K
Linden nurses NEWS continue to bar CEO from entering office AIETEUR
Wednesday Edition March 10, 2021 - Vol. 16 No.10
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Price $80
Online readership yesterday, 97,230
World Bank, Chatham House reps had called publishing oil contracts a bad idea - Former Presidential Advisor
Local sensitization vital to Guyana’s - Energy Strategist
gas-to-shore project
Motorcyclist hospitalised following collision on the WBD
Patterson’s budget case useless; must be dismissed- AG
Exxon cannot survive - Dr. Vincent without Guyana Adams Guyana to partake Taxi driver NBS gets approval catches car in Expo2020 Dubai, thief after to increase ceiling later this year 30-minute chase for housing loans
“Strategic consultations” being carried out on draft Local Content Policy
- Submission of comments gets extended deadline Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams exposes ExxonMobil’s dishonesty on flaring. Listen to Kaieteur Radio @ 11:00hrs on 99.1/99.5FM to find out!
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 10, 2021
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
Regional leadership of a special kind In the clinch of a frightening crisis, a regional leader has delivered, and is recognized for doing so under fire. According to the Trinidad Guardian, and as carried locally, “WHO Head praises T&T’s COVID-19 fight” (KN February 19). Specifically, the “Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom, has praised Prime Minster, Dr. Keith Rowley, for his leadership in managing the COVID-19 outbreak in T&T.” This is what Dr. Adhanom had to say to Dr. Rowley, “I…recognize that Trinidad and Tobago…has done very well in this pandemic and that is because of your leadership.” What about our leaders and where are they? What the T&T PM has done speaks volumes on standards, as can be gleaned from the record, and this is because of his leadership’s astuteness and courage, both of which came from the conviction that he had to do whatever it took to safeguard his country and people. In contrast, almost one year later, and right here, blame is brandished about with the new PPP government seizing every occasion to point fingers at the coalition for poor performance. In turn, coalition leadership is only too happy to return the favour with ongoing critical sniping from behind the barricades. While this is happening at Guyana’s leadership levels, the citizenry complies with rules when compelled, and makes up its own when such pleases. We are a ship of state that is adrift and struggling to find its depth, some moorings. Now if only we could have our own leaders, like Dr. Rowley, step up and measure up with what is practical, positive, and progressive for all in this country, we could be so much wiser, so much better. They have to be about what is beneficial for all in this country, except that they have not done so. Instead of the self-sacrificing, there is the self-helping, self-promoting, and the self-aggrandizing. They care about what is good for this country, as much as the foreigners who come here to reap riches and wreak havoc. They have in mind what is good for this country, along the lines of what Venezuela’s Maduro has in mind. That is, what fulfills their personal priorities and visions. COVID-19 care and concerns is just another nuisance in the big picture that is more important to them; it gets in the way of oil cash, and their ceaseless corruptions. Though, it also provides the cover for leaders and their people to capitalize by making financial hay while the going is good. It is why this country languishes. Despite being seriously stricken earlier, Dr. Rowley, steadily steered the ship of state in Trinidad and Tobago and stayed the course with firm hands. That is a man who cares about his people. That is a leader who is about his country first. And that is what the WHO directorate sat down and came up with, as it studied who was doing right, and who was doing so consistently well. Consistently well enough to be publicly lauded, among other national leaders that did good. It is praise that is also due to Jacinda Ahern of New Zealand, the Prime Minister of Israel, and a few more, who proved to be fearless and decisive when the COVID-19 chips were down, and had to be dealt with comprehensively and conclusively. If only we have such leaders in Guyana. We would like to reward ourselves with the rare luxury of fooling ourselves for a moment, and harbour the belief that we do have them. But even that fleeting blessing is proving elusive to us Guyanese. We look, we hope, we trust and depend upon, and all to no avail. For there are the many disappointments that come, year after year, from leadership ranks. They sink us, they sicken us with the litany of ugliness that they bring before us and dump upon us, and then leave with us to lament over the promises gone. Oil has come, and Guyanese dreams are going down, fading away, with them. We are told nothing that is material; hence, we know less than we should, since leaders have made it their duty to be secretive and tight-lipped. Unity is a sweet-sounding leadership trumpet, but it is more of the
Gunboat diplomacy over! Really Mr. Greenidge? DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the caption, “The era of gunboat diplomacy is over - Greenidge on Venezuela” (KN March 8). Really Mr. Greenidge? I am aware that this respected Guyanese speaks with authority, but I remind him: a porcupine’s quills can be deployed in various forms, as I now elaborate. This is what the Government Advisor on Borders (thank God, he is not around Finance portfolio) said, “Gunboat diplomacy…speaks to the practice of implying or threatening warfare to fulfill foreign policy goals” as practised “by nations…with immense military might.” Take a bow, Mr. Greenidge, for hitting the bullseye. Relative to Guyana, Venezuela possesses that “immense military might” which breeds arrogance and accompanying contempt for the strengths and rightness of a smaller neighbour’s
cause; especially a woefully divided nation. But I do believe that gunboat diplomacy (the big stick) is still practised almost as frequently as it was in the lovely heyday of such foreign adventures. Usually not of territory alone, but could be ideology, economic visions, or spheres of influence. As said before, today it is a matter of the lipstick put on it. It does not have to be as heavy-handed and in the face, as Venezuela has manifested, through a countenance set like flint to Guyana. Personally speaking, state-sponsored internet intrusion, troubling and costly hacks, is the new electronic gunboat brought to bear. Also, sanctions are another flag under which the old gunboats and intimidating fighter jets make their presence felt and objectives clear: yield! Or else…The just as vintage
‘internal meddling’ and ‘destabilizing’ are still more ghostly gunboats making their presences felt. It is just as real as any bristling man o’ war out there. With tens of thousands of Venezuelans living here, many unaccounted for, there is a Trojan Horse of a warplane crash landed (perhaps purposely) in the midst. I remind the erudite Mr. Greenidge how Herr Hitler put that to good use in Czechoslovakia and where that led with the Sudetenland. I present all those as gunboat diplomacy with a new age twist. The bottom line is that small resistant nations have been undermined and enfeebled, through a range of menacing circumstances, which amounts to this: we mean business; be forewarned. Or as the Government Advisor is sure to appreciate,
show ‘dem’ who ‘moh baad’. Big too. Take note that the Venezuelans are not like that sorry lot of Guyanese parliamentarians, all hot air and fat talk. Our neighbours are deadly serious and bent on deadly villainy. There is a stealth force inside our borders and that is with due respect for the Venezuelan Ambassador. But there is another on the Venezuelan side of the border. It is called Syndicato, aka criminal gangs. What gets lost in the shuffle is that its legions are mainly ex-military. They have been used to do dirty political work in Venezuela. Hence, I encourage my fellows to connect the dots. Incidentally, they use boats, too. In essence, then, gunboat diplomacy is not over; just rebranded. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Guyana is yet to confront this social rot DEAR EDITOR, The way in which Freddie Kissoon is allowed to attack, denigrate and misrepresent issues pertaining to the African community without impunity has the appearance of support of bigger powers. Freddie’s continued behaviour if not stop will have to be dealt with using legal means. Something must give in this society so that truth and time-honoured principles can be upheld, and public lies and mischief are not given prominence in mainstream media. Reference is made to Kissoon’s article “Oh man, that 2020 election again!” (KN 9th March 2021) where he continues to spread malicious lies and propaganda, misleading the nation about statements made by me in a letter published in Stabroek News (7th March). Even though this letter (‘The president must engage with the leader of the opposition as mandated by the constitution”) is in the public domain, Kissoon ignores it and continues to mislead the public about the contents of my public pronouncement. Below is the expert specifically dealing with election and claims of rigged
elections as published in SN:“The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) declared the 2020 election and based on that declaration it was determined who sat where. That is sufficient to move the process of governing forward until the court, constitutional provision or term limit determines otherwise. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in 2015 made the claim that they did not recognise the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government and that that election was rigged. They were marching up and down the streets for days shouting, “rigged elections” and even petitioned the court to have the election overturned. That did not prevent the call by sections in society, including yours truly and the Guyana Trades Union Congress, for engagement between the political forces to move Guyana forward. In fact, the APNU+AFC early in their term established a team to engage the Opposition PPP/C on governance. This had its fits and starts with the then Leader of the Opposition Bharrat
music that makes the hair stand on the back of the neck, than that which reassures, because there is movement towards some degree of delivery. Accountability is a bright rose held high, save that the reality is of what is concealed and not cleared for consumption by the expectant public. This is what Guyana has had and has again today. It is our curse and tragedy. Trinidad has a leader that is a neutral authority, like the WHO, could hail as different, as extraordinary. That is TT’s blessing and to its benefit.
Jagdeo refusing to participate because then Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was the leader of the government team. Then former President David Granger acquiesced to the frivolous excuse and assumed the leadership of the government team. The fact of the matter is, whereas the PPP/C is recognised as officially forming the government they are also recognised as a government that did not win a free and fair election, but a government installed by fraudulent means given the “grave irregularities” as reported by GECOM Chair as discovered during the recount process and which includes the discovery of 47 ballot boxes in the PPP/C area (lower East Coast Demerara) with no officials documents, and through engineered hostile responses of an international community misled by their orchestrated propaganda. The Leader of the Opposition must demand engagement with the President in moving this country forward. There must be an adult in the room. Simultaneously, if Ali continues to refuse engagement Harmon must internationalise the antidemocratic behaviour and
assault on constitutional expectations. He must also mobilise the Guyanese constituency (across the various divides) in recognising that the tactic employed by the PPP/C is putting this country on a pathway of conflict, destruction and grief. “ The audacity or presumptuousness of the man to misrepresent what I said! This is a big agenda where lies have become so bold faced in society. There is not even a subtlety to mislead. Freddie will misrepresent what anyone says and present it as gospel. These acts are akin to the Trumpian style lies and denial and most recent post reporting on the 6th January siege on the USA Capitol where some argued what took place, for everyone to see, did not take place and denied who were involved, for everyone to see, were not involved, seeking to shift the blame on others. What would it take for society to put an end to tolerance to such lies, such acts and personalities that drive Kissoon? America is confronting their challenge; Guyana is yet to confront this social rot. Lincoln Lewis
Must be explained DEAR EDITOR, The revelation now that the flaring cap, as was given by a very senior executive, was false, begs the question, just what was the intended purpose and outcome of this false information? This must be explained. The same senior executive too, promised daily reports would be released to the media. From reports, this is not happening. This too must be explained. Shamshun Mohamed
Wednesday March 10, 2021
Activists with consistent record should be honoured with Order of more than Drs. Ramharack Democracy (OD). Beyond isBisram in terms of writ- suing a couple statements to Democracy and ings and grass roots activ- the media condemning the
DEAR EDITOR, I endorse the view expressed by Dr. Bisram (KN March 9) that Kaieteur News and other media houses that exposed electoral frauds should be honoured for their role. I also agree that Freddie Kissoon championed democracy in Guyana but he did so in ways different from others. And as I stated before he was not consistent. He admitted he supported AFC in 2011 and APNU+AFC in 2015 only to regret his role in getting the coalition elected. Freddie penned an almost daily commentary on the attempted electoral fraud from March 4 onwards. Others like Dr. Vishnu Bisram and Chris Ram also penned countless articles condemning electoral malfeasance between March 2 and August 2. I do not think anyone has written more on the Guyanese diaspora or about Guyana in the international and Guyanese media than Dr. Bisram. He knows and understands the diaspora more than anyone else. Furthermore, I do not think anyone has come even close to publishing in the global media as many articles as him on electoral fraud in Guyana.Freddie’s role was and is not activist oriented in protecting democracy or combating electoral fraud. His role was/is more writing oriented or academic or arm chair driven as compared with Dr. Baytoram Ramharack and Dr. Vishnu Bisram whose contributions were not only academic (writings) but also activist driven meeting policymakers from the US and other countries; also, the duo were out on the streets in grass roots activism in America and other countries exposing electoral fraud and championing democracy for Guyana. Speaking about the role of the diaspora in championing democracy in Guyana, can anyone tell who has done
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ism? Drs. Ramharack and Bisram, like Arjune Karshan, Flattie Singh, Munir (forgot his last name), and myself, among a few others were deeply involved in the struggle since the 1970s to restore democratic governance in Guyana. We were later joined by Ravi Dev, Randy Depoo, Raj Singh, Ruben Khusial, Joe Kanhai, Samad Ally, and others in the mid 1980s and 1990s. After a couple years of activism, Depoo left to work with the US government as a diplomat that prohibited political activism. He re-surfaced in Trinidad around 2000, becoming active in Guyanese affairs long after democracy was established in 1992. He did play an important role in 2020 combating fraud with organizing a petition to the US government in which other activists also played a role.I saw some media recommendations for the Order of
electoral fraud of 2020, some of them played no active role in combating or foiling fraud or getting world leaders and diplomats to take a stand against the riggers. Also, some of them are known to have committed electoral misdeeds between 1965 and 1992. Should we forget their role in rigging during that era and reward them with OD for suddenly turning the page and becoming democrats in 2020? Some of them were authors of the physical brutality of prodemocracy activists. And should we belittle the contributions of Flattie, Munir, Ramharack, Bisram, Dev, Kanhai and others who consistently and courageously championed democracy from the 1970s? Only those with a consistent record on championing democracy should be honoured, not overnight converts. Yours truly, Vassan Ramracha
Coastland Diagnostic Centre DEAR EDITOR, I have noticed that the Ministry of Health has advised that “Coastland Diagnostic Centre” is approved/ authorised to conduct PCR testing.As far as I am aware, the PCR test is no ordinary test. It requires special equipment and a lot of training to perform it accurately. The public has never heard of Coastland Diagnostic Centre. Is it certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS)? GNBS is the local certifying body and if this lab is not
certified by them, then they are hardly likely to be able to perform the PCR test. I look forward to details of Coastland Diagnostic Centre being published by the papers.Who owns it? Who is the Lab director? Who is the Quality Manager, etc.? Where were the staff trained? Yours in public interest, Sarah Williams
COVID-19 vaccines and the spirit of fraternity and international solidarity DEAR EDITOR, There is a clear dichotomy in the global response to the acquisition and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines between the top capitalist states of America, Britain, Canada, Europe (ABCEU) and the socialist countries of China, Russia, India and Cuba (CRIC). On one hand you have the ABCEU countries exhibiting the essence of individualism that characterizes capitalism in their “me first” approach to acquiring vaccines. They have used their wealth and influence to order and over order vaccines from the suppliers and in the process have regulated less developed countries to a very low position down the supply chain. They are even competing against each other for the vaccine where recently the pharmaceutical firms in Europe told Britain that they can get their supplies only after they have filled the orders of their European na-
tions. If we are to go by current orders placed with manufacturers in America and Europe, the orders of less developed nations will maybe receive their supplies by 2022. The ABCEU has hogged all the potential vaccines for the rest of the year with no intent of sharing any internationally. This reflects the ideological sterility and selfish values of capitalism. Now take the socialist or former socialist countries. India is in the forefront of donating free vaccines to less developed nations around the world. In the CARICOM region India has donated over 500,000 vaccines of which we have just received 80,000. India has so far provided 36.37 million vaccine doses to 35 countries and to UN health workers and peacekeepers. China and Russia is also doing the same. Cuba is in the forefront and the only country to date that has been sending out medical brigades
to assist fraternal nations in fighting the COVID-19 virus. This is what international solidarity and fraternal relationships are all about. It is a principle that is integral to social democracy especially in facing a global pandemic where no one is safe until all is safe. One thing you can say about socialism is that they ran bad economies but great medical systems. This is now bearing fruit with all the CRIC nations manufacturing their own vaccines and selflessly sharing with grateful nations. This pandemic is also making us as a nation aware as to who are our real versus convenient friends which is something to always be cognizant off when engaging in bilateral discussions. A special thank you to India , China and Prime Minister Hon Mia Motley for their spirit of international solidarity and fraternity. Your Sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin
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Women’s plight in their fight for right DEAR EDITOR, When women are seen, counted, and in positions to lead, the whole world benefits. This is the fundamental theme, which the world at large focused on to mark the occasion of International Women’s Day. The world will benefit as women are heard and this was amply magnified on Sunday as Oprah Winfrey hogged the limelight to host the TV platform to showcase the plight of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, confirming that she is the Queen for TV talk show. In a pandemic world, women are daily challenged for their resilience, facing the home environment, work atmosphere and the outside world at large, fighting for liberty, equality, acknowledgement, recognition, acceptance and opportunity. Kamala Harris recently broke the glass ceiling to gain world attention last November, when she was appointed Vice-President to US President Joe Biden in the most powerful nation on earth. At home, First Lady Arya Ali is swinging the baton at the helm, leading an army of prolific women occupying
many key ministerial positions to govern the interest of the Guyanese public. These women are educated, determined, and progressive and have a mission to stamp their authority not to be underestimated. They also have an agenda to raise the bar for women and peruse and pursue a path for Guyana, with an interest to uplift the status of women and take care of their welfare satisfactorily and effectively. It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’s is a song written by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome, recorded on 16th Feb., 1966 and reached No.1 position on the NY Billboard R & B chart. This type of alienation sadly underscores the importance of women; satiates the bias presumptuousness of a woman’s place is in the home; inflames prejudice and inflates the male ego! While there is a predominantly gender imbalance in the work force, females tend to dominate the teaching, nursing and administrative professions. The world is changing and the new face is amply captured by Deepshikha Deshumkh, a wife, a daughter-in-law and
mother who wears many hats with ease as she competently juggles and multi-task with life also as a film producer and an entrepreneur. She is a symbol of strength and courage and as a mother, she exemplifies superpower to organize, delegate, work with a schedule and be a disciplinarian. Her advice is for females to leave the comfort, believe in yourself, have faith, be conscious of the environment and seek a platform to apply your talent. Women have had a rough year, and Vice President Kamala Harris knows it. In her speech before the European Parliament on International Women’s Day, an event aimed at celebrating women’s empowerment and leadership during COVID-19 times, Vice President Kamala Harris called on nations to build a world that works for women. “Doing so, it is not just an act of goodwill,” Harris said, “but a show of strength. If we build a world that works for women, our nations will all be safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” Canada on Monday took a step to ensure that its upcoming spring budget, which will also (Continued on page 22)
A course correction is needed in our Energy Strategy DEAR EDITOR, A recent study published on March 8 in the journal Nature Geoscience found that if the planet’s temperature rose beyond the targets set by the Paris Agreement that life in the Tropics for humans may become beyond human tolerability. This was primarily due to the resulting heat and humidity that would prevent the cooling of the body due to the temperature differential between our internal and ambient temperature (heat and humidity considered). In other words, the temperatures would surpass the “survival limit” as noted in this month’s Phys.Org article: Global warming could make survival in the Tropics impossible written by Amy Norton. This begs the question as to why is our energy strategy aiding in the detrimental course of increasing the planet’s temperature? All of
the money and investment gained from our oil & gas exploits will be useless if the planet’s temperature reaches the point where the survival of human life in the Tropics is threatened. Fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas are sighted as key contributors to such a disastrous outcome. A course correction in our energy strategy is urgently needed. Guyana and the other members of the Guiana Shield need to aggressively lead and support efforts to limit the planet’s temperature increase. The global push to use Hydrogen as a key energy resource and the options of Wind, Solar and Wave energy should be the focus of our energy strategy. Without such a course correction, Guyana as we know it may no longer be habitable for humans in the future in the way it is today.
World leaders are setting the example by making such a shift in their energy strategy and even Saudi Arabia is making a mega investment in fossil fuel alternatives with the city of NEOM. If we as a country do not set the correct example and show our commitment to ensuring that Guyana is safely preventing climate change, others who are in safer zones of the planet will not be as concerned about the future plight of the Guyanese people. Who would have thought that our beautiful country’s future would hinge on 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is crucial to prevent us from reaching the current limit of human adaptation to heat. With concern, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
Wednesday March 10, 2021
END VENEZUELAN THREAT AND AGGRESSION NOW! DEAR EDITOR, It is very clear that Venezuela is becoming a real aggressor in South America and I have observed that President Maduro is desperately trying to assert himself among his people by distracting them from the fact that he and his cabinet are starving the country, ruining lives, ambitions, and the future of their citizens. As the son of the dear and wonderful land of Guyana, I am appalled by the relentless attempts of Venezuela to play and dance like monkeys on our backs, as former President David Arthur Granger has said. According to Robert Ardrey’s words, “Man … is as much a territorial animal as is a mocking bird singing in the clear California night.” This goes to say that the most successful predator has the will to violate the territories of others while instinctively rallying to protect its own. These terms encapsulate the entire situation of the border conflict between Guyana and Venezuela. Going back to decades, while the 1899 Arbitral Award aimed to settle the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela by granting each of them its own, Venezuela has not allowed our country to seize several opportunities to expand and develop. Many international organizations that wished to invest and aid in our country’s growth have been threatened and frightened by our not-soneighbourly neighbours, Venezuela. Even in our own waters, the ExxonMobil tanker, operated by one of the largest countries in the world, was driven away and put to shame. Belligerents and utter eye pass in Guyana are not acceptable. Our President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, has rightly called out Venezuela and called upon our allies in CARICOM and the world to denounce Maduro and his mad policies. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize His Excellency the President and even the previous Government, along with the former PPP/C Government, for always seeking to
refute and find everything practicable along the peaceful corridors of universal cooperation and understanding, even since the time of former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham in terms of this conflict. However, they should know that Venezuela is not going to hesitate or stop. As Venezuelans starve, Maduro and his government will more and more try to frustrate us from enjoying the glory and prosperity that awaits our land and country. The sad reality is that even though we have endured his atrocities, we are still responsible for rescuing, so to say, by housing, feeding, and clothing a number of his citizens. As the expression goes, “Do not ‘mess’ (for lack of a friendlier term) where you eat.” It is for this reason that I believe for what Maduro has done, he ought to hide his head in shame. To curb Maduro’s insanity, I wish to recommend the following: Invite the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and/or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to play long-term or perpetual war games in Guyana. I am not saying to open bases, but to give them the use of our jungles in Regions 1, 9, 8, and even parts of our city to do military maneuvers that also involves our country, partly, so that our army can get some high-class international training as well. Our other friendly CARICOM countries, like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and St. Lucia, etc. may also participate. They will also get a chance to train and study new military tactics, concepts, and military maneuvers. This will show that we have an international security facility and that we are capable of defending our country, both alone and in cohesion with our international allies. We have also seen our President and our Prime Minister smartly inducing the idea that our soldiers are not just to run, do military work, sleep-
ing in the barracks, and March. They have got to construct bridges, dams, and schools as the United States Army did where they constructed a school on Brickdam and Camp Street. This can be imitated in such a way that schools, dams, bridges be built for the reason that they have several distinct types of corps, such as the military wing, the air wing, the navy wing, and the educational wing. It would be even beneficial to make good use of our underutilized engineering corp as well. Consequently, the United States of America is noted for donating gifts such as helicopters and aircraft, and I believe that a collaboration with them will be a bonus for Guyana. In giving them the free use of our lands as a token of goodwill, gratitude, and friendship, we will be protected by the mere presence in these areas, from those who lust after our resources like hungry and greedy hyenas. We have already seen in their gluttony whereby Venezuela is also claiming land from Colombia, but Colombia is not pressurized as much as Guyana. This is because Colombia has a very strong military, navy, and air force as a result of drug cartels. They have invested wisely, and so should we! To sum up, inviting the United States of America’s military for long-term manoeuvre and/or the United Kingdom or whomever they may wish to involve, while at the same time including our military, will be a true win-win situation for Guyana. The United States of America can also begin summer youth training, something that the Guyana Military has never done. This will provide a lot of openings for young people. My son was once interested in military summer training in Guyana, but our army was not prepared to accept him and others. They should even appoint those that they consider fit and (continued on page 22)
GOOD INITIATIVES DEAR EDITOR, Two initiatives to be undertaken by the Ministry of Human Services caught my attention. The initiatives are: “Foreign language training for 914 hotline operators” and, “Ministry’s Cottage Industry initiative to target female Venezuelan migrants” which was reported in another section of the media on March 9. These initiatives are good and strong and can only lead to positive outcomes. It shows a ministry in tune with
the demands of changing situations and needs of the people. It is hoped other emergency services would seize upon the initiative to also have their hotline operators trained in foreign language, so they can better serve and respond to calls of all nationalities, to their respective agencies. Good initiatives Ministry of Human Services. Keep up the good work. Shamshun Mohamed
Wednesday March 10, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday March 10, 2021
Kaieteur News
Local sensitization vital to Guyana’s gas-to-shore project – Energy Strategist One key factor to ensuring that Guyana’s gas-toshore project is executed without a hitch is to ensure that the local populace is fully aware of the impacts that it is likely to have on the environmental and country at large.
That piece of advice to Guyana is coming from the Vice President (VP) and Energy Strategist of US Energy Company Eversource Energy, Roger Kranenburg. He was at the time appearing on an online discussion, whereby
he was examining the environmental impacts of the project on February 28. “I think it is very important to look at the local impact and a big part of that is to look at the local sensibilities on that environmental
impact and I will share with you that gas is completely and wholly consistent with an environmentally sensitive future,” he stated. Since the announcement of the project, there has been much discussion on the environmental impact, which it may have. This is taking into consideration the fact that the governing administration identified Wales as the ideal site to set up the onshore facility without first conducting an environmental impact assessment. That study along with a geophysical study, a geotechnical study and a lidar study are expected to be conducted soon, as according to government. But many have argued that these studies should have been done prior to selecting a location seeing that the pipeline is expected to be placed across one of the
Vice President an Energy Strategist at Energy Company Eversource Energy, Roger Kranenburg.
country’s busiest river, the Demerara. Similarly, in the US, according to the Eversource VP, the gas pipelines run throughout thousands of states so it is imperative that the public is aware of the potential environmental effects and disruptions it can have. He continued, “If you look
at the gas pipeline system in the US, it crisscrosses everything. It is all under the cities. I was hiking with my kid on a ‘gallQuin’ pipeline so the key thing is that it has to be done but it has to be done right and the companies that do it have to be held accountable for not doing it right and that starts by local sensibility.”
Wednesday March 10, 2021
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Dislike for a Govt. should not translate to disrespect for national symbols I was a cinema freak in my days. I visited almost all of the cinemas in the city and even a few outside of the city. I used to enjoy especially the anticipation of waiting for the movies to begin, when the lights went out and the screen lit up. There was a time, however, when that anticipation was dampened since when the lights went out, it was usually time to rise from your seat and stand at attention while the National Anthem was being played. I recall distinctly when the then Burnham administration directed cinema owners to play the National Anthem before the start of shows. It occurred during a period when the ruling party was concerned about the fallout from its failed policies and wanted to keep the citizens in line by ensuring their continued obedience to edits emanating from the rulers. All the cinemas complied with the directives to ensure that the National Anthem was played before the shows commenced. Not all the patrons were however comfortable with this imposition and a few persons often refused to stand during the National Anthem. On occasions, policemen and policewomen planted in
the cinemas would arrest those who did not stand for the National Anthem and cart them off to the station where they would be charged and taken in front of the Courts. However, I cannot recall anyone being convicted for not standing during the playing of the National Anthem. My recollection is that one magistrate had made it clear that there was no law which insisted that persons must stand for the playing of the National Anthem. This is my recollection: that there was no law at the time on which to convict someone who was charged for not standing in the cinema when the Anthem was being played. A few years ago, a minister of the government appeared on local television. The topic moved towards the question of paramountcy of the party which was enunciated by the PNC government around the same time that the directives were given for the Anthem to be played in the local cinemas. According to the minister, one of his colleagues recently told Cabinet that during this period, he got off two of his clients who were charged for not standing while the National Anthem was being played. The grounds on
which he argued was that during the playing of the anthem, the PNC flag was on the screen being shown above that of the Guyana flag. The imputation was that the magistrate in the case dismissed the charges against the two persons on the basis of this act of paramountcy. Despite my record of going to so many movies in Guyana, despite the fact that I have been to every cinema in the city, I cannot recall the ruling PNC’s flag being shown on the screen. Therefore I can only presume that it had to have been one of the cinema’s outside of the city that this was done. I know that the PNC’s flag was flown over the Court of Appeal, but I cannot recall all of the time that the National Anthem was being played in the cinema, that it was ever shown in any of the movie houses in the city. Thus, I can only presume that either my memory is failing me or that the incident on which Cabinet was so enlightened, occurred in one of the movie houses outside of the city. Those who did not stand in those days for the playing of the National Anthem had their reasons. For some, the imposition offended their independence; they did not feel that they had to be compelled
Dem Boys Seh…
The test for insanity Georgetown was always a fascinating city. In de old days, it used to shock a lot a ‘country’ folks when dem come to de big city and see how many destitute people dem gat living pun de streets. Now a days, de junkies adding to de number of people wah living and sleeping pun de pavement. But Georgetown also used to have a lot of mad people around. Dem used to have more crazy people around on de streets dan dem used to have in de Mental
Ward of de Georgetown Hospital and in de Mental Hospital in Berbice. Dat too used to surprise a lot a rural folks when dem come to de city. One time a journalist ask a doctor at de Mental Ward, how he does determine who fuh send to Canje and who fuh keep in de ward. De Doctor tell de journalist dat he gat a simple test he does apply. He said, “I fill a bathtub with water and then give de patient: a) a teaspoon, b) a glass and c) a bucket and
tell the patient to empty the bathtub.” The journalist said, “Oh, obviously a normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger.” The doctor replied,”No, a normal person would pull the drain plug! Please go to the admission desk and admit yourself to the Mental Ward. We will have to do some more investigations on you.” Talk half and find out wah happen to all dem mad people!
to stand. It is not that they were being rebellious against the Anthem or the government – this was no political action. It was simply that they felt that they should not be forced to do something which they were not required to do in the past. For others, it was simply being lazy to stand up. However one feels about the government of the day, dislike for the ruling administra-
tion should never translate to disrespect for our national symbols. Today, there hardly seems to be any complaints about standing up for the National Anthem. There is today greater pride in our national symbols and persons are no longer being dragged before the courts for not standing while the National Anthem is being
played, and thus avoid having to offer the defence that a party flag was being flown above the National Flag. (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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Wednesday March 10, 2021
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The world’s most hypocritical women groups are in Guyana Human rights exist on several horizons. The rights of women, LGBT people, minority groups, children, police victims, refugees, prisoners. It is not possible for freedom and justice in a society to thrive if these rights are bifurcated or separated. The rights of people are intricately linked in a philosophical matrix. That poetic saying from Nazi Germany will live on forever. It was composed by the German Lutheran pastor, Martin Niemöller. “First they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade
unionist Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.” If you are going to safeguard the rights of LGBT people to be who they want to be, then those rights have to be protected within an overarching framework of other rights that other sections of society are entitled to. Monday was International Women’s Day. I chose not to write on the relevance of the topic because I am disgusted for several decades now on the flawed nature of Guyana’s women rights groups. First, I think they are shamelessly elitist and show open contempt for violations
where poor women are the victims. And they have no intention of changing. I was at the day of appreciation on the death of Andaiye held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). I was standing on top of one of Guyana’s most mysterious ironies in the history of this country. Here was a woman who was supposed to belong to a revolutionary party, named the Working People’s Alliance, but not one representative from that class was a speaker. Speaker after speaker wore their high, middle-class emblems on their shirt sleeve. The list included the daughter of President Burnham’s long serving foreign minister, Rashleigh Jackson, and one of President Burnham’s daughter, Ulele. Both women are residents of other coun-
tries. There was no guest speaker who was East Indian. Secondly, these women groups select which situation to expatiate on depending on the media coverage they will get. They are driven by publicity and in fact are publicity-crazy. Once the victim’s situation will not bring adequate media coverage, they are not interested. If women rights entities in Guyana are concerned with gender protection then it is sociological fraud on their part if they couldn’t see that the bulk of sufferers when the APNU+AFC closed down the sugar estates without financial compensation were women and children. Here is a quote from a column of mine, “Every Guyanese should protest this decision of Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs,” done six years, six months ago on October 22, 2014, “Where is Red Thread? This girl is a teenager. She didn’t rob or shoot anyone. She didn’t harm anyone.” The magistrate jailed a teenager, Ariana Peters, for six months for going to Suriname without going through Guyanese immigration.Here is a quote from a column on yet another incident of judicial abuse of
women. This was done five years after the column referred to above. It is titled, “What a Guyanese judge said about a murdered Mahaica woman,” of Monday, December 13, 2019. “Justice Barlow then offered another reason for her 15-year sentence (a year is 9 months in judicial terms). She said she took into consideration that he was younger than the woman and therefore the woman would be more aggressive. Justice Barlow has turned Niccolò Machiavelli on his head. The famous 15th century Italian philosopher wrote that older women prefer younger men because younger men are more aggressive. Barlow concluded the opposite. Barlow concluded that since Rohoman was older than Harrinarine, she was the more aggressive partner.”In Barbados where I spent some time, this judge would have felt the wrath of some women groups. In places like India, the US, Canada, that judge would have been under intense pressure to resign. So why you think our women groups were silent on what happened to Ariana Peters and that poor soul that was killed in
Frederick Kissoon Mahaica, Hafeeza Rohoman? The answer is obvious to those who study this society and those who are familiar with how elitist class groups operate in this country. Ariana Peters and Hafeeza Rohoman were unknown souls. The women groups couldn’t get publicity over their tragedies. Why up to now the women groups have not denounced the police over the Venezuelan woman who was battered, sodomized and raped? She is a sexual worker. I love my pets more than some humans. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday March 10, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday March 10, 2021
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Taxi driver catches car thief after 30-minute chase
A
car thief’s ride in a stolen Toyota Forerunner SUV on Monday was short lived, after he was chased into a trench along Ganges Road, Sophia, by a taxi driver. The car thief, 23, of Pike Street, Sophia, according to police was apprehended sometime around 14:35 hrs. Recounting the details to Kaieteur News of what eye witnesses described as an epic car-chase through Campbellville, was the taxi driver (name provided) himself. The man recalled that had he just picked up his son from school and was driving through Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, when an elderly woman ran into the middle of the road and flogged him down. “I stopped and the woman told me that a man just stole her car,” said the taxi driver. He continued that “She hopped into his car and pointed to an SUV that was
speeding away in front of them.” Without wasting anytime, the man told Kaieteur News that he sped off behind the woman’s SUV and gave chase. “It was a rough drive which lasted some thirty minutes,” described the taxi driver. An eyewitness, who saw the SUV being chased through First Street, Campbellville, described it as epic and filled with lots of tire screeches. It was while turning into Ganges Street, Sophia, from First Street, Campbellville, said the taxi driver, that the car thief lost control of the SUV and drove into the trench located in front of the People’s National Congress Reform’ s (PNCR) office Compound. “The car thief jumped out the car (SUV) and the trench with the woman’s hand bag in his hand and ran into the PNCR office compound,” re-
counted the man. Not giving up the chase, the taxi driver said that he exited his car and accompanied by some onlookers ran behind the car thief and captured him. The police were summoned and patrol ranks arrived promptly to arrest the suspect and take him away to the Police station, where he remains in custody pending charges. Cops later identified the elderly woman whose SUV was stolen as Joan Mars, 67, a lawyer, of Lot 395 Bissessar Street, Prasad Nagar, Georgetown. Mars told investigators that prior to the 30 minutes chase, she had just returned home and parked the SUV in front her gate, with the engine on. Mars said that she exited the vehicle and went to open her gate but while doing so, she heard her vehicle being driven off from behind her. When she turned around, Mars saw her SUV speeding off in an eastern direction.
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On duty cop discovers decomposing body at Leonora Seawall An on-duty cop reportedly found the decomposing body of a fisherman, on Monday, lying on the rocks of the Leonora Seawall, West Coast Demerara (WCD). The fisherman has since been identified as Sadar Sookdeo, 40, popularly known as ‘Ramesh,’ of Ocean View Uitvlugt, WCD. His remains were spotted sometime
around 14:23 hrs. Crime scene experts who visited scene noted that no marks of violence were seen on the corpse and it was only clad in black boxer shorts. Sookdeo’s remains currently lies at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it awaits an autopsy as investigation into his death continues.
World Bank, Chatham House reps had... From page 3 obvious to me why they were doing this. Very few countries succeeded in publishing their contracts as quickly as we did in Guyana, and this was particularly remarkable since the hugely unfair contract for the Stabroek Block was/is key to the future viability of companies such as ExxonMobil and Hess Corporation.” After publication of the contracts, the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) especially received much public scrutiny and criticism as it governed the handling of a massive find. Public ire over the contract’s industry low fiscal terms for government’s share grew even more as more discoveries
were made. Presently, ExxonMobil estimates that the block holds nine billion barrels of proven reserves. The only major party which has shown interest in renegotiating the deal is A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) through Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson. However, when Global Witness released its now withdrawn report criticizing the deal, the Granger administration in early 2020 defended the deal in a statement. Patterson has not explained why prior to the 2020 elections, the administration he formed part of, rejected public pressure to renegotiate the deal for years, but has now changed its tune.
Wednesday March 10, 2021
COVID-19 deaths at 204, 33 new cases recorded Along with a total of 33 new COVID-19 cases documented yesterday, Guyana’s also recorded its 204th COVID-19 death. The latest death is a 76-year-old man from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who died on his way to a medical facility on Monday. According to the MOH, the new cases take the nation’s overall number of confirmed cases to 8,847. In a breakdown, the MOH noted that Region Four recorded the majority of new cases
with 19, Region Three recorded seven new cases, Region One has one case while Regions Two, Five and Six recorded two cases each. Meanwhile, 400 patients remain in home isolation, 36 patients are in institutional isolation and seven patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit at the Infectious Disease Hospital. To date, 8,200 persons have recovered from the disease.
Wednesday March 10, 2021
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Former GRDB Accountant’s lawyer wants matters to... From page 16 fraudulent accounts. Ramcharran’s three-year conviction was one of the first major convictions for the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyana Police Force, which instituted the charges against him. However, weeks after he was sentenced his lawyer filed an appeal against the conviction and Ramcharran was released on $2M High Court bail. On the last hearing of the matter, Hughes requested for his client’s remaining fraud charges to be consolidated, but the police prosecutor disagreed and asked for the charges to be dealt with individually. As a result, Princi-
pal Magistrate, IsaacsMarcus, set March 26, 2021, for both Hughes and the prosecution to make their submissions. Kaieteur News had reported that Ramcharran, 40, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was slapped with 32 fraud charges. During 2019, he was extradited from Canada to face fraud allegations amounting to $414M. All the charges are related to his role at the GRDB. The rice entity was responsible for executing a major oil-for-rice deal worth billions of dollars with neighbouring Venezuela. That deal ended suddenly in 2015 by a hostile Venezuela after the Coalition Govern-
ment came into office. The Board found itself in the spotlight after a forensic audit of that entity revealed among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. According to information, the former Accountant was heavily implicated in the probe with regards to the six former GRDB Board members, who were also charged. From about 2009 to 2015, Guyana, under the then administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, had entered a multi-billion-dollar oil-for-rice arrangement, where GRDB was clearing out for farmers. However, millions of dollars of those monies
“Strategic consultations” being carried... From page 15 and/or be licensed and pay taxes in Guyana. LAYERS OF REGULATION During the implementation of the foregoing, the sector will be regulated via different layers, starting with the Sector Regulator. Under the legislation that is envisioned to give life to the Petroleum Commission of Guyana (PCG), it is being proposed that this body will be the Regulator to ensure reports are submitted to the Parliament and to mandate that oil companies and their contractors manage their procurement through local content policies and strategies that align with the national policy. It is envisioned that the PCG will undertake these tasks through a dedicated Local Content Secretariat or Unit, which will be responsible for the implementation of this Policy and the pertinent regulations. The Local Content Unit will also measure and report on the local content performance by Operators and Contractors, in a transparent and consistent manner. The government, this newspaper understands, intends to have the Local Content Unit be overseen by the “Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee,” made up of senior officials of the various government ministries and
agencies that will be charged by the Minister to oversee the implementation of this Local Content Policy. It is also expected to identify those goods and services to be reserved for Guyanese and set targets for local content and participation in the provision of key goods and services and review same from time to time. A “Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Local Content” will also be set up and chaired by Government, involving representatives of key stakeholders’ groups, including
the major Operators, international services companies, local private sector including the financial sector, education and training institutions, non-governmental organisations, labour and civil society. The Working Group is expected to advise the InterAgency Coordinating Committee and support collaboration and coordination among and between stakeholder groups and allow for early action on critical items required for operationalising of the Local Content Policy.
Exxon resumes hunt for oil... From page 17 planned for exploration in 2021, was estimated to hold a few hundred million barrels. Drilling of Jabillo-1 and Sapote-1 will follow in the coming months. ExxonMobil last year
said it has identified considerable undrilled potential of more than 50 leads in the blocks it operates in Guyana’s offshore Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The oil major has announced plans to do more drilling in prospects targeted
making up the three consortia, which own the licences. The company in its exploration campaign in Guyana recently made a discovery in the Kaieteur Block, while drilling its first
well there and deepest by far offshore Guyana.
In 2019, ExxonMobil relinquished a portion of the Canje Block under the terms of the exploration licence, reducing the size of the contract area from 6,100 square kilometers (sq. km.) to 4,800 sq. km. in the Kaieteur, Canje and It is anticipated that Stabroek Blocks. with just over a dozen iniExxonMobil currently operates offshore Guyana holding stakes in 11 million along with a number of partners
tial prospects identified for exploration in the Canje Block, it will yield some 10 billion barrels of oil.
Linden nurses continue to bar CEO from ... From page 18 is recognised by the Union as a legal one and efforts have been made to engage the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, of the matter, but he has not responded to that request. He said the strike will continue by all means. Last week, a recording surfaced where Small was heard making derogatory comments during an interview. He said, “They are so accustomed…to coming to work, I’m telling you what’s going on now and I will put a stop to it. They
have some nurses, especially those that work night, they come to work, they sign in, they get away to go and sleep with their ‘sweet man’, their ‘sweet man’ does screw them whole night and they does come back to work and sign out in the morning…all the lawlessness going on.” Small has since apologised for his actions and asked the nurses to forgive him. They however said that his attitude since he returned to work does not represent someone who is remorseful since he was seen laughing, waving
and showing them thumbs up. He was also at the hospital on Saturday during the visit by Opposition Leader Harmon.
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it.
were reportedly siphoned off via third-party arrangements, including rental of ships and other sweetheart deals for a few millers.The officials, who were charged, are former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board
(GRDB,) Jagnarine Singh; former Deputy General Manager of GRDB, Madanlall Ramraj; General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj; former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of
Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall; former General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company, Badrie Persaud and the Deputy Permanent Secretary – Finance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine.
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Motorcyclist hospitalised following collision oningthe WBD north on the western carriage of the road
A 31-year-old motorcyclist was on Monday admitted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital with injuries to his left leg after his bike collided with a car on the Goed Intent Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD). The accident which landed the motorcyclist, Kurt Lindo of Patentia, WBD in the hospital occurred around 17:15hrs. According to police reports, the driver of the motorcar, Paul Daniels, reported to police that he was heading south along the eastern carriageway of the Patentia Public Road when he stopped to turn right (west) into Middle Dam, Goed Intent. In doing so, his car ended up colliding with the motorcycle that was head-
at the same time. As a result of the collision, Lindo was flung from his bike into a nearby trench where he received injuries to his left foot. The injured man was picked up in a conscious state by public-spirited persons and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was admitted. He was admitted in the male surgical ward in a stable condition. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the 41-year-old car driver but no trace of alcohol was found in his system. However, he was taken into custody where he’s assisting with the investigations.
Biden reviewing Trump’s listing of Cuba as terrorism sponsor: White House WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden’s administration is reviewing former President Donald Trump’s last-minute decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism but a broader Cuba policy shift is not currently among Biden’s top priorities, the White House said yesterday. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the administration is in no rush for
major gestures toward Communist-ruled Cuba, despite hopes for a softer approach after Trump rolled back historic Obama-era détente with Havana. Her remarks provided public confirmation of comments made last week by a senior White House official who told Reuters on condition of anonymity that Cuba policy was not among the top issues that Biden was focused on for
now.“ A Cuba policy shift is currently not among President Biden’s priorities,” Psaki told reporters at a daily briefing.“But we are committed to making human rights a core pillar of our U.S. policy and we are carefully reviewing policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism,” she said.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 10, 2021
Women’s plight in their fight for right
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From page 6 outline a promised postpandemic stimulus package, includes measures to get women working and address gender inequality. Their Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, said, “Canada’s future prosperity and competitiveness depend on the ability of women to participate equally – and fully – in our workforce.” She has promised a national childcare plan as a stimulus package worth up to C$100 billion over three tears to support women and their domestic needs. “To build a fairer and more equal Canada, we must ensure a feminist, intersectional recovery from this crisis,” Freeland said. US President Biden last week congratulated Swati Mohan, Guidance and Control Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab’s Perseverance team, after as a leader, successfully landed a robot on Mars. He also has a slew of women on his management team. Twelve American men have walked VACANCY
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on the moon. The last Apollo astronaut left his footprint there in December 1972. Now, a halfcentury later, NASA is planning to send people back to the moon. The new NASA programme is called Artemis, after Apollo’s mythical twin sister, and the goal is that the next footprint on the moon will be made by a woman. The Artemis programme isn’t just named for a woman, it’s largely being run by women. Charlie Blackwell-Thompson is NASA’s first female launch director. Despite the many advances of women to key positions throughout the world, “Simply put, our world does not yet work for women as it should,” according to Kamala Harris. Anupria Goenka, an actress, is known to be a strong voice for gender equality and women empowerment. “It is quite ironical that at a time when we
have women in power positions, many of us are still denied of our basic rights, and equal opportunity is still a myth which is why pay disparity continues to be a burning issue,” she says, adding, “What bothers me is that women are judged based on how they dress and how they speak, be it in personal or professional circles. If we don’t adhere to society’s
definition of morality, we are called all sorts of names and are accused of sending out signals to invite men.” There is an urge for everyone to do their bit in spreading awareness in creating a society that gives respect and opportunity to both men and women which can bring about a shift in people’s mindset. Respectfully, Jai Lall
End Venezuelan threat... From page 6 worthy for the Guyana Defence Force and even their army because we have some amazing, talented young people in this country who lack good opportunities. Our youths could even be invited to join the United States Military with the understanding that after five to 10 years in the US military, they have to return to Guyana to serve. So, while His Excellency
the President may be considering these things, I implore him to accept my words and to use this as an invitation to CARICOM and all other friendly countries to use our Amazon jungle for military training, manoeuvring, and to strengthen our country while in turn, act as a protection for all Guyanese, all for free. Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.
Wednesday March 10, 2021
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Region Six Health official claims phone was handed over to dead woman’s sister; relatives say otherwise As investigations intensify over the belongings of Vanessa Lewis that went missing after she was moved to the Georgetown Public Hospital, a regional health official in Region 6 is alleging that the phone was handed over to the sister of the deceased. However, relatives are denying that they received any phone from the RHO. In fact, Joseph Lewis, uncle of Vanessa has since disclosed that a voice recording of Dr. Vishalya Sharma, the RHO of Region Six telling someone on her cellphone to put the phone in her drawer at the office and is still claiming that it has been handed over to the police by a relative. It was after the phone was not given to them that the relatives went ahead and filed a report at the Central
Police Station last week. Kaieteur News was told by Lewis that no phone has been given to them to date and they are baffled as to why the health official would inform the police that the phone was given to them. ”They said they give the phone to her sister on the Friday but that is not true,” Lewis said. Claris Cecil Lewis, the sister, had told this publication that the RHO visited them sometime last week and when she inquired about the phone, she told them that she forgot it. The very next day, they made contact with the Regional Chairman David Armogan and her and they were told that the phone was not located. During the RHO’s visit to their home in Williamsburg last week, relatives recorded
Vanessa Lewis.
Businessman to be sentenced for having ‘spirituous liquors’ in his possession A businessman is expected to be sentenced on March 22, 2021, after he pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of spirituous liquors. The man, Jermaine Liverpool, 37, of Plantain Walk, West Bank Demerara, made his first appearance in the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, Crystal Lambert. According to section 48 (2) of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, “Everyone who sells or offers for sale any spirituous liquor other
than rum, except by wholesale or in some place or premises for which he or someone by whom he is employed has a licence authorizing the sale thereof and in accordance with the authority conferred by the licence, shall be liable to a fine of not less than Five thousand dollars and not more than Fifty thousand dollars.” He pleaded guilty to the charge and was placed on $10,000 bail until sentencing. The matter was then adjourned.
her speaking with an official from the hospital and telling them to put the phone in her drawer and so they are now questioning whether the phone was actually found or they were just told that it was. Claris had also told Kaieteur News that after the officials could not locate the phone, the RHO called and offered to buy a phone for $100,000 but the relatives stressed that it is not about the phone but about what is in the phone that Vanessa had that could possibly provide answers in
connection with her death. Commander-in-Charge of the region, Jairam Ramlakhan, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that they are looking at the laws in relation to misplaced property of hospital patients. The family is expected to engage the Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on the issue. Relatives became interested in the phone after they learnt that it may have information as to who contributed to her death and why.
It was revealed that a nurse who had reportedly attended to her during her delivery at the New Amsterdam Hospital had previous volatile exchanges with her on social media and with her husband’s brother in past. Additionally, Joseph Lewis revealed that they received information from a medical professional about who performed the surgery on Vanessa. ”The doctor said that the nurse did the C-Section and they called him at 1:00 am but
when he got there, she was already in a critical state but we are now wondering if she was critical at that stage and they knew they didn’t have blood or oxygen why not transfer her immediately? Why wait to transfer her?” Sahadeo and her newborn daughter were laid to rest on Sunday at the Rose Hall Cemetery with only Dr. Veersammy Ramayya from the public health sector in attendance – no one from the Ministry of Health or Regional Health Services attended.
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Sri Lanka, West Indies gear up to shake off ODI rust today Both teams will have an eye on World Cup Super League - points dropped now could prove costly later ESPNcricinfo - Big picture Neither West Indies nor Sri Lanka have much of a recent history of being good at this format. A quick look through stats first. Since the start of 2019, West Indies have lost 21 and won only 13 of their ODIs. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have done slightly better - 10 wins and 14 losses - but have had the benefit of having had most of their best players available throughout, which is no longer a luxury West Indies have in many bilateral series. West Indies were recently whitewashed 3-0 in their series against Bangladesh, but that was with a substantially under-strength squad, and there’s not a lot we can glean
from that performance for the purposes of predicting a narrative for this coming series. Perhaps it’s better to look back at their series in Sri Lanka, where Sri Lanka won 3-0. But even that’s not a great predictor of form. Not only was that series over a year ago, Sri Lanka’s two most-prolific batsmen from that series - Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis - are not in this squad.As with so much of Covid cricket, we are venturing into the unknown. How rusty will the majority of these players be in a format they have not played in over 12 months? Given the hectic schedule - itself a consequence of the pandemic will teams commit to a rotation policy early, or keep play-
ing their match-winners? There’s no ODI World Cup this year, so it seems like a low-stakes series. But then there’s an ODI World Cup Super League to think about. If either team tanks this series, the pressure over 2023 World Cup spots starts to mount. In the spotlight In the series these teams played in February and March last year, Shai Hope was top-scorer, with 238 runs at an average of 79.33. His lowest score in those three innings was 51 (there was also a 115 and a 72), and vitally, he was adept at not only seeing out Sri Lanka’s quicks, but negotiating even the trickier of Sri Lanka’s spinners. Rarely in that series did he seem to
Wednesday March 10, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Too many communications may prove distracting today, Aries. The phone could be ringing off the hook and your email inbox overflowing. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A sudden but necessary expense could make a big hole in your budget today, Taurus. Perhaps some repairs need to be made around the house or to the car. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Generally you're pretty emotionally stable, Gemini. Today's events might seem to conspire to create erratic moods that you aren't used to feeling. CANCER (June 21–July 22) If you've been studying astrology, numerology, or any other occult science, Cancer, today you might find some of the concepts you're studying a bit confusing. You may have glossed over some of the ideas
that are prerequisites to what you're looking at now. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A friend could be having financial troubles and ask you for a loan, Leo. You like this person and understand what he or she's going through, so you want to help. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some equipment that you use a lot, perhaps an appliance, computer, or TV, might go on the blink today, Virgo. Don't try to fix it yourself even if you think you know.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Some rather bizarre news could come to you today about metaphysical or paranormal matters, Libra. This isn't anything that affects you directly, but more likely concerns discoveries of anomalies. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This could be a hectic day, Scorpio. You will probably try to go too many places and do too many things at once. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You might hear some rather bizarre rumors today, Sagittarius. Someone has misinterpreted a piece of information and blown it into something far different from reality. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you might plan a quick trip by air, Capricorn. This could be business related. Someone else may have been meant to go but couldn't, so you may be taking his or her place. . AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A date to get together with a romantic partner might have to be broken at the last minute, Aquarius. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Sudden and unexpected problems could have your ho usehold in chaos, Pisces. This probably doesn't relate to difficulties with your housemates. It's more likely to involve problems with wiring,
appliances, or phone lines..
Wanindu Hasaranga seems the likeliest to build a long career for himself out of the present group of Sri Lanka wristspinners. (Getty Images) struggle against Wanindu Hasaranga - Sri Lanka’s inform bowler. Hope’s approach to opening has generally been to drop anchor, and focus on providing substance to the innings, before the bigger hitters lower down come in and raise the tempo. He’ll be one of the opposition members Sri Lanka will worry most about. In the year since Hope played him okay, though, Wanindu Hasaranga has grown substantially. Although Sri Lanka haven’t played much, his googly has become more devastating in the lockdown months. His control has improved as well, and with it, his confidence. Sri Lanka have been searching for a dependable limited-overs wristspinner for years, and although it’s still early for Hasaranga, he seems the likeliest to build a long career for himself out of the present group of spinners. He will be buoyed following his Player-of-the-Series performance in the the T20Is.
Pitch and conditions There is a slight chance of patchy rain at North Sound, but it seems unlikely that rain will prevent the match from being completed. Temperatures are expected to hover around the mid 20s Celsius. Team news Left-arm spinner Kevin Sinclair may be in line for an ODI debut for West Indies, following decent performances in the T20Is. West Indies (possible): 1 Shai Hope (wk), 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Kyle Mayers, 5 Nicholas Pooran, 6 Kieron Pollard (capt), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Fabian Allen, 10 Akeal Hosein/Kevin Sinclair, 11 Alzarri Joseph It’s difficult to predict which way Sri Lanka go with their batting line-up. On the fast bowling front, Dushmantha Chameera is likely to play following good T20 outings. Nuwan Pradeep will likely be preferred to Suranga Lakmal, on account of Pradeep’s death bowling. Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), 2
Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Pathum Nissanka, 4 Dinesh Chandimal, 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Lakshan Sandakan, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Nuwan Pradeep
Windies star Gayle would... From page 31 questioned the safety of the vaccines. Last week, Jamaican Olympic star Yohan Blake state that he would rather not compete at the Olympics than take the vaccine. “If I don’t have to take it, I wouldn’t want to take it. I wouldn’t want to take any vaccine at all, to be honest, because I am naturally living fine. So, I don’t want anything being injected inside of me,” Gayle told the Antigua Radio program Good Morning Jojo Radio Show. So far, no sport has mandated that athletes looking to compete at any event be vaccinated. Gayle, however, believes that in the future it could be a requirement for those wishing to compete or “Down the road, there is a possibility they are going to slow you down from your earnings and say if you don’t take it you can’t do this or you can’t do that and you can’t earn. So, it’s a situation where they might hold you ransom at some stage, but for me, if I don’t have to take it, I don’t want to,” he added. “I am sure that at some stage they are going to hold everybody ransom by saying you can’t travel, you can’t play in a particular tournament or you can’t fly on a particular airline, but I am not up for it. I’ve been tested maybe over 60 times, 70 times since I’ve been flying and playing and being in a bubble and knock wood because I haven’t caught the Covid.”
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Wednesday March 10, 2021
The winning Guymine Cricket Team.
BCB/Jeremy Gordon Challenge Cup
Guymine defeat Tucber A to lift first title in a decade After been off the scene for several years, the once powerful Guymine Cricket Club started the long climb to the top with a thrilling six wicket victory over Tucber Park A in the final of the BCB/ Jeremy Gordon Grassroot tournament. The Berbice Cricket Board has now successfully completed seven of the ten grassroot tournaments it has planned to play in an effort to return the passion for the game after an enforced break due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Early morning showers forced the organisers to reduce the first round of matches to ten overs per side. Tucber Park defeated home team Edinburgh by 29 runs, while Guymine fought hard to get past East Bank Blazers by six wickets off the last ball of the match. In the final, Tucber Park batting first, reached 95 for 8 from their allotted fifteen overs. Berbice under 19 Captain Gevon Shultz top scored with 27 and received support from former Guyana under19 player Garfield Benjamin with 18. Veteran Charlie Shepherd took 4 for 22 with his crafty off spin. In reply, Guymine were made to work hard for the required runs as Tucber Park kept the screws tight. Despite some extras and ordinary fielding, Guymine struggled and the game was only completed off the last ball. Former Berbice youth player Joel Seitram top scored with 22, decorated with one six and two boundaries, while Roger Williams contributed with 18. Medium pacer Orlando Tanner took 2 for 10
from three impressive overs while Benjamin ended with 2 for 5 runs in a memorable final over. With five runs to defend, Benjamin was hit for a boundary but recovered to remove two wickets before conceding a wide to end the match. Charlie Shepherd was named Man of the Final. Jeremy Gordon is a former member of the Tucber Park CC who now resides in Toronto, Canada. The fiery fast bowler who has represented Canada at the international level expressed his support for the development of the game in the Ancient County. BCB Executive Member Neil Rudder hailed the tournament as a resounding success and expressed thanks to Gordon for his sponsorship. Rudder also congratulated the host Edinburgh CC for making sure that all the Covid-19 guidelines set down by the BCB was followed during the day. The six other tournaments to be successfully completed are Karran and Sons (Kennard Memorial Ground), Nagamootoo Brothers Cup (Whim Ground), Narsingh Deonarine Cup (Chesney), Chattergoon Brother Cup (Fyrish Ground), Shimron Hetmyer Cup (Canje Ground) and Hetmyer Challenge Cup (Cumberland Ground). The remaining tournaments to be played shortly are the Mukesh Appiah Cup (Kendalls Union Cricket Ground), Troy Halley Cup (Bush Lot Ground) and Lillian Nandu Memorial Cup (Port Mourant Ground).
Betsy Ground CC, Young... From page 29 spearheading the hosting of the tournaments, hailed the victory for Betsy Ground CC as historic and urged the delighted players to build on their success. He also hailed the achievement of the Mt. Sinai team and praised the players for reaching the finals.
Special thanks were extended to West Indies player Shimron Hetmyer for his continued support of Berbice Cricket. Foster stated that Hetmyer in 2021, has invested close to two million dollars into the development of cricket in the county.
Wednesday March 10, 2021
Kaieteur News
BCB Shimron Hetmyer Grassroot Tournaments...
Betsy Ground CC, Young Warriors emerge Champions at Canje, Cumberland Grounds
O
ne of the main objectives of the Berbice Cricket Board organised Grassroot tournament continues to be fulfilled as the Betsy Ground Cricket Club created history by winning one of the two Shimron Hetmyer Challenge Cups. It was their first ever BCB cricket title, while the more established Young Warriors CC easily defeated Mt. Sinai CC to win the second Shimron Hetmyer Challenge Cup at the Cumberland Ground. It was also the first time that Mt. Sinai has reached a BCB cricket final in decades. Both tournaments were played under very strict Covid-19 guidelines as the BCB fulfills its commitment to the national Covid-19 Task Force. At the Canje Ground, play was delayed by close to two hours due to early morning heavy showers. The first round of matches was reduced to ten overs per side.
Rose Hall Canje defeated Pathfinders CC, while RH Canje easily got passed Goed Bananen Land to reach the final. Betsy Ground won the toss and elected to bat first in the fifteen overs final. They were able to amass 81 for 8 from their allotted overs as Orin Emandin 17, R. Jugister 14, S. Beharry 11 and A. Arjune 10 reached double figures. National Junior player Isiah Thorne 2 for 21 and Sasenarine Sukhu 2 for 10 were the best bowlers for the confident home team. Needing to score 82 to win another title, Rose Hall Canje were bowled out for 63 from 11.1 overs as only Rocky Bipat 21 (2x6) and Sukhu 11 reached double figures. Jugister 5 for 14 and R. Gangaram 4 for 7 were the main destroyers for the champions. Gangaram was named Man of the Final. Over at the Cumberland Ground, heavy early morning rain also affected the start of play. In the opening round,
Mt. Sinai CC defeated Flying Star of East Bank Berbice, while Young Warriors CC got passed Tucber Park B. Batting first after winning the toss in the final. YWCC were able to amass a massive 171 for two from their allotted twenty overs. Trevon Stanislaus 50 not out, Ricardo Ramdehol 39 not out, Suresh Dhanai 27 and Mortimer Fraser 34 were the top performers with the bat for the home team. K. Chesney 1 for 11 and F. Daniels 1 for 31 were the successful bowlers for Mt. Sinai, who in reply were bowled out for 54 in 10.3 overs to lose by 117 runs. Only N. Robeer 11 and J. Austin 10 reached double figures. Jermaine Henry 4 for 15 and Kassim Khan 4 for 14 bowled well for the champions. BCB President Hilbert Foster and Secretary Angela Haniff both praised the outstanding performances of the two champions. Foster, who is (Continued on page 26)
Betsy Ground CC poses after the final.
Skerritt, Shallow launch bid for a second... From page 32 Situation Assessment and Financial Review when the pandemic hit. “However, amid these debilitating challenges and unpredictable outlook, our 10 Point ‘Cricket First’ Plan has continued to be the foundation of the SkerrittShallow stewardship,” the president said.They say they have identified 10 priorities that will now constitute their upgraded ‘Cricket First Plus’ plan for their second term in office: · Greater investment in Grassroots Cricket, in partnership with Governments · Expansion of the Coaching Education program to reach over 1000 Foundation Level volunteer coaches across the region, to include teachers and parents ·Review of the Regional Professional Franchise System, to improve standards and to generate a more sustainable cricket and learning culture. · Increased Fan engagement, with commercial benefits · Greater international exposure for U23, Emerging and A-team players · Implementation of a Master Plan for
CCG as the hub of a Regional High-Performance System, that includes a network of Academies across the region. · Optimum use of Science and Technology geared towards significant gains in productivity on all operational fronts. · Development of a Financial Sustainability Plan, to include increased support for Territorial Boards, on an incentivised basis. · Establishment of a Past-Players Consultative Forum · Strategic collaboration with the owners of CPL to achieve mutually desired cricket and commercial outcomes.The Skerritt-Shallow leadership said they have set the stage for CWI to strengthen partnerships further with all stakeholders, especially the Territorial Boards, to build together and sustain a modern cricket-centric organization, featuring a cricket system that will produce more knowledgeable, confident and battle-ready cricketers. Skerritt-Shallow continues to be the leadership team that is best suited to continue the important work that we have started together, on behalf of the needs of West Indies cricket.
The winning YWCC team.
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Wednesday March 10, 2021
Kaieteur News The victorious Bel Air Team
Bel Air Rubis U-17 defeat DCC in 30 overs Cricket Bel Air Rubis U-17 team overcame a formidable DCC U-17 team in a 30 overs day/night cricket match on last Wednesday at the DCC ground. DCC elected to bat first and with both sides boasting several national youth players, DCC lost opener Romeo Deonarine in the third over to Daniel Goolab. The DCC innings was then built on a steady 65 run partnership between Jason Campbell and Jonathan Van Lange before off spinner Hemraj Hariprrashad dismissed Van Lange for 26. Thereafter, the East Coast bowlers made steady inroads in the DCC batting to eventually restrict them for 129 for eight wickets. Campbell made 33, Inderjeet Nathan 29 and Daniel Mootoo 17. Neeran Bani and Nicholas Sheopersaud took three wickets for 15 and 16 respectively for the East Coast team. In reply, Anthony Khan anchored the inning with a well compiled unbeaten 75 (6x4, 3x6) as East Coast reached their target in the 29th over whilst loosing eight wickets. Hemraj Haripresaud and Josh Alves supported with 13 and 12 respectively, whilst Inderjeet Nanan bagged five for 41 runs for the DCC team. The East Coast youths will next challenge an East Bank Essequibo U-17 team at the DCC ground today in another day/night game.
Anthony Khan
Japan to keep foreign spectators away from Tokyo Olympics, Kyodo says TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan has decided to stage this summer’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics without overseas spectators due to public concern about COVID19, Kyodo news agency said yesterday, citing officials with knowledge of the matter. The Tokyo 2020 games organising committee said in response that a decision would be made by the end of March.The Olympics, postponed by a year because of the pandemic, are scheduled for July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.Kyodo said the government had concluded that welcoming fans from abroad would not be possible given public concern about the coronavirus and the detection of more contagious variants in many countries, Kyodo cited the officials as saying.The opening ceremony of the torch relay would also be held without any spectators, Kyodo said. “The organising committee has decided it is essential to hold the ceremony in the northeastern prefecture of Fukushima behind closed doors, only permitting participants and invitees to take part in the event, to avoid large crowds forming amid the pandemic,” Kyodo said, quoting the officials. Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto has said she wants a decision on whether to let in overseas spectators before the start of the torch relay on March 25. “Five parties, the IOC, the IPC (International Paralympic Committee), Tokyo 2020, the
Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the national government, came together for a meeting via online just last week,” the organising committee said in response to the Kyodo report. “The decision regarding allowing spectators from overseas to attend the Tokyo 2020 Games will be made by the end of March based on factors including the state of infections in Japan and other countries, possible epidemic-prevention measures, and expert scientific advice will be considered.” ‘TRADE-OFF’ Sebastian Coe, the man behind the 2012 London Olympics which enjoyed sellout crowds, and now President of World Athletics, said the goal was always to ensure “the best possible games for the athletes and having full stadiums of passionate people”, preferably with a “good global presence”. “With all the work being done around vaccinations and the huge sacrifices large parts of the world have made over the last year, I would hope that fans (international and domestic) will be able to attend (the Tokyo Olympics), of course it would be better,” he told Reuters.“However, if
local communities are concerned, then athletes will accept that and it is a trade-off they are prepared for.” In the last Olympic Games, the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, local fans accounted for 80 percent of all ticket sales, with international fans buying 20 percent. Most Japanese people do not want international visitors to attend the Games amid fears that a large influx could spark a resurgence of infections, a Yomiuri newspaper poll showed. The survey showed 77% of respondents were against allowing foreign fans to attend, versus 18% in favour. Some 48% said they were against allowing any spectators into venues and 45% were in favour. While coronavirus infection numbers have been relatively low in Japan compared with the United States and many European countries, the country has been hit hard by the third wave of the pandemic and Tokyo remains under a state of emergency. Japan has recorded more than 441,200 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, with the death toll at more than 8,300.
The Olympic rings are illuminated in front of the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. (Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon)
Wednesday March 10, 2021
WJ Enterprise on board with BIG MAN CRICKET
Kavita Sukhu, representative of WJ Enterprise, hands over the sponsorship cheque to Chairman of BMC, Raj Singh. WJ Enterprise of 126 Regent, Street, Georgetown is the latest entity to join the growing list of sponsors of BIG MAN CRICKET which tournament is scheduled to commence on Saturday, March, 13th 2021. They are the sole distributor of Croxley Paper/Copy Rite Paper and Stationery Supplies.WJ Enterprise has been in the Wholesale Distribution business for several decades and is the leading
distributor of Supermarket, Restaurant and Bakery Goods in Guyana. The family-owned business is headed by Mr. Heeralall Naraine and readily agreed to co-sponsor this BIG MAN CRICKET tournament since he believes it would help to get our senior cricketers more actively involved in the game of cricket which ultimately would lead to healthier lifestyles and enhancement of the community.
Windies star Gayle would not want to take COVID vaccine, but fears it may soon become mandatory West Indies and Jamaica star batsman Chris Gayle.
SportsMax - West Indies and Jamaica star batsman Chris Gayle has admitted to some amount of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and would not want to take the medication if given a choice. Countries around the globe have already launched various campaigns to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and its devastat-
ing impact on those most vulnerable to its effects. According to research, the majority of the vaccine have efficacy rates between 80 and 100 percent when it comes to preventing serious illness and debts for those who contract the virus. Despite the evidence of clinical trials, however, some have (Continued on page 27)
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers... Guyana to face T&T and Bahamas in Dominican Republic; $29M to expended in this window - GFF
G
uyana’s flagship Senior Men’s Na tional Team (SMNT), the ‘Golden Jaguars’ will play their opening matches of the regional qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 later this month in the Dominican Republic (DR). This has been disclosed by President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde at a press conference hosted yesterday in the VIP area ate the National Training Centre, Providence which is still under construction. Also present yesterday were GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood and Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach, Márcio Máximo. This move, which has been described by Forde as logistically and financially prudent, has been brought on as a result of challenges being faced by all nations due to the global pandemic, covid-19. Forde also disclosed that the GFF’s position to play there was also determined by the fact that Trinidad and Tobago decided to play their opening match on March 25th against Guyana in the Dominican Republic after that nation’s Ministry of Health did not allow
the TTFA to host the match in a hot-bubble environment on March 25th. ”We are also somewhat hamstring by the UK’s decision to place Guyana on its Covid19 “red list” of banned countries. This decision means that clubs would not be able or willing to release players for travel to Guyana. We are grateful to the Dominican Republic Football Association (DRFA) for accommodating us, and we have the full cooperation of the Bahamas Football Association, Concacaf and FIFA in this matter,” Forde further shared. The Federation boss noted their disappointment in not being able to host the match here at this time but is hopeful that conditions would allow for this to be done in the next window in June. The overall operational costs for this window Forde disclosed would be 27 million Guyana dollars with an additional USD$10,000 being paid to the DRFA for the hosting of the Bahamas match on March 31. Inclusive in the operational costs is 12 million dollars being the cost for a chartered
flight to the DR, the team is expected to leave on March 17 next; the same day that the team would be named. In terms of preparation, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ 27-man local based squad has been training five-days every week since January 10th, 2021 under the guidance of Head Coach Márcio Máximo, his assistant Wilson Toledo and their support staff. The team is expected to be in tip top shape for the two matches. Covid-19 tests have been done on a weekly basis to ensure that the players and staff remain safe; the latest test was done on March 4th. Whilst acknowledging that the group Guyana has been drawn in is competitive, President Forde also stated that it is a ‘winnable’ group. ”We all know that the first game against Trinidad and Tobago will be the crunch tie. Getting this campaign off to a good start is crucial; these matches will set the tone for the rest of the year, not just for our World Cup journey but also for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. Our expectation is to come away from the T&T match with a win – and certainly
SMNT Head Coach Márcio Máximo (right) makes a point in the presence of GFF Head Wayne Forde (center) and Technical Director, Ian Greenwood. nothing less than a draw and to beat the Bahamas. We have the talent, both domestic and international, and the expertise in terms of our coaching staff to deliver these results.” Commenting on the issue of no friendly matches, Forde disclosed that the GFF would have been in negotiations with two of its Concacaf members and provisional arrangements were in place but fell through, unfortunately so, as a result of the restrictions of international travel due to covid-19 regulations. ”Despite this outcome, we are
confident – and expect – that our players will be 100% physically, psychologically, technically and tactically ready for battle. We look forward to a hard-fought fixture, with our players leaving absolutely everything on the pitch as proud representatives of our nation. We also demand the same level of spirit and performance against the Bahamas, whom we shall not underestimate.” Forde, on behalf of the players and coaching staff expressed gratitude to the Federation’s generous part-
ners for their support so far this year; Banks DIH, Ansa McAl, Muneshwers and Broadway Hotel. ”We are deeply grateful for your contributions to the cause, which have made a big difference to our preparations. I would also like to urge the nation to unite as one behind the Golden Jaguars as they take to the international stage to represent the Golden Arrowhead and strive to make Guyana proud. You are, as ever, our “12th man” out there and we thank you in advance for your support and positivity.”
Skerritt, Shallow launch bid for a Braithwaite leads fight back as second term of CWI leadership his team close Day 2, 84 behind Promises to build on first-term accomplishments SportsMax - Cricket West Indies President Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow have officially launched their bid to lead for a second term with promises to build on their first term of their leadership of regional cricket. Under a campaign slogan Forward ‘WI’ Go, the incumbents have promised to continue to lead the fight for organizational modernization, including greater transparency, accountability, and partnership with all stakeholders, designed to support and prepare for achieving the best possible on-field results. Skerritt said he and Dr Shallow would also continue to battle against petty boardroom politics and territorial insularity, two of the biggest enemies of West Indies cricket progress. The duo is being challenged by the ticket of Guyana Cricket Board Secretary Anand Sanasie and Barbados Cricket Board Vice President Calvin Hope. The incumbents both candidates received nominations from the same two territorial boards that first advocated for their candidacies in 2019, the Leeward Islands
Cricket Board (LICB) and Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB). They also said they have received formal advice of support from the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB) and predicts similar support from the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) for the elections set to take place on Sunday, March 28, 2021. “Some people seem to believe that the CWI boardroom is a type of Parliament where their only job is to oppose or resist any decision that doesn’t directly benefit them individually. Sadly, both of our election opponents are strong proponents of that same antiquated, self-centred, and confrontational mindset”, Skerritt said in a statement today. “This CWI 2021 leadership election provides another opportunity for cricket lovers to think seriously about who is best suited to champion the bigger cause of West Indies Cricket, at this crucial time. Two years ago, the Skerritt-Shallow partnership introduced our Ten (10) Point ‘Cricket First’ Plan, which has become the improvement mantra of our
stewardship. “As we now approach the completion of a very challenging but productive first term, we are upgrading that plan. We are proud of the numerous transformational changes which are already taking place at CWI based on that very plan, some of the points are now self-sustaining in their implementation, but some points still need our direct attention. We are therefore pleased to let the Caribbean public know that we will be seeking re-election to a second term of the CWI offices of President and Vice President based on an updated Ten-Point plan.” Half-way through the first term of Skerritt-Shallow, in March 2020, the region was confronted by the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic. CWI, Skerritt said, responded quickly and strategically and has been exemplary in how it pivoted to the forefront of the international risk management response. CWI under Skerritt-Shallow were already implementing the 28 recommendations of the CWI 2019 PKF Business (Continued on page 29)
Kraigg Braithwaite led his team from the front with 94. (CWI) Kraigg Brathwaite scored 94 to lead his team to 242 for 5 off 79 overs at the close of play on Day 2 of a four day ‘Best v best’ practice match at the Coolidge Ground in Antigua yesterday. Rolston Chase’s XI, who had reached 280 for 7 at the close of the opening day, were eventually all out for 326 with Jermaine Blackwood 34 and Imran Khan 24 pushing the score to its final tally. John Campbell had led the way with 129 and Chase 75. Bowling for Brathwaite’s XI, Preston McSween picked up 4-64 and Jayden Seales 3-42. In reply, Skipper Brathwaite made 94 off 156 balls from 223 minutes at the crease, inclusive of 12 fours and 1 six. Kavem Hodge was not out on 59 and Paul Palmer Jr not out on 31 at the close. They had lost a few wickets including Kieran Powell for a duck,
Preston McSween took 4 wickets. (CWI) Shamarh Brooks for 19, ShimronHetmyer for 12 and Joshua Da Silva for 7. Bowling for Chase’s XI so far, Jomel Warrican took 3-52 from 23 overs, Chemar Holder s e n t down 15 overs and has 1-51 and Nial Smith also bowled a similar amount of overs and has 1-61. Today is the third day of the contest as the West Indies players prepare for the Test series against Sri Lanka later this month.
Wednesday March January 10,27, 2021 2021
Kaieteur News
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Newcomers trying their hand at golf at the Academy.
Former Prime Minister Sam Hinds set to tee off in Assuria Golf Event Former President/Prime Minister Sam Hinds, who is slated to be Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, will take the tee off honors in the Inaugural Assuria General Insurance Three Hole Golf tournament that will be held under strict covid guidelines at the Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown, starting from today and finishing on Saturday March 13th. The event is Free of Cost and is open to everyone who has ever wanted to try the sport with complimentary equipment, balls and lessons provided during the four-day activity. Music, food, drinks and fun are the main ingredients for the activities which start at 16:00hrs daily. Mr. Hinds, who recently started golfing with his young grandson Marcus Jr., has become an avid fan of the sport, with both progressing well under the training received from the Academy’s golf teaching methods that boasts anyone can learn to hit the ball in 15 minutes or less. The three-hole tournament is designed to allow beginners to experience the game and learn the rules of play, while having fun and winning prizes and trophies that are being provided by one of the leading Insurance
companies in Guyana. In addition to winning the title of Inaugural threeHole Champion in one of the four categories (men’s, women’s, under 12 and under 21), players of all skill levels will have chances to win prizes for Nearest to the Pin shots and have three chances to win a round trip ticket anywhere that Copa Airlines flies in the world if they score a Hole in One during the competition. Players will post scores by playing on any of the four days set aside for the competition (to allow for the covid guidelines compliance) and must complete the hole by putting into the cup and tallying the total number of shots taken (lowest scores will win). This is the first time golf tournament will be played in Georgetown in over 50 years and also the first three-hole tournament of its kind worldwide. The creation of the facility in the heart of the c i t y, p l a y i n g u n d e r floodlights has seen over 600 new players (mostly women and children) take up the game, one that was previously considered to be just for a certain class of persons. Assuria General Insurance, with offices all over the country, is focused
Olympic hopeful Emanuel Archibald (right) won the 100m dash.
on Guyana’s health and sees the promotion of an active lifestyle as necessary for an active nation as the established health benefits, especially during these covid-19 conditions (golf is one of the few sports that fully complies with the guidelines) cannot be fully appreciated unless measured by the reduction in stress, diabetes, hypertension and obesity and costs associated with the treatment for these common illnesses. Assuria General Insurance is a major sponsor of the game in Guyana and a main supporter of the Guyana Golf Association push to develop the game in the school system. General Manager Yogindra Arjune said “To see the sheer joy and excitement on the faces of kids who never thought they would be able to experience Golf is more than enough reward and we will continue to put our strength behind efforts to make their dreams a reality.” Players are asked to register early by calling 6450944 or visiting the Academy & Driving Range o n Wo o l f o r d Av e n u e . Information about the event is available on Facebook pages of Assuria General Insurance, Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy.
AAG 2nd development meet Archibald misses Olympic Standard, Baird Injured The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), with approval from the National Covid-19 Task Force hosted their second development meet of the year at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara under strict measures to protect against the spread of the wretched covid-19 virus. There was a fair turnout by athletes who were either trying to make Olympic qualifying or Carifta Standards (CS) but all eyes were on National Long jump record holder, Emanuel Archibald who emerged top of the pack in the men’s 100m dash and the men’s Long Jump events. However, he fell short of his 8.22m target in the Long jump with a best leap of 8.07m. In the marquee track event, despite a sluggish start, the Amelia’s Ward, Linden resident still managed to clinch an almost photo finish
victory with an impressive time of 10.24s but also missed Olympic qualification mark of 10.05 seconds. National men’s Javelin recorded holder, Leslain Baird, picked up an awful knee injury but still managed to win the men’s javelin throw event with a top distance of 75m (Men’s Javelin) which was some 10m off the Olympic Standard. Up to press time, Baird had yet to receive the scan report which will determine the severity of the injury. Other athletes who made hay in the brilliant sunshine included: Natrena Hooper (Women’s Triple Jump), Devaughn Barrington (Men’s 400m), Cleveland Thomas (Men’s 5000m), Atoya Harvey (800m U-17), Shaquka Tyrell (800m) and Wesley Tyndall (Long Jump U-20). Archibald along with the other athletes will get a chance to further sharpen their iron
Skerritt, Shallow launch bid for a second term of CWI leadership
Kishore Shallow
Ricky Skerritt
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Sri Lanka, West Indies gear up to shake off ODI rust today Both teams will have an eye on World Cup Super League - points dropped now could prove costly later
Shai Hope follows the ball off his bat © AFP via Getty Images
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers... GFF President Wayne Forde flanked by Technical Director Ian Greenwood (left) and SMNT Head Coach Márcio Máximo sharing the head table at yesterday’s press conference.
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