on page 5)
Thursday March 03, 2022
The members of the last Police Service Commission took no instructions from the “powers of the land” Dear Editor, Please permit me a little space to respond to a letter published in the press entitled, ”Mr. Williams was denied appointment as Commissioner of Police over two incidents.” The putative writer Nazar Mohamed asked of me, “Why was Paul Williams with all the qualifications and experience he has, not given the Top Cop job before Commissioner Mr. Leslie James?” He appeared to have answered the question himself when he mentioned that because of two incidents that involved the killing of six suspected bandits he was denied the appointment of Commissioner of Police, as at the time Paul Williams was in charge of Operations. It is a complete fabrication and total distortion of facts to write that Paul Williams was in charge of Operations. He at no time during his career was in charge of Operations. Nazar Mohamed also posited that members of the Police Service Commission were instructed by the then ‘powers of the land’ to appoint the number two candidate for the job of Commissioner of Police. The Police Service Commission cannot appoint a Commissioner. The question why Paul Williams was not appointed Commissioner of Police was wrongly directed to me. It should be directed to David Granger who at the time was the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Ask David Granger. Let me refresh the memory of
the writer. The appointment of Commissioner and deputy Commissioners is the sole authority of the President. Article 211 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana states, “The Commissioner of Police and every Deputy Commissioner of Police shall be appointed by the President acting after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and Chairperson of the Police Service Commission after the Chairperson has consulted with other members of the Commission.” It is pellucid that the President does not have to get agreement with anyone including the Police Service Commission to appoint a Commissioner of Police or Deputy Commissioners. Paul Williams was always our front runner for the appointment of Commissioner of Police. We (Continued on page 6)
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Kaieteur News
GTT should realise that there is competition now and... From page 4 around the phone, inside of the house. They said that a technician would come in the next 24 hours. To date no one came. With subsequent calls to 0907 we learnt that they still have cable problem listed in their database and no report from the cable crew as to what they found. A former GTT technician then advised me to check the cable adaptor. I pull it lightly and the phone came on then cut off. He said that the Adaptor is bad. I have some questions for GTT and also some remarks: (1) Why are emergency
numbers such as 097 and 0907 no longer published? We have to fish for them. The CEO and all upper bracket workers numbers should be listed. They just do not want anyone to bother them. Take what we get. Monopoly causes this to happen. (2) Why should we pay a rental fee - $750 for equipment/appliances that is owned by us the customers, since we have to now buy the phone and all appliances that are in the building and still pay a rent for it? The PUC needs to address this immediately. I call on the Guyana Consumers Association to represent us.
(3) Why not give the customers a fix time as to when a fault would be fixed? Someone can’t pay for services that they don’t get. The PUC should look into this instead of photo-shooting with utilities companies. It looks fishy. Who would police the PUC, they should represent us. They don’t answer their phones. It seems as though GTT likes it when customers publish issues like this. Gather your staff and train them properly. A former minister was
even advocating for the government to compensate GTT for losing the monopoly. Compensate for what? Incompetence and matters like these which customers have to face every day? I think that I will buy an Adaptor which costs $260 and use it for now. I am planning on switching as soon as possible. Sandra Khan wrote on 5 August, 2021 that only competition would wake up GTT but even competition I must say can’t do that! Yours Truly, Ivin Ramlall
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Thursday March 03, 2022
Five firms bid to supervise construction of seven new hospitals Five firms have submitted bids to supervise the construction of seven new hospitals, one of which is designated for children which the government intends to build this year. The companies that submitted financial proposals to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to supervise
construction of the six regional hospitals are: Vikab Engineering Consultants Limited in joint venture with JAIN Consultants Guyana, and E&A Consultants Inc. While, the companies which are vying to oversee the construction of the paediatric and maternal hospital are RSV Structural Engineering in associate with Alvair & APM,
SRKN’gineering, H. Morrison & R. Woodtuck, and WSP Caribbean, and lastly, Vikab Engineering Consultatnts Limited in associate with Jain Consultant Guyana. As reported on, in this year’s budget, the health sector was allocated $73.2 billion of which a total of $12.4 billion has been budgeted for (Continued on page 19)
The members of the last Police Service... From page 5 the members of the last Police Service Commission took no instructions from the “powers of the land” to appoint the number two man as Commissioner as stated by the writer. The highest ranking man in the land, the President attempted to
influence the PSC to promote his boys but he was rebuked by the Chairman Paul Slowe. This is well ventilated at various forums. We, the members of the last Police Service Commission were totally independent. This will be my only
response to Nazar Mohamed as I have better things to do with my time than dealing with irrelevancies, inaccuracies and inconsistencies. Yours respectfully, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)
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 Threats to sue for this . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU and that dominateLour B U . . N . T B U . . L N . T B U court system these days. . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . There are the constant cries . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T of feelings being hurt and B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . embarrassment caused. NT . U . L T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L But is anyone really paying N . T B U . . L . T B U UN .BLU . . L N . attention to the burdensome T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U projects that our leaders . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . have been signing us up for? L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . B . . L LU ...BLUTravesties NT Llike . T B . . N . T these U N T B U . . L N . T B U . should hurt feelings and . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . cause embarrassment T B U . . 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 Thursday March 03, 2022
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City Hall approves pensions for King, Sooba The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Monday made a decision to allow former Town Clerks, Royston King and Carol Sooba to be paid their pension, gratuity and other benefits. Th e decis ion came during a statutory meeting of the Georgetown M&CC. During the meeting City Mayor, Ubraj Narine, told the Council that since Local Government Commission (LGC) had approved benefits for former Town Clerk, Carol Sooba, the same must be extended to Royston King. The Mayor stated that “Since the Local Government Commission and Council had approved the benefit of gratuity, pension, etc. to the former Town Clerk, Carol Sooba, I
Former Town Clerk, Carol Sooba.
Former Town Clerks, Royston King.
propose to this House that the same courtesy be extended for Mr. Royston King. Both of it must go hand in hand at the same time…It must go hand in hand. It must be approved at the same time and both parties must receive it at the same time.” King was appointed as
To w n C l e r k f o r t h e municipality in 2015 and held the position until January 2019, when he was served with a dismissal letter from the LGC. Prior to the dismissal a Commission of Inquiry CoI into City Hall’s operations unearthed a number of discrepancies which were ascribed to
King. At the CoI held from September 24 to November 30, 2018, and headed by retired Judge Cecil Kennard, King was cited for gross misconduct, abuse of office, recklessness, dishonesty, conspiracy, and misappropriation of funds. A m o n g t h e recommendations made by the CoI was for King to be dismissed. King was sent on administrative leave, and subsequently had his services terminated. However the Former Town Clerk filed an action in the High Court to overturn the decision to fire him. In a ruling the Court found that the setting up, investigations, findings and recommendations of the CoI (Continued on page 16)
Thursday March 03, 2022
GECOM Commences Nation-wide Registration Exercise The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will commence the registration of eligible persons on March 7, 2022, from all of its permanent Registration Offices in all of the ten Administrative Regions. This registration exercise will conclude on May 29, 2022. GECOM said in a press release. This registration exercise is of crucial importance to those persons who would have been first time applicants, in the fourteen (14) years to eighteen (18) years age range, that were captured during the 2019 House-toHouse Registration. All such persons are required to note that their application for registration has been cancelled. Therefore, those persons are required to reapply for registration during this registration exercise. During this registration exercise, any person who will be 14 years and older by the 31st October, 2022, and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalization, or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more, can apply for registration, providing he/she was never registered before.
Persons desirous of conducting any registration are required to visit GECOM Registration Office responsible for their area of residence with the relevant source documents which are: · Original Birth Certificate, valid Passport, Adoption Certificate or Naturalization Certificate in the case of making applications for new registration. · Original Marriage Certificate or Deed Poll with Birth Certificate in the case of application for change of name. · Existing registrants who are desirous of updating their records such as a request to correct or change their names, date of birth, occupation and update their addresses are advised that those transactions would also be facilitated during this exercise. Persons desirous of conducting any registration transaction are advised that they must provide proof of having been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to gain entry to the respective GECOM Registration Offices. In cases where applicants are not vaccinated, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours would be acceptable.
Ramjattan’s son charged for assaulting woman
Divesh Ramjattan.
The son of Alliance For Change (AFC) member, Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday appeared in court for allegedly assaulting a woman. The matter was however dismissed as the virtual complainant withdrew the charge on the premise that she had been granted a restraining order against the defendant. The defendant, Divesh
Ramjattan, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. He was being represented by his father, who is also a lawyer. The younger Ramjattan denied the charge which alleges that on February 27, 2022, at Delph Street, Campbeville, Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted a woman
Thursday March 03, 2022
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Kaieteur News
The PPP sees itself as the redeemer of Guyana
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rfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, is no slouch. From since his days as a Minister he had acquired a reputation as a go-getter. He gets things done and gets them done quickly. That has been one of the features which endeared him to the Leviathan within the PPP. Upon assuming the Presidency, he took up where he left off in 2015. He has been moving with breakneck speed to implement projects and to keep his party’s Manifesto promises. It therefore has come as a total surprise that one of the promises which he himself made last March has not been acted upon. Last March, on the first anniversary of the 2020 general and regional elections, the President announced that he would be conferring the Order of Democracy on those individuals who helped safeguard Guyana’s electoral democracy. This was no loose comment. It formed part of a statement which the President issued on the first anniversary of the elections of 2nd March 2020. Recalling the attempt to thwart the will of the people,
the President noted that the country experienced a dark time. He said that the shadow of autocracy and the risk of ostracism hung over the country. He noted that Guyana only escaped that fate because brave men and women, of all races, ages and political persuasion, set aside their political differences and eschewed bigotry. They stood up to defend democracy and to resist stolen elections and autocratic and illegitimate government. The President said that he would recognize those who took such a stand and proposed a special Order of Democracy to honor them. One year has passed and he has not done so. How does one explain their failure on the part of the President? How does one explain something which is totally at odds with the President’s track record of getting things done? I believe there are certain possible explanations. First, the President may have received a pushback from within his party. The PPP has always been of the view that it is the true vanguard party of Guyana. The party’s leadership has always deluded itself that it was the PPP and the PPP,
almost alone, which fought for free and fair elections. The PPP therefore has developed a habit of underestimating and under appreciating those from outside of its ranks. It has done so to the point of negating the role played by persons outside of the party. It is this sense of the PPP being the deliverer of Guyana that finds prominence today within the PPP. And it may have been that sentiment which has led the PPP to alienate itself from its former allies in the antidictatorship struggle. It is this same sentiment that was responsible for the PPP/C only sporadically conferring national awards. The PPP views itself, its cronies and its friends as the only entities worthy of national acclaim. This same syndrome of the historical greatness of the PPP may have boiled to the fore following announcement of the President and which has occasioned resistance to any plan to honour others from outside of the party. It is not hard to imagine those within the ranks of the PPP arguing, forcefully, that it was the PPP mainly which was responsible for thwarting
Man jailed for stealing magistrate’s phone Three months after he was charged and remanded to prison for stealing from a Magistrate, 46-year-old Omawalie Caesar called “Wallie” of lot 1235 ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Wednesday sentenced to serve 24 months behind bars for the offence. The defendant had denied the charge which stated that on November 23, 2021, at Battery Road Kingston, while in the company of others, he stole one
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 valued at $200,000, same being the property of Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. The matter was being tried in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts by Magistrate Dylon Bess. On Wednesday, Magistrate Bess handed down his ruling, stating that he found Caesar guilty of the offence. As such, he sentenced the man to 24 months imprisonment. According to reports, on
the day in question, the Magistrate left her car secured with her phone inside, but upon her return she discovered that her phone was missing. As such, she reported the matter to the police and an investigation was launched. It was further stated that CCTV footage was obtained and this led to the defendant being arrested and charged. Kaieteur News understands Caesar is no stranger to the court and currently has a simple
Dem Boys Seh…
Dese two pals of mine Dem boys remember good de West Indies tour of England in 1950. In dem days dem dint have TV in Guyana and yuh had to listen to de cricket pun de radio, if yuh coulda find one, because not everybody had radio in dem house. It was on dat tour dat Sonny Ramadin and Alf Valentine bin spin webs round de English batsman. After a while de English batsmen started to use dem pads fuh anything dat pitch outside de leg stump. Dem didn’t know
whether to go backwards or forwards. Dese two pals of dem boys did bamboozle dem English batsmen on dat tour. It led to a famous Calypso by Lord Beginner which start like dis: Cricket lovely Cricket, At Lord’s where I saw it; Cricket lovely Cricket, At Lord’s where I saw it; Yardley tried his best But Goddard won the test. They gave the crowd plenty fun; Second Test and West Indies won. With those two little pals
of mine Ramadhin and Valentine. Well dis past weekend Sonny Ramadin dead. And one social media blog up he picture without any text – no name, no explanation. A man see de picture of Ramadhin and say was Carl Hooper. Now how yuh could mix up Carl Hooper with Ramadhin? Only in de West Indies! Another man correct he and say is Sonny Ramadhin. Yet de errant man still had de temerity to say “Really?” Talk half. Leff half.
the attempts to rig the 2020 elections. But there is also, I believe, another reason why the Order of Democracy has been left to languish. The PPP knows the names of those local individuals who stood up and stood out during the five-month attempt to steal the elections. The PPP however is not on good terms with some of those persons. And not to recognise the contributions of those persons would be too glaring an omission. It is, for example, impossible for the PPP to ignore the efforts of persons such as Chris Ram
and, Glenn Lall. The Kaieteur News took a principled editorial position that it was not entertaining any defence of rigged elections. And the paper and its sister radio station took a firm stand against the rigging. But Glenn Lall has also taken a firm stance against what he believes has been the failure to renegotiate the oil agreement. And he has been critical of the PPP/C’s pet projects. And so, I believe, that the government finds itself in a tangle. It cannot confer the Order of Democracy without including Ram and Lall, both
of whom stood heads and tails above most others in defending the ballot. And so the government cannot move forward on this Order of Democracy. Never mind the fact that it makes the President look bad! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Thursday March 03, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The name Jerry Gouveia evokes memories
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oday is the s e c o n d anniversary of one of my piercing traumas in life. It began on this day two years ago with Jerry Gouveia as our guest at Kaieteur Radio alongside journalist, Leonard Gildarie. Whenever I hear the name and voice of Mr. Gouveia and see his face, I think of what a political failure I have been and what a mess Guyana is. It was Tuesday, March 3, at midday
in the studio. There were rumours flying like crazy that something eerie was going on with the election. I remember Gouveia’s words vividly. As he spoke, my heart fell out of my chest and suddenly I felt numb. This was not what my life has come to. This is not what Guyana has come to. Mr. Gouveia explained that GECOM officials were not counting the votes that remained to be tabulated. He said they just stopped working and no one knows
why. He left the studio saying he was going to monitor the situation along with the US Ambassador. Gildarie and I knew that there were attempts taking place to derail the elections. I will never forget those words of Mr. Gouveia. They will haunt me to my grave. As the days in March dragged on, there was nothing else but déjà vu in front of me – déjà vu of 1968, 1973, 1978 and 1985. I wasn’t in Guyana for the rigged 1980 general election.
How could this happen after 1992. In 2011, Guyana underwent momentous electoral transformation. The PPP after winning four times, lost its majority in 2011. It lost again in 2015. I campaigned for the AFC in 2011. I thoroughly enjoye d the campaign of 2015. There were hilarious moments I will never forget. Since the incident of the clerk to the Speaker of the House, Ean McPherson, and the Mace incident is still in the news, I would like to digress briefly about him and my memories of 2015. Ean nicknamed “Kitchen Cop” was assigned as my security detail. I was the lead speaker at what is commonly called the Timehri turn when a man was heckling me madly from across the road. “Kitchen Cop” went across to the man and I won’t describe what happened. I was in a depressed mood for days fearing that the Chronicle would highlight the issue and I would be wrongly blamed because I am not that kind of person. It was from the 2015 campaign
I got to know E a n w h o remains a friend. In 2015, the G u y a n e s e political landscape had now become a modern polity Frederick Kissoon –parties will win, then lose, then win again. from March 3 to July 31. Contestants now have Today is the second a chance to have power. Much to the credit of the anniversary of this volcanic PPP, there was no post- eruption. I will never stop election violence in 2011 and writing about this day whenever it comes around. I 2015. In 2020, a volcano will do so every March 3 erupted in this country. Jerry until I no longer have the Gouveia made me sad on opportunity to write. It was a March 3 but my experience horrible day and words in Guyana since I was a cannot describe how I felt. The rigging of the March teenager galvanised me in ways that could only be 2020 election has changed described as emotions this country profoundly. It running insanely. I was not will take a long time to heal. prepared to let Guyana go The rigging of the March through rigged election 2020 election has taught all again. My wife saw it and of us who are over 60 years she should not go through and more that hidden deep that again. My daughter beneath the inner recesses of never witnessed it and like this nation were dark minds countless others should we never knew existed. (The views expressed in never have to live with permanent power. I lectured this article are those of the myself that I will use my pen a u t h o r a n d d o n o t every day to denounce necessarily reflect the rigging and that is what I did opinions of this newspaper.)
Thursday March 03, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Thursday March 03, 2022
Peru oil spill…
Oil company blanks cleanup of islands - Minister
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he oil company responsible for the devastating oil spill in Peru has not been fulfilling its obligations in relation to the cleaning and remediation of the aftermath of the spill, specifically in the islands off the coast of Peru. This is according to P e r u ’s M i n i s t e r o f Environment, Modesto Montoya. Montoya, the head of the Ministry of Environment (MINAM) on Tuesday supervised remediation actions in the Guaneras islands areas that were damaged by the oil spill. The minister reported that Spanish oil giant, Repsol, the company responsible for the spill has not yet started the cleanup around the islands. The Guaneras islands are a group of island off the coast of northern Peru. It consists of four islands: Isla Guañape Norte, Isla Guañape Sur, Islotes Cantores and Islotes Los Leones. The oil spill occurred on January 15, 2022 at one of the La Pampilla refineries off the coast of Ventanilla in the region of Lima, Peru. It was reported that the spill was caused by shock waves from an undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean. At the
time of the undersea eruption, Suezmax tanker, Mare Doricum, was offloading a shipment of Brazilian crude oil at one of La Pampilla refinery’s offshore mooring buoys, and as such, a quantity of the cargo was released. R e p s o l h a d underreported the quantity of crude that was spilled but later investigations by Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and Control (OEFA) revealed that almost 12,000 barrels of oils had spilled – more than double the amount that was initially reported by the company. In regards to the progress made in the cleanup and remediation of the affected areas, Minister Montoya stated that Repsol is not fulfilling its obligations to restore the environmental conditions that existed before the oil spill. “It has done absolutely nothing regarding the cleanup around the Guaneras islands,” he added. He further stated that this must be rectified and that the cleaning up of the islands must start, especially to prevent the guano birds from dying, which are important for the biodiversity of the protected natural areas that have been damaged by the ecological disaster.
Peru’s Minister of Environment, Modesto Montoya (first right) and others during the visit to the islands off the coast of Peru. The Minister then reiterated that the operator of the La Pampilla Refinery is giving a bad example to companies, national and foreign. Moreover, as a result of Repsol not fulfilling its obligation in Peru, the Minister pledged that the Peruvian government will use all of the State’s power to prevent irresponsible companies from polluting their environment. He said that many fishermen now live in poverty because they can no longer work as before. “That must be avoided and all the power of the State must be used so that misfortunes of this nature do not repeat themselves,” he stressed. Additionally, the Deputy Minister of Territorial Governance of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Jesús Quispe, indicated that it is a priority
of the State to solve the problems that the environmental disaster has caused. “We work together to solve the problem and get the fishermen back to their routine soon,” he said. Recently, in light of the difficulties the Peruvian government is having with Repsol, to clean-up the oil spill that contaminated their shores and water, the Minister had cited the importance of legislative reform to adequately deal with companies after oil spills. P e r u ’s A g e n c y f o r Environmental Assessment and Control (OEFA), an agency attached to MINAM, had reported that Repsol has paid three coercive fines of a total amount of S o l $ 1 , 3 8 0 , 0 0 0 (US$362,285) – the fines were for the failure to comply with three of the 14
Construction of Leonora Market road to commence soon
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onstruction of the 340 meter Leonora Market road, West Coast Demerara is expected to commence soon. The road, according to the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, will significantly alleviate some of the burden of both vendors and shoppers of the market, especially during the rainy season. Indar told Kaieteur News that the project is in the process of going out to tender. He explained that the mud road will be upgraded to a concrete structure. The minister reported that on Saturday last, he visited the
The current state of the Leonora Market road (DPI Photo) location where he received several complaints from the vendors who ply their trade there as well as the shoppers, about the condition of the road. He said that the vendors and customers complained bitterly that when it rains, the road becomes flooded while the mud surface gets slippery and unsafe, making it almost
impossible for persons and vehicles to traverse. Officers of the Department of Public Information (DPI) accompanied Indar on his visit and reported that the minister guaranteed vendors that money has already been allocated for the project and that it will commence within the next six weeks. “We’ve
picked up the bill of quantity and the design of the road already, a few months ago, so now budget has passed so we will have that being implemented as quickly as possible,” Indar revealed. The minister has also scheduled another meeting with the vendors to follow up on other issues and challenges they are facing.
measures ordered. Those measures are: identification of the areas affected by the spill, cleaning of the affected areas, and containment and recovery of hydrocarbons (crude). The OEFA has also initiated sanctioning administrative procedures, where the fines can be up to Sol$55,200,000 (US$14,808,852) for Repsol – the agency had vowed to continue to impose fines against the company if it fails to comply with the 14 administrative measures issued. P r i o r t o t h e aforementioned fines being imposed against the company, this publication reported that the first periodic fine that was initiated against the Spanish oil giant, was in the sum of Sol$460,000 (US$121,500) for the non-compliance of identifying the areas affected by the oil spill. Kaieteur News reported that following the devastating oil spill, several Peruvian officials had called for the oil company to offer compensation for the disaster. The first action that was taken against the company was Peruvian Judge, Romualdo Aguedo on Friday, January 28, 2022 granting the order to prevent four Repsol executives from l e a v i n g t h e c o u n t r y. Peruvian media reported that Judge Aguedo imposed an 18-month ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru. Those that have been barred are refinery manager, Jaime Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, Renzo Alejandro Te j a d a M a c k e n z i e ; environmental manager, Gisela Cecilia Posadas Jhong and production manager, José Gregorio Reyes Ruiz. In taking additional
steps, Peru’s former Minister of the Environment, Rubén R a m i r e z o n M o n d a y, January 31, 2022, revealed that the government had taken the decision to suspend the company’s hydrocarbon loading and unloading activities. In other words, Repsol’s operation in the country was halted until it can substantially prove that another oil spill will not occur again in its waters. However, in an update it was revealed that a fuel shortage in Peru had forced the country’s OEFA to lift the suspension on Repsol’s operation temporarily. However, the company was only allowed to continue its operations for 10 days and under supervision from the OEFA. That 10 days period has since come to an end and the Peruvian government has signalled that it has other alternative sources to obtain fuel. As the Government of Peru takes action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give American oil giant, ExxonMobil, permission to operate without full coverage insurance to cater for such a disastrous oil spill. Just recently, ExxonMobil announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block. Among the oil companies working in Guyana’s backyard is the very oil company –Repsol – that caused the oil spill in Peru. The clean-up and r e m e d i a t i o n o f approximately 12,000 barrels of crude that contaminated the shores and waters of Peru is expected to cost some US$65 million – this was announced by Repsol’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Josu Jon Imaz.
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Thursday March 03, 2022
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Former rice board head appointed FAO: Insects a future source of valuable executive director of GMSA animal feed in the Caribbean
Nizam Hassan has been appointed Executive Director of GMSA Former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Nizan Hassan, has been appointed the new executive director of the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) In a press release the GMSA said the appointment was made as it seeks to reposition the organisation to fulfill its mandate. Hassan will be managing the secretariat of the association, while promoting and delivering the GMSA’s objectives under the guidance of the Board of
Travis Bruce has been appointed Communications Specialist for the GMSA
Directors. Mr. Hassan has over thirty years of experience in management of micro, small and mediumsized businesses across Guyana especially those of agricultural background. During his career, he was very instrumental in the creation of campaigns in the agricultural sector which promoted development and expansion of value-added products in agriculture. Mr. Hassan holds an MBA in Business Administration. Meanwhile, the GMSA has also appointed Travis Bruce as its Corporate
Communications Specialist who will be responsible for public relations and promoting the GMSA brand, products and services to potential, new and existing members. Mr. Bruce has over four years of combined experience in media and public engagement. He has led programmes and policy discussions with key stakeholders regarding current affairs in Guyana. He is a youth advocate and is passionate about making a difference in the landscape of Guyana.
Justice Support project recommends probation to help reduce prison overcrowding Prisoners at Camp Street Prison during a protest in 2016.
Probation is a privilege granted by the court to a person convicted of a criminal offense to remain in the community instead of actually going to jail. The probation method is often granted to offenders with conditionality which includes strict law enforcement surveillance. The method is an option exercised by the criminal justice system in many developed countries. However in countries like Guyana, probation is being recommended as an option to help alleviate the problem of overcrowding in the prisons. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)funded Support for the
Criminal Justice System (SCJS) Programme has made this recommendation among several others geared towards improving the dispensation of justice locally. The SCJS project Manager, Indira Anandjit, noted that the programme found a major factor contributing to the overcrowding in prisons in Guyana is the flawed nature of the country’s bail system. She explained that the overcrowding situation is compounded when persons remain in prison when they are unable to meet bail. “Such persons, may end up serving longer periods on remand than they would have served if found guilty
of the offence,” Anandjit added. To address the misfortune, under the SCJS, a Bail Act will be enacted to ensure greater consistency in the granting of bail and to provide specific guidelines for Magistrates and Judges. Further, the SCJS Programme Head urged the consideration be given to probation as an option to imprisonment. It was pointed out that being placed on probation does not mean that the offenders are getting off lightly, but instead they have the opportunity to make amends and rehabilitate while remaining in their communities. Community (Continued on page 16)
The rising costs and limited access to high quality animal feeds are constraining factors for the development of the poultry and livestock sectors in the Caribbean and a threat to food security in the region. There is also a growing problem of managing organic waste from our farms, markets, restaurants, hotels and food manufacturers that create health, environment and climate risks. In examining solutions to these challenges, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United N a t i o n s ( FA O ) , i n collaboration with the Fera Science Limited, recently completed a survey of organic waste across Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. The study assessed the potential of insect farming as a solution to the twin problem of increasing volumes of organic wastes, and the lack of stable access to affordable animal feed. According to a press release from FAO, insect farming is widely regarded around the world as one of the key solutions to reducing waste in the environment and creating sustainable sources of animal feed. In this process, selected insect species efficiently convert organic waste (biomass), through their natural ability
to up cycle waste material, into high-quality products, suitable for agriculture and animal feed industries. The black soldier fly larvae is the main insect being farmed – it is one of nature’s recyclers, and rapidly consumes wastes and turns it into larvae that are enjoyed by chickens and fish as a natural feed. Insect farming provides a sustainable solution that complements existing community vermicomposting schemes and enables the creation of fertilisers, animal protein feed, oils, and new valuable products by making better use of organic wastes. Renata Clarke, FAO Caribbean Sub-regional Coordinator, stated that, “Waste materials identified in the study could sustain the growth of enough insects to achieve 50 percent inclusion into poultry feed for the entire poultry population in the countries studied. This would reduce the reliance on tonnes of soy and other costly and unsustainable sources of protein such as fishmeal from ocean ecosystems. Commercial development of new sources of safe and traceable proteins is essential to meet the needs of growing populations, especially with increased consumption of meat, fish and eggs.” She added, “The
Caribbean poultry sector would become less vulnerable to external s h o c k s , m o r e environmentally friendly and create new economically viable feed businesses accessible by small-scale entrepreneurs and communities”. As an introduction to this innovation, FAO, Fera, and the University of the West Indies are developing a regional pilot project to showcase the value of insect farming and provide the catalyst for a series of community projects focused on creating sustainable animal feed from organic wastes. Damian Malins from Fera Science Limited said, “We are very excited to be working with FAO and the University of the West Indies, to establish insect farming in the region.” He continued, “The pilot project will engage farmers, communities, ministries and a range of private sector partners to create a best practice for future insect farmers. It will also create a community solution to reducing wastes and creating an affordable, sustainable animal feed”. The findings of the FAO study will be discussed with all interested stakeholders in a virtual forum in March with implementation of the pilot project set to begin by midyear.
Guyana, USA cooperate to extradite fugitives to face justice Two fugitives were located, tracked, and arrested, thanks to a joint endeavor involving the U.S. Embassy, Ministry of Home Affairs, Director of Public Prosecutions, Guyana Police Force, U.S. Department of Justice, United States Marshal Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service. On February 25, fugitives Julian Yhip and Kareem Hack were successfully extradited from Guyana to the United States to faces charges on separate sexual offenses. Yhip, a Guyanese national, will face charges in Pennsylvania for rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and sexual assault committed in 2017, the US Embassy said in a statement. Hack, a United States citizen, is facing charges in Florida for sexual battery,
procuring a person under 18 for prostitution and attempt to commit sexual battery committed in 2006. Hack was previously featured on America’s Most Wanted in October 2008. In August 2021, the United States Government made a formal request for the extradition of Hack and Yhip, and they were arrested and placed before the courts in early February 2022. The two did not contest the charges and were subsequently extradited. This is the fourth extradition of U.S. fugitives from Guyana to the United States in the last 25-years. The extradition of the two fugitives strengthens the rule of law in Guyana and reflects the strong professional law enforcement and judicial cooperation between the United States and the Government of Guyana.
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Thursday March 03, 2022
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Thursday March 03, 2022
Kaieteur News
Husband in custody as police probe death of dentist FOR RENT
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I
nvestigators have de tained the husband of a dentist who was found dead on Tuesday at her Kuru Kuru home, located along the Linden Soesdyke Highway. The woman has been identified as, Dhanwantie Ramsarup, 26. Dhanwantie’s death was reported as a suicide but results from a post mortem conducted on remains yesterday are causing the investigators to suspect that foul play might be involved. It was her husband who discovered her remains around 22:00hrs and alerted police. He claimed that he had gone home and found her dead just moments after he received a call phone from the woman. In that phone call she had allegedly threatened to kill herself. Her body was reportedly found lying face down under-
neath her house with a wire wrapped around the neck which was still attached to the building. Marks of violence were also seen about Ramsarup’s body, which triggered greater suspicion from the investigators. The post mortem conducted on the remains revealed that there is a possibility that she was strangled. While suicide is not completely ruled out, investigators have chosen to keep her husband in custody and conduct more investigation into her death just to be sure. Just recently in the area a husband had concocted a story that his wife had hanged herself after a drinking session. It turned out that he had reportedly struck the woman to her head after catching her in a comprising position with her lover. She reportedly fell uncon-
Found dead at her home, Dhanwantie Ramsarup scious and he and the lover thought the woman was dead. Together they decided to
hang her on a mango tree in her yard to make it look like a suicide.
Man who assaulted ex-girlfriend slapped with four charges A man was yesterday slapped with four charges including assaulting his ex-girlfriend to cause her actual bodily harm. The accused, Steve Mohan was before Magistrate Dylan Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ C o u r t s o n We d n e s d a y where he denied the four charges. He was charged with assault to cause actual bodily harm, unlawful wounding, common assault and causing a breach of the peace. VACANCY Vacancy exist at P.S.G.C.S for Labourers, General Cleaner, Maintenance worker,Time Keeping,Tool Issuing clerkPharmacist,Sales Girl, Maintenance Supervisor and Office Manager. Call: 621-6969 or 615-7784. General Assistant.Must have CXC(Math & English), ComputerKnowledge, Graphic Design Skills. Call/ whatsapp: 600-4497. Diesel & Auto mechanic, Truck & small vehicle drivers, porter to work in Interior. Call:682-3923/611-5398. One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132.
The court heard that the man and his now exgirlfriend broke up because he was verbally and physically abusive toward her. It was further alleged that on January 1st, at 11:20 hrs, the man went to Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, where he took a booth and lashed his ex-girlfriend to her face and also verbally abused
her.
Subsequently on January 16, Mohan allegedly went to the woman’s house where he choked her and dealt her several cuffs before dragging her on the floor. This was followed with another outburst by the man, again on February 19 while she was standing in
front of her yard, Mohan who was passing in a car, jumped out with a glass bottle in his hand and reportedly lashed her to her face and body. Mohan was thereafter arrested and charged while the victim went to seek medical attention at a hospital. The matters were adjourned until March 23.
City Hall approves pensions for King... From page 8 were null, void and of no legal effect. As such, Justice Morris-Ramlall held that the LGC had no authority under the law to delegate its investigatory powers to a CoI, which does not form part of the LGC or the local government body. While the Judge said that the LGC is permitted under the
relevant laws to delegate its investigatory powers, such powers have to be assigned to a body within the LGC. King’s lawyers had described Justice Kennard as a stranger since he is not a member of the Local government Organ, a staff or employee, as outlined in the Local Government Commission Act. The Judge said that the LGC mis-
construed itself when it formed the view that Sections 14 and 19 of the Local Government Commission Act and Article 79 of the Constitution of Guyana gave it the power to transfer its investigatory powers to an outside body. Section 14 of the Local Government Commission Act specifically deals with investigations by the commission.
Justice Support project recommends... From page 13 service is also another alternative to imprisonment that is identified by the SCJS Programme. Community service is not a “soft option if properly implemented and supervised”. Instead, it makes serious demands on offenders in terms of their time, regular attendances, prompt timekeeping, and satisfactory performance of work. The introduction of structured community service, the SCJS says will cut the prison population and
make amends for the harm done to victims of crime. The SCJS Programme when is expected to conclude its work here in August 2022 has held several consultations towards addressing issues raised in the local justice system. From the programme emanated a legal aid clinic which focuses on minor, non-violent offences. The clinic, which offers free legal services to the public, has dealt with over 122 cases, of which 77 matters were completed with 45
pending. Additionally, with support from the programme, the Ministry of Legal Affairs was able to draft a Restorative Justice Bill and develop standards, guidelines, and rules of procedure for the implementation of restorative justice in Guyana. Back in 2016, the US$8 million project was approved by the IDB to help Guyana overcome prison overcrowding, by reducing pre-trial detentions and increasing the use of alternative sentencing, among other measures.
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Pres. Ali tells CARICOM leaders of US$100M credit line for agriculture development
President Irfaan Ali and other Caricom leaders at the conference
President Irfaan Ali this week told his CARICOM counterparts that Guyana has been able to mobilise financing for agriculture investment, through a facility called the CARICOM Sustainability Agriculture Credit Facility, using Republic Bank Limited as a lender. This is a special facility designed for agriculture activities including, but not limited to, development of priority crops, capital equipment for farming, feeder roads to provide access to arable lands, bulk storage for crops, processing plants, shade house farming, the Department of Public Information is reporting Ali as saying. Ali made the announcement during his address at the CARICOM Inter-sessional Meeting of Conference of Heads of Government being held in Belize. This facility provides funding for up to five years to repay up to G$2b to Guyana and US$100m to all CARICOM member states, with interest rates as low as 2.5%. Ali who is also the Lead Head for agriculture in the CARICOM bloc reported that there has been concrete progress in this regard.
President Ali, DPI reported, in the capacity of Lead Head on Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security, presented on Tuesday an action-oriented and solution-based proposal, aiming at the 25% reduction of the food import bill by 2025 as was mandated by the CARICOM Heads of Government. He outlined the significant contributions made over the one-year lifespan of the Special Ministerial Taskforce (MTF), with specifically developed investment projects in poultry, corn, soya, and mutton (black belly sheep). In the area of de-risking the agriculture sector, the MTF received a proposal from the GraceKennedy Insurance Company Limited Jamaica and has started the first stage of implementation. They have also commenced exploring public-private partnership models for transportation and logistics. The Head of State of Guyana made a detailed presentation on each country’s report of current and target commodities to achieve 25% reduction by 2025, outlining both constraints and actions needed. At the same time, he
highlighted that coffee, cocoa, coconut, spices, hemp (industrial) and palm oil are high-value goods imported into CARICOM with potential for development in the region. Production is expected to increase from 25% to 700% to be able to significantly reduce food imports by 2025. To achieve this, national expenditure on agriculture must be increased. On average CARICOM member states expend an estimated 2.1% of national expenditure on agriculture. However, President Ali implored that a significant increase is required of about 5% expenditure in agriculture by 2025 by each member state. Guyana is committed to expending 10% of the national budget to agriculture by 2025. President Ali also highlighted the global developments and its implication in the agricultural implications in the region. Given the critical need for improved connectivity to foster the easy movement of cargo, President Ali also spoke to the issue of ‘Improving CARICOM Food Security through Enhanced Maritime Transport’. The Guyanese President was commended by Heads of State
Two more full vaccinated persons died from Covid-19 - Anthony confirms Omicron variant detected in samples sent to CARPHA Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Wednesday confirmed that 19 out of the 20 samples that were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago to test for the Omnicron variant came back positive. The minister who made the announcement during his daily COVID-19 update said that one of the samples was indeterminate because it did not have enough genetic material to be sequenced. “So of the 20 samples that we sent, 19 came back positive for Omicron,” he confirmed. The 20 samples from COVID-19 patients were sent to CARPHA earlier last month following the increase in cases health officials were recording in the country. Guyana started to record a surge in new cases at the end of December and this took a toll in January and part of February. At the end of January, approximately 20,293 cases were detected while over 2000 were recorded last month. Not only did the cases climb but daily cases increased tremendously in
January surpassing 1000 cases a day. The Minister along with other health authorities attributed the increase in cases to the easily transmissible variant called Omicron. During an emergency press briefing on the issue, the Minister said, “Based on the current epidemiology, what we are seeing, we believe strongly that there is omicron here.” The Omicron variant which has over 30 mutations was noted to be more transmissible than that of the Delta variant. It reached countries like neighbouring Brazil and was detected in the Caribbean Region. Though the variant was suspected to be in Guyana it was not officially confirmed in the country at that time. Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 update, the Ministry of Health yesterday reported that two more fully vaccinated persons, who contracted the virus, have died. According to a statement issued, the country’s latest COVID-19 fatalities are that of an 86-year-old woman and an 83-year-old man from Region
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. Four. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to1,222. Further, via its updated dashboard, the Ministry recorded 25 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 62,971. The dashboard data shows that eight patients are currently admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 25 persons are in institutional isolation, 389 in home isolation and 15 are quarantined institutionally. To date, a total of 61,327 persons have recovered from the virus.
and governments for driving the transformational agriculture agenda. The Heads hailed the President’s passion
and leadership in addressing this most critical issue of food security facing the region. In addition to adopting the rec-
ommendations, Heads pledged their full commitment to the plan as presented by President Ali.
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Gun-toting man injured trying PPP picks former PNCR to attack woman in Buxton minister to sit on oil fund board - Rejects opposition nominees of Chris Ram, Vincent Adams
The illegal gun along with the cutlass and axe that were found by police in the attacker’s possession. A man who on Wednesday reportedly attempted to attack a woman with a gun, cutlass and axe, ended up being injured and had to be rushed to the hospital where he is presently being treated for a fractured skull under police guard. According to police, ranks received a report that a 46-year-old woman was being attacked in her home at
Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). They were told that it is a domestic violence case and rushed to the location to rescue the victim but when they got there the armed attacker was found severely injured. He still had the illegal gun stuck in his pants waist, and his hands were clinging to the cutlass and the axe. The ranks seized the weapons and
when they queried about his condition they were told that he attempted to enter the woman’s house by breaking open her windows but had injured himself in the process. He was arrested and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where doctors found that he had sustained a fractured skull. It is unclear how the man sustained his injuries.
Guyanese show support for Ukraine facing deadly... From page 3 problem. “We need to see and are calling for a peaceful resolution and respect for international law …no one wants a war,” he said echoing the concern that Venezuela which has close ties with Russia can follow the path of similar aggression. “There is an obvious link between Russia and Venezeula…that is why Russia needs to respect international law,” Mahadeo added. He said it is time, Guyanese start to raise their voice against all forms of oppression, particularly to call for an end to the violence in Ukraine. War crimes Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor on Wednesday said he would immediately open an investigation into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine, following requests to do so by an unprecedented number of the court’s member states.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24 has yet to overthrow the government in Kyiv but thousands of people are believed to have been killed or injured, according to officials in both countries and the United Nations. “Active investigations formally commence in Ukraine upon receipt of referrals by 39 state parties”, prosecutor Karim Khan tweeted. According to the Reuters, the referrals by member states fast-track an investigation as it allows the prosecutor to skip having to seek approval of the court in The Hague, shaving months off the process. The prosecutor had already said on Monday that he would seek court approval into allegations of war crimes in Ukraine. The prosecutor’s office would start collecting evidence for “any past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the
territory of Ukraine by any person”, Khan said in a statement. Following the Russian annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and the subsequent fighting in eastern Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces, Ukraine accepted ICC jurisdiction for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed on its territory since the end of 2013. In December 2020 the prosecutor ’s office announced it had reason to believe war crimes and other crimes were committed during the conflict in eastern Ukraine, but a request for a full investigation was not filed. Russia is not a member of the ICC and rejects its jurisdiction. The court can investigate allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on Ukraine territory regardless of the nationality of the suspected perpetrators.
Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram
Former EPA Head, Dr Vincent Adams
Former PNC Minister of Government, Dunstan Barrow
As was predicted the PPP/C used its advantage on the Committee of Appointments to pick former PNCR minister, Dunstan Barrow, as a director on the critical Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Board of directors, ignoring Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram and oil and gas expert Dr Vincent Adams. Observers believe that Barrow being a former minister aligned to the PNCR further erodes the credibility of the board, which has been designed to give the government full advantage. At a meeting of the Committee of Appointments on Wednesday the Opposition proposed: Christopher Ram, and former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Adams but they were rejected by the Government. Meanwhile, in addition to Barrow the government nominated former Deputy Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Clement Sealey and former Guyana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Hamley Case. As part of the governance structure for the NRF, a Board of Directors was established which shall comprise of not less than three and not more than five persons who shall be appointed by the President, and one of whom shall be appointed Chairperson by the President. The directors, according to the Act shall be selected from among persons who have wide experience and ability in legal, financial, business or administrative matters. It was noted that one of the Board members shall be nominated by the National Assembly along with one from the private sector. The Bill states that the directors shall be appointed for a period not exceeding two years and shall be eligible for reappointment. With respect to its functions, the Board is responsible for the overall management of the Fund, reviewing and approving policies of the
Fund, monitoring the performance of the Fund, ensuring compliance with approved policies, exerting general oversight of all aspects of operations, and ensuring the Fund is managed in compliance with the Act and other applicable laws. The Board is also responsible for preparing the investment mandate. Earlier this week, though adamant that the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act was illegally passed in the National Assembly last December, the Opposition said it will nevertheless submit suitable candidates to sit on the respective boards as prescribed by the law to manage the oil and gas revenue. Making this disclosure was Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Mr. Aubrey Norton during a press conference hosted on Tuesday. Norton told members of the media that it is imperative for the opposition to be able to scrutinize the allocations of the revenue from the oil sector, in the interest of good governance. He stressed, “If you leave the Natural Resource Fund without scrutiny, one; you will be excluding yourself from knowing what is happening, and two; you will be making the ground much easier for the PPP to continue to expand its corruption…but in the interest of the people of Guyana we will scrutinize and monitor to ensure we can contribute to a reduction in PPP’s corruption and to work toward the resources of our people going toward benefitting our people”. In addition to the Board of Directors, the NRF will also have a Public Accountability and Oversight Committee which shall comprise of one nominee from the National Assembly, three representatives of the religious community, two representatives of the private sector, two from ‘organized labour’ and one from the ‘professions’. When it comes to the appointment of these individuals,
Norton said he believes the process should have been a transparent one where suitable candidates apply for the respective positions, rather than be “handpicked” by the President, Irfaan Ali. The Shadow Minister for Oil and Gas, David Patterson previously vented his concerns with regard to the powers given to the President to appoint these members, whom he believes may be inclined to do the government’s bidding. He said, “We still have extreme concerns because the Act has no clear designations and qualifications in general terms like for legal or financial (persons) and there are no clear guidelines on selecting those people. I mean like what are the qualifications and the background for these persons and how its set up, the President will pick three on his own deliberations with no input from anyone”. The MP argued that this section of the law drafted by the government, gives no room for Parliamentarians or even the regular citizen to challenge or question who the President decides to appoint. Taking this into consideration, along with the fact that there was poor consultation on the NRF Act, and the symbol of authority in the House, the Mace, was absent during the passage of the Bill. Norton during his media engagement said that the coalition will continue to regard the Bill illegally passed. In fact, he shared that the Party is still compiling a case to challenge the passage of the Bill. ”We believe the Natural Resource Fund (Bill) was rammed through the Parliament. We believe that there wasn’t adequate consultation. We also believe that with the absence of the Mace, it could not have been passed legally and therefore as far as I know, work is still being done to put together the entire case to challenge it,” the Party Leader explained.
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Five firms bid to supervise construction... From page 6 the design and construction of a state-of-the-art pediatric and maternal hospital, upgrading of the West Demerara and Bartica regional hospitals, and the construction of six modern regional hospitals at Anna Regina, Tuschen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and No. 75 Village, Corentyne. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during his budget debate presentation explained that the g o v e r n m e n t ’s intention to build these new facilities was based on the population size in those specific regions and that the people have easy access to healthcare services. According to him, a hospital will be in Anna Regina because it is the most populated area in Region Two. “Why should they not have a hospital there? That is what we are addressing, so we will be putting that hospital in
Anna R e g i n a , ” the minister had argued. Similarly he said, because villages like Tuschen and Parika in Region Three are becoming more populated, it was decided that another regional hospital will be built in that district so as to provide services for all. As for Region Four, the Minister stated that two new regional hospitals will be built. One at Enmore and the other at Diamond. He highlighted that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has always been seen as the National Referral Hospital but sometimes be referred to as a regional hospital in the region. “We w a n t t o c h a n g e that. We want to ensure that Georgetown Public Hospital remains a National Referral hospital and do the complicated cases,” he said. Anthony mentioned that
the decision to build a hospital at Bath Settlement in Region Five is because it is where the majority of the population in that region resides. While in Region Six they are going to replace the Skeldon Hospital with one at Number 75 Village. In addition to these new facilities, each one will be equipped with their own CT scans, digital X-rays, ultra sound machines and modernised laboratories and that all devices will be internet enabled, the minister asserted. According to him, the reason behind all this “is that people would not have to travel from all parts of the country to come to Georgetown to get access to these things.” Meanwhile, regarding the maternal and child hospital, Dr. Anthony said it is to cater for all the highrisk mothers and children, ensuring they have access to specialised services.
Thursday March 03, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might have planned an exciting evening with friends or your current love interest, but you have to postpone it due to forces beyond your control. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Upsetting events in the neighborhood might have family members in a funk. This could be something major like construction crews tearing up the streets. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you might hear a rather distressing rumor about one or more people you know or perhaps about your working situation. Don't be surprised if more than one person phones or emails to fill you in on this. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Personal or professional projects you've been working on might be moving a bit more slowly than you're comfortable with today, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you might feel stifled by your current situation. Perhaps you're thinking of changing jobs or professions, or maybe you're considering moving to a more exotic place. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Attempts to master a new computer program or other form of high-tech equipment could seem to be going nowhere, Virgo.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The rapid level of growth that you've probably been experiencing could suddenly prove too much for you today, Libra. You might need to take a little breather to grasp what's happening in your life. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The energy that has propelled you forward for the past several weeks might seem to lag a bit today. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you might experience a slight (and very temporary) dark night of the soul, Sagittarius. You could take a long look at your life and, even though you're doing well. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A group with which you're affiliated could be excited about a course of action that you might not feel is wise now, Capricorn. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Plans for getting together with friends or a romantic partner might have to be postponed because of p r o f e s s i o n a l responsibilities that need attention. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your health has been glowing over the past few weeks, Pisces, but today you're likely to feel a little under the weather.
Svitolina... BCB cricket should...
From page 22 there and in other big cities. Russia shelled several key sites in Kyiv and in the country’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, killing at least 11 people and wounding dozens of others, Ukrainian officials said. In her social media post Monday, Svitolina said her objective in demanding tennis follow the International Olympic Committee’s lead and insist that players from Russia and Belarus are only identified as “neutral athletes” was not against individual competitors. “I do not blame any of the Russian athletes,” Svitolina wrote. “They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland.”
Brazilian...
From page 24 pair of players from Dynamo Kyiv — Uruguayan Carlos de Pena and Vitinho of Brazil — took shelter in a hotel with their families while asking Brazil’s Government to help them leave the country. Before the war began there were around 500 Brazilians in Ukraine. That is down to around 100 now, according to the Brazilian embassy in Kyiv.“Everything blew up from one day to another. Thursday morning we were at home when we started hearing the sound of the bombs, the planes, and that’s when the nightmare began,” De Pena told AFP as he waited in Sao Paulo for an onward flight to Montevideo. “It wasn’t easy coordinating the transport because there were many desperate people, many people fleeing, Russian troops closing in on the capital.” Now he remembers the feelings of “fear, sadness and not knowing whether we will go back”. Brazilian Marlon Santos, 26, admitted it was “difficult to stay calm”. After three days in the hotel the players embarked on a 17-hour train journey then a 15-hour bus ride with the help of European football’s governing body UEFA, to reach Romania. “It was very dark when we left; we didn’t know what we would come across,” said Maycon, 24, a Shakhtar player who left with his wife, two children and parents. “I just asked for calm so that my children did not feel what we were feeling,” said Maycon’s wife Lyarah Vojnovic Barberan. But the relief at now being in a safe haven is tempered by the concern for Ukrainian teammates left behind. “We have great friends there. I’m sorry for them and really hope everything gets resolved,” said Maycon.
From page 24 proval of such a move as they feel that it would affect local players. The clubs and the BCB top brass agreed on a wide range of points including rules for walkovers, covid 19 guidelines, registration of players and penalties for clubs who fail to follow rules. The BCB President also used the opportunity to inform the clubs on upcoming tournaments, developmental plans for 2022 and areas of assistance for them. Clubs would shortly benefit from donations of cricket balls and scorebooks, while dozens of youths would also receive cricket gears under the BCB Developmental programme. The board’s widespread county wide coaching programme was also discussed with the board announcing upcoming visits by Sir Andy Roberts and Roland Butcher for a cricketing clinic in April. The clubs were also informed of upcoming cricket tournaments at the under17, under19, female, second division and first division levels. The first division tournaments that would start shortly would be the Ivan Madray 20/ 20 tournament and the Tenelec Inc 50 overs. Internal tournaments would also be played in West Berbice, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/Canje and Upper Corentyne. Meanwhile, the BCB and Government Mem-
ber of Parliament Faizal Jafferally, during the meeting, launched the second edition of the Jaferally 20/20 tournament for teams in West Berbice and a developmental fund for the area. The popular Member of Parliament handed over a combined five hundred thousand dollars to the BCB with half of the amount for each project. Clubs in the area would each receive a box of cricket balls and a pair of wicket-keeping gloves under the Jaferally MP Developmental Programme, while at least twelve teams would play in the 20/20 tournament from this weekend. Mr Jafferally, in brief remarks, stated that as long as Foster remains the head of the board, he would support the game as he leads a very accountable, visionary and transparent administration which has transformed the game in the county. He pledged continued support and even hinted that the developmental project could be expanded in the future. The Member of Parliament has also assisted the BCB to obtain several cricket sponsorships in the area for 2022 at the under15, under23 and second division levels. Foster, who described Jaferally as a personal friend, hailed his contribution to the game and stated that the Member of Parliament was one of the main reasons his presidency is a success.
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Concacaf under-20 Championships...
Guyana suffer another crushing defeat Guyana’s junior Lady Jags suffered a second consecutive heavy defeat in the Concacf women’s under-20 Championship group stage, with a disappointing 5-0 thumping at the hands of
Panama. Hasha Holder opened Panama’s account with an own goal in the second minute, while Hilary Jaen doubled the lead six minutes later before Shayari
Camarena completed a brace in the 40th and 61st minutes, by that time, Elizabeth Vasquez had found her way on the scoresheet in the 54th minute. The win has seen Panama
jump to second place behind Mexico in the group of points’ standings with four points, while Guyana are third with three points. The Mexicans, who also fired past the Guyanese in their previous game, are top of the points’ standing with six points, while Hon-
duras are last with one point. The top three teams from each group are progressing to the Round-of-16. So, only if Honduras can pull off an upset win against top of the table Mexico, today, Guyana will not progress.
Svitolina of Ukraine beats Potapova of Russia in WTA event MEXICO CITY (AP) — Elina Svitolina put on the yellow and blue colors of Ukraine and beat Anastasia Potapova of Russia 6-2, 6-1 on Tuesday in the opening round of the Monterrey Open, deciding she could do more for her country by playing than boycotting the match. Top-seeded Svitolina earlier said she wouldn’t play against Potapova in Mexico or against any Russian or Belarusian opponents until the International Tennis Federation and the men’s and women’s tennis tours barred competitors from those countries using any national symbols, flags or anthems. The tennis governing
bodies issued a statement Tuesday confirming that Russian and Belarusian players will still be allowed to compete at the top level, but without national flags. “Today it was a very special match for me,” the 27year-old Svitolina said. “I’m in a very sad mood, but I’m happy that I´m playing tennis here. “I was focused. I was on a mission for my country,” she said. “From the beginning, it was important to be ready for anything that comes my way.” Svitolina is a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist with 16 career tour-level singles titles who has been ranked as high as No. 3 and is currently No. 15.
“All the prize money that I´m going to earn is going to be for the Ukrainian army,” said Svitolina, who won this tournament in 2020. The Monterrey Open has $31,000 in prize money for the champion. Svitolina, who broke serve in the first and third games on the way to a lopsided win over Potapova in 64 minutes, will play against Viktoriya Tomova in the second round. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entered its sixth day on Tuesday, with a huge convoy of Russian tanks and armored vehicles on a road to the capital, Kyiv, and fighting intensifying (Continued on page 21)
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BCB and SAVE host successful social seminar for youths
The youth cricketers pose with their certificates along the presenters. The Berbice Cricket Board on Saturday last hosted a very successful one day social seminar with the NGO Suicide And Violence Eradication (SAVE). The seminar was held at the Albion Community Centre Ground and saw the attendance of close to seventy five youths, drawn from clubs across the county. The seminar was declared open by BCB President Hilbert Foster, who welcomed the players and urged them to learn as much as possible on the topics that would be discussed as the board was determined that they develop into role models and sports ambassadors for the
ancient county. Foster, also spoke on the need for cricketers to develop a formula of hard work, discipline, dedication and stated that the board during 2022 would be investing heavily into programmes and coaching clinics which would assist them to develop on and off the cricket field. Regional Chairman David Armogan congratulated the BCB and the Suicide and Violence Eradication NGO (SAVE) for joining hands to host the much needed programme. Armogan also congratulated the BCB on the outstanding work it was doing. He stated that he was confident that the seminar would
achieve its objectives on educating the youths on the topics- anti suicide, domestic violence and mental health. T h e h e a d o f S AV E , Nazim Hussain congratulated the BCB for accepting his offer to hold the seminar and properly organising it within one week. He committed the organisation to working along with the pro active cricket board to host more programme in the future for more youths. The day’s event saw presentations by Hussain along with Phillip Drayton, Zipporah Joseph and Dr Vishalya Sharma. Dr Sharma, head of the health sector in Region Six took the opportunity to ex-
press thanks to the BCB a n d S AV E f o r j o i n i n g hands to educate youths on the wide array of topics. BCB Public Relations Officer Jonathan Rampersaud disclosed that the board is currently working on an updated edition of its youth information booklet. This booklet would be shared out free of cost to all youth players in the county and covers topics such as public speaking, manners for a public ceremony, suicide, danger of illegal drugs, table manners, how to do a job interview, personal hygiene, importance of education and the role of a sports ambassador.
Regional Chairman David Armogan declares the seminar open.
PAGE 24
Brazilian footballers speak of ‘terror’ in Ukraine flight Brazilian football player Pedrinho of Ukranian team Shakhtar Donetsk speaks to the press upon his arrival from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AFP) — A group of Brazilian footballers and their families arrived in Sao Paulo on Tuesday after a two-day odyssey to escape war-torn Ukraine, where they play their club football. The contingent of 13 Brazilians from Shakhtar Donetsk were among dozens of people who crammed into a train and then a bus for a journey to Romania that lasted more than
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30 hours. From there, they were able to board flights back to their homeland. “The hardest thing was everything we saw on the road: people dying, people that had nothing to do with this situation,” said Pedrinho, a 23-year-old forward, upon his arrival in Sao Paulo. “I took my four-month-old daughter with me and all I wanted was for her to be okay.
Images of terror, destroyed cities – these are the things that remain in my head. “What I most want now is to be with my family, with my parents. I said goodbye to them every time we spoke because I did not know if it would be the last time we would talk.” When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 Shakhtar’s Brazilians and a (Continued on page 21)
Guyana Table Tennis teams qualify for 22’ Commonwealth Games Guyana National men’s and women’s Table Tennis teams have secured qualification spots for the 2022 (JulyAugust) Birmingham Commonwealth Games in a significant feat which was communicated by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Commonwealth Games Secretariat to Guyana Olympic Association head, Juman Yassin. The teams have been rewarded for consistent performances over the period 2018 to 2020. And, with three team spots available for the Caribbean region, Guyana being selected leaves only two team spots available to form part of the sixteen teams to qualify for the commonwealth team competition. This elaborate qualification system has been instituted by the Commonwealth Games Federation and the ITTF. The model seeks to reward teams that have had consistent performances over a period and is geared towards ensuring continental repre-
GTTA President Godfrey Munroe sentation, including different paths through world rank, regional qualification, individual, doubles, and host country qualification. The squad will consist of four male players and four female players. In each team, players will compete in doubles and singles competition at the games as well. Table Tennis has been a consistent performer at the Commonwealth Games for Guyana following its debut in
K.A. Juman-Yassin the 2006 edition of the games held in Melbourne, Australia. Head of the GTTA, Godfrey Munroe mentioned that, “... with the covid pandemic, the decision was made to limit the amount of teams moving forward. So for qualification, participation at the games will become a key feature. This announcement is significant since it comes on the back of both men and women team performances in international competitions for the 2018 to 2021 period.”
BCB cricket should be for Berbicians - Clubs at a special meeting with the President Jaferally MP Trust fund launched for West Berbice
Mr Faizal Jaferally hands over sponsorship to Leslie Solomon in the presence of BCB President Hilbert Foster and representatives of clubs in West Berbice. Representatives of cricket clubs in the Ancient County of Berbice on Sunday stated that they prefer that cricket organized by their pro-active cricket board should be for Berbicians only when the Berbice Cricket Board season begins. The message was passed on to BCB President Hilbert Foster and Chairman of the Competition Committee Leslie Solomon during a special face the club meeting at
the Albion Community Centre. The meeting was a continuation of the BCB effort to meet with stakeholders on a regular basis to consult on major decisions concerning the development of the game. The BCB President has held over fifty meetings across the county over the last four years as part of a comprehensive consulting programme with sub associations, clubs
and other stakeholders. The BCB President at the start of the meeting said that his administration had agreed to relax the rule concerning allowing non Berbicians to play in BCB organized tournaments. The board had proposed to allow clubs to register two non Berbicians per season, with one being allowed to play per match. Clubs expressed their disap (Continued on page 21)
Thursday March 03, 2022
Kaieteur News
Bairstow hits century on day two of England Tour match
West Indies President’s XI and England in action yesterday in the Tour match.
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onny Bairstow struck an unbeaten century to put England in a comfortable position against the West Indies President’s XI in their four-day tour match ahead of the APEX test series, yesterday. Bairstow struck 106 off 158 balls as England declared on 466-6, batting first at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua. Bairstow received valuable support from Dan Lawrence who made 83 not out from 122 balls. Skipper Joe Root contributed 54 and Chris Woakes 49 not out.
On the opening day, openers Alex Lees and Zak Crawley added 88 for the opening stand before Crawley was bowled by Bryan Charles for 62, while Lees had his stumps disturbed by the same bowler 65. Charles claimed 3-143 and Shermon Lewis 2-75. At stumps, on day two, The West Indies President’s XI were 48-2 after 29 overs. Keacy Carty and Devon Thomas are not out on eight and one respectively. Shayne Moseley was bowled by Jack Leach for 20 while Jeremy Solozano was run out for 17.
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