Kaieteur News
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Monday March 14, 2022
EPA greenlights US$35M wind project at Hope Beach - DEVELOPERS AIMING FOR OVER 50 PERCENT LOCAL OWNERSHIP By Kiana Wilburg The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the green light for the Hope Wind Farm Project, which is estimated to cost approximately US$35M. According to documents lodged with the regulator, the planned wind farm represents the first substantial utility-scale renewable energy project to be implemented in Guyana. The base-case scenario calls for six wind turbines, each of 4.2MW capacity, for a total 25.2 MW wind farm capacity. The 25.2MW wind farm will generate over 80GWh per year, to be delivered to the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) grid according to the terms of a Power Purchase Agreement and Grid Interconnection Agreement. Importantly, the Hope Wind Farm is a pilot project that will inform all stakeholders on what is required to build and operate a wind farm in Guyana and
how to integrate this energy into GPL’s grid. The project will confirm the promising performance of wind energy, reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and its associated emissions of CO2, pollutants, and reduce substantial foreign exchange loss due to fuel imports. The wind farm will generate local jobs in construction operation and maintenance of a renewable energy facility. Specifically, the project is expected to result in a 10% Reduction in GPL’s fuel oil generation requirement and 10% reduction in pollutants emitted by Georgetown located HFO generators (and impact to the city population), and 10% reduction in GHG emitted which is a significant step towards Guyana’s Paris Agreement commitments. There is also expected to be a reduction in foreign exchange losses for fuel imports by over US$10 million per year. The leases, all project rights, assets, and
liabilities are owned by Hope Wind Energy Inc (HWE), which is a whollyowned subsidiary of Hope Energy Development Inc (HED), a project development company owned by a partnership comprising Guyanese, Danish and Trinidadian i n t e r e s t s . T h e Environmental Permit application will be held in the name of Hope Wind Energy Inc (HWE). Once the project is ready to start construction and all financing is in place, Kaieteur News understands that additional Guyanese investors will be invited to participate, with the aim of achieving more than 50% Guyanese ownership of HWE and the project. The developers noted that local ownership of renewable energy projects for the long term is an important consideration in maximising the benefits for G u y a n a ’s e c o n o m y. Furthermore, this newspaper understands that the Hope
Wind Farm leases are for 50 years. It is the expectation of the developers that the site will remain a wind farm generation facility in the foreseeable future. The PROJECT SITE The project is poised to be located on a 27-acre state owned lease at Hope Beach (HB), and private leases at
Chapman’s Grove (CHG), some 28km and 30km, r e s p e c t i v e l y, S E o f Georgetown’s centre. The HB lease is the location of four wind turbines, on the seaward side of the existing seawall, North of the plantations: Hope, Douchfour, Two Friends, Anns Grove, Clonbrook and
Beehive. The CHG lease is the location of two additional wind turbines, on coconut plantation lands inboard of the seawall, bounding Unity Village (see Figure 5-1). The project falls under the jurisdiction of the GroveHaslington Neighbourhood Continued on page 3
Kaieteur News
Monday March 14, 2022
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Civil society pools funds to fight tax giveaway case …as Guyanese pay for Exxon’s legal fees By Zena Henry
B
ased on the arrangements in t h e 2 0 1 6 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between oil giant, Exxon Mobil and the Government of Guyana (GOG), the country will pay all legal fees incurred by the oil company regarding challenges directly related to their operations. This of course, would include the court matter brought against the state by Kaieteur News’ Publisher, Glenn Lall, where E x x o n ’s s u b s i d i a r y, Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has decided to become party to the matter given its particular interests. But, even as Guyana is contractually obligated to pay the legal costs for the oil major, civil society persons have been pooling their resources to help Lall mount the court challenge. This is according to Lall who told this newspaper that it was the coming together of three persons that saw the legal challenge moving forward. “Yes, it was three persons who contributed to the (legal) fees, myself included. We came together and we each put one, one million to take this thing to the court.” The Kaieteur News publisher is of the firm view that under the country’s petroleum law, exemptions of value-added, duty and excise tax among others, to operators other than the licensee are against existing legislation. Lall filed the High Court case back in January challenging what he describes as some of the
most repressive tax provisions of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. Prepared and filed by his Attorney, Mohamed R. Ali, the legal document outlines among other things that many of the provisions listed under Article 15.1 of the Petroleum Agreement, dated June 27, 2016 between the Guyana Government and the oil companies, grants exemptions to persons other than licensees, which violates the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, the Financial Administration (and Audit) Act, the Prevention of Discrimination Act, and the Constitution. Through his lawyer, Lall contends that the provisions are unlawful, null and void, and of no legal effect. With respect to violations of the Petroleum Law, Lall further contends that this occurs at Article 15.1 of the oil contract which states: “…no tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge or other impost shall be levied at the date hereof or from time to time thereafter on the Contractor or Affiliated Companies, in respect of income derived from Petroleum Operations or in respect of any property held, transactions undertaken or activities performed for any purpose authorised or contemplated hereunder…” Where it is also stated in the Agreement that, “Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in
this Article, Affiliated Companies or NonResident Sub-Contractors shall not be subject to the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Cap 81:01) and Corporation Tax Act of Guyana (Cap 81:03) during the exploration period on income earned in Guyana for any given tax year if the Affiliated Company or NonResident Sub-Contractors have conducted business for one hundred eightythree (183) days or less on a cumulative basis in the tax year of assessment,” the Attorney flagged those for legal inconsistencies. Apart from these and other areas of legal contention, Lall has charged the reason behind the court challenge to the extent of which the provisions of the petroleum contract creates oppressive circumstances that hinder locals as well as the extent to which it breaches the laws. Lall is concerned about the severe impact the contract’s provision will have on the nation’s ability to satisfactorily benefit from the oil resource. “When you take into account the cost of these provisions to the country, the enormous revenue Guyana is giving away and the impact it can have and it will have on the country and its citizens, it is unimaginable. It must therefore be challenged,” he insisted. Lall pointed out that according to the Audit General’s report, in 2020 alone Guyana lost some US$720M in taxes. This
EPA greenlights US$35M wind... From page 2 Democratic Council (NDC). The 50 year HB lease was awarded on March 9, 2007 by the then President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, specifically for industrial purposes: the establishment of a wind farm for electricity generation. The open lands between the seawall and the Demerara-Berbice main road at Hope Beach belong to the Hope Estate, and are designated for agricultural use, not to be developed for housing as the area is required as a holding basin for water discharge during heavy rains. CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLEAN AIR With most of the population in Guyana living 1m below mean high-tide Guyana is highly exposed to the effects of climate change. The project is therefore expected to reduce 10% of GPL’s Carbon Dioxide (CO2) footprint from power generation, offsetting some 60,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, and reducing harmful pollutants associated with
burning of HFO fuels at GPL’s plants in and near Georgetown. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a notice to the nation last week said that Hope Wind Farm Project at Hope Beach and Chapman’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, Region Four was approved pursuant to Section 12 of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, based on the following: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) fully complied with the Terms and Scope which were set by the EPA in consideration of the submissions made by members of the public; The EIA had adequately addressed the views and feedback expressed by members of the public and other stakeholders during consultations and the statutory sixty (60) day public review period; The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) adequately assessed the potential adverse effects or risks posed by the project, and the Environmental Mitigation Plan contained therein, proposed appropriate and adequate measures to mitigate the same.
Glenn Lall during one of the many protest action against the current oil and gas agreement. equates to more than 1.4 billion Guyana dollars. The publisher told the newspaper that where the matter is concerned, it is the role of civil society on full display. He said that even as the monies to challenge the repressive exemptions are being pooled by ordinary citizens and Exxon is having their legal fees paid for by the Guyanese people in the PSA’s recoverable costs outlines, he is prepared for the long haul since he deeply believes that Guyana deserves more for their oil resources. The PSA specifies that, “All costs and expenses of
litigation and legal or related series necessary or expedient for the procuring, perfecting, retention and protection of the contract area and in defending or prosecuting lawsuits involving the contract area or any third party claim arising out of the activities under the agreement or sums paid in respect to legal services necessary or expedient for the protection of the interest of the parties are recoverable. Where legal services are rendered in such matters by salaried or regularly retained lawyers of the contractor or an affiliated company of the parties
comprising contractor, such compensation will be included instead under subsection 3, 1 (B) or 3.1(D) above as applicable.” Subsection 3, 1(B) speaks to labour and associated labour costs and 3, 1 (D) speaks to third party contracts. If there is an oil spill and ExxonMobil is sued, Guyana will also pay the price. ExxonMobil is a veteran in the oil and gas industry and a global power house. This mega company is well known for dwelling in profit margins that dwarfs the size of some country’s Gross Domestic Product.
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Monday March 14, 2022
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
Political paranoia and societal amnesia There is a position that continues to make the rounds. As these things flare, they are best left alone, because of the settled mindsets of many Guyanese, no progress is made. This is true of cunning leaders, who make a crooked living cultivating such outlooks on local politics that suit their purposes. It is that when criticisms, or objections, or frank reporting, are placed in the public domain, there are cries of foul. The clamour is what about dealing in the same manner with others, and meaning the foes on the other side, when they were in power. Though we recognize the customary politicking, now a settled part of domestic political culture, it is still sickening to hear this hogwash being bandied about under the false flags of “selective” and ‘bias’ and ‘naysayers.’ Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler made good use of some of those same words and positions (or words close in meaning to them), with many of their own people paying dearly for their honesty and bravery. This has to be the height of leader and supporter delusion, and of well-practiced amnesia, since the facts and record are there to prove who is lying, and who are the ones that have been consistently about truth and fairness and what is just for all Guyanese. The truths are that when political parties and their leaders, as well as their supporters, find themselves in the rolls of the opposition, they are excited by what this publication has been about in going after facts and figures with ferocious dedication to duty. Leaders and supporters, when in opposition, are content to standby and allow Kaieteur News to lead the charge from the front, and take the blows from the government of the day. We have had our share of such blows, and continue to experience them today. The facts are that when the APNU occupied the opposition benches, it was lazy and desultory. It was this paper that took the bull by the horns and went to bat, not for what was helpful to the opposition, but what was right for the Guyanese people, and what was in keeping with our professional calling to pursue truths and facts. And also, what was in line with our vision to bring the full truth, and nothing but the truth to citizens. But how quickly do Guyanese, the APNU coalition and its loyalists, forget, or pretend to forget. For when it was the APNU coalition’s turn to command the corridors of power, the then opposition PPP/C was pleased to allow us to do the heavy lifting. We at this paper did so, with one damning exposure tumbling on the heels of the other, relative to what is now universally admitted as one of the worst oil contract in the history of mankind, if not the absolute worst; along with corruptions and malpractices. No other publication, print or otherwise has dedicated resources to highlight the one-sided nature of our signed oil contract, and what it means for Guyanese. Our energies and revelations were not for the benefit of the opposition PPP/C, but for all the Guyanese people. Moreover, during the stormy and dispute-plagued 2020 elections, the record of our efforts are there for all to read and hear. Every channel in the Kaieteur network, inclusive of newspaper, radio, and social media, was utilised to shed light on what was happening. Our coverage, programmes, and staffing, plus guests from all over, were focused on getting to the bottom of our troubles, and ventilating them for public consumption. This was not for the advantage of the PPP/C opposition, but what was true to the ideals of the democracy that all say that they aspire to, but apparently only during elections, and when they emerge victorious. Now that the fight is continuing, with holding the feet of leaders in today’s PPP/C Government to the fire, there are these outbursts of bias and unfairness. When we insist on doing our job as watchdogs for democracy’s truths and standards, without fear or favour, we hear it. It means that we must be doing right. It is why we plan to continue with what has worked for Guyana throughout our working history.
Freddie Kissoon replies to Stabroek News’ accusation Dear Editor, I am submitting this letter to the four dailies because an important principle of journalism is involved. I expect the offending newspaper, the Stabroek News, to publish my explanation. If the newspaper does not, I will expect to see the logical reaction from other organisations and the Guyana Press Association. With the photograph of the editor-in-chief (eic) on a Stabroek News Meta (facebook) posting, here is what was written about me: “Plagiarism of SN material by Kaieteur News …continues unabated….Freddie Kissoon published a section of a court story without attribution….” This is not true. It is deliberately misleading. The eic of SN does not have an academic background so he may not be familiar with the origin and meaning of
plagiarism. The term came from academia. It denotes the publication of any form of material that was not acknowledged as belonging to others with the intention of the person to make it appear that it originated from him/her. Here is a hypothetical example of plagiarism. A columnist writing about the Barbadian Prime Minister wrote: “her radiant smile evokes the calm waves of the beautiful Caribbean Sea”. If those very words were published by another columnist, named John Jones, then the columnist should have stated that those words came from John Jones. In writing about the court case, I was unambiguous in stating my source. I said, “as reported in the press.” The eic of SN has been around a long time in journalism to know that the words, “as reported in the
press” has been standard practice in global journalism long, long ago. Today the word, “media” is substituted for “press.” Not frequently but almost daily we see on television and read in the newspapers, famous sporting personalities and global figures being quoted by editors, journalists, columnists and anchors, with the words, “has been quoted as saying.” Let me offer another hypothetical example. “Chris Gayle told a radio station he is retiring.” It doesn’t say which radio station but it stated that Gayle spoke publicly. Here is another example we find almost daily around the world, “Jane Smith is quoted as saying that she will no longer visit Australia.” Now that could have come from Smith’s friend’s Facebook page, a newspaper or a radio
station or a television interview. The media is under no obligation to state where a quote came from once it is acknowledged that the person spoke or wrote what is quoted. It is important to note that once the television station, the radio station and the newspaper published the fact that the person’s words are in the media then that is not plagiarism. Plagiarism is an entirely different affair. I have spent 43 years in journalism and I know at an absolute level that court cases are mentioned by editors and columnists which they say: “as reported in the press.” I will continue to do so. It is a choice of mine if I want to say where I got the material from. In court cases I don’t think that is necessary simply because that is the nature of court cases. In (Continued on page 5)
What is keeping govt. from correcting “gross mistakes” Dear Editor, It is time for our leaders (both past and present) to stop pussy-footing around ExxonMobil executives and stand up for what is just and fair for the citizens of this country - Guyana. The PNC/R+AFC coalition - whether knowingly or unknowingly - sold this
country’s giant oil resources for pennies while the Oil Companies are smiling all the way to their banks. Now the present administration in government is trying to bamboozle us (it’s citizens) by siding with ExxonMobil and the other oil companies that refuse to pay their fair share of taxes in
Guyana, saying it is a private law meaning it is in contract between Guyana and ExxonMobil. Now the question on everyone’s mind is why is the PPP/C administration so bent on fighting its citizens through the efforts of Mr. Glenn Lall who is trying to right the wrongs done to
Guyanese. Is there some kind of surreptitious reason that prevents the PPP/C Government from correcting this gross mistake by the previous administration or are they also guilty of falling for kickbacks from the wily? Sincerely, Gloria Holder
Vladimir Putin - a global danger Dear Editor, I am concerned with the menace represented by this man Vladimir Putin, who the more I study him, the more there is recalling of a German leader from 90 years ago. The parallels are there; so, too, are the imminent dangers that could mushroom from the mind of a man increasingly cornered, and left with less and less options to claw at and get back at his tormentors. I think the largely unified front of Europe caught him off guard, and the fact that it continues to hold, is a source of distress for him. He is playing the Iranian card gingerly, while fully at home with China and North Korea being as one with him. The former works with any ally to break the Yankee hegemony, while the latter houses another megalomaniac in the image of the Russian strongman. He is a strongman unlike Nikita Khrushchev, who had to contend with a Kremlin politburo that was less handpicked, and vigilant about ‘red lines’ being crossed. The German leader that was alluded to earlier surrounded himself in
identical fashion with those who would follow into the gates of hell without question or limit or conflicted state. And look where that nation (and the world) ended up, with the flower of Europe’s youth bled on the battlefields. Unlike the German (considered incorrect by the purists actually to name him, so I disguise), who had only what bombarded and battered London, Comrade Putin possesses the ultimate weapons. When men are cornered desperation may trigger the urge to get first jump, and unleash the unthinkable and unwinnable on the world. The German didn’t hesitate with his V-1 and V-2 rockets; and it is all but guaranteed if he had those mushroom cloud ones, he wouldn’t have hesitated. I loathe saying this, even thinking about it, but I am wary regarding where Comrade Putin could take this. As a judoka, and one with that fearsome KGB aura, I think he has gone past the stage of bravura. He is now fully committed to seeing this through to wherever it leads. It is more than Ukraine, and now Europe has to be
growing increasingly unsettled. After all, Sarajevo was that little spark that led to the first global conflagration. This is severely troubling, for we are not immune though all the way over here. Editor, I sense a man believing that the walls are closing in, and this is regardless of the next developments in Ukraine. The more sanctions there are, and the deeper they pierce, the less he has to lose. He is so far gone already, there could be the greatest difficulty stopping, much less turning back. His history is that of a man, who will fight to the death; his story is that of someone, who feels isolated, and the world is against him. Stronger men have made mistakes under lesser circumstances, and the pressures they inflict. Mr. Putin has not been cautious, and he is growing more nervous, definitely increasingly callous. This is a leader who will take serious risks and gamble with the winds of destiny. Better men than him have made the same mistakes. Currently, we are still in the
throes of pestilence, but now we have war, and from that comes creeping levels of starvation. It is the perfect storm of the frighteningly devastating. Though I am less inclined to subscribe to, or prioritise, any talk about the end, the chalkboard is there, and it has some alarming writing. Some are experiencing the realities of that writing. They are feeling the first pinches in flour and gas, with more certain to come, even if only trickledown and crosscurrent effects; except that trickle is not the best of words, given how some Guyanese already exist. Thank God for the PPP/C Government provided respite in electricity and water bills. Those will help, but for how long and how much is still a work in progress. Guyanese take whatever they get, and grimace under the duress of the rest. As I break my wilderness fast, I don’t like where the world is poised today, and where escalations could take all into unknown Armageddon(s). May it not be so, may there be sparing. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Monday March 14, 2022
Why the silence on Sugar Estates non-reopening Dear Editor, Reference is made to news on closure of Enmore Packaging Plant (Mar 7) and GAWU response (KN March 12). GAWU is standing up for workers’ rights unlike some activists as it demands answers on terms and conditions of lease arrangements. I distinctly recall ‘Indian rights activists’ lambasting the coalition government over the closure of four sugar estates that resulted in some 7,500 workers being sent home. The closure also impacted thousands of other jobs tied to the functioning of the estates in those communities. Small businesses were also forced to close as residents lacked spending power to support shopkeepers. Over 40,000 families or some 160,000 mouths or 20% of the population were impacted. Indian rights activists justifiably condemned the coalition for closing the estates without providing alternate source of income for affected workers. I too assailed the coalition for its action that came across as heartless. I voted for the coalition and never thought they would discriminate against people and put them out of work. During the election campaign and as written in the manifesto, the PPP committed to re-opening the four estates and re-hiring the 7,500 terminated workers plus thousands more. Some eighteen months into government, the PPP has not re-opened any of the four estates. The Vice President said Wales will become an industrial complex; so far no one is hired there. The government hired 450 workers in 2020 at three estates and terminated 200 by the end of 2021. Letters were sent out to the remaining 250 that they would be reassigned to the three functioning estates. Clearly, the three estates will not be reopened and over 7,000 workers, almost all supporters
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Kaieteur News
of PPP, will remain without jobs. The government also announced a plan to restructure Uitvlugt into ethanol and corn production; this will result in thousands more losing their jobs. The Enmore Sugar Packaging Plant has been closed with the staff losing their income. Land at Enmore has been given away to friends of politicians. Almost the entire sugar industry fraternity voted PPP. Why aren’t the sugar workers protesting the non re-opening of the four estates? Their party, not the coalition, is refusing to reopen them. Is the PPP saying the coalition was right to shut down the four estates? The government says Wales will become an industrial complex. When? How should the 2,000 workers of Wales and their families survive? Why aren’t the Indian rights activists speaking out now against the government that is supposed to represent the rights of sugar workers? They were vociferous in their voice in 2017 but lost their tongue now. Some persons claimed they advanced plans to save the four sugar estates in 2017 but the coalition didn’t listen. Why aren’t they pressuring the PPP administration to consider their plan to rescue sugar? The duo suggested and advocated that the land of the four estates be allocated to the workers. The land is being doled out to government friends. Some are criticising the government on its policy, why aren’t they championing their proposal for government to lease the land to sugar workers for cane production or some other crops? Yours truly, Samuel Gittens
Overconsumption and soil health Dear Editor, The recent discussion on soil depletion reminds me of the famine experienced in the western United States in the past. History has shown us that over farming the land and not allowing it to rest, results in a period where it doesn’t bring forth enough produce. If we also look at the per capita consumption of produce from the farms, it is clear that there isn’t an even distribution of
produced goods; and overconsumption and waste have resulted in an increased gap between those who have and those who have not. If we keep a long-term perspective in mind, our contribution to the resolution of this global problem must first start with the reduction of waste in our supply chain for agricultural products. In addition, the rotation of our farmed lands to ensure rest and rejuvenation will
Isn’t rape a serious crime? Dear Editor, The headline boldly declares ‘serious crime down but rape cases doubled in 2021’ (SN Mar 12), with statistics to back the claim. The headline claim begs the question what constitutes a serious crime? Isn’t rape a serious, heinous crime? It is quite alarming and a matter of concern the number
of cases reported almost daily of this hateful and abhorrent act committed, particularly on underage children. It is noted the story which follows the one above in the same publication tells about the number of domestic violence reports made last year. This is another serious and despicable crime. Shamshun Mohamed
An appeal to the Traffic Chief Dear Editor, I am a resident of Massy Road, Providence who have no choice but to use the short drop car park on a daily basis. When I first moved into the scheme the fare from the head of Massy road to the scheme was $100. The drivers who are working this scheme have become very abusive to passengers. A few months ago, there was a video posted on the page of a very popular social media personality of a passenger being verbally and physically abused by one of the said drivers. Most of the drivers who work the scheme are not hire car drivers rather they operate private cars. During the week after 6pm and on Sundays, the fare
increases to $200 and if you refuse to pay this then you are left stranded and or abused. There is no order on this car park and I’m not even sure if this car park was approved by the NDC and or the Guyana Police Force . Recently the tyres of a bus that was being driven by a woman who decided to work the scheme was reportedly slashed by some of these drivers. Most of them can be seen drinking and smoking while having passengers in their vehicles. They also play loud profanity laced music while having school children in their vehicles. I am appealing to the Traffic Chief to kindly look into this matter. Concerned resident
help with its longevity. Some are of the opinion that chemical fertilisers are still needed. This may be so in the short term, but this method accelerates the extraction of nutrients from the soil, leading to a shorter timetable where resting the land is necessary. Keeping traditional agricultural methods in place, where cattle and other grazing livestock is added to the land rotation to maintain the organic strength and health of the land will ensure a longer and sustainable useful life of the soil being used for agricultural purposes. As mentioned, food waste continues to be prevalent and Nigeria is a good example of where there is opportunity. They rank in the lower half of food consumption, yet are at the top of the list of countries that waste food in Africa. On a global scale, over 30% of food is wasted. Compared to 10% of the world suffering from hunger and 30% of people who have a lower level
of quality of food. However, it should be noted that studies have also shown that the world produces enough food to feed more than the current population of the earth. Thus confirming that we are overproducing. As stated earlier, the current farming methods have led to soil depletion due to over usage of the land and aggressive nutrient extraction. Reverting to traditional methods of farming with an emphasis on land rotation and organic methods for sustained longevity of the useful life of the land will ensure that first and foremost our people remain healthy and secondly, that we get top dollar for our produce on the world market. We must place the health of our people at the forefront of our decision making. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
Freddie Kissoon replies to... From page 4 politics, business, governmental affairs, etc., the yardstick is different. Because of the nature of the subject, it is an option if the newspaper wants to state the source of the remark. If the President tells the Department of Public Information (DPI) that there will be a bridge linking Suriname and Guyana, that announcement is news and the newspaper do not have to state that the
President spoke to DPI. I don’t know if SN feels it will score points by picking on me but countless times I read where SN made news stories that originated from the mouths of ministers on DPI and did not state they came from DPI. I end in the hope that journalistic requirements are adhered to and SN publishes my response. Frederick Kissoon 614-5927
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Kaieteur News
Honesty and integrity are still hallmarks of a truly successful business Dear Editor, It is said that a successful business or anything successful is built on honesty and integrity! When it crumbles or appears to be crumbling then these two important elements are surely lacking. On Thursday 3, March, a letter was published by Kaieteur News and signed by yours truly. I mentioned the
royal “run -around” that I got from GTT after my phone and internet stopped working on Wednesday, 9th February after being on and off since the beginning of the very month. In that letter, I mentioned that the matter was reported on the very day, to 097 and a reference #2334088 was given. I even mentioned that subsequent calls and visits to GTT
proved futile. An issue that could have been fixed in less than two minutes took almost a month due to the incompetence, which stemmed from a misdiagnosis of the issue, as is a regular occurrence by this company in cases faced by me and others before. The entire content of my letter are THE FACTS about what occurred. What is disturbing, is the
content of a letter published in this News Outlet on Friday, March 4, 2022 and signed by someone (name provided) on behalf of GTT. This was brought to my attention only recently by persons who are knowledgeable about the facts of the matter. I was shocked by what I read. There are three points mentioned in that letter which I would like to deal with.
(1) This person states that I reported the issue on February 24, 2022, when in fact it was reported on February 9, which is the very day the phone and internet stopped working. The last call from me to GTT was on Tuesday, 22nd February 2022. That call was made due to the report given to me by the two workers from the cable crew, as they were working nearby and I had to inform them of the issue on Sunday, 20th February. They checked and they found “No damage CABLE” unlike what was reported by a technician. I believe them. They didn’t have to fix anything. The last call on February 22 was made after they (cable crew) told me that a technician would come within the next 24 hours to check around the phone in the house as there’s where the problem seems to be but up to this date never did. So I had called to inquire why, since it was 48 hours later and was told that the technician report of “CABLE problem” is still in their Database. Now, how can I report the issue on February 24 but it was checked on February 20 by the workers who had it on their list and database? Are we dealing with TIME TRAVELLERS? How can they have gotten the report before it was reported? Between February 9 - 22, 31 phone calls were made to various numbers connected to GTT, three visits to N/A Business office and four visits to the workstation were also made with no results. I have it all written down. During the said period, other persons including those in societal authority tried to help but to no avail. Every time I called 0907, the operator would mention the date of the first report (9/2/2022). You see February 24 would make it look good on GTT’s side as it falls within the 7 - 8 days
grace period given to them by the PUC to respond (didn’t even happen). I was and am, still hurt and angry about this statement. How can trust be gain like this? I had no intention to let it ride. Honesty is the best policy! My previous letter is there for everyone to see. Some persons would go to any extent to cover their faults. Due to the company’s track record, we can’t expect better. (2) It was stated that work commenced before the letter was published, to restore my service on March 2, 2022. What work commenced? The only thing that was done by GTT was the checking done on the CABLE BOX on the post by the two helpful workers on February 20 after I spotted them working nearby and asked them to help. They didn’t have to fix anything as everything was fine on their side. A technician was to be sent in 24 hours, none came. On Wednesday, March 3, I had to purchase and install a new phone cord adaptor. It’s a device on which the phone cord is attached to, then it’s plugged into the wall jack, in the house. As I had mentioned, it was suggested by a retired technician to check the adaptor since the phone would go on and off when the phone cord is gently pulled. I was advised to buy a new adaptor as the previous was faulty. This was done after March 2 since no one turned up as promised. My phone and internet became fully functional again on Thursday 3, March, and not on 2, March as was stated, since on that date it was still problematic. I fixed the very simple issue, not GTT as they want the public to believe. (3) She claimed that they contacted me on March 3 and (Continued on page 9)
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‘EPA doing guesswork’ - environmentalist says agency lacks data to conclude 12-well drilling campaigns will not harm environment By Davina Bagot The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has waived the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be done by oil giant, ExxonMobil that is gearing to start two 12-well drilling campaigns in the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In doing so however, the agency did not provide the data it used to reach this conclusion. Instead, the EPA in notices to the public informed that its screening of the application for the various projects have found that they will not significantly affect the environment or human health. But in the absence of baseline information on fish and mammal life cycle and migratory patterns among others, where the activities are scheduled to take place, Environmentalist Simone MangalJoly has questioned the reasoning behind the EPA’s decision to waive the impact assessment requirement. In a letter to the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) which was seen by this newspaper, Mangal-Jolly said, “…the agency
lacks the relevant empirical data required to conclude that the proposed drilling activities are not likely to significantly impact the natural environment or Guyana’s offshore fish populations and fisheries sector.” Mangal-Joly went on to explain the EPA must be in possession of adequate information before it can decide that a proposed activity will not significantly affect the environment. In this regard, she noted that there is no recorded evidence anywhere, in any EIA already completed, or baseline studies conducted offshore, of the locations of coral reefs and fish nurseries relative to existing drill sites and/or proposed exploratory drill sites and deep-sea current and seabed contour information. The Environmentalist reasoned, “There is no baseline information in any of the baseline studies to which the applications refer on fish and mammal life cycle and migratory patterns, and the extent and full economic and socioeconomic value of offshore related fisheries or near shore fisheries affected by offshore oil and gas
logistic activities. There are no baseline biological assays of fish, biomarkers of fish population and communities, or any related monitoring and evaluation data for these and other relevant parameters in and around areas where production and exploratory drilling is in progress or has been concluded.” Moreover she pointed out that the impacts of Kaieteur and Canje multi-well drilling activities scheduled to run from 2022-2027, cannot be disassociated from the Stabroek-25 well, Stabroek 12well, Canje 3-well, Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, Payara, and Yellowtail developments or the activities of other oil and gas actors offshore. Mangal-Joly reminded that the EPA Act in Section 17 requires a cumulative impact assessment. For this, adequate data must be available on the specific and relative locations of each activity, sensitive ecological features, as well as biophysical parameters such as ocean currents, and interactions among all these parameters, she said. As a consequence,
Environmentalist Simone MangalJoly has argued that the regulator body must furnish the public with the screening reports for the drilling campaigns, as these documents are presently not available to the public. In a letter to the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB), the specialist explained “as of today March 11, 2021, I have not been able to find the screening report for the Kaieteur drilling campaign under the Screening Reports link on the EPA’s website or under the EEPGL (Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited) documents link. You are aware that these reports ought to be available for the full statutory 30-day period in which the public may examine the EPA’s decision and register any objection”. To this end, she asked that a copy of the Kaieteur-12 well Screening Report as well as the screening methodology that the EPA has applied be shared. In fact, she said that such documents ought to be available in the interest of transparency so that the public may also exercise its right to evaluate the merits of the Agency’s decision
Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly in accordance with the intention of the EPA Act. In her letter to the EAB, the Environmentalist pointed out that on August 28, 2021 she had objected to the EPA’s first notice to waive an EIA for the Canje-12 well drilling campaign on grounds that the Agency had violated Section 36 of the Environmental Protection Act by failing to provide reasons. The EPA had acknowledged the violation in a response to MangalJoly on October 26, 2021. She said that EPA’s recent public notices for both the Kaieteur and Canje drilling campaigns refer to EPA’s Screening Reports, which were presumably intended to satisfy the requirement of Section 36 - reasons for the waiver. Given that the screening reports have not been made public for citizens to confirm the EPA’s conclusion that no significant environmental damage will be done during the drilling campaigns, the Continued on page 15
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RESPECT DUE TO GRANNY! In the next two weeks, the country will be observing the 13th death anniversary of one of the founders of the People’s Progressive Party and later President of Guyana. This republished article is intended as a tribute to her contributions to Guyana. There is no political leader I know who has been as harshly and unfairly judged as the former President of Guyana, Mrs. Janet Jagan. I have known of no political leader throughout history who has been so scandalised and demonised by his/her own people as Mrs. Jagan. This country will for a long time bear that shame for the terrible things that have been said of and done to Mrs. Janet Jagan. Here is a woman who gave her entire life to serve this country. Here is someone who endured a great deal of nasty remarks and ostracism from her own people because of her dedication to Guyana’s fight for independence. Here was someone who broke social taboos in this country that had held back women and the poor. Here
was a White woman who came to the Caribbean, fought for the freedom from colonial oppression and domination and yet when she herself became President of Guyana she was demonised. Here was someone who has lived in Guyana and has been a citizen of this country longer than most of us who were born here. Yet when she became President, the fact that she was White became one of the pretexts for forcing her out of office. What was done to Mrs. Janet Jagan in the streets of this country from December 1997 to August 1999 will forever be a mark of shame on Guyana’s political history. It was terrible that someone who has done so much, at such great personal sacrifice, could be treated so cruelly by the very people who enjoyed the freedom for which she gave so much. The struggle for Guyana’s freedom may have begun centuries ago. But by the time the 1940’s came, that struggle had come to a halt. The vested interests from the middle class that was making token appeals for self-rule and
independence did not have the mass support to press the British to concede what the British did not wish to concede. Had independence come under this opportunistic political class, it would have been much later and Guyana would have been doomed to become another banana republic. The persons that radicalised the independence struggles in this country, the persons that gave fresh impetus to that movement, the persons that reignited the torch of freedom for Guyana were Mr. and Mrs. Jagan. No amount of political revisionism about the two persons can change that fact. Had it not been for the Jagans, Guyana would have been granted independence after the British would have emptied this country of all of its wealth. I hope that when the authentic history of this country is written there will be a more sympathetic treatment of Mrs. Janet Jagan whose role in the fight for independence is gravely underestimated.
Dem Boys Seh…
Is back to school for all! So we gan open up soon. De experts did warn we not to reopen too soon. But like hard ears children we believe dat we can ignore good advice. But is just wat we reopening? As far as dem boys can see, de country almost fully reopen. Is only dem religious places, dem guvament office, dem banks and some private offices bin following de regulations. Wan supermarket bin start out hot and sweaty with demanding proof of vaccination. All dem other competitors did not even bother with asking fuh de vaccination booklet. When
dem realise dat dem sales dropping, dem drop de regulations. Some ah dem school children and teacher, however, gan get vex. Dem bin enjoying life in London. A few ah dem children did even feel dat dem never again gan go back to school. Well, school gan reopen and everybody gan gat to attend. So all dem children wah does deh by dem road corner liming and soliciting money at dem traffic lights gan gat to stop now. Is back to school soon. Dem had some young people who bin so good at social distancing, dat dem nah even contact dem parents and
grandparents. Dem nah gat no excuse soon. De regulations gan soon be lifted. During de pandemic, one man bin tek a map of de world. He paste it up pun a wall in de kitchen. He give he wife a few darts and tell she fuh throw it towards de map. He promise dat wherever de darts land, dem gan be spending two weeks when de pandemic end. Now dat Prezzie is about to announce de end of de regulations, it looks as if dem gan be spending de next couple of weeks behind de fridge. Talk half. Leff half.
Honesty and integrity are still hallmarks of a... From page 6 that I confirmed that all is well. At 3:54p.m, on the said date, a female caller contacted me on my cell phone saying to be from GTT. I explained all that occurred from inception. The phone (it’s a GTT) kept cutting off (twice) during the conversation. I told her that earlier in the day that I purchased and have a bill for a new adaptor and it’s working. She asked if I wanted her to send a technician. I said that would no longer be necessary. If, as she claimed, my service was restored on March 2, 2022, how can I be asked on 3rd March if I wanted a technician to come to fix the issue? This is beyond ridiculous. In her letter, why were the other issues, which I had mentioned not also addressed? These would be non-answering of phones, misdiagnosis of issues, numbers not
published, ignoring of customers whose money pay their salaries, payment of rent for phones and equipment bought and own by customers, etc. and the list goes on. The 7 - 8 days grace period before responding is too long. This was granted when this company was the sole provider. There are other companies now, so the Government and the PUC should cut it to one day. GPL is the sole electricity provider and they are given three days maximum to respond or they are penalised. Due to what I experienced and the response from the person in the letter, I don’t want her to call me, since I have no trust that anything can be expected. It should be noted that I would counteract anything put out by them, which isn’t right. Yours truly, Ivin Ramlall
Yet, interestingly, her influence over Cheddi is grossly exaggerated. Cheddi Jagan has always been the ideologue within the PPP. This is why the PPP is in such a mess. This is why the bourgeoisie class has so penetrated the government– because of the sterility of the ideological process within the party. Mrs. Jagan has in the past been unfairly accused of being the one who had the greatest ideological influence on Cheddi. She has been accused of the main influence on him becoming a communist. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Mrs. Jagan herself and her politics have been more humanistic than ideological. She can be
deemed as stubborn, unbending and a hardliner but not a profound ideologue. She acted out of a sense of what was right or wrong and what was in the interest of the party and the government which it has formed. Sometimes the two things collided. And this caused some misunderstanding of her. But she was someone with a solid pair of shoulders and generally a good heart. She deserved a more sympathetic treatment. She was a victim of racist attacks. Instead of condemning the way she was treated it seems as if greater convenience is found in turning the victim into the aggressor. She was not perfect. Neither are those who
attacked her. But let it be understood that no woman in this country has done more, has endured more than Mrs. Janet Jagan for the cause of freedom. Respect must be given where it is due, and today, the 13th anniversary of her death, such respect must be showered at the feet of one of the world’s leading female rebels, Mrs. Janet Jagan. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Monday March 14, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
‘Lunatic fringe, usual suspects, Creole middle class and the stallion’ “Lady, take me, high upon a hillside High up, where the stallion meets the sun.” Those are words from the super hit of Barry Manilow when I was very young. In case you are interested in this song, disco queen, the late Donna Summers has a version that is mind-blowing. These words refer to our local politician, Dominic Gaskin. He stood like a stallion during five months of the election horror show. I have committed myself to write about this period in our history each time the anniversary comes around and I will not forget to mention the name - Dominic Gaskin. I will not let the name Dominic Gaskin fade, from memory, once I have a keyboard in front of me. Dominic Gaskin is worthy of the admiration of this entire country. He deserves it. Guyana must give it to him. Simply put, Dominic Gaskin is a giant. At the time of the rigging,
Gaskin showed the world what character is. At the time he was one of the most influential forces in the corridors of power. He was (still is) the son-in-law of the then president and one of the most pronounced voices in the AFC which was onehalf of the ruling entity. Mr. Gaskin publicly distanced himself from the rigging. Through his Facebook page, he came out against the fraud. He became famous for these words, “who vex, vex.” That was when he made the most pellucid description so far about his feelings on the election fraud. In common Guyanese parlance, “who vex, vex” means, “I don’t give a damn if people are annoyed with what I said, what I said I am standing by it.” In July 2020, four months after the rigging bandwagon was still doing its journey, when the world had enough of the machinations, asininities, immoralities, crudities, eccentricities of the PNC, AFC, WPA, the lunatic fringe, the usual
suspects and the Creole middle class, and some in the GECOM Secretariat, Dominic Gaskin took to his Facebook page and etched his name in the history books of Guyana. He needs to be quoted at length: “It appears that the entire world is lined up against the APNU+ AFC coalition, it is because the entire world, except the coalition and its supporters, knows that Mr. Mingo’s numbers were not the right numbers. It is the failure of the incumbent to acknowledge Mingo’s unscrupulous act that has us where we are today. The unfortunate truth is that the only ones fooled by Mingo were his intended beneficiaries. The votes in those ballot boxes, all of which have been deemed legally valid, show that the majority of Guyanese prefer a PPP-C government to an APNU+AFC government. This is what the coalition should be working to change in time for 2025 election.” T h e s e words, at the time, coming f r o m t h e president’s sonin-law and a top leader of the
AFC sealed the fate of the Granger presidency. Mr. Gaskin’s voice was too reverberating to be ignored by the world. We didn’t see it and it was never shown, but the effects of those words no doubt persuaded very powerful governments and international organisations. The lunatic fringe (TLF), the usual suspects (TUS) and the Creole middle class (CMC) did not heed the advice of Gaskin. Their antics, barefacedness and immoralities from March 2020 up to this date, will undermine the electoral chances of the favourite parties in 2025. T L F o n t h e i r M E TA (Facebook) pages and in an online n e w s p a p e r, Vi l l a g e Vo i c e , continues to denounce the PPP government as being installed. The columnist who I refer to as the Trumpian narcissist, wrote that in all of the 10 Regions, a huge percentage of the votes were fraudulent. TLF continues to make a mockery of the right of Guyanese to have their vote counted. Since they are fanatical backers of the PNC, they are embarrassing cobwebs to the new PNC leadership.
Frederick Kissoon TUS is more depraved than TLF. While TLF rages on, they speak their minds. TUS is in a dilemma. It supported the rigging but chose to remain silent, finding expressions by writing copious letters in the media denouncing all the policies of President Ali as a way of telling him, “we didn’t want you on March 2, 2020.” TUS has lost credibility. Each time they publish a letter in their favourite newspaper, people laugh at them and say: “where were your letters from March to July in 2020?” CMC has proven to be one of the largest moral disappointments in the history of this country. They fought for free and fair elections from 1968 to 1992. But we now know why. Race was the motive. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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GKB looking to create 500 jobs while leasing Guyanese remain in the dark about the dangers former Enmore Packaging Plant facility of kidney diseases - Kidney Foundation Guyana
GKB CEO Faizal Khan addressing Enmore workers who are transitioning from the agriculture industry to the oil and gas sector. The 52 percent owned Guyanese company that is leasing the location, that once housed the Enmore (sugar) Packaging Plant, to conduct oil related business says that it will seek to hire some 500 workers over the next five years to aid in its services toward the oil and gas sector here. Fulfilling its promise to integrate former sugar workers into the new work environment, the company in a press release to the media said that it has started to prepare local workers to provide support to the company in its oil and gas ventures. Guysons K+B (GKB) Industries Inc. said that it has started the training needs assessment and administrative process to employ over 40 workers from Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Enmore Sugar Packaging Facility. The company said that the move is in keeping with the company’s agreement with the government that it would train and hire those individuals to work at the new US$37.5 million Industrial development site. “The investment will see the creation of a world-class oilfield service and manufacturing facility which will create 500 jobs over the next five years.” GKB said that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faizal Khan, along with the company’s human resources, community support and administrative teams, visited the plant and met with the workers to register
HR Team Conducting Interviews with Enmore workers. their details and understand the roles they played previously. The GKB team also presented to the workers the company’s plans, it was stated. “We have agreed to take on the entire Enmore facility team, which guaranteed jobs in the transition from sugar to oilfield. Given that this is a different industry, the current staff will require training,” the company’s CEO said. He added that the transitioning staff will be trained by GKB with trainers from America coming to Guyana regularly. “The GKB training is going to last a minimum of 90 days and includes
health and safety as well as Oilfield Machine Shop Training.” The CEO said that the company was happy to meet and interact with the staff as they looked forward to working with them. The company’s CEO posited too that the training the workers will receive is necessary to ensure that they can effectively and efficiently transition into the new sector which has very strict health, safety and security standards and requires more technical skills than they may have been used to in the sugar industry. “The current staff would have to Continued on page 18
According to global calculations approximately 112,000 Guyanese have been affected by some form of kidney disease, yet, not many citizens are aware of the dangers and risks associated with this form of sickness. As such, Kidney Foundation Guyana (KFG) —-a local non-profit—has undertaken to improve health literacy on the matter. The ultimate goal of the organisation is to get more citizens to understand the impact of kidney disease—an ailment which can affect people's ability to work and lead productive lives or even lead to death. In a release to mark World Kidney Day, held on Thursday last, the KFG, which is chaired by Guyanese nephrologist, Dr. Areefa Alladin, outlined some of its efforts to sensitise the public on the issue. The KFG noted, for kidney care to improve, there must be an improvement of the education of the population. Speaking of the degree of public knowledge on kidney diseases, the KFG admitted that from its assessment most people have little to no understanding about the functions of their kidneys and its importance to their overall health. “For example, most people …don't even know where their kidneys are located. When these persons become afflicted by [kidney] disease and the subsequent effects on overall health can be [tremendous]….” the Foundation said in its
Guyanese Nephrologist, Dr. Areefa Alladin release. It continued, “That's the reason health literacy is essential. For kidney care to improve, we need to improve the education of the population. Health literacy is defined as the degree to which persons and organizations enable themselves or individuals with the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. Improving health literacy largely rests with health care providers communicating and effectively educating those with kidney disease.” More specifically, the KFG stated as it relates to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), there is need for focus to be shifted forward towards patient education and empowerment. “Persons will make the right decisions for themselves when they are educated about their condition and available options. Empowering patients is an essential part of health care delivery,” the Foundation added. The KFG said that it recognises that it takes a nation to improve kidney care and there must be interactions among individuals, health care providers, and health policy makers. Therefore, the Foundation is partnering with several governmental and non- governmental organizations such as the Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to bridge the gap in understanding kidney disease and its health literacy. “Priority areas include providing educational Continued on page 16
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‘Put measures in place to protect citizens’ - trade union leaders urge government
T
rade union leaders are contemplating ways in which they think the government can assist citizens cushion the blows from the current economic fallout, sparked by the Russian/Ukraine war. They believe that with the pressures brought on by the COVID -19 pandemic that has led to price increases in consumer commodities globally and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine unrest that has caused significant increases in oil prices, the Irfaan Ali Administration must find a way to save citizens from the hardship of these changes. Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union’s (GAWU) General Secretary, Aslim Singh, noted that while the matter of cushioning requires a holistic view to determine how that course should be tread, he is adamant that some type of relief must be provided. He said that, “while the matter has to be looked at comprehensively to determine what specific measures may be required, at the same time a subvention or some form of allowance must be provided.” He said however that the sustainability of the measures must be examined since it is unclear how long the current situations will last. Lincoln Lewis of the G u y a n a Tr a d e U n i o n Congress (GTUC) said, “Government must find money to cushion the increases and not allow citizens to stand alone in these times.” The veteran trade unionist went on to state that government must prioritise spending to ensure that people are taken care of. “They are finding money for everything; big projects and lots of spending, they must not deny the negative impact the current situation is having on citizens’ economic and financial situation.” Late last week the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) reiterated calls for government to hasten their pace in approving a $60,000 minimum wage increase for persons earning below the current minimum wage. The national minimum wage stood at $44,200 but was increased to $70,000, yet, not all adopted the change where the private sector is concerned. Lewis
lent his voice to this call, agreeing that these workers must receive this minimum wage increase. He posited that it would not only benefit private sector workers. He said sugar workers would also be beneficiaries of this change since they too are still receiving wages below $50,000. He described this scenario as a “double standard” where other state workers are paid at the $70,000 minimum wage threshold while others are still being paid at the previous amount. Lewis said that while this
a serious hit. Shortages in commodities, increases in production cost, importation cost among other areas of commerce became real issues. Right here in Guyana citizens saw bread prices move from $240 to $300, $360 to as much as $400 at one point. Other basic goods like cooking oil, rice, flour among others also saw significant price increases as international food organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) pointed to a more than 20 percent
increase in the income tax threshold to $75,000. This means, as salaries increase, the minimum wage to pay taxes will be elevated, allowing more money in the pockets of taxpayers.” During a news conference last week Sunday, President Ali said his government is not turning a blind eye to the rise in cost of living and has allotted $5 billion in budget
Increases at the pump among economic challenges facing consumers. $60,000 increase has not been rectified, it is an outdated matter since the decision to raise the workers’ pay was made since 2019. It is situations like these, the trade unionist said that demand government to do more in the current economic climate. Dawn Gardner, Vice President of the Guyana Public Service Commission (GPSU), said that support in the current economic situation is on the table for discussion at her union’s level but said no position has been taken on the matter since they will meet to discuss same. “Yes, I can say that that matter is on the cards and up for discussion.”She said when it comes to such issues the union is not only speaking up for its members, but for all citizens since everyone stands to be impacted by rising gas prices and food cost. The local unions say they have all recognized the added pressures on Guyanese. Since the height of the pandemic that saw nations of the world going into lock down to stymie the spread of the virus, economic activity had taken
increase in global food prices. With rising prices at the pumps, concerns are loud about the impact this would have on already increased transportation cost; production and consumer items. Within a short time, prices at the pump jumped significantly. Where drivers had paid $205, $206 and $210 per litre for petrol, they
were paying almost $250 per litre just hours later. The Guyana government has not put a figure forward, but committed to an increase in workers’ pay. Sonia Parag, Public Service Minister said in her budget presentation last month that, “The planned increase of public workers’ wages and salaries in 2022, will be complemented by the
2022 to cushion the effects. He said the constant rise in oil prices on the world market affects every aspect of life. Nevertheless, the increase in cost of living is at the top of government’s agenda, and is being dealt with on multiple fronts, which includes addressing input cost and issues at the consumer and market levels.
“One; is that we set aside $5 billion in the budget for cost of living adjustment. We have to finalise the programme and the consultation has started on that. Secondly, we have to find a way in terms of economies of scale for example with the purchase of fertilizer, because one of the other major problems we have is the draught of the Demerara River. So, instead of one 30,000 tonne ship coming in, you can only have 7,000 tonnes. So, we have an added problem in terms of transportation,” President Ali stated. He said with what is happening in Ukraine in Eastern Europe, the logistic issues are expected to worsen with the sanctions on airspace. Since taking office, government has introduced several measures to put more disposable income in the pockets of Guyanese. From the onset, Value Added Tax (VAT) was removed from water and electricity, a burdensome measure placed on the backs of Guyanese. There has also been the constant increase in old-age pension and public assistance which in 2022, put $2.3 billion and $432 million into the pockets of Guyanese. Additionally, the PPP/C Government reinstated the ‘Because we Care’ cash grant and school uniform cash grant which stands at $30,000 per child in both public and private schools. The President Ali -led administration also cut excise tax on fuel on several occasions in light of rising fuel prices since taking office.
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GECOM waives COVID-19 vaccination requirement for first time registrants - as PNCR objects to restriction The Guyana Elections Commission has eased restrictions for persons seeking to register following strong objections by the Peoples National Congress Reform over the electoral body’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement. On Friday, GECOM issued a statement explaining the need for the Commission to ensure that the protection and safety of its staff during the ongoing registration process. GECOM said that prior to the commencement of the Continuous Registration exercise, internal COVID-19 guidelines aimed at protecting the GECOM Registration personnel were prepared and circulated to all its Registration Offices for compliance. The guidelines were prepared in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 8 of the Gazetted Subsidiary Legislation – Regulations No. 1 of 2022 – The Public Health Ordinance dated Friday 28th January, 2022, which stipulates that “every employer under this regulation shall ensure that appropriate COVID-19 guidelines are prepared and implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus among workers, to protecting employees against becoming infected with the COVID -19 Virus” GECOM said. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in recognition of the fact that many persons in the 14-17 years old age range might not have been able to be vaccinated for want of being in possession of National Identification Cards, because they were never registered, a decision was taken to waive the vaccination requirement for this age group. According to the Elections Commission, the decision was taken in consultation with the respective Chief Scrutineers of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), respectively. To this end, the organization said that an internal memorandum dated March 9, 2022, was dispatched electronically to all of the Commission’s Registration Officers instructing that the vaccination requirement be waived to allow for unvaccinated eligible
persons between the ages of 14-17 years old to be registered. However, persons within this age range visiting any GECOM Registration Office to apply for registration must adhere to the other routine Covid-19 preventative measures. This courtesy does not extend to persons beyond the age of 18 years, the Elections Commission said. This means that all persons 18 years and older must be fully vaccinated in order to visit any GECOM Registration Office to conduct registration transactions. It however noted that this matter is expected to be deliberated upon at the Commission’s next Statutory meeting, to determine a conclusive approach regarding this category of unvaccinated persons who may wish to conduct registration transactions. Meanwhile, it was the PNCR that first flagged vaccination requirement. The party had called on GECOM to reverse the “unconstitutional” requirement, for Guyanese to be first vaccinated before getting registered for their national Identification (ID) cards. The party said it “totally rejects the requirement imposed by GECOM that citizens wishing to register must first provide proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative PCR test”. It reasoned that this requirement blatantly violates the Guyana constitution that enshrines a citizen’s right to elect and be elected as a fundamental guarantee, and imposes only a minimum of necessary eligibility and administrative requirements for registration and for voting. In this regard, PNCR said the vaccination requirement must be immediately withdrawn. The party was keen to note that its position is not meant to suggest that it is underestimating the continued threats by the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore suggested that the Elections Commission put other effective measures in place such as masking, sanitizing, well-ventilated and spacious offices, and social distancing to promote the safety and comfort of its staff and all visiting applicants. According to the Opposition, “The
‘EPA doing guesswork’ From page 8 Environmentalist gave her objection to the proposed activities. Canje 12-well drilling campaign EEPGL is hoping to commence its drilling campaign in the fourth quarter of this year and wrap up in the first quarter of 2025. Hundreds of tons of waste will be generated on a monthly basis as Exxon’s subsidiary EEPGL, embarks on this project, but the EPA has exempted the operator from conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment, despite being warned that it could yield adverse effects. In its project summary for the 12-well campaign, Exxon pointed out that while similar impacts from its other campaigns could be expected from this project, these could be adverse. According to the Canje Project Summary, “The potential impacts, which are expected to be similar to impacts identified in previous exploration/appraisal drilling Environmental Assessment and Management Plans in the Canje, Kaieteur, and 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.” Kaieteur 12-well drilling campaign This exercise, once approved, would start in 2022 or 2023 and conclude by the first quarter 2027. Kaieteur News understands that the project will generate hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. However, EEPGL assured that all waste streams for the project are expected to be managed in accordance with a Comprehensive Waste Management Plan (CWMP). As regards the potential impacts from the project, these are expected to be physical, biological, and socioeconomic in nature. The project, according to the Kaieteur Block operator, can potentially affect biological organisms too. Additionally, the project is not expected to directly cause negative changes to the coastal population demographic. In light of the foregoing, the EPA said project impacts have been deemed negligible to low, short-term, and localized. As such, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required.
requirement is also absurd in that it places many citizens in the classic chicken-and-egg situation whereby to get a COVID-19 vaccine, a person needs a National ID card, but to get an ID card, a person needs to be vaccinated. The GECOM Secretariat has obviously given only superficial thought to the constitutional and common-sense
implications of imposing a vaccination prerequisite for registration”. While calling on the Elections Commission to annul its decision, the Party noted that it has also asked its commissioners to vigorously pursue the matter, with the intent of having the “unconstitutional” measure withdrawn immediately.
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Monday March 14, 2022
Kaieteur News
$99M for Lusignan Prison’s living quarters
One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956.
The Government of Guyana (GOG), through the Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated an additional $99M to the construction of a senior officer’s living quarters at the Lusignan Prison located on the East Coast of Demerara. According to an invitation for bids, published PROPERTY FOR SALE in the Sunday edition of the JFWW Network Real Estate Kaieteur News, interested houselots for sale gated com- eligible bidders may inspect munity,$4 Mil GYD zero down the bidding document and payment.Messageto whatsapp: 622-1957. VACANCY
Pitbull,Minibus-BAB series AC,camera's fully loaded,14 seater.Great condition 3.2 Mil neg.Contact:698-6205.
Pitmen and Hauler Operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250.
VEHICLE FOR SALE
TO LET
SERVICES Massages and Rehabilitation physical preparation personalized training. Bachelor in Physical Education and Sports: Kirenia Ballard Bell.Call:669-6910. Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040. Prestige Janitorial Services. House,Commercial & Office cleaning,Land mowing/ weeding,after party clean up. Call:670-0734/639-9745.
Aracari Hotel,WBD(Ver sailles-between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop) All amenities,breakfast included from $45US,264-29469.
Experienced Taxi Driver (Hire car license) and bus driver at Princess Hotel. Contact:6165419/265-7075/265-7076. Wanted Lorry Drivers. Call:220-2818/3710. 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.
FOR SALE Double stalls with bonds for sale in Stabroek Market. Call: 227-3463 between 8:00hrs to 16:000hrs for enquiries. 6-Cement Mixer Truck,1-New loader.Contact650-0402/6329929 or 260-4115.
FOR RENT One bedroom apartment for working couples/single person $32,000 monthly,light & water.Call:623-0076. Restaurant-WBD,(Aracari Resort,between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop, turn key business. Tel:2642946,626-5290.
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. Person to cook and manage restaurant in Charity Esse quibo. Accomodation provided, attractive salary. Call: 223-5273/223-5274. Farmers and Guards to work in Madeira:687-0067/6889506. Handyman 2-3 days for1 wk for yard maintenance & household errands,excellent salary. Call:226-2322,6246869. One male able bodied clerk.Tel:225-2313/226-1497.
ENTERTAINMENT Swimming Pool family fun & Picnic-Crystal Clear pool, kids & adult sections. Safe Aracari Resort.Tel:264-29469.
VACANCY Male cleaner.Call:642-9823.
presence of bidders and representatives. All bids must be accompanied by valid certificates of compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS). Following the destruction of sections of the Camp Street Prison and the old Lusignan Prison, $1.2B in 2021 was allocated by the GOG for the construction of a new Lusignan Prison which consisted of a prison complex
and two dormitories. The work is being done by Mohamed Enterprise, M&P Investment, Construtora Cobra Eireli, and Nabi Construction Inc. According to a report, as of January, 2022, 70% of the construction was completed and the prison is scheduled to be completed by the end of March. The prison which is said to house approximately 1000 inmates will also have a school constructed for rehabilitation purposes.
Lusignan Prison being constructed (DPI Photo)
Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call:615-9132 One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Maths, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to techserigy @ yahoo.com Mini Bus and Taxi Drivers. Call:225-3234/698-7807. Drivers/Porters wanted urgently! 25yrs or older,3-5 yrs experience,police clearance & motor lorry.Call:639-1240.
WANTED
obtain further information from the finance department of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lot 6 Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown, during working hours. Bids must be addressed to The Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance on Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown. The tender must be deposited no later than 09:00hrs.on April 12, 2022. Bids will be opened in the
One experienced housekeeper, Montrose East Coast Demerara,over 35 yrs old. Contact:503-0359,608-04448:00-4:00pm. 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. One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading, Mc Doom village.
Guyanese remain in the dark about the dangers... From page 12 materials for patients and families across the country; educational and training sessions for patients and medical professionals on kidney diseases and dialysis; and producing a nutrition booklet for Guyanese to promote healthy diets,” the statement outlined. In addition to this, the KFG said that non-physician health care workers, including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and other allied health professionals, serve an important role in the care of persons with kidney disease
as they spend more time with these patients during encounters. “There are many opportunities for care providers to educate patients with kidney diseases. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and to have discussions with their health care team. The Health Centers can help identify those with or at risk of developing CKD and can initiate educating those persons and their family members about the role of diet and lifestyle modification for prevention of CKD. They can also identify and manage risk factors such as diabetes and
hypertension which can lead to preservation of kidney function,” the release added. The KFG continues its mission to educate and sensitize Guyanese about the kidney, how it is affected by disease, and how to maintain healthy kidneys. Educational materials such as pamphlets, media print, articles and interviews with patients, families and health care providers were circulated for World Kidney Day. These resource information can be found on the social media pages; (Facebook page – Guyana Kidney Foundation).
Monday March 14, 2022
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Kaieteur News
Political parties failed to submit 2020 elections expense reports …Article 13 presses GECOM to ensure compliance with regulations New Chief Election Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vishnu Persaud, has said that he has not located any expense report from political parties that contested the 2020 General and Regional Elections. Persaud is reported to have explained to civil society organization, Article 13 that he searched his office after being appointed, but could not find any such documents. Article 13 in a letter to this publication expressed its disappointment of the response from the Chief Election Officer, since it said that the Chairman of at least one political group, A New and United Guyana (ANUG) which contested the 2020 elections, is on public record as stating that the party did submit an election expense report. As such, Article 13 opined that this occurrence
should not be taken lightly by the CEO. “Even if only one report was submitted, that information should have been gazetted as the law requires. As the nation engages in a debate on electoral reform, it is important that the Chief Election Officer play his part in ensuring that the law is observed and violators are sanctioned,” the group said. It added: “…hitherto, there has been a conspiracy at the level of GECOM to ignore the election expense report requirement of the Representation of the People Act. GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, confirmed this in a letter to one of our members that GECOM had taken a decision not to operationalise that requirement of the Act…” To this end, the civil society body, comprising members such as Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-
Law, Christopher Ram said it would be disappointed if the Chief Election Officer joined in undermining the elections Act. Article 13 said that Mr. Persaud in his response to the group by a letter dated March 11th, explained that he had carried out extensive search in his Office and could not find any election expense report from the 2020 elections. Further to this, the Chief Elections Officer reportedly told the civil society body that there is no provision within the Representation of the People Act which empowers the Chief Election Officer to compel any agent of any political party to fulfill their statutory obligation. However he said that a more “considered response would be provided when the recently appointed Legal Officer assumes office.” Article 13 wrote to Persaud since December 14
last year to congratulate him on his appointment and had also taken the opportunity to raise the issue of election expenses report. In the letter, the civil group said it had drawn Persaud’s attention to sections 108 and 109 of the Representation of the People Act, described in the letter as a “limited form of election finance regulation.” “Our letter expressed the hope that even though some action and non-action would have taken place before Mr. Persaud’s appointment, that “he would take all steps necessary to ensure that the law is observed.” Specifically, Article 13 had requested the names of political parties and their agents that have and have not submitted the Election expenses and declaration report required under section 108 of the elections Act. It also said, “In the case of noncompliance, particulars of any application made by any election agent under section
Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Vishnu Persaud 110 of the Act which provides for the High Court “to make an order allowing an authorised excuse for the failure to submit the return or any declaration as the case may be or for any error or a false statement therein, as the court seems just.” In addition, the group requested the date proposed by the CEO, for the publishing of the election expenses return in the Gazette and the time and place at which these
returns and accompanying documents and election expense declarations can be inspected since the public has a right to inspect these documents up to two years after their receipt by the Chief Election Officer. Lastly, Article 13 asked the CEO what steps he propose to take against any person for noncompliance with the section which constitutes an “illegal practice” under s. 108 (5) of the Act.”
Ten new COVID-19 cases; East Canje man chopped seven persons in ICU to death Guyana recorded 10 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, the Ministry of Health has reported. Additionally, seven persons have been listed as being in the Intensive Care Unit. Below is the dashboard.
A 24-year-old man was chopped to death sometime after midnight on Saturday following a confrontation with two men in front of a bar on the No.2 East Canje Public Road, Berbice. The dead man has been identified as Alex Williams of Rampersaud Street, No.2 Village, East Canje Berbice. Mohamed Ishmel, 42, the father of the dead man disclosed that he was present throughout the entire incident but was helpless since the attacker was armed with a cutlass. He said that his son left home to purchase cigarettes and two beers but returned shortly after and said that he was “violated on the road” and that he was going out back to deal with the individuals and requested that he (father) accompanies him. Ishmel said he agreed and headed out. Ishmel disclosed that when he arrived “it had a boy name “Gully” was coming out and I stop he and I tell he you know Alex and you know me that he is me people dem, why yall violating him for”, but the individual responded “don’t tell me nothing.” At that point, a friend of the now deceased was trying to talk him into leaving the situation and head home but then a man ran out with Guinness bottles and hurled one at Williams, hitting him in the face, then another ran out with a cutlass and dealt
Alex Williams Williams a chop to his neck and other parts of his body. “I hear the explosion with the bottle in he head and Alex drop on his knees and I go to he and tell he that the wound looking bad leh we go hospital”, the father related. They left shortly after for the hospital and Ishmael said it took him five minutes to stop a car on the public road to head to the New Amsterdam Hospital, located just a few minutes away. He added that to prevent the bleeding he took his shirt and wrapped it around his son’s neck but while they were in the car, the life of the injured Williams quickly left him. Within minutes of arriving at the hospital, he was
pronounced dead. “In the car he eye was rolling back and I try telling he Alex hold it up, hold it up, we near reach the hospital. By the time the nurse come out and get a stretcher for he and go in the door, it ain’t reach five minutes and the nurse said he already die”, the tearful father said. Meanwhile, Commander Boodnarine Persaud noted that no-one has since been arrested.
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GKB looking to create 500 jobs while.... From page 12 become used to strict international health and safety standards, which would include proper use of oilfield equipment and safety gear as well as handling of materials, and there would be regular drug and alcohol screenings. The training will take some time, it will take money, but we are committed to making it work and have already started investing in their oilfield training program.” Thus far, 12 females and 30 males have registered for the transition into the new company which is a joint venture between Guysons Engineering and U.S owned
Monday March 14, 2022
Kaieteur News
K + B Industries Inc. GKB is a joint venture made up of Guysons Engineering Ltd, a Guyanese company operating in Guyana for 30 years, and K+B Industries Inc., its American partner established in 1972. Guysons Engineering was founded in 1992, Guysons Oil and Gas in 2017, both becoming ISO 9001-2015 certified via the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), Exxon Mobil backed scheme geared to support local Guyanese companies in the oilfield since 2018. GKB said it has already set up a licenced Machine Shop in West Ruimveldt that is already operational to offer
threading and accessory support to the industry. GKB is now expanding its operations by establishing additional services, including manufacturing at the Enmore 55-Acre site. GKB said that the Enmore project will be set up to manufacture and repair oilfield tubular goods such as completion accessories, drill pipe and deliver turn-key manufacturing services. These are needed by international oil companies to develop Guyana’s oilfield. GKB will also offer premium threading of tubular goods, accessory services, and turnkey manufacturing solutions in the country.
‘Be wary of house lot fraudsters’ - Min. Croal Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, is once again urging Guyanese not to fall prey to fraudsters who promise to get them house lots. During the first house lot distribution and outreach held for 2022, Croal emphasised to citizens, the importance of waiting for the CHPA— the only authorised agency under the Ministry of Housing— to issue them house lots. Croal said: “We are also aware that there are persons who will ask you to pay them to help you get the lot. I want to say this, you do not have to pay anyone to get a house lot.” He urged persons to report these unscrupulous characters to the ministry. “I’d like it if you can bring to our attention the names of persons who are offering to help you get the house lots. Once your application is in, you are guaranteed to get one. Granted, it may take some time, but as we have demonstrated these past months we are working quickly to ease the backlog. I appreciate that waiting can become frustrating at times, but the requirements for the development of a housing area are quite considerable,” he continued adding that land acquisition can be a painstaking process. He explained that “We [the Ministry] have promised
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. to allocate house lots in areas that have at least the basic infrastructure like electricity, water, roads, green spaces and other similar elements that make the area complete.” Minister Croal noted nonetheless that the CH&PA has introduced eapplications and submissions for land allocation for both residential and commercial uses. “So, before you had to travel from Essequibo or Berbice or Linden to get a status update on your application, now you can do that by just visiting the website and inputting your information. “Additionally, we have
established offices in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six, Nine and 10 where you can make enquiries about your allocation status. These systems are designed to reduce the challenges that existed before,” the Minister stated. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing the demand of subsidised housing. “I remind you that, at the end of last year, we made ten thousand allocations. This year we will surpass that amount. We intend to make affordable housing available to every Guyanese in keeping with the theme of ‘One Guyana,” Croal announced.
Jagdeo rules out hike in electricity charges Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has assured Guyanese citizens that their electricity bills will not climb as a result of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has significantly impacted the cost for fuel. As seen in gas stations across the country, the price for fuel has spiked over the past weeks, due to sanctions being imposed on Russia as a result of the fallout between the European countries. To this end the state-owned Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. only a few days ago said it may have to increase the tariffs if the energy consumption is not reduced by customers, as the spike in global fuel costs has also driven up the company’s operating expenses. To this end, Jagdeo in a brief comment on his Facebook page assured that the charges would not go up, due to the growing cost of fuel. On Sunday the VP posted an excerpt from his address at the panel discussion recently hosted to mark the death anniversary of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. According to Jagdeo, “We will keep the electricity prices the same way, and water prices, we would have to subsidize it to make sure that the impact is not felt by ordinary people.” The VP did not however explain what specific measure or measures would be put in place to ensure that electricity charges do not increase. GPL complained that fuel prices have reached US$140 per barrel, thus driving up
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo the company’s operating expense to a whopping $4.5 billion monthly, while electricity sales merely account for $3 billion. The power company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Bharat Dindyal, during an exclusive interview with this publication on Tuesday, said that while this increase is not presently being reflected on customers’ bills, it may very well be an option if the electricity use is not reduced. To this end, government can take one of a number of options available to them to ensure that the fuel price does not contribute further to the already burdensome cost of living. One option would be for the government to step in and subsidize the power company to ensure that its service to customers is not affected.
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Monday March 14, 2022
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Govt. seeks ways to ease pressure on rice farmers Government is exploring ways to ease the pressure on rice farmers even as millers remain adamant that the price for paddy will not move from the $65,000 per ton currently being offered. The farmers protested last week and on Saturday a meeting with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha yielded little. Mustapha visited the protesting farmers at Black Bush Polder on Saturday and announced that following a three-hour meeting with the Guyana Rice Millers Association last Tuesday, it was agreed that the price for paddy will remain at $65,000. However, he told farmers that the export commission for millers was reduced by US $2 (was US $8), the scanning fee was reduced by 50% and negotiations will be held tomorrow with a supplier to have the cost of fertilizers reduced as well. Over the past few days, rice farmers from Black Bush Polder took to the streets to protest the decision taken by rice millers to reduce the cost they pay for paddy per tonne. Millers moved the price from $70,000 to $65,000 and two days later, further decreased it to $60,000. President of the Rice
…as rice millers unmoved on paddy price
ri.
Yakusa her officials at
apha and ot Minister, Must
Producers Association Lekka Rambrich had opined that the reduction was necessary given the fall in the price for rice exports internationally. He said also that the price for the paddy is expected to tumble even further in the coming week to $55,000. This angered rice farmers even further as they argued that they will lose all that was invested and that they cannot accept $60,000 for this crop amidst the high cost they endured for land preparation. They blocked the roads and even tussled with the police as they demanded that the price be moved back to $70,000. Minister Mustapha, in an effort to bring calm to the situation, spoke with farmers
a t Ya k u s a r i a n d Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder Saturday and assured them that his government is working to ensure that the agriculture sector, in every aspect, benefits. He noted too that while there are situations that are out of the control of the government, such as the increased cost in fertilizers, his ministry is always looking at ways to reduce the costs, hence his decision to meet with the supplier to reduce it. Highlighting what his ministry has done for farmers so far to “put more money in their pockets”, Mustapha said that they reduced the land rental and D&I charges from $15,000 to $3,500 and that over $400
Farmers at the meeting in Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder.
Million in flood relief monies were given out to f a r m e r s w h o s u ff e r e d significant losses during the heavy floods last year. He added that some $200 Million more is to be paid to farmers who are still awaiting their cheques but they will receive it soon. Mustapha also mentioned that $1.9 Billion is to be expended on projects that have already been done and are still to be done, including the upgrading of the Black Bush Polder roads and the introduction of two new pumping stations at Adventure and within Black Bush Polder respectively. He noted too that Berbice is receiving a higher price per bag of paddy ($4,226) as
compared to Region 2 ($3,200) and other rice producing regions. In relation to the yields per acre, he said, “the yield was very low in Black Bush Polder and today the yield is one of the highest that we have in the country”, he said by the end of the year 2022, there is expected to be a 21% increase in yields per acre.”
After the meetings, farmers shared mixed r e v i e w s o n t h e announcement made by Minister Mustapha, while some were accepting of the $65,000 price set, others were still of the opinion that it should be return to $70,000 for this crop. Farmers were also given the opportunity to raise issues at the meetings.
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Monday March 14, 2022
Monday March 14, 2022
East Coast Cricket Board Launches ECCB/Navin/Hanson 50Over Tournament The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) recently launched the Navin/Hanson 50overs Competition at the LBI Cricket Facility. The launch was attended by several of the clubs scheduled to participate in the tournament which will commence shortly. The highly anticipated tournament will feature twelve (12) competitive teams with an attractive mix of caliber players. These include Rajendra Chandrika, Zaheer Mohamed, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Ramnarine Chature, Robin Williams, Krishna Deosarran and Aaron Beharry just to name a few. The Secretary of ECCB,
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Team Reps and ECCB officials along with sponsors’ Representatives at the launch of the tournament. Mr. Davteerth Anandjit, thanked Navin/Hanson for their contribution towards the development of cricket on the East Coast of Demerara and Guyana as a whole. He posited that the promotion of cricket needs corporate
sponsors like Navin/Hanson so that cricket can be effectively administered for the identification and growth of players as well as for advancement of the game as a professional activity. Mr. Anandjit wished sponsors
Monday March 14, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today is wonderful for surrounding yourself with those you love the most, Aries. Host a get-together with family and friends, full of stimulating conversation and delicious food and drink. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) As a person who enjoys being gregarious and outgoing, days like this provide a wonderful outlet for your energy. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) This is a great time to take advantage of a little solitude to pursue some cherished goals, Gemini. Your concentration and imagination are operating at a very high level. CANCER(June21–July22) Be careful of gossiping too much with your friends and colleagues, Cancer. It's fun to laugh and exchange stories, but remind yourself of the fact that the truth in a story is diminished and changed each time it's repeated. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't be surprised if you don't spend too much time at home today. All signs indicate that you're more likely to be out and about, shopping, visiting, and maybe attending a special dinner or concert. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You know that you have a very fertile imagination, Virgo, and today's aspects highlight this special quality. You might wish to channel your thoughts into an artistic endeavor like writing or painting.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Yikes! What an emotional day, Libra. The planetary energies are forecasting conflict, and lots of it. Do your best to personally steer clear of any of it, and try to avoid being drawn into any arguments. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Emotions will run high with today's planetary energies, Scorpio. But this is no reason to run away and hide! People will be much more honest than usual. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today's emotional energy risks being exceptionally high, Sagittarius. You may find yourself at the end of your rope by midday. Try to take a long walk or bike ride in order to calm down. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Today is good for entertaining, Capricorn. Enjoy the company of family and friends, and don't get distracted by gloomy thoughts about work or money. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today's energies are going to be stirring up everyone's emotions. You may wish to avoid getting involved in any arguments or conflicts. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Yes, you can be proud of yourself, Pisces. You really know your stuff. You have committed yourself to deepening your knowledge a n d c a p a b i l i t i es and it really shows.
Navin/Hanson continued and sustained productivity, indicating that the ECCB trust that the business success enjoyed by Navin/Hanson will inspire players and teams consistently to achieve set goals. The preliminary rounds of the Navin/Hanson One Day 50-Over Tournament will be played on a round-robin format with the two top teams of each of the two zones qualifying for the semi-finals’ knock-out stage. All matches are scheduled to start at 10:00 hrs. The participating teams are as follows: Zone A: Lusignan Sports Club, Enterprise Busta Sports Club, Fairfield Sports Club, Enmore Community Center Cricket club, Strathavon Sports Club and Industry Sports Club. Zone B: Buxton Carl Hoper Cricket Club, LBI Community Center Cricket Club, Better Hope Sports Club, Golden Grove Sports Club, Ogle Sports Club and Mahaica Sports Club.
Driver’s burn rubber at South Dakota despite threat of rain Despite the predictable weather scare, it was a good day at the track, especially for Rameez Mohamed who was among the top honours yesterday, when the first round of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) National Race of Champions sped off at the South Dakota Circuit following wins in the starlet,
group three and group four divisions. Mohamed, who is also the head of the GMR&SC, was impressive in three categories, namely the most popular starlet, Group 3 and Group 4, leaving nothing to chance with big margins of victory. More details on yesterday’s meet in tomorrow’s edition of Kaieteur Sport.
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Kaieteur News
Monday March 14, 2022
National Senior Squash C/ship Qualifiers continue today at GT club - Main draw set to commence on Thursday In yesterday’s action of the qualifier rounds of the 2022 Guyana Squash Association (GSA) Senior Squash Championships which were held at the Georgetown Club’s Squash Courts, seven players advanced to Thursday’s main draw when the Championships will officially commence. On day three, PeterMichael De Groot beat Demetrius De Abreu111,11-6 ,11-0, Michael Alphonso beat Javid Rahaman 11-4, 11-5,11-7, Mohryan Baksh beat Ian Mekdeci 11-2, 11-4, 11-4, Steven Xavier beat Javid Rahaman 11-2,7-11, 11-7, 11-19, Deje Dias beat Joshua Abdool 11-6,11-6,11-4 to advance to main draw. There were also two walk overs yesterday, while two Plate matches were played. The qualifiers resume today from 6pm and continue tomorrow and Wednesday. On Day two, Mohryan Baksh beat Ethan Jonas 11-1, 11-4, 11-6, Ian Mekdeci beat Josh Verwey 11-7,11-4, 1210, Steven Xavier beat Jonathan De Groot 11-2, 111,11-0, and Javid Rahaman beat Shiloh Asregado 116,11-8, 11-2. The winners of those matches move on to the final phase today to see who advances to the Championship stage. Meanwhile, in Friday Evening’s action, Regan Pollard defeated Adam Alves 11-2, 11-5, 11-5, beat Stefan Jeffery 11-8, 11-2, 11-3, Demetrius De Abreu got the better of 11-3,11-5, 6-11, 411, 11-9, Michael Alphonso beat Zachary Persaud 11-6, 11-1, 11-1, Javed Ali beat Jonathan Antczak 12-10, 116, 6-11, 11-7 while Reagan
Peter Michael DeGroott (left) beat Stefan Jeffery on the opening night of the qualifiers. (Sean Devers photo)
Regan Pollard beat Adam Alves 11-2, 11-5, 11-5 on Friday evening. (Sean Devers Photo) Javed Ali beat Jonathon Antczak 12-10, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7 on Friday. (Sean Devers photo)
Rodrigues and Louis Da Silva already has a result; the
latter progressed via walkover. (Sean Devers)
Pele Football Club to host AGM/Elections on March 21 The Pele Football Club is giving notice that they will host their Annual General Meeting and Election of Office Bears on March 21, 2022, at the Pavilion of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), in Queenstown. Topping the list of agenda items would be the election of office bearers for the next two years. There would also be the Secretary and Treasurer reports. The positions to be contested are President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third VicePresident, Treasurer and Secretary. The Club urges all of its members to attend the AGM as the club looks to fashion a positive way forward.
Kaieteur News
Monday March 14, 2022
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EBCA beat Tranzac Cricket Academy of Canada - Housain destroy Canadians with 7-29, Lim hits 50
O
Josiah Lim (left) & Farhan Housain
n Saturday last at the Everest ground East Bank Demerara Cricket Association’s Youth Team defeated the touring Tranzac Cricket Academy of Canada in 40-over affair with Farhan Housain wreaking havoc with the ball and Josiah Lim scoring 50 with the bat. The EBDCA won the toss and chose to bat first in mostly sunny conditions and
were bowled for 129 in 34.5 Lim top scored with an entertaining 50 from 57 balls with three fours and two sixes. He got good support from Vijay Ramrathan who chipped in with 23 from 27 balls with a six and a four. Dev Patel had 3-21,
Miguel Nandu 2-27 for the Tranzac Cricket Academy, who fell for 123 in 24.3 Overs. Karan Anim made 27 from 30 balls with a couple of boundaries while Nandu scored 20 from 26 balls with a pair of fours. Housain befuddled the
visitors in a wonderful eightover spell, while Dravid Manohar took 2-19. EBDCA thanked Tranzac Cricket Academy for the opportunity to showcase the talent of their young players. (Sean Devers)
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Kaieteur News
Monday March 14, 2022
Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile Cycle Race… The top performers took a photo opportunity after the race.
John braves weather to finish on top Jamaul John endured some inclement weather but emerged with a satisfying win yesterday when the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) pedaled off the 21st edition of the Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile road race. The race which had an 8:30 am start at Schoonard, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a , proceeded to Bushy Park at Parika then returned to the
starting point for the conclusion. John’s Open category victory was followed up by Andre Greene who finished second and Romell Crawford was third. Paul De Nobrega, Curtis Dey and Christopher Griffith were the other top riders who finished in that order. Representing the Foundation Cycling Club, John, Kaieteur Attack’s Greene, Team Evolution’s De Nobrega and Adiale Hodge all claimed a Sprint prize, but Dey was able to snatch two during his outing. The Junior category triumph was clutched by We Stand United’s Alexander
Leung while Team Alanis’ Sherwin Sampson was second and Kaieteur Attack’s Adiani Cutting came in third. In the Veteran division, Alex Mendes ended as the top rider with Robin Persaud and Junior Niles snagging the second and third spots, respectively. The Female category stacked two competitors; We Stand United’s Maricka Dick who finished ahead of Team Coco’s Clevicia Spencer. Following the event, representatives of Demerara D i s t i l l e r s L i m i t e d ’s Diamond Mineral Water – The Choice of Champions – were on hand to assist at the presentation ceremony.
Kaieteur News
Monday March 14, 2022
GABA/Pepsi/Mike Parris U-16 C/ships
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Big Apple International Indoor Championships…
Stephen, Britton, Duncan and Anthony among victors Referee Denoila Bristol raises the hand of Jadon Lewis following his win. (Zaheer Mohamed photo) The GBTI/GCC ladies team: Back row (L-R) – Mickelly Rahaman, Kirsten Gomes, Gabriella Xavier (Capt), Kerensa Fernandes, Abosaide Cadogan, Samantha Fernandes and Philip Fernandes (Coach); Front row (L-R) – Sarah Klautky, Makeda Harding, Alysa Xavier (GK), Madison Fernandes and Aliyah Gordon.
GBTI/GCC hockey ladies end day 1 with a mixed bag
By Zaheer Mohamed Daniel Stephen, Keyon Britton, Jeremiah Duncan and Jevon Anthony were among the victorious fighters when the Guyana Boxing Association/Pepsi/ Mike Parris U16 championship was held on Saturday at the Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis gym in Albouystown. Stephen of Vergenoegen BG registered technical knockout over Leon Crawford of Berbice Jammers, one minute 58 seconds in round one, competing in the 29-33 kg class, while Keyon Britton of Vergenoegen BG contest against Joel Griffith of Young Achievers BG was abandoned in the first round. Travis Sancho of Berbice Jammers BG recorded a technical knockout against Markel Blue of Vergenoegen BG, one minute nine seconds in round one and Matthew Thomas of Berbice Jammers defeated Tyress Booker of Pace and Power BG, one minute 32 seconds in round one, competing in the 4043kg. In the 44-46kg, Aubrey Austin of Berbice Jammers gained a walk over from Mekel Ross of Young Achievers BG. Jeremiah Duncan of Pace and Power BG won by a split
decision against Stephon Prince of Vergenoegen BG, while Triston O’Brian of Young Achievers BG won against his team mate Anthony Cadogan after the latter was disqualified in round two in the 52-54kg. Jevon Anthony of Vergenoegen BG registered a technical knockout against Timothy Hercules of Berbice Jammers GB, one minute 48 second in round two fighting in the 54-57kg. In the 60-63kg, Jahual Haniff of Berbice Jammers won against his team mate Jevar Jones after the referee stopped the fight one minute 40 seconds in round three, while Garver Hyman of Vergenoegen BG recorded a technical knockout Demoll Grimmond of Berbice Jammers BG one minute 35 seconds in the third round. In the 64-66kg, Jamal Williams of Pace and Power BG won by a unanimous decision against Christopher Williams of Vergenoegen BG. Jadon Lewis of Berbice Jammers BG won his bout against Claafa Chris after Chris was disqualified, fighting in the 36-40kg. Ezekiel Bancroft of Young Achievers won by a technical knockout against Kennard Marshall of Berbice Jammers, 1 minute
45.5 seconds in round one, while Jaydon Welcome of Young Achievers won his contest versus Adele Peters of Pace and Power BG after the fight was abandoned. Berbice Jammers BG won the championship, while Vergenoegen Boxing Gym of East Bank Essequibo took the runner up spot. Young Achievers and Pace and Power were tied in third position and FYF place fourth. Tiquan Sampson of FYF was voted the best boxer on show.
The GBTI/GCC ladies hockey team managed to pull off a victory against the highly regarded North Eastern Premiere in a close-fought 4-3 battle on the first day of the Big Apple International Indoor Championships, being held in the WC Eagles Training Center, Philadelphia. Captain Gabriella Xavier placed GCC in the lead in the fourth minute of the match with a powerful penalty corner flick. Dana Bozeck equalized two minutes later. This all but set the tone for an evenly fought match that would see GCC take the lead no less than four times, only to have Premiere level the scores on three of the four occasions. Just before the half, GCC’s Aliyah Gordon produced a moment of brilliance by receiving a pass deep into her own team’s half, turning with a burst of speed and eliminating four Premiere defenders before slipping her pass to the open Samantha Fernandes in the scoring circle. Fernandes banked the second goal for the GBTI ladies to give them a halftime lead. Upon resumption, Emma Bozeck equalized with a field goal seven minutes in, but the teams traded two more goals when Abosaide Cadogan for GCC and Bozeck again for Premiere, scored penalty corners. A Sarah Klautky rebound penalty corner
goal, with four minutes left on the clock made the difference between the teams and gave GCC their first victory of the competition by 4-3. Earlier in the day, GCC lost their opening match against the Syracuse Sharks 7-1, which dominated possession and exposed the first game jitters of the young inexperienced GCC side. Going into their third and final match for the day, a more confident GCC which had split the results of their earlier two matches, were favoured to win over Team Reds. Despite taking the lead in the 5th minute through Aliyah Gordon, GCC squandered the match by a 1-2 margin, despite them being the team with greater scoring chances. The loss eliminated GCC from making the semi-finals and instead, placed them in the ranking to challenge for places 5th to 8th in the twelveteam competition. The outcome of matches set GCC up to play a second fixture yesterday against North East Premiere with the winner challenging in a subsequent match for 5th place. Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, three teams from Canada, the Toronto Lions, OKD and CFHC seem to be dominating the men’s competition with USA Indoor Team completing the four favourites to make the semi-finals.