Kaieteur News

'Too soon to K NEWS relax COVID-19 ...warns PAHO director as guidelines'pandemic reaches two-year mark

Thursday Edition

AIETEUR

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Marchry 10, 2022 - Vol. 15 No.10

p.

14

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 74,754

Exxon goes to court to maintain lopsided oil contract …Glenn Lall's historic case challenging tax giveaways opens today

Guyanese continue protest against Russian invasion in Ukraine

Guyanese citizens on Wednesday once again stood in solidarity for the Ukrainian people who are currently under Russian invasion.

The citizens who were joined by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall assembled in front of the Russian Embassy in Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown calling for an end to the war, which has so far claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people in Ukraine.

Nandlall loses bid Guyanese businessman to stop challenge to to invest over $237M in President's decision concrete batching plant to suspend PSC …as oil sector fuels construction boom

ExxonMobil says it will compensate fishermen for losses

… grievance mechanism in place to facilitate process

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Exxon goes to court to maintain lopsided oil contract …Glenn Lall's historic case challenging tax giveaway opens today

E

xxon's subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is fighting to maintain the status quo of the lopsided Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) it has with the government.

This position is clearly outlined in the application by EEPGL to join the case filed

by Kaieteur News' (KN) Publisher, Glenn Lall, over the repressive tax provisions contained in the Stabroek Block PSA. The matter is expected to commence today at 10:0hours before Justice Nareshwar Harananan at the Georgetown High Court.

The PSA between the oil giant, its partners and the Government of Guyana states inter alia that, “…no tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge or other impost shall be levied on the

Contractor or Affiliated Companies, in respect of income derived from Petroleum Operations with the Stabroek Block.”

The Stabroek Block is currently being drilled by Exxon's subsidiary EEPGL, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

However in January, KN's publisher, through his attorney, Mohamed R. Ali, filed an action in the High Court which outlined that the tax reliefs listed under Article 15.1 of the Petroleum Agreement, dated June 27, 2016, between the Guyana Government and the oil companies, violate the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, the Financial Administration (and Audit) Act, the Prevention of Discrimination Act, and the Constitution.

Kaieteur News' Publisher, Glenn Lall In that court case, Lall is seeking declarations to have the provisions nullified and reversed. Last Thursday, EEPGL, the Exxon operator, filed an application to join the

proceedings alongside the Government of Guyana to oppose the court case.

According to the document which was seen by this publication, the Exxon operator noted it has “a very real and substantial interest,” in the matter.

In an affidavit to support the application, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge outlined concerns that EEPGL and its co-venturers are the ones that would be most adversely affected, if the 17 declaratory judgments sought by the applicant (Lall) should be granted.

Routledge claimed that the Petroleum Agreement was soberly negotiated with the Guyana Government.

He stressed that, “certain fiscal arrangements therein agreed with the Guyana Government make the Liza

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge Phase 1 Project, the Liza Phase 2 Project and the Payara Project financially feasible and commercially viable.”

Routledge noted further that in addition to the abovementioned projects, Esso and its co-venturers have committed themselves to massive and substantial expenditures both past, present, and future totalling billions of US dollars.

He explained, “If the declaratory reliefs the applicant is seeking are granted, it would similarly cause Esso and its co-

venturers to sustain substantial and potentially unsustainable financial loss and damage. The ExxonMobil Guyana President continued, “The subject matter of the instant litigation is whether Esso and its co-venturers are entitled to enjoy the fiscal arrangements negotiated and agreed in good faith with the Guyana Government.”

He added that “Esso and its co-venturers have expended sums in excess of US$4 billion of total expenditures to execute the Liza Phase 1 Project. Esso and its co-venturers are also in the process of expending another US$6 billion to execute the Liza Phase 2 Project and yet another US$9 billion to execute the Payara Project.”

As a result, Routledge contends that Esso and its coventurers' constant position is that there is no legal justification for any change to these arrangements which were solemnly agreed to between the parties. He emphasised too that “if the basis on which the Petroleum Agreement was negotiated and agreed is changed, that would cause Esso and its coventurers considerable economic disruption, confusion, and uncertainty.

“Naturally, as these expenditures were premised on the agreements contained in the Petroleum Agreement, inclusive of its fiscal arrangements (including tax exemptions/reductions for Esso and its contractors), Esso and its co-venturers have a very real and vested interest in maintaining the Petroleum Agreement in the form which was agreed.

Esso has a very real and substantial interest in the subject matter of these proceedings, namely whether the terms and provisions of its Petroleum Agreement with the Guyana Government are lawful and valid, and whether it would be entitled to carry out the above-described projects based on the said provisions of its Petroleum Agreement, and it is thereby entitled to be a party to the said proceeding,” Routledge explained.

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2022

PAGE 03

ExxonMobil says it will compensate fishermen for losses …grievance mechanism in place to facilitate process

O

i l g i a n t , ExxonMobil has committed to compensating fishermen and other persons if they can prove losses suffered as a result of the company's operations offshore Guyana.

This information was yesterday related to the press during a media engagement.

Exxon was keen to note too that affected parties must first make a complaint to the company for it to be investigated before requisite compensation is handed over. It was explained, “ExxonMobil Guyana has a Community Grievance Mechanism for stakeholders to provide feedback related to any issues or concerns, guidance, requests and/or complaints associated with our activities”.

The company added that the objectives of its grievance mechanism is that it can receive and address complaints in a timely and confidential manner as it strives to improve its project performance. Exxon said this mechanism also demonstrates its commitment to meaningful stakeholder engagement and respect for Guyanese opinions and concerns.

To this end, the US oil giant said that stakeholders can submit feedback to the company via telephone number at (592) 623-1176,

in person to an ExxonMobil Guyana employee or representative or via email at guyanacommunity@exxon mobil.com or by sending a letter to its office addresses to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, c/o Grievance Coordinator, 86 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana.

Following this course of action, the company said that an investigation will be conducted to verify the claims made, after which fishers can be compensated for their losses.

It was explained that fishermen have been compensated by the company in the past due to disruptions caused by Exxon's operations. For instance, the company said when it recently conducted laying of fibre optic cables, fishermen along the coasts were impacted and thus compensated for their losses during the period.

Kaieteur News recently reported the complaints of fishermen who said that their catches have declined significantly, even as they attributed their losses to the oil company's operations.

In fact, they worried that they may be out of jobs in the next few years should the downward trend continue.

Stayon Frank, a fisherman who retails fish in the Stabroek Market

complained to this publication that he has been into the fishing business since he was a child and noticed that since oil production commenced, fish catches have declined.

He said: “Ever since them man start drill we seabed out deh we catch gone very low. I in this business like since I was a child. In the earlies, from like 2007 when I start catch fish to like 2016.

We used to get an exciting catch. But you see from like 2016 to now, presently, we catch is like going and strain water cause when we go out there we would just catch back lil gas money and something to feed the family”.

Another vendor who gave his name as 'Dexter' explained that his catch has reduced drastically and the quality of fish is also daunting.

He explained that his catch was somewhere between 1,100 pounds in the earlier years.

However, it has now reduced to about 700 pounds per catch.

ExxonMobil and its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) have frequently warned in its documents submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that its

various work schedules may have adverse effects on marine species including sea turtles, birds and fish. Only recently, this was disclosed in the oil company's project summary for the 12-well campaign in the Canje Block.

The Canje Block is located offshore, in deepwater of Guyana, southeast of the Kaieteur Block, and north-northeast of the Stabroek Block, where EEPGL has conducted substantial exploration and development activities to date.

According to the Canje Project Summary, “The potential impacts, which are expected to be similar to impacts identified in p r e v i o u s exploration/appraisal drilling Environmental Assessment and Management Plans in the C a n j e , K a i e t e u r, a n d Stabroek Blocks, could be directly and/or indirectly generated by the Project during drilling and/or abandonment, and such

impacts could be adverse or positive in nature.”

When it comes to the positive impacts of the project, Exxon said capacity will be built in the local labour force.

Fish studies EEPGL was recently ordered by the EPA to fix its Environmental Impact Assessment for its fourth project, the Yellowtail Development in the Stabroek Block.

Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly during the online consultations held by the EPA on the proposed project had argued that pertinent information regarding the impact of Exxon's operations on the fisheries sector, here in Guyana, is lacking in the company's EIA, which was prepared by its Consultant, Environmental Resources

Management (ERM).

According to MangalJolly, even though Exxon compiled a fisheries study, the document failed to highlight the migratory patterns of fish, among others. She said, “It has no comprehensive mapping of the fish nurseries in Guyana or neighbouring countries that might be feeding our fisheries sector.

There are no indications whatsoever in any baseline studies done, including the Marine Baseline Study of what the migratory patterns are of commercial or noncommercial fish compared to that whole zone”.

In fact, she pointed out, “There is no description, material or financials of the fisheries value chain, there is no quantification of the economic value, direct (Continued on page 16)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

A caring government would ensure full coverage insurance is non-negotiable

W

e repeat our position for emphasis: any caring government would give its all to obtain full insurance coverage for its citizens, and for the added benefit of some protection and comfort for its neighbours. A government with such an unwavering mindset would work its hardest, push with all its strength to get the kind of full insurance coverage that makes the most sense for its peoples, their environment, their way of life, and that of those physically close to them. To make this clear, and how vitally important such is to the welfare and peace of mind of the citizens of a country, of any country, of this newly oil rich Guyana, a government that is really about the people and the interests of the country would pull out all the stops and leave everything on the field of combat and negotiation to get what it wants for its own.

Yet here we have leaders, who are perfect examples of doing little or nothing at all, on this perilous issue of full insurance coverage for Guyana in the instance of a disastrous oil spill. The President has done nothing but hem and haw, while the Vice President has been a study in artful dodging. The man with responsibility for the Natural Resources portfolio is not missing in action, he is nonexistent, so invisible and inaudible is he. When these three men, these three crucial leaders, ought to be leading the fight for full insurance coverage for Guyana, they have settled for strategies and tactics that are nothing more than those of soldiers sworn to duty, who in the thick of a firefight drop their weapons, shed their boots, and beat a hasty, cowardly retreat.

Both the President and Vice President (we will be kind to the Natural Resources Minister in deference to his irrelevancy and impotency and leave him out this time) should have signalled repeatedly every intention of complete readiness to give up an arm and a leg for the cause of full insurance protections for this country and all of its citizens. Instead, both would have none of that, and have indicated a preference to shake the hands (Exxons and Darren Woods and Alistair Routledges) that beat them into submission. Worse yet, rather than be willing to give a leg for full insurance protection, both of this countrys leaders have again gone in the opposite direction: they favour kissing the feet that kick them away from the table of discussion. The feet doing the kicking belong to those same names mentioned earlier.

Since this is the reality that must be faced about our leaders, not just on proper and complete oil spill insurance, but on everything related to prudent oil oversight and management, we have reached the point where expecting any sane and sensible protective actions from government leaders is now an absolute waste of time. Full insurance coverage seems to be outside of the realm of consideration,given the chronic sicknesses of Guyanas top leaders, they are sickly and anemic, where oil and full insurance are concerned. When they should be fearless, they are frightened.

When they should be strong because they are in the right, they make a living from representing this countrys interestsin the wrong way. They had opportunity with the Payara project,and they surrendered. The President and Vice President had golden opening at the just concluded International Oil and Gas (Energy) Conference, and they bowed down before Darren Woods. These are not national leaders; they are servants beholden to the commands of Exxon. It is time that our leaders realize that we are owners of this oil, not part owners, but absolute owners. We are not tenants leasing an oil bloc, we own all those oil fields lock, stock, and barrel, and it is time that they start carrying themselves like real owners and not beggars. They must demand and get full insurance coverage now. Groveling on knees for a mere acknowledgement for US$2 billion coverage is not even a drop in the bucket. Get real, be real leaders, do what is right for Guyana, not Exxon. Get full insurance coverage.

Thursday March 10, 2022

Putin and Ukraine come to Guyana DEAR EDITOR, The war in Ukraine has now arrived in Guyana. In days ahead, I believe that more of its effects and the surrounding visions generated will visit this land, and have several impacts on it.

They are all negative for the Guyanese people, and I start with the immediate: prices.

In times of war, commodity prices soar, with oil leading the pack, since its needs and uses are more in the present. The fallouts come quickly, and already Guyanese are hearing rumblings of what is in store. It is what will come at the pump and with power. With oil futures at US$140 a barrel, and threatening to burst out stronger, the longer and tenser this war (or, according to the UN, conflict) rages, the greater the pressures on prices.

Already cash-strapped Guyanese - ordinary, unconnected and unfavoured citizens - live in a financial straitjacket that squeezes the oxygen out of them. Life is reduced to a daily struggle to breathe, with eating and spending having to be curtailed by poor Guyanese, since they lack the means to partake to the fullest, or anywhere near such, in basics.

When gas prices go up, transportation cost is the first victim, which means a slew of areas/businesses has to pay more to get their activities completed. From baker to market vendor to food seller to shopkeeper, to name a few, all are hit. Get ready, Guyana: because there is always the opportunity for the tacking in of some extra to take advantage of the times, and gouge buyers. Exploiting and profi-

teering are the usual labels attached.

And when the GPL is considering its energy (light bill) pricing levels, then Guyanese have to brace themselves for the worst. As I see it, the GPL has no choice; not with oil at the levels reached currently.

To put in the simplest terms, when light bill goes up, everything and everyone is affected sharply. Everything goes up in the traditional passing on of the additions to trapped and helpless consumers. We are in for it, with this war in Ukraine now inside our pockets and homes. It is going to be more than a hard pinch; more like many deep piercings.

It is ironic that Comrade Putins War will hurt and help here. Our oil fund should benefit from those steep price spirals; but, on the other hand, this means that political oil mercenaries have more to work with under the banner of withdrawals for pet projects that benefit leaders and their insiders the most.

Guyanese lose everywhere they turn, while rulers get to dance some more on their grievous circumstances intensifying all the time.

On another note, as a Guyanese I cannot help being concerned at what could be possibly going on in the minds of Senor Maduro and company, as they closely watch developments in Ukraine. Thinking like an ambitious and covetous Venezuelan leader, the weighing of the situation would indicate that the worst that is inflicted are sanctions. For sure, they are powerful, comprehensive, and devastating.

But they are bloodless, and

the pain is felt largely by the lesser members of the population. That is, the masses, who are vulnerable and really dont have much to offer in the bigger picture, other than their electoral support.

As a leader I could be tempted to get ideas. Since the world is distracted and heavily occupied with what is going on in Ukraine, a little Guyanese adventure for Essequiba should not be so farfetched; particularly when biting sanctions have been endured for years. Though I acknowledge signals of a possible thawing in US-Venezuela relations, there must be balancing against what Venezuelan leaders call their sacred national patrimony. It is Essequiba, and it cannot be held off forever. As Guyana readies to present its memo of merits to the ICJ, a lovely turn of phrase that is sure to gain domestic mileage, Venezuelas longstanding position is well known here: the only development that matters is that Venezuela won, meaning, that Guyana lost.

Only that would find favour, be acceptable. So, we would still have the Guyana-Venezuela controversy hanging over our heads, we the smaller party, we a terribly divided polity. Who would be willing to make sacrifices now, with all these fabulous riches flourishing locally? Who would rise to any national call in a nationally challenging occasion with the fullness of spirited patriotism, given realities of being left out?

These are contemplations that no Guyanese wish to face, but that doesnt mean they are not there. A surer test of One Guyana there may

not be.

Moreover, I am surprised that the American and European broad front coalition came about as it did. My interest is regarding how long it would last, given global economic pressures, in what could be the biggest global reordering since World War II and Bretton Woods. It is at times like these that the appreciation is emphasised as to how much of a bystander and observer Guyana is, billions of barrels of oil, or not.

My last point has many elements. Comrade Putin has gambled heavily, and I am loath to believe that he considers retreating as an option.

If he does not persevere, then he must be content to be a second-rate superpower, a lesser power than he envisions for Mother Russia.

That doesnt sit well in my evaluation of man and leader, Russian patriot and old-line Communist and KGB wunderkind. What he would have left is Venezuela, and whatever rich pickings can be salvaged from there to regroup. I dont see this man as taking to losing too well. In a word: desperation. In another, the recklessness that sometimes go with those leaders whose visions drive them into disastrous corners.

When I contemplate all these circumstances, I think of Guyana First. No matter how much I work at being positive, I detect that we are going to be caught up and sucked into the fallouts from Putins War on Ukraine. From prices to land grabs to leadership crimes, Guyanese are in for it.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

A matter of survival DEAR EDITOR, I make reference to the words of letter-writer Ms. Ryaan Shah in her letter in your newspaper of March 5, 2022. She observed; “The discussion about whether or not we should make allowances for the flaws of brilliant people who produce groundbreaking work continues, and there is no right or wrong answer to what is an individual choice, based on individual values and beliefs. Carter made choices during the PNC dictatorship that were probably a matter of survival. He was not alone in making difficult choices during the darkest days of Guyanas recent history.”

Ms. Shah was referring to Mr. Alan Fentys reference to Freddie Kissoons analysis of Carter. I admit I read Mr. Kissoon but there is an equal amount of agreement and dis-

agreement. Mr. Kissoon writes on everything under the sun some of which generate intense controversy. I saw no controversy this time in Kissoons assessment of Carter. What I find troubling are the words of Ms. Shah quoted above.

I am a retired school teacher with a Masters degree in literature from London University. I live in the UK. I have never returned to Guyana after settling in the UK, and that is more than 40 years ago. I taught the poetry of Martin Carter to my students. As someone who with more than a passing interest in Guyanese politics due to my wifes political passion, I have maintained a scholarly interest in Guyanese politics. My wifes father was once very active in GAWU and came to know Cheddi Jagan very well.

I never penned a letter to the

press but the interest Carter generated by Mr. Kissoon caused me to respond to Ms. Shah.

I never thought of examining the politics of Martin Carter until the Christmas season of 2016 when I read in the online edition of the Kaieteur News, an article by someone named Dennis Nichols. It opened my eyes. I never ever reflected on this aspect of Carters life. Mr. or Dr. Nichols used the word incongruity in referring to Martin Carter hobnobbing with the colonials of Guyana while engaged in anti-colonial politics.

Mr. or Dr. Nichols pointed out to readers that Caribbean scholar, Bruce Paddington had put the question to Carter of his being friends with the top colonial elites in British Guiana like Sir Anthony Tasker and Sir Jock Campbell.

Carters reply was; “The human aspects of their lives were more important to me.”

This information is taken from the West Indian Journal, Caribbean Beat, Issue 13, Spring 1995.

Ms. Shah needs to take this statement into consideration when she writes further on Carter. My own experience in London here is instructive.

I became very close to a friend who was White through our membership in the same cricket club. This man was very nice to me and had very good qualities. It was when he ran for a council seat, his background became known to our family. He had a history of anti-immigration politics and involved in racist politics.

When I spoke to him during the campaign because our family wanted to (Continued on page 5)

Thursday March 10, 2022

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Sufficient homework was not done by GOAGEC as regards the basis for CPSOs serious concerns over Guyana Local Content Policy DEAR EDITOR, Of interest to me is paragraph 24 of the communique issued at the conclusion of the 33rd Intersessional Meeting of Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Belize from 1-2 March 2022.

The paragraph states: Heads of Government established an open- ended working group on local content for sunrise Industries with core membership from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

They also agreed that the CARICOM Private Sector Organization would participate in the working group.

Speaking at a press conference on his return home President Ali was quoted by KN as saying; “Let me make this clear, in no way shape or form was anyone critical on Guyana local content legislation. A matter of fact, the chairman from the (CARICOM Private Sector Organization) CPSO sought to take time to explain that they did not make any decision on the matter they were only discussing it… and this email just escaped…”

According to KN, The President explained that a wider committee was established to discuss the LCP in a wider context.

When all that was said and done, what is of great significance was first, the presence and active of participation of the CPSO at the meeting of Heads of Government of CARICOM; Secondly, that the CPSO has real locus standi at such meetings; And thirdly, that the CPSO would participate in the open-ended working group with a view to recommending to Heads what could eventuate in a time-bound CARICOM local content policy, framed in a wider context.

No doubt, the decision by Heads was made against the backdrop of a January 2022 meeting between the Secretary General of CARICOMs

Secretariat and the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOAGEC) and more-so, in the context of Articles 21, 22 and 23 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC), treating inter alia with Institutions of the Community, the Secretariat, that mandates the SG to report to Conference on the work of the Secretariat.

Further, it is to be assumed that it was on the basis of representation made to the Government of Guyana by GOAGEC that the matter was raised for deliberation and a decision by Heads at their Belize meeting. It is to be recalled that the Saturday, January 22, 2022, edition of S/N reported that the Head of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (and a small delegation) met with CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett on Thursday January 20, 2022, and asked that the regional body (CARICOM) de-recognize the Caribbean Private Sector Organization.

To support its request, the CARICOM SG was advised that: 1. The process of forming the CPSO was flawed; 2. The body was horridly (sic!) put together; 3. The CPSO never reached out to them and

never visited Guyana; 4. Neither Guyanas nor Jamaicas apex private sector bodies have representative members; 5. They will write to the CARICOM SG and all CARICOM Heads objecting to the CPSO; 6. CARICOM suspends recognition of the body; 7. Begin the process of forming a new body which will have the consensus of all states; 8. CARICOM would be written to requesting a meeting with the business communitys representatives here (in Guyana) to register their concerns and discuss ways the matter can be resolved.

According to the Head of the GOAGEC the meeting with Dr. Barnett went “excellent.”

Guyanese were left in the dark as regards subsequent developments following GOAGECs meeting with the CARICOM SG since there were no further disclosures by GOAGEC in the local media.

The GOAGECs concerns surfaced following passage of Guyanas Local Content Bill and the subsequent publica-

tion of the contents of a leaked email belonging to the CPSO in which its chairman, Gervasse Warner, also President and CEO of Trinidadbased Massey Group raised serious concerns over Guyanas Local Content Act. But the CPSOs concerns did not focus only on Guyanas Local Content Act, the organization went on to claim that the Act was in conflict with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) and by implication, CARICOMS Single Market and Economy.

Gervasse was to later admit at the Belize meeting of Heads that the CPSOs serious concerns were not decisions as such, but rather a matter that was being discussed.

Gervasse did not indicate where, nor at what level/s the matter was being discussed.

From all indications, it seems as though neither sufficient homework was done

by GOAGEC as regards the basis for CPSOs serious concerns nor were the facts pertaining to CPSOs relationship with CARICOM and the Secretariat taken under advisement.

On December 3, 2020, at the signing of a Memoran-

dum of Understanding (MOU) between the CARICOM Secretariat and the CPSO, the then SG, Erwin La Roque stated that both entities had “laboured long and hard to advance a treaty that provides a legal and administrative framework for CSME arrangements of inclusion with the private sector”.

Further, it was recalled that since December 2018 a structured arrangement was arrived at with the private sector.

In October, under Article 22 of the RTC, the CPSO was

recognized as an Associate Institution of the Community.

However, long before, similar Associate Institution of the Community had been designated to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB),the University of Guyana (UG), the University of the West Indies (UWI) the Caribbean Law Institute/Caribbean Law Institute Centre(CLI/CLIC) and the Secretariat of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

The RTC mandates (Continued on page 6)

A matter of survival...

From page 4 campaign for him, he told me in those days it was a matter of survival. It was when I read those words of Ms. Shah, I thought of doing this letter. She raised a very important point that may have no answer.

I guess someone like Freddie Kissoon has answers for everything complex in this world. He would condemn Carter outright. I suppose people with the mind-set of Mr. Kissoon would use the moral argument that wrong is wrong.

As to Mr. Kissoons point that Carter was a spy for the British Government, this is the first time I think Guyanese are hearing about it. Mr. Kissoon supplied no evidence but being an academic, he used the methodology of logical deduction. When you consider Mr. Kissoons arguments, he has points. Why was Carter so accepted by the colonial establishment and not the other PPP leaders? I think the ensuing debate will be interesting.

Yours Sincerely, Anand Khemraj Poonai

PAGE 6

Everything high but the only thing low is workers salaries DEAR EDITOR, I am a 29-year-old young man and also a PPP/C supporter. Im also an entrepreneur. I was just visiting my mom who is the deputy head mistress of a Primary School.

She just came from the supermarket and market. First thing she could have spoken about is the prices of the goods.

Everywhere you turn prices are going up. Fertilizer prices are high, produce prices are high, groceries are high but the only thing low is workers salaries. I am puzzled. How can a government that is

elected by the people to serve the people refuse to do what is right by the people? We are an O&G producing nation and yet the government is refusing to make workers wages a living one. The thing that is more vexing is that my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters sit back and take whatever is thrown their way without an inkling of protest . I do not understand what is going on in Guyana anymore. A sitting government that I voted for made promises to renegotiate an oil contract that is so lopsided it makes my stomach

turn sour to even read or listen to anything about O&G at this point in time and then when elected they refuse to renegotiate it. If nothing else it is the O&G contract that was signed in 2018 that put the final nail in the previous administrations coffin and it will be the downfall of this current administration also if they do not renegotiate a better contract and give Guyanese workers a living wage. My contact number is 6612481.

Kind regards, Brian Clementson

The consumer bears the brunt of price increases DEAR EDITOR, The headline ‘GPL mulls upping light bill’ (KN Mar 9), says it all.

It was bound to happen and just a matter of time. With the ongoing war (special military operation) raging in Europe, the attendant imposed sanctions by western nations and the spinoffs of the rush

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

down effects of these global interventions, we at this side of the globe are collateral damage.

Prices at the gas pumps will rise too, if that has not already been done, so transportation and everything associated will continue to rise in an already heightened, spiraling cost of living

environment. Of course in this kind of situation it is the consumer who bears the ultimate brunt of price increases.

Can the recent increase, particularly in old age pension cushion the effect of these bound to happen increases?

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Sufficient homework was not done by GOAGEC as regards...

From page 5 meetings of conference of Heads to designate similar recognition to; …such other entities as may be designated by the Conference provided that the Community enjoys with such entities, important functional relationships which contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Community.

In the circumstances, the CPSO was recognized as an apex institution and as a truly representative body of the Regional Private Sector.

Further, the CPSO was granted Observer Status at meetings treating with the Single Market and Economy,

that it will serve on six committees and to participate in meetings of the Council For Trade and Economic Development (COTED).

At the signing ceremony, the then representative of the CPSO for his part stated that the MOU mandates the CPSO to work with member states inter alia; To avoid any unnecessary difficulties arising in the course of cooperation between CPSO and CARICOM. In the light of the prevailing situation it is doubtful that COAGECs request that the CPSO be de-recognised will be accomplished.

Moreover, it is unlikely

that there will be any unraveling or disengagement of the CPSOs designation an Associate Institution of the Community.

However, knowing that the devil is usually in the details, COAGEC should rest assured that all is not lost.

With skillful negotiators and navigators on its behalf, the decision by Heads to establish an open-ended working group and its mandate, coupled with what was reported by President Ali, COAGEC has a good chance of arriving at its destination but by a different route.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

A Dictionary of Guyanese National Biography DEAR EDITOR, It has been almost four years now since my letter on the urgent need of a “Dictionary of Guyanese National Biography” first appeared in Stabroek News which was further followed up by two additional letters in the four dailies ever since. Responses were overwhelming and enthusiastic but no concrete steps were taken, mainly due to the lockdown brought about by COVID-19.

Now that things are reopening, I want to make a start just as I did with my pioneering work on “Bibliography of Guyana” and “Encyclopaedia of the Guyanese Amerindians” both of which are now used by some prestigious institutions around the globe including both our own UG and UWI. I

have been compiling the names for potential entries in the proposed biography project over the years and have managed to build a short profile of each gathered from the internet, the Guyana newspapers, reference books, magazines, and other authoritative sources.

I sincerely want to start this project while waiting on others to join in including support and funding for publication from UG and the Guyana Government.

Once there is a first edition put out, it can serve as the foundation on which to build and expand.

The thing is to get something out there which will bound to instigate others to submit profiles of other Guyanese who might have been unintentionally missed

and who have excelled in their own disciplines.

So, I ask you to send me a profile of prominent Guyanese who you feel should be chronicled in this proposed “Dictionary of Guyanese National Biography”. A half a page might suffice. See a proposed entry below using Stan Brock as an example which you can use as a template for your own submission. Once I receive the profiles, I will start editing, validate the information, organize it alphabetically, ensure compliance with established documentation and publishing standards and prepare in a format suitable for publishing. I am targeting an initial completion of September of this year 2022.

Regards, Lal Balkaran

New prosecutors course a timely intervention New prosecutors course a timely intervention

DEAR EDITOR, Good news it is to read that “Citizens (are) to benefit from better representation in courts with the start of (a) new prosecutors course.” The news is that there was the launch of this new prosecutorial course at the University of Guyana (UG), and according to Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC, the expectation is that citizens will benefit from better representation, particularly at the level of the Magistrates Courts. Now, with this input, I am most

elated, and I do have a few comments to make in relation to the AG and things legal in Guyana.

First, from the citizens point of view, the judiciary is the most important organ of any government because it acts as their protector against the possible excesses of legislative and executive organs. The role of the judiciary as the guardianprotector of the constitution and the fundamental rights of the people makes it more respectable than the other two organs, and, therefore,

must be safe-guarded at all times.

My mind goes back to December 2017, when Acting Chief Justice (CJ), Roxane George, SC, ruled that President David Grangers revocation of Seafield, West Coast Berbice (WCB) farmers leases for lands was unlawful.

This came after two years of intense court battles, where attorney for the plaintiffs (Phillip Johnson, Rupert Blackman and Rawle Miller), Anil Nandlall, SC, current AG, led the charge. I bring up this (Continued on page 16)

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N B T .

U .

L .

L T B . .

N .

U N U T L N B .

U T . .

L N N U T B .

U .

N .

L U BL BLUNT B . .

T .

T T N N U .

U L . .

L B .

T B . . . .

N .

T U T N N T U N U L L U B .

L B . . . .

B .

T . .

T .

N N T U N L LU U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L U T.. UNT...B L N B . .

U .

L T B .

N L . .

U B .

T L . .

N U NT LUNT...B L U B .

L . .

B T . . .

N B .

T .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T .

U B . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U .

BBL T...BLUN .BLUNT. T...BLU . .

N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . .

N .

B .

T . .

N T U N N N U L U U B L .

BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Why would any good government, willingly, choose to irresponsibly indebt its country for generations to come ?

This we ask of those critics who say that our criticisms are too harsh, too blunt; those who say we use our pages to assault one administration more than the other.

They conveniently forget that our positions have been consistent, administration after administration, since they are the ones that are in charge and make things happen.

Harping on the past solves nothing.

Be assured, this publication is in no way affiliated with any political party; rather we keep on the front burner, issues that affect the very existence of each citizen of this land.

WHEN THIS IS TOTALLY UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED, THEN WE ARE ALL ABOUT GUYANA, AND NOT PARTISAN POLITICS.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2022

Thursday March 10, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

How could this be done to Cheddi?

Last year, I wrote that, given the muted observance for his 24th death anniversary, Cheddi Jagan had become an afterthought.

This year, on his 25th death anniversary his party leadership treated him with thoughtlessness.

Last year, an activity was held at Babu Jaan, the place where Cheddi’s remains were cremated and a monument erected to his memory.

Most of the top leadership, which in the past would have scrambled to be in Berbice were missing in action.

This was quite uncharacteristic given the attention which has traditionally been paid to death anniversaries of the party’s leaders.

But one explanation was that the leadership top-brass was waiting for this year, the 25th anniversary of his death to have a grand event at Babu Jaan. That was a misthought.

This year’s 25th death anniversary observance was flatter than a pancake.

In 2005, the 25th death anniversary of Dr. Walter Rodney witnessed a series of events in Guyana.

A great deal of planning and resources went into those events.

The highpoint was a ceremony at Queen’s College attended by a number of regional big wigs including the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, a compatriot of Rodney.

Then President Bharrat Jagdeo was also present at that full-house ceremony.

Observances were also held in other countries. In the United Kingdom, Professor Hilary Beckles was slated to give the feature address at one such observance. In

Guyana, the small gathering of party faithful which assembled at Babu Jaan to commemorate Cheddi’s 25th death anniversary had to settle for Zulfikar Mustapha, the Minister of Agriculture. He also was the feature presenter at last year’s quite wreath-laying ceremony.

The Silver Jubilee of Cheddi Jagan’s death was damp squib instead of a grand reflection on his life. Better could and should have been done. Cheddi’s greatest legacy was the PPP. Yet, 25 years after he closed his eyes for the last time, his party has virtually abandoned him.

How inexcusable for such a major anniversary to pass with such a low-key ceremony. It is shocking and it is a disgrace.

As I said last year, Cheddi Jagan was the central figure in the party for more than 50 years. Those who presently hold political power in Guyana are supposed to be eternally indebted to him.

But it appears as if some of them believe that they are bigger and better than Cheddi.

The PPP is no longer true to the founding principles of Cheddi.

It has lost its working class moorings and is now firmly wedded into the bourgeoisie class.

Some of its leaders are landlords and have superrich tenants while many poor people still struggle for affordable housing.

It now appears that Cheddi has been abandoned by both the new guard and the old guard.

The latter has surrendered; they have no bark and definitely no bite.

Only a handful of them were present at Babu John last

weekend. Again I ask, why were more persons from the upper echelons of the PPP leadership not be at Babu Jaan. Is the PPP now ‘dissing’ Cheddi? We were told that Cheddi’s teachings were still relevant.

But how relevant can these be when up to now we are yet to learn how much money the Sugar Packaging facility at Enmore is being leased for? How relevant is the teachings of Cheddi when GuySuCo, having given up this facility, now has to go and build another one at Albion, no doubt to the tune of hundreds of millions, to house the packaging machinery which will be relocated from Enmore?

Let us not forget the significance to Enmore to Cheddi’s political development. It was after the Enmore martyrs tragedy that Cheddi dedicated himself to the struggles for colonial liberation.

The PPP/C has drifted further and further away from this original commitment to the working class.

It is for this reason that it is believed that the party’s matriarch, Mrs. Janet Jagan, died a bitter woman.

She was deeply aggrieved after she was called a private citizen by a party leader, whom she virtually handpicked for the position of President.

She died gravely concerned that certain individuals were being catapulted to high office and those persons had played no part in the party’s struggle for free and fair elections.

Were both she and Cheddi alive, they would have questioned the working class committee men (or rather the lack of it) of the incumbent PPP/C

Dem Boys Seh…

Chicken is now Mister Chicken Chicken is ah poor man special. While some awe can afford to yham chicken every day, de desperately poor does use am one day a week and sometimes only on special occasions.

Like Christmas morning.

Dem does line up outside dem meat shop fuh buy chicken fuh cook fuh de Christmas lunch. Dem nah gat fridge or oven, so dem does gat to buy am fresh and dem does gat to cook a curry, a stew of a pot roast pun Christmas day.

Chicken is de cheapest source of meat. And so is de poor man meat.

Not anymore!

Chicken turn a big man now. It deh in short supply and de price gone up. It gone so high, it done scale Mount Roraima. Poor people can’t afford to eat chicken and yuh can bet dat by dis week fish price gan raise. And dah gat nuttin to do with de war in Ukraine.

Dem poultry producers seh how is de demand cause dat. But dem boys wan know how come de demand in March higher dan at Christmas. Dat nah mek sense.

Something going on and dem boys gan buss up deh bag.

Chicken too expensive.

And with all de other prices wah increase is nuff pressure

pon de poor. Remember wah de man seh: pressure buss pipe.

Dem boys wan ask all Guyanese to stop eat chicken fuh one month.

Bear yuh chafe and nah buy no chicken for one month.

Yuh gan see how de shortage gan end and de price gan drop.

Suriname gat plenty chicken. De smugglers does be smuggling it over to Guyana. Dem, boys wan ask de guvament fuh remove de import licence restriction for one month. Yuh gan see how quick de shortage gan end.

Talk half. Leff half.

government. They would have urged more decisive action to ease the financial burdens on workers But they are not here. And it appears as if Cheddi is now reduced to a

footnote.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday March 10, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Osafo lives on a road named after Quamina The symbols of the betrayal of Black people by the APNU+AFC regime are everywhere. For those who understood how Black people were betrayed after 2015, they must explain to African Guyanese the politics of psychological exploitation.

Osafo is an African name.

He lives in Beterverwagting on a road named after the great slave rebel, Quamina.

Osafo was spared a jail term by a coat of varnish recently.

He didn't smoke ganja. He was found guilty of having four marijuana plants. He was fined. But he could have been jailed. Shem Winter another Black youth wasn't so lucky. He got three years for 16 grams.

How did Osafo and Winter vote in the last general election? How do Osafo and Winter feel about what happened in Region Five in Cotton Tree last year? After two cousins were murdered, PNC leaders went up to the

region and addressed a gathering of African Guyanese. Their address led to widespread occurrences of violent attacks against Indians.

Was Osafo betrayed when he was charged for possession of four ganja plants? To answer that question one has to go back to 2015 and 2016. On the campaign trail, both APNU and AFC promised legislation, long overdue, to amend the law that relates to narcotics. The world was frowning on people being imprisoned for smoking a joint or having a few grams.

In 2016, Nigel Hughes drafted the amendment that would have made changes to the law of which two were long overdue – bail would be available for possession of small amounts, and there would not be mandatory prison on conviction. The Bill was put on the Parliamentary Order Paper to

be debated in the name of AFC's parliamentarian, Michael Carrington. The Bill was taken off the Order Paper and died there and then.

From 2016 to this very day, no third, second or first level PNC leader has ever told the nation why the Carrington Bill was shelved.

It is incredible in any country that no journalist has ever asked the question to any PNC leader why the amendment was never debated even though the PPP Opposition in the House agreed to support the Bill.

Now in 2022, the PNC and the AFC are still interested in the changes.

In what must be the most graphic evidence in the history of this county, there are politicians that are unfit to represent the citizens that voted for them, APNU and AFC tabled in parliament under the name of Sherod Duncan, a more expansive amendment to the Carrington

Bill in 2021.

How can any human watch this acidic contempt their party leaders have for them yet offer them their embrace? Two repellant dimensions of the 2021 amendment need highlighting. One is that basic human decency should have forced the leaders of APNU+AFC to offer both an explanation and apology for why the Bill died when they were in power.

The loss of the noconfidence motion was not the answer. That occurred at the beginning of 2019. The Carrington Bill was on the Order Table in 2016.

The second dimension is that Black leaders' contempt for African Guyanese youths is deep, extensive and ubiquitous. When these Black leaders had power to change the marijuana law, they did not. But they saw nothing sickening in introducing the amendment

when they were no l o n g e r i n v government and control of parliament.

I saw a video of an Frederick Kissoon AFC parliamentarian shouting frenetically as he described the PPP oted for the leaders as hypocrites. He PNC. But even if he didn't, I kept yelling for almost two would still like to gauge his minutes – “hypocrites, thinking on the failed hypocrites, hypocrites!” Carrington Bill. Did he think Someone from the PPP the PNC betrayed Black should have done a counter youths? How does he feel video showing APNU+AFC about the attitude of a certain parliamentarians speaking in PNC lawyer when a Black Parliament about their youth, Keifer Burnett was marijuana amendment with arrested by the Kitty police an image of the guillotined for two grams of ganja?(See Carrington Bill of 2016 in the my column of Tuesday, background shouting like the January 8, 2019, “African AFC MP, “hypocrites, Guyanese 52 years after hypocrites, hypocrites!”

Independence.”) If Osafo is Osafo was spared and is reading this, then give me a free to do his thing but I call on 614-5927 and I will would like to speak to people publish our chat on this page. like him. I would like to go (The views expressed in into the mind of Osafo to this article are those of the understand how he thinks author and do not necessarily about Black leaders who he reflect the opinions of this voted for, assuming that he newspaper.)

Nandlall loses bid to stop challenge to President's decision to suspend PSC T

he constitutional case filed by Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Paul Slowe is expected to continue as Justice Gino Persaud threw out an application by Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall SC to have the case dismissed.

Nandlall had asked the court to dismiss the PSC's application that was initially brought against President Irfaan Ali over the suspension of the commission. He premised his application on the fact that the life of the commission had expired shortly after the case was filed. However, in his ruling, Justice Persaud said it was not logical or fair to throw out the substantive case because the life of the commission had ended. “I'm therefore of the view that the former Chairman, Paul Slowe, who swore to the Affidavit in Support of the FDA has a sufficient interest since he is directly affected together with the locus standi to continue the proceedings and the Court can properly under its inherent jurisdiction order that he be substituted as the applicant in the place and

Former PSC chair, Paul Slowe

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC

stead of the Police Service Commission to facilitate the just and effective resolution of the matters in dispute before the Court,” Justice Persaud said of his reason to dismiss the application.

F u r t h e r, t h e j u d g e ordered no costs since the matter is in the public interest but said that Slowe must now be substituted for the PSC as the applicant since no Commission is in place. “In the circumstances, he explained, it is ordered that Paul Slowe be substituted in the place and stead of the Police Service Commission as the applicant...,” the judge

ordered.

The judge also ordered that the AG shall file an affidavit in defence by 6 April, 2022 with permission to the substituted applicant to file an affidavit in reply, if necessary, by 20 April.

The parties shall simultaneously file, serve and email written submissions by 4 May. A date shall be fixed for oral addresses.

Nandlall had asked the High Court to discontinue or strike out the case filed against the State by the now defunct PSC. The PSC had moved to the court to challenge

President Ali's suspension of its members after allegations of fraud and sexual assault surfaced against some of its members.

Ali suspended the members of the Commission by way of letters dated June 15, 2021. By July 21, last, the PSC filed a court case challenging the President's suspension, which it argued was done unlawfully.

The case has been ongoing with the AG petitioning the Court to have the name of the President removed from the list of respondents in the matter.

The Court later granted

Nandlall's request.

The AG subsequently sought to have the PSC's application struck out on the grounds that the life of the PSC expired on the 8th August, 2021. In his submission before the Court, the Attorney General had outlined his contention that since there is no Commission, there can be no lawful subsistence of any legal proceedings on its behalf.

The AG had stressed inter alia, since the entire PSC became vacant, it cannot lawfully continue to maintain the legal proceedings. To

buttress his argument, Nandlall explained that the PSC, like the other Service Commissions, can only act through and by virtue of their constituent members. “This much is made excruciatingly plain when one examines the powers and procedures of Commissions as are outlined in Article 226 of the Constitution,” he adding that . In light of the foregoing, the continuance of these proceedings in the absence of authority would be so fundamental a flaw as to make the proceedings a nullity. “…We respectfully submit that these proceedings cannot be maintained. The expiration of the life of the Commission naturally terminated the agency relationship, which previously existed between the Commission and [their lawyers]…. In the circumstances, we respectfully pray that this Honourable Court would grant an Order striking out Fixed Date Application…”

Nandlall had said in his application.

Meanwhile, Nandlall said being in disagreement with the decision of Justice (Continued on page 16)

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Venezuelan refugees escorted out of Pomeroon ..reportedly vandalized local farms in desperate bid for survival

T

he Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force on Monday escorted a number of Venezuelans out of Region Two. According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, over one hundred Indigenous Venezuelan nationals were found within the Arpiaco area in the Upper Pomeroon River. The one hundred twenty-five persons escorted out of the region, included men women and even children.

Reports reaching this publication suggest that the refugee group has been in the Pomeroon for almost an entire week. According to sources familiar with the matter, the group canoed from the river mouth, all the way to the Kabakaburi community; a 72Km journey. Kaieteur News understands that the indigenous group made several stops along the way; vandalising several farms in the process.

One farmer who was a victim told this publication that her entire farm was destroyed by the

Venezuelans. “My son spray the oranges on the farm recently, when he gone back to the farm all the oranges gone from the tree. The people pick out all meh coconuts, then they chop down the tree, they destroyed meh plantains and just leave.”

Kaieteur News was told that the last stop for the group was the Kabakaburi area, Upper Pomeroon. The community's Toshao, Monty Simon, reportedly observed the refugees and

The Venezuelan refugees. recommended that they clear and occupy a piece of land in the Arpiaco area; out of pity.

The Regional Democratic Council also played a part in granting aid to the refugees, as they delivered food hampers and tarn poling to them. In an

invited comment, the Regional Chairman Vilma De Silva said, “When we learnt that there were a large number of migrants in the area we took some food hampers to support them, because there were even children amongst them and

there were concerns that they might be malnourished… they said they wanted a Tarn poling to help set up camp and so we tried to assist there as well.”

The Regional Chairman explained that it was difficult to communicate with the

Venezuelan refugees being escorted by members of the joint services.

group, as most of them spoke the native Warrau language.

The few that spoke Spanish, however, said that they had left Region One, and that there were more of them on the way. Their stay was to be short, however, the police was soon contacted.

According to Senior Woman Superintendent of Police, Denise Griffith, a farmer had reported that persons were trespassing on his farm, and he needed them gone.

A joint task force consisting of the Guyana Police force and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard Unit was subsequently mobilized to the Arpiaco area on Saturday last.

Reports are that the migrants, along with their canoes, were brought to the Wharf in Charity. Some of them were later air dashed back to Region one, while the last of them were ushered out on Monday last.

Work commences on interlink road connecting Eccles and Mocha Work has commenced on the much-needed alternative road on the East Bank of Demerera (EBD), this time to directly connect Eccles and Mocha.

Commuters currently enjoy a diversion from the EBD bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic through the Diamond to Eccles interlink road, but this drive also requires drivers to break from the bypass onto the Mocha main road before

turning off to connect to Red Road then Haags Bosch Road in Eccles.

Drivers who miss this connection sometimes find themselves lost in surrounding communities, on narrow, unpaved streets and must seek direction on how to reconnect and resume their commute.

Ministry of Housing officials told the Kaieteur News that preparatory work is currently taking place for

the laying of the new road.

The official said that this new link will not require drivers to divert from the bypass at Mocha. “This road will connect directly from Mocha to Eccles,” he said.

It was highlighted that the new road will be connected to the other phase of the bypass coming from Mandela Avenue to Eccles, Haags Bosch road. From Haags Bosch, the new link will intersect Red Road and

Preparations are ongoing to connect Eccles to Mocha. pass-through lands that were previously slated for house lots, before connecting with Mocha and onto Great Diamond. With efforts continuing for the completion of the interlink road. Even this alternative route gets its fair share of heavy traffic particularly during rush hour. At Red Road, scores of vehicles are lined as far as the eyes could see from both Mocha and Haags Bosch roads. This build-up of traffic could be attributed to the narrow and poor-quality roads at some

parts of the route.

Contactors say, however, that this direct link, between the two communities, with its widened road will be able to handle a large flow of vehicular traffic. Persons will not be required to leave the bypass thus preventing drivers from mistakenly wondering into housing schemes like Perseverance which often occurs when drivers miss the left and immediate right turn at Red Road.

While the placement of road signs would assist

drivers to navigate the snake like route between Mocha and Eccles, commuters who are unfamiliar with the alternative road could opt for the route through Bagotstown which takes drivers along the Haags Bosch Road. Drivers should then turn right onto the Windsor Estate Road and continue onto Red Road.

Once at Red Road, drivers must make a left then an immediate right to get onto the stretch leading to Mocha Road. Another left is to be (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2022

PAGE 13

Guyanese businessman to invest over $237M in concrete batching plant as oil sector fuels construction boom Suresh Jagmohan who was conferred with the Medal of Service back in 2019 is gearing to expand his range of business ventures with an investment of over $237M in a concrete batching plant along with associated infrastructure to manufacture prestressed and precast concrete members.

For those who may not be aware, precast concrete is a construction product produced by casting concrete in a reusable mold or “form” which is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to the construction site and lifted into place. Pre-stressed products are compressed during production, in a manner that strengthens it against tensile forces which will exist when in use. In contrast, cast-in-place concrete is poured into sitespecific forms and cured on site.

In his project documents which are with the Environmental Protection

A g e n c y ( E PA ) f o r consideration, the businessman stated that his c o m p a n y, J a g m o h a n Construction and General Supplies Inc., is now gearing to venture into the production of prestressed and precast concrete products since it is the direction in which construction work is headed in many developed countries.

His business plan also seems geared for success given that the oil sector has continued to fuel a construction boom since 2016.

He outlined that the project consists of the construction of a concrete products plant and involves the setting up of a concrete batching plant for mixing of the aggregates and the installation of various formwork into which the concrete would be poured to manufacture the products. It would also include quality assurance testing since these products are meant to be structural members of civil works.

Project documents also noted that this venture will see the company investing over $237M on plant and infrastructure development to make the production of such concrete components a reality. The company said it hopes to add more choices to designers of civil works that will enable more design scope, faster project delivery time and quality materials that are consistent for every batch.

It said too that the investment will provide much needed job opportunities for Guyana while adding that it will bring new technology to more persons since training is essential for its success. Prior to the commencement of this project, the developer is required to apply for and obtain an Environmental Permit from the Environmental Protection A g e n c y ( E PA ) . I n compliance with this requirement, the developer submitted same.

Two arrested for stabbing US-based Guyanese man to death Police in Region Six have arrested two suspects wanted in connection with the stabbing to death of a 21year-old overseas-based Guyanese on Wednesday morning at Grant 1802 Crabwood Creek, Berbice.

Relatives shifted from a state of happiness over the weekend to an unexpected sorrow following the tragedy. The dead man has been identified as Lakhan Chaterpal, of Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Regional Commander, Boodnarine Persaud, confirmed that the arrests were made yesterday.

However, they are searching for a third suspect.

Reports from the police detailed that Lakhan returned to Guyana a week ago to attend his brother's wedding which was held on Sunday 6th March 2022. However, on Tuesday there was a family get together when the three men who are not related to them, entered the yard where the wedding was held (Grant 1802 CWC) and they were asked to leave.

The men reportedly became annoyed and they

Lakhan Chaterpal decided to damage the vehicles that were parked a short distance away. This caused Lakhan and other relatives to venture out and confront the men and an argument erupted. At some point there was a scuffle and Lakhan was stabbed to the lower abdomen. The men escaped and he was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, the grandfather of the deceased, Zamen Silvanish, 59, told

reporters that Lakhan had migrated to the USA some three years ago and returned for the first time on Thursday, 4th March, 2022 with his mother and sister to participate in the wedding ceremony of his brother on Sunday last. Silvanish disclosed that they were hosting a family "get together" and the men showed up and was sitting under the makeshift shed but they started to "roll dope."

According to Silvanish, he was not about to tolerate such on his premises and so he confronted the men and told them "man you can't come and roll dope in my yard."

Silvanish said he told the men to leave but said, "then now the man give me a hunch underneath me ribs, me na tell he nothing and me gone back in the yard and dem start cuss up and tell we how dem go kill abay [we] and so me na [did not] worry with them, me go in back me house and lock up and dem gyal deh downstairs". He said approximately 5 minutes (Continued on page 16)

Google Earth image of the Little Diamond Industrial Area0 (Block No. VIII) Surrounding Land Use

Kaieteur News understands that the main source of energy for this project will be obtained from the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). This will be supplemented by a 178 kva, 430 volts 60 cycle generator which will only operate during power outage/failure from the GPL source. The generator will be housed in a self-enclosed area with

sound attenuating materials situated under a concrete shed and mounted on a concrete base.

While the project's capital investment is approximately $237,000,000 GYD, which will be solely funded by the developer, the projected annual turnover for this development is $300M. The proposed location for the project is along the East Bank

Road corridor, specifically within the Little Diamond Industrial Area. This newspaper understands that the choice of location is based on proximity to raw materials and the availability of at least two acres of land in an industrial area where similar activities are being undertaken. The size of the land is approximately 1.98 acre.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

S

taff of the Kaieteur News on Wednesday celebrated the birth anniversary of the newspaper's Publisher Glenn Lall. Mr Lall thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that the nation is adequately and objectively informed about the management of this country and its resources. Mr Lall said, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, it is hoped that the citizens of this country wake up, soon, to the reality that our patrimony is being overtaken by foreigners, even the leaders are either complicit to it or are deliberately turning a blind eye.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday March 10, 2022

New oil sector proving heavy on local work force Local oil and gas workers may have to brace themselves for unwanted work relations and conditions as a course on how to protect their rights in this emerging sector is now being chartered.

There has been much excitement regarding employment in the oil sector, higher paying jobs and immense benefits for workers, but one of the main unions fighting for workers' rights, the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) says that it will take some time before any significant shift is made in ensuring that oil and gas workers receive their honest earnings and benefits.

This is according to Aslim Singh, GAWU General Secretary. He told Kaieteur News that the union is making every effort to ensure that laws and the rights of workers are being respected.

The General Secretary was at the time reiterating a number of violations and inconsistencies that local O&G workers face when he pointed out that Guyana would eventually have to develop its handling of such matters based on the evolution of the local oil industry and the advice and directions of partners already

within the oil and gas arena.

A key partner at this time GAWU said is the Oil Wo r k e r s Tr a d e U n i o n (OWTU) of Trinidad and Tobago and while the two entities have been in contact on various issues regarding how that union handled workers' rights in the oil producing Twin Island, information is that it is basically a waiting game.

Singh said that oil in Guyana is new and there are practices that work for the sector that seem to be contributing to the exploitation of workers. He noted too that even their counterparts at the OWTU have recognized some of those practices, relating that it is how things are done within the sector. One such example, Singh pointed out is the contracting and subcontracting of workers not employed by those for whom the work.To this end, unions will have to navigate their way in ensuring workers' rights. “This is all new to Guyana and it will take time,” the GS posited. 'This is something that will evolve over time and it also depends on how business evolves.”

Singh noted however that complaints made by workers are nonetheless being looked

at with the intervention of relevant authorities where needed. He told the newspaper that some issues faced by workers involve being hired by one company t o w o r k f o r a n o t h e r.

Understanding that this is an accepted practice within the oil sector, the GS said the union is still very concerned about how workers benefits and rights are secured.

“So you have a person employed by company A, but company B is where they work. Who then is responsible if the worker is injured or dies on the job?

Who is responsible for disciplinary action? How does that work? Singh questioned.

The union mentioned, when these concerns were raised a few weeks ago, that where agent employment is concerned, workers are not directly supervised by their employers but by a third party who are paid to act on their behalf. The union believes that agents who are paying the workers “…may not spare a thought to discipline employees at the behest of firms whether such actions are justified or not.”

The same could be said where workers' benefits and rights are concerned. Singh

Govt. plans to invest US$175M in Black belly sheep President Irfaan Ali has announced that his government is currently in discussion with Barbados to invest some US$175M in Black belly Sheep with the hope of making US$43M in annual returns.

This initiative, according to Ali, is aimed at reducing Caricom's importation of mutton, lamb and other Sheep meat into the region.

Ali said, “…we are going to work closely with Barbados, there is already major discussions going on with Barbados…”

A few Black belly sheep grazing on a farm.

President Ali said the Region has spent some US$48M in 2019 to import 7900 tons of mutton, lamb and other meat products from sheep. To reduce the importation of sheep products, Ali wants to up the local production in five years to above 7000 tons but for this to happen a huge investment will have to be made. “So here in Guyana we are working on an agenda with Barbados to take up our production because we will have to build up the capacity in five years to just over 7000

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali tons in terms of mutton and lamb, the meat and the products. This will require a capital investment of US$175M, about 25,000 hectares of land but expected returns annually will be US$43M US annually and some 4500 direct and indirect jobs”. Although the President is confident that money will be made from the investment, industry experts noted that considerations must be taken because market can change based on demand and other factors.

noted that several agents hiring workers for the oil sector have different pay schemes, benefits and such, so in some cases workers doing the same job may receive different pay and benefits, all contributing to discriminatory, exploitative workplace practices.

GAWU said workers from almost all the hiring agents have contacted the union seeking advice and/or information on what they must expect. In one case, the union said contact was made when a popular hiring agent had contractually prohibited workers from joining any union. The matter was brought to the Ministry of L a b o u r, w h o o n t w o occasions had to make contact with the agent to correct the illegal rule even

after they had promised the ministry that the matter would be corrected.

Other issues involved the nonpayment of overtime past the eight hour working shift, the availability of sick leave where some agencies limit the number of sick days workers get and they are only

GAWU photo

released on such leave if the company determines that the staff is sick enough. Opining that employers seem to care about staffers only when they are producing, Singh said that the union is also aware that some agents do not pay their staff for the one month they are off work.

'Too soon to relax COVID-19 guidelines' ...warns PAHO director as pandemic reaches two-year mark As the world reaches two-years since COVID-19 was characterised as a pandemic, and public health measures are being lifted in many parts of the Americas, the Pan American Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O ) Director Carissa F. Etienne has warned countries that it is too soon to lower their guard.

“When places relax measures at the wrong moment, transmission spikes dangerously and we lose more lives,” Dr. Etienne said in a media briefing on Wednesday, urging countries to base decisions on risk assessments and health data, and to tighten public health guidance if cases go up.

“COVID-19 is likely to be here to stay. We must learn to live with this virus, and quickly adapt to new c h a n g e s , ” t h e PA H O Director added.

Reflecting on the past two years of the pandemic, Dr. Etienne said that the Americas have been hit harder than any other region in the world, with more than 2.6 million lives lost – half of all global deaths. “This is a tragedy of enormous proportions, and its effects will be felt for years to come,” the PAHO Director added. She also warned that “the pandemic is still a threat

today,” with countries experiencing record numbers of new infections during the Omicron wave, and the Americas accounting for 63% of new global cases in the first two months of 2022 alone. “ “ We a l l w a n t t h e pandemic to be over, but optimism alone cannot control the virus,” she said, calling for countries to keep a “finger on the pulse.”

Countries must build on lessons from the past two years to prepare for quick action and adjust public health guidance if a new variant emerges or outbreaks happen - by ensuring continued surveillance and by making testing readily available even when transmission is low. The PAHO Director also called for countries to address the inequities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, highlighting that in Latin America and the Caribbean, 248 million people have yet to receive a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly those in hard to reach, rural areas and underserved communities.

“Our wins against COVID-19 show us what is possible when we work together and use the tools we know are effective,” Dr. Etienne said, referencing the

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F. Etienne advances made in the fight against COVID-19 in the past year, such as public health measures to slow the spread, safe vaccines and better treatment options.

Turning to the COVID-19 situation in the region, the Director reported that COVID-19 cases declined by 26% across the Americas in the last week and deaths also dropped by nearly 19%.

H o w e v e r, p o s s i b l e reductions in testing mean that the number of reported cases may not accurately reflect the situation in some countries.

Despite the overall decline in cases and deaths in the region, new cases increased by 2.2% in the Caribbean. Bolivia and Puerto Rico also reported an increase in deaths over the past week.

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

34-year-old woman is country’s latest COVID-19 fatality VEHICLE FOR SALE

WANTED

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable.

Contact:649-0956.

Experienced Taxi Driver (Hire car license) and bus driver at Princess Hotel. Contact:6165419/265-7075/265-7076.

1 Nissan pathfinder in good condition, CAT 215 used parts.Tel:683-7225/275-0367.

Wanted Lorry Drivers.

Call:220-2818/3710.

SERVICES Massages and Rehabilitation physical preparation personalized training. Degree in physical Culture and Sports: Kyrenia Ballard Bell.Call:669-6910.

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

House,Commercial & Office cleaning,Land mowing/ weeding,after party clean up.

Call:670-0734/639-9745.

CPCE trained private teaching services for secondary and tertiary level.Call/ Whatsapp:673-6736.

FOR SALE Double stalls with bonds for sale in Stabroek Market. Call: 227-3463 between 8:00hrs to 16:000hrs for enquiries.

Male seeks confidential companion,ages 30-60 to live with,salary $100,000 monthly.

Call:603-9085.

Farm workers to work at Soesdyke, Highway. Contact: 666-3303.

One Heavy duty diesel mechanic to work in the interior.

Must know welding & have driver's license.Contact:6802702.

Washbay Staff & Driver for Route 42 minibus.Call:6497371.

One industrial electrician.

Must be able to wok independently. For more info contact:644-9084/629-7093.

VACANCY Pitmen and Hauler Operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced.

Call:231-2250.

2 professional nail technician & one make up artist,location Grove E.B.D.Call:652-5800.

One female cleaner.Apply at:Lens 136 Sheriff St C/Ville Georgetown.Contact:2272486 or 227-1511.

Mini Bus and Taxi Drivers.

Call:225-3234/698-7807.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call:615-9132

FOR RENT Two bedroom apartment to rent on E.C.D.Tel:629-6237.

One (1) bedroom apartment torent,located at Charlestown $10,000 per week. Tel:6232900.

PROPERTY FOR SALE JFWW Network Real Estate houselots for sale gated community,$4 Mil GYD zero down payment.Messageto whatsapp: 622-1957.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Maths, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to techserigy @ yahoo.com Male cleaner.Call:642-9823.

One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading, Mc Doom village.

Almost a week of no reported fatality, the Ministry of Health on Wednesday announced the death of a 34-year-old woman from Region Six who is listed as the country’s latest COVID-19 fatality. According to the Ministry, the woman was an unvaccinated patient who died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at a medical institution.

As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,224.

Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard the Ministry reported 14 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 63,090.

The dashboard data shows that four patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 16 persons are in institutional isolation, 228 in home isolation and 16 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 61,618 persons have recovered from the virus.

Nandlall loses bid to stop...

From page 10 Persaud he has filed a Notice of Appeal to the Full Court of the High Court of Guyana seeking to appeal the decision of the Learned Trial Judge.

Further, he said given that the Learned Trial Judge's deci-

sion paves the way for the substantive issues raised in the PSC's Fixed Date Application to proceed, he will, in short order, also be filing a Notice of Application seeking to stay the Fixed Date Application in the High Court.

New prosecutors course a timely...

From page 6 matter because we need a total independence of the court, and one man, who almost single-handedly demonstrated the far-reaches of an independent judiciary, is AG Nandlall. One only has to go through the many furious battles to save Guyanas democracy and pick this up; he was rooted in the constitution and was always one step ahead of those seeking to thwart justice in the most important issue in the country, the Guyana Elections.

With this new initiative, the Certificate in Advocacy and Evidence for Summary Courts Prosecutors Programme, devised by the Government of Guyana, the purpose is to strengthen and balance the scales of the countrys justice system. Currently, in the Magistrates Court, citizens are repre-

sented by police ranks. However, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, in collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG) will run the programme to ensure victims of criminal offences benefit from effective legal representation. This is so very vital.

Imagine, if no one had stood up for the farmers or against those who attempted to steal the elections, what would have ensued. It is all about the political will, knowledge of the issues at a deep level, and the willingness to sacrifice for the right thing.

As the AG pointed out, “… prosecutors have an important role to play in carrying out justice, noting that the training will equip them with the tools to carry out their functions effectively.”

Indeed, as he explained, “Justice is not a one-way street;

justice has two sides. It has the public interest, it has the victims interest, it has the States interest, all amalgamated and become the responsibility of the prosecutor to preserve, protect and advance.”

For starters, the programme will train 71 individuals, who hold a Bachelors Degree in Law (LLB) from UG, but did not further their legal education at any of the regional law schools, From these 71 participants, 35 could be awarded a scholarship to attend the Hugh Wooding Law School or any regional law school, based on their performance during the training.

What a fantastic move this is?

At the launch of the programme, Nandlall elaborated the corollary. It is that “This programme provides persons with a great opportunity to begin their career in the legal profession.

It provides employment and it advances and augments the criminal justice system. To a potential recruitee, you have an unprecedented opportunity to prepare your work as a prosecutor. You have the power and might of the State behind you; you have the resources of the Police Force at your disposal and you have an opportunity to showcase your learning, your talent to fine tune, your skill to hone, your skill in an adversarial context with the best legal minds at the criminal bar. You have a great opportunity and this can lay the foundation for your upward mobility.”

My highest regards to the Government of Guyana and AG Nandlall. My best wishes to the entire fraternity of students and teachers.

Yours truly, H. Singh

Two arrested for stabbing US-based Guyanese...

From page 13 later he was informed by some relatives that his grandson was stabbed. He said when he ventured out he saw his

grandson on the street, motionless and bleeding.

He described Lakhan as an easy-going individual and expressed sadness that his

life was taken from him just as he returned to Guyana.

He noted that the men who committed the act were not known to them but he

understands that the suspect who stabbed his grandson to death was recently released from jail for an offence he committed.

Work commences on interlink road connecting...

From page 12 taken before coming up on the Mocha to Diamond bypass road. Google map is also a viable option for persons seeking to utilize the Mocha to Eccles interlink road.

Some 12 contractors signed contracts for more than $13B last December for the construction of the Eccles to Great Diamond interlink road. The first phase of the EBD bypass road project, Mandela Avenue to

Eccles is said to be nearing completion, while the second phase of the project, Eccles to Great Diamond was separated into 12 lots with a significant portion of that link completed. Dubbed a “transformational initiative”, government officials have signaled much benefit from the bypass road. President Irfaan Ali, during the opening of the Eccles to Diamond phase, less than three months ago, not only stressed the traf-

fic ease that commuters would enjoy as a result of the alternate road, but noted that the new thoroughfare was also providing access to 300 to 400 acres of land that would be used for industrial and commercial development and the provision of employment.

The President said that plans are also being made to connect Ogle on the East Coast to Eccles on the East Bank and further onto Timehri. He noted

however that as government works to improve this type of infrastructure, commuters must acknowledge safe road use. The President warned that state agencies such as the Housing Ministry and the police are already working on ways to keep persons safe with police outposts slated for the bypass route as well as cameras that will record drivers' speed, whether they are wearing seatbelts and other roadway infractions.

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2022

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 10, 2022

Thursday March 10, 2022

West Indies spinner Narine signs for Surrey AFP - Off-spinner Sunil Narine will play for Surrey in this season’s T20 Blast, the English county side said yesterday.

The 33-year-old will arrive at The Oval following the end of the IPL, where he plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, and will be available for Surrey’s entire 2022 T20 campaign.

Narine won the World Twenty20 with the West Indies in 2012 and has been a star of the franchise circuit, where he has won several domestic tournaments including the IPL, Caribbean Premier League and Bangladesh Premier League.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play for Surrey in the Vitality Blast this year; one of the few competi-

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Surrey stint - West Indies spinner Sunil Narine.

(AFP/Jewel SAMAD)

tions around the world I’ve not experienced in my career,” Narine told Surrey’s website.

“The stint I enjoyed with (The Hundred team) Oval Invincibles in 2021 gave me a

taste of how unique playing in front of a packed Kia Oval crowd really is.” Narine has made 122 international appearances but last played for the West Indies in 2019.

Thursday March 10, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A great sense of duty toward your fellow humans is likely to drive your actions, Aries. Think of yourself as an important role model for young people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There is a strong wave of power coming your way, so be careful how you handle it, Libra. You're extra prone to injuries and accidents of an explosive nature.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) There is a negative intensity about the day that is only going to get worse if you continue this stubbornness about every issue that comes your way, Taurus.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your energy is likely to operate in extreme bursts, Scorpio. One minute you may be lethargic and the next you're ready to run a marathon.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Whether or not you willingly participate, you'll certainly play a key role in the action, Gemini. At times you'll feel like the pivotal player whose actions decide the fate of the game.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You might want to put on your suit of armor as soon as you wake up, Sagittarius.

An all-out battle is raging out there, and it could seem like everyone has picked you as the main target.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) The time for planning and calculating is over, Cancer.

The time for taking aggressive action has arrived. If you don't have your armor ready, too bad.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Debates over philosophy, religion, and education are likely to turn into all-out war. Feel free to add your two cents, Capricorn.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A large force is gathering now to make a bold statement and important pledge, Leo. This kind of movement brings together generations and unites people in a revolution.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There is a burning restlessness inside you that is activated because you don't feel as if you're fulfilling your life's destiny, Virgo.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There is a tremendous amount of physical energy building within you, Aquarius. Be careful that you don't let this incredible force come out in the form .

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're sailing along and suddenly see a big ramp in front of you, Pisces. Your choice: avoid the ramp, stay on the ground where you know it's safe.

Warne memorial ser vice to be service staged at MCG on Mar ch 30 March A memorial service to honour the life of Shane Warne will be staged at the MCG on March 30.

SportsMax - A memorial service to honour the life of Shane Warne will be staged at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30.

Australia legend Warne died at the age of 52 last Friday after suffering a suspected heart attack while on holiday in his villa on the Thai island of Koh Samui. Tributes poured in from all over the world for a sporting icon, who took a remarkable 708 Test wickets during a 15-year career – second only to Muttiah Muralitharan. Warne’s family accepted the offer of a state funeral, and Victoria premier Dan Andrews on Wednesday confirmed a service will be held at the cricketer’s home ground. “There’s nowhere in the world more appropriate to farewell Warnie than the ‘G,” Andrews wrote on Twitter.

“Victorians will be able to pay tribute to Shane and his contribution [to] our state, and his sport, at a memorial service at the MCG on the

West Indies...

From page 23 DJs and a few surprise local and Regional artistes will be performing.

So it’s not just basketball, but a party. Linden is known for sports and entertainment so it is only right that my event brings the two together. 3X3 basketball is actually where sports meets entertainment, where the music never stops.”

As relates to the choice of venue, it was stated that, “For years, the basketball court in Richmond Hill has been the best facility in Linden. Sadly, as it stands, it is the only facility that is pristine in shape to host a premium basketball event. But also, the ambience at Kashif’s residence is ideal for what the 3X3 in Linden will be.”

The tournament will officially be launched next week, where sponsors and other details will be announced.

evening of March 30th.”

Flowers, cricket shirts, photographs and beer have been left where Warne’s statue stands at the MCG.

The Great Southern Stand at the famous ground will be renamed to the S. K. Warne Stand in tribute to the late, great spinner.

PAGE 22

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Ramnarine slams ton as Good Success/Sans Souci beat NSC Opener Mahase Ramnarine struck a fine century to lead Good Success/

Sans Souci combined to a comprehensive victory over Noitgedacht Sports Club

when the Seeraj Bhimsain U19 40-over competition commenced on Saturday last in

Wakenaam. Ramnarine and fellow opener Azeer Ramratan added 150 for the opening stand to put their team on course for sizeable total at G Square Cavaliers ground in Belle Plaine.

Ramratan was bowled by Joshua Melville for 58, however the left-handed Ramnarine continued to accumulate runs despite his team losing a few quick wickets in the middle order. He eventually departed for 111. Nazaam Mohamed and Shahid Mohamed put on 56 for the sixth wicket before Nazam Mohamed went for 33 while

Mahase Ramnarine Shahid Mohamed made 28 as Good Success/Sans Souci posted 257 all out in 32.4 overs. Tyron Retemiah

grabbed 4-59 from eight overs and Melville 3-35 off six overs.

Noitgedacht Sports Club were never in the hunt and were bowled out for 61 in 10 overs in reply. Nazaam Mohamed claimed 3-18 from three overs, Mohandass Surujpaul 2-6 from three overs and Aarav Sukhram 2-9 off two overs. Sunday’s fixture between Zeelandia/ Maria’s Pleasure and G Square Cavaliers was washed out. The competition which provides for two over age players per team is set to continue this weekend.

West Indies blunt England on day two BBC Sport - A mixed showing from England’s bowlers allowed West Indies to edge an attritional second day of the first Test in Antigua.

The tourists took 4-44 in the afternoon session but struggled otherwise as West Indies closed 202-4, 109 runs behind.

Without James Anderson and Stuart Broad, England were wayward with the new ball and the hosts raced to 830, captain Kraigg Brathwaite making 55 from 70 balls.

England’s seamers, helped by some poor shotmaking, wrestled back the momentum but Nkrumah Bonner and Jason Holder blunted the bowling in the final session with a watchful, unbroken stand of 75.

England had earlier added 43 runs for their last four wickets before being dismissed for 311.

Jonny Bairstow, who resumed on 109, was last man out for 140, while 20-year-old seamer Jayden Seales took 479 for the hosts at the start of a day interrupted by a series of short rain delays.

West Indies hold the edge Day one was all about whether England’s batters could respond to their Ashes humiliation. After West Indies quickly wrapped up the lowerorder in the morning session, attention turned quickly to England’s new-look bowling attack on day two.

Once England chose to look to the future and leave Anderson and Broad, their two leading wicket-takers in Tests who have shown little sign of slowing down, out of this series comparisons were always going to be made.

Ultimately, despite all taking a wicket, this seam attack of Chris Woakes, Craig

Jayden Seales celebrates another of his four wickets • Mar 08, 2022 © AFP/Getty Images Overton, Mark Wood and allrounder Ben Stokes allowed West Indies to move into the ascendency.

In the veterans’ absence, Woakes was the leader of the attack but was particularly wayward on a slow pitch with little support through the air.

Overton, opening the bowling for England for the first time, rarely threatened either side of making the first breakthrough. He had opener John Campbell caught down the leg side for 35.

Wood carried the most threat, as ever bowling with express pace.

He produced a probing spell of reverse swing after tea but Holder, who scored a double century on England’s last tour to the Caribbean, frustrated the tourists again and, having come in at 127-4 with England on top, found able support in 33-year-old Bonner, playing his 10th Test

Holder ended unbeaten on 43 and Bonner 34, ensuring West Indies hold the edge in this Test.

SCOREBOARD England 1st Innings Alex Lees lbw b Roach 4 Zak Crawley c †Da Silva b Seales 8 Joe Root (c) b Roach 13 Dan Lawrence c Blackwood b Holder 20 Ben Stokes b Seales 36 Jonny Bairstow c Holder b Joseph 140 Ben Foakes † lbw Holder 42

b

Chris Woakes c †Da Silva b Seales 28 Craig Overtonc Bonner b Seales 0 Mark Wood c Permaul b Joseph 1

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

West Indies hand champions England second loss of World Cup WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Reigning champions England face an uphill task to qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup after West Indies handed them their second defeat in their first two matches with a seven-run victory in Dunedin on Tuesday.

England’s last two batters were dismissed in the 48th over just as it looked like they would reach their victory target of 226 and West Indies celebrated again after stunning hosts New Zealand in last week’s tournament opener.

It was a first victory for West Indies against England at the World Cup and put them second behind favourites Australia in the standings for the round robin stage, from which the top four teams will progress to the semi-finals. After they had lost three top order batters in one Sophie Ecclestone (3-20) over, West Indies had Shemaine Campbelle (66) and Chedean Nation (45 not out) to thank for a fourth-wicket stand of 123 which helped them to a total of 225-6.

The islanders used eight bowlers to keep England at

bay after a screamer of a onehanded catch from Deandra Dottin off the bowling of Shamilia Connell (3-38) had removed Lauren Winfield-Hill for 12 to give them their first breakthrough.

The England tailenders, rallied by Ecclestone’s 33 not out, still looked like they would get the job done, however.

New Zealand had thought the same heading into the final over needing six runs last Friday only for Dottin to dismiss their last three batters.

This time it was spinner

Sophie Ecclestone was impressive, and her three-wicket burst gave England a good chance. (Getty Images)

Anisa Mohammed who made the key intervention in the 48th over, running out Kate Cross for 27 and three balls later bowling Anya Shrubsole for a duck to leave England 218 all out.

“It is not something I like,” West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor said of the dramatic finishes.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking for me but I’m really happy that we turned out on the right side.”

England, who lost their opening game to Australia by 12 runs, will have little respite over the next 11 days with the second-ranked South Africans, fourth-ranked India and hosts New Zealand their next three opponents.

Skipper Heather Knight (Cotinued on page 21)

Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle celebrate the dismissal of Amy Jones, England vs West Indies, Women’s World Cup, Dunedin, March 9, 2022 © Getty Images

PAGE 24

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic Big Boss Girls win Strikers Sports tipped for Linden on April 23 Club Anniversary Dominoes Stanton Rose Jr in action against Guardians, during the February 19 – 20 Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic.

Following a successful hosting of the Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic on February 19 – 20 at the Burnham Basketball Court in Georgetown, a decision was made to take the one-of-a-kind event to Linden.

Organiser, Sports Journalist, Rawle Toney, via a press release, announced the tournament will be held on April 23 at the residence of National Award-winning promoter and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad, in Richmond Hill.

With Linden celebrating 52 years as a Town, the tournament will mark the start of the week-long series of events to commemorate the occasion.

According to Toney, eight teams will participate in the first 3X3 tournament in Linden in well over a decade.

Each team will receive $25,000 as an appreciation for participating, as well as uniforms. The winning team will go home with $100,000, second place $50,000 and third place $30,000.

Toney pointed out that the idea is to also take the unique event, which fuses entertainment with basketball, to Linden as a means of helping to resuscitate the game in the community.

“Nothing is being done in Linden with regards to organised sports, let alone basketball. As it relates to basketball specifically, nothing has been played months

before the pandemic in 2020.

So we’re heading to almost three years of inactivity. I hope that this will spark some interest to have basketball playing again in Linden,” Toney said.

He also explained that, “At the tournament in February, I had a few teams from Linden, while some players from Linden made up teams in Georgetown. Two teams from Linden played in the finals. So there’s certainly a buzz for basketball still in Linden.”

Meanwhile, with the event also forming part of Linden’s celebration of 52 years since becoming a Town, Toney said, “On the entertainment side, most of Guyana’s top (Continued on page 21)

Candace Gravesande presents the Grace Kennedy Remittance Services Ltd. First place trophy to captain of the Big Boss Girls, Charlyn Barnwell with elated team members and organizer of the tourney.

It was a day of excitement as Strikers Sports Club celebrated its 13th Anniversary on Saturday last at its headquarters.

They hosted a six all female team two round Points System Aggregate Domino Tourney in honour of this milestone.

The teams that participated were Hammer, Turning Point, Big Girls, Spartan Girls, Cody Girls and Big Boss Girls with the latter coming victorious with the maximum 10 points.

Big Girls came in second with 8 points, while Spartan Girls came in third with seven

points, Hammer got fourth, Cody Girls was fifth and Turning Point brought up the rear.

Prizes, hampers and trophies were awarded to all six participating teams in what was deemed a first in which all participating teams were rewarded financially.

Donations in the form of trophies came from Grace Kennedy Remittance Services, Luminous Consultancy and Electrical Services and Shaila Johnson for the first, second and third places respectively, while Ansa McAL contributed hampers and Clifton Electronics donated one Black & Decker Iron for

the MVP. The recipients of prizes were Valerie Fortune who was adjudged Most Valuable Player (One Hamper and one Black & Decker Iron), ladies sharing loves in the competition were Neiberth Hale of Big Girls, Charlyn Barnwell and Lorraine Reid of Big Boss Girls, Rita Scarder of Spartan Girls and Jane Chase of Hammer.

Orinthia Bishop of Spartan Girls, Claire Benjamin of Cody Girls and Susan Collymore of Turning Point received hampers for amassing the highest games in their respective teams.

Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

Sports Minister engages with youth boxers

Eagles' Quacy Matheson receives the Champions trophy.

Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr engages the Under-16 boxers training at the Six Head Lewis Gym in Albouystown in a push up challenge.

The Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport (MCYS), Charles Ramson, visited the Andrew 'Six Head' Lewis boxing gym in Albouystown yesterday afternoon where he interacted with the youngsters who are preparing for this weekend's Pepsi Mike Parris under-16 tourney at the same venue.

Ramson was accompanied by officials of the Sports Ministry and the National Sports Commission (NSC), inclusive of Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, who is also the President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA).

Ramson gave the youths some encouraging words and even engaged them in a pushup competition after pledging his

support to the development of Boxing in Guyana.

In an invited comment with Kaieteur, Ninvalle mentioned that the interaction lifted the spirits of the young pugilists, and he expects this weekend's second Pepsi Mike Parris competition to be more fiercely competed. Ninvalle revealed that each month there will be a total of two under-16 fight tournaments which will help develop the boxers and keep them sharp as Guyana is set to defend their Caribbean Schoolboys & Juniors' overall title this August. However, the constant competition will not stop there, it will continue beyond with the aim being for consistent competition locally.

Six teams participated in a two-zone play-off in the Lennie Schuffler birth anniversary male volleyball tournament – Rollers, Castrol, GDF, Bartica, PMTC and Eagles – but in the end, after much toil, the Eagles were able to spread their wings and come out as champions.

PMTC defeated Bartica 25-18, 22-25, 15-12 while Eagles defeated GDF 25-22, 25-20 to advance to the final.

The best-of-five encounter saw Eagles defeating PMTC 25-18, 13-25, 21-25, 25-22

and 12-15, to claim the firstplace trophy.

The best setter trophy went to Dester Hoppie of Eagles, Best Libero to Jarred Jhingree of PMTC, and MVP to Adriel Moore of Eagles. Bartica defeated GDF 30 -26 to earn the thirdp l a c e t r o p h y .

In a statement coming out from the Guyana Volleyball Federation GVF), President Levi Nedd said, “The GVF is grateful for the tournament sponsored by the two sponsors, along with Lennie Schuffler who was

Eagles emerge as champions in Lennie Schuffler birth anniversary tournament t h e r e t o g i v e encouragement. The final was of a very high standard: we had some thrilling games; Bartica showcased some talent against GDF and PMTC. They crept up on PMTC and could have edged them out, but PMTC did the latter. The final also was of a very high standard as it went right down to five sets which showed that male volleyball is on the move in Guyana.”

Trophies were donated

by Andy's Lumber and Wood Working and I and R Construction.

Nkrumah Bonner strapped in for the long haul Mar 08, 2022 © Getty Images

rt o p S

Kraigg Brathwaite scored the quickest half-century of his Test career Mar 08, 2022 © Getty Images.

West Indies blunt England on day two Anisa Mohammed leads the West Indies victory sprint after her sensational last over. (Getty Images)

Shemaine Campbelle and Hayley Matthews played starring roles inWest Indies' win. (Getty Images)

West Indies hand champions England second loss of World Cup Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic tipped for Linden on April 23 p. 22